Alaskan Tigers Box Set 1

by Marissa Dobson

  Felix spit it out as if it was a bad drink but the pain of having to say it aloud was clear to her. Leaning forward, she took his large hand in hers.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you any discomfort. This must be difficult for you. After my change, please take as much time as you need to be with your brother. I’m sorry we interrupted your visit with him.”

  “My Queen, you’re most generous. Thank you.”

  Mentally she placed Felix on the short list of guards to choose from.

  He has the compassion and commitment that’s needed. Instead of being with his brother, enjoying his vacation, he rushed to our call. Tonight he proved himself to me.

  He was one she could trust to stand by her side and protect her when things got rough. With a few guards like him, their enemies and Pierce would think twice before coming after them.

  Chapter Twelve

  “With three hours ahead of us, I think you should answer any questions I have. I don’t want any more speed bumps like last night,” Tabitha said as Ty pulled out on the main road. Felix was following them to Columbus, Ohio, in his rental car, and then they would continue to the Cincinnati airport together. There, they would catch their red-eye flight to Fairbanks.

  “Sounds fair enough.”

  I have a feeling he’ll regret this decision, she fretted, wringing her hands in her lap.

  “Let’s start with easy questions. What’s your favorite color?”

  “Deep red. Especially the red in the sun as it’s setting.”

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  “I don’t believe I do. Like you, I was a foster child. My mother, who was a tiger shifter, was killed by a hunter shortly after I was born.”

  She understood how the foster system worked and hadn’t had a good experience with it. “Did you have a foster family, or were you in a group home?”

  “Until the age of nine, I was in a group home. I was a problem child, always acting out. My caseworker couldn’t find a home to place me in. No one wanted to deal with me. Shortly after my ninth birthday, I got fed up with the system and took off. When your father found me, I had been living on the streets for three weeks. He got me a place to stay among the other tigers and helped me through the transition. After my change, he secured a job for me with one of the other tigers who owned a little market, and there was an apartment above the store where I could live. He had an elderly lady who used to be a high school English teacher tutor me twice a week so I could graduate. Without that, I never would have finished school. I couldn’t attend regular classes because I still had problems controlling my shifts. It’s why most shifter children attend special schools or are homeschooled.”

  “Will I be dangerous once I shift?”

  He laid his hand over hers and gave a little squeeze. “No, love, you won’t be dangerous. You’ll be fine. When you first go through the shift, you’re likely to shift to animal without meaning to when you’re upset. Your emotions play a huge part in shifting. When you’re young and go through it, your body is still changing.”

  “I don’t want to change and get stuck like that for hours.” She heard her own trepidation in her voice.

  “You’re Queen of the Tigers. You’ll be able to change at will. If you shift because of emotions, once you calm down you’ll be able to shift back. I promise I’ll teach you everything you need to know. Don’t worry.” He brought her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on it. “You’ll be fine.”

  There’s something comforting about having someone believe in you. When he says it will be fine, I believe him, and my doubts fall away.

  A smile formed on her face as she realized for the first time she had someone who cared about her and would always be there for her. “You always make me feel better. Thank you.”

  The time flew by as she continued to question him. No matter what the question was, he kept his end of the deal and answered. With some questions, she really put him on the spot.

  “Last night I noticed you have a scar from your ribcage to your belly button. What’s that from?”

  Unconsciously, he moved his hand away from hers and rubbed the scar as if it hurt. “Before we left Pittsburgh, some men from Pierce’s gang found our location and attacked. I believe they were trying to scare us into leaving Pierce alone. There were only a few there when the attack happened, and I was protecting Tora, Raja’s sister, who was pregnant at the time. One of the men attacked with a large dagger while I was fighting off one of his gang members, and he sliced me there.”

  “Tora?”

  “She survived. Her daughter, Scarlet, is a little over a year old.”

  “Have you ever killed someone?”

  He took his gaze off the road for a second to look at her. “Yes, but only either to protect myself or someone else. It’s not something I take lightly or wish to do, but it’s my job as Alpha. I must determine the punishments for tigers who disobey the rules. I, or someone I dictate it to, must hunt down and kill any rogue tigers from our clan. This is something we’ll have to do once you take over as Queen of all Tigers also. I’ve never hurt or killed someone who didn’t deserve it. Are you okay with this?”

  “I understand this is something that happens and as long as you’re not killing innocents, that’s fine. We’re tigers. I accept that. Which means things are different for us than normal people.”

  This should bother me, shouldn’t it? But it doesn’t. I understand this has to happen. Eye for an eye kind of thing, I guess. Funny until now I didn’t realize I supported the death penalty. Will Mike get the death penalty for murdering Alice? I hope so.

  “I’m still amazed you have taken all of this so well. Your father would have been pleased.”

  The rest of the trip to Columbus passed quickly. She was able to find out a lot about the clan. At only thirty-seven members, not including Raja, Ty or herself, it was like a large family…and it was now hers.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It was just before nine o’clock in the evening when they arrived at the clan’s complex ten miles outside of North Pole, Alaska. Ty resided in a wing of the main compound, allowing him to be available while he still had some privacy. Tabitha took in her new home while Ty dismissed Felix by explaining they were tired from the long journey and the time change. There were things they would need to discuss with Raja before they could turn in.

  Once the guards exited, leaving them alone with Raja in Ty’s quarters, Raja dropped to his knee. “My Queen, it’s a pleasure to serve you. I’m glad you’re among us again. You have been missed.”

  She remembered Ty telling her they would greet her like this since she had been away for a while. This time, she didn’t feel awkward bending to kiss Raja’s neck.

  Raja rose, turning to leave, but Ty stopped him.

  “Raja, there’s much to discuss.”

  “I assumed you would like to be alone.” He stopped halfway to the door.

  “That’s true, but we must deal with business first. There will be plenty of time after. Tabby, it’s up to you if you wish to lie down or join us. I know you’re tired, and you didn’t sleep long on the plane.” Ty came to stand next to her, draping his arm across her shoulders, drawing her against him.

  “No, I’ll stay. If I’m to be Queen, then I must deal with this business as well.”

  He laid a kiss on her cheek before leading her toward the kitchen table. “Come, Raja, tell us about Hunter.”

  “As you know, Hunter isn’t a new shifter and knows the rules. My understanding is he was arguing with his girlfriend. Instead of controlling his anger, he shifted in front of her. She was unaware she was dating a shifter, and most likely for good reason, because she freaked out. When she ran, he chased her.” Raja paused, looking from Ty to her before continuing. “She was killed.”

  “Witnesses?” Tabitha asked, causing both men to look at her before Ty smirked his approval at her forwardness.

  “None.”

  “Hunter has been confined to the compo
und since we spoke?”

  Raja nodded. “He has been confined in one of our cells below. He’s very agitated.”

  “Tomorrow afternoon we’ll have a clan meeting to announce his punishment. He’ll be unable to shift for six months and will have no contact with humans for an additional five years. I’ll place the collar around his neck at the meeting,” Ty decided.

  “I’ll inform the members of the meeting. Tomorrow night is also the welcome home party unless you wish us to move it to another night.”

  She didn’t wait for Ty to answer. “No, that’s fine, Raja. I’m sure the clan meeting can be held earlier in the day. I look forward to meeting everyone. I’ve never had a party thrown for me before. It’s an honor.”

  Raja nodded. “You’ve had a long trip and must be tired. If that’s all, I’ll leave you to your rest.”

  “Raja, there’s more we need to discuss.” Ty went to retrieve his duffle bag from the entryway where they’d left their stuff when they’d arrived. Returning, he handed the book to her. “Tabitha’s father asked me to protect this book and hand it over to her when we were sure she was going to go through the change. The legends you have heard about her line are true. She’s the last of the first line of tigers. If she’s killed before she can continue the line, the tiger shifters will die with her.”

  Raja looked stunned. “I thought those were all legends.”

  “Even after her father told me, that’s what I thought too, until I saw the book come alive in her hands.” Ty nodded toward her.

  Her eyes widened and she gasped. “A heir? You didn’t mention the legend said I must have a child or the tiger shifters will die. Why?”

  “I felt you had enough on your plate. Getting you home was our top priority.”

  She leaned forward, setting the book on the table before touching the lock. As her fingers came in contact with the metal, it sprang open and flipped right to where the book started writing for them last time. The words that had come alive for them were still there. If she was in Raja’s position, she would have wanted proof. She turned the book toward him, allowing him to read it for himself.

  “Let’s say for one moment I believe all of this, and it’s not some joke. Why are you showing it to me?” Raja looked from one to the other, a dubious expression on his face, as though he’d just read that aliens existed.

  “We’re showing you this because we need you on board.” She looked him directly in the eye, realizing she needed him to be a part of this. “If you can’t be of help, then we need to know now. There’s a lot that will have to change if I’m going to unite the tiger shifters. I need to make sure I have a strong group of supporters and people who want the same thing.”

  “My Queen, this is all a shock. What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing at the moment. I need to get to know the members of the clan. I need to know who is part of the chosen tigers, then I can make my choices. Once I have gotten to know them better, hopefully in the next few days, we can sit down and discuss them. I want to know Ty’s and your opinions on these people, since you have known them longer than I have. However, the final decision will be mine and Ty’s. We just needed you to know.”

  “I understand. Thank you for including me in this. Is that all, then?”

  “That will be all for tonight.” Ty rose from his chair. “We need to get some rest. We’ll discuss this again soon.”

  “Okay. Welcome home again.” Raja bowed before he left.

  When the door closed behind him, Ty grabbed the book from the coffee table and said, “Let’s go to bed.” His tone made it clear sleep was the last thing on his mind.

  He didn’t need to ask her twice.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The sun had been spilling through the curtains for hours, but Tabitha and Ty were still in bed, enjoying their time together. Her head rested in the crook of his shoulder while he rubbed his hand up and down her arm in lazy circles.

  At the bedroom door, there was a gentle knock.

  “Come in.” He didn’t bother to get up. There were locks on the door to his compound, but he never bothered to use them. The only ones who would dare enter the area were the guards and Raja.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, but the meeting is arranged for noon.” Raja carried a tray full of food.

  “Thank you, Raja. Please leave us to eat and get ready. Arrive back here promptly at eleven forty-five.” He sat up in bed and took the tray from Raja.

  With a nod, he was gone.

  The food had her mouth watering. Waffles were one of her favorites.

  “We have some of the best chefs here. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything as good as they make. Dig in.” Ty set the tray in front of her.

  The first bite had her forgetting how to breathe. The waffles melted in her mouth, the syrup was sweet yet bold and full of maple flavor. Gaining control of herself, she remembered what she wanted to ask him before being sidetracked by the aroma. “Why did you ask Raja to join us before the clan meeting?”

  “It’s normal procedure. It gives us a few moments to make sure everything is in order. Also when we enter the clan meeting, having the three of us together will give us a stronger presence.”

  Tabitha was just slipping on the emerald green sweater she’d picked up on their shopping spree when she heard Raja’s voice. Ty had already discussed the meeting with her, and he was going over the same things with Raja. Knowing there was no reason to rush, she did a double-check of her makeup.

  There is no reason to be so nervous. These people want me here, or they wouldn’t be going through so much trouble to make me feel at home. Ty wouldn’t have come across the country if I didn’t belong here. The pep talk was doing nothing to calm her knotted stomach. Biting the bullet, she joined the men, hoping she could keep her nerves a secret.

  “Tabby, we need…”

  Ty stopped as she strolled into the living room. “Sorry.”

  “You’re fine. They can’t start without us, I just wanted to get a move on.” He placed her hand in his. “There’s nothing to worry about. They’re happy to have you home, but you won’t have time to mingle with them now. We need to take care of business, then the clan can get back to preparing for tonight’s festivities. If you want to be nervous about something, be nervous about the party. With everyone demanding your attention, you might end up with a jealous mate.” He laughed before kissing her.

  The conference room was large and open with a slightly higher platform that dominated the area. It was nothing like she’d expected. In the conference rooms she had been in before, there was normally a large table with chairs surrounding it. I guess when you have forty members, it would be hard to find a table large enough.

  In front of the platform, the chairs were set up in rows of five with a walkway between them. The members were already there chatting amongst themselves when Tabitha, Ty, and Raja entered.

  Already on the platform was a bedraggled man wearing only jeans and heavy iron chains on his wrists and ankles. Two guards stood on either side of the man she assumed was Hunter.

  Her stomach went from knots to doing flip-flops as Ty, still holding her hand, led them toward the platform. “The first order of business is to introduce you to your Alpha Female. After too many years, Tabitha has returned home as my mate.”

  Everyone dropped to their knees. “Welcome home, Tabitha,” the audience chorused.

  He stepped back, allowing her to stand slightly in front of him. “Thank you, I’m pleased to be among you. I look forward to speaking to as many of you as I can tonight. Those I don’t get to tonight, I promise you’ll have your turn. I want to get to know each and every one of you.”

  “Now we have other business to attend to.” Ty turned toward the guards. “Please bring Hunter forward and have him take his place.”

  The guards brought the prisoner in front of Ty and Tabitha, and Hunter kneeled before them. “Hunter, you have been charged with shifting in front of a human and murder. Do you have anythi
ng to say for yourself?”

  Hunter looked at them with such hatred in his eyes causing Tabitha to suck in a harsh breath. “I don’t know what happened…I think she drugged me. I never would have done this otherwise. I—”

  Before he could continue, Ty brought up his hand, silencing the man. “Raja thought you might say something like that. There were alcohol and drug tests done on you after your capture. They were clean. You were not drugged. You let your emotions take hold of you, and this is not the first time. Therefore, as punishment for this crime, you’ll be unable to shift for the next six months, and you will be confined to the cell downstairs until the collar is removed. After that, you will have no contact with humans or leave the compound for five years.” Ty gave a nod to Raja.

  Raja stepped forward with the collar but Hunter didn’t want to go down without a fight. He went after Ty, attacking in human form, because he couldn’t shift with the chains. Ty pushed her out of Hunter’s reach, toward the guards.