The Tiger's Heart

by Marissa Dobson

  Tabitha roared as Doc pushed the needle in and the plunger down. Slowly the violent moments of her limbs gave way to shakes and then tremors. Bethany’s legs shook as she reached for her crutches. Unable to reach them before her legs buckled. Raja was there to catch her before she could land in a heap, hurting her knee more.

  “Will she be all right now?” Bethany asked as Raja placed her in the chair closest to the couch.

  “She still has to make the transition. It shouldn’t be long now. She’ll have to stay here until the transition is complete. We can’t risk moving her,” Doc said, closing his bag.

  “Connor, I’d suggest you leave. The transition could bring your wolf and we need you to trace the last video.” Ty sat on the couch, Tabitha’s hands in his.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Adam, stand guard at the door. No one is allowed in.”

  “Why don’t you let me look at your knee while I’m here?” Doc knelt before Bethany.

  “It’s fine.”

  “I can see you’re in pain.”

  Raja could feel the pain. She did it to help Tabitha. What a woman I found as a mate. He placed his hand over hers. “Let him look at it.”

  “He should be worried about Tabitha.”

  “I got Tabby. Let him look at your knee. I’d hate to know you did more damage to it helping my Tabby.” Ty nodded at her.

  Doc was examining Bethany’s knee when Raja felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Tabitha was calling the magic forth, bringing on the change.

  “We should have cleared the building,” Raja said, looking at Ty, who nodded in agreement.

  “Too late now.”

  The room filled with energy, as Tabitha’s soft moans turned into purrs. Hair started to grow over her skin.

  “Get her on the floor, if you can. It will give her more room to shift,” Doc said, pushing the coffee table out of the way while Raja and Ty moved her to the floor.

  “Don’t fight it, embrace your tiger.” Ty knelt beside his mate, who now lay on her stomach.

  Her hands became paws as her body became bigger. Her stunning strawberry fur mixing nicely with white stripes across her back. She rose to stand on her newly acquired paws. “Roooaaar!”

  “Do you think that means she likes her new form?” Ty joked.

  Tabitha tried to take a step before toppling over.

  “It’s from the drugs I gave her. It should work its way through her system in a few moments now that she’s a tiger. Then she’ll be able to shift back when she’s ready.”

  Tabitha laid there contentedly licking her paw, observing everyone with her big blue cat eyes.

  Now that Tabitha was resting comfortably it gave Raja a chance to turn his attention back to Bethany. Would seeing the transitions firsthand give Bethany doubts about him?

  Chapter Nineteen

  “We have to trust your uncle isn’t involved with Pierce. Be up front with him but don’t give him too much information over the phone. Our end is secure, but we cannot be sure his line isn’t tapped. We need him to come to us.” Ty sat on the couch with his sleeping mate’s head in his lap. After shifting back to human form, she fell asleep. Doc thought it was from the stress of the situation and the leftover medication. She had on Ty’s dress shirt since her clothes were ruined, and a blanket covered her.

  “I understand.” Bethany twisted the ring on her finger, nerves getting to her. What if Uncle James wants nothing to do with me? What if he’s behind everything and working with Pierce?

  “Stalling isn’t going to help your stomach. Let’s do this. I’ll be right here with you.” Raja squeezed her hand as he grabbed the phone. He dialed the number and placed the call on speakerphone, allowing everyone to hear it.

  He isn’t home. The phone rang and rang before someone answered. “Hello?” a rough voice came through the speaker.

  “Is this James Thompson?” Raja asked.

  “Who’s asking?”

  “My name is Raja Harrison. I’m here with your niece, Bethany…”

  “Bethany—is she all right?” he cut Raja off.

  “Uncle James?” the words felt strange on her tongue. I haven’t seen this man in over fifteen years.

  “Oh, child. I heard what happened to your parents and little Jamie. I was afraid they got you too. Where are you?”

  “I’m safe. Do you know what happened?”

  “I’m afraid I know who is behind it, yes. I can’t tell you over the phone. You must come to me. I know somewhere that you’ll be safe.”

  “I’m safe where I am. Uncle James, did you have anything to do with what happened to Mom, Dad and Jamie?”

  He sighed. “I know I haven’t been in your life, but how could you think I could murder my own brother and his family?” There was no anger in his voice, just disappointment.

  “I didn’t think you could, but I had to ask. Uncle James, I need answers.”

  “I know you do, child, but I can’t give them to you over the phone. It’s not safe.”

  “If you’re truthful in what you say, I can arrange for you to see Bethany. But if you try to harm Bethany or us, it will not be stood for,” Raja spoke while rubbing her leg.

  “I mean her no harm. She’s the last family I have left. I want her protected. I don’t want to see what happened to my brother and his family happen to her.”

  “Very well. You’re correct—it isn’t secure, so no details. Just be ready.” Raja ended the call.

  “I don’t believe he had anything to do with it.” Ty ran his hand run through Tabitha’s hair.

  “I agree. I’ll get the pilot and a team to his location straightaway. Might I borrow Adam to accompany Leo? I need to send Shadow and Thomas to the hotel to collect Bethany’s things and check her out.”

  “Very well. One last thing then we’ll take our leave, and you can put the plans into motion.”

  “Jinx and his team found a trail. They’re following it. Are you still planning to contact the detective to make arrangements for the family?”

  “Yes. I expect he’s gone for the night, but the message and arrangements will be waiting for him. We’ll send the plane and an escort the day after tomorrow. That will give them the time needed to complete their tasks. I’ve asked Tora to put together a small memorial service for the family.”

  Tears sprang to Bethany’s eyes. “Aww Raja. That was wonderful of you but you didn’t have to. None of you knew my family.”

  “It doesn’t matter that we didn’t know them. You’re Raja’s mate and that makes you and them family,” Ty said. “Send Lance as an escort. With his latest blunder he’s off guard duty and needs something to occupy his time. With that, I’ll get my mate into her own bed.” He lifted Tabitha, wrapping the blanket securely around her. “I’ll have Felix bring the blanket back.”

  * * *

  “Jessica wishes to speak with you.” Shadow placed Bethany’s suitcase next to the couch.

  “What does she want?”

  “Adam didn’t say. He only asked me to tell you that she urgently wishes to speak with you. I saw him as they were gearing up for North Dakota.”

  “She’ll have to wait. I’m can’t leave Bethany alone.”

  “I can manage on my own if there’s something that needs your attention.” Bethany hobbled into the living room, freshly changed into a pair of pajamas that Tabitha brought over for her.

  “I’m not leaving you.” His teeth set.

  “I can try to find out what she wanted, but she’s insisting that she speak with you or Ty. I would prefer not to disturb Ty if possible.” Shadow stood close to the door, unmoving.

  “Fine, escort her here. Bethany I’d like you to remain in the bedroom while she’s here.”

  “What do you mean?” She made it to the couch and was about to sit and prop her knee up as Doc instructed her.

  “She’s the one that received the video about your family. She knows what happened to you. I’m not sure she’s ready to face you yet.” Raja watched
as Shadow eased out the door. Obviously she didn’t want to get involved.

  “You’re concerned that she’ll what? Try to kill me like her brother?”

  “No. I told you she’s in denial. I’m not sure she wants to face proof of it yet.”

  “Well ready or not she’s about to.” Bethany lowered herself to the couch and tossed a pillow under her knee. “I’m not going to hide in the bedroom like some scared chick. Maybe seeing me will shake her out of her denial.”

  “Or maybe not.”

  “If it doesn’t then you’re no worse off than you are now.”

  He threw his hands up in the air, unwilling to fight. Or possibly his subconscious knew she was right. Either way she won this round. Is this what mating is like? Giving in to a woman?

  “You’re twisting me around your little finger just as Scarlet does. Am I that easy?”

  “You want to make the people you care about happy. You hate to see sadness or pain in them. Therefore, you do whatever you can to avoid it. But no, you’re not easy. You’re an honorable, loving man. I don’t know how I managed to catch such a man. You’ve been my rock through all of this.”

  He grabbed another throw pillow Tora insisted he have on the couch and used it to prop her knee higher. “I’m glad I’m not transparent.” He smiled. “Scoot down. Let me sit behind you with my arms around you, and you can still have your leg on the couch. I want to feel your body next to mine.”

  She did as he asked, and he slipped behind her, pulling her close to him, his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Comfortable?”

  “Umm,” she moaned. “Raja, why haven’t you completed the mating?”

  “You have been through a lot the last few days, and with your knee you’re in pain. I’m giving you the time I thought you needed.”

  “I don’t need time—it’s you I need.”

  “Soon, love, soon.” He buried his face in her hair, breathing in her scent.

  “They’re coming,” he growled, pulling back from her. “You sure you want to do this?”

  She nodded as the door opened and in stepped the woman. Shadow keeping a close eye on Jessica but gave her the space not to feel crowded.

  “Jessica, what’s so important that you had to see me tonight?”

  “Ahh…umm…” She eyed Bethany with pity.

  “Jessica, whatever you need to say can be said in front of my mate. If you don’t wish to, then Shadow can escort you back to your room.”

  “It’s…I didn’t expect her here.”

  “She’s my mate. Now what did you want?” he rumbled.

  “Mate?” She shook her head. “I was going through email conversations I’ve had with Pierce through the years. I found a few things that might be of importance.”

  “What did you find?” She’s working my patience. This is like pulling teeth.

  “He mentioned a James Thompson. I don’t know who it is, but I recognized the last name.”

  “My uncle?” Bethany whispered.

  “What about him?” Raja’s thoughts were turning negative quickly.

  “I’m not really sure. I just remember him saying it all started with James.”

  “Started with him how?”

  “I’m not sure. After he was bitten, he said it boiled down to being James’s fault. He didn’t bite him but somehow he’s tied into it. But in all the years since, the name never came up.”

  “Okay. We’ll get to the bottom of how he ties into the situation at hand. Anything else?” Raja’s fingers played with the edge of Bethany’s pajama top.

  “There’s also a hunting cabin in North Dakota our parents owned. I own it now but never use it. He has a key and goes there when he needs to regroup or hide. It’s probable he might be there or maybe there’s a clue to where he might be.”

  Bethany gasped at the words North Dakota, but when Raja squeezed her arm, she said nothing.

  “If that’s all, Shadow will escort you to your room. Give her the address and we’ll get a team to investigate it.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “Adam and Leo are an hour out from James’s location. We’ll need another team for Jessica’s tip. I wanted them to investigate the cabin and if he’s there, wait for backup to arrive. We’ll send in two teams, but more will be sent if he’s there.” Raja stood in Ty’s living room giving him the update. Bethany was asleep in his quarters with Shadow standing guard.

  Ty nodded. “I’ll get the teams on it. When James arrives we need to debrief him first. Bring Bethany here—she can stay with Tabitha and her guards. I don’t want the women in danger if James is tied in with Pierce. I also want Shadow with us. She’ll know if we can trust him.”

  “I have a feeling the women aren’t going to be very happy with either of us when we tell them they have to sit this one out.”

  “True, but it’s for the best,” Ty snickered.

  “What’s for the best?” Tabitha asked, coming out of the bedroom.

  “I’ll let you handle this one. I have my own to deal with.” Raja turned to make a quick exit as Ty gave him a dirty look and Tabitha stood with her hands on her hips. He laughed, closing the door behind him. Now to tell my mate.

  While he strolled through the main building back toward his quarters, he took a moment to text Adam. Be on guard. Pierce’s sister has a cabin in ND He might be there. With his cell phone still out he sent Tora a brief message also. Your big mouth is going to get us in trouble one of these days. He smiled, remembering all the times he covered for his sister. Her big mouth already landed them in some tricky situations in the past.

  He cell vibrated in his hand before he clipped it back on his jeans. She must have taken it well…you’re still alive. You can thank me later.

  “Thank her? She must have lost her marbles,” he mumbled, reaching his door.

  He found Shadow sitting on the windowseat hugging her legs. Even in the dark he couldn’t miss her bright pink leggings and white and pink sweater. The pink stood out against the darkness of the room.

  “Shadow, when Adam and Leo arrive with Bethany’s uncle, I’d like you to attend the debriefing before I allow her to meet him. We want to make sure he has nothing to do with Pierce before we endanger her.”

  “Do you think it is wise to leave her alone?”

  “She’ll be with Tabitha and her guards while we meet James.” He leaned against the back of the chair closest to her, whispering so not to disturb Bethany.

  “Very well. If I might make a suggestion.”

  Shadow was still unsure of herself, especially around the Elders. Her life was hard before joining the Alaskan Tiger clan, making her leery of people, especially anyone in the position of power.

  “You’re one of our most trusted guards. You may always speak freely and give your suggestions. We might not use them, but we’re always willing to listen.”

  She smiled a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, but it was warm. “She needs her own guards, especially until Pierce is caught. She’s in as much danger as Tabitha. He’ll come after her again if he gets a chance.”

  “Funny you should bring that up I was just considering the same thing this evening. Are you applying for the position?”

  “I prefer the field, but I could be persuaded into it, I’m sure.” Her eyes held a twinkle of excitement.

  “Think it over and let me know your requirements. I’d like to have you as the Captain of her Guards if interested.” He slid his hands into his pockets. I thought I’d have a hard time convincing her, and here all along she was interested.

  “I’ll sleep on it and let you know tomorrow.” She rose, stretching her long body. “Go to your mate and rest. You both need it. I feel something bad is coming this way.”

  * * *

  “Where were you?” Bethany whispered as he tried to sneak back into the bedroom. “Why are you dressed?”

  “I had to meet with Ty.” He slipped his gun holster and knife off and laid them on the nightstand.

&
nbsp; “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “You were sleeping soundly. I had Shadow here in case you woke.” He unbuttoned his shirt with her gaze on him.

  “You should have woken me.”

  “And what? Dragged you with me? You needed the sleep. You were safe here with Shadow, and I was just down the hall.” He tossed his shirt aside, moving his hands to his belt. “Plus what I spoke with Ty about wasn’t something you had to be there for. We were discussing sending teams to locate Jessica’s cabin.”

  “You’re right. Sleep was better.” She smiled at him. “Now are you coming to bed?”

  “If you want me to.”

  “Oh yes. I want you to.” She eagerly moved over, giving him more room to join her on the bed. I want all of you. I hunger to feel your hands on me.

  He slipped his jeans off, letting them fall to the floor. The moonlight reflected off his toned, muscular body, as he stood before her in only his boxers. His black, shoulder-length hair cascading around his face, his piercing green eyes watching her with desire.

  “Come here,” she whispered with her own need in her voice. She lifted the blanket, inviting him.

  He slipped under the covers with her. Lying on his side with his arm propped under him, he laid there watching her.

  “What?”

  “You’re beautiful.” He played his fingers lightly on her arm.

  “I want you.” She could feel her cheeks heat with embarrassment with her sudden outburst.

  “We should wait. Give your knee time to start the healing process.”

  “I don’t want to wait. My knee will be fine as long as we’re careful. Don’t make me wait, Raja. I need to feel your hands on me.” She leaned her head forward, bringing their lips close. “Please.”

  Her lips were met with the dark taste of coffee, rejuvenating her. No wonder he takes like coffee. He drinks as if it is his life’s nectar. His tongue teased her lips open, turning it from passionate into a deep, hungry kiss. His hand ran through her hair, keeping her close.