Unable to tear herself away from the window, Layla stood there, looking for any sign of Korbin or the tiger. Where had they gone? Her attention had only been diverted for a couple of minutes and when she turned back to the window, they were gone. No blood stained the ground and while that should have been a good sign, it did little to put her mind at ease. Somewhere out there the tiger still lurked, waiting to tear someone limb from limb.

“Come on, Korbin, where are you?” Her gaze landed on Rachel who had her arm wrapped around a woman wrapped in a blanket. Had she been attacked? She wanted to pound on the window to warn Rachel to get into a building, but they were too far away for them to hear her.

“I assure you, he’s fine.” The man holding her prisoner in the bedroom remained standing by the door.

“How would you know? You’re safe indoors while he’s out there somewhere fighting a wild tiger on his own.” She didn’t need to look at him to know he had the same knowing grin he’d sported for a while. Bastard. Who the hell was he? She had only just met Korbin and she seemed to care more about him being ripped apart than someone from his own family.

“Trust me. I’d know if he was hurt.”

With the cockiness in his tone, she embraced the rage burning within her and spun around to face him. His lack of care for his own leader infuriated her. How could anyone be so heartless? Was he trying to take over Korbin’s position? She didn’t understand his easygoing personality, especially considering the crisis they were facing.

“You’d—” Her words were cut off as she caught sight of Korbin step into the doorway behind the man. His black hair looked as though he’d raked his fingers through it a hundred times since he’d rushed from the room. Her gaze slid down his body, looking for any injuries. With every inch she scanned she expected blood, instead she found nothing. “You’re alive.”

“Zaz, I need you to wait in the living room for me.” Korbin strolled past the other man, coming directly to her. “I told you I’d be back.”

“But the escaped tiger…how?” Alone with him, she reached out and placed her hand on his chest, to reassure herself he was truly there. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

“Shh, baby.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he carefully brought her close. “You need to rest. The blood loss and stress are taking their toll on your body. Your heart is beating so fast.”

“The tiger…it’s my fault. If I wasn’t here you would have known.” She sank onto the bed and shook her head. “What are the chances of me showing up here and there being a loose tiger running through the woods? How did it even get here? The zoo? Circus? We’ve got to do something.”

“Layla, listen to me, everyone is safe. I don’t know where you got this crazy idea but there’s no escaped tiger.”

“No, I saw it.” She pulled away from him so she could get a better look at him. “Wait, what? A pet tiger is illegal.”

“Sweet Layla, you have no idea what you’ve walked into.” He took her hand in his. “I’ll explain but I need to know something first. The man you’re running from, the one who shot you, is he the sheriff?”

“How…” Her mouth dropped open as she stared at him. “Rachel told you, didn’t she?”

“She’ll wish she did, but no. He is, isn’t he?” With her silence, he squeezed her hand, reassuring her. “Baby, I need to know.”

“I should go. He’ll find me and with a pet tiger it’s only going to cause more problems with me here.” She tried to pull her hand back but he held tight. “Please…”

“Layla, I’ll protect you. Trust me.”

“Trust you? You won’t even tell me about the tiger. You say it didn’t escape from the zoo and you had no comment on whether it’s your pet. What am I supposed to think when you live out here in the woods in secret?”

“Fine—you want the truth, I’ll give it to you. The tiger isn’t an it; her name is Merrie and Rachel is with her right now.”

“No, I saw Rachel, she was helping a woman—”

“White blonde hair, about five foot tall? That was Merrie, same person. I know you saw it because, even though you couldn’t see me, I could see you.”

“What are you talking about? How could that be the same person?” This time, when she pulled her hand out of his, he didn’t fight her. She scooted back from him, bringing her leg up on the bed, under her and putting space between them. “That’s the thing of movies. It doesn’t actually happen.”

“Tell that to my tiger.” He chuckled. “Do you need me to shift to prove it to you?”

“You’re a tiger?” She tried to keep her emotions hidden, but she could do nothing to keep the shakiness out of her voice. Her stomach churned as she tried to make sense of everything he was saying. A tiger and a human in one. That wasn’t possible. He didn’t look crazy, but the words coming out of his mouth would have him locked up in a padded cell if the wrong person overheard him. “Does that make you like a weretiger? No, werewolves can only shift during a full moon. It’s the middle of the day.”

“Nah, that’s Hollywood for you—fiction. We’re shifters. We can change from human to our animal and back at any time. Day or night. It doesn’t matter. The stronger we are, the easier the transition will be. Merrie is weak, so she’ll be resting most of the day. Tomorrow she’ll have her strength back. My friend, the healer, he’s one of us too—that’s why he can help you.” His lips curled into a half smile. “I know this is a lot to take in but it’s the truth.”

“If so, that’s more reason for me to leave.” She wasn’t sure if she believed him or not, either way she knew she couldn’t stay. There was no doubt in her mind Donald would have a field day exposing them for what they were as he brought them down for helping her. To him she was just a belonging. His belonging. He would see them harboring her as the ultimate betrayal. “If Donald finds out—”

“He already knows who we are. Trust me, he’s not going to cause problems.” He leaned across the space she had put between them and placed his hand on her leg. “You can feel the truth of my words if you focus.”

“Why? Donald lied to me so many times, and I never knew until it was too late.”

“The reasoning might be more than you can handle at the moment.” He let out a light chuckle. “Who is he to you?”

“My fian—” She shook her head. “No. I’m tired of lying.”

“Then tell me the truth.” He reached up and cupped the side of her face. “Trust me so I can help you.”

“Donald always had a thing for me, but I would never give him the time of day. There was something about his attitude that got under my skin, a look in his eyes that chilled me to the core. I knew he wasn’t the man he presented to everyone else. I’m not sure what happened but a couple of years ago my father and Donald’s paths crossed. Whatever happened, my father was in trouble. Donald made an offer: to marry me on my twentieth birthday and Dad could live.” The words slipped out before she could stop them and there was a freedom to the reveal that she hadn’t expected. “It was either see my father die or marry a man I despised. Who knows what he might have done to my sister and me after he killed our father? My sister is all I have left, especially since Dad is…”

“Dead?” Korbin questioned.

“He was murdered six months ago.”

“Before that, your father stood by and did nothing while that asshole beat you?”

She shook her head and reached up to place her hand over his. “Dad never knew. He lived more than an hour away, so I didn’t see him often. My sister is in college. It’s just me. How could I tell either of them what was happening? Donald is a dangerous man. I couldn’t allow anything to happen to Mella.”

“We’ll deal with it.” He opened her fingers, allowing hers to slide between his. “I’m going to work it out. Give me a little time. I’ll have someone go get your sister so she’s safe, too. Donald’s hold over your family ends now.”

“You have no idea what you’re getting involved in.”

He took his hand away from her face, bringing hers with him. “I know more about what I’m doing than you knew when you strolled up to our front gates. Donald is a parasite who’s caused trouble for those around him. We’ve had our run-ins with him as well.”

“If he finds out what you are—”

“Don’t worry about that; he’s got skeletons of his own that he doesn’t want exposed. Let me handle him. Right now, babe, you need to rest.”

“Why do you keep calling me that? You don’t even know me.” She looked down at their intertwined hands. “I find comfort in your touch but you could be anything. Well, I guess you are. You’re a tiger. It’s all so much to absorb. I mean I want to believe you but…well…”

“Answering your question will only overwhelm you more. But I’ll stop if you want.”

“It’s weird, but I like it. You’re so different…so…I don’t know. It’s as if I’ve known you before.” Shaking her head, she leaned back against the pillows. “I’m talking crazy.”

“No, baby.” He leaned over her legs and placed his hand over hers. “There’s a great connection between us. Everything will fall into place soon. Right now, you need to stay here and rest. Galen will be here soon and we can get you healed. I’m going to talk to Zaz, but I won’t be far.”

The mention of Zaz made her realize he meant the man who had kept her in the bedroom while Korbin was off dealing with the tiger. “Is he…”

“A tiger? Yes.”

“He’s so…here I am doing it again. I can’t seem to describe the people around me. You’re so much more than I can put into words. There’s an energy between us that seems alive. Zaz has a cockiness that I should be used to since Donald is the same way yet when he spoke moments before you arrived, I wanted to tear out his throat.” Her lips curled up into a smirk as she let out a light giggle. “I guess that’s good I didn’t. He’d have torn me apart.”

“Never, baby, never.” In a quick move, he rose off the bed and came to stand next to her. “I promise everything will fall into place soon. Rest. I’ll wake you when Galen arrives.”

“You’ll stay close?” She wasn’t sure she wanted to admit it aloud but having him near brought her comfort. Being surrounded by tiger shifters should have made her nervous but his presence assured her everything would be fine.

“Just in the other room.” He brushed his hand down her arm before heading for the door.

Alone, she stared up at the ceiling. Tiger shifters? How was any of that possible? She couldn’t wrap her brain around it but her heart believed him when he said it. The tiger she’d seen in the courtyard seemed angry but hadn’t attacked. There had to be something to that. Her eyes drifted shut as exhaustion dug its claws into her, dragging her deeper. She just needed to rest a little and then she could be on her way. An hour of sleep, that’s all I need. Donald will never know I was here.

* * *

Leaving his mate to sleep, Korbin mentally rearranged the to-do list. There was a lot he needed and wanted to take care of while she was resting. There needed to be certain elements in place by the time he filled in the blanks, the biggest being the revelation she’s his mate. First thing he had on the list was to handle a long overdue promotion.

“Stay with them.” Zaz stood near the sofa, phone pressed to his ear, as Korbin entered the living room.

Enticed by the aroma of fresh coffee brewing, Korbin bypassed Zaz and headed for the kitchen to the pot of coffee the guard had put on while he had been busy with Layla. Coffee wasn’t his drink of choice, except in the early morning, but figuring he had a long day ahead of him, he needed the burst of energy. Everything about the kitchen annoyed him. It was too small and unusable. The only counterspace, next to the sink, was cluttered.

“Only a few more days.” He poured coffee into two mugs, adding a splash of vanilla creamer to his and leaving Zaz’s black like he preferred.

“Let me know if there’s any change.” Zaz ended the call and came to stand near the kitchen island. “That was Sparks. He’s with Rachel and Merrie.”

“Has she calmed down?” Korbin handed the second mug of coffee to him.

“She’s upset and feels betrayed but she’s staying in human form, so that’s one thing.” Zaz took a long sip of his brew.

“I’ll deal with her in a bit. First, there’s something that’s long overdue.” Knowing the other man would follow, he grabbed his coffee and headed for the makeshift office. It was the former Alpha’s dining room, but Korbin took most of his meals with the clan so he used this space as his temporary office. The dining table had been replaced with an old desk, with two of the dining chairs placed in front of it. It served the purpose but he was looking forward to his own workspace in the new building.

Settled down behind his desk, he took in the man before him. His shoulder length black hair was pulled back into a ponytail at the nape, just as he liked to keep it anytime he was ready to dive into any problem at hand. Since taking over the Ohio Tigers, Zaz had been the one person from the clan Korbin had always been able to count on. He had a connection with the members that Korbin didn’t, one that had been helpful. It was possible, if Ty hadn’t sent Korbin to take over the clan, Zaz might have eventually stepped into the Alpha position, but the other man didn’t seem to harbor any regrets and appeared happy with his current role.

“You have been my right-hand man since I arrived. You’ve helped the members adjust to the changes, gave me the opportunity to focus on constructing the new developments, acquired guards to keep us safe, and focused on those who needed the most attention, like Merrie. We’ve worked well together and I can’t think of a better person for the Lieutenant position. That’s if you’re interested.”

“Are you serious?” Zaz sat his mug on the edge of Korbin’s desk and dropped into the chair. “I guess I figured with the new guards and all you’d bring someone in from outside.”

“Unofficially, you’ve already been filling the role and doing a hell of a good job at it. Now it’s time to make it official. The clan trusts you and I trust you.”

“What about your mate? She doesn’t seem too fond of me.” He tipped his head toward the bedroom where Layla was resting. “Have you told her what we are or what she is to you?”

“Layla.” Just saying her name made his tiger rise within him, softly purring at the thought of her. “She knows what we are but that’s as far as I got. She’s been through a lot and though she won’t admit it, the pain from her wound is grinding on her. Galen should be here soon. After he heals her, if she’s up for it, I’ll fill her in on the rest. As for her feelings toward you, she doesn’t know you yet. When she does, I have no doubt she’ll agree you’re prefect for this position.”

“She was ready to attack moments before you returned.”

“Proving she has what it takes to be an Alpha Female, even though she’s human.” Placing his hands on his desk, he leaned forward. “So, what do you say? Are you interested in the Lieutenant position?”

“Consider it accepted. I grew up here but always hoped something would happen to change things. Those of us who wanted change were too few; we’d have been killed, and I had my sister to think about.” Zaz’s gaze shifted toward the window. “In the end, we lost so many.”

“Freedom came with a cost but it gave your sister, Merrie, and everyone else who survived a chance at a new future. We became a haven for all of those still out there suffering at the hands of their Alpha, and we’ll be giving others a second chance, too. Those who died will never be forgotten and those who turned rogue better watch their backs. While they might have been friends and family, now they’re enemies. We’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep everything we’ve accomplished here safe.”

“We’ll stand and fight before the past has a chance to happen again.” Zaz grabbed his coffee from the desk and took another sip. “We’re going to need to do something about Kasar. Merrie overheard him telling the overnight guard of Raja’s arrival. She put two and two together and figured you were sending her away.”

“This is the second time.” The old office chair creaked in protest as Korbin leaned back in it. “Once I take care of some other things, Kasar will be dealt with. He’s being demoted to grounds guard. I can’t have someone in the gatehouse that can’t sense when another shifter is within hearing range.”

“Have you considered promoting Flint?” Zaz watched him as he brought his coffee mug up to his lips again and took a long drink. “He’s young but he’s a good guard. Eager to learn and quick to please. I’ve never given him a job where he didn’t go beyond my expectations.”

“Sparks would have been my first choice, except”

“You want him protecting your mate.” Zaz nodded. “He’s a good choice.”

“I didn’t know mind reader was one of your specialties.” Korbin’s lips curled into a grin. “Tell me, Great One, what will the future hold?”

“Fucking amazing sex and a healthy dose of danger thrown in to keep you on your toes.” Zaz chuckled. “Man, if I knew the future, do you think I’d be wasting it on your soon-to-be-mated ass? No, I’d be out there in the world selling my knowledge and finding a sexy woman who drives my tiger wild and I can sink my claws into.”

“You wish.” Korbin sniggered before a quick knock sounded on the door to his quarters and it slid open, revealing Larry. “Come in. What did you learn?”

Larry stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him before answering. “I just got off the phone with Raja. They’ll be here in twenty minutes.”

“I trust you filled him in on Layla’s situation.”

“Yes.” As Larry joined them at the desk, Korbin realized the tool belt that had been around his waist earlier had been discarded somewhere along the way. “He’s brought your guards and has offered to stay if you wish for the additional support.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I won’t have Raja or Bethany in danger because of this. They mean too much to the future of our species. If we need more support, I’m sure Jinx will send able guards to our aid.” He pushed back from the desk and rose before stalking toward the window.

“I have no doubt my Alpha will provide you with what you need,” Larry added.

“Fuck! I hate having to rely on others to ensure our safety.” Korbin growled. His gaze focused the young man, Birch, sitting alone at one of the picnic tables. Barely eighteen, Birch had only been with the clan a few weeks. He was in search of a new place to make his home. When Korbin accepted him into the clan, he saw the boy’s past, the horrors he had to live with. People like Birch needed him to keep the compound safe, to ensure that the terror he had witnessed before would never be repeated. Every time he thought he could handle what was thrown at them, another problem presented itself. The latest being the town’s sheriff.

“Sir?” Zaz’s voice brought him back to the issue at hand.

“Larry, I’ll do my best to meet Raja when they land but first I need to deal with Merrie. If I’m not there, please show them the way here.” He turned his attention to his new Lieutenant. “Zaz, I need you to escort Merrie here. Bring Sparks with you but unless Merrie has a meltdown, send Rachel back to work. I need her focused on the décor for the new building so we can get everything finalized.”

With his Lieutenant fetching Merrie, he could deal with that situation while remaining close if his mate needed him. Whatever it took, he had to get Merrie to see that she needed to do this. He wanted her to go to Alaska to get the help that she needed, and not simply because he ordered it. He had to make her see that Harmony could help her get over the hell she’d been through.