“All of us have targets on our backs. We choose from what we have, and I’ve watched Reece train. We had him training one-on-one with Styx before he left so that he’d get more experience.”
“Wait.” She laid her hands on the back of one of the chairs and looked at Ryder. “You don’t approve of Reece or Saxon, but you admit they are the best we have. So what do you propose?”
“To find additional guards from other clans.”
“Absolutely not!” David slammed his hand on the table. “We need to be strong as a core before we open ourselves up to anyone outside. I’ve explained to Ty that we won’t allow unapproved outsiders until we get the Elder building finished. I want us to have that safety before we allow anyone within our compound.”
“Unapproved outsiders?” She tried to wrap her thoughts around that.
David nodded. “Those who are here now are either part of the Alaskan Tigers or one of our allies. I trust them, and while I would only allow visitors from clans that are on our side, I want to limit anything until I can ensure our safety.”
“That might make things easier at first, but it doesn’t change things,” Ryder reiterated after a moment of silence.
“Ryder, I can understand why you’re nervous about it, but it’s something we are all going to have to deal with. I also realize you want to protect your brother. But in the end, the whole clan would be in danger if even one of us lost the challenge.” She pulled out the chair and dropped into it. “I don’t like the idea of guards, but if we have to have them, Reece would be my choice as well. Just not for me.” She glanced at her mate as she said the last bit.
“I’m not budging on that one. Saxon is good.”
“But not as good as Reece.” She didn’t want to give up on it, even though she could understand his point. Male tigers and their need to protect their mates.
“I’ll give you that, but he’ll get there.” David relented just a little. “Reece will be running all of the Elder guards through their own more intense training, and those who don’t make it will be cut.”
“You had planned to have him handle the ground guards, rotations, and training. Who’s going to do that now?” Somewhere along the way, she had given up the fight on having guards. It would be a battle she would lose, so she decided to save her energy for something she had a chance at winning.
“Carran has agreed to help with that until we find someone else. We’ll be watching the guards and deciding who has the ability and drive that is needed.” David reached across the table and took her hand. “This is for your safety. I know you’re not happy to have shadows, but they won’t be around all the time. Once the Elders building is complete, the second floor will be ours with Ryder and Reece downstairs so there’s no need to have them upstairs with us. This is just extra precaution.”
“I won’t fight you on it as long as they aren’t on top of me.” She placed her other hand over his. “But Ryder is going to need his own guards as well.”
“Eventually, but right now you two need to be priority.” Ryder leaned forward. “Most times Lieutenants don’t have guards until we have mates. My job is to make sure you both are protected.”
“That’s partially my job now, too, at least for Victoria.” Reece smirked. “I’m not going to let you down.”
“I never had a doubt.” David tipped his head toward Ryder. “He doesn’t either. He’s just worried about you. It’s what big brothers do.”
The pain of guilt hit her stomach like a freight train. “Guys, could you excuse us? I need a few minutes with my mate.”
With a laugh, Ryder scooted back from the table. “You’re in for it now. I told you that you should have told her before we came up.”
When they left, David squeezed her hand. “I didn’t do this to keep you from having a say, but I knew once I had things lined up, you’d fight it less. You’d realize the practical side of this, and Reece will keep you safe.”
“That’s not what this is about.” She wanted to be somewhere other than the table so she could cuddle against him, but this was where they were and it would have to work. “I felt your guilt.”
“It was nothing.”
“Bullshit, David. You blame yourself for what happened with Shelly, and that wasn’t your fault. She knew what she was risking every time she acted out, but she continued to do it.”
“What about the mess I caused with Mira? You can’t say I’m not to blame for that.”
“No, I won’t say that because you hurt her but she loves you. I wish the two of you could have sat down and spoke before she left, but you were always so busy. Or you could admit the truth and face the fact that you were avoiding her.”
“What would it have changed?” He pulled his hand out from between hers. “I ruined anything we once had.”
“No, you didn’t. She was hurt, but she also understands where you were coming from.” She slid the chair back and squatted by him. “She’s proud of you. You’ve turned this clan into something it wasn’t before. There is happiness here for the first time, and it will be somewhere safe for others to come to if they need to escape an abusive Alpha.”
“We have a long way to go.”
“There’s always more to do, but what you’ve done already is amazing. You need to stop being so hard on yourself and give yourself some of the credit you deserve. No one here would have survived if it wasn’t for you.”
He tugged her hand and brought her into his lap. “Everything has been non-stop, but you know what, Victoria? I love you. My mate.” The last part came out as a growl as he squeezed her to him.
“I love you, too, and I’m honored to be your mate.” She rested her head against his chest. They hadn’t come together as mates only for the benefit of each other but for the clan as a whole. Eventually, everything else would fall into place. Time would heal their wounds and make them stronger. Most importantly, they’d lived through it. It was time to begin the second part of their story…together.
About the Author
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you’re never done learning.
Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn't until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.
Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.
Her writing buddies Cameron (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to her bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.
She love to hear from readers so send her an email at [email protected] or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com.
For more information:
@MarissaMDobson
AuthorMarissaDobson
www.marissadobson.com
[email protected]
Other Books by Marissa Dobson
Alaskan Tigers:
Tiger Time
The Tiger’s Heart
Tigress for Two
Night with a Tiger
Trusting a Tiger
Jinx’s Mate
Two for Protection
Bearing Secrets
Tiger Tracks
Healing the Clan
Forever Creek Shifters:
Forever’s Fight
Stormkin:
Storm Queen
Reaper:
A Touch of Death
Beyond Monogamy:
Theirs to Treasure
SEALed for You:
Ace in the Hole
Explosive Passion
Capturin
g a Diamond
Operation Family
Marine for You:
Lucky Chance
Back from Hell
Cedar Grove Medical:
Hope’s Toy Chest
Destiny’s Wish
Fate Series:
Snowy Fate
Sarah’s Fate
Mason’s Fate
As Fate Would Have It
Half Moon Harbor Resort:
Learning to Live
Learning What Love Is
Her Cowboy’s Heart
Half Moon Harbor Resort Volume One
Clearwater:
Winterbloom
Unexpected Forever
Losing to Win
Christmas Countdown
The Surrogate
Clearwater Romance Volume One
Small Town Doctor
Stand Alone:
Starting Over
Secret Valentine
Restoring Love
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas
Healing the Clan: Alaskan Tigers: Book Ten Page 13