Tiger Time (21 page)

“Thank you.” Relief washed over Connor’s face. “I’d like to do what I can to help you and your clan take down Pierce.”

“We appreciate that. I think your computer skills might be of great use to us.” Ty took a sip of coffee. “Connor, if you could give us a few minutes to speak with Thomas, then he can show you to Guest Cabin One.”

Connor rose and walked toward the door. She could feel his emotions playing havoc on him. He was thankful for the chance Ty was giving him, but she could also feel his fear that he was placing more danger on them.

“Connor, I’m really glad you will be staying with us. There is no need to worry any longer. You’re safer here than anywhere else,” Tabitha said as his hand closed around the door handle.

He nodded and closed the door behind him.

“Thomas, last night you proved yourself worthy of protecting Tabitha. I’m sure you know the legends that a female tiger will come and unite all tiger shifters.” Ty didn’t wait for an answer. He just dove in head first. “They’re true. Tabitha comes from a long line of strong tigers, and she will be the one.”

“I suspected she was the one. My understanding is there hasn’t been a female from her line in generations.”

“Great, then we don’t have to drag this out. We have been tasked with finding three guards to help us with this transition, and we would like you to be a part of the team. There’s no use lying. It will be dangerous, but there will also be rewards.”

“I’m flattered. May I ask who the others are?” Thomas placed his hands on the table and leaned forward.

“Marcus and Felix are the other two choice guards. Raja will remain our Lieutenant throughout and once the transition is complete. The next step will be put into motion soon but for now, this must go no further than this room.”

“I understand. If there is nothing else, I’ll show Connor to his cabin.” Thomas pushed back his chair and rose.

“That will be all. Once you’re done, you may have the night off. Get some rest. You have guard duty in the morning.” Ty stood as well.

“One last thing. I think you made the wise decision in allowing him to stay. His technology skills will be a great advantage for us.” Without another word, Thomas was gone, leaving a heavy silence in the room. Raja and Felix stood, waiting for Ty to make a move.

“Could you give us a moment?” Tabitha asked as Ty paced.

The men opened the door, stepping through before shutting it again.

“What’s wrong, Ty? I can feel your uncertainty racing through you.” She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, hoping to bring him some comfort.

“I’m questioning who to send to speak with Jessica. Raja is the most convincing and most likely our best shot of getting information out of her. But he is also my right-hand man, the one I would trust to keep you safe if something happened to me.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you, love. But I was thinking you should send Leo. At such a critical time, I don’t think any of the key people should be far apart. Keeping Raja, Felix, Thomas and Marcus near for the next stage is what I was thinking. If we need to send in reinforcements, then send Raja. Let Leo and Connor go scope out the situation, and we’ll go from there.”

He lifted her, making her wrap her legs around his waist, then kissed her—long, deep, passionate kisses that made her want to rip his clothes off. A moan escaped her mouth.

“Soon, my love. First, we must finish business.” Without letting her go, he hollered, “Raja!”

Raja opened the door and peeked in. “Yes.”

“Find Leo and tell him Connor and he will be leaving tomorrow night to speak with Jessica. Fill him in on the situation and then make the arrangements. He has seventy-two hours to find her and get the answers we need from her.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also let Felix know to stand guard, and we do not want to be disturbed unless there’s an emergency.”

Raja closed the door, and Ty continued where he left off. He tugged her sweater over her head, growling. “Mine. All mine.”

“Always yours. I love you, Ty.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She is a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night?

Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

She love to hear from readers so send her an email at [email protected] or visit her website www.marissadobson.com