“There’s more…Tabitha will unite all tigers.”
“What?”
“Marcus, I know Tora has told you the legend that a female tiger will come along and unite the tiger shifter population.”
“Sure, but it’s just that, a legend.”
“This proves it isn’t.” Ty grabbed the book from the shelf they’d laid it on and handed it to her.
“You already know I have the gifts from my father’s line. Why is it so hard to believe?” She touched the book, and it sprang to life. “I’m supposed to choose three more guards to stand at my side through this. Ty and I have already discussed that we would like the two of you to be a part of it.”
“Raja is our Lieutenant and while he remains, we still need three others. We would like the two of you to be a part of that. Felix, as the Captain of the Guards, you needed to know the complete situation. Marcus, I’ll be up front with you—this will be dangerous and will put not only you but your family in danger. But being Raja’s family, the danger will already be there. It is up to you if you wish to pass on this position. However, no matter your decision, you will not be allowed to speak of this.” Ty laid his hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it.
“I’m honored to be a part of this and will do whatever I can,” Felix said.
“Marcus?”
“Yes. I’ll do it. Who will be the third?”
“We haven’t decided yet. I wanted Tabitha to get to know each of the guards a little more. At this time we are leaning toward Lance. Since he will have first shift, I’m hoping Tabitha can talk to him a little longer and get her own feel for him.”
The men seemed satisfied with the answer. Tabitha yawned. The excitement was taking its toll on her.
“Felix, why don’t you work up a schedule for the guards and then you can finish enjoying the party if you wish. Plan another meeting with the guards for tomorrow morning after breakfast. We need to go over a plan for dealing with Pierce.”
“Yes, sir.” He stood, ready to leave.
Marcus and Raja didn’t move, as if they understood Ty wasn’t finished with them.
“Ty, I know it is against the protocol, but I think Tora should be informed.” Raja rubbed his hand over his head.
“He’s right.” She turned to face Ty, who was still standing behind her. “With both Raja and Marcus standing with us, she will be in danger. It’s not just her that we have to worry about, but Scarlet also.”
“Okay. Marcus, retrieve her from the party and return here.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Tabitha had changed into her plaid pajama pants and tank top and was stretched out on the couch when Tora came in, carrying a sleeping Scarlet.
“I was wondering where the party went.”
“Have a sit, sweetie.” Marcus took the sleeping child from her, giving her arms a break.
“What’s going on?”
“Tora, come sit with me. We just want to talk to you.” Tabitha slipped her legs under her, giving Tora room to sit next to her.
“What’s going on?” Tora eyed everyone suspiciously, lowering herself to sit next to Tabitha. Marcus still stood, softly rocking Scarlet.
When no one else took the lead, Tabitha stepped up. “Tora, we asked for you to join us to explain some of what happened tonight and some changes that will be happening.”
“We are telling you this because Raja and Marcus have both agreed to be a part of the operation, and there is danger involved. We want you aware so you can take precautions for you and Scarlet.” Ty leaned against the armrest beside Tabitha.
“What danger could we be in?”
“Marcus and Raja have taken a new position…” Tabitha took a deep breath before continuing, “They tell me you know the legends of the female tiger shifter that will come from my line and unite the tigers.”
“It’s a legend my parents passed down to us.” Tora nodded.
“It’s not a legend. It’s true. Tabitha is the one,” Raja finally spoke from the window he was looking out.
“How do you know this?”
“She can open the book of her line, she has her father’s gift and it’s what our parents always told us.”
“Okay. But why does this place us in danger? Dad never made it sound dangerous.”
“Tora, he told it to us as a bedtime story. If he made it sound scary, do you think you would have been able to sleep?” He ran his hand through his hair. “Pierce won’t be the only one gunning for her. Once this is out…Sorry, Tabitha, but it is true.”
“I know, Raja. Tora, this will also place you in danger. With both your brother and husband as part of the chosen guards, it could make you a target.” Tabitha watched Tora closely.
“Chosen guards?”
“The book said I must choose three guards to help with the tasks. Raja, as our Lieutenant, will stay in that position. I have chosen Marcus and Felix, and we are considering a few different people for the final position.”
Tora nodded as she sat, taking it all in.
“No matter the situation, you’re always in danger, being my sister.” Raja moved closer to her.
“True. What can I do?”
“There is nothing to do at this moment. But we wanted you to understand the situation and be on your guard. If there is ever a time we feel the danger level for you is high, we will assign you guards. We will do everything we can to protect you and Scarlet,” Ty said.
“Thank you. Scarlet is my main concern.”
“We understand.” Tabitha laid a hand on her knee.
* * *
“He has been detained.” Lance strolled through the door before he realized they were not alone. Tora still sat on the couch.
“Who?” Tora asked.
“I’m sorry, sir.”
“You know better than that, Lance. However, Tora has been informed of some of the situation. Being Raja’s sister, she is in more danger than most.” Ty turned to Tora before continuing, “Chris Knight. He is charged with treason and conspiracy to commit murder.”
The shock she felt was written clearly across her face. “Chris…” she murmured under her breath. Tabitha wouldn’t have heard it had she not been sitting next to her.
“Were you close?”
When Tora didn’t answer, Raja spoke up. “They dated a while ago, before Marcus came to the clan.”
“We drifted apart once Marcus and I were mated, but I always hoped he would get his life together and find his mate.”
“Would it be all right if I walk my wife back home and put Scarlet to bed?” Marcus asked.
“Just don’t be long.” Ty nodded. “When you return, take your position at the door.”
Marcus reached for Tora’s hand and pulled her up. He wrapped his free arm around his wife and left.
“Lance, take your position outside the door until Marcus returns. When he does, we would like to speak with you privately.”
“Yes, sir.” He nodded to Ty before taking his post.
The three of them were quiet for a few minutes before Ty broke the silence. “Raja, if you ever wanted to step down from your position as Lieutenant and start your own clan, now is the time to do it.”
“I have no desire to leave. This is my home.”
“Good. I wanted to get that out of the way before things were set in motion.” Ty rubbed Tabitha’s shoulders gently. “I’ve been giving this some thought while Tora was here. Pierce’s men are stupid enough to attack us here, so I want us to be ready. I think they will attack tonight after the party when everyone is exhausted. If I’m wrong, tomorrow we’ll see if we can stage something.”
“I agree. Which is why I think you need more than two guards.”
“Fine. After the party, gather up some of the men and station them around the compound. I want them to be ready at a moment’s notice, but I want the place to appear as if everyone is in bed. I don’t want them to know we are expecting them.”
Raja nodded at the same moment Lance opened the door.
“If this is a bad time, I can come back.”
“No, Raja and I were just leaving. Keep Tabitha company until I return.” Ty kissed his mate’s cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Tabitha ran her hand down Ty’s chest, her head resting in the crook of his arm, as the compound began to settle around them. She knew there were guards ready to defend them, but her heart was still in her throat as the possible outcomes ran through her head.
“What did you think of Lance?”
She knew he was trying to keep her mind off what might be coming for them, but it wasn’t helping. She felt helpless, and sitting here doing nothing was killing her. These people were after her, not the clan, but her clan was ready to fight to their deaths for her.
“I liked him. He seems to always be on guard. As if he is picturing the worst case scenario and is ready for whatever comes his way.”
“Being ready for the worst-case makes you ready for whatever happens. He is a good guard, and I believe he would make our core group stronger. He takes orders well and thinks outside the box.”
Tabitha nodded.
“Then we agree on Lance?”
“What about his mate? Does she get a say in this?”
“Each mated pair is different. Some consider their spouse in the decision, and some do not. Marcus knows Tora well and knew he didn’t need to seek her opinion before accepting. It isn’t normal for the guards to be able to discuss situations with their mates. Assignments are normally on a need-to-know only basis. If Lance wishes to decline the position, that is his right, however, with the current situation, he will not be able to discuss it with his mate until it is made public.”
“You mentioned mating hormones before. Do you think Lance’s head is on straight enough for this?”
“That is a concern. I think he would be perfect for the position without the mating hormones. Now that he is newly mated, his thoughts are on other things.” To show what he meant, he kissed her neck. “Then what do you think of Thomas?”
“He takes orders well.” Tabitha let out a soft moan as Ty continued to kiss her neck. “I can’t think if you keep doing that.”