Species Interaction Read Free Page B

motto .
    He chugged the rest of the drink before placing the now empty glass in the sink. "You better not be contagious."
    I blinked up at him. "I believe centuries ago, it was discovered that only women had periods. Although, I understand certain Native American tribes believed women to be bad luck during that particular time and sent them to live in a separate teepee for the duration." I gave a quick wave of my hand while taking another swallow. "I can safely say, after much research, women are no longer believed to be bad luck in modern times, and I'm not contagious."
    He snorted. "You weren't a part of that study, were you?"
    "Well, no. Why do you ask?" I tilted my head in question, laying my now empty glass in the sink beside his.
    "Why indeed?" He shook his head and turned. "I'm going to bed. Do not wake me unless it's an emergency."
    I trailed him back to the living room, shuffling along. "What do you consider an emergency? Nothing short of fire burning down the house? Maybe the police need to evacuate for a gas leak? What if we are attacked by those winged monkeys from Oz? Does that count?"
    He paused and spun around to peer down at me. "If those monkeys show up, let me know. I'll make sure they take your trash bag of supplies when they carry you off."
    "Hey!" I pouted.
    He chuckled and disappeared down the hall.
    I consoled myself with thoughts of stuffing him with straw as I settled back down on the couch and pulled a throw over my chilled body. Digging out my cell phone, I called Dad to check on the boys. Guilt settled over my shoulders for how they'd been carted off to the ranch when I showed the first symptoms.
    "Hello?" Sasha's voice carried across the line.
    "Hi, Sasha. It's Mommy."
    "Mommy! Grandpa said you sick."
    I smiled. "I've got the flu. Don't worry. I'll be all well in a few days. I just didn't want to give it to you and your brother."
    "Ohhh. Andrew let us ride horses today."
    Parenthood fits Andrew, definitely. The way he spoils my boys and takes care of his and Dad's adopted newborn baby shows how much he truly enjoys children.
    "Did you have fun?"
    "Yes. I want a pony, Mommy."
    "Ask Grandpa, sweetie. There's no room for a pony at our house. But maybe Grandpa has room at his ranch, and he can keep it there for you."
    "Okay. Grandpa!"
    I lifted the phone away from my ear with the loud yell.
    "Mommy?"
    "Hi, Chance."
    "You better?"
    "Getting there. I should be home in a couple of days."
    He paused for a second like thinking of how to word a question. "Meat care for you?"
    "Yes. He's doing a great job, too."
    "We see Meat soon? He play with us?"
    My heart tugged with the affection between my liger boyfriend and my boys. They seemed to genuinely care for one another. "Soon. I promise."
    "I drew picture for him."
    "He'll love that."
    Dad's muffled voice carried over. "Oh, Grandpa says bath time. I don't like bath time."
    A grin covered my face. "Bath time can be fun. Besides, you need to be clean to go to bed."
    "Okay. Bye, Mommy."
    "Bye, Chance."
    He hung up. I clutched the phone to my chest for a moment, missing my boys already and more than thankful that my adopted father stepped in so much to help. Without him and the rest of the family, I didn't know what I'd do.
    Satisfied the children were settled, I yawned big, cuddled into the blanket, and fell asleep.
    By the time I woke up, Meat had arrived to take me back to his place.
    He placed one hand on my forehead and smiled encouragingly. "You look better."
    "I need a shower." I did indeed have more energy than before. Must have been those power smoothies.
    "As soon as we get you home, I'll get you in the shower."
    Cannibal strode over, handing over my bag of supplies. "You work again tomorrow?"
    "Yeah." Meat nodded, snaking an arm around my waist to support me while I stood.
    "Bring her back when you go."
    Both Meat and I gaped at Cannibal in shock. He only shrugged. "She's not… too bad."
    "Gee. Thanks." I smiled to myself.
    Meat grinned openly. "Got