The Tiger's Heart

by Marissa Dobson

  “I love you too. Are you still tired?”

  “Why?” He played with a loose strand of her hair.

  “I want to feel your hands on my body. I want to feel you in me.”

  He smirked. “Come here.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Raja and Ty stood at the end of the conference table, their mates sitting on their respective side of each them. Felix sat next to Tabitha and Shadow next to Bethany, giving the clear picture of the hierarchy. Marcus, Thomas, Adam, Connor and Styx took the remaining chairs.

  “Connor, what did you find?” Raja took a slip of coffee.

  “It would seem the information is correct. Victor is flying out of Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Friday and has booked a hotel room close to the airport in San Francisco through the weekend.”

  “Careless for him to book in his name.” Ty watched the information Connor mentioned come on screen in front of him.

  “He’s cocky. He doesn’t believe he would be caught, that no one would be able to track him or want to track him.” Connor hit a button, and the flight and hotel information was replaced with a picture. “This is his most current picture. Taken less than a year ago.”

  The man on the screen before them looked to be in his late fifties. His dark salt and pepper hair more white than dark, gave him a weathered look. His dark, soulless eyes stared back at them as if he didn’t see you, but merely saw through you. People were just a pawn in his game.

  “How can a man this old be so naïve? He has to suspect you could be monitoring the travel arrangements made in names of anyone associated with Pierce.” Bethany eyed the board with disgust.

  “Maybe he’s encouraging us to try to take him down.” Tabitha leaned forward in her chair, angling herself to get a better view of the man. “I know him.”

  “You know him? How?” Ty touched his mate’s shoulder.

  “He came into the restaurant I worked at in Pittsburgh. He was there the day I came home to discover Ty’s letter attached to my door. Two days before Pierce turned up at my apartment. I waited on him.”

  “Did he say anything?”

  “He mentioned he was in town to reacquaint with an old friend…” She looked at Ty with glossy tears in her eyes. “You don’t think…he meant me, do you?”

  The room pulsing with Ty’s rage. Raja could see Ty was thinking how differently things could have turned out. If he’d been a little later finding Tabitha, she could have been at the mercy of Pierce and his gang.

  “I won’t lie to you, Tabitha. It’s very likely it was you. You’re safe here. We’ll bring him down.” Raja turned to Conner. “What else do you know about him? Does he have any family? A mate? Children?”

  “No family on record. Parents are deceased. He’s a born shifter and joined forces with Pierce shortly after Pierce’s change. His beliefs are different from Pierce’s. He wants to rid the world of the lesser shifters and believes the mate, or mates in his version, are only there for breeding.”

  “Mates?”

  “According to what I have found about him, he believes we have multiple mates. Our first true mate will lead us to our other mates.”

  “Interesting. Especially since he’s unmated. One would think he would put his beliefs into action.” Raja glanced at the clock on the wall. Forty minutes until the plane lands. “He’ll be there in two days. We’ll send two teams, along with other men from Jinx’s clan in West Virginia, to take him down. If possible brought alive to a secure location.”

  “Lance and Spencer are standing by to leave. Leo, if you would go pack your stuff and join them, you will be a part of the second team. Adam we would like for you to head the team, reporting directly to Raja.” Ty rubbed his mate’s shoulder as he watched the young guard with interest.

  “Yes, sir. I’m honored. Thank you.” Adam rose to follow Leo out.

  “You earned it. Give us another few minutes of your time and then you can pack and brief the team before the plane leaves.”

  Adam nodded, returning to his seat. The door closed behind Leo.

  “Adam, it’s doubtful Pierce will be there but if he is, we’ll send more soldiers. Do your best to find out what his reason for meeting with the Russian tiger is. Confiscate whatever evidence that might be in his room, anything that might assist us. Lastly, if possible take him alive. We’ll want to interrogate him. If he has others with him, do whatever you deem necessary. Jinx’s men will be leaving late this evening and will meet you there. I’ll be available at any time, and we’ll have more men standing by.” Raja grabbed the coffee pot on the table before him, pouring more into his cup. “Unless you have any questions, you’re dismissed.”

  “Thank you. I won’t let you down.” Adam stood quickly, leaving the room in a hurry.

  “Now the rest of you, once Victor is taken down, or he’s aware there are men on him, it could lead to an attack on the compound. I want everyone on a code red until you hear otherwise from Ty or me. There need to be two guards on Tabitha and Bethany round the clock.” Out of the corner of his eye, the women shot him dirty looks, but he was glad they didn’t voice their displeasure. “When in their quarters with their mates, guards are to be outside the main door, or may be dismissed for the night but on call. Felix and Shadow will assign shifts for each mate. That will be all for now. Shadow, Styx, if you two could wait outside while Ty, our mates and I have a word, then we can meet the plane.”

  “Felix, if you’ll wait with them.”

  The guards filed out of the conference room, leaving the air heavy with tension. Raja knew it was only a matter of moments before the women let loose their displeasure over the guards. Who would be first…his bet was on Tabitha. Bethany would wait until later when they were alone and she could wrap him around her finger.

  “Round-the-clock guards? Is that really necessary?” The disgust was apparent in Tabitha’s voice.

  “Yes, Tabby, it is. You’re my mate, and I want you safe. If something comes up and either of us is called away, we want to know our mates will be safe. If the situation calls for it, you’ll be guarded together. Four guards are better than two. I don’t want to hear any arguing from either of you. Tabitha, you have been here when there was an attack on the compound. Bethany, you know what Pierce is capable of. Don’t fight us on this—neither of you will win.”

  Raja was only slightly surprised when both of the women remained silent. All protest from them was gone.

  “If you believe it’s necessary,” Bethany said softly.

  “I do.” He laid a hand over hers. “The plane will be landing shortly. We should…”

  Bethany nodded. Before she could stand, Tabitha spoke.

  “If you don’t mind, Ty and I would like to accompany you. Tora has arranged the memorial service for this evening.”

  “Thank you.” Tears glistened in Bethany’s eyes, and Raja could feel his mate’s gratitude. He saw the spark in her that wasn’t there before, as if she’d found a place within their close-knit group.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Raja was overwhelmed at the number of clan members standing at the landing strip. In front of the group, Tora stood with Marcus by her side. It looks as though all the clan members are here.

  Tears streamed down Bethany’s face and her lips trembled, as she stood staring at the group in astonishment.

  “We wanted to be here to support you.” Tora stood in front of Bethany and Raja and placed her hand on Bethany’s arm.

  “Thank you, Tora.” Raja wrapped his arm around Bethany, drawing her as close to him as her crutches would allow. Maybe I didn’t do too bad raising that big-mouthed sister of mine. She turned out to be an amazing woman.

  “Yes, thank you.” Bethany cried in a tearful voice.

  “Your face will freeze if you keep crying.” Tora laughed sadly, taking a tissue from her pocket to wipe Bethany’s face. “Sorry…” She laughed again as if she finally realized what she was doing. “I guess it’s the mother in me. Come on, Doc req
uested a chair for you. He doesn’t want you to overdo it on the knee.”

  Walking through the crowd, he realized there were only a few members not present. Mostly the guards on duty are missing.

  As if Tora read his mind, she spoke. “After learning of the memorial service everyone wanted to show their support. The guards on duty send their sympathies but were unable to get away.”

  “Where’s Scarlet?” Raja gave Tora’s hand a squeeze, letting her know how thankful he was for all she did.

  “She’s with Daniella. It’s much too cold for her to be out here.”

  As they reached the chair Tora mentioned, it was obvious to Bethany that Raja’s sister had gone all out. There was a tent set up with a few chairs and a long bench in the front. A table filled will thermoses of warm liquids and if he knew his sister, at least one of them had his special, dark roasted coffee waiting for him.

  Tora directed them to the large bench. “Sit. I’ll get you something warm to drink.”

  Raja sat with Bethany to his left, followed by Tabitha, Ty and Felix. Shadow and Styx sat on Bethany’s right. When she rested her head gently on Raja’s shoulder, he wrapped his arms around her.

  “Your sister is incredible,” she whispered.

  “Don’t tell her that. It will make things unbearable for Marcus. She already believes he couldn’t get along without her, not even for a day.” His lips curved into a smile before laying his lips on her forehead.

  “I distinctly remember someone saying men need their mates. We complete them.”

  “You can’t use my own words against me,” he teased.

  Tora came back with a tray of coffees and hot cocoa for Raja, Bethany, Tabitha, Ty and the guards. “This one’s your special blend.” She pointed to the cup closest to Raja. “Bethany, I think you might enjoy the hot cocoa. It’s unlike anything you ever tasted before.”

  “Bethany, you must try it. It is amazing.” Tabitha grabbed one of the hot cocoa cups off the tray, her face glowing with pleasure.

  “Okay.” She took one of the cups, breathing in the aroma. “It smells delicious.”

  “Taste it,” Tabitha encouraged.

  She took a small sip and moaned. “Oh my!”

  “I told you. Delicious. The kitchen staff makes it with real chocolate, none of that powdered stuff.” Tabitha wrapped her hands around the mug, bringing it to her lips.

  A distant sound of a plane engine sobered the mood. Raja knew even after hearing from the detective, the arrangements were made and so on, Bethany was still holding on to a glimmer of hope that it was all a bad dream. That was all about to come crashing down around them when the coffins were unloaded, and there was nothing he could do about it.

  Please let my love and support be enough to get her through this difficult time.

  Her body trembled as the plane came into view. “I’m here, love.”

  “I’m fine.” She tried to put on a brave face but Raja could see through it.

  Marcus and Tora took a seat on the other side of Styx, when someone laid a hand on Bethany’s shoulder, brushing his arm that was around her in the process. Raja growled, ready to take the head off whoever was touching his mate. He turned to find James.

  “Sorry, it’s been so long since I’ve been around other shifters, let alone a mated Alpha.” James pulled his hand away as if Raja burned it.

  “Uncle James, I’m glad you’re here.” Bethany turned slightly to see him. “We’re having a service for Mom, Dad and Jamie this evening. I hope you’ll attend.”

  “I’ll be there.” He stood behind them as the plane landed.

  A man in cowboy boots and hat stepped out of the plane and wandered toward them. Must be Jinx’s man who accompanied them.

  “Bethany, Raja, I’m Jinx the Alpha of the West Virginia clan. I have brought your family home.”

  “Thank you.” Tears flooded down her checks.

  “Welcome to Alaska.” Ty stood, shaking his hand. “Thank you for bringing our clan member’s family home.”

  “I’d like to ask for assistance with the caskets. We can place them where you would like, and then Bethany can have the time she needs. There’s no need to do it out here in the cold.” Jinx spoke to Ty but his gaze, full of sympathy, was on Bethany.

  “Styx, Marcus, would you please gather other men and help him?” Raja rubbed his hand down her arm. They nodded and rose. “We’ll show you to the area once you have unloaded them.”

  Ty stood. “On behalf of Bethany and Raja, I’d like to thank everyone for joining us. We appreciate the support for Bethany. We’ll have the memorial service this evening and would be pleased if you join us.”

  No one moved as the caskets were carried off. Ty, Tabitha and Felix led the men in to the ballroom. It was the biggest room that would accommodate everyone attending the service. It was already decorated with flowers and a large picture of Bethany with her family in the center where the coffins would go. Bethany and Raja, along with Shadow and James, followed with Tora behind, giving them privacy.

  “Oh my.” Bethany stopped as she saw the picture.

  “Jinx sent us the picture. I asked Tora to have a larger one made and hung here. It seemed appropriate.”

  “It’s wonderful. Thank you, Raja.”

  Jinx came to them, carrying an urn. “Bethany, I’m assuming Raja explained to you that due to the condition of your sister, she had to be cremated immediately.”

  Bethany nodded, running her hand over the urn.

  “If you’d place her on the small table between your parents, that will be fine.” Raja nodded toward the table in question.

  “I want to see my parents.” Bethany looked from Jinx to Raja. “Please.”

  “I don’t know if that is a good idea, love.”

  “I have to. I need to see, to know that this is real.”

  “They did the best they could, but still it is an unpleasant sight,” Jinx said before turning to place the urn on the table.

  “I wish you wouldn’t, but if you feel you have to I won’t deprive you of that. If it will help you find closure, then do it. I’ll support you.” Raja wanted to wrap his arms around her, but those dang crutches were in the way. Instead he rested his hand on the small of her back.

  “I want to do it alone. Just us. No one else needs to remember my family like this. When they think of them, I want them to see the picture you hung.”

  “James?” She shook her head. “Okay, I’ll need a few minutes to clear the room. Why don’t you sit down while I do it?”

  * * *

  Seeing her parents in the caskets was an image Bethany couldn’t get out of her mind. She sat curled on the couch, the cup of tea Raja made her untouched in her hand, staring into space. The undertaker did the best he could, but you could still see they met a brutal end.

  “I want him to feel the same agony he put my family through. I want him to beg for mercy, plead for his life to be spared.”

  “You’re angry now, but I promised you we’ll find Pierce. When we do, your parents and Jamie as well as Tabitha’s parents, will get the justice they deserve. He has blood on his hands, and it’s only a matter of time before we catch him. With any luck Victor could be a vital key to Pierce’s location.” Raja squatted before her, taking her chin between his fingers to make her look at him. “I need you to be strong. I’ll see he gets what’s owed to him.”

  “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.” Her body was trembling with the terror she felt.

  “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 you everything will be fine. All you have to do it trust me.” He seemed convinced that everything would be fine, but still in the back of her mind worries lingered.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “I’m sorry to intrude today of all days.” Tabitha sat next to Ty on the loveseat. On her lap laid the book her father passed down to her.

  “Tabitha, we’re family, it’s not intrusion. You look as though something is bothering you. What is it?”

  “Raja, have you explained this to Bethany?” Tabitha ran her hand over the book.

  He nodded. “Shadow as well. Being the Captain of Bethany’s Guards, she needed to know what trouble could lay ahead.” He wrapped his arm around Bethany, and she cuddled against 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 was calling to me, the magic caressing 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 Bethany might be unaware yet but she’ll play a key role throughout the transition as well. Expect a new tiger named Galen soon. He’s a healer, he knows nothing 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 you 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 Enforcers. 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.