“What are we celebrating?”
“Good news, the purchase of the airplane, being alive, finding my mate, and everything else.” He lowered his head, bringing his mouth next to her ear. “Jack called. Those who left the clan are not a threat to you; they never were. They wanted a fresh start and believe leaving Mississippi was the only way to get it. They didn’t support Lee, but they’re not sure they support Tabitha either. Right now, they’re informing themselves on Tabitha’s beliefs and determining where they stand before making a decision on a new clan.”
“Everything’s fine with Dad? Why didn’t he call me?”
“Overthinking it, peaches.” He leaned back to look at her, but kept his arms around her. “He’s fine. Knowing you wouldn’t tell him the truth, he called me to make sure you were adjusting well to the clan. He wanted to make sure you were happy.”
“Tex?” a soft female voice called from behind them.
“Bree, come join us.”
Tex stepped back from Carleen, giving her a view of the other woman. Seeing her shoulder length auburn hair and jade green eyes, it was clear she was Rhett’s sister. Bree was the woman Tex spoke about when he pulled the glass out of her hand. Just thinking about her brought the images of Bree’s cuts to the forefront of Carleen’s thoughts. Each time she cut herself, it was to release the pain within her, to feel alive, never out of the desire to die.
“Actually, I um…” Bree shifted from foot to foot. “Rhett…he wanted…”
“Briallen.” Tex stepped out of the embrace and went to the other woman. “It’s fine. Rhett told you about Carleen. There’s no need to be shy.”
“I’ve been hoping to meet you.” Carleen took a step closer, but then decided it was better to let Bree come to her rather than scaring her away.
“To see the freak of the clan?” Bree took a step away from Tex, but he grabbed her arm to stop her.
“You’re not a freak.” Knowing Tex wasn’t going to let her run off, she closed the distance between them. “I know you nearly died, but now you’re getting the help you need. Robin’s been working with you and the whole clan has been supportive. You started talking to Robin because Rhett pushed for it. He was terrified that next time he wouldn’t get to you in time to save you, but you’re doing it for you now. I know there are times when it feels like you’re alone, but you’re not. Come, let’s talk. We’ll go into the library.”
“The library.”
“I know it’s your favorite place. It’s quiet and no one will bother us.” She tipped her head to the side and raised her eyebrow at Bree. “You think I’m doing this out of pity, but you couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not sure why, because I’ve screwed up enough in the past, but I think I can help.”
“Touch her.” Tex let go of Bree’s arm and stepped away so he wasn’t interfering with the connection he encouraged between them. “Bree, you’ll know she’s not doing this out of pity.”
Carleen placed her hand on her forearm and let the connection between them flow free, allowing Bree to see the offer was genuine. She understood why Bree had turned to cutting to ease the pain. There were many times when she had wanted something to ease her own pain. While cutting might never have worked for her, there were other options.
Alcohol had been restricted within the Mississippi Tigers compound, but when she was seventeen she snuck out to see a guy she met with her Dad at the construction job. They went to a party where she ended up getting drunk. The relief she found in those few hours was unlike anything she experienced before. She’d have turned to it after Lucy’s mating, to ease her guilt, but it was unavailable to her.
Everyone handled stress differently. Bree cut herself. Thorn let his frustrations out in the gym. She had shut down, hiding in her room. But since she left Mississippi that had changed. She didn’t feel overcome with stress. Even now as the Alpha Female, she didn’t feel overwhelmed. If anything, she thrived off it.
“I see.” Bree stepped back, breaking the connection. “I think we’ll be good friends, but right now I must get back to Rhett. He wanted me to tell you Jinx agreed. He’ll bring Summer and Claire for a short visit the week before the resort opens.”
“That’s great. Can you make sure Ben knows? I’ll inform Ashley and Michael.” Tex shot Carleen a grin. “Claire can test out the new play area in conference room three. That’s where we decided to move the movie night to.”
“How about lunch?” Bree asked before moving away. “I mean, if you’re not busy.”
“Lunch is great. How about I grab it from the kitchen and we eat in my suite?” She tipped her head toward Tex. “He’ll be checking on the construction and remodeling, like he does every day at that time.”
“Great. I’ll see you there.” With a smile on her face, Bree strolled back to the main building.
“I thought we’d spend the day together to make up for the lack of attention, and you go brushing me off.” Tex kept a straight face, but the link between them gave him away only a split-second before the smile tugged up the corners of his lips. “Don’t look at me that way.”
“What do you mean?” She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her. “Maybe I should drop my shields and show you how I’m planning to spend the next few hours.”
“How’s that?”
“Upstairs.” She jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. “I want you.”
“What am I, your sexual plaything?” His hands cupped her ass, holding her against him.
“Don’t play like you don’t want this.” She snatched his cowboy hat off his head and put it on her own. “We’ve both spent the last few days focused on the clan. You in meetings, getting things lined up, and me getting to know the members, as well as getting to know the resort. I learned that Manetka is the Polish word for shifter, and I know we’re going to make this a safe haven for our kind again. It’s starting to feel like home. Right now, I don’t care about any of that. I just want to feel you. Feel your naked body pressed against mine, your manhood buried deep inside me until I scream your name. Tex, I need you.”
“Mate, you always have me.” Holding her wrapped around his body, he walked toward the elevator.
Mate. She’d never wanted to be mated to an Elder, but Tex was different. He was everything she wanted in a man and more. The power and authority that rolled off his body didn’t scare her as it had at first. Now it excited her. “I love you, Tex.”
“Shit, Carleen.” When they stepped into the elevator, he pressed her against the wall. “I’ve been waiting for you to say those words. I could feel your emotions, but it’s not the same thing as hearing it.”
“I love you.” Before he could say anything, she pressed her lips to his, claiming his mouth. She hoped the elevator would make it to the tenth floor before they lost control of themselves. It had been too long and their beasts were too demanding. They weren’t going to last long. Once, the thought of someone finding them in the elevator might have bothered her. Now, she wasn’t worried. She just wanted him. Her mate.
Alpha Claimed
Alaskan Tigers Book Thirteen
As the new Alpha of the Ohio Tigers, Korbin, has his work cut out for him. The small clan size and numerous threats leave him with few options. Rather than merge with another Alpha, he fights to give them a brighter future. By making his clan a haven for those escaping enemy Alphas, he ensures it would grow in size and strength, but will this bring its own set of problems? Then, when his mate shows up, he never suspects the biggest obstacle he’d have to overcome is a human sheriff right in town.
Years ago, Layla Cole’s father promised her hand in marriage to the town’s sheriff. For nearly a year, she allowed him to court her but as her twentieth birthday looms, she realizes she can’t go through with it. She might have gone through with the wedding were her father still alive, but he died at the very hands of the man she’s supposed to marry, leaving only hatred flowing through her veins for him. Not going through with t
he arrangement puts her sister’s life in jeopardy. Somehow, she must find a way to keep them both safe.
Battered and wounded, Layla turns to the only people who might protect her against the sheriff. She wants simply to get out of town, but finds way more than that: a chance at true happiness. Can she survive the battle between sheriff and shifter, or will she end up losing the only thing she’s ever wanted? Will Korbin’s duty to keep his mate safe doom his clan? Finding balance between responsibility and love has never proved so challenging.
Chapter One
The list of differences between Ohio and Alaska were too numerous for Korbin to list. He believed he was happy in Alaska, now he realized there had been something missing, something he hadn’t known about. The challenges he had been obliged to face in Ohio forced him to grow, not only as a person, but as an Alpha. Maybe beyond anyone’s expectations, he flourished. The clan was starting to grow, which gave them strength they’d need to survive. Every day was looking brighter than the last. While he couldn’t take all the credit, this was mostly due to his devotion and effort toward uniting them.
Rolling his neck, he tried to push his tiger back in its confines within him and stared out the window at the construction zone that would soon become their new home. Weeks—that was how long it would take to put the past behind them. When they moved into the new building, they’d set this place ablaze and burn the last shred of evidence of the former Alpha’s existence. He wasn’t sure who was more anxious to destroy this place: he or the members. As if brought to life by his thoughts, Sparks’ woody scent drifted toward him, bringing a smile to his lips. “Speak of the Devil.”
“Sir?” Sparks halted, stopping midstride. “I um…”
“You’re not in trouble.” He turned, allowing Sparks to see the grin stretched across his face. “I was thinking about your suggestion of burning this place to the ground. It’s going to be a bonfire to put all others to shame.”
“If that’s what my Alpha wishes, we’ll be sure to deliver.”
As quickly as it came, the smile disappeared and his mood darkened. The clan had come so far since he had taken over, but moments like this reminded him they had been stifled for so long, they had no idea what a normal clan should be like. They had been required to adjust to the changes he had brought with him. While there had been some complaints at first, most of them realized he was moving them in a better direction, one that would bring life back to their compound. Still, there were times when they seemed uncertain of him, acting just as Sparks had. Seeing them like this, as if waiting for him to snap at them, made his beast want to beat the shit out of the bastard who’d put the fear into them.
“We’ll do whatever pleases you, Alpha.”
The soft voice brought his attention to Sparks’ sister, Rachel, who stood a few steps behind. With her head dipped in submission, her honey brown hair hid her face from view, but he could see the slight tremble of her shoulders as she waited for the outburst she had grown used to most of her life.
“How about remembering I’m not him? Haven’t I’ve proven it time and time again?” He forced his tiger back enough to keep the growl out of his voice. “Forget it. I know it takes time; it’s just…”
“What? Just what?” Without raising her head, Rachel glanced at him.
“You’re concerned opening the compound to others is going to cause issues.” Sparks’ gaze met Korbin’s as if he understood.
“It will if everyone isn’t ready for what we’re inviting into our home.” Korbin’s tiger pressed against the confines, demanding to be set free, wanting to run—as if that would solve anything. “Weeks. That’s what we have left, and are we ready? I don’t think so.”
“Was Texas ready when Manetka Resort opened again? Were the members sure where they stood with their Alpha?” Rachel questioned, no longer looking down at the floor in front of her.
“It’s different with them.” He dragged his hand through his hair, tugging it away from his face, ready to yank out the strands. He had been so focused on the clan, he hadn’t taken the time to get his hair cut. The curly locks had grown out of control. “Tex was one of them. They knew him before he became their Alpha. He protected them from Avery—they knew he was different. You didn’t know me before…” His words trailed off. They didn’t speak of the previous Alpha. They never said his name because he was nothing to them now.
“You’ve proved yourself to us, too.” She took a step forward, coming closer to her brother. “Twenty-one years of living under his control, trained from birth how to act around him, and now, this new life is so different. It’s going to take time for all of us to adjust but don’t doubt we’re trying. It’s harder for some but everyone is trying to please you.”
“That’s just it, Rachel.” He straightened, coming away from the window and walking toward her. “Everyone tries so hard to please me, treating me like I’m their king or something.”
“You’re our Alpha,” Sparks reasoned.
He didn’t know how to explain it. There was a difference between how they treated him versus how the Alaskan Tigers treated Ty. Somehow, he needed to explain it to his members. Otherwise, he’d always find himself frustrated with the situation. His clan was small but he couldn’t load them onto a plane and take them to Alaska to show them. He had to come up with another way. It was a problem he’d have to face later as he had too much on his plate right now. He glanced at the clock and realized Sparks should be in the gym, not in his temporary office. “What brought you up here anyways?”
“It’s my fault.” Standing next to her brother, Rachel shifted her weight from foot to foot, clearly uncomfortable. “I…um…”
“Sir,” Sparks picked up where his sister was unable to continue. “We have an issue and I need permission to find someone to fill in for my shift this evening.”
“What issue?”
“Um…” Rachel sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and snuck a look at her brother.
“Tell me.” Whenever possible, he tried to approach the members with patience but he was quickly growing tired of this charade. If there was an issue that brought danger to the members, he needed to know about it so he could deal with it. The last thing they needed was another problem placing the clan in harm’s way.
“It’s my fault, really,” she said again. Stepping away from her brother, she did her best to make sure Korbin’s attention was on her. “Each week we go into town for supplies and I sort of friended the cashier. Since the order’s called in and is ready when we arrive, she already knew where we’re from, and now she’s here.”
“What do you mean she’s here?” Korbin kept his voice calm, while inside his tiger raged that an innocent human had showed up near the compound. What if she saw something she shouldn’t? Trusting a human could be dangerous for the clan but it could be downright deadly for the human. Things were too uncertain to risk anyone who didn’t stand a chance against another of their kind.
“A couple of weeks ago Rachel intervened between the human and a man,” Sparks explained.
“You know better than to get involved with a human’s problems. You risked everything we have here by bringing attention to us.” Korbin’s tiger rose within him, angry that she’d jeopardized everything he was working so hard to put back together.
“He almost killed the woman,” Sparks said. “I understand your anger but if we hadn’t intervened, she’d be dead. Going to the police wasn’t an option. We did what we could to help her. Would you have been able to stand aside knowing what would happen to her?”
Fuck! Sparks knew Korbin well enough to guess his answer to the question. Rather than reply, though, he leaned back against the edge of his desk and crossed his ankles in front of him. “What does this have to do with why you’re unable to fulfill your guard duties this evening?”
“She arrived in rough shape. She needs medical treatment and I must get her somewhere safe. It’s going to take a few hours.”
“Where is she now?” He h
ad visions of her roaming the compound alone and stumbling upon a tiger, or overhearing something she shouldn’t.
“She’s with Kasar in the guardhouse. I refused to allow her into the compound without permission.” His gaze shifted toward his sister.
“Help her.” Rachel inched forward.
“Enough.” Sparks wrapped his hand around her bicep, pulling her back to his side. “We spoke about this.”
“She’s bleeding and the hospital is forty minutes away.” Rachel shifted to the side so she could look at her brother. “What if she doesn’t make it?”
His gaze traveled over the siblings, debating his next move. Sparks had proven himself enough over the past several weeks that Korbin was considering the young man’s position within the clan. He seemed a likely choice to move up the ranks—just how far was still in question. He was running out of time before he had to have everything in order. In just two weeks’ time, he’d lose three of his best guards, when they’d return home to West Virginia. Jinx had been kind enough to loan him guards to help keep him and the clan safe, but it was now time for them to learn to stand on their own two feet.
It’s time I start trusting those around me. With that, he glanced back at Sparks, cutting him off from whatever he was whispering to his sister. “How bad are her injuries?”
Alaskan Tigers Box Set 3 Page 28
