Tiger Haven

by Ariel Marie

  “Well, you know how you boys are.” His mother laughed. “The city better watch out if Luka Batalo and Weston Rogavac are hitting the town.”

  “I promise not to get into too much trouble tonight,” he promised, knowing that Inez Rogavac was the only woman in the world that had him wrapped around her little finger.

  It really wasn’t a bad idea. His tiger sat up a little at the thought of finding a beautiful woman tonight and taking her home with him.

  Not a bad idea at all.

  “It’s about time you showed up,” Luka said, standing from his chair in their private VIP section of the nightclub. Luka stood at the same height as West, at six foot three. With his dark blond hair and amber eyes, few would know he was a tiger shifter.

  “Well, some of us don’t get to play in the lab.” West smiled as reached his longtime friend. He slapped him on the back and gestured for him to sit back down. “Some of us have to play adult and meet with board members that keep our company afloat,” he joked, taking his own seat.

  “Hi, handsome.” A soft voice appeared at his side. The waitress was dressed in the standard uniform of the nightclub—a low-cut shirt and tight jeans that looked as if she had to be poured into them. She was pretty, but did nothing for him or his tiger. “What can I get you?”

  He knew that his mother was right about him and Luka, and decided to play it safe. “I’ll take a Godfather,” he answered, turning back to his friend.

  “Good choice! I’ll take one too,” Luka said with a devilish smile before he turned back to West. “So, are you ready for the trip tomorrow?”

  “Of course. You sound just like my mother,” West mumbled as he turned to stare at the patrons of the club. It was a Friday evening, and he knew that the normal crowd would be showing up soon. This was one of the more popular places for the over thirty crowd, and would soon be packed.

  “Mother knows best,” Luka joked, tossing a balled-up napkin his way.

  “Fuck off.” West laughed. “So what information have you gathered about our trip?” he asked, switching to business. SPAT meant everything to him, and if traveling around the world to help with one of the largest natural habitats was the plan, so be it.

  As a member of the most prominent tiger shifter family, it was his duty to help see that their wild counterparts survived.

  “We’re headed to the Four Corners,” Luka drawled, switching over to business as well. He reached over to the empty chair next to him and pulled some papers from his briefcase, then handed a few to West. “The Russian government is calling in leading experts to help with preserving the rainforest and mountainous regions of Far East Russia.”

  “Siberia?”

  “Yes, the motherland,” Luka noted with a nod of his head.

  West’s tiger began to pace beneath his skin. His animal would have a field day running through the mountains with other tigers.

  “Who are the experts that they called in?” West asked, browsing through the papers.

  “All the usual ones, but I found it interesting that this time, they’ve called in Dr. Charlee Black from Eastern State University as the senior species specialist.”

  West’s ears instantly perked up at the mention of Dr. Black. He had certainly heard of her. She was a well-known wildlife biologist who was sought after for many speaking engagements, and for her research regarding the Amur tigers.

  Just thinking of the good doctor had his tiger purring. Yes, he knew exactly who she was. His organization had donated plenty of money to her research foundation under the disguise of another organization. She was a brilliant scientist that had most certainly captured his tiger’s attention. Her image was burned into his memory. Her curvy frame, and that thick, dark hair. His fingers craved to pull it in the heat of passion. Her slightly slanted eyes captivated him in every picture he had seen of her.

  “Dr. Black’s team will be leaving tomorrow as well.” Luka’s voice broke through West’s thoughts. He shifted slightly, trying to adjust his hardening cock, hoping that his friend hadn’t caught on that he was attracted to the doctor. Very much attracted to her. What West found crazy was that he had this reaction just by thinking of her. What the hell would his body do when they finally met?

  “Here you go,” the waitress announced, gently placing their drinks down in front of them on napkins.

  “Thank you, pretty lady,” Luka said with a wide smile. West held back a roll of his eyes.

  “Can I interest you gentlemen in a little food?” she asked with a flirtatious smile. She tucked her hair behind an ear as she focused her gaze on Luka.

  “Sure, why not?” Luka laughed, rattling off his order. They had both been to this bar so many times, they each had the menu memorized.

  “What about security?” West asked after he placed his order. He repeated himself again to get Luka’s attention, who was staring off after the waitress.

  “The Russian government has agreed to provide security for the trip.”

  “Good. I wouldn’t want any of the poachers interfering with the mission. It’s too important.” West took a sip of his drink as his thoughts turned to the trip. Should they really trust the Russian government?

  Fuck no.

  “Call in Drago. Make sure that he comes. I want him and his men on this trip.” West turned back to Luka.

  “It’s last minute, but I’m sure he’ll come,” Luka said.

  The main reason that SPAT would be there was because of the increase in poaching. Someone had to deal with the illegal poachers. The government always stated that their hands were full, or that they never found any traces of the murderers. West and his people would go and handle the poachers. They didn’t need any assistance from the government to handle them. They would take matters into their own hands.

  “Well, I say we finish this business discussion tomorrow on our very long plane ride and take advantage of the lovely ladies in this club.” Luka motioned with his glass to the throng of women standing by the bar.

  West barked out a laugh at his friend and shut the file. He was right. They had a long flight ahead of them, and would have plenty of time on his private jet to discuss business. He would be flying off to the other side of the world tomorrow. Tonight, he could take the time to relax with his friend and enjoy his evening.

  3

  “Oh my goodness! I forgot how muggy it can be on this side of the world,” Malena groaned, wiping the sweat from her brow.

  “We’ve been out of the airport for all of two minutes.” Charlee laughed at her friend’s overly dramatic complaint. She stretched her arms in the air for a brief second. She had to admit, it did feel good to finally be able to walk around and not be on an airplane. The time difference would definitely throw her off for a day or so before her body would adjust. It was nighttime when they left the United States, and now it was evening where they were. Her internal clock would catch up after a good night’s rest.

  They would be meeting up with the other scientist that would be arriving soon.

  Alf Jenson was a student that won the honor of coming along on this once-in-a-lifetime trip with her. He was the top student in her graduate level biological science course.

  “Rest well on the plane, Alf?” she called out from her position as he stepped out of the automatic doors of the small airport terminal.

  “I did, Professor. Thanks,” he replied with a grin as he joined Jim York, their animal ecologist, and Alton Cummings, the team’s senior researcher.

  “Oh, to be young again,” Charlee chuckled as she glanced around, finding the other team members hovered near their cab. Everyone would have severe jet lag if she went by the yawns echoing throughout the air.

  The drivers were currently loading the bags into the back of their passenger vans. The team had a two-hour drive ahead of them to get to their first destination, the small town of Lyrino, Russia. There, they would stay at a lodge until the other team arrived. Charlee couldn’t wait. This would be a historic mission for her, working with some
of the other infamous biologists and scientists who would all play a vital role in preserving this habitat.

  “Well, you better stretch your legs a little longer because according to the itinerary, we have a two-hour drive,” Charlee informed Malena, looking down at her phone.

  “I hope this lodge is like one of those vacation bed and breakfast—”

  “Who are you, and what have you done with my assistant?” Charlee asked with a straight face.

  She shook her head at her best friend’s wistfulness, but silently, she too hoped that it would be a nice place to stay. Once they hit their final destination—in the wild—it would be days, if not weeks before they returned to a warm, comfortable bed.

  “A girl can dream, can’t she?” Malena joked.

  “Whatever provisions we have tonight, we better take advantage of them,” Charlee said as the cab driver waved them over. Everyone piled into the cabs and tried to get as comfortable as possible.

  “I’m sure everyone is itching to get into the field,” Charlee said to the group as she turned to look at them.

  “Well, the Russian government calling in outside consultants is amazing,” Jim offered from the back row of the van. “I want to be able to document as much as we can before we’re forced to leave.”

  “I agree.” Charlee nodded.

  She then turned to Alf, who expanded on Jim’s comment. “The Russian government usually prefer to use their own scientists. Where we’re going, we’ll be the first non-Russian team to research and assist with their tiger conservation. A few professors from China will be joining us. We’ve already spoken and are ready to collaborate on a paper once our project is done,” Alton informed.

  “Oh, that’s great! Dr. Zhang is amazing to work with. He and I did a paper a few years ago. You’ll like working with him,” Charlee assured Alton with a smile.

  “Will there be tension since we’re American?” Alf asked, causing an uncomfortable silence to fill the air.

  “It won’t be because of where we’re from, but there may be hostility for the simple fact that we’re working to save the tigers when poaching has become a big moneymaker on the black market. Poachers will not take too kindly to us at all. The security detail that’s being provided will meet us at the hotel.”

  “This isn’t too bad,” Malena noted as they climbed out of the van.

  “No, not what I was expecting.” The small town was picturesque and rich in history. The modern cars were out of place in a town that hadn’t been renovated in over a hundred years. Charlee could easily imagine horse-drawn carriages making their way down the cobblestone streets. It was no surprise that this small town of Russia was very poor. Charlee glanced down the street and noted the small rundown buildings that had seen better years.

  Their hotel was small and quaint. It wasn’t the Ritz Carlton, but it sure did have a homey feel to it.

  “It could be worse,” Malena said, hoisting her bag over her shoulder.

  “This will be perfect,” Charlee smirked as they made their way into the mismatched brick building. “We won’t be here long anyway. Once we’ve met up with everyone, into the rainforest we go.”

  “Hello,” Malena greeted the young woman behind the counter.

  “Welcome to Lyrino,” the desk clerk said with heavy accented English. Charlee turned her back and rested against the counter as Malena took care of getting them checked in.

  She watched as Alton, Alf, and Jim made their way into the small building with a few of their hard totes dragging behind them. Some of it would be the equipment they would need. She prayed that the rest of their things that they had shipped ahead were there at the hotel. Setting up camp was always a pain, but once everything was settled, it would be like a home away from home.

  “Everything okay?” Jim asked as he came over to her side.

  “Yes.” She smiled. “This is definitely better than that hotel we were in when we were in India.”

  Jim barked out a laugh at the mention of their trip. Two years ago, they had arrived at their first destination in a small town in India, and were basically assigned huts with giant leaves for roofs. Alton and Jim quickly began updating Alf on the India trip, but Charlee didn’t hear anything they were saying. Their voices faded off into the distance as her eyes were drawn to the imposing figures that stalked through the door.

  Her heart just about leaped into her throat as her eyes met a set of familiar, intense eyes. She turned away quickly, trying to catch her breath.

  It was him!

  Weston Rogavac had officially walked into the small hotel. She turned slightly and tried to catch another peek at the entrance, but was left feeling slightly disappointed. She blew out her breath, trying to will her heart to stop racing.

  “Okay, here are the keys.” Malena’s voice broke through Charlee’s thoughts. Charlee reached out for her key, her mind still on Weston Rogavac.

  “All right, time to try to get a good night’s rest,” Jim said to the group. “We leave bright and early. The train is set to leave at nine in the morning.”

  Moans and groans filled the air as the guys began to shuffle away.

  “Charlee—” Malena started, but Charlee held up a hand before throwing her backpack on her back and grabbing the other from the floor.

  “I’m dead on my feet, Malena,” Charlee huffed, knowing that her friend probably wanted to explore the town. “I just want to try to get some uninterrupted sleep tonight.”

  “I was just going—”

  “Goodnight.” Charlee turned to walk away, but found herself facing a rock-hard chest. She was eye level with the open collar that displayed a few sprinkles of hair peeking out of the crisp white, button-up shirt. Drawing her eyes up, she was met with the same dark eyes that had plagued her dreams.

  She gulped, and his eyes twinkled with laughter as he stared down at her.

  “Cat got your tongue?” Malena leaned in and whispered into her ear. He must have heard her because he bursts out into laughter. She, on the other hand, prayed for the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

  “Please excuse my friend. She’s a little touched in the head,” Charlee explained with a small smile. His friends chuckled.

  “That’s quite all right, Dr. Black,” Weston said.

  A gasp escaped her as she realized that he knew who she was.

  “Please forgive me,” he rushed out, offering her his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Weston Rogavac.”

  “Well, it seems as if you already know who I am,” she breathed as she gripped his hand in a firm handshake.

  Get a grip, girl, she thought to herself. Two seconds in his presence and she was like a cat in heat. She would need a cold shower to calm down her libido.

  “It’s my business to know who you are,” he advised, glancing down at their still clasped hands.

  “Really?” She quickly snatched her hand back, feeling her cheeks growing warm. “Why is that?”

  “You have a brilliant mind. I’ve read all of your research. I’m a huge fan, and we have something in common,” he stated, crossing his arms in front of him. Her eyes were drawn to the tan skin that was displayed, thanks to the sleeves being folded up.

  “Really?” she echoed again, cringing on the inside. One would have thought that she, a doctorate prepared scientist, would have something more educated to say in response. He was filthy rich and came from old money, while she, on the other hand, was raised by blue collar parents. What on earth could they possibly have in common? “What might that be?”

  “Our love of cats.”

  4

  “What was that with you and the good doctor last night?” Luka teased.

  That morning, they had boarded the train that would take them into the Far East region of Russia. He knew that Dr. Black’s team was located in one of the other cars. His men sat across from him, both with curiosity brimming in their eyes.

  West paused before answering, uncomfortable with their scrutiny of his initial mee
ting with Dr. Black. He took a sip of his water, thinking of an answer. He didn’t know what had transpired between him and Dr. Black last night when they had arrived at the hotel. He could tell that she was just as flustered about meeting him as he was her. His tiger paced back and forth beneath his skin at the mere mention of Dr. Charlee Black.

  “I don’t know,” he answered truthfully.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I would say that there’s something between the two of you,” Luka stated.

  “That’s not what we’re here for,” West responded, staring out the window, watching the Russian scenery zoom past. Chasing after a woman was not why he traveled halfway around the world. Securing the natural habitat of the Amur tigers was his only concern. “Drago, what have you found out?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “We’ve pinpointed where the poachers were last discovered. A few skinned animal carcasses were found about an hour north of where we’ll be located.” Drago reached into his attaché case and handed West a few blown-up pictures that were taken in the wild. His tiger growled at the proof of animals who had met their unfortunate ends.

  Drago Pends was from a prominent tiger shifter family, extremely loyal to the Rogavac family. The Pends owned one of the top security firms in the United States, so it only made sense to put Drago in charge of security for this trip. Yes, the Russians would provide their own security, but frankly, West didn’t trust them. Drago’s team was already in place at their destination, scouting out the area and securing the lands where Dr. Black’s team would be working.

  “Any idea who these men are?” West had to rein back on his tiger who wanted to burst forth. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if he let out his pissed off tiger.

  “Nomads. No names yet, sir. Once we arrive, we’ll be able to track them down. We discovered a pattern of sites they’ve killed at. It shouldn’t take long before we can track them.”