Tiger Time

by Dobson, Marissa

  “When he joined our clan, he told us he had no siblings,” Ty stated.

  “Then he lied to you. His sister got wrapped up in some bad stuff a few years ago: drugs and what have you, but then she got with Pierce.”

  “Got with Pierce? What do you mean?”

  “It’s unusual for shifters, but you could say she is his girlfriend.”

  “Shifters don’t really date like humans do. They might go out on a date or two while waiting to find their mate, but it isn’t the same as when humans date. Born shifters have mates. When we find our mate, we know it and pursue it. But before that, there is no reason for a relationship. We can get our needs met or go out, but relationships are something that is rare. Mainly for the reason of why do it if there is no future for the two of you,” Ty explained.

  “But Pierce isn’t a born shifter.” Tabitha said, trying to understand how that would relate to Pierce.

  “True. There are very few bitten shifters, so it isn’t a proven fact, but it is believed that they do not have mates. They are just like the rest of the human population. They have to find the one they want to be with.”

  “Okay, but what does this have to do with anything? We’re after Chris.”

  “I think the reason Chris betrayed you is for his sister. She mentioned to me before that she wanted to get away from Pierce but couldn’t. I believe Chris and his brother, Mike, thought he could exchange the information about you for his sister,” Connor said.

  “Mike?” Tabitha squealed, feeling queasy at the sound of the name.

  “He could have come to me. We would have helped him with his sister.” Ty growled.

  “Mike lives in Pittsburgh, from what I hear. He visits his sister monthly. They are close.”

  Could it be the same guy? It can’t be a coincidence that Alice was dating a man name Mike.

  Ty obviously was thinking the same thing she was. He pulled out his cell phone, hit a few buttons and pulled up Mike’s wanted picture, before showing it to Connor. “Is this Mike?”

  “Yes. What’s he wanted for?”

  “Murder . . . He murdered my best friend, Alice. When the police went to arrest him, they found his apartment vacated. If he knew who I was, why not turn me into Pierce? My life should have gained his sisters freedom.”

  Connor shrugged, leaving the silence hang heavily in the room.

  She pushed it aside, for something to deal with later. “But why lie about siblings when he joined the clan? You said he has been here for years,” Tabitha pointed out, trying to get the complete picture.

  “They lost touch for many years. He thought she was dead until last year, when she reached out to him for help.”

  “I’m not an asshole. He could have come to me. There was no reason to betray me and my mate.”

  She laid her hand on his leg. “I’m sure he didn’t see a way out of his situation, and when he traded the information, he didn’t know I was your mate.”

  “He knew who and what you were,” Ty hollered. “I will see him dead for this.”

  “I’m sure Pierce already did that.” When they both just stared at Connor, he continued, “You said the cell was empty. There is no way Pierce would have let him live. He would have assumed that he knew too much. I’m sure he is dead.”

  “Then what information did you tell the guards we would want to know?”

  “His sister keeps records of everything. I know she sent him letters and things. I think if you search his personal belongings, you will find something that might be useful.”

  “Why do you think any of it would be useful?” Tabitha asked.

  “If anyone knew anything, it would be her. She is the closest person to him. If he trusted anyone, it would be her without a doubt. Let me help search the room. I know her smell. I might be able to find anything that is there quickly.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Tabitha was stuck in the compound with Felix while Ty and the others went to search Chris’s cabin. Time went slowly, like watching paint peel. She understood why Ty wanted her to stay here, away from the danger. There was no telling what they would find in the cabin. It might be booby-trapped for all they knew.

  “I can’t take this.” She growled and walked to the window again to see if she could see anything.

  “Relax. They will call when they find something.”

  “I hate waiting.”

  “I’d never guess.” Felix’s words were laced heavily with sarcasm.

  She gave him a look to let him know she wasn’t amused, but he just chuckled. She could hear a faint ring. What is that? My phone. She raced to the bedroom, where her purse was, and pulled the cell from it.

  “Don’t!” Felix yelled at her.

  Not listening, she hit the talk button and put it on speaker. She had a feeling she knew who it was, since the one person that called her was dead. “Hello?”

  “You escaped my grasp again, but know this: Ty can’t protect you forever. When I catch you, you will suffer all the more for making me chase you.” The voice came through the speaker phone.

  “Then let’s put an end to the games. Where are you?”

  “You don’t think I’m that stupid, do you? I know you would bring your guard dogs. But don’t worry, we will meet again and soon.” With that, he hung up. She tossed the phone back in her purse.

  “Shit!” Felix stood behind her, growling. “We should have put a trace on your cell, but we never thought he would call it.”

  “I’m not sure he’ll call it again but to be safe, do whatever has to be done so we can trace it next time.”

  “We should let Ty know.” He reached for his own cell.

  “There’s nothing he can do about it. It can wait until he’s finished. He needs to concentrate on what he’s doing. We can’t allow them to be distracted and miss something.”

  Felix nodded.

  * * *

  “He what?” The anger rolling off him nearly buckled her knees.

  “Just as she said, he called her cell phone while you were gone,” Felix told him again, helping her to the window seat. “Control your anger. Look at what it’s doing to your mate.”

  She could feel him trying, but his anger was out of control. “Come here,” she bit out.

  Ty sat beside her, and she wrapped her arms around his body. As they touched, the anger started to subside.

  “Her phone should have been set up for us to trace the call.”

  “No one thought he would call, but I’ll have it set up right away. Either way, she handled it well. You should be proud of your mate,” Felix explained.

  “I am. But I want her safe.” He pulled her into his lap.

  She didn’t fight, because she wanted to touch as much of him as possible. “I’m safe. Did you find anything?”

  “Connor and some of the guards are going through what we found. There were many letters from his sister and what appears to be a notebook in which he kept records of his contacts with Pierce. I came over here to get you. Pierce must have never considered there would be evidence, or he would have destroyed them.”

  “Well, let’s go. I want to see what we can find.”

  * * *

  After spending hours going through the letters and other things that were recovered from Chris’s cabin, they still had no idea what Pierce’s plans were. They knew where they might be able to find him, different houses and locations that he used in the past; places he preferred, contacts he had, a number of the people in his clan, but still no closer to stopping him.

  “Wait, what about this Jessica?” Tabitha asked from her position on the couch as she read through one of the notebooks.

  “Jessica?” There was surprise in Connor’s voice.

  “You know her?” Ty asked, catching the disbelief in his voice also.

  “Not really know her but know of her. It’s his sister. She’s human, but she knows about shifters and Pierce’s condition. If anyone would know his plans or where he is, it’s her. She isn’t supporti
ve of his decisions, but still, he confides everything to her. He wants her to accept his life and approve of him.”

  “Thomas, see what you can find out about her—location, habits, spouse. I want to know everything you can find.”

  “I can help. I’m a master at computers and finding things people want to stay hidden,” Connor stated, somewhat quietly.

  Ty didn’t answer right away but looked at Tabitha, who gave a small nod. “Okay. Go with Thomas. If you two find anything, I want to be notified immediately.”

  Chris followed Thomas out of the conference room with a look of determination on his face.

  “Now the rest of you, I want you to finish going through this stuff. Same thing stands. I want to know if you find anything. Tabitha and I will check in later.” He reached for her hand. “Come on, mate.”

  She laid her hand in his, and he smoothly pulled her to her feet. She eyed him uncertainly. He led her out the door, Felix following behind them.

  “I want you. You’re my mate, and I’m tired of waiting,” he whispered, nuzzling against her neck.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  They made it to the bedroom in record speed. Tabitha was ready for him. The heat and need vibrated through their bodies.

  He slipped his hand under her shirt and pulled it over her head. “Mine.”

  She ran her hands through his hair, moving it away from his eyes. She loved to look into his eyes. It was like looking into his soul. There was so much love and compassion there.

  “You have too many clothes on.” She pulled at the gun shoulder-holster he wore, sliding it down his arms.

  “Too slow.” He jumped out of bed and stripped out of his clothes before she could blink. “Now you have too many clothes on.”

  She slipped out of her pants. “Better?”

  Running his hands over her body, he purred with satisfaction. The heat between them was growing, becoming overwhelming. “We waited too long.”

  Beyond words, she let out a hum.

  “With the mating heat, if you wait too long, it’s harder to control the beast within. It will be rough.”

  “I don’t care. Just take me.”

  “I won’t be able to control myself,” Ty snarled, his body tense next to her, letting her know he was trying to control his own beast.

  “I love you for who you are. Man, tiger and all. Nothing will change that. Please, Ty, don’t make me beg. I want you.”

  Without hesitation, he slid into her core, making her moan with pleasure. He roared, shaking the walls. This time, there was no exploring of each other’s bodies. Their need had full control over them.

  Her lips touched his, and a spicy taste drew her in. Their kiss was fast and furious as if matching the pace as he slid in and out of her core.

  A moan of desire escaped her lips, and her eyes closed as she soaked in the pleasure that surrounded her.

  “Open your eyes, Tabby. I want to watch your desire build.”

  She opened her eyes as her body arched. Her lusty needs came forward to match his urgency.

  Her nails dug into his back as ecstasy found them. His release was announced with a roar.

  He slipped out, rolling to lie next to her, their legs still tangled. She curled into him, her head on his chest, and listened to his heavy breaths. Her leg draped over his as they enjoyed the after-bliss.

  “I didn’t realize it before, but our marks come alive when we’re together,” he said, raising his hand so she could see.

  The tattoo glowed a faint gold light, as if there were a light bulb beneath the skin.

  Interesting. “Why do you think that is?”

  “I don’t know. But it’s fine with me as long as more don’t keep appearing,” he stated with a laugh.

  “One is enough for me.”

  “Tabby, before you sleep…”

  Opening her eyes just a crack, she looked up at him.

  “I think Thomas should be the third chosen guard. I know you liked Lance also, but after last night, he isn’t trustworthy. I still need to deal with him running off to be with his mate.”

  “I agree about Thomas. We’ll tell him later. Why did Lance go to his mate? Did he think she was in danger?” She ran her hand over his chest, feeling the tight abs under her fingers.

  “I wouldn’t be so upset about it if that was why. But that isn’t the case. He was horny. Since it was quiet, he thought he had time to get his needs met without anyone noticing him. He didn’t see Thomas coming as he was sneaking away.”

  “What will you do to him?”

  “He will be suspended from our guards and required to work the perimeter. He’ll also have to work with a partner to keep an eye on him until we can trust him again. If he screws up, the punishments will be more severe. Or if things would have gotten out of control last night and you were injured, he would have been at fault. I don’t think he realizes that if last night you would have been injured or killed, I could have demanded his death.”

  “His death because someone else harmed me?”

  “Yes. Guards have the duty to protect their charge, or you, in this case. If they fail, then they will be held accountable. It’s the way of the shifters.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  They were spending so much time in the conference room, it was starting to feel like a second home. Whoever designed the place should have had it connected to Ty’s quarters instead of in a space down the hall. At least the walls were a cheerful yellow, giving a light and airy feel even if there were no windows.

  Thomas and Connor sat across from them in the debriefing conference room. Raja and Felix stood close to the door.

  “Connor found the sister. It was buried, but Jessica is living in California. She is attending college there for her PhD—you’ll never believe this—for animal psychology.” Ty looked over the notes on Jessica as he debriefed the guards.

  “Very good. With any luck, she will be of some assistance to us. We’ll have to get someone go check her out,” Ty said, his hand resting on Tabitha’s leg.

  “If possible I would like to assist whoever goes. I have met her and might be able to help. She knew my situation and felt sorry for me. She tried to tell me to get away from Pierce before it was too late. If she is going to open up to anyone, I think I have the best shot,” Connor stated in an unsure voice.

  “We will discuss it and let you know. You have been a great asset to us, and we appreciate it. My mate believes you mean us no harm and will not betray us. If you are inclined to stay on, we would gladly provide you with a cabin of your own.”

  “Thank you.” Relief washed over Connor’s face. “I’d like to do what I can to help you and your clan take down Pierce.”

  “We appreciate that. I think your computer skills might be of great use to us.” Ty took a sip of coffee. “Connor, if you could give us a few minutes to speak with Thomas, then he can show you to Guest Cabin One.”

  Connor rose and walked toward the door. She could feel his emotions playing havoc on him. He was thankful for the chance Ty was giving him, but she could also feel his fear that he was placing more danger on them.

  “Connor, I’m really glad you will be staying with us. There is no need to worry any longer. You’re safer here than anywhere else,” Tabitha said as his hand closed around the door handle.

  He nodded and closed the door behind him.

  “Thomas, last night you proved yourself worthy of protecting Tabitha. I’m sure you know the legends that a female tiger will come and unite all tiger shifters.” Ty didn’t wait for an answer. He just dove in head first. “They’re true. Tabitha comes from a long line of strong tigers, and she will be the one.”

  “I suspected she was the one. My understanding is there hasn’t been a female from her line in generations.”

  “Great, then we don’t have to drag this out. We have been tasked with finding three guards to help us with this transition, and we would like you to be a part of the team. There’s no use lying. It will be dangero
us, but there will also be rewards.”

  “I’m flattered. May I ask who the others are?” Thomas placed his hands on the table and leaned forward.

  “Marcus and Felix are the other two choice guards. Raja will remain our Lieutenant throughout and once the transition is complete. The next step will be put into motion soon but for now, this must go no further than this room.”

  “I understand. If there is nothing else, I’ll show Connor to his cabin.” Thomas pushed back his chair and rose.