The Tiger's Heart Read online

  “I understand. What information do we have to go on?”

  “Very little, unfortunately. Bethany hasn’t seen the man since she was a child. Her father said he was a loner and had a cabin in North Dakota. His name is James Thompson.”

  “I’ll get to work and let you know when I find anything.” Connor stood.

  Raja nodded, too tired to stand, his eyes now heavier than before he had the coffee. He set the mug down as Connor shut the door. Resting his head on the back of the couch, he let his eyes close.

  Bethany’s hotel room. When the call comes in, I’ll have Shadow go to the hotel and get Bethany’s things. Check out and we will make it look like she’s going to Virginia. Maybe Pierce will fall for the trap and the West Virginia clan can catch him.

  He hit Ty’s number and told him the plan. He could contact Lukas’s brother Jinx and start putting things in motion.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The sun shining through the curtains woke Raja. He found himself tightly holding Bethany, his gun digging into his side, and still in the same clothes from the day before. Memories flooded back to him. In the middle of the night, Bethany had cried out for her sister Jamie, tearing at his heart. He went to her, crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around her, trying to bring some comfort.

  Gently he eased himself off as not to disturb her.

  “Where are you going?” Bethany asked, her voice deep with sleep, holding tightly to him.

  “My gun…it’s digging in.”

  “Take it off. Please stay with me. I need you.”

  “Shh, love.” He ran his thumb over her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here with you in my arms.”

  He slipped his gun out of the holster, placing it on the nightstand in easy reach. Most of the guards carried guns even if they could shift back and forth at will. It saved any embarrassing situations that could arise from someone seeing a tiger roaming free, and the naked moments after they changed back.

  His hand was moving away from the gun, when the bright pink cell phone that lay next to it rang. His stomach sank. This most likely was the news they were dreading, informing her of her family’s demise.

  “There’s no need for you to do this. I can handle this for you.” He closed his hand around the cell; they both already knew who was calling…the Virginia police.

  Beside him, she nodded, and he hit the talk button.

  “This is Bethany Thompson’s phone. Who is this?” Raja moved to the edge of the bed, as he hoped it was enough distance to avoid Bethany hearing any of the details about their murders.

  “Detective Davis, I’m sorry. She is unavailable at the moment. I’m Bethany’s fiancé, Raja. What can I do for you?” Out of the corner of his eye he could see surprise on her face when he said fiancé.

  “She’s in Alaska with me. I’m not sure what this has to do with anything. What is the nature of your call?”

  He stood from the bed, moving to the window as Detective Davis told him of her parents’ and sister’s murders. They knew it was coming yet hearing the words from the detective made it seem real. It left a sick feeling in his stomach. Will more people die at Pierce’s hands before we can take him out?

  “There must be a mistake. Why would anyone want to do that to the Thompsons? Did you catch whoever did this?” Raja was silent, listening. “Find the person responsible. We’ll discuss arrangements and call you back. But since her family wanted to be cremated and the services held here, I don’t see any reason that Bethany would need to return. Any paperwork that needs signed can be faxed, or dealt with through my lawyer.”

  The detective apologized again.

  “Thank you. We will be in touch shortly with arrangements.”

  He ended the call and went to his now weeping mate.

  “It just seems real now. I kept hoping it was a nightmare,” she blubbered on his chest as he held her close.

  “I’m sorry, my love. I’d take away your pain if I could.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  “I’m alone now. I have no one.”

  He leaned back, prying her from his chest. “You have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You only feel sympathy for me because I’m injured and my family was murdered. I don’t need your pity.”

  “Now listen here. I’m in love with you. Sure, I have empathy for what happened to your family but I was falling in love with you since I first laid eyes on you,” he bellowed at her, annoyance filling his voice. He ran his thumbs under her eyes, whiping away the tears. “You’re the woman I love.”

  This only made her cry harder, sobs shaking her body.

  “What’s wrong? What did I say?”

  “Why now? The timing is all wrong,” she sobbed.

  “I know the timing could have been better but I have you now, and I’m not going to let you go.”

  * * *

  “Raja!”

  “In here,” he called to his sister Tora from the kitchen. Earlier when Doc came to check on Bethany, he mentioned Tora would be stopping by later in the day to meet Bethany.

  Tora breezed into the kitchen with Scarlet happily bouncing on her hip. “Here, go visit Uncle Raja for a bit.” She passed the bundle of joy off.

  “How’s my favorite girl?” he asked Scarlet, kissing her check.

  She snuggled her small body against his chest. When Scarlet started to purr, Bethany inhaled deeply, reminding him she wasn’t used to shifter children.

  “Don’t mind her. Shifter children tend to allow their animal nature to come through. They don’t understand yet that it’s unsafe. That’s why the children rarely, if ever, leave the compound. We have a certified teacher here to educate the children as well,” Tora said, sitting down at the table across from Bethany in Raja’s empty chair.

  “Tora, did you stop by for a reason or just to pawn your daughter off on someone?” He reached into the fridge for the root beer his sister favored. I never understood how she could drink this crap. She had better be glad I love her, or I wouldn’t keep it on hand for times like this.

  “I came to see the woman my big brother mated. I never thought I’d see the day…” She stopped mid-sentence when Raja turned, shooting her an angry look.

  “The woman he mated with?”

  “Umm…you didn’t…”

  “Not yet, Tora. I thought she went through enough in the last few days,” Raja growled, making Scarlet become alert and her body stiff. He rubbed Scarlet’s back to soothe her again.

  “I’m sorry,” Tora explained as she cracked the tab of her root beer.

  “Someone just tell me what the heck is going on? What do you mean mated?”

  “I think I should make my exit now. Come on, sweetie, we will leave Uncle Raja alone.” She reached for Scarlet. “Welcome to the family. I’m sure we’re going to be great friends when you forgive me for the bomb I just dropped.”

  Tora strolled out of the kitchen before Raja could wrap his mind around how his sister always did it. She took a simple situation and made it a disaster. Bethany sat there glaring at him, waiting for him to explain.

  “More to drink?” he asked. She wasn’t going to forget what Tora said, but still he gave it a shot.

  “Don’t even try it. Mated?”

  “It’s a term shifters use.” Raja plopped down in the kitchen chair. Defeated, he let out a sigh. “Shifters don’t date like ordinary people. We have mates. Our tigers know who they are, even when we don’t want to admit it. Unusual things happen when we find our mate.”

  “Unusual things?”

  “Things like this.” He reached forward, touching her hand, focusing on relieving her pain.

  “My pain…” she said, touching her knee.

  “Is gone…I know. My touch will relieve your pain. As your mate I can feel your emotions and pain as if it was my own.”

  “But mating isn’t that supposed to be sexual? It sounds sexual.”

  “Oh it will be.” He chuckled.
“With everything you have gone through and your injuries, I won’t rush you. I desire to make you mine, the tiger in me wants to claim you completely, but I’m trying to give you the time you need.”

  “Could someone else claim me as a mate in the meantime?”

  He shook his head. “We believe shifters only have one mate. Plus my scent is on you. No one in their right mind would try to claim you. It would be seen as a direct challenge to my authority.”

  “Your authority? Over me?”

  “I’m Ty’s Lieutenant, second in command. It would be a challenge to my position within the clan.”

  “What happens when there’s a challenge?”

  “You fight to the death or until one submits. With Ty and my positions, it’s a fight to the death. You can’t have the old Alpha or Lieutenant around if you want to take over the clan.” To him it was as if she asked about the weather outside.

  “You could…die?” her voice full of sorrow.

  “We all die sooner or later.” He shrugged.

  “How can you sit there as if it doesn’t matter?”

  “It’s the way of life, but I have no plans to die anytime soon.” He set his coffee aside and leaned across the table. “Especially now that I found a mate.”

  “But…”

  “Love, there’s nothing to worry about. Someone would only challenge if I appear weak. if I’m weak then it’s their right. Clan life is survival of the fittest. I’m around for the long haul.”

  “What happens to your mate if you are killed?”

  “It depends on the situation. If the mate is human sometimes they leave, return to their families. No matter what they decide, women are precious to us and protected at all costs. The mates can stay within the clan, protected, or join another clan if they chose.”

  “Wouldn’t the challenger see the mate as a threat?”

  “It wouldn’t matter. She would still have to be treated with the same respect that is given to the woman of the clan. It’s unlikely they would be seen as a threat. Few women hold positions of power. Shadow is the only female guard we have within the clan. There are a few others in different clans.”

  Raja’s ear bud clicked to life, and his ear filled with Ty’s voice. “Raja, a situation has arisen. I’m heading your way with the team.”

  “Acknowledged.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Raja cleaned the kitchen table off quickly to allow the team to gather there. With a fresh pot of coffee already brewing, he placed the last of the dishes in the dishwasher before facing Bethany again. “I’m not sure how long this will last. Do you want me to help you into the bedroom and you can rest, or to the couch and you can watch television?”

  “Is that a nice way of saying I’m not welcome?”

  “No. It’s a nice way of saying this isn’t something that would be enjoyable and if I were you, I would scram.” He snorted. “When situations arise like this, they’re not for the faint of heart. I’m sure it’s not anything you need to deal with.”

  “But if I wanted to stay?” She still sat at the kitchen table, watching him.

  “Then you’re more than welcome.”

  “Do you think Ty will feel the same way?”

  “He would have asked me to his quarters or to the conference room if he was concerned with you hearing anything. Plus, as the mate of the Lieutenant of the Alaskan Tigers you are always welcomed at the Elder meetings.” He went to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. “I wasn’t trying to get rid of you, as if you were unwanted, but was thinking of everything you have been through. I was trying to shelter and protect you.”

  He heard the door in the living room open. Ty hollered, “It’s us.”

  “In the kitchen,” he called before bending down to kiss her. “It’s up to you, love.”

  Ty entered the kitchen followed by Tabitha, Felix, Adam and Connor. Each with an expression of gloom. Tabitha looked as if she struggled the most, Ty holding securely to her, but still agony was clear on her face.

  “Bethany, you’re more than welcome to stay for this meeting, but if you wish to rest, Raja can fill you in later.” Ty took a seat at the end of the table, pulling Tabitha into his lap before wrapping his arms around her.

  “I’d like to stay and help in any way I can.”

  Ty nodded while the rest of the men took their seats at the table. Adam stood close to the doorway, while Raja took the last seat next to her.

  “What’s going on? Tabitha, are you all right?” Raja’s gaze was on Tabitha, studying her.

  “The change is close. I pleaded for her to stay in bed, rest, but she wouldn’t listen,” Ty said as Tabitha rested her head against his chest.

  “Your touch makes it bearable,” she whispered, her eyes closing as her face scrunched with anguish.

  “I know, babe.” He stroked her arm with misery in his eyes. “Connor.”

  Connor nodded. “We found James Thompson. He still has the cabin in North Dakota, and it’s his permanent residence according to the records. Your suspicions are true—he’s a shifter.”

  “Okay. Send a team there. Bring him back if possible.” I hope he has answers we need.

  “I researched him, and I think you might have a better chance at getting what you want if you contact him directly. It’s possible he would come to Bethany if she asked. It would be received better coming from her than a team sent to return with him.”

  “I think he’s right. Uncle James might be more forthcoming if I contacted him. Connor, were you able to locate a phone number for him?”

  “Yes.” He slid her a printed paper. “This was all the information I was able to find of him.”

  “Thank you.”

  “We’ll contact him after the meeting.” Raja reached back to grab the pot of coffee that finished brewing. The mugs already sat on the table for anyone who wanted coffee.

  “Small thing down, bigger problems still to go. Your turn, Felix.”

  “We received another video from Pierce…”

  Bethany gasped, squeezing Raja’s hand. He placed his arm around her, pushing his chair closer to her.

  “It was for Jessica. He desires to see his sister.” Felix poured himself cup of coffee before pouring one for Ty, who still had his arms around his mate.

  “Why?”

  “I’m assuming that he wishes to gain information from her.”

  “Do you think she would betray us, especially after the last video?” Raja rubbed his thumb over the back of Bethany’s hand.

  “I don’t think she would do it willingly. We all know he has ways to gather information when he wants it. I’d rather not risk it.”

  “Agreed. What does she have to say about it?”

  “She believes she could get him to surrender.” Felix snorted. “She’s still in denial about what he is.”

  “His sister is here? She’s one of you?” Bethany inquired.

  “She’s here, but she isn’t a shifter. We sent Connor and Leo to bring her here, expecting she would bring some insight into Pierce.”

  “You aren’t concerned she will betray you, giving him the location of the compound or your plans?” Bethany asked, and Raja could tell by the way her body tensed, she was concerned that Pierce might attack the compound.

  “They flew straight into the compound. We have a small runway here. She wouldn’t know the location. Not that it matters since Pierce’s men already attacked the compound shortly after Tabitha arrived. She might still be in denial, but in her heart she knows what he is.”

  “Something isn’t right…I don’t feel very well,” Tabitha moaned, grabbing her stomach.

  “It’s all right, Tabby. Don’t fight it.” Ty brushed his mate’s hair from her face. “She’s burning up. Felix, get Doc.”

  “Maybe she would be more comfortable on the couch.” Raja went to the sink and ran the dishtowel under cool water for Ty to wipe Tabitha’s head.

  Ty nodded, lifting her into his arms.

  “What’s happening?” B
ethany stood, using her crutches to keep her weight off her injured knee.

  “Tabitha’s completing the change and will shift for the first time soon. The first time can be painful as your body makes the necessary transitions,” following Ty into the living room with the wet rag, he explained.

  Ty lowered her to the couch and used the rag to wipe her face. Her body started shaking uncontrollably as if she was having a seizure. “Raja.”

  He went to them, grabbing Tabitha’s flailing legs, as she screamed in torment. “Where the hell is Doc?”

  “Don’t fight it, Tabby. You’re strong—you can do this.” Ty held her to the couch. “I need more hands.”

  Connor stepped forward. “Not you, Connor.” When a grief-stricken look showed on his face, Ty continued, “Your wolf might spook her tiger.”

  Adam still stood by the door, and Felix went to get the Doc, leaving Bethany the closest. She tossed her crutches aside and balanced herself, placing the majority of her weight on her uninjured knee.

  “Hold her head.”

  She finally got a good grip on Tabitha’s head when Doc dashed through the door. “What did you do to my patient? I just saw her this morning.”

  “Things have steadily gotten worse throughout the day until she bent over with stomach pains. We were meeting with Raja to go over some things. We just brought her in here when this started. Help her,” Ty growled.

  “I can ease the pain, but that’s it.” Doc placed his bag next to the couch.

  “What do you mean, that’s it?”

  “She has started the change. If I stop it now, it will be worse next time.” He pulled out a syringe. “This will help the pain.”

  “What’s happening to her, Doc?” Raja had a firm grip on her legs.

  “It is rare, but her body has transitioned faster than expected. Her tiger wants out, but her body isn’t ready. What should take a few more days is happening before our eyes,” Doc explained, readying the syringe with the drug. “Bethany, let go of her head. I need you to help me with her arm.”

  Doc took hold of Tabitha’s flailing arm, holding it straight out. “Hold it still like this. If I don’t get the vein, it will take longer to work.” Bethany took hold of the arm while he tied it off, making the vein stand at attention. “Hang in there, Tabitha. This will help.”