by Terra Wolf
21
Gavin
I listened to every word Harrison said. I couldn’t believe it. We were headed back to Seattle this morning. I told him about the attack last night from the Marconi family, but I failed to mention the fact that I was now a happily mated bear. We’d talk about that later. It didn’t seem like the right time to bring it up.
I turned from the view of the harbor as the bedroom door opened, and Tasha stood in front of me, wearing that tiny T-shirt.
“Good morning.” I crossed the room, pulling her into my arms.
The purple in her eyes gleamed. “Good morning.”
“You aren’t exactly dressed.” I eyed her ass peeking out from the hem of the shirt.
“What? You don’t like this?”
I smiled. “Love it, but it’s not exactly going to be acceptable in court.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I just got off the phone with Harrison. They’re ready for you to come in.” I grabbed her by the shoulders. “We’re headed to Seattle.”
I didn’t expect the fear in her eyes or the way she retreated from my arms. “No. No. I can’t go.”
“Of course you can. You’re going to put this nightmare behind you and put those bastards away for life.”
She shook her head. “I need more time.” She walked into the bedroom, grabbing clothes off the floor and from the bathroom. “It’s too soon.”
“Slow down. Hold on.” I stopped her as she shoved a pair of jeans in her bag. “Take a breath. This is a good thing.”
“I-I—”
“What?”
“I want more of this. Just a little while longer.” She looked at me. “I’ve never had someone. I’m not ready to go back and give that up. Please, can’t we just go somewhere and hide out longer? I need more of you. More of us.”
“Okay, so here’s how the I-claimed-you-last-night thing goes.” I looked her square in the eye. “You’re mine forever. Not just last night. Not just today. Forever, babe. We’ll get through the hearing together. I’ll be with you through all of it.”
She leaned her head on my shoulder. “I’m not used to counting on anyone.”
“I know you’re not. But you have me now. Whether we’re in Seattle or Tacoma or back at the cabin, it’s you and me. Purest isn’t coming near you, and I’m sure as hell not handing you over to that mobster who calls himself your uncle.”
She giggled. “He would not appreciate that.”
“I don’t care what in the hell he thinks. You’re my mate.” I kissed her, brushing my lips over her mouth until she slipped her tongue inside. Her arms wrapped around my neck.
“Oh, no, no.” I tried to pry her off of me. “We’ve got to get in the car. They’re expecting us to prepare you for your testimony.”
Her eyes flared. “And I’m not leaving until I get what I want.”
“And what’s that?”
Her shirt landed on the floor. “Some more time with your bear.” Her eyes lit with mischief and I knew this girl was going to kill me, as I leaned in for another kiss.
22
Tasha
We were only an hour away from the city. I felt different. I didn’t know how to describe it other than there was a peacefulness surging through me when Gavin was near, but the instant he touched me, it turned into a raging flame of desire. I’d never wanted anyone so badly or so many times. The mate bond we shared was beyond anything I could have imagined. I hadn’t asked him yet if it felt the same for him. But by the way he responded to everything I asked, I guessed it did.
I’d spent my life as part of a mob family, as the only shifter. I’d always searched for another tiger clan, thinking that was the key to my happiness. Another tiger would complete me. Gavin’s fingers tangled through mine. I had been wrong about so many things. It was this man. This bear that gave me everything I wanted.
“Harrison said they’ll be waiting for us at the back entrance. You’ll have a security detail inside the courthouse until we can get you in front of the grand jury.” He squeezed my hand.
“Okay. I’m fine. Seriously. I want to put an end to this nightmare.”
“And you will.”
“Those assholes are going to pay for what they did to us.”
Gavin looked over at me. “I don’t know if I know anyone as strong as you. You’re going to kick ass in there.”
It felt good to have someone in my corner. To have someone believe in me. He didn’t see me as a victim. Gavin looked at me as a survivor. It made me love him even more.
“Do you want me to go in with you?” he offered. “I’ll sit in the back with Harrison.”
I had thought about it. I’d never told him about what happened to me at Purest. He only knew bits and pieces from the nightmares.
“I don’t want you to hear about it like this.” I hesitated. “But I want to tell you. I want you to know. I don’t want secrets between us. And as much as I hate it, that kidnapping is a part of who I am. I think it’s a conversation we need to have over a bottle of wine. Maybe two.”
“When you’re ready, babe.”
I nodded. I knew that was soon. I wanted all of it in my past.
We pulled up behind the courthouse, and Harrison was waiting outside with more security guards than I wanted to count. They rushed to my side of the Jeep.
Gavin squeezed my hand. “I’ll be right outside the grand jury door.”
The door was opened by one of the cops, and I knew I had to get out of the car and walk inside. It was time. Gavin looked at me, his eyes full of pride and love. I didn’t think he would make a bold move in front of all his peers, but he reached behind my neck, tugging me close to him, his lips hovering over mine.
“I love you, tiger. You’ve got this.”
I smiled. “I know.”
I thought I heard a shocked inhale around the Jeep and Harrison mumbled something under his breath as I climbed out.
“Right this way, ma’am.” One of the guards pointed me toward the back entrance.
Harrison greeted me. “Looks like Gavin and I have some catching up to do.” He grinned.
“Just tell me what to expect for the testimony.”
“Right. Of course.” He cleared his throat, returning to business. “This is only a formality. We’re seeking indictments on all members of Purest, Inc. And with your testimony we’re going to get them.”
“Okay, do I tell them everything?”
“Only answer what questions they ask. Give details, but don’t go overboard.”
I nodded. “And then it’s all over?”
“Yep. There’s no way they’ll get bail. They’ll be behind bars, and with any luck, they’ll drag out the trial. You’ll be free.”
I closed my eyes, feeling my shoulders relax. Free. Free to be with Gavin. Free from the Marconis. I didn’t even know what that felt like. I was scared to let myself imagine it. Scared to believe it was possible that out of this nightmare could come the greatest gift of my life. But he was real. This was real.
I heard the outside door close behind me and I whipped around to see Gavin walking toward us. He kissed me on the forehead.
“Good luck in there.”
“You can do better than that,” I taunted. And in front of Harrison and the twelve cops waiting for me to enter the courtroom, I planted the biggest, most passionate kiss on Gavin’s lips.
His arms wrapped around my waist, and I almost lost my breath while his lips moved over mine.
“Shit, guys,” Harrison whispered. “This is a fucking courthouse.”
“Sorry.” I peeled myself off my mate.
“I’ll be right outside, the whole time,” he added. “Not leaving. Nope. Right here in this chair.” He pointed next to the door.
“Okay.” I inhaled deeply. This was it.
Harrison patted Gavin on the shoulder. “We’re talking after this.”
“I figured.” Gavin smirked.
23
Gavin
I didn’t wa
nt to keep checking my phone for the time, but that’s what I did. She had been in there for four hours with no break. I strained to hear through the wooden doors, but even my shifter hearing couldn’t distinguish the mumbles of the judges.
I tried not to make guesses about whether this was a bad sign. I didn’t usually hang out for this part of the process. I tracked the bad guy. Brought in the bad guy. And left. But I was here for the entire ride this time. I wasn’t leaving Tasha.
That tiger had turned my world upside down and right side up.
The door creaked and I jumped to my feet. It was only Harrison.
“What the hell is happening in there? Why is it taking so long? How’s Tasha?”
“She’s holding her own. She’s tough.” He sat in the chair next to mine. “I didn’t expect it to go on this long. They’re being thorough, that’s for sure.”
I leaned my elbows on my knees. “Is she okay?”
Harrison looked at me. “Should I be asking if you’re okay?”
“Of course. Things are different, you could say.”
“The entire precinct saw you make out with a witness you’re supposed to be protecting. I’d say they’re different.” His eyes were unrelenting.
“She’s not just some witness.”
“Really? Then what is she?” he asked.
“It took us both by surprise, okay? But she’s my mate. We’re together.”
“Holy shit.” He shook his head.
I didn’t have to explain myself to him or anyone. What was between Tasha and me was our bond. I knew that. “Well, it’s not going to be a problem, because she’ll finish testifying and then she’ll be safe.” I dug my elbows deeper into my knees.
“I did not see this coming.” Harrison still looked stunned.
“Neither did I.” I smiled. It had hit us both out of nowhere, but now, with that tiger in my life, I couldn’t imagine living without her.
“I should have given Buchanen her detail.”
I punched him in the arm. “Glad you didn’t.” I grinned.
“I better get back in there.” He rose from the seat. “I don’t know how much longer it’s going to be.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ll wait.”
He disappeared inside the grand jury room and I leaned my head against the wall. I’d wait as long as I had to. I had made more than one promise to Tasha. It didn’t matter if they were promises about keeping a dinner date or vowing my life to her—they were all equally important to my bear. Taking her as my mate had triggered something in me that I had been missing. It awakened a thirst to love her with every ounce of strength I had.
* * *
Another hour passed before the doors opened again. Tasha walked out looking exhausted. She ran into my arms, and I held her against my chest, rubbing her back.
“I never thought I’d get out of there.”
“You okay?”
She nodded into the crook of my arm. “Yes, but I’m starving. Can we get dinner?”
I looked at the army of officers that had formed around us. If there had been any question about us before, it was gone now. They all looked at me as if I was the professor sleeping with his hot student. I’d never live this down.
“What do you say, boys? Can we get her some food?”
Harrison strolled toward us. “Tonight, you’re staying in the local safe house until the grand jury rules. It’s just precautionary. How about we have some food delivered?”
“Sounds good.” Tasha smiled. “Do they deliver wine?”
“Whatever you want,” he offered.
I shuttled her toward the door. “Thanks, Harrison.”
“No problem. I’ll call you as soon as I hear the verdict on indictment.”
Tasha leaned against me as we walked outside. I could feel her relying on me. I could feel how much she needed me. And I felt the trust between us.
“How about after we eat, we have a hot bubble bath?” I closed the passenger side of the Jeep.
“They have a bathtub at the safe house?” she asked.
“You’ll see.” I winked.
“How about we skip the bubble bath and you do that thing with your tongue that makes me purr?”
I almost ran into the cop car escorting us to the house. I pushed on the brakes.
“If that’s what you want after dinner.” My cock grew hard just thinking of all the things my tongue could do to her naked body.
She shook her head. “Before dinner.”
If she needed something to distract her until we got the verdict in, then I was her man. I’d do whatever it took.
24
Tasha
It turned out the safe house was a former billionaire drug lord’s mansion that the Seattle PD had converted last year after a massive drug raid. Gavin said it was loaded with high security, already paid off, and not the typical safe house, making it the perfect place to house witnesses.
I marveled at the art and the ornate fixtures. I thought one of the toilets was actually made from gold.
“This is practically a palace.” I looked up at the domed ceiling, which let bits of moonlight in.
“Pretty insane, right?” He was busy typing codes into the security system, where a panel of twenty different TV screens came to life.
“Have you ever stayed here before?” Suddenly I had a jealous streak, thinking about Gavin protecting previous witnesses. Just how many damsels in distress had fallen for my big bear?
“Nope.” He turned from the panel. “My first time.”
“Why didn’t we just come here to begin with?”
“It was in use,” he explained.
“Oh.” I walked into another large room. Each one seemed bigger than the last.
I felt his hands on my shoulders. “Want to see the master suite?”
“If you think we can find our way back down.” The place was a maze. There was even an elevator.
Gavin pushed open the double French doors at the top of the stairs. I started to step inside. “Wait, wait.”
He scooped me up in his strong arms, kicking the doors closed behind us before carrying me to the biggest bed I’d ever seen. The posts were gilded in gold, and when I looked up, I saw a painting of the sky on the ceiling.
“You had a request,” he growled, as he unfastened the top button on my dress.
My body was fatigued. My brain was a pile of mush from hours of testimony, but this was the one thing that would put me back together.
His hand slid under my dress until he landed on my panties. They came sliding down my legs and I let out a sigh.
He unfastened another button, letting the fabric fall to the side, exposing my bra. He shoved the dress up to my hips and lowered himself between my legs.
I moaned when I felt the heat of his tongue run along my hipbone.
“Was it something like that?” he asked.
“Oh, yes.” My hands grasped the thousand thread count sheets as his tongue dipped further.
“I know you’re tired, baby, but you’re going to have to spread your legs for me.”
I felt the wetness seep between my legs as I let my knees fall to the side. Gavin’s tongue began exploring between my folds, lapping generously, and dipping inside my entrance with certain rhythm. I cooed as he brought my orgasm closer to the surface. His tongue circled my clit and dove inside again. My hips bucked toward his face. The exhaustion had left and the fire raging under my skin took over.
“More,” I begged.
He licked harder, back and forth, while I rocked with abandon. He continued to fuck me with his tongue while I unleashed myself. Purring, screaming, moaning, until finally, I came in wave after wave against his tongue.
He licked straight to my stomach, grinning widely. “Feel any better?”
“You’re fucking amazing.” My head rolled back.
The doorbell rang. “Don’t move,” he ordered. “That’s dinner.”
I sat up on my elbows. “And wine?”
He laug
hed. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring up the wine.”
I collapsed back on the bed, letting the calmness wash over me. If this was how the rest of my life was going to be, I was one lucky tiger.
25
Gavin
“Since when did you start delivering food?” I stared at Harrison. His hands were empty. I looked for a delivery bag or box.
“It’s not dinner. It’s bad news.”
I held the door for him as he crossed over the threshold.
“What kind of bad news?” I didn’t like the look on his face. In all the years we had worked together, I knew that expression wasn’t a good sign.
“We’re fucked. The grand jury didn’t indict.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” My voice echoed in the marble foyer. “You said Tasha’s testimony was a formality. This case was solid.”
“And it should have been.”
“This isn’t possible. You infiltrated them. You have evidence,” I growled. I knew it wasn’t Harrison’s fault. He had given up weeks of his life to take down Purest. He had to be seething with anger. If anything, I was just as mad for him. He had given everything to this case.
“What now?” I asked. “What am I supposed to do with this information?”
“You need to take her and get out of town.”
“That’s it? We run?”
Harrison sat on the spiral staircase. “Purest is free. The Marconis are free. You’d better get the hell out of here before they start seeking revenge. Before, Tasha was a mark to keep her mouth shut. Now, they’re going to want to punish her.”
My heart pounded, throbbing loudly in my ears. “Where? When? How long do I need to keep her away?”
“You’re safe here tonight. I’ve posted extra security, but you need to leave in the morning.”
“And where exactly are we supposed to go? The cabin’s been compromised. So has my buddy’s place. I’m out of safe houses, man.”
