“I told you before you have a part of Korbin’s tiger within you. Use it to know he’s safe.”
“I can’t.” Her voice broke. She wanted to know he was okay but it wasn’t like when he was there. She couldn’t feel him. Where the connection between them had been bright before, now it seemed to be replaced by an empty, black void.
“You can. Right now, you’re so full of emotions and fear that you’re blocking him. You need to relax and picture him standing in front of you.”
“Is he okay? If he’s not…” She let out a deep breath and tried not to think of the worst.
“He is,” he reassured her. “My tiger is used to the connections so my emotions don’t get in way, like yours are. He’s also my Alpha, so even though I could block another clan member, I can’t block him.”
“I’m scared.” As much as she wanted to know without a doubt that he was fine, she was also afraid of what she’d learn through the connection. Had he killed Donald? What about the Hillbrands—were they okay?
“I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I thought you’d learn anything that upset you. I’d have kept my mouth shut and allowed you to pace the living room until you wore a hole in the floor or Korbin returned.”
“I know.” Moments before, she didn’t trust him but now after seeing his tiger and feeling his commitment to the clan, Korbin, and even her, she trusted him. Korbin had made the right decision when he promoted Zaz to Lieutenant. He wasn’t just committed to the clan; they also respected him, which made him the perfect person to fill the role.
Letting go of her fear, she could feel Korbin’s tiger stir within her. For a brief moment, she wanted to slam the shields back into place, blocking him. Instead, she took a couple of deep breaths and continued to reach out to him. She lifted her hand as if reaching out to the invisible tiger, calling him closer.
The tiger’s head brushed against the palm of her hand, shattering the remaining walls between them and allowing her to feel Korbin as if he were standing there in front of her. In her mind, she could see him in an open space, trees towering behind him. She didn’t recognize the place but it must have been the area surrounding the Hillbrands’ cabin. As they walked, Korbin spoke to Larry. She couldn’t hear what he was saying but she could see his lips move. As the connection flared to life, he stopped mid-sentence and looked away from the other man.
Layla.
Without realizing, she’d raised her hand she felt her fingers cover her lips in surprise. It couldn’t be but she could swear Korbin was speaking to her in her mind. He was miles away yet she could feel him as though he were near her, and the way he said her name it seemed as if he stood in the room with her. How surreal.
What’s wrong?
“It can’t be. You’re not here.” Logically she knew she couldn’t hear him speaking, but she did, which made her wonder if her sanity had snapped in two.
“He can’t hear you if you speak out loud,” Zaz explained. “Think the words. Use the connection to communicate with Korbin. He’ll be able to hear you just as you can hear him.”
This is insane. She hadn’t realized she was doing just as Zaz had directed her until Korbin’s lips curled into a smirk. He was amused as she stumbled her way through this new connection.
It’s the mating bond. I’m coming home.
It took her a moment to allow the words to sink in. Home. That’s where she was and he was coming back to her. As her thoughts started to take control, the connection dimmed and she reached out for it, grabbing it with everything she had. You’re okay? Ted? Mr. and Mrs. Hillbrand? In her mind, she took him in, scanning his clothes for any sign of blood, but there was nothing.
Open your eyes, baby.
Not yet. I need to know you’re okay. She could feel him shutting down the connection and no matter what she did, she couldn’t keep it going.
Open your eyes. His voice drifted toward her, soft as the bond faded.
“Shit! I lost him.” She kept her eyes closed, searching for him. She could still feel him; he felt as though he was nearby but she figured it was through the connection.
“You’ll never lose me.”
At the sound of his voice, she forced herself to open her eyes and found Korbin standing before her. She gave him the once over, searching for any injuries, blood, anything, but there was nothing.
“I’m fine. Ted and his parents are settling into one of the cabins now. They’ll be staying here with us and if you want to see them, we can go over later.”
“You’re really here.” Relief washed through her as she reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m here, baby.” He circled her waist, drawing her tight to him. “When you saw me talk to Larry, I was just across the compound and was heading this way.”
Wrapped in his embrace, she tipped her head up to look into his eyes. “Donald?”
“It’s over, baby. He can no longer hurt you.”
Over. That one word made her want to rejoice—at least until she remembered the hell he’d put everyone through. “How? Dead? Arrested?”
“Dead.” The soft brush of his tiger teased along her skin, as if his beast wanted to comfort her. “Donald was insane. He shot Mrs. Hillbrand. She’s fine now that she shifted, but it broke whatever restraint Mr. Hillbrand had and he broke through the chains, securing him. Donald was shot and killed as Mr. Hillbrand protected his mate.”
She didn’t know what to say. Part of her heart broke, not for Donald but for the Hillbrands. They lost a man they considered their son. Korbin might have thought it was all over but in some ways, it was just beginning.
Chapter Seventeen
A mere week had passed since Donald’s death but to Layla, it felt like longer. No longer was she living with the threat of him finding her or the fear of the next time his anger would have him lashing out at her. She was living her life and had thrown herself into the clan at full force. They had accepted her as if she had always been there. The mating bond with Korbin had allowed her to understand each of the members. Whenever she interacted with them, his tiger led her, giving her any information she needed about them. It was like having a computer database in her head, allowing her to pull of their information as she needed, and tap into their emotions.
Everything was coming together. Her relationship with Korbin had grown stronger. She’d trusted him from the moment she’d seen him in the gatehouse, but their bond was no longer the same. Somewhere over the course of the last week, she realized she was in love with him. Tonight will be the night that I’ll tell him.
Since Zaz had pulled her into Korbin’s office and had her focus on the connection with the clan and her mate, things had changed between them. Zaz was an important part of not only the clan but also of Korbin’s life. He hung around their quarters throughout the day, and joined them for meals a few times a week. She didn’t want to think of how the tension could have made things uncomfortable if she hadn’t realized he was perfect for the Lieutenant position.
“Rachel says you owe her one.” Sparks strolled into the kitchen where Layla was preparing to make a chocolate cake. “She’ll bring the steaks over and make her special summer pasta salad but in return, she wants your chicken cordon bleu.”
“Tell her I’ll make it tomorrow.” Layla dumped the measured amount of flour into the bowl and turned toward her guard. “I know you’re taking this Captain of my Guards promotion seriously but you need to make yourself scarce tonight. A dinner alone with Korbin is what we need.”
“I told you I would.” He held up his hands in defense. “I’ll be on call if you need me but I won’t be hanging in the background while you two get all lovey-dovey.”
“Lovey-dovey…” She shook her head and turned back to the counter. “Not a saying I expected to come out of your mouth.”
“We’re all full of surprises.” He leaned against the counter and watched her. “Have you called Merrie yet?”
“Not yet.” She glanced over at him and tried her bes
t to act casual. “Why don’t you join me on the video call once I get these in the oven? I know she’d love to speak to you.”
“Really?” His lips curled into a smile, brightening up his whole face. “Maybe she’d rather talk to Rachel, or someone else?”
“Trust me. She’d love for you to join me. She was just asking about you.” Mixing the batter, she tried not to let her thoughts show on her face as she wondered when the two of them were going to realize they were fated for each other.
Korbin explained in some ways they already knew but Merrie’s emotional state was interfering. That was one of the reasons why he’d sent her to Alaska to help her work through her issues, the other being she’d been so unstable, he’d worried she’d go rogue. Now, with every passing day, Merrie was growing stronger, more confident, and was beginning to put the past behind her. It wouldn’t be long before she rejoined their clan. Then, maybe Sparks would learn why he was so interested in her.
“Layla, are you here?” Mella called as she came through the front door.
“In here.” She leaned the spoon against the bowl and turned toward her sister. “I thought you’d be on campus working out your schedule for next semester?”
“It’s taken care of. The online classes I needed to take were full, but somehow your mate managed to work his magic and got me in. I didn’t even need to show up today. They had it already worked out.” Mella dropped her papers on the counter and let out a sigh. “I never thought I’d like online courses but now that I’ve done them, I have no interest in returning to campus. Korbin said it’s okay if I stay here so this weekend I’m cleaning out my apartment.”
“How come he didn’t tell me that?” She shook her head. “I’m happy you’re staying. I just meant I could have gotten one of the apartments set up for you.”
“Don’t worry; Rachel and Mrs. Hillbrand have already started decorating it. I told them what I’m planning on bringing from my apartment so they’re leaving room for that stuff.” Mella pulled out one of the bar stools and sat down. “Don’t blame Korbin. You’ve both had a lot on your plate lately. You’ve been busy helping Merrie, the clan, and the Hillbrands.”
“There’s nothing I can do for the Hillbrands.” She wiped her hand on the towel and fought not to let that statement tear apart the evening she was working so hard to put together. “They lost their son.”
“No.” Sparks’ tone left no room for argument. “They have Ted and since they’ve joined the clan, they have all of us. Cougars and tigers—who’d have thought we’d mix so well, but we do. They’re a great addition here and if you let go of your guilt, you’d see neither of them hold a grudge against you. Donald made his choices. His choices—not yours.”
“He’s right, Layla,” Mella reasoned. “Mrs. Hillbrand has been allowing you the space to come to that conclusion yourself but what hurts her the most is the fact she feels as though she lost you, too. You need to let go of your guilt and allow them back into your life.”
She didn’t know what to say but Korbin chose that moment to stroll out of his office and come straight toward her, a smile stretched across his face. “You look mighty pleased.”
“You could say that.” He pulled her to him. “I just got off the phone with Ty. He assured me Merrie’s made enough progress with Harmony and Robin that if she wants to return, she should be able to.”
“Has he told her yet?” The news of Merrie coming back to Ohio was exciting. She had developed a unique connection with the young woman—one that was more than that between Alpha Female and member. It was a bond of friendship.
“He’s heard from Harmony about your daily chats with her and thought you’d like to tell her. Why don’t you use my office and call her?” Korbin trailed a hand down her back.
“Go ahead, Layla. I’ll put the cake in the pan and into the oven,” Mella offered.
“Thanks.” She glanced over her shoulder toward Sparks. “Join me?”
“Are you sure?”
Korbin pressed his fingers against her hip as if asking her what she was doing, forcing her to open the mental connection between them. Trust me, mate. I haven’t said anything.
“I’m sure,” Layla told him.
I trust you. Now go bring our tigress home.
So much faith in me. No wonder I love you. She hadn’t meant for him to hear the second part, but before she could shut down the connection, the thought slipped through. Shit.
You love me? He pulled her tighter against him, his gaze locking on hers.
I do. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. This wasn’t how I wanted to tell you.
There’s no better way than this, baby. Say it again.
She slipped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Korbin, my tiger, my mate.”
“Fuck, baby, the way you say that makes me want to carry you back to the bedroom—”
“Hey!” Mella hollered, hopping off the bar stool.
“My house, my rules. Get used to it,” Korbin teased, his gaze fixed on Layla. “I love you, baby.”
Preview: Romancing the Fox
No matter how far up the rungs of corporate success Sinopa Locklear climbs, her family will never be satisfied. To them, she’s worthless because she refused to live out her destiny among the tribe and produce cubs. Her decision left an impassable bridge between her and those she loved.
When an offer to wipe the slate clean comes up, Garret Fox can’t pass up the chance. All he has to do is spend a week with Sinopa, and pretend to be her fiancé. Seven days and they could go their separate ways. How hard could it be?
Both are running from something, afraid of getting too close and too intimate—until they are forced to behave as a couple for her family. Who’d have thought a fox would chase after a wolf of her own? Or is she his prey?
Chapter One
Sinopa Locklear poured her fifth glass of wine with hopes of drowning the panic rising within her, and leaned back against the sofa. Outside, the wind howled, a warning she tried not to hear. All she wanted to do was sit in her living room, alone, and drink until she passed out. She didn’t want to think of what the week ahead of her was about to bring. For five years, she had stayed away from Crimson Hollow, using one excuse or another to get out of the family’s yearly reunion. This year, her grandfather had made a special request for her to return home, therefore, tying her hands. No one disobeyed Granddad. He was the Chief of their tribe, and it was obvious he needed her for something.
She had been dreading the reunion for weeks, but in the morning, she would make the drive to their land. Crimson Hollow was isolated, more than an hour’s drive from any real town in Montana. At one time she had loved it. The tribe had been self-sufficient, not relying on anyone but their own people. But she knew better now—that apparent freedom had been a lie, and now, she had a taste for city life and wasn’t going back—even if her stubborn family welcomed her.
The doorbell rang, pulling her from her thoughts and making her want to put a pillow over her head. Likely, it would be Jenna on her doorstep, armed with another argument for why she should go to the reunion. “Go away, Jenna…I just want to be alone.” She took a deep drink of wine, downing nearly half the glass.
Rather than Jenna going away, the doorbell shrieked again, ringing in her ear drums at double-time. “I told you earlier I didn’t want company tonight.” Even as she bitched, she got off the sofa and staggered toward the front door. As she swayed down the hall, she wanted to kill Jenna, not for interrupting her but for not just coming in like she normally did. Sinopa was too messed up for this; even with her shifter nature to process booze quickly, she was drunk.
Without looking out the glass window surrounding the door, she pulled it open. “Jenna, I told…” Her words died off as she realized it wasn’t her best friend standing on her porch but a man—no, a wolf. His wide shoulders took up most of the doorframe, but it was his eyes that got her. The deep whiskey brown eyes stared back at her, stealing her breath and making her stumble
back. Taking a deep breath, she caught the scent of his wolf. Her mind tried to process everything that was happening but the fog wouldn’t lift. Still, she tried to keep the anxiety from her expression. Normally, she could hold her own against a wolf, but plastered, she stood no chance. If he was here for a fight, she was dead.
“Well, you’re not what I was expecting.”
Expecting? “Who…” She clung to the door, unsure if she did that to keep herself on her feet or because she wanted to slam it in his face. “Who are you?”
“The name’s Garret Fox. I’m…I guess you could say, I’m your saving grace.” He adjusted the duffle bag on his shoulder and nodded. “May I come in? It doesn’t look like your legs are going to hold you up much longer.”
“You’re a wolf…” She couldn’t stop herself from saying it.
“I am, and you’re a fox. What a foxy woman you are.” He let out a deep growl as his gaze traveled down her body. “I bet you look even better when you’re not drunk and about to pass out.”
She squared her shoulders and tried to give him her best glare. “I don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but I’d appreciate it if you left.”
“A mutual friend asked me to help you.” He reached out and caught her around the waist as she began to sway in place. “Let’s get you sitting down and I’ll explain.”
“I didn’t invite you in.” She tried to get her legs to support her but they were like wet noodles. Even as she fought to stand on her own, she couldn’t stop the urge tingling within her to lean against his rock hard body. She wanted to let her fingers run over his chest and feel the toned muscles hiding beneath the shirt.
Keep it together girl. He’s a wolf. She wanted to blame her overreacting hormones on the wine, but she knew there was more to it than that. It had been too long since she’d had the company of a man. Shifters were sexual creatures and foxes were social too. She wanted to be around others who had a second nature. After spending much of her life around those who weren’t foxes, it didn’t matter what they changed into, only that they understood what she was.
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