The Way of the Tigress 1-4

by Jade Lee - The Way of the Tigress 1-4

  "I'm afraid so."

  They were gone. She was abandoned. Emotions blew threw her quickly, then faded. She wasn't alone—Ken Jin remained beside her, and a memory teased her mind. "That's what he meant," she breathed.

  "What?" Ken Jin asked.

  "William. The last thing he said to me. 'Thank you for removing your shadow.'" She looked at Ken Jin, her heart beating painfully in her throat. "He's out from under my shadow now. I can't protect him and so—"

  "He can grow." Ken Jin nodded. "I remember. I heard it, too."

  "But my mother..."

  Ken Jin squeezed her hand. "They must sort out their power together."

  She smiled, and though the act hurt, it was healing as well. "So... we're both disowned now."

  He pressed his lips to hers. "No," he whispered. "We are both whole."

  "Together."

  He grinned. "And free to begin again."

  AFTERGLOW

  After orgasm, hold the top and bottom of the spinal cord simultaneously to encourage cerebral spinal fluid to circulate through the spine, conducting energy throughout the central nervous system. It also increases the flow of the life force through the meridians, sending healing energy through the entire body.

  Acupressure for Lovers

  Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.

  Chapter 19

  Feb 2, 1899

  Dear Charlotte,

  I have never been happier to be on English soil. Proper tea, cold air, and not a coolie in sight—how could I have ever left? I work daily at the orphanage with the Pastor, and your father remains in London where his actions do not touch us in the least. I have no idea what he does there, and only care that he remain away and not interfere in the running of the baronetcy. So far, the arrangement has been perfect for us both.

  I know you left the mission. I have received two letters from Father Peter, the first telling me of your departure, the second informing me of your marriage to Ken Jin. I suppose if you were to marry a Chinaman, you could have picked far worse. At least he knows how to act properly in an English home. Still, I cannot help but think we should have brought you back with us. You could have had the pick of the locals, and not a slanted eye among them. But your father insisted that China was best for you, and perhaps he was right. I understand that Ken Jin has been vital in managing the Chinese buildings your father still owns. At least I know you won't starve with him as your husband.

  I am sure you are curious about William. He is deliriously happy in England. Indeed, he has gotten married—to Nanny, of all people. Without you on the passage home, he and Nanny became the closest of companions. At her age and looks, she had no hope of a decent marriage, of course, but she is a marvel at running the papers and whatnot of the baronetcy. Your father had no interest in it, of course, so he left it to me and I left it to her. Next thing I knew, she'd bound herself for life to your brother.

  He adores her absolutely. And you know she is quite fond of him. Plus, now William has a proper outlet for his physical needs, which were becoming a bit of a problem. She seems quite content with her lot, especially since she will be a Baroness someday, and we no longer have to pay her that exorbitant wage. Indeed, they have even moved into the east wing of the manor so William could be closer to his cousins (Uncle Phillip's girls). The house is so large, we saw no reason to throw them out, and they do adore William.

  Shocking as it all seems, I believe everything is exactly how it should be, praise God and His mysterious ways. I have enclosed our address in this letter, so you may now write me and tell me how your life proceeds.

  Sincerely,

  Your loving mother

  Charlotte put down the letter with a sigh of relief. William and Nanny? Who would have believed it? Who would have thought any of it was possible? That she and Ken Jin would return after a shipboard wedding to live in her parents' home, the one where Charlotte had resided all her days. That Ken Jin and Captain Jonas could together repair the family fortune and build a successful business out of acupuncture shops, of all things. Or that she would find a surprising interest in learning herbs—from Little Pearl.

  God did indeed work in mysterious ways.

  "Are you reading the letter again?" Ken Jin asked.

  Charlotte looked up as her husband walked into their bedroom. He looked tired and dusty from the day's work, but his smile was warm and full of promise.

  She smiled. "I still cannot believe that William and Nanny..." Her words faded as her husband claimed her lips. The letter slipped from her hand as her thoughts shifted and her body heated. It was some time later before she had the breath to speak. "I like it when you come home early."

  "I have thought of nothing else all day," he answered as he stood and stripped out of his jacket. A knock sounded on the door, and he turned to answer it. A maid stood respectfully at the door, lifting up a dinner tray. Ken Jin took it, then carefully shut the door.

  Charlotte smiled. "Dinner in our bedroom? Scandalous!"

  "A Tigress must keep up her strength. Especially when she carries a cub."

  Her hand went reflexively to her growing belly. Who knew that pregnancy could feel so delightful? She hadn't suffered any of the usual complaints, and her husband found her condition endlessly attractive, not that she'd had any difficulties in that area before.

  He pressed a hot dumpling into her mouth, and she closed her eyes to savor the sweet meat. Then she felt his hands on her shoulders and back as he gently pressed into energy points that soothed her aches.

  "How do you feel today, my wife?" He never seemed to tire of calling her that. She grinned as she stretched closer to him.

  "Well enough to practice," she responded. "Indeed, I have thought of nothing else all day."

  "Are you sure—"

  She cut off his words on a kiss. She had never been more sure of anything else in her life. They would reach Heaven tonight. Everything felt right. Even the weather was cooperating, giving them a balmy breeze that stirred the curtains and cleared the humidity from the room.

  "Very well," Ken Jin responded as his hands shifted to her breasts. "Then let us begin."

  * * *

  Angel William opened his arms and Charlotte flew into them. Beside her, Ken Jin bowed with respect. They were in the Chamber of a Thousand Swinging Lanterns again, and this time all was different. It was also exactly the same. Like before, William was whole and so wondrous, Charlotte could not take her eyes from him. But this time, Ken Jin's form was equally stunning, filled with light and strength and love.

  "William," Charlotte whispered, wishing she had the words to say more.

  "Welcome," he said with a radiant smile. "Welcome to you both."

  "Master William," Ken Jin said as he stepped forward. "I am greatly honored to be here."

  "We are pleased to have you. You may visit at any time, but perhaps you would be more comfortable inside." So saying, he turned and gestured to the side where a light began to grow and expand. Soon Charlotte saw a gateway and a palace beyond where beings of such light and beauty walked.

  "Heaven," whispered Ken Jin, awe suffusing his entire being.

  "You are welcome here," William said as they stepped through the gate. "Whenever you choose to come. And here I can answer whatever questions you may have."

  It was too much. The joy, the beauty, the truth was too much for her to handle, and Charlotte trembled before it. With her fear came weight. Her spirit grew heavy, and she began to slip away, falling back to Earth. "Help me!" she cried.

  She thought that her brother would help her. He was the celestial being, the angel of power. But when she reached out, she found Ken Jin instead. His hand held hers, his love buoyed her up.

  "Do not be afraid," Angel William said from beside her.

  "I am here," said Ken Jin.

  She took his hand and filled her soul with his love. With him beside her, she had the strength to face anything. Her spirit lightened again; then hand in hand, they followed William into Heaven.

>   They wouldn't stay long. She knew that. All too soon their combined qi would falter and their spirits would tumble back to their bodies on Earth. Such was the nature of life on Earth. But they would return; she knew that as well. With a love as strong as theirs, all of Heaven and Earth was open to them.

  The End

  Contine in The Way of The Tigress

  with an excerpt from

  CORNERED TIGRESS

  The Way of the Tigress

  Book Five

  Excerpt from

  Cornered Tigress

  The Way of The Tigress

  Book Five

  by

  Jade Lee

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  CORNERED TIGRESS

  Awards & Reviews

  5 Stars – Night Owl Reviews

  "Jade Lee again amazes with another addition to her Tigress series."

  ~Night Owl Reviews

  Number One Slave paused outside the doorway. Without moving a muscle, he took visual stock of his clothing and his thoughts, even ran a hand over his shaved head. All was in order, and yet he could not stop the rising panic in his chest. Rather than fight it, he nurtured it. He allowed fear to tremble in his hands and narrow his vision. In this manner, he stayed alive in his master's presence.

  He entered Su Jian Lie's eating chamber on his knees. Master Su did not require such acts of his top slave, but Number One had seen many others before him become overconfident in their status. Even his older brother had succumbed and it had eventually cost him his life. So Number One remained on his knees before his master to remind himself that for all his wealth and status, he was still a slave.

  Master Su's eyes did not even flicker as Number One entered the chamber. The morning ritual was well established, and so the master finished his tea in silence while the breakfast congee was removed and sweet leaves were thrown in the brazier to chase away the smell. Sparks momentarily flashed on the master's jade bracelet: a five-toed dragon, an obviously imperial gift to the most well-connected businessman in all of Shanghai. Then, with a twitch of his finger, Master Su commanded his first slave to speak.

  "The day dawns bright, plum blossoms open to the sun, and a branch trembles in the wind. Mayhap it will fall. The dog whimpers in fear and awe." The poem was not his best, but the meaning was clear. It had nothing to do with the actual weather. In truth the sun was middling today, the sky gray even in this most exclusive neighborhood of Chinese Shanghai. Winter was fast approaching and no early spring blossoms appeared anywhere. The poem was about various people his master controlled. Or soon would control.

  "Speak of this branch," Master Su said.

  "Farmer Luk has an ill crop. His debt is only three quarters paid."

  "Daughters?"

  "Already sold and not very pretty." Barely enough to pay the interest.

  "Sons?"

  "Three."

  "Pretty?"

  "The eldest."

  Master Su tightened his lips. It was a grave thing to sell a man's eldest son. "Speak of the dog."

  Number One hesitated, weighing his words as was appropriate when passing judgment on a man and his family. "Farmer Luk acknowledges your power and trembles in all humility. The dog acts as a dog should."

  Master Su's eyes flickered. He would be merciful, not because he was a forgiving man but because, on this day, he appeared bored. Whipping a beaten dog would not entertain. "Sell the youngest to the emperor as a eunuch. Then sell the ox. Let the other boys pull the plow. He shall have an extra month."

  Not so merciful, then. Number One dipped his head in obedience. No farmer could pay the debt in one month when the harvest was already counted and sold. And the loss of the ox would make even that a hardship. But another month as a free man was no small thing.

  Master Su poured himself more tea. "Speak of the blossoms."

  "Two grow upon the branch. One is dark and ready to wither, the other small and barely begun."

  Master Su's eyes did not rise as he drank with reverence, but Number One had seen the twitch in his fingertips. Master Su was surprised that two blossoms had appeared. As was his custom, he dispensed with the dullest first. "Mr. Wang does not pay his tax?"

  "He lied about the receipts as you predicted." The smallest touch of admiration colored Number One's tone. It was not feigned and it helped to hide the anticipation that quickened his heartbeat. Master Su was innovative in his murders, especially when bored.

  But the expected death was not to be. Instead, Master Su raised his eyes to the calligraphy on the wall. It was a Confucian adage about the timely use of all resources, including people. "Then opportunity is given to the dog."

  Number One acknowledged the statement with a nod. Farmer Luk would be allowed to force Mr. Wang to confess his lies and pay appropriate recompense. Whatever money the farmer could threaten or force or torture out of Mr. Wang above the initial debt would be applied to his own payments. In this way, Master Su received the money due and a new slave as well, all without expending any effort at all. Of course, neither Wang nor Luk would understand their enslavement. No one did until it was much too late. Always debt brought them within reach, then greed kept them inside while Master Su feasted on the profits. In the end, all served to their best ability while Master Su's coffers grew.

  "And the second blossom?"

  "Tan Kui Yu and his wife, the Tigress of Shanghai, were taken last night. They are imprisoned by General Kang and questioned regarding a missing son." Number One delivered the news in the same even tone as he used for everything else, but inside, his belly quivered with excitement. He had gone to great effort and expense to cultivate the spy network that had brought him the news. Now he would know if his efforts were worthwhile.

  Master Su took a long time thinking. While his gaze remained abstract, his right forefinger stroked each of the dragon's toes on his imperial-gift bracelet. Such was his way when presented with a fresh blossom. But this possibility had everything the master searched for: chance for great gain in wealth and power, revenge against a family that had opposed him, and best of all, a challenge to relieve the ache of boredom.

  "Who knows of this?"

  Number One swallowed. Here was the most dangerous part. He had acted with initiative. If he had guessed wrong, then he would be killed for his impertinence. "None who still live," he answered as smoothly as possible. "Save General Kang, who has left for Peking, and the guards who watch the forgotten prisoners."

  Master Su's brows lowered in dark fury. "You would kill soldiers of General Kang in my name?"

  "Never!" Number One rushed to answer. "Drunken brawls are common among soldiers, and no general values a man with a loose tongue. General Kang will not miss his men." Number One said the words and prayed they were true. More vital, he prayed that his master believed them to be true.

  With horror, Number One saw his master reach beneath the table to finger the white man's gun. It was an ignoble weapon, hidden so a man could not see death coming, and Master Su was lethal with it. His breath in his throat, Number One considered his options. There were none. No way to run without being shot, and no way to talk his way free. Master Su had been known to shoot babblers on principle. Number One could only press his forehead to the floor and pray the end would be swift.

  Finally, the master made his pronouncement. "A gift of a dog to the hawk who saw this blossom."

  Number One lifted his head, his mouth gaping. Had he heard true? As the hawk who brought this opportunity to light, was he to be given a reward? He saw the truth in Master Su's profile as the man stared at the Confucian adage. His reward was Farmer Luk and the farmer's charge, Mr. Wang. The terms would be as usual: a premium to Master Su on all receipts from the farmer's land and Wang's gem store, but the rest would be his own. With prudent management, Number One could be very, very rich soon.

  Number One banged his forehead three times on the floor in gratitude and then scurried backward on all fours, out of the room. He did this in thanks and in remem
brance, knowing that Master Su would understand the significance. For all that Number One had just gained the wealth of the elite, he was still a cockroach before his master.

  * * *

  A man's high-pitched scream cut through the coolie a-ho chant that droned in the distance. Captain Jonas Storm cursed as he spun around, his gaze immediately finding his sailor dangling from the rigging. Beside him, the Chinese customs official peered as well, but his eyes would be less able to discern form and function in the early morning glare.

  Lester dangled upside down, halfway up the sail. One leg was clearly snapped, but Jonas couldn't tell if the man was unconscious from the pain or something much worse.

  "Dead?" asked the official in badly accented English.

  Jonas narrowed his eyes as he watched the half-Chinese boy Adam scamper up the ropes. That child was quick and agile as a monkey. And, more important, he wasn't thinking about drinking and whoring like the rest of his suddenly careless crew. Even better, he was a calm boy, levelheaded in a pinch and smart as a whip. But for all that, the child was still young and would react badly at the sight of his first dead body.

  Jonas waited, his fingers idly toying with a small brass key in his pocket, as Adam checked the sailor. Suddenly, the boy audibly cursed and punched Lester. Jonas sent a silent prayer of thanks to Mother Mary. Obviously Lester wasn't dead, just stupid. Of course, the customs official beside him didn't know that. So Jonas began his own set of fluid curses, half in English, half in Shanghai dialect.

  The official turned stunned eyes back to Jonas. "Man dead?"

  "I am cursed!" he said in English. Then he repeated it in Chinese just to make sure the man understood. "His mother will hex me when she finds out. Me and all I commerce with."

  The official shied sideways. "What is 'hex'?"

  "A magical curse. Very evil and very powerful." Then he groaned and spat into the greasy Shanghai mud. "Ill winds surround me like flies," he said, irritated to realize that for today, at least, it was true. Then he pretended to gather his thoughts to focus on the paperwork. "You say that Tan Kui Yu has not taken care of this? He has always sorted through the papers as we dock." It wasn't a lie. Kui Yu should be there with all the customs work already completed. He swore again. "Bloody hell, the curse is spreading to my associates."