The Tribe Boxed Set: A Shapeshifter Paranormal Romance

by Terra Wolf

  I wasn’t meant for this kind of assignment. I had to contain my contempt for what had happened to my family. We were under Maddox rule now. And there wasn’t anything I could do to change that. My father had lost that challenge and now I was one of Case’s soldiers instead of a prince, ruling my own territory.

  The bitterness was always with me. It didn’t matter how many years I had been part of the Tribe. It didn’t matter the bond I shared with my Tribe brothers, there was a part of me that would always resent how I lost my birthright.

  I was doing Case’s bidding instead of the other way around.

  The jaguar in me had thought of challenging him. I had thought about calling him out for what happened between our fathers. But it was a generation ago. A new blood feud between our families wouldn’t help what was happening right now if the Tribe’s territory was being threatened. Although, I still didn’t see why Case gave a shit if he lost this part of the coast. It wasn’t the kind of place for cat shifters to set up camp. I sure as hell didn’t want it.

  Maybe that was the part that made me the angriest. He knew things I didn’t. He had the Council’s ear. He was given privileged information about the magical community. Information I wanted. Information that would explain why the fuck I was sitting on a porch in Charleston waiting for some girl to get home.

  I stood from the porch. I was tired of waiting. Tired of watching happy people parade their happy lives in front of me.

  I slammed the door behind me, rattling the ferns hanging from the roof.

  My ears perked when I heard footsteps on the staircase. I moved to the peephole in time to see a head of raven black hair slip into the apartment and close the door. I didn’t get a look at her face.

  But I did know one thing. She was home.

  4

  Caroline

  One of the benefits of being a she-panther was being able to carry five bags of groceries up the stairs in one trip. I placed the bags on the counter and started sorting my purchases into the fridge and pantry.

  I had taken my time on my shopping trip and stopped to get a cup of coffee and a bagel at a cute café next to the market. Everything was quaint and charming in Charleston. The girl behind the counter greeted me with a smile. Even the woman at the check out line asked how my morning was. I didn’t know if it was common Southern hospitality or the city luring me to fall in love with it.

  I loved the people watching here. The tourists. The locals. Everyone seemed happy. As if there was nothing dark looming ahead of them.

  Maybe it wasn’t fair to say my future was dark. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t been preparing for this phase of life for the past ten years. It was tradition. It was duty. Being a she-panther was always going to end like this.

  My place was with my fated mate, only I had to wait for him to show up. I scolded myself. I had decided I wouldn’t even think the words “fated mate” again until I drove out of Charleston.

  That was starting to seem pointless. At every turn it was all I could think about. I wondered what he would be like. Would it be love at first sight? Would he be romantic and undeniably sexy? Would I crave him with my soul? I wanted it to be all of those things. But somewhere in the back of my head I was terrified it would be the opposite. What if I couldn’t stand him? What if I didn’t have a single ounce of attraction for him? What if I took one look at him and wanted to run?

  I tilted a bottle of wine into the fridge so it could chill before sunset, and turned from the kitchen. This was exactly the reason I needed this trip. I needed distractions from the fated mate spiral I had fallen into. It was out of my control. I had to stop worrying and start living. Some fresh salt air would help clear my head. I decided to go for a run.

  I walked to the bedroom and eyed my suitcase. My neck prickled. My skin crawled. Someone had been here. I could smell him. There was a heavy scent of male pheromones in the room. They were unmistakable. It was most definitely a guy. I checked, but nothing was missing in my suitcase. I followed his scent to the bathroom, but it looked untouched. I ran back to the living room. Everything there looked just as it did when I left.

  I probably hadn’t noticed it when I first walked in because I had a pile of groceries under my nose, but now it was all I could smell.

  I felt the dread grip my chest. Why was someone in here? How had he gotten in? My back arched and I felt my panther rise to the surface. I’d defend myself however I had to.

  After thirty minutes of pacing the small beach getaway, I decided I couldn’t stay in here all day. I had to get out.

  I changed into my running gear, pulling my long hair into a ponytail. My sports bra lifted my breasts and I let the running shorts sit on my hipbones. I slathered on sunscreen. The last thing I needed was a sunburn with this much skin showing.

  I didn’t know how else to secure the apartment from the intruder while I was gone, but if he hadn’t taken anything the first time I doubted he would again. I wasn’t going to let some stranger ruin my day.

  I walked into the hall and locked the door behind me. I tried the handle to make sure it was locked. I bent to tie the key to the laces on my shoe when the door behind me flew open.

  I stood slowly. My eyes locked on his and I took a mini step toward my door.

  Holy shit. His eyes were emerald green. His jaw was set with straight, chiseled lines, and he was tall with broad, solid shoulders. Now I knew where the vibe came from. It was this hot as hell, sexy shifter standing in front of me. I inadvertently whiffed the air and my eyes almost popped out of my head. It was him. He had been in my apartment.

  “Hey,” he spoke first.

  “Hi.” I realized how skimpy this running outfit was now that his eyes raked over my body. I was caught between being angry and suspicious and extremely attracted to him.

  “So you’re my new neighbor.” Even his grin was sexy.

  “Uh, yes.” I wasn’t sure when we were going to admit that we both knew we were shifters. This was awkward.

  “Get in town last night?” He leaned against his doorframe. I saw the muscles in his biceps stretch his T-shirt.

  I nodded. “It was late.”

  “I’m Donovan, by the way.” He extended his hand.

  I stared at it. His fingers were a beautiful bronze color and his palm was closing in on mine. My hand felt tiny in his as he clutched it.

  “C-Caroline,” I stammered. His fingers squeezed the edge of my wrist as he withdrew from the handshake and I swore I felt something like an electric shock pass over my skin. I shivered, but it was the good kind.

  “Nice to meet you, Caroline.” He grinned.

  I tried to think of something to say. Something that wouldn’t sound stupid. “Do you live here?”

  He shook his head. “Temporarily.”

  “Oh. I see.” I had no idea what that meant. He was evasive and mysterious. An extremely bad combination.

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt your run.”

  “How did you know I was going for a run?” I was stupefied.

  He stared at my breasts. “Cross fit?”

  “Oh right. The outfit.” I tried to laugh, but I was enamored. Completely and totally mesmerized by every part of him.

  And then it hit me. It was like a giant slap to the face. Was this my mate? Was this why I was drawn to Charleston?

  Did he come here because he knew he’d find me here? It would make complete sense why he had entered my apartment. He was as curious about me as I was about him.

  All of a sudden having a fated mate seemed less daunting and more like something I wanted to try. This guy was gorgeous and sexy. And hell yes, I would jump at the chance to wake up with him.

  I stood there waiting for him to tell me I was on his list. Waiting for him to explain that was why we were neighbors. Waiting for his declaration and explanation of how he had traveled hundreds of miles to claim me and make me his bride. But he didn’t say a word. Nothing.

  His hand landed on the door handle. “Well, enjoy your run, Carol
ine.”

  I chewed on my lip. He wasn’t going to mention it? He wasn’t going to confess our fate? I didn’t get it.

  “Uhh… I will.” I turned for the staircase that led down to the cobblestone street.

  Donovan stood planted in the doorway. I looked over my shoulder at the bottom of the foyer and he was still watching me. I wished I hadn’t looked back. Stupid move.

  I shoved the foyer door open and pulled my sunglasses down. When I crossed the street to the boardwalk, I couldn’t help it. I looked back again. There he was on the balcony, watching me. He didn’t wave. He didn’t smile. His brilliant green eyes followed me. I could feel them on my ass just as surely as if they were his hands.

  Shit. Why did I turn around again? The only thing to do was to run. Run hard and fast and try to pretend I didn’t completely embarrass myself in front of the hottest shifter on the planet. The one I was hoping and praying was my mate.

  5

  Donovan

  I watched Caroline run farther down the beach until she was only a dot on the horizon. What in the hell was that? How could a girl with long legs, a killer body, and beautiful pouty lips be the cause of a shifter war? She was the reason I was here? She was Case’s nemesis? It didn’t seem possible.

  If he had brought me in on the details of the threat, I’d have more to go on. I could figure out how someone that hot fit into the picture. Because from where I stood, I didn’t see how she was a threat to anything but my jaguar’s control. He had taken one look at her and started to break free.

  I realized I’d have to discover her agenda before I could share any information with the king. As her cute little ass ran out of view, I knew the best way to do that was going to be getting close to her. And getting close to someone that fucking sexy was going to one of the best jobs I’d ever had.

  Suddenly this trip had turned around.

  I watched through the blinds until I saw Caroline run toward the boardwalk. She stopped to stretch. Her body was graceful as she leaned one arm over her head. The sun framed her silhouette as if she was a goddess. I had to remind myself she was a target, not my next girlfriend. This was my chance to run into her again. I jogged down the stairs and bumped into her as she came through the door.

  “Oh sorry,” she apologized.

  “That’s okay.” I smiled. There was a trickle of sweat running down the side of her neck. I watched as it crossed over her collarbone and slid between her heaving breasts.

  “Good run?” I asked. My jaguar was struggling to be let out of his cage.

  “Yes. I love the beach. It’s harder to run like this.” She twisted her lips together.

  We both knew what she meant. Neither of us knew what kind of shifter the other was, but running in human form was never as easy as shifting. There was a silent understanding between us.

  “Oh definitely. Me too. It’s a great workout. Makes me build up a sweat.” I couldn’t stop staring at her as much as I was trying to play the cool, in control interrogator.

  “I guess I should go change.” She looked down at her clothes. They were soaked, and my jaguar growled slightly. The way the fabric clung to her skin was making him want more than this conversation. I flashed back to the sexy black bra I found on the bed.

  “Right.” I turned as if I was leaving, then stopped. “Hey, since you’re new to the city, would you want to get dinner tonight? I could show you around.”

  Her hand landed on the banister. “Dinner?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. That meal after lunch but before you go to sleep.”

  Her eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect. I’d love to go.”

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven. Or just knock on the door.” I waggled my eyebrows.

  She smiled. “Okay. I’ll be ready at seven.”

  I was about to tell her to wear one of those strappy little dresses I saw and the black bra, but I stopped myself before I revealed what I had done.

  I walked out into the sun. I still didn’t get it. I didn’t see how she could be part of the plot, but maybe that was her angle. She was someone no one would suspect. Even I was ready to buy the innocent act.

  It didn’t matter. Tonight I’d figure it all out. I’d discover why she was here. I’d get her to confess what she wanted with this territory. I’d find out who she was working for. And the sooner I could do that, the sooner I could get home and out of this sand trap. Case would have to appoint something higher for me if I could unveil the coup underway in this part of the state.

  I walked down the street, realizing I had to occupy myself until our date tonight because instead of thinking strategy, the only thing going through my brain was her long legs.

  6

  Caroline

  I closed the door behind me, taking in huge gulps of air. Mr. Hot-As-Hell asked me out. I wanted to run onto the balcony and shout out to the people below, but that was a little crazy.

  Of course this was probably the way he was going to break the news to me. He would take me out to a romantic dinner and tell me we were fated mates. He’d get down on one knee and show me the emerald ring the Council had given him to propose.

  He would go through the whole speech about how the Council chose us at birth and now we had found each other and could carry out our shifter obligation. But now that he had met me, it wasn’t an obligation—it was something he wanted. He wanted me.

  I was nervous and giddy and out of my mind excited. Something I had dreaded was all of a sudden something I couldn’t wait for. I wanted to hear those words from Donovan. I wanted to see the look in his eye. I wanted to see the ring that had been chosen. I wanted to say yes.

  I filled a glass with water and chugged until it was empty. The adrenaline was coursing through my body and my heart pumped with urgency. I was still overheated from my run, but Donovan had sent my body into overdrive.

  It was my first day here and I was already head over heels for the guy. I rolled my eyes. I guessed those fated mate stories were real. They were true. It turned your life upside down without you even realizing it was possible. Now I finally understood why the she-panthers before me had given up so much for their mates. It wasn’t in my control. There was unspoken magic between us. There was an undeniable chemistry. My body reacted to him. I could feel the pull. I wanted him. I wanted to be near him.

  Sure, it was animalistic and primal. But I didn’t care. He was mine, and pretty soon I was going to be his.

  When I packed the strappy black sundress I didn’t know I would have a chance to actually wear it. I looked at my reflection. My hair hung around my shoulders in long dark waves. I wore light bits of makeup. With my olive complexion, I didn’t need much.

  I slipped on a pair of wedge heels and pinched my cheeks one last time. Donovan would be here any minute. I couldn’t believe how nervous I felt. There were butterflies and my heart was about to beat out of my chest.

  Tonight would be the most monumental moment in my life. It was the night every she-panther was prepared for. But with it only moments away, I felt like a complete wreck. An excited, lovesick wreck.

  I jumped when I heard him knock on the door. Be cool, Caroline, I reprimanded myself.

  I took my time walking to the door. I pulled it open.

  “Wow.” His eyes followed my body from my wedges to my lips.

  I blushed. “Thanks.” The dress had done the trick.

  “These are for you.” Donovan handed a bouquet of hydrangeas and roses to me.

  “Oh my God. These are beautiful.” I inhaled the delicate fragrance.

  “They sell them in the open market.”

  I smiled. “I love them. Let me put them in some water before we go.” I hustled to the kitchen in search of a vase. I found one over the refrigerator, filled it, and let the stems settle to the bottom of the glass.

  “You look hot.” He winked.

  I turned toward him, feeling the heat of his stare covering my body. I could feel his eyes everywhere.

  “Thank you.” I
t wasn’t romantic, but it was sexy.

  “Ready? I found a seafood place I thought we could check out.”

  I nodded. I wanted to explore the city, but having a chance to explore it with a guy like this, my mate, was more than I could have expected.

  “Where do you park?” he asked me.

  “Am I driving?” I turned the key to lock the door.

  “No. But I’m on the balcony a lot and I haven’t seen you drive up.”

  We walked down the stairs together.

  “Oh, I use that little alley in the back. Is that okay? Should I move my car?”

  Donovan shook his head. “I think it’s fine. I was just curious.”

  He held the door open for me and I inhaled the salt air. “Don’t you love that smell?”

  He winced slightly. “The salt?” He looked confused.

  “Yes. I love it. It’s healing almost.”

  He ushered me to a Jeep parked on the curb. “Here you go.” He opened the door and helped me into the passenger side. It was slightly tricky with my wedges and the dress.

  “If you love it, you must be from the coast.” He clicked his seatbelt in place.

  “No, I’m not.”

  He steered us onto the street and started turning left then right, like a local. He knew these roads well.

  “Where are you from?” I asked. I wondered how far he had traveled to find me.

  “I thought I was trying to ask you that.”

  “Oh, you were?”

  We both seemed to be dodging the other’s questions.

  “Yep. What brings you to Charleston?” He slowed at a red light.

  “I’m here for a vacation.”

  I saw him pinch his lips together. “Vacation?”

  “Yep. What about you?” I didn’t want to hear his declaration in the car, but the conversation was headed this way.

  “Work.”