“We might have bigger issues than Henry. The Texas Tigers sent us a message this morning, they want Tex returned within forty-eight hours or they will come to fetch him.”
Felix moved around the sofa to sit across from Ty. “I thought Tex explained he didn’t wish to return and that he wanted to stay here in Alaska. It’s his right to change clans, especially with the abuse he suffered under the Alpha.”
“Normally, yes, but according to Avery, Tex gave up the right when he became a member of the guard.”
“What? I’ve never heard of that before. Can he do that? Can he force Tex back to Texas?”
Ty dragged his hand through his shoulder-length black hair. “Clans years ago used to do it, to protect their secrets. But to answer your question, no, we won’t force Tex to go back. I’ve sent Robin to question him about it, and Raja is with her.”
“Where’s Tabitha?”
“Adam took her to visit Bethany. The women are online shopping.” Ty visibly shivered as if shaken by the idea. “If I never have to go shopping with them again, it will be a blessing. Women take forever to pick out what they need. Men just go in, grab what we came for, and go.”
Felix couldn’t help but sympathize with that. He watched Tabitha and Bethany shop online together, and he could only imagine what it was like taking them out shopping where they could try everything on. It would have been a nightmare, especially with the constant threats to Tabitha’s safety.
“Back to Henry, we believe he’ll come after Harmony alone. For now we’re going to wait until we know where he is before we plan any kind of attack. With Avery’s newest demand, we can’t spread the guards out dealing with multiple threats, especially not this close to Tabitha’s announcement.”
“Announcement?” Felix raised an eyebrow.
“The book alerted Tabitha she’s nearing the announcement and we should make some final preparations. We’re waiting for something to happen before she comes out to all clans, but I believe it will be happening soon.”
The book Ty spoke of was the one that was handed down Tabitha’s line for generations, and it would help her take her position as Queen of the Tigers. It had guided her to form a core group that had originally included only him, Marcus, and Thomas, but now had grown to include Adam, Shadow, and Styx.
“With both Adam and myself mated, and Korbin in Ohio…as the Captain of Tabitha’s Guards, I’d like to promote a new member to the team.”
Ty ran his hands over the thighs of his jeans and leaned forward. “Who?”
“Carran.” The only black tiger of the clan, he had been proving himself as an amazing guard both in practice drills and on missions. He’s young but would be a perfect fit for the team.
“I’ve heard our little black tiger is making a name for himself.” Ty nodded. “With the increased threat, I’ve asked Taber to contact his brothers to see if one of them would come guard Tabitha. A big bear by her side with you and Adam will scare some attackers right from the start. Thaddeus has agreed.”
Tad was the next oldest after Taber and Thorben and had been traveling between the compound and his family’s island just off of Nome. He was nearly as good a guard as his older twin brothers, and he would be another great addition to Tabitha’s guards. “It will be great to have Tad as part of the team. When does he arrive?”
“The youngest of the Kodiak Bears brothers, Theodore, will be delivering some additional custom furniture tomorrow, and Tad will fly in with him. Theodore has offered to stay on once he finishes his deliveries, if we could provide him a workshop. He’ll join us next week if we still need him. The other Brown twins, Turi and Trey, will stay in Nome to protect their homeland with their father, but they will be available if we need them.”
“Very well. Having Tad will allow us to have someone with Carran without Adam and me working overtime to train him. Tad knows what is expected, and I’m just down the hall in a guest room if anything comes up.”
Ty leaned back against the sofa. “I know you’ve found your mate now, but it doesn’t change that I want you in the building.” Ty had a connection with each dedicated member of his clan, letting him know what was happening with each of them. Not to mention he could smell the subtle changes in Felix’s scent now that he found Harmony.
Felix nodded, he had already suspected Harmony would have to join him in his one-room guest bedroom. While it was larger than her studio apartment, it would still be cramped for two people. “I understand.”
“Raja and I were speaking of this very issue this morning. We’ve decided to get Ryan and his construction crew to add on to the main building. Plans are being drawn up now, and we’re going to add a second floor. Tabitha and my quarters as well as Raja and Bethany’s quarters will be in the middle with yours on the side of ours and Shadow’s on the other side of Raja’s. This will allow us all more privacy while keeping the mates safe. We’ll have a private entry to the second floor so it will be out of bounds for anyone without permission. It will allow us all more room to grow, with mates and cubs as they come.” Ty explained.
Felix nodded, excited about the possibility of moving out of the small room in the future. “It sounds like a logical plan and will allow the Captains of the Guards to be closer if anything should happen. What about yours and Raja’s quarters now?”
“Adam and Styx will take them over. Having the seconds for each guard team close at hand will be additional protection. There’s enough room for them to grow into it as well. So we won’t have to worry about things for a while. We’re also planning to turn one of the guest rooms down here into a living room so Raja and I could meet with the clan in a relaxed setting without having them upstairs endangering our mates.” Ty reached forward, grabbing his vibrating cell phone from the coffee table before looking back up at Felix. “Ryan and his men will work quickly and the bears have agreed to help. They should be able to finish the addition within three months, hopefully sooner. I’d prefer to have it done before Tabitha’s announcement, but I’m not sure that will be possible.”
“Tabitha will be safe either way. We’ll see to that.” It was stupid to tell his Alpha that, but he felt he had to. He wanted to make it clear that mating with Harmony wouldn’t change his duty to protect Tabitha.
“I know we will. Now what about your mate? You said she wished to speak with me. Why don’t we go find her and see what I can do for our newest tigress?” Ty rose from the sofa.
Felix followed his lead, tingling with anticipation to get back to his mate. He wasn’t used to having someone he felt so connected to, the need to be with her so strong it was almost overpowering. The beast within him growing impatient to claim her as his, clawing at his insides and demanding to take over.
Harmony was bent over blow-drying her hair, her fingers combing through the red strands of wet hair, when Felix returned. Looking up, she found Ty standing beside him. She looked down at herself, thankful that she dressed in jeans and a tank top after stepping out of the shower instead of just keeping the towel around her until her hair was dry.
She shut off the blow dryer and laid it on the dresser. “I didn’t expect you to come here, I thought…” She ran her fingers through her still-damp hair hoping to make herself somewhat presentable.
“Felix and I finished, and it just made more sense for us to come to you instead of him coming back to escort you to us.” Ty stood there, his thumbs hooked through the belt loops of his jeans.
So we’re back to me being escorted from place to place, a prisoner again. Before she could complain, Ty added, “I see the concern in your eyes. I only meant you haven’t been to my quarters so you’d need help finding it. Now, how about we sit, and you tell me what you wanted to see me about.” Ty motioned to the small seating area.
She nodded, making her way to the sofa, hoping that Felix would sit next to her. Ty took the chair across from her, and Felix hung back. “I asked to meet with you for a couple reasons, but something was brought to my attention this morning that I think
needs to be approached first. Robin’s sharing in my nightmares. She’s seeing what happened before. Adam believes it’s because of the connection she shares with me, and I wanted to speak with you. I thought it might be best if I mentioned it first since it’s because of me. Is there anything you can do to help her?”
Ty leaned back against the chair, his hands crossed over his stomach looking relaxed while his gaze on her was all business. “The connection for her is going to be different since she’s human, but I will work with her and teach her how to block them. However, it’s going to be a learning curve for all of us. Your connection and loyalty to Robin is what you should have with an Alpha. It’s never happened with a human before.”
“Would it help if I was committed to an Alpha? To you?”
A hint of amusement sparked in his eyes. “Are you committing to the clan? Is that what you want?”
Damn it, she knew he’d ask that. She wasn’t ready to make the commitment unless it would help Robin. After everything Robin did to help her, Harmony couldn’t leave her suffering. “If I’m going to be mated to Felix, I don’t have much choice, do I? I also care about Robin, and I don’t want her to suffer because of my shit.”
Ty looked at her seriously. “We’d never force the clan on you. However, being Felix’s mate and his position within the clan, yes, it would be better for everyone involved if you were committed to the clan. We’re not sure how it will affect the bond between Robin and you. I believe there will be little to no change. However, if Robin were ever against what I’ve decided for the clan, then you would suffer with the confliction. It could ease the effect it’s having on Robin, but I doubt it. I believe you’ll still be more bound to Robin than to me.”
She had hoped that it would help Robin more, but it would at least make things easier for Felix once they were mated. More for her to think about and weigh. She wasn’t ready to commit tonight. Ty seemed like a good Alpha, but she been down that path before—and it landed her in Henry’s claws. “I was hoping if I committed to you and the clan it would ease things for Robin. I never realized reaching out to her would cause this bond. She’s only human—it’s too much for her.”
Ty nodded. “If I had known the extent of the effect, I would have tried working with her before. I’ll meet with her when I’m done here to see what can be done. Her connection to the clan is strong, so I should be able to give her at least some help. Her issue is her humanity, when this happens with an Alpha, the shifter is already designed to separate things so feeling the clans emotions doesn’t overwhelm you or divert your attention away from what needs to be done. Back to you committing to the clan, is that something you’re planning to do?”
Felix shifted his weight from one leg to the other, drawing her attention. “Harmony, don’t do this because of the mating. Devoting yourself to the clan is a bigger decision than that. We’ll work things out whatever you decide.”
“I’ll be honest: I’m not ready to make the commitment to the Alaskan Tigers or to any clan for that matter. I don’t want to push myself back into the situation I was in before in Ohio.” Ty cleared his throat as if he wanted to say something. “If I could finish…with that being said, I respect the clan and will do nothing to harm what you have here. I’m concerned that my presence is going to bring trouble to your doorstep. I appreciate all that you and the clan are doing for me, and I believe I will be ready to make the commitment if I can just have a little more time.”
Ty nodded and looked toward Felix before turning back to her. “We’re nothing like the Ohio Tigers. Actually, we found out another clan is abusing its members, and we’re taking action to stop it. However, I realize you need to see it, not be told that. I won’t force the clan on you, but you have to realize that without your commitment, there are going to be limitations to your presences. Such as what Felix can tell you about the clan’s activities.”
“I know, but I also know he won’t be able to tell me a lot of things, anyways. His position in the clan will always be above mine. I’m not strong enough to reach his position in the clan, even if I had centuries to do so. Years ago I realized I’m a weak shifter, and nothing’s going to change that.” She looked toward Felix, her lips curved down in a frown. “I’m sorry.”
Felix stepped around the coffee table to the sofa, reaching out for her hand as he sat down next to her. “There’s nothing to be sorry about.”
Ty smirked, leaning forward. “Actually, our clan is a bit different than others. We realize keeping secrets from your mate is difficult, causing strain within the mating. Mates of the guards are allowed to attend most meetings. In most cases, things are not kept completely confidential between mates, but outside of the mating, nothing can be shared. Now, there are exceptions to this, but this is normally the case. With your commitment to the clan, it would allow you to attend things with Felix, to know what’s happening within the clan as well as things concerning the clans and its members. Without it you won’t be able to attend, nor will he be able to speak about it. This includes some developments on Henry.”
Developments on Henry—but that’s concerning me. “That’s a little close to blackmail for my tastes.”
Ty shook his head, a clump of his dark hair coming loose from behind his ear. “Not blackmail, I’m stating the facts. There could be developments on the search for Henry that effect things beyond you. He might be after you, but he also has history with Felix and the clan. After the earlier phone call, I believe part of his fascination with you is because you’re to be Felix’s mate.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Ty was using her desire to know what was happening when it came to Henry to get her commitment to the clan. It reminded her a little too much of the Ohio Alpha and his deceiving techniques to get someone to do what he wanted. Was Ty the same way? Or was he truly trying to let her know what would happen?
Fists clenched she dug her nails into the palm of her hand, trying not to show that she was disappointed. “The other reason I asked to speak with you was because I wanted to help Connor and Lukas go through the information they’ve found. I know Robin has been doing it, but she’s doing too much. I guess based on your last comment that wouldn’t be possible.”
Once again Ty shook his head, confirming her original thought. “I’m afraid not. They’re working on more than just Henry, and some information they find might pertain to something else as well. Robin has been helping Connor because of her computer skills.”
“I’m tech savvy. I might be able to help.” This time she wasn’t able to keep the disappointment and anger from her voice.
“Harmony, I understand how you feel, but without your commitment, I can’t risk our other endeavors. If things change in the future, I know Connor would be honored to have your assistance. Connor and Lukas are overworked, but at this time, there’s no one else to help them besides Robin.” Ty rose. “If that’s all, I should check in with Robin before I find my mate.”
She rose, remembering that he could possibly be her Alpha in the future, but even if he wasn’t, he was still Felix’s and he deserved respect. “Thank you. I appreciate you coming, I’ll let you know my decision soon.”
“Felix, if I could have a moment of your time before I leave. Outside.” Ty strolled to the door, expecting Felix to follow.
Seeing him out, she realized she had a number of decisions to make. Either she wanted to be a part of this clan—Felix’s family—or she didn’t. If she didn’t, how would it impact her mating with him? If she did commit to the clan, how would it effect Robin? She hated that she had more than just herself to think about. Her decisions now effected not only her, but also Felix and Robin. A human caught up in the shifter world because she mated with Adam.
Chapter Six
Felix quietly followed Ty out and across a small patch of grass until they were out of hearing range even for a shifter. “Everything okay, Ty?”
“Harmony is still questioning her loyalties. I know it’s going to make your mating mor
e difficult, but you must watch what you tell her. Any confidential information you share with her could be used against us if she chooses to leave.” Ty looked around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear them. “You can’t mention Tabitha coming out as Queen of the Tigers. We can’t let that get beyond the Elders yet. Not even to the clan, not yet. That also means until we know where she stands I don’t want her in the main building. She’s too much of a loose cannon right now.”
He wasn’t sure he liked the term ‘loose cannon’ describing his mate. “Loose cannon?”
“When someone has gone through substantial abuse and then they feel safe, they will sometimes fall apart. Harmony went through months of torture and abuse, now she finally has people that will catch her if she falls. It could be only a matter of time before she has a major meltdown.” Ty dragged his hand through his hair, tugging the strands away from his face. “To be honest, I’m surprised she’s accepted you like she has.”
“Me too, but I think you’re underestimating her. Robin thinks she’s making real progress—she’s even agreed to have lunch with the women tomorrow.”
“She’s making progress, I can see that, but she’s also having the nightmares still. She’s living through it night after night in her dreams. I just want you to be prepared that she could slide back and lash out. Without her commitment to the clan, I can’t risk what information she could gain.”
“I understand.” He did, but with his Alpha’s new orders, it was going to make claiming her even more difficult. Once the mating had started, he wouldn’t be able to keep himself away from her, and he couldn’t be in the main building doing his job and with Harmony at the same time.
As if Ty read his mind, he added. “Once your mating has started you’ll be responsible if you bring her to the main building, and I don’t want her there while you’re guarding Tabitha. Not until we’re sure where things stand with her.” Ty strolled away, leaving Felix standing in the cool night air lost in his thoughts.
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