The Tiger's Heart Read online

  “No thanks.” He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before squeezing the bridge of his nose. “I’m going to try to catch a few winks once Ty’s back. Tabitha, while Ty and I are questioning Victor, Felix and Thomas will be guarding you. Shadow and Styx will be with you, Bethany. If anything changes, the guards will bring Bethany here, unless this area is compromised. We decided this since Ty’s quarters overlook the main area of the compound, giving the guards a chance to see out, and because it’s more protected. Marcus will remain with Tora unless he’s needed. They’re just down the hall in one of the guest rooms.”

  He went over the strategy while they waited for Ty. They agreed to keep the women and the guards abreast on the situations. Being informed allowed them to be ready if and when something happened.

  Raja’s cell vibrated as he looked up to see Ty and Thomas entering. Moving on him. Will contact once he’s in custody.

  * * *

  Raja lay on top of the covers next to Bethany, dozing. Bethany was in a deep sleep next to him but her grip on him was firm. He could feel her uneasiness and knew she was fearful of losing him. She’d lost so much already and was scared she would lose him as she’d lost the rest of her family.

  How am I supposed to alleviate her concerns when anything could happen? I’ve never been naive enough to think I didn’t put my life on the line. As the Lieutenant of the Alaska Tigers it’s my job to put myself after the members of the clan and to protect Ty and Tabitha at all cost. Having a mate that was frightened because of my position was the reason I avoided mating. Oh Bethany, I wish I could take your fears away, to promise I’ll always be here for you.

  He brushed a stray hair away from her face, when his phone vibrated.

  He’s in custody. Little worse for wear, but he’ll live. Boarding plane now.

  The news he had been waiting for. Call when you’re an hour out. Great job.

  Team’s on the way with Victor. They’ll call an hour out. He quickly typed the message to Ty before closing his eyes again.

  “I thought you were supposed to be sleeping?” she peered at him through half-mast eyes.

  “The phone woke me,” he lied. No use telling her that he was trying to come up with a way to lessen her uncertainties.

  “About Victor?”

  “They’re on their way.” He nodded. “Should be here in roughly six hours.”

  * * *

  They couldn’t have timed Victor’s arrival better if they tried. It was the early morning hours. The compound was quiet and only the guards patrolling the grounds. They doubled the number of guards on each shift, as well as adding extra guards to guard Victor. A makeshift cell was installed in the cabin, allowing them to hold Victor without concerns.

  The lights lined the runway as all eyes turned to the plane coming into view. Ty and Raja stood surrounded by a few chosen guards, and the air around them sizzled with their energy. They were anxious to deal with Victor, but knew the hopes of finding out something useful about Pierce were doubtful. If Victor had any honor or loyalty, he wouldn’t betray Pierce.

  “If he is badly injured, Galen should be here,” Doc said, coming to stand next to Raja.

  “You’re not here to heal him, unless he is dying. You’re here only to make sure his wounds won’t kill him before we have a chance to question him. If he’s suffering from injuries from his attempt to avoid capture, then so be it. He deserves them.”

  The plane landed before Doc could argue further, but he had no doubt he would hear Doc’s complaints in time. “Let’s break this bastard,” Raja announced, jogging toward the plane that stopped a few yards in front of them.

  Raja realized his life was fuller then he every expected. He never expected to mate, mainly due to his job, yet Bethany had changed his heart and made him a better person. With more determination to keep his mate and the clan safe than ever, he opened the plane door, ready to take down Pierce’s operation.

  Marissa Dobson

  Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She is a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are 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 is 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 Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me 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.

  Other Books by Marissa Dobson

  Tiger Time

  Sarah’s Fate

  Snowy Fate

  Learning to Live

  Passing On

  Restoring Love

  Winterbloom

  Secret Valentine

  The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas