Cora clutched Seth’s hand tightly as they walked with Lara to the prosecutor’s office. Her heart was pounding and she thought she’d faint. What if something went wrong and she went back to jail?

“It will be all right.” Seth kissed the back of her hand.

“I hope so.” She couldn’t lose him after what had happened.

A wedding was planned. Seth had decided to sell his shop in Denver and relocate to Frisco. He loved the mountains as much as she did. They were currently looking for a bigger townhome or a small cabin.

The only thing that could destroy her happiness was prosecutor James Novotny.

Lara glanced over at her. “Cora, I promise you, you’ll be fine. Once we make the plea bargain and you agree to his stipulations, you’ll be fine.”

She kept saying that, but what if Lara was wrong? They headed for the District Attorney’s office and Cora’s throat constricted as if a rope were tightening around her neck.

Lara opened the door. Cora touched Seth’s arm. She hadn’t slept a wink last night no matter how many times Seth made love to her. The smell of the jail, her roommates, and the fear had haunted her all night.

The office was busy with people typing on computers and answering phones. Lara headed for the gray-haired receptionist.

“Good morning,” the receptionist said. “May I help you?”

“Yes, I’m Lara Black and I’m representing Cora Amici. We have an appointment with James Novotny.”

“Is he expecting you?”

“Yes.”

The receptionist picked up her phone and dialed. Cora edged closer to Seth. She needed her tiger more than anything. She didn’t want to be separated from him. What if he decided he didn’t want to be with a jailbird? His older brother was in prison, and he rarely spoke of him. She didn’t even know why he was in prison. It was a dark secret that Seth hadn’t shared with her. What if he abandoned her like he had his brother?

“Mr. Novotny. Your appointment is here.” She looked at Cora who trembled. “Yes, I’ll show them to your office.”

Walking down the carpet was like walking to the gallows. Cora stood straight and hoped she looked demure in her black suit. She had her hair pulled back and wore little make-up. Lara wanted to her look like a typical librarian and not a big-time partier.

Jane knocked on a door. “Mr. Novotny?”

“Come on in.”

She opened the door and Cora’s heart fell to her feet. James sat behind a huge mahogany desk with files and a computer. A statue of justice was on his desk and she was worried any minute the scales would tip to jail. Off with your head! No, that was the Queen of Hearts.

He stood. “Lara, how are you?”

“Fine.” Lara shook his hand. “You remember Cora.”

“Of course. And this is…”

“Her fiancé, Seth Reese.”

“Have a seat, all of you.”

Cora sat on the hard-wooden seats, still holding onto Seth’s hand.

“I’ve drawn up the necessary papers.” He sat behind his desk. “Cora, has Lara gone over the plea bargain with you?”

“Yes. I’m… supposed to plead guilty to driving under the influence.”

He raised his eyebrow. “Supposed to?”

“No, I’m pleading guilty to driving under the influence.”

“Based on the guilty plea, I’m lowering the charge of driving recklessly down to defective vehicle. The destruction of property will be dismissed if you have no other infractions for one year. If you have a traffic violation or any other infraction, it will be readmitted and you’ll be facing prison time. Do you understand?”

She squeezed Seth’s hand. “Yes.”

He tightened his grip, but she was so tense, she’d thought she’d jump out of her skin.

“In terms of the pleading guilty to driving under the influence, I’ll recommend probation, but it will be revoked if you have another infraction. Will you agree to this?”

“How long will she be on probation?” Seth asked.

“I’m recommending eighteen months.” But he didn’t look at Seth. He stared at Cora like a viper waiting to strike.

What choice did she have? It was that or jail. “I’ll agree.”

“Good.” He handed her the paperwork.

Lara checked it over. “This is a good deal, Cora.”

Cora nodded and reluctantly signed it. Her hand was shaking so badly that her hand writing looked like an old woman’s.

James glanced up at the clock. “We’re due in court in twenty minutes. I’ll meet you there.”

Cora, Seth, and Lara exited the District Attorney’s office then waited outside the courtroom. It was the longest twenty minutes of Cora’s life.

The bailiff came outside. “Cora Amici.”

All three stood.

“Your case is next.”

She reluctantly walked inside and released Seth’s hand. He couldn’t sit next to her. Judge Morrison sat at the bench and had the same stern look on her face. Cora followed Lara to the defense attorney table. James was on the other side.

They both stood. Cora’s knees were knocking so hard, she thought she’d have bruises.

The bailiff announced, “Your Honor, this is the State of Colorado versus Cora Amici.”

“James Novotny, representing the State of Colorado.”

“Lara Black representing the defense.” Lara looked straight ahead.

The noose tightened around Cora’s throat. This was it. Any minute the judge could destroy her life.

Judge Morrison looked at James. “Have you reached a plea agreement?”

“Yes, the State is recommending an eighteen-month probation for the driving under the influence charge and recommending a deferred judgment for the driving recklessly and destruction of property. We are also asking for a five thousand dollar fine.”

That wasn’t discussed in his office. She jerked her head around. Seth glared at James, but kept his mouth shut.

“I object Your Honor,” Lara said. “A five thousand dollar fine was not part of the plea bargain.”

“Your Honor.” James pulled back his shoulder. “The defendant isn’t facing any jail time, and due to the seriousness of the offenses the state recommends a stiff penalty, or we can go to trial.”

“Can I have a moment to confer with my client?” Lara sighed.

“Yes.”

Lara leaned close. “Cora, if you don’t pay the fine, we’ll go to trial. You’ll probably facing prison time.”

“That was the money for the wedding.”

“I’m sorry, but I know James. He won’t back down. It’s either the wedding or jail.”

“What choice do I have?”

“I’m sorry.”

Cora blinked back tears. “So am I.”

“Ms. Black, have you and your client come to a decision?”

“Yes, Your Honor, we have.”

“Cora Amici, are you willing to submit to the district attorney’s recommendation?”

“Yes.”

“What is your plea?”

She bit her lip and she could feel the blood drain from her face. Lara nudged her.

“Guilty.”

The judge slammed the hammer down on the desk. “The Court accepts your plea and the recommendations of the District Attorney.”

“Thank you, Judge,” Lara said.

“Yes, thank you,” Cora whispered.

“Please adjourn from the courtroom.” The bailiff motioned. “You will need to meet with the assessment office before you leave and pay the fine.”

James didn’t even look at them when they exited the courtroom. Seth paid the fine. The assessment office gave Cora the information on probation and when she had to report, which was next week. Lara said she’d arranged to get the probation changed to Frisco.

“I’m just a big albatross around your neck,” she mumbled.

He put his hands on her shoulder. “No, you’re not. You’re the love of my life.”

“It could have been worse, Cora. Much worse.” Lara motioned for them to leave. “You’re walking out here a free woman. Thank your lucky stars that Judge Morrison is a tiger and had your back.”

Cora gave Lara a hug. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Lara kissed her cheek. “Just be happy with your tiger and don’t drive drunk. Comprende?”

Cora saluted her. “I promise.”

“Good.” Lara checked her watch. “I have another case. I’ll see you two later.”

Seth clasped her hand and led her back to his motorcycle. “Are you all right?”

“I’m so sorry.” She couldn’t hold back the tears. “This is all my fault. Now, we won’t be able to get married…”

“No, it only means we won’t have a big wedding.” He kissed the tears off her face. “We can still get married. We’ll just have to wait on the big party.”

She sniffed through her tears. “Really?”

“You’re my mate.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “The love of my life. As long as we’re together, we can defeat anything.”

“Take me home and prove it.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“You got it,” he growled.

In less than two hours, they were back home. When Cora walked inside, there were roses everywhere. “What is this?”

“I had Caterina fill our house with your favorite flower.”

Her heart swelled ten times. She stroked his hair. “I love you.” She wrinkled her nose. “I love roses, but the scent is overpowering.”

“It is?” He studied her.

“Yes. Why?”

“I think you’re about ready to shift.”

Her skin tingled as if something was trying to break out. “What? I can’t shift.” Or could she? Caterina could.

“Have you ever tried?”

“Well, no.”

“Change your clothes and let’s go to Rainbow.”

Cora hurried into their bedroom and shed her clothes. Was she a tiger? Like Caterina, the judge, and Seth? Not everyone shifted she’d been told, but maybe she’d be a shifter.

They hiked up to Rainbow and veered away from the families and dogs frolicking near the lake.

“Now, I want you to call upon your tiger,” he said.

“Seriously?”

“Close your eyes and call her. Don’t be afraid.”

Cora closed her eyes. Come to me. “Nothing’s happening.”

He kissed her lips softly. “Be patient. Call her again. I can smell her. And she can smell me.”

Come to me.

A shudder ran down Cora’s spine. Power flooded through her like a tsunami–muscles bulged, bones lengthened. She stretched out and lowered to the ground. Her hands touched hard ground. Her heart thumped wildly. Her sense of smell amplified, and she could detect the scent of dogs, moose, and a cat.

When she opened her eyes, a golden tiger watched her, flicking its tail. She stared into the eye of a tiger, knowing she belonged to him.

She opened her mouth to say it didn’t work, but instead of words, she growled. She looked over her shoulder. Crap, she was a white tiger just like Caterina!

The tiger walked around her nuzzling her. She caressed him back. Seth tilted his head toward the mountains. Cora followed him. The trial, reunion, and wedding were all forgotten. They rushed over the ground and sped into the wilderness, chasing each other, climbing mountains, and trees. She’d never felt such freedom, such power, and such love.

The tigress inside her roared, vanquishing all her fears. She was fierce like Seth. Not only was she his mate, but he was hers.

That night, back in their townhome, Seth spread rose petals on their bed. “You’re my thorny rose.”

“And you’re my hero.”

Seth kissed and loved her until she cried out his name again and again, branding her as his. He was more than her hero, he was her heart and soul.