“Very well. I asked you here because after today's incident, I’ve decided to assign around-the-clock guards. One of those guards I have chosen is Felix. I’m planning to promote Felix to Captain of Tabitha’s Guards. Felix has done a great job as one of my guards, and I trust him to keep Tabitha safe. Today he came from the back of the conference room, where he was stationed, to get her out of the way. He understands she must be kept safe. Even though Tabitha is a stubborn, hard-headed woman and refused to leave the room,” he paused giving Tabitha a pointed look, “he kept her out of danger and was ready to protect her if needed.”
“I think he would be perfect for the job. Felix is one of the few I would trust with my life. Who else do you have in mind?”
“I haven't decided on anyone else yet. I wanted Tabitha to meet the rest of the clan. We’ll see who fits well with her, who seems like they would be a good match. I would like four guards assigned to her, at least two at any given time. Most of the time, I’ll be around her, but if something happens like it just did and I have to take care of it, I want to know she’ll be safe. I won’t have her put in danger. I want the guards to keep her safe when I can't.”
Tabitha leaned away from Ty to look at him. “Don’t I get a say in this?”
Ty rubbed the top of her hand that was resting on his leg. “Baby, I’m doing this to protect you. You can have some say on who will protect you. But you are my mate, and I would rather risk you being mad at me for who I choose than not have the guards that can keep you safe when I can't.”
“I’m safe. I don't need or want guards protecting me. I’ll be fine.” I’m not a possession he must keep under lock and key.
Ty looked away from her, toward Raja. “Could you excuse us for a moment?” Ty grabbed her hand and stood, pulling her along with him. He led them into a room off the living room that appeared to be an office, with deep burgundy walls and the same hardwood floors as the rest of the quarters. A large L-shaped desk, as neat as the rest of the house, dominated the center of the space.
“Tabby, I know you don't want this—you’ve made that clear—but it’s something you need. I will not have you in danger, and there will be times I won’t be able to protect you like I want to. You need this, and it’s normal for the Alpha and his mate to have guards. I have my own guards. Stop being stubborn and accept this.”
“I don't want people following me around all the time.” She crossed her arms, not caring if she appeared petulant.
“They won't be. While we’re in our quarters together, they’ll either be off on their own or outside the door if the threat level is high. If you come into our quarters alone, they’ll have to do a walk-through to make sure no one is here, but they won't stay in here unless you’re in immediate danger. They will only be with you when you’re outside our quarters. If we need to, we can set up more boundaries later, after you go through the change. I just want to make sure you have the guards you need when we need them.”
“Okay, you win on this one for right now. But once I go through the change, we’ll discuss this again.”
“Thank you.” Ty leaned down to kiss her. “Now let’s finish this.”
They walked out of Ty's office. Felix was now in attendance.
“Felix, thank you for coming.” After they took their seat again, Felix and Raja also sat.
“Felix, Tabitha and I have decided we would like you to be the Captain of her Guards. Are you interested in this promotion?”
“That’s such an honor. Thank you both. I would be honored to accept.”
“Thank you. We’ll let you know soon who the other guards will be. We haven't finalized those yet. Until then, you’ll be protecting her along with Thomas, from my guards. Before I assigned any long-term guards, I wanted her to meet the clan. Within the next few days, you’ll know and can start training them. You can explain the new changes to Thomas, and I want both of you to meet us here at six o’clock tonight to attend the party.”
“Yes, sir.” Felix rose and appeared to be awaiting dismissal.
“That’s all for now.” When the door firmly closed behind Felix, Ty turned his attention back to Raja. “Until Tabitha goes through the change, I want you and the rest of the guards on call twenty-four hours a day. I want the compound security on alert. If anyone comes on the grounds, I want to know, and if that person is not permitted to be here, then I’ll hold whoever is on guard at fault. I won’t have Tabitha at risk, no matter how small. Things are dangerous now.”
“I’ll inform the clan. If there is anything you need, please let me know.” Raja rose, understanding the conversation was over.
“I still don’t think I need guards. I can protect myself.”
When they were alone once again, Ty growled. “Tabitha, I have never felt this way about anyone before. I want you safe, even if that means you’re mad at me. You mean everything to me.”
“Ty, you’re the first person who has ever really cared about me. I…” her voice broke, all the blood rushed to her head. “I love you. If you want guards for me, then that’s what I’ll have. I was just upset that you didn't talk to me about it first. I should have a say in this kind of stuff.”
Ty leaned down, put one arm behind her legs and one behind her back, and carried her off to the bedroom. He kissed her neck as he walked. “You’re my mate. It's my job to protect you.”
“I’m not a china doll. I don’t want to be protected.” She let out a frustrated sigh.
“I want you safe.”
Tired of fighting, Tabitha wrapped her arms around Ty's neck. “I’m not used to someone wanting to protect me. I’ll try, but I’m not some little school girl who can't stand up for herself. I might not have the physical strength and speed you have, but I'm not a dainty human either.”
Ty laid her gently on the bed. With her arms still around his neck, she leaned up into his body, kissing him deeply, drinking from his lips, as she gently pulled him onto the bed. Gliding her hands down his tight, toned chest, she stopped for a moment to feel his biceps, and she was glad to have him all to herself…at least for a little while.
Ty tugged off her shirt before slipping his hand behind her back to unhook her bra as she explored his chest and arms. Tossing the discarded clothes to the floor, he kissed her neck and made his way down her chest, taking extra time at each nipple. He gently took the nipples into his mouth one at a time and sucked ever so softly, then released it and rolled his tongue over it. He looked up at her with so much devotion shining in his eyes, making her heart flutter.
The fire between their bodies was like a hot summer night in Mexico. Their hearts threatened to pound out of their chests; their palms were sweating. Ty's strong hands caressed every inch of her body. She moaned in ecstasy. He was tender as he memorized every curve of her body with his hands and mouth. He took his time tasting each and every inch of her, sending shivers of fire throughout her body.
Ty gently and lovingly kissed down her stomach and stroked her thighs all the while. With every touch, her body cried out for more. It was like she couldn't get enough of him. His hands sought out the special central core of her body, while the heat and wetness drove her crazy.
He took his time caressing and kissing her body. She could feel their tigers calling to each other, urging her to hurry, while the human part of her wanted to take this slow and cherish every moment together.
His fingers delved inside her. As he worked his fingers, her body moved with the motion. He kissed the inside of her thighs. The passion drove the fire through her—fire like she’d never felt before. He made his way to her core. He licked lightly over her sweet spot, flickering over and over, nearly driving her over the edge. She grabbed his hair and moaned with extreme pleasure.
Tabitha rolled him over, laying him on his back. She placed another deep kiss on his lips while she caressed his chest, taking care to feel every chiseled muscle, licking and kissing as he writhed in pleasure under her.
She knelt on the bed in front of Ty, wantin
g to show him the love she felt for him. She caressed his flesh, stroking him and stoking the fire inside him. She licked the length of him and slowly took him into her mouth. Ty threw his head back in pleasure.
Tabitha enjoyed the feel of his hands running through her hair as her actions excited him.
“Come here.” He tugged on her hair.
Moving up the bed, she angled herself to allow him access. As he entered, she cried out with pleasure. The thrusts were deeper and faster, but not too fast. Both of them moved with such precision, as if it were a well-choreographed dance. Their bodies rocked back and forth until they exploded together in unison.
Breathless, they laid there hot and sweaty, cuddled together, not wanting to move, their legs still entwined.
Ty lifted his head enough to kiss her. “I love you, Tabby.”
Chapter Sixteen
Tabitha was in the middle of the custom-made bed that dominated the bedroom, snuggled deep in the warm comforter, still trying to wake up.
“I didn’t think we would sleep that long. We should get ready for the party.” Ty tossed back the covers before slipping out of bed. He turned around to find she hadn’t moved. “Come on, you can’t be late for your own party.” He smiled down at her.
With a moan, she scooted to the edge of the bed. The floor was littered with red, black and silver throw pillows they’d tossed off earlier. Grabbing one, she threw it at the back of Ty’s head. “If it’s my party, they can’t start without me.”
“Love, you don’t know these tigers. They love to party.”
“Are you sure everything will be fine tonight? Maybe with what happened today, we should postpone it.” She bent to pick up the pillows.
“Tabby, this is something the clan has been preparing for since I told them you would go through the change and I was going to try to bring you home. We cannot deprive them of something they worked so hard on. This means a lot to them.” As he spoke, he walked around the bed to where she was and took her hands. “Everything will be fine. I promise.”
“I know. I just worry they won't like me.”
“How could they not like you? You’re amazing in every way.” Ty tilted her head up with his large hands and before she could respond, he kissed her.
* * *
Standing in front of the mirror, Tabitha admired the dress they’d bought in Pennsylvania. She pulled her hair into a French twist, allowing a few curls to escape and hang down. She was adjusting the black and red beaded belt when she heard Ty talking to Raja and the other guards in the living room.
I never had a reason to dress up before. I feel like a princess…I guess I should feel like a Queen instead. She chuckled to herself as she did one more quick take before stepping out of the bedroom.
As she came into view, everyone became quiet. She could have sworn she could hear the air sizzle with shifter magic. The men were dressed in black tuxedos and looked as if they could be on the cover of a magazine. No one moved for a moment, then Ty came forward. “My Queen, you look marvelous, absolutely mind-blowing. Let me introduce you to the guards for tonight.”
They walked over to the men standing in the front entrance. Three of the men where kneeling, while the other two, Raja and Felix, stood a step behind. “These are Thomas, Leo and Korbin. They are our guards for this evening.”
Our guards? Or did he really mean my guards? I’m leaning towards mine. Quick catch of the tongue there, mate.
Ty gave her a slight nod, letting her know she was to smell each of their necks. They smelled the same way Felix had when she’d first smelled him, but it wasn't as overwhelming anymore, because the smell was all around her now that she was in Alaska.
Weird, but now that I think of it, my body isn’t sore, and I have felt fine since arriving. Ty mentioned I would feel better once I was around my own kind, but he didn’t mention it would all just go away.
“Welcome home, my Queen,” each of the men said as she kissed their necks before they stood. Inside their tailored jackets, she could see the butt of the guns they wore. The shock must have showed on her face, because Raja stepped in front of the other men, took her hand in his and kissed it. “If I may, my Queen, you look stunning.”
“Thank you, Raja. You look pretty good yourself.”
“Men, she is to be protected at all cost. If anything goes wrong, get her out of there and somewhere safe. Felix, I’m placing you in charge of keeping her safe. If anything happens to her, I will hold you personally responsible. I don't care if it is so much as a paper cut, your ass is mine.” Ty laid a hand on the small of her back, directing his attention at her. “I want you to listen to them. If they feel the area is unsafe, go with them.”
Tabitha didn’t fight him. She just nodded. Ty wasn’t doing this to make her appear weak. There was too much at risk, and she had to think of the livelihood of the tiger shifters as a whole. “Shall we get this over with?”
“It won't be that bad. Come on.” Ty took her hand as they left the quarters, surrounded by their guards.
Chapter Seventeen
The dome was normally used for training when the weather outside was nasty, but tonight every inch of it was party central. The clan had constructed a ballroom floor in the middle, complete with a DJ playing tunes. The entryway had a large arch that was covered in black and gold balloons. On the far right wall, it said Welcome Home, Tabitha in big gold sparkly letters. Everything was done in black and gold. The tablecloths were black with white and gold plates; the wine glasses had a gold rim around the top. The lights were low and on every table, candles glowed, giving a romantic flare to the dome.
There were buffet tables going all the way down the left wall and a large white and gold cake at the end of the buffet. Waiters walked around with glasses of champagne and other drinks.
“This is amazing.” She stared, trying to take it all in.
“It's all for you. They’re ecstatic to have you home with us again. Come, let’s get a drink and then mingle with everyone.”
Ty stopped one of the waiters and took two glasses of champagne from the tray he was carrying. Raising the glass to take a drink, she became aware they were starting to draw a crowd. Raja and the guards tried to surround them to keep the clan back a little, but they were on them before the guards could close the circle.
A loud growl exploded next to her before she heard Ty yell, “Stop this right now!” Everyone went still around them. “I don't know what has gotten into everyone, but it needs to stop now. I know you’re excited to meet Tabitha. So here is what we will do. I want everyone to go sit at their tables. Tabitha and I will come around to each table and spend a few minutes with you. Later, after we’re settled, Tabitha will have more time to meet with everyone. However, tonight, we’ll take some time out to meet with everyone, and then we would like to enjoy this wonderful party you have been so generous to throw in her honor.”
People spread out, moving to find seats at one of the six tables placed around the dome. The guards went to their predetermined spots, except Raja, who stayed with them.
They started with the table to the left, allowing them to make a complete circle and end up at their table by the dance floor. Each table was eager to talk with her, making her want to stay with them as long as she could. But Ty kept her moving from one member to another, promising they would have more time with her soon, and that Tabitha wasn’t going anywhere.
“I know you want to meet the needs of each member, but don’t wear yourself out tonight. You have plenty of time,” Ty whispered in her ear as they headed to the next table.
She nodded. That is easier said than done. How can I rush through everyone when they are so kind and threw this party for me? I wish I could stop time and spend longer with everyone.
As they went around the room meeting the members, she noticed a number of men with the golden auras. There were two that stuck out to her. One of them was Marcus, Tora's husband, and the other one was Lance.
Lance was at the first table
, and he seemed on alert and ready to take action if something happened. His deep forest green eyes seemed to take everything in while still looking relaxed.
* * *
After going from table to table, they were finally able to sit down and enjoy their dinner. Ty had mentioned earlier they had some of the best chefs as part of the clan, and she wasn’t disappointed with the meal. The salmon was delicious.
“Are you having a good time?” Ty asked as they finished dessert.
“The best time of my life.” A huge smile plastered itself on her face. She leaned in closely and whispered, “But there are a few people I’d like to talk to you about later.” She had questions about the people with the golden auras around them, but it wasn’t something they could talk about with people within hearing range.
“You met Lance tonight,” he said, motioning toward the first table. “He is one of my guards. I gave him the night off to spend with his new mate. This allowed him to enjoy the party and for us to have guards that would devote their full attention to any problems that might arise this evening. He is a good guard, but the mating bug is hard on everyone.”
Tabitha loved how Ty was able to slide in the information she wanted without it seeming out of place or raising questions from anyone who might have overheard.
A young girl, no older than fourteen months, came running toward them. Her wobbly legs barely held her up; her long hair was the color of rubies bouncing behind her as she ran, until she tripped, falling down hard. Before the first tear fell, Tabitha was on her feet, heading toward her.
“It’s all right, sweetie.” Wrapping the little girl in her arms, she wiped the child’s tears away.
The little girl’s knee was bleeding, so Tabitha balanced the child on her hip as she grabbed a napkin from the table to wipe the blood. She realized then that when she’d jumped up to help the little girl, she’d spooked the guards. Felix and Thomas were the first to respond, at her side before the rest realized what the commotion was. Ty watched from the table, a smile on his face.
“I’m fine,” she told Felix and Thomas before returning her attention to the girl.