A warm glow filled Robin with the thought of giving back to the people that were giving her so much. She couldn’t stay here unless she found a way to contribute. Adam was an important part of the clan and she couldn’t sit around doing nothing. If she could help the clan by assisting with the abused, then she’d do it no questions asked.
Tabitha knocked on the door. “Tex, it’s Tabitha, Alpha Female for the Alaskan Tigers, I need to speak with you.”
The solid wood door swung open. Tex stood there in his jeans, the T-shirt he had on earlier and his cowboy hat both gone. The scars Robin saw during the helicopter ride from Texas were displayed for all to see. His muscles made it clear he put in serious hours at the gym. They gave him a manly appearance to go with his youthful face. Without the cowboy hat he appeared even younger than his twenty-four. Adam mentioned shifters aged slower, which is why Tex looked so young. While his eyes said he had seen a lot in his years, most of that had been at the hands of Avery.
“Tabitha’s here to speak with you about joining the clan. Can we come in?” Robin asked when he continued to block the doorway, his gaze gliding over each of the guards. “Felix and Korbin are here for Tabitha’s protection, they mean you no harm. You should be aware the Elder mates have guards,” she added, trying to keep him calm.
“Come in.” He stepped aside, allowing her, Tabitha, and Felix to enter. Korbin stayed outside the door watching the hall.
“Thank you, Tex,” Tabitha said. “Raja will be joining us shortly, until then, what can I do to help you. If you wish to go back to Texas we can arrange that, or if you wish to remain here we will take the steps to make it happen.” Tabitha moved into the room and toward the small living area with a sofa and chair.
“I’d like to stay if you can assure me I’d have a home here. Texas has been my home and if I give it up to stay here, I won’t be welcomed back. I don’t want the life of solitude.” Tex lowered to sit on the chair.
Tabitha nodded, sitting further away from him as if not to spook him. “You would have a home as long as you bring no harm to my clan, or anyone who is protected by us. That includes the Kodiak Bears and West Virginia Tigers. They’re our partners and deserve the same respect.”
He leaned against the chair, slouching his shoulders in defeat. “Avery will take grave offense to this. He might attack your clan. I could be jeopardizing your people.”
“That wouldn’t be your fault. Avery is a grown man and makes his own decisions. Whether he brings the fight to us or we take it to him, there will be changes to the Texas Tigers. You need to decide which side of the fight you want to be on. We can’t let Avery continue as he has been. This would be the time to join our clan if you wish, not later.” Tabitha looked away from Tex as the door opened and Raja stepped in.
“I feel bad about drawing your clan into this. This was a fight the Texas Tigers should have dealt with long ago, but most of them are in the same position as I am. Avery rules his state with his fists, there’s no respect for him, just fear.” Tex ran his hand through his hair, the blond hair was cut so short it spiked on its own.
Tabitha glanced to Raja who nodded before she turned her attention back to Tex. “Avery is going to be a worry of the past soon. Do we have your word you will put the Alaskan Tigers before any commitments you have to anyone else? That you will protect our clan and not share any information with anyone other than those who are members here? That you will speak with me, Raja, or Ty if for some reason you feel you are unable to do your duties?”
“You should also know that if you betray this clan in any way you would be forfeiting your life. We do not take kindly to traitors.” Raja stated from his position near the door.
“I understand and you have my word. Whatever you need from me, I’ll do. I just don’t want to live like that any longer. I was a guard for Avery so if you need assistance with guards I would gladly help.” Tex looked between Tabitha and Raja before moving his gaze to Robin. “Thank you, for finding me this morning. I wasn’t sure what to do. I was so lost, pulled in two different directions and not wanting anyone else to get hurt because of my actions.”
“You’re welcome. Knowing what you were going through, at least partially, I had to at least try.” Robin squeezed his hand for reassurance.
“If you want to come on as a guard, we’ll start you on ground duty to see how you do. But before you begin, I want you to talk to Robin or Doc. We need to know you’re fit for duty. Robin might be able to help you. She has experience with this act of violence. If you prefer to talk to Doc, I know he will make the time. Whatever you say to them would be confidential. They would only tell me if you’re capable of protecting the clan, and provide me with an honest opinion on your mental state,” Tabitha added.
“I don’t—”
Tabitha held up her hand, stopping him. “Until this session is complete you won’t be guarding anyone, nor will you receive your weapons back. I have to think of the safety of the clan, and you’ve been through a lot, so reassurance is a necessity.”
“If there’s someone else besides Robin or Doc you’d feel more comfortable speaking with we could see about making arrangements.” Raja stepped closer.
Tex nodded, accepting their conditions. “I’ll talk with Robin, if that’s fine with her.”
When Raja and Tabitha looked at Robin, she smiled. “It’s fine.” How could she say no to Tex when she understood what he was going through? He would be her first introduction to working with more cases in the future. She should have gone to college to study counseling instead of legal studies.
Chapter Twelve
Adam sat on a swivel chair. Normally when he travelled he flew the helicopter, this was his first time in the private plane the Alaskan Tigers owned. For once it was enjoyable to sit back and relax while Taber flew them to Virginia.
“It’s going to be late night when we finally make it to Pierce’s location, swinging the favor toward us,” Ty explained, looking at the email Jinx’s guards sent. “Weres are not able to see as well as full-blooded shifters at night. With even more luck maybe Pierce will be sleeping and our mission will go off without a hitch.”
“My men also advised he’s alone. There are no guards protecting him.” Jinx swiveled in his chair.
Adam was only slightly surprised to find out Jinx would be accompanying them on the mission. Taking down Pierce affected all tiger shifters, but it had been the Alaskan Tigers fight since nearly the beginning. Jinx’s clan recently joined a partnership with the Alaskan Tigers, bringing the clans as one unit.
Taber’s voice cracked through the overhead speaker. “I’ve received confirmation my brothers are airborne. They should be arriving thirty minutes behind us in Virginia.”
Adam pressed the button connecting them to the cockpit. “Additional support is even better. Who’s coming, Taber?”
“Theodore and the twins, Turi and Trey.” Taber was one of the eldest twins next in line to lead the Kodiak Bears when their father stepped down. They were the best fighters of the group, but none of the Bears were slackers in that department.
“We have more than enough men even if this mission goes off track.” The eagerness coming off Ty tingled in the air. “Marcus you’re leading the other group, focus on finding the room. If possible, Pierce is mine. I’d love to see him suffer for all the pain he’s caused, but we’re better than that. I want him to look into my eyes and know I’m going to kill him. The kill will be as humane as possible. I will not stoop to his level no matter how tempting it would be.”
“We’ll take Taber with us.” Adam leaned his head against the soft leather seat. “Marcus you’ll take Turi and Trey with you. Pick one guard to stay with Theodore and keep guard outside. Make sure no one else approaches. I suggest everyone get a little rest before we arrive. It could be a long night.”
Adam let his eyelids fall shut, not in search of sleep, but for the connection with Robin. His eyes didn’t need to be closed for the link, it only allowed for him to forget
about the distance between them. The connection tingled along his skin as he felt Robin reaching out to him. Her longing for him and her fear became stronger with their connection. It matched his desire to hold her in his arms again.
Through their bond he could tell what she was doing, thinking, and feeling. It was almost as if he was there with her. What surprised him was how she was adjusting to clan life. He saw her comfortably chatting with the Elder mates—Tabitha and Bethany. The woman had formed a plan to help the newest female member of the clan, Harmony. Everything was working out better than he hoped. Now all he had to do was to make it back to her. He wanted to feel her body against his, her lips on his, and her fingers teasing along his chest as they cuddled. He was missing her more than he thought. It was true that one didn’t truly understand mating until they had consummated the relationship. Maybe they wouldn’t have an uphill battle while she tried to find her place.
Robin and the Elder mates had devised a plan for her to speak with Harmony after dinner. The compound might have been a safe haven so far, but when someone new stepped into Tabitha’s quarters, Robin couldn’t stop the tension from rising. Setting her coffee aside, she held tight to the connection Adam brought to life a short time before. His calming nature caressed over her like running water.
They are friendly. Taber’s twin brother, Thorben, and their mate, Kallie. You’re safe, I swear. Adam whispered through their connection.
With nearly fifty clan members Robin had to get used to meeting new people or she was going to have a nervous breakdown.
“Korbin let us in,” Kallie explained, coming around to sit next to Tabitha on the sofa. Thorben stood by the side of the sofa, acting more like a bodyguard than a mate. “I wanted to find out how Harmony was and if I could do anything.”
Bethany must have caught Robin eyeing Thorben because she leaned closer to Robin. “If you’re looking for differences between the twins don’t bother. Kallie swears they’re different, though we can’t see it. They act like her personal bodyguards, but on rare occasions you’ll see a loving side to them.”
“It’s not rare.” Kallie defended before she reached up and slid her hand into her mates. “They give me everything I need and I tell you there are differences. Robin you’ll just have to see them side by side and I’ll show you. Taber’s on the mission with the others, but I’ll show you when he’s back. You’ll see, I’m not making it up.”
Tabitha and Bethany laughed, as if they had heard it all before. Tabitha gained control of herself, smiling at Kallie she added. “Side by side and Robin will still not see these differences you find. The only ones I’ve seen are in their personality and those are minuscule.”
The easy relationship between these women had Robin longing to be part of it. If she agreed to help the abused shifters, she’d be working more with Tabitha and Bethany. This connection would hopefully give her the same relationship Kallie had with them.
“Fine.” Kallie let out a puff of air as if she was offended they didn’t believe her but the smile that lit up her face made it clear she wasn’t angry. “What’s going on with Harmony?”
“I’m taking Robin over there after dinner. She’s going to help me talk to her. Maybe we’ll make more progress,” Tabitha told Kallie.
“Who’s going with you? Adam’s gone and Felix scares Harmony so you’re without your main guards.” Thorben eyed Tabitha with concern.
“Raja will be with us and Felix and Korbin will be outside. It was the only way the men would agree without Ty here. There’s nothing to worry about. Harmony is scared, but is coming around.” Tabitha smiled.
“I can come with you,” Thorben said. “I’m sure Kallie could stay with Bethany while I was there or I can have someone else watch over her.”
Kallie looked up at her mate. “The compound is safe, I don’t need you or Taber with me at all times. You know, I did just fine before we mated.”
Coming to sit beside her Thorben pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “I know, but it’s our duty to protect you. You’ve been blessed with not one but two mates, so you never get rid of one of us, you know that.”
“It’s hard enough getting rid of one.” Bethany laughed, turning slightly in her chair to glance at Raja who was working on his laptop a few feet away. “It must be nearly impossible to get rid of two.”
“It’s beyond impossible. I don’t think I’ve been alone since I’ve mated.” Kallie cuddled into Thorben.
“It’s what happens when you mate a shifter. We cling to our mates with our claws,” Raja added without even looking up from his laptop.
Talking about mates made Robin miss Adam even more. She had only known him a short time and yet she couldn’t picture her life without him. He wasn’t just her safety and security anymore, she was actually falling in love with him. He might get killed on this mission and I didn’t tell him how I feel.
Chapter Thirteen
Stepping out into the open air Robin tipped her head back, letting the cool evening air caress her face, and blow her hair out around her, tangling it. Aurora Borealis lit up the sky—the blues, greens, and pinks mixing together formed a beautiful sky.
“They’re impressive aren’t they?” Tabitha stood beside Robin watching the sky, while Raja, Felix, and Korbin kept guard, watching the grounds for anything unusual.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing.” No words could describe what Robin saw in the sky. It seemed perfect. She knew there was a scientific reason for the lights, serving to remind her she was a mere small piece of the whole picture. Maybe her puzzle piece fit into the Alaskan Tigers’ clan.
Raja cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Ladies, I’d like to get back to the main compound before the team lands in Virginia, so if we could carry on.”
Nodding, Robin followed his lead. Her thoughts turned to the change in her attitude since she arrived. When Adam first landed the helicopter and Ty and Raja waited for them, she was intimidated. Her heart raced in her ears and she wanted to scream for Adam to fly away. Now that she had spent time with the Elders, she realized they meant no harm to her.
Would the world know about the Alaskan Tigers and shifters in general one day? She wasn’t sure the world was ready, but each day slowly moving forward and within a few years maybe they could live side by side without fearing the unknown. For now, she was honored to be a part of their close-knit community.
Harmony stayed in one of the studio apartments some of the single members and guards lived in. The only difference, she had a guard at her door to guarantee no one bothered her and that she didn’t run off before she was healed.
“Evening, Lance,” Raja called to the guard stationed outside the door. “Take a twenty minute break, go get something to eat or a coffee.”
“Yes, sir.” Lance nodded and strolled off.
“Ready?” Raja asked Robin and Tabitha before opening the door. Felix and Korbin took their post on each side of the door. If something should happen, they were close enough to defend their Lieutenant and get the women to safety. When Raja and the women entered, Harmony jumped off the bed, scurrying to the side out of direct view.
“Harmony, I brought a friend with me, her name is Robin.” Tabitha moved closer to the bed so she could see the tigress, still keeping Raja a step in front of her. The rules were clear, they were to get no closer than Raja.
“Can she understand us in her animal form?” Robin asked, coming to stand on the other side of Tabitha.
“She hears you, she just can’t talk in that form. I can hear her thoughts.”
“Harmony, I’m sure you’ve smelled I’m human. I joined the clan recently, so I know you’re scared. The Elders and this situation can be intimidating.” Robin paused, trying to figure out the best way to approach the woman. It would have been easier if she could get a feel for Harmony, but in her tigress form Robin couldn’t get a read on Harmony’s emotions. She wasn’t growling, did that mean she wasn’t angry? Or was she waiting to pounce?
“Keep going, you’re getting through to her,” Tabitha whispered.
“You have two choices, let it control you or you can control it. I chose to grab it by the reins and get my life back. You can too. I can help if you shift. The person you fear won’t get to you as long as you remain here. The Elders and guards will see to that. Shift back and let us help you. At least give it a try and we’ll go from there.” Robin prayed she was getting through to the young woman.
The tigress rose and Robin thought she might attack. The reddish-orange and black hair slowly sank into Harmony’s skin. Bones seemed to break and morph into different shapes as she stood on two feet. In a matter of seconds, she went from being seven feet long from head to tail and over three hundred pounds, to standing naked and no more than ninety pounds. Her skin was unhealthy pale—almost translucent. Her ruby red hair and freckles only enhanced her pastiness.
Raja stepped forward, reaching for a blanket. Harmony pressed up against the wall. “Here.” He handed her the blanket without moving closer to her. A timid hand reached out, taking the blanket from his outstretched hand.
“Why don’t you get dressed before we talk?” Tabitha motioned toward the small hallway and opened bathroom door. “The clothes from your bag were washed and are hanging in the closet. We’ll take a seat and wait for you.” Tabitha turned to Robin who was already moving toward the small sitting area.
The studio apartments were small, with everything to make it homey. Eventually, each member of the clan would receive their own cabin. The priority went to mated members, then the top Elder guards, before moving down to the rest of the clan members.
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