Holding his mate against his chest, Korbin took another few minutes to cherish the moment. Was it the best thing to do as an Alpha? No. He should have been out there greeting his guests. Zaz had it under control but it was his duty. If it had been anyone else but the Alaskan Tigers, he would have forced himself to step away from her and carry on with his responsibilities. There was an additional benefit in knowing the clan Elders, Raja and Bethany, would understand his need to comfort his mate.

“Excuse me.” Galen’s voice was hushed as he came toward them. “Zaz mentioned your mate was injured. Can I take a look? Or would you like me to come back?”

“Now’s fine.” He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “Layla, this is Galen. He’s going to take care of your injuries. I should go welcome our guests but if you want me to stay, I will.” Hell, he wanted to stay with her. Balancing duty with mating was harder than he expected.

“Go. I’ll be fine.” She pulled her hands back from his waist and instantly, he missed her touch. “When you come back, I expect you to finish answering my questions.”

“Anything for you, babe.” He shot her a cocky grin before stepping back from her and looking at Galen. “Take good care of my girl.”

“You know I will.” Galen gave him a quick smile before shifting his attention to Layla. “If you’d like to sit on the bed and get comfortable, I’ll look over your injuries and explain the process.”

Heading out of the master bedroom and back to the living room where everyone was gathered, his thoughts stayed with Layla. The fear drifting off his sweet mate was overwhelming but there didn’t seem to be an ounce of it directed at him or the clan. She was scared for him but not of him—a weight off his mind, which allowed him to focus on Merrie, if only for a short bit.

“There he is.” Bethany shot up off the sofa and came to him. “It’s been so long. How is everything going here?”

“It’s going.” He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her in for a quick hug. She was family to him—the whole Alaskan Tigers clan was. Seeing her and Raja reminded him of how much he missed them. “Thanks to all the help sent from Alaska and the West Virginia Tigers, we’re just a couple of weeks from moving into our new building, which will be such a relief. I never thought a roof over my head mattered so much, but living here I realized how much it impacts us. If any place could feel evil, it has to be this one.”

“I got chills from the horrors that happened just walking into the building.” Bethany stepped back and rejoined Raja on the sofa.

“I hear you’ve got problems with the local sheriff now, too.” Raja slipped his arm around Bethany’s shoulders and pulled her tight against him.

“I’m handling it. He’s got a skeleton in his closet that’s going to stop him in his tracks. His adopted family are shifters, cougars. His brother, Ted, is taking a position under me in the coming weeks.” Korbin dropped down into one of the chairs. “He’ll see soon enough that Layla isn’t his. My concern is keeping both Layla and her younger sister, Mella, safe. Though she hasn’t said, I suspect Donald played a role in her father’s murder.”

“Do you need Connor to look into it?” Raja asked.

“I think I can handle it, but if I run into a road block I’ll give Connor a call. I’m going to have someone go pick up Mella and bring her here. Donald was raised around shifters. He has to understand that it’s impossible to come between mates.”

“You better claim her soon,” Styx stated, drawing Korbin’s attention. Styx was Shadow’s right-hand man and second-in-command when it came to protecting Bethany. “Laying your claim on her will give you a benefit if you have to go head to head with him. Maybe his family can talk some sense into him.”

“He’s a hard-headed asshole. I don’t think anyone can talk any sense into him.”

Korbin spun in his seat to see Layla strolling toward them, the grimace of pain that had coated her features before now gone. Galen walked only a step behind her, looking a little worse for wear. Anytime Galen or Bethany preformed a healing, it always took a lot out of them, leaving them tired. He had no doubt the old healer would sleep through the plane ride back to Alaska.

“Come here, baby.” Korbin held his hand out toward her. “Did Galen take good care of you?”

With a nod, she came toward the chair and took his hand. He quickly pulled her down into his lap and she let out a squeal of surprise. “You’d never know I was even shot.”

“I know, and he’s going to pay for what he did to you.” He snuggled her close to his chest before glancing back at Styx. “Whatever it takes, I’ll make him see she’s mine. But back to the issue at hand.”

“Me.” Merrie shifted uneasily, her gaze going from Larry to Korbin before finally settling on Larry. “I can’t say I like it but I’ll go with the assurance that I can come back. I don’t want to be tossed out without the bond I have with my Alpha.”

“No one is severing that connection,” Korbin assured her. “You’re always welcome here. This is your home. I want every member of my clan to be healthy and strong. I understand this isn’t easy but it’s what’s best for you.”

“He’s right.” Bethany shifted to look at Merrie. “Harmony has been where you are. She clung to Robin and developed an Alpha Female bond with her, even though she’s human. She’s committed to Ty and the clan, but the connection between her and Robin is still very strong. I have no doubt that between the two of them, they can help you.”

“Though I don’t want you developing the Alpha Female bond with Robin, I agree that they can help you. The connection between Robin and Harmony was unexpected and unfortunately cannot be broken. It proved a strain on Robin at first but Ty worked with her on how to handle it. I don’t think she could handle another connection like that,” Raja explained.

“Being connected to me it’s unlikely that Merrie could develop such a bond,” Korbin explained. “Merrie’s loyalty isn’t divided in any way.”

“I understand that, which is why Ty, Adam, and I decided to allow both of the women to work with her. They can each bring something to the table to help her.” Raja turned back to Merrie. “Adam is Robin’s mate.”

Bethany glanced over at Merrie. “I’ve never been in the situation you’ve been in and I’m human, but I’m here to help in any way I can, too. We all are. We’re in this together to make the future a brighter place for all of us. Maybe in time you’ll be able to overcome your past and help others do the same. With what Korbin is accomplishing here, he’ll need someone like you by his side.”

“That’s something we can discuss once you center yourself and get your tigress under control,” Korbin added. “You have to put yourself first for the moment.”

“I’m confused about so much of this.” Layla shifted uneasily in Korbin’s lap, as her gaze stayed focused on Merrie. “What I do know is I can see the pain in your eyes, Merrie, and you can’t live like that. I know what it’s like to live with horrors—maybe not like what you’ve experienced, but to some degree I understand. If there’s someone who can help you, then you owe it to yourself to try. Don’t do it because your…” She glanced back at Korbin. “I don’t even know what to call you. What are you to her? Her boss?”

“Alpha,” he explained.

“Okay.” She turned back to Merrie. “Like I was saying, don’t do this because your Alpha wants you to but because it can help you. Though the word Alpha makes me think dominating male. Do you have any right to say no?”

“Our culture is different from yours.” Merrie ran her hands along her thighs, as if wiping away sweat. “A good Alpha knows what’s best for his clan and always has our best interest at heart. We might disagree but if we trust our Alpha, we’ll do what he wishes. If we don’t…”

“Disobeying an order from one’s Alpha can mean punishment or if grave enough, banishment from the clan,” Korbin explained. “Orders are to be followed and if they do not wish to do so, they are welcome to leave.”

“Sounds harsh.” Layla shrugged. “Though I guess that’s the same with any job or family. There are always choices.”

“Korbin, if you’re sure you don’t want our aid, we should be going.” Raja scooted to the edge of the sofa. “We’ve been away too long and we’re all anxious to get back home.”

“I appreciate the offer but I’ve got this. Give my best to Ty, Tabitha, and everyone.” He tapped Layla’s back, letting her know she needed to get up so he could escort them back to their plane.

“Merrie, are you going with us?” Taking Bethany’s hand in his, Raja rose from the sofa, bringing her up with him.

“I need to pack. I just learned of this plan a short time ago.”

“Rachel already has a bag prepared for you. She’s taken it to the landing strip.” Sparks stepped away from the wall and neared Merrie, his gaze on Korbin. “If I could have a moment with Merrie, then we could meet you at the plane.”

“Very well.” Korbin gave Sparks a quick nod.

“Will you take a walk with me?” Sparks held out his hand, offering it to Merrie.

Layla shifted against him, drawing his attention, but when he found her looking at him with questions in her eyes, he shook his head. Leaning closer to her, he whispered, “Later.” He turned back to Raja. “Since we have time, would you like a tour of the new building? It’s coming along well.”

“Sure.” Raja nodded. “The additional guards we brought for you are waiting in the cafeteria. Did you want to have them join us?”

The thought of new guards brought a smile to Korbin’s face. These were the ones Styx and the other guards at the Alaskan Tigers compound had trained specifically for him. They had come from other clans, some leaving behind enemy clans, while others seeking the opportunity to advance in their positions. Whatever brought them here didn’t matter though; what mattered was having additional manpower to keep his clan safe. With the new threat from Donald, this would be an added benefit.

* * *

Layla was overwhelmed with all she was witnessing. Rather than retreating into her shell, she watched everything happen from the sidelines. She couldn’t wrap her thoughts around the fact that shifters were real, let alone standing in front of her.

There was never anything between Korbin and me. He’s my Alpha and a good one at that, but that’s all. Trust him, he’ll make you happy. Merrie’s words rang through Layla’s thoughts as the plane took off. She didn’t know the young woman, but there seemed to be a connection between them. Maybe under different circumstances, they could have been friends. In her current situation, she couldn’t risk getting close to anyone. Donald would use anyone she cared about against her. He had already proven that when it came to her sister, Mella.

This place was a haven for Korbin’s people and the longer she was there, the higher the chance of Donald finding her. Korbin seemed to have enough to deal with without her adding to it. Determined it was time to leave, she glanced around, looking for Sparks or Rachel. Knowing it would likely be the last time she’d see them, she needed to say goodbye to Rachel at least, and leave a message to give to Korbin after she snuck away. She owed him and somehow, she’d find a way to repay him for everything he’d done. If it hadn’t been him and the healer Galen, she’d have bled to death.

“Layla.” Korbin’s deep voice caught her off guard. As she swung around to look at him, she nearly stumbled into his embrace. “Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I uhhh…” She didn’t know what to say. Moments ago, she was thinking about leaving but now, as she stood in front of him again, she longed to have his arms wrapped around her. Her body never reacted to someone like it did to him. Her heart skipped a beat whenever he was close, not out of fear like it did in Donald’s presence, but out of excitement. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

“What did that man mean when he said you should claim me?” The words were out before she could even stop herself.

“You mean Styx.” He looped his arms around her waist, dragging her against him. “Claiming a mate is done through intercourse. After the first time, you’ll be eternally connected to me. There’s no dividing us. You’re my mate—so I’ll know where you are at any time. I’ll feel you as if you were next to me. I’d know your emotions as if they were my own. It will be the same for you, possibly a little more overwhelming because it won’t just be me you’re feeling but the whole clan. I’m already used to that. I’m their Alpha; I know what they need without them telling me. You’ll be their Alpha Female so you’ll have that same connection. My beast knows how to handle it from the beginning, but with you being human, your body will have to adjust. It will only take a few moments before our connection helps things fall into place, but it could be a rough period.”

“Oh…” Her thoughts jumped around too much for her to say any more, as she tried to process what he’d just said.

“How about we go back to my place and I answer your questions?” Rather than leading the way, he stared down at her, his embrace tightening around her enough that she felt protected and didn’t struggle to get away. “Are you still concerned Donald will find you here?”

“Something happened here, to Merrie, to all your members. You don’t need more trouble. I need to leave.” Her chest tightened at the thought of leaving. She didn’t know what the connection between them meant or how to rationalize it, but she could feel the pull he had over her. His touch seemed to push the fears away, keeping her from being overwhelmed by the man who had most likely already learned she was missing. He’d be searching for her and it was only a matter of time before his rage took over. “Mella. He’ll go after her when he can’t find me. I need to go.”

“It’s okay.” He ran his hand up her back. “Larry and Rachel just left to go get her.”

“I should have—”

“I’m not having you out there in danger. I’m going to deal with Donald, but until then, I want you right here where I know you’re safe.”

Her eyebrows rose in question before she could stop herself. “Surrounded by tigers and I’m supposedly safe. Who’d have thought?”

“They know better than to harm you.” He shifted her to his side, but kept his arm around her waist as he headed back to the main building.

“Why’s that?”

“You’re my mate, soon to be the Alpha Female of the clan. Any harm comes to you and it’s a direct challenge against me.” He led them through the doors into the main building before strolling down the hallway that would lead back to his quarters. “Think of us as the ruling parties over the community. Our word is law.”

“Don’t they have freedom to do what they want?”

“Everyone has freedom.” He held the door open, waiting for her to enter before following and shutting the door behind them. “Though I’m the ruling body here, they have more freedom than those you know in town. They can be themselves and allow their animal out. To keep our beast hidden away from humans takes a toll on us. We must shift regularly. If we don’t, we run the risk of our tiger taking over. When that happens, we go rogue. We’re no longer human, but essentially our animal.”

“You said Merrie was close to her beast taking over. Will she go rogue? What happens then?” She stepped around the recliner and made her way to the sofa.

“Merrie still has control over her tigress, but unless she starts working through her issues, she’s going to lose the grasp she has over it and will eventually go rogue. We’re all working to stop that from happening but she must be willing to do the work, too. I’m her Alpha and I can help her keep control, at least to a point.” Korbin reached into the fridge for a bottle of beer before turning back to her. “Want one? Or a soda?”

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” She leaned back against the sofa. The pain from her wounds was gone but she was stiff in places she hadn’t even known existed. “You skipped over the question about what will happen if she goes rogue.”

“You already know.” He popped the top from the beer bottles, letting the caps fall onto the counter, then grabbed them and headed toward where she sat. “A rogue tiger, or any animal for that matter, is a danger to humans. It’s a risk to our secret. They must be put down.”

“Mur…murdered.” She stumbled over the words as she realized what he was saying.

“Humanely executed. Trust me, if they were in the right frame of mind, they’d want it. To live with their animal in control, doing things their human side would never allow, is not something they’d want.” Sitting beside her, he handed her one of the beer bottles. “Normally, when we shift, we’re still human; we can think like our human side and understand what is happening. When a shifter goes rogue, they lose all of that. They can’t understand what’s going on; they’re essentially their beast. An animal.”

“I should be appalled that you’re talking about killing someone. Any human would be or at least, should be. Yet I can see how it’s more dangerous to allow them to live. Is it okay to sacrifice one for the greater good? I don’t know, but I’m not sure it’s our place to make that call either.” She brought the beer bottle to her lips and took a long drink.

“When I became Alpha, I took on the responsibly. It’s my place to make that decision. By doing so I’m not just protecting myself or my clan, but my whole species and all shifters, no matter their animal.” He stared down at the beer in his hand, not bothering to drink it. “When humans find out about my kind, it needs to be something they’re prepared for. Otherwise, we’re going to be on the chopping block. They’ll hunt us down like prey.”

“Before they find out? You mean you’re planning on announcing your existence? Isn’t that a death wish?” She sat the beer bottle on the coffee table and shifted to face him. “What about the humans who already know about you? People like me? We’ll be considered traitors. Maybe they’ll kill us too, or lock us up in prisons.”

“At some point, they’re going to find out about us.” He continued to stare down at his beer bottle, avoiding her gaze. “We’re living in compounds like this all over the world. Between unfit Alphas and the rogues, it’s only a matter of time before someone stumbles upon our existence. We’ve got to come out before that happens. Otherwise, we lose the upper hand. Before that day can come, we need to be united. Tabitha’s the Alpha Female of the Alaskan Tigers, but also the Queen of all Tigers. She’s the one to unite my species and then all shifters. She’ll prepare us for the revealing. It’s been prophesied centuries ago. I know her personally, have served under her and protected her. I will follow her until my dying breath because I know the wonders the future holds for us.”

Shifters all over the world, living in communities like the one she found herself in. The idea was amazing, yet terrifying. How had she been so blind to what went on right under her nose? How long would it be before humans all over the world knew about shifters? More importantly, what would happen to Korbin, to the people he cared about, and to her when they did find out?