“No.” Horror shook her out of her thoughts. “You can’t.”
“Shh, love. You’re shaking like a leaf.”
“Please, don’t. He could kill you. I can’t bear to lose you too. Please, Raja.” Terror ricocheted through her.
“Bethany, nothing is going to happen to me. I promise you. A bitten tiger couldn’t take me down. His strength is nothing compared to mine. I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me for the long haul.” Raja’s hand went to his ear. “We’ll be here,” he said, hitting the button on his ear bud.
“What’s going on?”
“Ty and Tabitha are on their way. I should put more coffee on.” He rose, still holding her hand. “I promise everything will be fine. All you have to do is trust me.” He seemed convinced, but fear lingered in the back of her mind, making rest impossible.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I’m sorry to intrude today of all days.” Tabitha sat next to Ty on the loveseat.
“You’re not intruding. We’re family.” Raja sank down on the sofa across from her, nodding toward the book in her lap. “I see you’ve brought it.”
“Yes.” She cradled it almost lovingly, the book her father passed down to her. Raja was aware every bit of information the Queen of the Tigers needed was in her hands. It was her guide to uniting all tiger shifters. Tabitha gestured to the weathered cover. “Raja, have you explained this to Bethany?”
“Yes. Shadow as well. Being the Captain of Bethany’s Guards, she needed to know what trouble could lay ahead.” He cuddled Bethany against him. His mate had taken more emotional blows than most could handle, but she bore up with remarkable strength. She was more than the right match for him.
“After we separated earlier, we took Jinx to his brother Lukas’s cabin. Jinx is going to stay on at least through the weekend, depending on what happens in San Francisco. When we returned, I felt as if the book called to me, the magic caressed my skin, drawing me to it, impossible to deny. I went to it and found this.” She unlocked the book, letting it fall open to where she bookmarked it, before handing it to Raja.
Now that you have gone through the change and your team is assembled, it’s time to begin uniting the tigers. Having your Lieutenant, Raja, mated makes for a stronger core, and though Bethany might be unaware, she’ll play a key role throughout the transition as well. Expect a new tiger named Galen soon. He’s a healer, he knows little of this situation, and means you no harm. He has come to heal Bethany.
Danger surrounds you not only with your battle against Pierce but also with your tasks ahead. You’ll need your core group and warriors at their full strength, uninjured. Galen will see to your injuries and keep you at your strongest.
Felix, Marcus, and Thomas are wonderful choices as your guards. Shadow is also an unexpected yet valued addition. She’ll be most helpful in the coming months. Styx will also be a treasured addition as a warrior, as well as a guard. You have chosen well.
The first step lies with Jinx. He needs to be brought into your trusted confidence, and you need to form a bond between the West Virginia and Alaskan clans. Family has run the West Virginia Tigers for generations. That doesn’t mean they aren’t the strongest, because Jinx would put the other members of his clan to shame if he showed his full power.
This will help to put fears to rest before they reveal themselves. Once the tigers are united, they will remain as they are with an Alpha and Lieutenant to each clan. However, instead of running things their way and reporting to no one, they will report to you. Look at it as if the ten of you are the Committee of Tigers. Tabitha and Ty being Queen and King have the final say. This will calm some of the disputes that could arise if shifters were losing their positions of power.
There’s a young woman, Robin Zimmer. She’s human, innocent, but had become a pawn in a debt her ex-husband owed to Pierce. Trading Robin for his own life got him nowhere, as he’s dead and Robin is on the run. Find Robin. She holds key information about Pierce and his members.
When Raja and Bethany finished reading it, he handed the book to Shadow, who sat cross-legged in the chair angled between the sofa and loveseat. Felix sat beside her on a chair he’d brought from the kitchen.
“Have you put Connor on finding this Robin Zimmer?” Raja asked.
“Not yet.” Ty shook his head. “This was our first stop. Connor’s still working on digging up any information on Victor and the Russian tiger.”
“Zimmer…Bobby Zimmer? No…” Bethany whispered.
“What?” Raja asked.
“In high school I knew a Robert ‘Bobby’ Zimmer. He married a girl, but I thought her name was Rose. It could have been Robin. We weren’t really friends, more like distant acquaintances. I remember Mom telling me he died a few months ago. But it couldn’t be the same Bobby, could it?”
“It’s a good lead. I’ll have Connor start there, and we’ll see if we turn anything up,” Ty said, taking his arm from around his mate to lean forward. “I know it’s bad timing, but I’d like to meet with Jinx today. It’s something I don’t want to put off any longer. Raja, I’d like you by my side, but Bethany, I understand and am sure Jinx will as well if you wish to rest.”
Before Raja could speak, Bethany did. “We’ll be there. When?”
“If you’re okay with the decision, I’ll send for Jinx now. I’d say it’s best to get it over with quickly. After the service this evening, I’m sure you’ll want to be alone.” Ty cocked his head slightly toward Felix. “Would you see if Jinx is available to join us?”
“Very well.” Felix rose.
“I’ll bring in another kitchen chair.” Shadow unfolded her small frame and stood.
“What do you think the book meant when it said I’ll play a key role through the transition? I’m human, how could I be of great assistance?”
“Only time will tell, but if it’s in the book you can count on it,” Ty assured her. “As for being human, you couldn’t stand against Pierce and his gang in hand-to-hand combat, but there are still things you can do. Once your knee is healed, Raja will work with you, training you to defend yourself if the case calls for it. We won’t have you unable to protect yourself. I hope you’ll never need the skills he gives you, but it’s better to have them and not need them. We have assigned you guards not because you’re human, but because you’re Raja’s mate. You and Tabitha are the Alpha women of the clan…you’re to be protected at all costs. The guards will be there to protect you if we cannot be.”
Jinx strode into the room, pulled his cowboy hat off, and ran his hand through his dark hair. Felix followed behind him.
“Jinx, thank you for joining us. Please have a seat.” Ty gestured to the empty chairs.
“My pleasure. What can I do for you?” Jinx took the chair that Shadow vacated earlier.
“Do you know the legends of a Queen of the Tigers?” Raja dove right into the reason for the meeting.
“Doesn’t everyone?” Jinx shook his head.
“Tabitha is the Queen of the Tigers. She comes from the line of tigers, and her father passed this book down to her. It explains everything and will walk her through the trials and tribulations of uniting the tiger shifters.” Ty ran his hand over his mate’s leg.
“How do you expect to unite us?”
“It will take time, there will be many steps. According to the book, we need to form a bond with you, and unite the West Virginia and Alaskan clans.” Tabitha held open the book to the most recent page and handed it to Jinx. “We found this today, after we left Lukas’s cabin.”
“I always hoped I would live to see the day we would be united. I never thought I would have anything to do with the process, let alone hold this book in my hands.” Jinx looked down at the page in astonishment. “Anything you need from me you shall have. My clan is small, there are only fifteen of us, but we’re at your disposal. Does your clan know she’s the Queen?”
“Not completely. Some suspect it, but since Tabitha arrived it has been nonstop. First, the
homecoming party, then the videos from Pierce, finding Bethany, her family’s murder…there hasn’t been time to explain things to them. There are approximately ten who do know—the ones in this room as well as Connor, Marcus, Tora, and Thomas. We’ll be briefing Styx today as well. The clan will be briefed soon, with any luck before you return to West Virginia, but when would depend on how the Victor situation turns out.” Ty ran his hand down his mate’s leg. “Once the clan is told it will still need to remain quiet until we’re ready to start the process of uniting all tigers. When you return to your people, you can give them the information as well, as long as they keep it amongst themselves.”
“Understood.” Jinx handed the book back to Tabitha. “Lukas is my best warrior. You could say he’s my unofficial head of security. He is powerful enough to be my Lieutenant but prefers being in the field. We were discussing your issues with Pierce, and he’s interested in being on the front lines of this war. He planned to approach the subject with you, but needed to seek my approval first. He has my consent. If you would be interested in his skills, he can stay here among your clan. I believe he would be of great service to you.”
“He’s more than welcome as long as he understands the hierarchy here. He’s young and would need to work his way up. Prove his worth. He seems to fit well with the other guards and clan members. Raja?” Ty opened the floor for Raja to share his thoughts.
“I agree. Lukas is young. He’ll need to prove himself not only to us, but also to the guards and members. Due to his injuries, I haven’t seen his fighting skills yet. We need someone to start training some of the younger clan members. With his age he might be perfect for the position.”
Raja’s ear bud sprang to life. “There’s a tiger out here asking for you, Raja.”
He sent Ty a glance to let him know something was happening before slipping out from under Bethany. “Excuse me,” he said, moving toward the window. He hit the button on his ear communication to allow the guard station to hear him. “What’s his name?”
He could see the main gate. The guards gathered there blocking the entrance, but he couldn’t make out what or whom they were keeping out.
“Says his name is Galen. He has some crazy story about a dream telling him to come here and ask for you. He seems nervous.”
Raja recognized Korbin’s voice. He was one of the regular perimeter guards. “I’m sending Shadow. If she believes his story, escort him back with her.”
He touched the button again to end the communication with the gatehouse and turned to find all eyes on him. “Galen’s here. Shadow, as a precaution go and listen to his story. If you believe him, bring him back.”
Shadow nodded and stood, slipping away without a word.
“Ty, Tabitha, I think it would be best if you weren’t here. I know the book says he brings us no harm, but let’s play this safe.” Raja looked back out the window, watching as Shadow made her way toward the main gate.
“I disagree,” Tabitha said when Ty stood. “If Galen’s a healer, we need him. Maybe we could convince him we need him to stay here. If we’re going to war with Pierce, having a healer handy could mean the life or death of one of our members.”
“She’s right.” Bethany twisted and looked at him. She’d disagreed so little with his decisions, he knew it was right to listen to her on this.
“Felix, get Marcus and Styx in here. If you’re going to stay I want more guards here now.” Raja flexed his hands. “I still think you two should be somewhere safer. If things go ape-shit…”
“Things will be fine,” Tabitha reassured Raja.
“Now you see what I go through. She’s stubborn.” Ty shook his head. “I’d say they’re going to keep us on our toes.”
The men shared a laugh and it brought them a brief respite from the tension. But events were proceeding swiftly. Raja glanced back out the window, and watched Shadow approach with their newcomer.
Too swiftly.
Chapter Thirty
“My Queen.” Galen’s weathered skin crinkled around his eyes. His white hair was combed back, his appearance neat. Raja guessed he was in his mid-seventies. The elderly man dropped to his knees mere steps inside the door, his head low. “All my life I’ve waited for you.” His voice was heavily laden with emotion. “I knew one day I’d find you. I tried not to let my devotion waiver, but it was hard at times. People doubt the legends, but I knew the truth.”
“How did you know?” Raja asked, inserting himself between the old man and Ty and Tabitha. The couple had risen when Galen dropped to his knees. Despite the book’s promises, Raja wanted to be close enough to take him out before he had a chance to do any harm.
“I had a dream when I was a child about the Tiger Queen who would someday be in need of my service. I’ve traveled, hoping to find her. Two days ago I had another dream that pressed me to come here.” He looked up and focused on Tabitha. “My Queen, I’m at your service. Anything I can do for you. I’ve been waiting all my life to be in your presence.”
“Galen, is it true you can heal with your touch?” Tabitha asked, circling around Raja to stand at his side.
“Yes, my Queen.”
“Please call me Tabitha. Besides the people in this room no one else is aware I’m the Queen the legends speak of.” When Galen nodded, she continued, “If it’s true, heal Raja’s mate, Bethany.”
Galen rose to his feet and went to Bethany. Watching Galen slowly reach toward his injured mate, Raja couldn’t swallow the growl in his throat.
“I mean her no harm. In order to heal I must place my hands on her. Come hold your mate. Her injuries are extensive, and this may cause some discomfort.”
Raja took his place behind Bethany, wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to her temple. “You okay with this?” he whispered in her ear.
“Let’s get it over with.” She nodded.
“If you could come stand by her as well?” Galen slipped off his gloves, directing his question at Ty. “You might need to hold her still if she bucks.”
“You said there would be discomfort. I can handle it. Why would I need Ty to hold me down as well?” Bethany asked, worry coating the words.
“It depends on the injury and the person’s pain threshold. Your knee is seriously injured. Without my healing, it’s possible you’ll always have a limp after a long recovery period. I won’t lie, this could be more painful than just some discomfort, but it will get you back up on your feet today. It’s your choice, ma’am.” Galen kneeled next to the sofa.
“It’s your choice, love. If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to.” Raja held her close. The thought of his mate being in pain at Galen’s hands made him want to tear the old man’s head off.
“Do it. Better to be whole all at once than worry about the future. I can take it.” Bethany clenched her jaw.
“Very well. Whatever happens, Raja, don’t take your hands off her,” Galen advised. “Maintain skin-to-skin contact. A mate’s touch will help the pain be more bearable.” Galen undid her knee brace, sliding the pant leg up. “I must have skin contact.” His voice remained patient, seemingly understanding Raja’s objections.
Control yourself. Raja scolded himself, trying to rein in his basic instincts. His muscles constricted with tension, his claws threaten to spring forth. “Let’s get this done.”
“Everyone ready?” Galen asked, his hands hovering inches from her knee.
As his hands made contact with her leg, a warm, golden aura formed around her knee. Bethany screeched with pain, struggling under Raja’s grasp. He held tight to her, trying to take her pain. “It’s almost over, love.”
It tore him apart to see her like that, the agony in her screams.
When he didn’t think he could take any more, his heart breaking from the pain she suffered, it ended as quickly as it began. Bethany collapsed against him, softly moaning.
Galen bent back on his heels, shaking his head. “It can’t be,” he muttered under his breath.
“What can’t be?” Raja asked, still soothing his mate.
“She’s human,” Galen said, still not making any sense.
“What are you mumbling about?”
“Her body fought me.”
“So? You told us that would happen. What are you going on about? Is she not healed?” His frustration piqued. Raja was sure he’d hurt someone if she’d gone through all that pain for nothing.
“That’s different. Normally they show signs of pain, fighting to get away, struggling and hollering. They don’t normally fight the healing itself. She did.” Galen slipped his gloves back into place, still watching Bethany closely as he straightened his small body.
“What does that mean?” Tabitha asked, coming to stand next to her mate by the sofa.
“It shouldn’t be possible, since she is human…but she’s a healer.”
“Then wouldn’t she heal herself?” Raja held Bethany close, feeling her fatigue as if it were his own.
“Most would. Except she hasn’t accepted her gift.” Galen rose from the floor, moving back to an empty chair. “Bethany, have you ever noticed anything different about yourself?”
She shook her head, eyes closed.
“Have your injuries ever healed quicker?”
Realization overwhelmed Raja. “He tried to strangle her. There were marks on her from where his fingers dug into her, and there were bruises as well. They’re gone. I never realized it before.”
“It proves my point. Bethany, you’re a healer. I can work with you, teach you the skill.”
“But I’m human.” Her words emerged as a mumble, the exhaustion clear in her voice.
“You must have shifters in your family somewhere or you wouldn’t have the gift.” Galen looked at her for confirmation, but it never came. “She needs her rest. Whenever she’s ready I’ll work with her. It shouldn’t take long for her to develop the skills, as she’s already beginning the process physically without her knowledge.”
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