“A little chill won’t kill me. I’m already feeling better. More importantly, I wanted you just as much. It’s been too long since I’ve had the caring touch of someone.” She caressed his chest with her hand, playing along the contours of his muscles. “Even with that said and everything that just happened between us, I still don’t think we’ll work. We’re different.”
“Species?” When she didn’t answer, he added. “We aren’t that different. We both want love and a family, but more importantly, we both deserve to be happy. Give us a chance, that’s all I’m asking.”
“How? When this is all over, your life is in Nome, and I can’t leave the only security I’ve ever known. I’m sorry, I just can’t.”
He ran his fingers over her cheek, gently caressing. “My life is wherever I want to be and I want to be with you. Ty and Raja are my closest friends, besides my brothers, and I’ve spent a lot of time here.” Of all the times I’ve visited here, why didn’t I notice Kallie before? He frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was thinking. I’ve spent a lot of time at the compound and I’ve never met you before. There are forty members. How is it possible we’ve never met?”
“I’ve…ummm…” Her voice trembled as she glanced up at him.
“Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
“When I arrived here I was terrified. Ty and Raja were great. They didn’t force me to join the clan activities and gave me the space I needed to heal. I spent most of my time locked in this room, scared Wesley’s men would find me. I don’t think I saw the light of day during the first six months. I started going for a walk late at night when everyone, except the guards, were in bed. Then one day my tigress wanted to run, and I went without a second thought. I’ve slowly been integrating with the clan. Ty asked me to help Mark in command central and for the first time my life became normal. I still spend a majority of my time alone, but I’m doing better.”
“We’ll find Wesley and see he pays for what he did to you. No one deserves to live after the way he mistreated you.” He longed to ease the pain in her eyes. But how could he ease pain of years of abuse?
“I don’t want revenge. I just want to make sure he can’t get his hands on me again, and that he can never abuse anyone else.” Her gaze slid to his chest. “No one should hurt like that.”
“Shh, Kal. I won’t let him hurt you.” His cell phone vibrated on the nightstand. Reaching, he grabbed it and hit the talk button in one fluid motion. “Yeah?”
“Conner found Wesley. He’s dead,” Ty said. “He was murdered by someone in the Bratva. My guess is if Victor Senior didn’t do it himself, then he ordered someone to do it for him. No one in their right mind would go against him and kill his brother, definitely not someone in Bratva or under his control.”
“That eliminates one problem.” Taber smiled down at Kallie, anxious to tell her the news. She wouldn’t have to retreat back into her shell.
“Connor’s searching for more information, but it looks like Wesley asked Victor to help find Kallie. I don’t know why it would cause his death, but we can’t overlook the unusual timing. How is Kallie?”
“She’s awake, but still suffering chills.”
“Bethany said that was to be expected. After the chills, she’s going to feel worse for a bit, like she has the flu, but that will pass within a few hours. Then she’ll want to sleep. When she awakes she should return to the same shy Kallie.” Ty paused. “She’s come a long way in the last few months. Just move slowly with her. If pushed, she may run and hide.”
He considered Ty’s words, but Taber had already decided to take up residence with Kallie. She was his mate and it was his responsibility to protect her. “I’ll tread lightly. Thank you for your concern.”
“A tigress is a handful. You have no idea what’s in store for you.” Ty laughed and ended the call before Taber could respond.
Chapter Twelve
Kallie sat on the only chair in her room, with a cup of tea in her hand. The last two days had been rough as she recovered from the poison, but she was finally able to get out of bed. She wished spending the last two days in bed with Taber had been more—satisfying, instead their one time lovemaking had taken any energy she had. She could only cuddle against him, unable to take advantage of the fine specimen of man she mated.
He walked from the bathroom, a towel tied low around hips. Freshly showered, his shoulder length, brown hair was still wet, and water droplets glistened off his toned chest. She yearned to run her tongue along the contours of his chest, tracing each of the well-defined muscles and work her way lower until she could take his shaft into her mouth.
Damn it! What the hell was she thinking? He’s a bear! Think of the children. Years ago, before her imprisonment, she knew a girl with mixed parents, and she was one of the few who could shift to both of her parents’ animals. That girl received such torment from other shifters because she wasn’t able to control which animal she shifted into. Kallie never wanted that for her child.
“Kallie.” He drew her out of her thoughts. “Are you sure you’re okay alone for a little while?”
“I’m fine. When Bethany checked on me earlier she said I’m completely healed. I’m still a bit tired, so I think I’ll crawl back into bed while you’re gone.”
“Maybe I should stay and join you.” He shot her a cocky grin.
“No.” She laughed. “I need my rest and you need to get back to business.” She sat her tea aside and stood. Walking to Taber, she added a little extra sway to her hips. “When you’re done come home and we’ll see what we can do about this.” She slid her hand down his chest until she could feel his rising shaft.
He cupped her ass, pressing her tight against his body. “You better stop or I’ll never leave and we’ll end up in bed. Sleep won’t be on the agenda.” His voice was low and filled with desire.
Even exhausted, she wanted to wrap her legs around his hips again, and she might have taken him up on that offer if a knock at the door hadn’t interrupted. “I’ll answer the door while you get dress.” Moving away she slapped his butt.
When she opened the door, she was surprised to find Raja standing there. “Please come in. Are you looking for Taber?” Somewhat confused as to why her Lieutenant was here, she stumbled back and allowed him to enter. Am I in trouble for not telling them about my past?
“Actually I’m here to see you.”
Taber stepped out of the bathroom, stealing her attention away from Raja for a moment. Taber’s faded blue jeans rode low on his hips, his chest still bare. She longed to feel his arms around her again. With the news of Wesley’s demise, her fears were laid to rest, but still wanted the comfort of her mate’s arms around her. Turning to Raja, she took the tiger by the tail. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing that I’m aware of.” He smiled. “I only stopped by to let you know Mark has asked to see you. He’s recovered and would like to speak with you.”
The guilt of leaving Mark when things got rough shot a knife in her chest. “Ummm…okay.” She had to face Mark, to apologize. “I’ll stop by to visit with him.”
Raja glanced over her shoulder to Taber before focusing back on her. “Kallie, Bethany said you were concerned about your place here now that your past has come to light. I want to eliminate those fears. We’re not going to kick you to the curb. You’re part of our family and we stick by family through thick and thin.”
“Thank you.” Relief flooded her exhausted body. When Taber gently touched her shoulder, she leaned on him.
Raja turned to leave and then stopped to face her again. “If we knew sooner we’d have done whatever we could have to stop Wesley. Now with Wesley and Victor dead, I hope you’ll begin to fully live your life. We’re a family and we’ll protect you. If there’s anything else you think we should know, my door is always open.”
“Thank you, Raja.” Kallie was overwhelmed by his kindness.
He nodded, opened the door, and left.
T
he clan had become the closest thing Kallie had to a family, since her father passed, and she hated the thought of ever having to leave.
“I told you it would be fine.” Taber kissed her cheek and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You’re too weak to go see Mark now, sleep and I’ll take you when I get back.”
She smiled, loving the feel of his arms around her. “I’m fine.”
“I know, but humor me. Kenneth is still here. I know he’s in the cage until Ty and Raja can verify his information, but it makes me uneasy since he was here for you. Just stay here until I return, okay?”
“You’ll owe me.” She teased, rising to her tippy toes to kiss him. Their lips met and the barely banked embers of desire flamed hot again. She thrusted her hands into his hair, tangling her fingers in the wet strands. When he finally lifted his head, she was breathless, and her legs wobbled. She clung to him, not wanting to let him go.
“You make it hard to leave.” His breath was hot against her cheek.
“Go. I need some rest. I’ll be waiting for you, so hurry back.”
“Oh, I will.” He kissed her again and then left.
The moment the door shut, her heart ached for him. After months of hiding away in her room, she was used to being alone, but with Taber gone mere minutes, it was like a part of her was missing. Is this what mating is like? How do they live with the loss until their mate returns?
She fought not to follow him. Instead, she went to bed, curling under the covers, and tried to sleep, but the pillow and blankets smelled like Taber, increasing her longing. With sleep forgotten, she considered the mess she was in. She didn’t want to be mated to a bear, yet she couldn’t stop her desire for him. Her need for him was like an addict needing another fix.
How could she get out of this situation? It wouldn’t work, but her will wasn’t strong enough to give him up. If there were a way to get out of this mating, it would free them both to find their matched mates. He could find the sow he always wanted and she could…well, she hadn’t wanted anyone in her life before, but she would like a tiger of her own.
If anyone knew a way to reverse a mating, it would be Mark. She snuggled against the pillow holding Taber’s scent, and called Mark.
“Hello.” Mark’s gruff voice filled the line.
“Mark, it’s Kallie, how are you feeling? I’m really sorry about the other day.”
“Kallie, it’s good to hear from you. I was worried about you. Raja said you were poisoned, did one of the threats get to you?” He asked, concerned clear in his voice.
“Something like that. I’m still recovering, but doing better.” She didn’t want to explain what really happened so to let Mark believe an intruder poisoned her was for the best right now. “I need your help with something.”
“Whatever it is, I’m here for you.” Eagerness filled Mark’s tone.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Is there any way to get out of a mating?” While she waited for Mark to answer, she wondered if she really wanted to give Taber up. They were mated for a reason, even if they were different species. Could she leave the man that was meant for her? What if she never found another mate?
“Then it’s true. You’ve mated Taber?”
“Yeah, but he’s a bear.”
“Girl, take the advice from an old man, don’t pass on your luck. You’re one of the honored to be mated. I’ve searched high and low for my mate, but have never found her.” Mark sighed. “There’s nothing you can do. Until one of you dies, he’ll be your mate. Don’t think distance will help because it only makes the longing stronger, and you’ll go crazy with the desire for his touch. It’s why mates don’t travel far without their other half, and why you always see them touching. Half of your soul is missing when your mate is gone. Neither of you will be complete without the other.”
The longing Mark mentioned already coursed through her body and the bear hadn’t been gone long. She couldn’t imagine if he went to Nome and left her behind. It’s what she expected to happen when his job was done, but how would she live with the yearning she suffered with now, especially if Mark’s words were true and the longing would only get worse over time. “I was hoping for better news, but thanks, Mark.”
“Why? What’s wrong with Taber? He’s a good man.”
“Nothing’s wrong with him, except he’s a bear. I can’t risk our children not being able to control their shifting. Having one beast inside of you is hard enough sometimes, especially as a child, but having two would be impossible.” She wished to enjoy being with Taber instead of fearing a connection with him.
“That’s very rare. Normally the children will take after one of their parents. They aren’t usually able to shift into both.” He paused. “Are you willing to give up on happiness and a mate because of a slim, maybe five percent chance, your child might shift between two animals?”
“Yes. I knew this girl, many years ago who could and it was awful for her. What kind of life is that for a child?”
“We have our own school here. There’s no need to worry. The child wouldn’t be ridiculed. Kallie, take my advice, don’t give up on this mating. You deserve to be happy and Taber can make you happy. Let go of your fears. You won’t regret it.”
She said goodbye to Mark and placed her phone on the nightstand. Her conversation with Mark should have eased her worries, but she was more confused than ever.
Chapter Thirteen
Taber leaned against the wall, his hands in the pockets of his jeans while Kenneth sat before him and the Elders, explaining his story again. They’d gone through everything twice, and it still seemed like too damn little. Taber didn’t care about the lack of information being produced. All he cared about was getting back to Kallie before she had time to change her mind about them being together.
He knew she had reservations because he was a bear, but he couldn’t change that and there was nothing they could do about the mating. Finding her near death in the snow had wiped away his reservations, and left him hoping to prove they could make it work. They would have to move past their differences and focus on what they have in common. Such as their support for the clan, he might not be an official member, but he was a friend of the Alaskan Tigers and in the shifter world that was as good as being accepted by them. Ty, Raja, and their mates had no issues with Taber mating Kallie, instead they seemed to encourage it. Bethany could have suggested other ways to make sure Kallie survived the healing and how to keep her warm, instead Bethany urged Taber to help Kallie.
“That’s all the information I have. I don’t know what else you want me to tell you.” Kenneth’s voice brought Taber’s attention back.
“Where did you meet Pierce?” Taber asked.
“Just outside of Boston.”
“You didn’t find that odd, considering you live in Maine?”
“For the money he offered, I’d have met him on the moon. I told you we needed the money for my niece. A desperate man will overlook many faults.” Kenneth ran his hand over his jeans. “Honestly when I took the job I didn’t see the red flags. He said he got my name from one of my former clients, and needed help to find his wife and sister-in-law. Looking back, he seemed on edge, but I thought it was just a man worried about his wife. He seemed sincere in wanting them back.”
“Oh, he wants them all right and it has nothing to do with love.” Taber hands tightened into fists.
“Connor’s working on tracing the money, to see where it came from. If Victor had a part in this, I suspect he covered his tracks. Unlike Pierce, he’d have thought of that.” Ty leaned back in his chair. “Question is, what are we going to do with you now?”
“With me?” His leg bounced with a nervous twitch while his panic level seemed to reach immeasurable levels, teasing along the lines of the control they had on their beasts. Every shifter enjoyed the sensation of a little panic in their toys.
“You’ve served your usefulness for Pierce. Now he’ll want to tie up any loose ends. He can’t risk you exposin
g him.” Taber smirked.
“But, my family…my sister and niece they need me. I’ve been supporting them. My sister can’t work because of my niece, there’s no father in the picture. You can’t let Pierce kill me. You have to help me.” Kenneth pleaded his case.
“We don’t have to.” Ty stood and walked to the window. “I’d bet he has someone in those mountains waiting for you. Pierce would know it was a death trap to send anyone here. He knew where Tabitha was, because he already had people attack. But he didn’t know where Kallie was because she’s been hidden.”
“Ty’s right, we don’t have to help you. We could let you leave and go on with what’s left of your life. It would be better for us since you know what we are.” Raja stepped to the center of the room.
“I’ve known about shifters for years and I’ve never told anyone. Why would I now?”
“Because you’re desperate to save your life. You’d sell your soul to the devil to get out of this mess.” Raja held up his hand when Kenneth opened his mouth. “Don’t deny it. You’ve already proven you were desperate by working for Pierce. How did you find out about shifters?”
“During my years in Special Forces one of my men was a shifter. He kept it secret, but we were stuck together in a gun battle. He was shot and in order to live, he risked exposing himself to me. I’ve never told anyone about him.”
Taber’s stomach twisted in a knot. Something wasn’t right. “If you didn’t tell anyone, then how did Pierce know to hire you for this assignment?”
“It was that shifter who recommended me to Pierce.” Kenneth stared at his hands on his lap. “It was a set up.”
“What’s his name?” Ty demanded.
“Derek Osborn. Will you please help me?”
Ty nodded to Taber, the go ahead to let Kenneth know what they had already set in motion. Taber leaned forward, making eye contact with Kenneth. “Pierce is not above using families as hostages, or worse, to get what he wants. My brother, Thorben, is already on his way to retrieve your sister and niece. They’ll be taken to a safe location. In the meantime, you’ll be returned to the holding cell until we’ve had Connor verify the new information you gave us. After that, we can help set up a new identity for you and your family to start over.”
Alaskan Tigers Box Set 1 Page 35
