Tigress for Two Read Free

special—a place he never wanted to leave. This was his home.
    The communication device, still in his ear, pierced his hearing. “The activity level is increasing in area four. I can’t raise the guards on their communication device. Nearest Elder or Elder team member report to area four and advise on the situation.” Kallie’s voice was sharp and held a note of concern.
    “Taber, reporting to area four.” He shut off the coffee and ran steady to the door, no longer worrying if he woke Raja and Bethany.
    “Raja, reporting as well. Contact Shadow and have her report to duty.”
    “Yes, sir.” Kallie responded to Raja through the transmitting system, and then added Shadow to the conversation, explaining the situation. The urgency in her voice tugged at Taber, but his need was trumped by the threat hanging in the air.
    Taber fought the temptation to shift. He was faster in bear form, but with no idea of what awaited them, he had to preserve his energy and keep his weapons intact. He normally didn’t carry a gun, but with Victor on site and the danger level spiking with each minute their prisoner drew breath, all guards who knew how to shoot were equipped with weapons. Tranquilizer guns were also stored throughout the compound, within quick reach if the situation became out of control.
    Taber skidded to a halt as Thomas stumbled out of the cabin where Victor was being held. Thomas’ face was pale and blood dripped from his nose.
    “What the hell happened?” Taber held a breath.
    “Victor somehow broke through one of the chains. I thought he was still passed out, and I was checking on him when he attacked.” Thomas slipped off his shirt and used it to soak up some of the blood. “He only had one arm free, but he packs a damn punch.”
    Taber whipped around him and into the cabin. Korbin was already there, adding more chains to secure the now sedated Victor. Raja entered on Taber’s heels.
    “I told Thomas to shift and go to a healer. Marcus is on his way, he’ll take over Thomas’ duty. We need to deal with Victor today. We got lucky this time, next time we might not.” Raja glanced from the prisoner to Taber. “Ty’s gathering the team and we’ll need a plan of action before we take on Victor. I’m tired of putting the clan at risk. We’ll gather the information from Victor one way or another and then…”

    Raja didn’t say more. Everyone in the room knew once they had the information they needed from Victor, he was a dead man. They couldn’t allow Victor to roam free again as a rogue. There were no alternatives. Being a shifter meant no weakness, especially not one in a position of power, like Raja and Ty.

 
     
    Chapter Three
     
    Taber sat on one of the leather chairs surrounding the conference table. The weeks of only a few hours of sleep had begun to take its toll on not only him but everyone in the room. Even dividing their resources to have someone working through the extensive information and potential leads night and day, still meant longer hours for him and the Elders. He knew he couldn’t continue down this path of little to no sleep night after night if he was to be ready for an attack. Rest was a must.
    The Elders of the Alaskan Tigers clan, Ty, Tabitha, Raja, and Bethany, sat at the head of the table, the weight of the situation clearly visible in their eyes. The Captain of their Guards, Felix and Shadow, stood on each side of Elders as they always were. Ty and Raja not only had the clan to think about, but also their mates, and Tabitha had the imposing duty to not only the Alaskan Tigers, but to all tiger shifters. Without her they would cease to exist. She was the Queen of all Tigers.
    Though Taber was a Kodiak bear shifter, it didn’t mean he would not be affected if she did not carry out her duty. The Alaskan Tigers and the Kodiak Bears had worked together to bring peace to the region’s shifter population. Without Ty and his clan, Alaska would still be in turmoil. Rumor and