“Last night I noticed you have a scar from your ribcage to your belly button. What is that from?”
Unconsciously, Ty moved his hand away from hers and rubbed the scar as if it hurt. “Before we left Pittsburgh, some men from Pierce’s gang found our location and attacked. I believe they were trying to scare us into leaving Pierce alone. There were only a few there when the attack happened, and I was protecting Tora, Raja's sister, who was pregnant at the time. Pierce attacked with a large dagger while I was fighting off one of his gang members, and he got me there.”
“And Tora…”
“Tora survived. Her daughter is a little over a year old.”
“Have you ever killed someone?”
Ty took his eyes off the road for a second to look at her. “Yes, but only either to protect myself or someone else. It’s not something I take lightly or wish to do, but it is my job as Alpha. I must determine the punishments for tigers that disobey the rules. I, or someone I dictate it to, must hunt down and kill any rogue tigers from our clan. This is something we will have to do once you take over as Queen of all Tigers also. I have never hurt or killed someone who didn't deserve it. Are you okay with this?”
“I understand this is something that happens. But as long as you’re not killing innocents, that's fine. We’re tigers. I accept that. Which means things are different for us than normal people.”
This should bother me, shouldn’t it? But it doesn’t. I understand this has to happen. Eye for an eye kind of thing, I guess. Funny until now I didn’t realize I supported the death penalty. Will Mike get the death penalty for murdering Alice? I hope so.
“I’m still amazed you have taken all of this so well. Your father would have been pleased.”
The rest of the trip to Columbus passed quickly. Tabitha was able to find out a lot about the clan. At only thirty-seven members, not including Raja, Ty or herself, it was like a large family . . . and it was now hers.
Chapter Thirteen
It was just before nine o’clock in the evening when they arrived at the clan’s complex ten miles outside of North Pole, Alaska. Ty resided in a wing in the main compound, allowing him to be available but still have some privacy.
Tabitha took in her new home while Ty dismissed Felix by explaining they were tired from the long journey and time change. But there were things they would need to discuss with Raja before they could turn in.
Once the guards exited, leaving Raja, Ty and Tabitha alone in Ty's quarters, Raja dropped to his knee. “My Queen, it is a pleasure to serve you. I’m so glad you’re among us again. You have been missed.”
Tabitha remembered Ty telling her they would greet her like this since she had been away for a while. This time, as she bent to kiss Raja’s neck, she expected the forest smell.
Raja rose, turning to leave.
“Raja, there is much to discuss,” Ty said.
“Yes, My King. I assumed you would like to be alone.” He stopped halfway to the door.
“That’s true, but we must deal with the business first. There will be plenty of time after. Tabby, it’s up to you if you wish to lie down or join us. I know you must be tired, and you didn't sleep long on the plane.” Ty came to stand next to her, draping his arm across her shoulders, drawing her into his body.
“No. I’ll stay. If I’m to be Queen, then I must deal with this business as well.”
He laid a kiss on her cheek before leading her toward the kitchen table. “Come, Raja tell us about Hunter.”
“As you know, Hunter isn’t a new shifter and knows the rules. My understanding is he was arguing with his girlfriend. Instead of controlling his anger, he shifted in front of her. She was unaware she was dating a shifter, and most likely for good reason, because she freaked out. When she ran, he chased her.” Raja paused, looking from Ty to Tabitha before continuing. “She was killed.”
“Witnesses?” Ty asked
“None.”
“Hunter has been confined to the compound since we spoke?”
“Yes. He has been confined in one of our cells below. He is very agitated.”
“Tomorrow afternoon we will have a clan meeting to announce his punishment. He’ll be unable to change for six months and will have no contact with humans for an additional five years. I’ll place the collar around his neck at the meeting,” Ty said.
“I’ll inform the members of the meeting. Tomorrow night is also Tabitha's welcome home party unless you wish us to move it to another night.”
Tabitha didn't wait for Ty to answer. “No, that's fine, Raja. I’m sure the clan meeting can be held earlier in the day. I look forward to meeting everyone. I have never had a party thrown for me. It's an honor.”
Raja nodded. “I know you have had a long trip and must be tired. If that’s all, I’ll leave you to rest.”
“Raja, there is more we need to discuss.” Ty went to retrieve his duffle bag from the entryway where they’d left their stuff when they had arrived. Returning, he handed the book to Tabitha. “Tabitha's father asked me to protect this book and hand it over to Tabitha when we were sure she was going to go through the change. The legends you have heard about her line are true. She’s the last of the first line of tigers. If she is killed before she can continue the line, the tiger shifters will die with her.”
Raja looked stunned. “I thought those were all legends.”
“Even after her father told me, that's what I thought too, until I saw the book come alive in her hands.” Ty nodded toward her.
Her eyes widened.
Heir?
“You didn’t mention the legend said I must have an heir or the tiger shifters will die. Why?”
“I felt you had enough on your plate. Getting you home was our top priority.”
Tabitha leaned forward, setting the book on the table, before touching the lock. As her fingers came in contact with the metal, it sprang open and flipped right to where the book started writing for them last time. The words that had come alive for them were still there. If she was in Raja’s position, she would have wanted proof. She turned the book toward him, allowing him to read it for himself.
“Let’s say for just one moment that I believe all of this, and it’s not some joke. Why are you showing it to me?” Raja looked from one to the other, a dubious expression on his face, as though he’d just read that aliens existed.
“We’re showing you this because we need you on board. If you can't be of help, then we need to know now. There’s a lot that will have to change if I’m going to unite the tiger shifters. I need to make sure I have a strong group of supporters and people who want the same thing,” Tabitha said, realizing she wanted Raja on her side.
“I'm sorry, my Queen. This is all just a shock. What can I do to help?”
“Nothing at the moment. I need to get to know the members of the clan. I need to know who is part of the chosen tigers, then I can make my choices. Once I have gotten to know them better, hopefully in the next week or so, we can sit down and discuss them. I want to know Ty’s and your opinions on these people, since you have known them longer than I have. However, the final decision will be mine and Ty's. We just needed you to know.”
“I understand, my Queen. Thank you for including me in this. Is that all, then?”
“That will be all for tonight. We need to get some rest. We’ll discuss this again soon.” Ty rose from the table.
“Okay. Welcome home again.” Raja bowed before he left.
When the door was closed behind Raja, Ty grabbed the book from the coffee table and said, “Tabby, let’s go to bed.” His tone made it clear sleep was the last thing on his mind.
He didn’t need to ask her twice.
Chapter Fourteen
The sun had been spilling through the curtains for hours, but Tabitha and Ty were still in bed, enjoying their time together. Tabitha’s head rested in the crook of Ty’s shoulder while he rubbed his hand up and down her arm in lazy circles.
At the bedroom door, there was a gentle knock.
“Come in,” Ty said, not bothering to get up. There were locks on the door to his compound, but he never bothered to lock them. The only ones who would dare enter the area were the guards.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, but the meeting is arranged for noon.” Raja carried a tray full of food.
“Thank you, Raja. Please leave us to eat and get ready. Arrive back here promptly at eleven forty-five.” Ty sat up in bed and took the tray from Raja.
With a nod, Raja was gone.
The food had Tabitha’s mouth watering. Waffles were one of her favorite foods.
“We have some of the best chefs here. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything as good as they make. Dig in.” Ty laid the tray on her legs.
The first bite had her forgetting how to breathe. The waffles melted in her mouth, and the syrup was sweet yet bold and full of maple flavor. Gaining control of herself, she remembered what she wanted to ask Ty before being sidetracked by the aroma. “Why did you ask Raja to join us before the clan meeting?”
“It’s normal procedure. It gives us a few moments to make sure everything is in order. Also when we enter the clan meeting, having the three of us together will give us a stronger presence.”
* * *
Tabitha was just slipping on the emerald green sweater she’d picked up on their shopping spree when she heard Raja’s voice. Ty had already discussed the meeting with her, and he was just going over the same things with Raja. Knowing there was no reason to rush, she did a double-check of her makeup.
There is no reason to be so nervous. These people want me here, or they wouldn’t be going through so much to make me feel at home. Ty wouldn’t have come across the country if I didn’t belong here.
The pep talk was doing nothing to calm her knotted stomach. Biting the bullet, she joined the men, hoping she could keep her nerves a secret.
“Tabby, we need…”
Ty’s words stopped as she strolled into the living room. “Sorry.”
“You’re fine. They can’t start without us. I just wanted to get a move on.” He placed her hand in his. “Tabby, there is nothing to worry about. They’re happy to have you home, but you won't have time to mingle with them now. We need to take care of business, and the clan can get back to preparing for tonight's festivities. If you want to be nervous about something, be nervous about the party. With everyone demanding the Queen’s attention, you might end up with a jealous mate.” He laughed before kissing her.
* * *
The conference room was a large, open room with a slightly higher platform that dominated the area. It was nothing like she’d expected. In the conference rooms she had been in before, there was normally a large table with chairs surrounding it.
I guess when you have forty members, it would be hard to find a table large enough.