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Suspicion filled Natalie’s eyes as she looked at Abby. It turned to fear as she glanced toward him. He couldn’t blame the tiny female, he was a very large male by comparison, and it didn’t help he was blocking the door.

“We’re not going to hurt you. I promise,” Abby quickly added. “I’m trying to keep people from getting hurt. Particularly him.”

He couldn’t help but smile at the statement. It was endearing that she felt the need to protect him.

No, little peanut, it is my duty to protect you.

“What are you talking about?” Natalie looked very confused. She angled her head trying to get a better glimpse at him. He turned his head so she couldn’t see his face.

“We need a way out of here or a place to hide till the cops leave. They’re up front and in the alley.”

“Crap. You’re hiding from the cops. Is that credit card stolen or something?” The waitress scowled at them.

“No, it’s fine. There’s been a huge misunderstanding. Is there someplace we can hide?” Abby pressed.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble.” Natalie warily looked at them. She was growing noticeably more agitated by the moment.

He could see Abby was also getting frustrated. He wasn’t quite sure how to help her secure the human’s assistance. If a fight came knocking on the door he knew how to act, but dealing with frightened human females was not in his repertoire, despite how he attempted to prepare for this mission.

Abby casually walked behind Natalie. His eyes widened when she suddenly grabbed the server. Abby used one hand to muffle Natalie while the other restrained her arms. It was an impressive move.

“Don’t fight. I’m not going to hurt you, I just don’t want you to scream,” Abby said as Natalie struggled to get free. “Ash, take off your sweatshirt.”

He tilted his head, questioning if this was wise.

“I know. I know. But I’m betting Natalie, like most our generation, is accepting of the idea that foreigners exist.”

If this doesn’t convince the female that we’re desperate for assistance, nothing will.

He pulled off the hooded sweatshirt, exposing his bare chest, then let his tail uncoil from his waist and drop to the floor, where it flicked back and forth. Natalie instantly went still in Abby’s arms. Her eyes were so wide he thought they might fall out of her head.

“Yeah, it’s the tail that clenches it, huh?” Abby commented with an amused snort.

Natalie subtly nodded.

“I mean your people no harm,” he attempted to reassure Natalie, who was now trembling.

Natalie jumped hearing him growl, as his translated words came from the handheld strapped to his wrist.

“A year ago, my sister was abducted by some bad dudes from the plane she was flying,” Abby spoke into Natalie’s ear. “She was rescued by these guys and is now married to one.” She altered the details a bit, but he wasn’t about to correct her. “Ash came here to protect us from the bad aliens, except our stupid government wants to attack first and ask questions later. Men in black took my dad, Ash’s friend, and shot up my car while chasing us. He’s my only connection to my sister, and our only hope of keeping Earth safe. Do you understand?”

Natalie nodded as she mumbled against Abby’s hand.

“If I let go, promise not to scream.”

Natalie nodded again. Abby slowly lifted her hand, as if ready to replace it if Natalie acted irrationally. The waitress wobbled on her heels as she gaped at him. Abby kindly helped her to a chair before she fell. Natalie stared, opening her mouth several times only to close it again.

“I know it’s a lot to take in and I don’t mean to rush you, but we need a way past those cops,” Abby urged the stunned server.

“This is, um, wow.” Natalie gestured at him.

He kept his distance and his mouth shut to keep from startling her any further.

“Fuck me! The cops probably found my credit card already and are going to search the place any minute.” Abby banged her head on the wall.

“No, I’ll help you.” Natalie got to her feet and slowly approached him, curiously looking him up and down.

Ashtoret sighed in relief. He smiled at the small female but was careful to keep his fangs hidden, since that unnerved Abby when she first saw them. It was almost like he was taming a skittish manx.