Tiger's Strength

by Kimberly A Rogers

  “Madoc?” his father prompted.

  A heavy sigh escaped the Tiger to my right before a carefree smirk once more graced his lips. He offered a slight shrug. “I was merely curious. The military life was never me after all. Not when the mighty and infallible Baran has already made his mark there.”

  Roderick looked rather torn almost as if he didn’t know whether to comfort or reprimand. He pursed his lips then murmured, “The Creator granted many talents among all because everyone is not meant to follow the same paths. Not even among brothers.”

  As he turned his back to put another dish away, I noticed Madoc making a face. Whether it was his father’s words, which were somewhat of a platitude or the fact that Roderick had called Madoc and Baran brothers, I couldn’t say. Although the two brothers did seem to share the same disgust for being named as relatives. Did I mention Tigers were weird? Or specifically the Demirci and Frost Tigers in this case.

  Madoc noticed me watching, and he suddenly leaned toward me. A smirk appeared even as a hint of challenge crept into his golden eyes. “You realize you are far too pretty to spend your days behind a desk, yes?”

  I scoffed, “Must be why I never sit behind a desk unless forced.”

  Reaching into the sink to unplug the drain, I kept one eye on the Tiger. Madoc sidled a little closer, but wasn’t dumb enough to try to touch me. Still he cocked his head as the smirk grew into a toothy grin. “Maybe I should take you for another run through the woods. Elves like to run, right? I bet you enchant— Hey!”

  He spluttered, and I laughed as I sprayed him again with the water hose. “Down boy.” Despite my laughter, I let the Leopard peek out at him as I continued, “You wouldn’t want a reputation for flirting with married women, now would you?”

  Madoc shook his now soaked shirt as he glared at me. “You sprayed me with the water hose!”

  I smirked. “Thought Tigers love water. You did mention wanting to get in the sink. Figured you needed cooling off.”

  Roderick’s quiet chuckles joined my laughter while Madoc continued shaking his shirt. Then, the mez tucked into the far corner of the kitchen crackled to life and Venetia’s cool tones filtered over to us. “Roderick, come join me in the parlor.”

  The mez’s blue light faded before Roderick could even have the chance to step into range and respond. He put the last of the bowls away and nodded to the two of us. His gaze lingered on his son, however. “Madoc, I would suggest you conduct yourself with care. Raina doesn’t seem like a woman who would hesitate to put you in your place should you step out of line again.”

  I smirked when both Tigers glanced at me. Roderick left as I finished rinsing out the sink. As I put the hose away, Madoc broke his silence. However, he kept his voice low as though he were afraid to be overheard as he asked me the last thing I expected. “Do you think the Trackers might accept me?”

  Chewing over my answer, I took my time putting the hose back and then wiping down the counter surrounding the sink. Crumpling the hand towel, I studied Madoc for a long moment. He looked . . . sincere. No hint of the smirk remained and even his golden eyes were serious, if intense. I shrugged a shoulder. “The good thing about Trackers is also the bad thing. They will accept just about anyone who applies to them. Ethics . . . are not always as strictly enforced as perhaps they should be, unless a recruit does something monumental enough to get kicked out of training.”

  I folded the hand towel and set it on the counter before I continued, “It’s part of the reason those in the military don’t tend to think highly of us. Trackers are very often . . . fluid with rules and regulations. They do exist contrary to what our military critics would have you believe, but a regimented adherence . . .” I shook my hand. “Not really our thing.” I paused and quietly said, “If you wish, I can put in a good word for you.”

  His head came up and his eyes widened while surprise skittered through his scent. He stepped toward me, opening his mouth, and I was ninety-nine . . . well okay more like sixty percent certain that he was going to take me up on that offer. Then he stopped short and took a large step back, bumping into the island behind him and shaking his head. A bitter laugh escaped him as his eyes clouded with . . . self-recrimination. “Not even the Trackers would be crazy enough to accept me. I’m too much trouble.”

  “Who says?”

  A mirthless smirk briefly twisted his lips. “My big brother for one.”

  I couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped. “So? Baran says I’m too much trouble too. But, I still keep him around.”

  Madoc snorted. “Then, you are truly insane.”

  Another chuckle escaped before I grew serious. “It’s Baran. We might need to read between the lines a lot to get what he’s trying to communicate underneath the regurgitation of edicts and regulations, but he’s not nearly as cold and strict as rumor would paint him.”

  “Well, you have to say that because you’re his mate.”

  I couldn’t help the grin or my rising amusement. Although I did manage to keep from laughing as I walked by him to check the turkeys for tomorrow. “I don’t know about that. I could probably win the uncharitable thoughts toward Baran competition, especially when the TDS has riled me to the point where my fondest desire is to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until he stops quoting edicts at me.”

  Closing the refrigerator door, I turned in time to see Madoc’s widening grin. His gaze dipped to my hands. “Can you even get your hands around his neck?”

  “Not really, which is why I settled for bloodying his nose once.” I smirked as he barked a laugh then grew serious once more. “Look, I know Baran is . . . difficult to relate to sometimes, especially with his ridiculously hard-nosed adherence to every single little rule and edict beyond the most important and relevant ones. But he is a good man, and I do love him. In spite of the TDS sometimes, but I do love him.” I smoothed the lace overlay of my dress as I added softly, “And, I made him work for it. He had to earn it. He had to prove to me that I would be safe loving him, which took him forever by the way. But he did, and so I do.”

  To my surprise, there was no snarky remark about my questionable choice of loves. There was no scoffing. No dismissal of my words. Instead, Madoc stared at me as though he were . . . lost or perhaps looking for something. “How did Baran manage to do that? I didn’t think him capable of love. It is an emotion, and the mighty General Baran doesn’t display those unless its disappointment over breaking one of his precious edicts.”

  “He feels more than you seem to realize, Madoc. More than he easily shows.”

  I paused as I considered my answer then a smile pulled at my lips as I stated, “Baran proved that I could trust him not to abandon me when I needed him most. Believe me when I say that trust goes a long way in demonstrating love.”

  ΘΘΘΘΘΘ

  Baran

  My breath came in pants as I entered the bedroom. Sweat trickled down my back and threatened to sting my eyes before I swiped it away. After changing out of my dress shirt and pants into track pants, I had slipped into the gym to rid myself of the frustrations that had my Tiger itching to force a change. I had pounded the punching bag until the seams burst. Twice.

  Raina was nowhere in the room, which meant she was likely still downstairs. I could only hope that Venetia didn’t choose to heap further abuse on her in my absence. The tiger stirred at the mere thought, and I forced myself to keep walking. Shutting the bathroom door behind me, I moved to stand in front of the sink. Grasping the cool stone, I bowed my head as I drew more panting breaths in a vain attempt to regain my shaken control.

  Instead of helping still my thoughts, my workout had only drummed Venetia’s taunts into my brain. Over and over, her words about how I had married out of duty and cared for Raina solely out of honor hammered at me harder than I could hit the punching bag. I pushed away from the sink with a hoarse growl. I needed to get out of this poisonous pit.

  Even the hot water running over my muscles and steam filling m
y nostrils weren’t enough of a distraction to escape those haunting words. The worst part, the part that truly haunted me even now, was that they had been right. I had long referred to my marriage to Raina as my duty. Enough so that when she had struggled to trust me, struggled to even believe me sincere in my feelings for her, as recently as our hunt for the Beast of Bray Road in May, it had been because of my habit of referring to duty first when I discussed our marriage or even thought about what I should do for my mate.

  A snarl curled my lips as I slammed the side of my fist against the slick wall. They were right, and I hated every ounce of it. Always, it had been easier for me to allow my awareness of duty and honor to supersede emotions. Emotions were . . . messy. They were complicated, and I did not easily demonstrate my deepest emotions even toward Raina. It was far easier to fall back on duty, on my honor, than to express something as . . . nebulous and unruly as feelings. And, I had nearly lost Raina because of it.

  I slammed my fist against the wall again, muttering a curse under my breath. I went completely still, hand still braced against the cool stone tile, as I realized the bedroom door had opened and light steps were now moving around the room. When Raina didn’t come in to force a conversation, however, some of tension tightening my shoulders eased and I lowered my head.

  Raina understood my penchants for actions over words better now. I knew that. She did not know the reasons why beyond it being my nature. However, I had no desire to revisit old wounds and past shames to examine the root of my motivation. I ran a hand over my face, trying to clear my head. Raina understood that while our marriage was founded on duty and honor, it was no longer all that bound me to her. And, that was all that mattered.

  I needed to escape Venetia’s influence. The chill she harbored was too easily caught and reflected. For a brief moment, I considered insisting that we leave at first light. Raina would not forgive me for at least a month if I did that, though. We would have to wait a little longer.

  By the time I dried off and changed into my boxers, I had made up my mind about a change to our travel plans. Raina would protest, but I would convince her it was for the best. I opened the room to darkness and the heavy scent of vanilla and cinnamon. The perfume sat so thick in the air that I immediately began sneezing and coughing. My eyes watered even as I realized she wasn’t sitting up for me. Instead, she was in bed, completely shrouded by the covers, even over her head.

  I coughed again as I turned off the bathroom light. “Raina.”

  She didn’t reply and I started to frown before I recalled the weariness in her eyes I had spied a few times before dinner was served. If Venetia and Celeste had left her to do all the cooking and preparation for dinner, and I suspected tomorrow’s meal as well, then it was no true wonder that she was exhausted.

  A sense of weariness tugged at me even as I coughed once more. Normally, Raina’s perfume did not trouble me like other perfumes unless we were in close spaces like her little car. Nose still filled with her perfume, I resisted the urge to grumble as I made my way to the other side of the bed.

  The wide expanse between us as I settled under the covers did not bother me. Raina would move closer as the night wore on. She always did, no matter how far away she started the night. I glanced at her covered shape and reached out to touch her back. I could barely feel her heat through the thick comforter. “Raina. We leave as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over. Vampyres or not, I refuse to remain another night in this place. It’s more suited to be a den of vipers than of Tigers. The only reason we remain through the meal is for your sake since I know you would not have us leave before then.”

  When she didn’t respond or even twitch, I removed my hand and covered my eyes with my forearm. I sighed heavily then murmured, “Sleep well, Cariad.”

  It felt as though I had only closed my eyes for a few moments before I felt the bed move and then Raina’s hands rested on my chest. Raina’s perfume blinded my nose again. Before I could even lower my arm, she was kissing me. I returned her kiss with equal fervor. Fervor that withered away as my hand came down to cup the back of her head. Instead of feeling a braid, my fingers met with loose ringlets that barely brushed across the base of the woman’s neck.

  Horror, fury, and sickening shame twisted in my gut as I opened my eyes just as a beam of moonlight filtered into the room, highlighting pale blonde hair. Celeste. She smiled, victory gleaming in her golden eyes, as she dared to stroke my cheek and press another kiss to my lips. “I knew you needed only a little persuasion to forget that mistoa kitten, Baran.”

  A snarl broke free as I captured her wandering hands in a firm grip and tossed her from the bed. Half the covers went with her as surprise kept her from landing gracefully on her feet. Instead, she stumbled and fell to a half sitting position. The straps of her silk nightgown slid down her shoulders, barely leaving her decent. A small mercy.

  I leapt from the bed, snarling, “Get out!”

  Celeste looked frightened for the briefest moment before she dared to laugh. “Baran,” she cooed as she held a hand out to me.

  A roar burst past my quivering lips. She wanted me to betray my wife, my marriage, like I was no better than— Never!

  I lunged forward, grasping the proffered hand by the wrist and pulling Celeste to her feet. Without hesitation, I pulled her along after me, snarling as words failed to push their way past my rage. Another snarl escalated into a roar as I yanked the Tigress toward the door. “Get out!”

  “Baran, you know you have always wanted me,” Celeste protested. “This is an opportunity—”

  “No!” I spun to face her still keeping my grip on her wrist. “No,” I hissed. “I have never wanted you. And, I will not permit you to make a mockery of my marriage. I will not be forced into adultery.” I leaned in closer as I lowered my voice even further despite the snarl vibrating my words and said, “If I find you in this house in the morning, you will regret ever knowing the Demirci or Frost families.” I swung my arm to propel her toward the door, releasing my grip to let her stumble there on her own. “Now get out.”

  The woman dared to pause in the doorway, attempting a coquettish look even as temper flickered in her golden eyes. “Don’t do something you regret, Baran.”

  “Leave now!” I roared, stepping toward her and allowing the Tiger to ghost across my face.

  Celeste finally seemed to regain some of her senses as she paled and stumbled into the hall before fleeing. I slammed the door on the sound of her skittering steps with a final snarl. A blast of cold air against my back made me spin. I stopped cold. Raina still clad in the black dress from earlier stood in front of the now open window as she adjusted the curtains.

  Fury’s hot flames doused faster than if water had been tossed on them. My shoulders dropped and I could barely look at my mate, much less meet her gaze, as shame unfurled its sickening tendrils once more. I could smell it filling the clearing air to replace the thick cloud of perfume and burning anger.

  “How much did you see?” I asked in a ragged whisper.

  “Enough.”

  I closed my eyes at the word. How would she ever understand?

  ΘΘΘΘΘΘ

  Chapter Seventeen

  Raina

  Baran ran his hands through his hair as he paced the length of the room in front of the bed. The amount of shame and stress filling the room smelled like burnt candle wax mixed with pungent peppers. I could almost taste it. My nose itched, but I ignored it. The cold wind had cleared the room of my perfume and hot anger before I closed the window once more and took care of pulling the last of the sheets from the bed.

  I glanced at the Tiger before my attention was drawn once more to the bedroom door. My Leopard stirred, whispering words of revenge toward the Tigress who had dared attempt to steal away her mate. She would love nothing more than to go and leave some claw work in the Tigress’ striped hide. My irritation rose before I caught myself. I pushed the Leopardess back, but it was too late.

  Baran’s steps had
slowed while the scent of burnt candle wax and pungent peppers grew even stronger. He ran his hands through his hair once more. “Raina, I—” He cut himself off with a low growl that reverberated through the bedroom. He still had his back to me, and I could see the tension radiating through his stance. Honestly, I was a little surprised he hadn’t shifted forms by now.

  Concern for him pulled past the anger toward Celeste, and I carefully approached him. However, he yanked away from me the moment by my fingers brushed against his back. “Pulling away from me is not the solution, Baran,” I murmured.

  He acted as though I had never even spoken as he paced a little further before spinning to face me. The tiger peeked out of his eyes making them glow in the faint light from the table lamp. A muscle twitched in his cheek as he visibly struggled to form words. My worry for his state of mind grew stronger as I tried to judge whether I’d be able to keep him from tearing through the lodge on a rampage induced by provoked honor. It shouldn’t have been such an issue without the First Year Rage giving his tiger more strength, but Baran was . . . very unbending on matters of honor.

  I stepped toward him, closing the distance between us, even though I didn’t try to touch him just yet. A growl roughened his voice as he finally rasped, “It was not . . . Nothing happened. I did not know she was in here. I thought, I assumed it was you. The perfume . . .” He trailed off with a low snarl. “It is no excuse! I know! I should have . . . I should have paid more attention. I swear before the Creator and Yeshua that I did not know it was her! I would not have an affair. I would not . . . I will never dally with other women.”

  He stopped and closed his eyes as the Tiger ghosted across his face. His hands curled into fists that shook with the fervor of his emotions. When I brushed against his left hand, his eyes snapped open and he drew a ragged breath. The scent of burnt candle wax and pungent peppers was thick between us now as he made a noise somewhere between a growl and a groan. He shook his head. “I abhor adultery. Women like Celeste who have abandoned all honor and care nothing for the sacred bonds of marriage repel me. It is not solely because such behavior flies directly in the face of the edicts of the Therian Way. My . . .” He cut himself off, his glowing eyes glancing away from me, before he took a deep breath and spoke in a hoarse whisper, “I have witnessed the pain caused by adultery. My own mother betrayed my father by pursuing another man, and she did not give a moment’s thought to the fact that he was my father’s friend.”