As his fingers wrapped around the door handle, gunshots rang out. His bear wanted to fling open the door and rush to his parent’s aid. While the human side could remember his father’s warning: whatever happens, your priority is keeping Evie safe. He couldn’t very well protect his sister if he was dead.
As another gunshot echoed through the house Evie let out a startled cry. It was soft enough no one upstairs heard it, but Frost had.
“Let’s go!” a man ordered as heavy footsteps rushed toward the door.
“One more family, and we can move on from this town,” another one bragged.
The thought of another family going through what just happened here made Frost’s bear snarl within him. He debated going after the men, tearing their limbs from their bodies. If his parents lost against them, he didn’t stand a chance, especially without a plan. More importantly if he was killed, what would happen to Evie?
Opening the basement door, the horrid scent of blood and death slammed into him. Rather than taking his time, ensuring the men had vacated the area, he went through the door and quickly turned the corner that led to the living room. There, in the middle of the hallway, his father laid, a gunshot through the chest as blood rushed from the cavity. Even with a shifter’s unique healing capabilities there was no recovering from that injury.
He dropped to his knees next to his father. “Dad.”
“Evie?” Dad’s eyes fluttered open, staring up at him.
“She’s safe.” Taking his father’s hand, he reassured him. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s okay.”
“Keep her safe.” He clutched Frost’s hand. “The lake cabin…stocked. Go!” Blood trickled down from the corner of his lip.
“Dad…” He let go of his father’s hand and grabbed his shoulder, shaking him gently. It was too late. His father was gone. His vision tinted red with rage. He turned toward the rest of the room, where he knew he’d find his mother. He already knew she was gone too, but he had to see it. Had to confirm the one thing he already knew: he was too late.
Chapter Twelve
Minutes dragged by as Alicia sat there unable to pull Frost back from whatever nightmare he was reliving. She ran her hand over his arm, gently caressing him, but it didn’t seem to make a difference. His muscles were tight, and his gaze was unfocused as he lived in a hell she couldn’t see.
“Frost.” Not wanting to startle him, she kept her voice low. “Come back to me.”
“I should have been here. I should have been able to save you.” His tone held a rawness to it, almost as if his animal was edging toward the surface.
“Save me?” She wasn’t sure what he meant. He did save her. Still something told her it was more. Something from his past was pulling him back into the depths of Hell. “Shh, Frost, you did everything you could.”
“Not enough.” A growl shook his body, making her freeze.
There’s nothing to fear. He’s not going to hurt me. Even as she repeated those words, her heart raced until the beat seemed to overpower any other sound. She forced herself to take in a deep breath in order to calm down. “Everything is okay.”
“Evie…”
His voice calmed the unease within her, and she leaned closer, wrapping her arm around him. “She’s fine. Remember she’s helping Taber in the cockpit. Everything is okay. You’ve kept her safe, and you’re doing an amazing job with her. Come on, why don’t we go up there and see her?”
Silence was the only answer she received. Come on Frost, I don’t know what memory you’re stuck in or how to bring you out of it. “Help me…” Her plea was more to herself than anything, but as she tipped her head against his shoulder, his body relaxed. “Frost?”
“Yeah?” His voice was rough, as if waking from a dream. “Are you okay?” he asked wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
“Me?” She let out a light chuckle. “I’m not the one I was worried about. What happened to you? It was like you weren’t really here.”
“Sorry, sugar.” He pulled back from her, rising from the bed before she could stop him.
“What happened? Where were you?”
“It’s nothing.” He dragged his hand through his hair and stepped further away from him.
“Liar.” Shaking her head, she rose from the bed and reached for the door. “When you want to be honest, feel free to find me. Otherwise…goodbye, Frost.” She pulled open the door and headed for her seat. Her heart in her throat as she turned away from whatever was developing between them.
She’d spent too long with a liar, and when he wasn’t lying, he sidestepped the truth in his words to protect her. No more. She wasn’t going to put up with it. Not from Frost or anyone.
It wasn’t like we could make this work anyways. We’re too different. It wasn’t just that he was a polar bear shifter, and she was human. He had other priorities, and he had to worry about Evie. He was just moving to Alaska, and she wasn’t even sure where she’d be in the coming days. Roxanne was dead, but there might still be a threat hanging over her head from Omar and the Washington D.C. Tigers. She couldn’t allow Frost to risk himself when he had to be there to raise Evie.
Once she arrived in Alaska, she’d pull Brooklynn aside and see what she could do to end the threat to her. Maybe Brooklynn, her mate, or even her Alpha would have an idea how to fix things quickly. When it was safe, Alicia could find somewhere to start over again.
Seems so simple, but I have a feeling it’s going to be anything but easy. Either way, I’m going to find a way to do it. The sooner I can fix this, the sooner I get some distance from Frost.
Confused Frost stood in the bedroom staring at the door Alicia had strolled through moments before. How had things taken such a sudden turn? Explaining they were mates had gone better than he expected, and then everything seemed to turn on its head. He went from sitting next to his mate, to living a past nightmare. It had been a long time since he had such a vivid flashback, drawing him away from the present and sucking him back into the attack on his family.
Finding his mate had the past rearing its ugly head again. If he didn’t make peace with what happened, he was bound to do something to screw this up more than he already had. Yet, he didn’t know how to move past the decisions he made and their consequences, impacting not only his life, but Evie’s. He made the decision to go to Evie, to make sure she was somewhere safe, before aiding his parents. That decision cost his parents their lives. If he’d have come through the front door, charging at the men, he might have been able to save them. He might have lost his life, but Evie would still have her Mom and Dad.
He knew nothing about raising a young girl. So far, he was fumbling his way through it, and for the most part doing okay. He’d made mistakes, but nothing disastrous, at least not yet. Only things were going to get more uncertain as she neared her first transition. As her beast neared the surface, pushing forward until finally springing free, she would grow moodier.
Finding his mate, he’d hoped would give him some extra support as he battled the coming years. A human? What did she know about raising a shifter? Less than him. At least they could fumble their way through it together. Maybe they could use their skills to help each other. Alicia knew more about being a female than he did. Which should be able to help Evie.
She was sent to me now for a reason. Maybe she’s what I need now. Either way we’re mates, and we’ll make it work.
Chapter Thirteen
Standing on the tarmac in the early morning light, Frost was stunned by what he saw. He knew the Alaskan Tigers had a compound, but with a little more than forty members, he expected it to be smaller. Instead it was expansive. Their little town was spread out instead of being cluttered together. The large building housing the Elders, meeting space, dining hall, and more stood in the center, with two stories it was larger than the other buildings. Not far from it was the dome, he knew from talking to Brooklynn before they landed that’s where the training happened whenever the weather wasn’t suit
able. The rest of the buildings were mostly cabins or a long building made up of studio apartments for single members.
“This place is huge.” Evie slipped her hand into his and pressed herself tighter to his side, the unease seeping from her. Frost squeezed her hand, but before he could speak, Brooklynn came up to her other side.
“Don’t worry, you’ll feel at home sooner than you’d believe.” Brooklynn placed her hand on Evie’s shoulder. “I was here a few days before I felt as if I was part of the family. I have no doubt you will too.”
“While your brother meets with Ty, why don’t you come with me?” Taber leaned down so he was more at her level. “My brother Theodore should be down by the creek in bear form. You can see what a real bear is like. You might not know this, but Kodiak bears are real bears; we’re nothing like you water bears.”
“Daddy always said polar bears were the best because we could survive in the coldest temperatures, walk on land, and swim in the ocean. You might be bigger, but even I can out swim you.” Evie put her hands on her hips and met Taber’s gaze.
“Now that’s not fair.” Taber’s eyes widened, as if horrified at her comment. “You haven’t even shifted yet, and you’re challenging me to a swim match.”
“We’re outstanding swimmers. I took to it like a fish out of water. Right, Frosty?” She glanced up at her brother.
“You did.” He smiled down at her. “Why don’t you go with Taber, let him introduce you around. I’ll find you when I’m done meeting with the Alpha.”
“Okay.” She turned back to Taber. “Is your brother as friendly as you?”
“He’s a teddy bear.” Taber nodded.
“Jinx, the Alpha of the West Virginia Tigers, has a little girl in his care, and she calls Theodore her Teddy,” Styx added with a lighthearted laugh. “If Claire took to him so easily, you will have no problems with him. He’s nicer than Taber.”
“Go ahead. I’ll meet the Elders, and then I’ll find you.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” She nodded at Taber. “Let’s do this.”
Frost’s bear bristled within him as he watched them stroll off. After having Evie in sight for the last few years, leaving her twice in a few hours had him uneasy. It was only the start of what the future held, and he had to find a way to get used to it.
She’ll have Alicia to watch over her. He wasn’t sure where that thought had come from. Alicia was pissed at him, so much so he could feel the rage drilling holes in his back as she stood closer to the plane, waiting for direction. He wanted to go to her, to say something to make it right, but he couldn’t find the words. He shut down, refusing to let her into the memories for her own good. It wasn’t logical. If they completed the mating, she’d see it as his beast imprinted on her soul. She’d know he failed his parents.
How will she ever accept me as her mate after she knows the truth?
“There she is.” Brooklynn turned glancing back to Alicia. “Robin here will show you where you’ll be staying. I’m sure Ty will want to meet with you later, but while he’s meeting with Frost, you might as well settle in.”
“Um…okay.”
His bear clawed at his insides, demanding he ease the uncertainty in Alicia. Instead he forced himself to stand firmly in place. If he turned to her now, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going to her, pulling her into his arms, and telling her anything she wanted to know.
“Hi, Alicia.” A woman with long curly brown hair strolled past Frost, heading toward Alicia. “Tabitha thought you might feel more comfortable with another human rather than a big burly shifter.”
“I’m going to find my Catnip.” Styx glanced toward Frost. “Get settled and spend some time with Evie, because tomorrow your training starts. Tomorrow morning, five o’clock in the dome. We’ll go over a few things before the group session at six.”
“I’ll be there.” Frost nodded.
“Come on.” Brooklynn strolled toward the large two-story building in front of them, when Frost didn’t move, she glanced back at him over her shoulder. “Are you planning to stand there all day?”
“Sorry.” Pulling himself back to the present, he caught up with Brooklynn as he mentally cursed himself for being preoccupied with Alicia. Mating screwed with every shifter. The timing couldn’t be worse. He needed to be focused on proving himself to Brooklynn and her team. As much as he wanted to find his mate before, now he was questioning it. Maybe he didn’t need a mate, not then, maybe not ever. He couldn’t stand the idea she might be horrified when she learned of his failures.
If he couldn’t help his family, how could he ever be expected to protect a mate?
Over Robin’s shoulder, Alicia watched Frost as he strolled away to meet with the Elders. He didn’t even bother glancing back at her. No words exchanged since she walked out of the plane’s bedroom, he hadn’t even looked in her direction. Had his thoughts been on her as hers centered on him? They barely knew each other, but the lack of acknowledgement still stung. She didn’t expect to become the center of his world, even if they were supposed to be mates or whatever, but she expected more from him than she received. He shut her out without even an explanation or an apology.
How long would it have been before he told me we were supposed to be mates if it hadn’t been for Evie? That was another question plaguing her. From what she gathered, he’d known since the cabin in New York, yet he didn’t say anything. Evie had been the one who let it slip, forcing him to tell her the truth. If I even received all the truth. Maybe there’s more he’s hiding from me. No, not maybe. I know there’s more.
Alvin’s words echoed through her thoughts. You need to claim your mate before he sends more after her. He’d known, too. Everyone knew but her. A human surrounded by shifters kept in the dark. That’s what she was.
“I’ve made a mistake.”
“About what?” Robin questioned.
She glanced at the other woman and shook her head. “I shouldn’t be here.”
“I remember thinking that, too.” She shot Alicia a heartfelt smile. “Trust me, it’s the best place to be. I don’t know your circumstances, but you’re safe here. And from what I gathered from the way you were watching him, there’s even more reason to stay.”
“Doubt that.” Alicia let out a deep sigh. “If anything, it’s more reason to leave.”
“Give it time.” Robin tipped her head toward the rest of the compound. “Let me show you where you can stay, and when Ty’s finished with Frost, you can talk to the Elders. If you really want to leave, I’m sure he’ll help you. He can arrange for you to go to one of the other clans, somewhere safe instead of you being out there by yourself.”
“I don’t know if I should—”
“You should come with me. You can get a shower, put a new bandage on your wound, change into clean clothes, and I’ll get you a hot meal. Once you’re clean and fed then decide what you want to do.”
She glanced down at herself. Her gray dress slacks and blue sweater were covered in dirt, blood, and who knows what else. Her pant leg was ripped where Frost needed access to the gunshot wound. Realizing she was a complete mess, she nodded reluctantly. “Okay.”
“Good.” Robin started moving toward the long single-story building. “Many of the unmated tigers live in this building consisting of small studio apartments. You’ll have your own space, and no one will bother you if you want to be left alone. A group will collect your laundry twice a week and return it clean and folded the same day. I’m not sure of the days, but I’ll find out.”
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t have any clothes. Only what I’m wearing. At least until I can make a trip into town or something.”
“There’s a couple outfits and things I thought you might need waiting for you. They should hold you until we can make a trip into town, or you can order whatever you need online.” Robin turned to look at Alicia. “I came here under very similar circumstances. I was on the
run for several weeks before Adam found me. Turns out we were mates, too.”
“Too? Oh, you mean Frost. Yeah, I don’t think so. I think he’s wrong, or I don’t know…let’s just say it’s not going to work out.” Alicia turned away from Robin and focused on her surroundings. She didn’t want the other woman to see the pain she no doubt had written all over her face at the memory of what it was like to fall in love with a liar.
Seven years. That’s how long she had spent trying to please her ex in every possible way. Seven years Jack had lied to her, cheated on her, until it all caught up with him. He’d got her best friend pregnant and the house of cards he had built came crashing down around them. That was her wakeup call. In that moment, she realized she was worth more than how he treated her. She packed her bags and never looked back.
It’s different with Frost. She couldn’t explain the connection she had with him from their first touch. It was as if she had known him for years. She felt as if she knew him as well as she knew herself. It was insane. Maybe it was the mating, but without experiencing it before, she couldn’t be sure. All she knew was she was drawn to him. She craved his next touch, and since their fight, she felt a part of her heart had cracked.
This is insane. I don’t even know the man. More important, he’s shutting me out. I won’t be ignored. If I have a relationship with anyone it will be one where both of us are committed completely, no lying, and certainly no shutting the other one out of something that was obviously an issue.
All or nothing.
Chapter Fourteen
Even going without sleep for the last twenty-four hours, Alicia stared wide-eyed at the ceiling. She found herself restless, on edge and unable to sit still. Since arriving in Alaska, it had been a whirlwind but now that night had settled over the compound and she was tucked into her little apartment, she had hoped to find solace in sleep. Instead, she paced. Fourteen steps back and forth in the walkway dividing the bed from the small sitting area and kitchen. Pacing back and forth until she was sure there’d be a telltale sign in the carpet.
Alaskan Tigers Box Set 3 Page 48
