Tiger Time (4 page)

She refused to move; she didn’t want him see her cry. She didn't want his pity. Life was cruel and there was nothing she could do about it.

“Tabitha, I don't know what I said to upset you so much. Sit down and talk to me. If after that you wish me to leave, I will.”

Washing her face in the sink, she caught a glimpse of her reflection. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her face was flushed from crying.  No matter how she felt, she knew she couldn't just leave him standing by the bathroom door. She did the only respectable thing: she opened the door and faced him. “There is nothing more to talk about. I can't go to Alaska.”

“Only moments ago you were thrilled to know the clan was in Alaska. Why did you change your mind? Are you still worried the clan won’t accept you?” Ty must have noticed she looked unsteady on her feet. He wrapped his arm around her body and led her to the couch.

“No. I just can't go.” Looking down at her hands, she continued but in a softer voice, “I can't afford it. I can barely make ends meet now.” It came out in more of a whisper than she expected. She was hopeful he heard her because she didn't think she could say it again.

“Tabitha, you don't need money. You just need to agree to it. The clan is ready to accept you and pay for your plane ticket back to Alaska with me. We’re your family. When your father found me, I had nothing to my name—I was living on the streets. He helped me get a place to stay and everything I needed. I want to do the same for you. I want you to return to Alaska and stay with me.”

Stunned that he would offer her this, she just stared at him. She couldn’t understand why someone who didn't know her would want to help. All of her life, no one had wanted to help her with anything. She’d always had to deal with things on her own. If this guy wanted to help her because of what her dad had done for him, then he must be very altruistic.

When she didn't respond, he tried again. “Tabitha, are you still with me?”

She shook her head to try to lift the fog that settled in her brain. “I'm sorry, what?”

“I asked you, will you return to Alaska with me?”

I have nothing holding me here. Alice will do fine on her own. I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska and here’s my chance. Maybe I can learn more of my parents.

“Yes. When do you want to leave?”

“As soon as you’re ready. We’ll be able to help you more in Alaska, being around people of your own kind will help make the transition smoother. It should elevate the soreness. You’ll still fell tired because your body is working overtime, trying to adjust to the changes happening to allow your body to shift.”

While Ty spoke of leaving right away, she remembered Alice. “What will I tell Alice? After all she has been through in the last twenty-four hours...and now I up and leave without much notice. We have been through so much together, and now I’m about to run off when she needs me the most.”

Ty placed his hand over hers, giving them a small squeeze. “You can’t tell her the truth. She wouldn’t understand. We’ll come up with something.”

“I know. But I must see her before I leave. She’s been my only friend for so long.” Again, tears threatened to overtake her.
What’s wrong with me?
She wasn’t a crier. All of the years in foster care had taught her that she had to have a hard outer shell. You didn’t cry in front of people. You waited to show weakness when you were alone. People took advantage of weaknesses.

“I understand. Let’s rest. In the morning we can pack and then see your friend. If you don't mind, I’ll spend the night on your couch. Since I might have seen me come in...it could put you in danger. Until you go through the change, you should stick close to me or someone in the clan. It’s a dangerous time for you. There are those out there who hunt us, were-hunters, we call them.”

She grabbed her sweats from the corner of the bed where she’d dropped them that morning and headed to the bathroom to change. “You can take the bed. I don't sleep much.”

A few minutes later, when she stepped out from the bathroom, she noticed he hadn't moved. He picked the conversation up where they left off, “If you would allow, I can help you with that.”

A snicker escaped her lips before she could stop it. “How would you manage that? I’ve been to the doctor's, and there is nothing they can give me to help me sleep. They can't even give me something for my fever. They say there’s nothing wrong with me.”

His gaze bore into her as he rose from the couch and walked over to her. “That’s because they don’t understand your body as a tiger. Anything they give you, your body would metabolize before it could help. I can help you by just being near you. Being close to another tiger will help your symptoms.” Pulling gently on her hand, he continued, “Come lay on the bed with me.”

Without hesitation, she let him lead her to the bed. If there was a possibility he could help, why not give it a try? She was tired and though his presence was bringing to mind other bedtime activities besides sleeping, she needed the rest.

Just having Ty's hand on hers made the stomach cramps recede a little, and the tightness of her body began to fade. “Lay down on your side facing the wall. I’m going to lay behind you with my body snuggled against yours.”

She looked at him for a moment, wondering if this was some cheap trick to get her into bed...and would she mind?
It’s plausible, right? His hand in mine did help.
Throwing caution to the wind, she climbed into bed just as he’d instructed.

As their bodies came together, she felt a shock of energy go through her limbs, causing her to jump and try to move away. Ty held her close. “Tabitha, it’s all right. Relax. That sometimes happens with shapeshifters. Nothing to worry about. Sleep.”

When he lay with his full body touching her, she finally felt normal, whole and safe. She wanted to hear more about her new life and her family, but her eyes wouldn't stay open. For the first time in weeks, she began to drift into a deep, peaceful sleep.

As she was falling asleep, Ty said, “You will soon understand what that jolt was. We are lifemates. You’re mine. I will do whatever it takes to make you understand that and accept it.”

* * *

Long after Tabitha was asleep, Ty held her close, breathing in her scent. He snuggled his head into her hair and whispered, “You’re more than I could have hoped for. I’ll protect you with my life.”

For years he’d wondered when he would find his mate. He’d started to give up hope. The clan elders said when the right one came along, he would know it, and there was nothing he could do until the time came. Finally, after years of waiting and searching, he found her, his mate.

His tiger—never one for patience—was demanding he claim her. This wasn’t something he could rush. Tabitha had enough to deal with without forcing her into mating when she wasn’t ready.

Chapter Five

She awoke to her cell ringing. By the time she rolled over to get out of bed, Ty was already going for the phone. He handed it to her.

“Hello...yes, this is she.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, she realized the hospital calling her could only mean bad news. “I understand. I’ll be right over.” As she hung up, tears fell down her cheeks. Not bothering to hide them, she looked at Ty.

“Tabitha, what is it?” Ty pulled her up into his arms. He’d held her all night. He held her as she cried now. He held her as he waited for her to tell him what was wrong.

“It's Alice. He killed her. She’s dead. Mike must have got to her. Officer O’Malley is there and wishes to speak to me. I must go to the hospital.” Her voice distant and mechanical with shock.

“Get dressed and I’ll take you. My car is downstairs.”

Her body moved in a daze, nothing registering yet. Her only friend for so many years was murdered.
How does something like that happen, especially in a hospital?

Ty being there didn’t even cross her mind. She slipped out of her sweats and into a pair of blue jeans and a black turtleneck sweater before heading to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her hair. She wanted to get this over with. From the brief time she’d spent with Officer O’Malley, she knew he wouldn’t get more pleasant waiting for her.

She was stunned by her reflection. The dark circles under her eyes were gone. Her face was bright and cheerful again. She walked out of the bathroom and found Ty standing by the end of the bed, grabbing a shirt from a bag she’d never noticed. As she walked out, he looked over his shoulder and stopped midway through putting his deep red dress shirt on.

“Tabitha, you look amazing.”

Her cheeks heated in embarrassment.
No one ever told me I looked beautiful, let alone amazing.
“Thank you. I feel like a new person. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do for you.” Her throat closed as she realized while she slept, her best friend was being murdered.
I should have stayed with her.

Ty finished buttoning his shirt. “The change is close for you, and once you go through it, you’ll feel better than you ever have. I’ll teach you everything you’ll need to know.” His words conveyed more than he was letting on.

Ty buttoned his shirt, and Tabitha fought an overwhelming urge to rush to his side, to feel his strong arms wrapped around her again. She felt safe with him. She couldn’t take her eyes off the top two buttons of his shirt, which had been left undone so one could see a little of his chest—and an amazing chest it was. He didn't have an ounce of fat on him; every muscle was toned.

She shook her head and told herself to get her mind back on matters at hand. “Let’s go get this over with. With Alice gone, I have nothing but packing to do before we leave. The sooner we can do this and pack, the sooner you can get back to your clan.” Everywhere she looked she thought of Alice.
My whole life I’ve loved and lost people, maybe I’m meant to be alone? Or will going to Alaska change this?

He took her hand, “It’s
our
clan. When I spoke to Raja this morning....” She must have given him a questioning look, because he stopped to explain. “Raja is my Lieutenant, my second in command.” She nodded, letting him know she understood and for him to continue. “Raja wanted me to tell you the clan is full of excitement that you have agreed to take your place among us. They are putting together a party of sorts to welcome you home.”

People she didn't know were happy she was coming home.
I can’t believe how much my life has changed in less than twenty-four hours. I lost Alice, and found people who consider me family.  People that obviously care about me.

* * *

Tabitha walked up to the nurses’ desk, and the nice nurse who’d been on duty when Tabitha had left the night before was still there. “I’m so sorry about your friend. I don't know how he managed to get in,” the kind nurse said in a gentle tone.

Officer O’Malley came around the corner. “You finally had time to come down. You were called thirty minutes ago! Your friend was murdered, and you couldn't get down here any faster? What kind of friend are you?”

The nerve of him to speak to me like that. He didn't know what I was going through. He didn't just lose the only person that ever cared about him.
Before she could say anything, Ty spoke up, “Hey there, officer, we came as fast as we could. She was asleep when you called. She just lost her friend. There is no need to take that tone with her. She came down here to answer your questions, not be scolded.”