In case you didn’t guess, my gift was to know the future. I love you, Tabitha.
Love,
Your father
P.S. Ty, welcome to the family. Glad to have you as my son-in-law. If you were wondering, it’s why I picked you. I wanted someone who cared as much about her as I do, even if you didn’t know it at that time.
Tears were flowing freely down her face and she didn’t bother to wipe them away.
“He knew? He never let on.” Ty shook his head, as if he couldn’t believe what he read. He took a moment, gathering his thoughts before he tugged her tighter against him. “Are you all right? You don’t have to do this now.”
She wiped the moisture away with the sleeve of her shirt. “Yes, I’m fine. He loved me.”
He hugged her tighter to his body. “Yes, baby, he did, and he wanted the best for you.”
They spent hours going over the book. It consisted of spells, names of enemies, important dates in shifter history, and pretty much anything the Elders of Tabitha’s line thought might someday be useful to the tigress who would bring together all tigers. They wanted to pass on things they thought might be important.
When they got to what they believed was the end of the book, another hundred pages or so magically appeared. The first page read:
Tabitha and Ty have been chosen. Everything you read in the following pages has been sealed since the beginning of time and will only open for the chosen ones. It will walk you through bringing tiger shifters from around the world together. Whenever you need advice or think you’re missing something, come back to the book. It will know what you need and will show it to you.
Your first step is to return to Alaska. The safest place for you right now is with your clan. Tabitha, you need to meet and get to know your clan. From them you will choose three other tiger shifters to help you on your journey. We’ve chosen a number of good tigers you can select from. You’ll be able to tell them apart from the others by the gold aura around them. Other than the two of you, only Raja may know about any of this. Raja is your Lieutenant now and will remain once you unite the tigers. Once you’re in Alaska and have decided who you want as part of the chosen team, you’ll be told what to do next.
“I guess I should call Raja again and inform him there’s no need to send Leo and Thomas. We’ll leave for Alaska tomorrow if that’s all right with you. Getting you among your own kind before your transition will make things easier on you. I’ll have Raja make us reservations so we can rest.”
She nodded in agreement, still shocked. This is just too much. I went from being no one to someone pretty freaking special in such a short period.
Before he could call Raja, his cell started ringing from the side of the sofa. “Raja?” He answered, pausing to listen. “About that, I was just about to call you. There has been a change in plans. I can’t explain on the phone, but it’s safer if we come back to Alaska. I’ll explain everything when we get in.” He still had his arm wrapped around her back, holding her close.
“We’ll wait for Felix and catch a flight out of Cincinnati tomorrow night. Just to be safe, since we’re flying home, I don’t want to go back to Pittsburgh. Will you arrange for us to have three tickets waiting at the airport?”
There was a short pause. “I will deal with him when I get home. Confine him to one of the cells until I return. Thanks. We’ll see you tomorrow night.” With that, he hung up. “Everything is taken care of. But I’m starving. You?”
“Surprisingly, yes.”
“Raja says there’s a nearby town where we can get something to eat. There has to be some stores there where we can pick you up a few things you might need over the next few days. We can get everything else in Alaska. Want to go? Or do you want me to have Felix pick us up some dinner?”
“Let’s go. We should take the book with us. I don’t want to leave it here, just in case.” She went to grab her purse from the nightstand, and he placed the book back in his bag to put it in the trunk.
Chapter Ten
With night completely upon them, Tabitha stared out the window watching the world pass by on their way to the strip mall they’d passed on their way into town. She couldn’t help but wonder what might be lurking in the dark. Was Pierce out there waiting for their guard to fall? Or did they leave him behind in the city? Either way she knew it wouldn’t be the last time she saw him.
A deer stood just off the side of the road, having no care of the passing cars but it brought new wonders. How many other creatures were there she hadn’t known existed, waiting for her? She tried to push the thought from her mind because it was too much for her at the moment. Instead she turned to look at Ty.
“Dinner was delicious. Thank you.”
He took his gaze off the road for a moment to look her way. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I can’t remember the last time something tasted so enchanting. I haven’t been hungry the last few weeks, and whenever I ate, nothing tasted right.”
“I remember that part of the change. It was one of the worst things for me.”
“The raspberry cheesecake with chocolate sauce drizzled over the top…” She let out a moan as she remembered the flavor.
“I enjoyed watching you eat that. You savored every bite like it might be your last.” He slid the car into a parking spot and turned off the engine.
“What’s this place…Gibs?”
“Raja said it should have everything we need.” He grabbed the door handle. “Come on.”
When he grabbed a cart, she gave him a questioning look. “You’re going to need at least a few outfits to get you through until we’re settled in Alaska. We also need a suitcase, unless you wish to carry everything in your arms.”
“I don’t need much.”
“I can see you’re worried about money again. Don’t be.”
She’d always worried about money, having grown up the way she did. She wanted to make her money last, and she intended to get another job when she arrived in Alaska. She didn’t want to rely on the clan or the money her father had left her.
“Are you sure you can’t read minds?” She frowned, disconcerted.
“I think if I had that gift, I would know. You’re just easy to read sometimes. Like I told you before, there’s no need to worry about it. Everything your father had went to the clan, and now it’s yours. Even if you didn’t go through the change, there’s still a bank account set up in your name from him. You’ll have everything you need. Your father’s investments did very well, but why wouldn’t they since he could see into the future? Let’s get what you need. I’d like to have you to myself for a little while longer if we can make it back before Felix gets there.”
She looked at the vast selection of clothes in dismay. No wonder I hate shopping. There’s just too much to choose from. For a moment, she almost wished she was back in her apartment.
“You better get warm things. Alaska isn’t the wet cold you’re used to, but it’s still downright frigid.”
She grabbed a couple of sweaters and turtlenecks before moving over to the jeans.
“Just a suggestion, because I have heard women like to know what to dress for when packing. The clan knows their Alpha Female will be arriving tomorrow, and they’re planning a party for the next evening. You might want something dressy to wear. I saw a beautiful dress around this display that you might like.” He disappeared, leaving her no choice but to follow.
“Why are they having a party so soon? Why not later, once I’m settled?”
“We should be thankful it’s the next night and not tomorrow after we arrive. The clan is full of excitement to meet you. They want to welcome you home in style, it’s our way. Only because Raja explained the time difference and what has happened was the clan willing to be swayed into moving the celebration to the following night. When we arrive home, you’ll still have to come with me to greet our Guards and Raja.”
He held up the dress he’d mentioned. It was beautiful, a white sweetheart-cut
dress, form-fitting to the waist, then billowing out to be free-flowing. It had a red and black belt design at the hips. As he turned it around, she realized it was backless. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful, but isn’t it a bit much?”
“Not for the welcome home party. Trust me, you need something like this.” He tossed it in the cart. “What else do you need?”
Crap, I’m going to need to get bras and underwear. It’s crazy to be self-conscious about it when he saw me naked. I guess it’s either buy them or go without. I can’t go without a bra.
While silently praying he wouldn’t follow her, she crossed the aisle to the intimate section to grab what she needed. She grabbed the first few matching bra and panties sets she saw that weren’t something a grandma would wear. If someone is going to see me naked, I want to look good.
“You would look great in this.” Ty held up a sexy, black, baby doll negligee with pink lace trim.
I always wanted someone I was in sync with, someone who could finish my thoughts. Ty seems to be just that.
She could feel her cheeks heat with embarrassment. “You can’t be serious?”
“Come on, love, let’s get it. I want to see you in it.”
Alice always wore fancy lingerie, even when she slept alone, but Tabitha had never been that way. Her best friend had joked with her about it, but she just couldn’t see herself in such fancy stuff. Thinking of Alice made her eyes water, and she quickly wiped it away, pretending she’d gotten something in her eye.
“I don’t know, Ty.” It was just too much.
“You’ll look great in it I promise. Once you try it on, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it. Give it a try for me, okay?”
“Okay.”
Knowing she wasn’t likely to wear the negligee often, she also tossed in a pair of red and black plaid pajama bottoms and a black tank top.
“Now you need a duffel bag or some type of suitcase for this. You know, I always hated shopping, but you’re adorable when you’re shopping,” he said, leaning over to kiss her.
Maybe wearing lingerie isn’t such a bad idea after all.
Twenty minutes later, when they were loading the car with their purchases, she came to the realization she had more than enough stuff to last her a week. He insisted she get everything she would need, reminding her of the party. She’d ended up buying more makeup and hair products than she’d ever had in her apartment. Not a wearer of much makeup, she hadn’t known what to buy. His solution was to buy one of anything that caught her eye.
“Now maybe we can go back to the cabin. I have a few ideas about how we can spend the time before Felix gets in.” He pushed the trunk lid closed.
I wish we could meet Felix tomorrow. I want Ty all to myself.
As Tabitha thought about ways they could spend the evening together, Ty sped the car up the driveway, only to have their hopes dashed when they saw a car in the driveway. Someone was waiting for them.
“Shit!” He hit the steering wheel to emphasize he wasn’t too happy Felix was already there. “Do you think we could send him into town for something or to a hotel room for the night?”
She placed her hand on his leg, rubbing small circles. “I’m sure we’ll have a lot of time together in our future. Remember what the book said? I must meet the members of the clan.”
He let out a soft purr as she continued massaging his thigh. “I know, but I wanted you all to myself. Am I selfish?”
“From what I hear, no. Even so, it’s all right, because I want you all to myself too.”
He pulled to a stop behind the car as they watched Felix step out of his vehicle.
“Ty…” She nodded to the gold aura around Felix.
“I see it, but remember they can’t, so don’t act strangely. We can’t let anyone know about any of this yet. You have to decide for yourself if Felix should be one we choose. After you get to know him, we’ll discuss how I feel about him and his past. You need to make your own judgments about him first.” He opened his door and was around to her side before she could grab the handle on her own.
“Thank you.” She stepped out of the car as Felix joined them.
Felix dropped to his knees in front of them and reached for her hand. “My Queen. My name is Felix, and I am at your service now and always.”
What? He makes it sound as if I’m the Queen of England. She shot Ty a desperate glance for help.
“Felix, we didn’t expect you to arrive this soon. I have yet to go over this with her. Bear with us as I walk her through it.” Without missing a beat, Ty gained control of the situation, and the awkwardness fell away. “When a lesser shifter greets an Elder, or in your case a Queen, they’re to offer their neck to show they’re subservient to you. In return the Elder will bend and sniff the offered neck.”
“Are you serious?” She felt her face burn with embarrassment. Couldn’t she just shake his hand?
“Yes.” Ty frowned at her as if to let her know she’d better get used to it, because this would be the norm in the future. He nodded toward Felix, who was waiting patiently.
More than a little uncomfortable, she bent and sniffed Felix’s neck. When she was close enough to breathe in his scent, she smelled dried leaves, pine trees, and damp loam. It was strong enough to almost convince her she was there. A rush of pleasure coursed through her body. The pain and soreness in her joints dissipated.
She felt Ty’s hand on her arm as if he were grounding her.
“You smell the clan—home. Everyone from our clan will smell the same while other clans will have other smells. If you mean Felix no harm, then you kiss his neck. If you find him a threat and wish him harm, then you would bite his neck, at least until you drew blood, depending on the situation and the punishment.”
She had no reason to want to hurt the tiger shifter, and he was one of the chosen ones the book mentioned. So she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his neck.
“You have now accepted him as subservient to you. This is how the clan greets the Elders when they have been away for a while or they’re coming for judgment over a crime. Felix, you may rise and sweep the cabin and grounds. Tabby, once he checks the cabin, go in. There’s no use standing in the cold. I’ll bring in the bags and then start a fire.”
Ty grab the last bag from the trunk as Felix came around the side of the cabin.
“All clear.”
He nodded as Felix reached up to close the trunk.
“Thank you for coming so quickly,” Ty said. “I’m sorry to tear you away from your family.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad I was close. We need to do everything we can to protect our her from Pierce. She’s your mate, the Alpha Female of the Alaskan Tigers. I will protect her with my life.” Felix paused a second, as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to ask. “You believe the legends, don’t you? She’s the one who will unite all tigers, isn’t she? If you believe that, you must believe if she dies, our line dies also.”
He decided to confide in the man who had been a trusted guard for years. “I don’t just believe. I know. The last meeting I had with her father, he told me it was true. That’s why it’s so important I watch over her and help her with the transition. If she dies before she can bring another tiger into this world, all tigers will cease to exist.”
Felix looked toward the cabin with sadness in his eyes. “Does she know?”
“I told her that’s what everyone believes, but no, I haven’t told her I know for certain. She has enough pressure on her right now. I don’t want the change to be any more stressful for her. She will make it, her father said as much in his letter to her.”
Tabitha might be special to the tiger population, but she was even more so to him. His mate. Unlike other shifters who had to search for a mate, he hadn’t. The clan kept him busy and he knew when he was destined to find the woman he was supposed to be with they’d come together. Now he understood why mated shifters were happier, why they sought out this special connection. Tabitha
was everything to him, he adored her, and with his life he would protect her.
Chapter Eleven
The men already had a nice fire going, and it was beginning to warm up the cabin, when Tabitha carried a tray with three cups of hot chocolate over to the sofa. She’d always had a soft spot for hot chocolate on a cold night, especially when it was snowing. The ease with which the men communicated gave her the impression they’d known each other for years and were old friends. First impressions told a lot about a person, and she liked Felix.
“Felix, if you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing that you were so close when Ty called?” Snuggled into Ty’s warm embrace, she felt every muscle within him tense. Glancing between them, she was sure she’d seen a flash of fear cross Felix’s dark eyes, but he hid it quickly.
“I didn’t think to tell her. Tabby, leave it be,” Ty said.
Whatever it was, Felix didn’t want to talk about it, she needed to know before she could make a decision about him as one of their chosen team members. She would have to talk to Ty about it when they were alone, but for now, she didn’t want to put Felix on the spot. After all, they’d just met. “I’m sorry, I can tell it’s personal. Just forget it.”
“No, you have every reason to know. It’s just not something I like to talk about.” Felix set his mug on the coffee table.
“I understand. There’s a lot from my past I keep private. So forget I asked and tell me about the adventure you and Ty had. I love hearing things about him,” she added, smiling.
“My Queen, I shall tell you…” Felix appeared to be gathering his courage for a moment. “I have a twin brother, Henry. Growing up, the whole family thought we would both shift. Both of us had all the symptoms: the fever, body aches and pains, stomach cramps, everything. When the time came to shift, I shifted. My brother’s body wanted to shift. He could feel the tiger clawing at his insides, but the transition wouldn’t happen. We tried taking him to doctors of our kind, but no one could find a reason for it. The agony was too much for him. He went through a number of treatments to try to bring the tiger out. Nothing worked and eventually he let the tiger take over his mind. The vibrant twin I grew up with is no longer there. He’s insane. He tries to fight anyone that gets close and has to be heavily drugged. Even though he’s not in tiger form, he’s still deadly. He has the strength and speed of a tiger. The Ohio Tigers have a doctor who works with mentally ill patients. He has been looking after Henry for some time. My brother isn’t allowed to live among the clan, he’s by himself and treated by the clan’s doctor. I tried to bring him to our clan, but we don’t have the necessary means to take care of him. I try to get back and visit him as much as I can. Most times, he doesn’t know who I am, but since my parents have left the country he’s the only family I have here.”
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