Red and the Tiger (BBW Shapeshifter Paranormal Romance) (Shifters Everafter Book 2) (3 page)

It was dangerous, but she had to go with him. She realized her plan to wander around the shifter town had been short-sighted. If Gran was in real danger, what was she going to be able to do alone? She needed help. Tyler was her best bet. He didn’t even seem that mad that she’d lied to him. She had a good feeling about the shifter. Maybe if she could get to know him better, he would help her find Gran.

“What kind of shifter are you?” she asked as they walked through an empty alley.

“Tiger. I’m surprised you asked.”

“Why?”

“Most people assume. The last name.”

“Oh.” Suzy laughed. “I guess that
is
funny. You’re a tiger shifter named Wolf.”

“It’s a little funny.”

“Aren’t you going to ask my name?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Suzy frowned. “My name is—”

“I said it doesn’t matter,” Tyler snarled. “I’ll keep calling you Red.”

“Aren’t you even a little curious?”

“No.” He stopped at a gate. “This is it.”

It looked like all the other houses in Rose Valley. It was one level, tan, and small. Inside, it was really just one big room with a half wall to separate the kitchen and living room. There were two doors at the back. Tyler pointed to the one on the left. “That’s the bathroom. You can see the kitchen. I’ve got bread, peanut butter and stuff if you’re hungry.”

Suzy shook her head. “I’m okay.”

Tyler went into his bedroom and came back with a heavy blanket. He put it on the couch. “You can sleep here.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded and then yawned, stretching his fingers to the ceiling. “I’ll be up in a few hours and I can do breakfast before you go.”

“Okay. Good night.”

He yawned again. “Night.”

She left the small lamp next to the couch on after Tyler went to bed. It felt strange to go to sleep somewhere besides her own bed. She’d never been on a sleepover; the only places she slept were her own home and Gran’s house. She couldn’t believe she was going to sleep in an actual shifter’s home. One she barely knew! What if he had less than noble intentions? In the dark, her mind started to wander to very strange places.

She took off her cape and tried to calm herself, then covered herself with the blanket and pulled it up to her chin. She could see the whole house from her spot. Strangely, there was no TV in his living room. She wondered if he had one in his bedroom. She didn’t watch much TV, but she couldn’t imagine not having one. How did he have his own home? Did everyone have a home in Rose Valley? Even Penicalla had two homeless people. If there were no homeless in the Valley, that made the town a little better than her home.

Suzy’s curiosity about the town and Tyler’s living arrangements only kept her mind busy for so long. It wasn’t long before she was thinking about the handsome shifter sleeping just one room away again. She imagined him coming out of his room when she’d started to drift off to sleep. He’d stand over her and pull the blanket off roughly. She would ask him what he was doing but he’d just lie down on top of her without answering. She could practically feel the weight of him on top of her.

What would she do if he came out and did that? She supposed she should say no and tell him she wasn’t that kind of girl. But was that the truth? Why
had
she come home with him? It wasn’t the smartest choice. It went against everything she’d been taught her entire life.
Never talk to strangers!
Definitely don’t go home with strange men you meet in the woods.
She was being very foolhardy. Her mother would be very displeased if she knew where Suzy was.

Her mother! She needed to call her mom one more time before falling asleep. But what was she going to tell her? She was sleeping in the house of a sexy tiger shifter? That wouldn’t do. But if she didn’t call, she would have to wake up to call her after a few hours. Better to get it out of the way now.

Cindy picked up on the first ring again. “Have you found her?”

“Not yet. But I’m going to take a quick nap before continuing. I’m exhausted.” She didn’t tell Cindy that wandering around the forest lost had eaten up a big chunk of her time and energy. It would only make her look incompetent.

“Where are you sleeping?” Cindy asked, sounding panicked.

“At a bar,” Suzy lied. “They’re closing up for the night and a nice waitress agreed to sleep here with me for a few hours.”

“A bar? That doesn’t sound very safe.”

“The waitress is a dragon shifter. She can take care of both of us. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be calling you for a few hours.”

“I’ll be up until you call again. If it’s more than six hours, I’m going to Roger and we’re coming to find you.”

“Fine. I love you.”

“Love you, too. Be careful!”

Suzy set the alarm on her phone for nine in the morning. She didn’t think she would sleep that long, but she didn’t want to risk Cindy calling Roger. Gran was probably fine, but if Roger decided to send police to the valley, they could all get hurt. The shifters kept to themselves and the government left them alone. That was the deal. Suzy didn’t want to be responsible for breaking the uneasy truce.

She tried to sleep again. The house was so quiet. Even with the light on, she couldn’t keep her eyes closed for long. She was too afraid. She wished Tyler had left his door open. It would have made her feel a little safer if she could see him.

She got up and looked out the kitchen window. There were a few people walking on the street, but the town was still quiet and dark.

Suzy jumped when a door opened behind her.

“You awake?” Tyler came into the kitchen and stood beside her. He was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts. His blond hair was tousled messily and his green eyes were bleary. Suzy couldn’t help but blush as her eyes swept over his body quickly. He was so muscular! His back, his six-pack abs, the hard, defined pecs. She longed to reach out and feel his warm skin under her fingers. He was so beautiful.

She quickly looked away when her eyes began to wander lower, to the bulge in his shorts. She looked out the window. “Yes. I can’t sleep.”

“Are you not tired?”

“I’m afraid,” she admitted. “The only place I’ve ever slept besides my own bed is Gran’s house. I can’t seem to fall asleep here, even though I’m very tired.”

Tyler looked at her with a frown. “I don’t know what to tell you, Red. It’s never been a problem for me. Want some warm milk?”

She giggled. “I don’t think that actually works.”

He shrugged. “I’ve seen it on TV. Figured I could at least try. I’m not going to be able to sleep if you keep moving around out here. And I need to sleep. What if I sit with you until you fall asleep? Would that help?”

“Maybe.”

Tyler walked with her to the couch and after she lay down he pulled the covers up to her chin and tucked her in. He sat on the floor between the couch and the coffee table. “How long you been searching for your grandmother?”

“Since this afternoon. Mostly I’ve just been wandering around the forest, though.”

“Why’d you come to the valley?”

“I got a tip from Gran’s friend from bingo. There’s some kind of betting tournament going on, and Gran went to that. Why did you come to Rose Valley? Did you grow up here?”

“No. I grew up in the human world, but I came here as soon as I was old enough.”

“Did your family come too?”

He shook his head. “I don’t have any family. I was a foster kid.”

“I’m sorry. That must have been really hard. I’ve heard it isn’t easy for shifter kids to get adopted. Were you at least in a shifter home?”

“Nope. I got mainstreamed. It’s supposed to make it easier for shifter kids to fit into the human world.” He laughed harshly. “The guys in charge didn’t think that one through.”

“What do you mean?” Suzy rolled onto her side to face him.

“There are a lot of guys here like me, who grew up in the system and left to come to a shifter sanctuary. That was exactly what they were trying to avoid.”

“Why? Were people mean to you? I thought it had gotten better for shifters.”

“Mostly it has, but not in this case. I don’t know. Growing up like that, you see that humans don’t really want you around. You know?” He drew his legs up to his chest. “There was no chance for a kid like me to get adopted. They’ll let us live but they don’t want us in their homes. As soon as I heard about a place where there were only shifters, I couldn’t get here fast enough.”

“Do you like living here?”

He shrugged. “It’s better than anywhere else I’ve lived, but I think I’m ready for a new place. Do you like where you live?”

“No.” The forcefulness of her answer surprised her. “I mean, I love my home. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived, and my Mom and Gran are the best. I just would like to see more of the world.”

“I get that. If you’ve never slept outside your home at your age, I think you could stand to get out more. Doesn’t really add up, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, and I don’t mean anything bad here, you seem a little naïve. But your grandmother is out here gambling in a rough shifter town. I don’t see how the two go together.”

“My dad died when my mom was pregnant with me, and she’s very protective. She and Gran are opposites in every way. And I’m not naïve.” Suzy rolled over to her back and looked at the ceiling. “I just haven’t gotten to experience much. I know the world is a crazy, scary place. I just choose to still think there are good people out there. Like you. I wasn’t wrong about you.”

Tyler snorted. “You’ve known me for a few hours. You can’t make a good judgment in that time.”

Suzy yawned and looked at him. “You’re still helping me even though I lied to you. You try to seem like a big, bad tiger, but really I think you’re a pussycat. That’s why you want to leave Rose Valley. You don’t fit in with the hardscrabble, tough people here.”

“You’re tired.” Tyler stood up. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She nodded. “Good night again.”

“Night.”

This time after he had closed the door, she didn’t have any trouble falling asleep. She was too exhausted. He had talked with her, and that was something. He still didn’t care to ask her name, but it was still something. Maybe she would be able to convince him to help her. In the morning. Now, she needed to sleep or she would be no good to anyone.

Tyler couldn’t sleep anymore. He could have stayed up talking to Red, but she needed sleep. His tiger was also getting out of hand.  The animal wanted her. Normally, he wouldn’t be opposed to having a human for the night, but this was too risky. The girl was so naïve. There was no telling how she’d react if he even kissed her. Something told him it would be bad. She would get attached or obsessive or say he had taken advantage of the situation. It would bring undue attention to him and his new business venture.

If he even had a business venture anymore. He checked to make sure his phone was working for the millionth time that night. Why hadn’t Randall called him yet? The rat should have already gotten to the Ganjis and back by now. Hell, he didn’t even need to get back. He could have texted Tyler as soon as the meeting was over.

Tyler couldn’t take it anymore. He sent Randall a “How’s it going?” text.

The minutes ticked by with nothing happening. Then, finally, his phone buzzed to life.

“Well?”

“Not great,” Randall said. “They didn’t take the deal.”

“What? That’s impossible. You must have pitched it wrong. You need to try again.”

“I can’t try again. This is it. They don’t want to work with us on this again. They’ll be open to working with us on something else in the future, though.”

Tyler slammed his fist into his pillow and roared. “Great. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry, man. I was really excited about this too. Don’t worry, we’ll find something else.”

“Sure.”

Tyler hung up and punched his pillow again. Then he got off the bed and paced the room. This couldn’t be real. He’d really thought the new pitch would work. Were the Ganjis really going to cut off all traffic from the south side of the forest? It seemed like overkill and a great way to scare off business. Then again, the kind of woman coming to a shifter gigolo wouldn’t care that she had to travel an extra twenty miles.

What else were he and Randall going to find? There were no other jobs. He wasn’t going to have any seed money to move to a human city or a new shifter city. He was going to have to go for it with no money at all. He didn’t even have a bank account. He was going to need a new plan.

His phone rang while he was sulking in bed. It was Randall again.

“What’s up?”

“You still have that girl with you?” Randall asked.

“I’m going to get rid of her this morning. I didn’t want to leave a human girl out wandering the streets alone at night. That would have come back to us.”

“You need to get rid of her ASAP. The Ganjis aren’t going to be very friendly if they find out you picked up the wrong woman. They’ll never work with us again.”

“How would they find out?” Tyler growled.

“I don’t know.”

“Did you say something?”

“No. Of course not. But people saw us at the bar last night and they’re going to see her leaving your house this morning. We don’t need that kind of gossip.”

“Nobody pays attention to me like that.” Tyler relaxed. “I’m going to get rid of her this morning. Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay. Talk to you later.”

Randall didn’t sound too happy. The stupid rat had probably squealed to his contact. Tyler didn’t put it past his business associate to run his stupid mouth. What Randall didn’t realize was that it would look bad for
both
of them. Tyler was an idiot for picking up the girl, but Randall was just as dumb for associating with Tyler. He prayed the rat was smart enough to see the mutual benefits of keeping his mouth shut.

Tyler ran the options through his mind. He had no current deal with the Ganjis. He had no day jobs lined up, either. He had nothing. The only thing keeping him in Rose Valley was the free housing. He could just leave, make a clean break, as soon as he gave Red some breakfast and pointed her in the direction of the gambling ring. The Brotherhood of Thieves would give his house to some new kid and he would be done with his Wasteland life.

But that was easier thought than done.

He’d gone as far as planning an exit at least half a dozen times. This time had to be different.

He opened the web on his phone and looked for the most shifter-friendly cities on the west coast. He wanted to go somewhere warm that only had one sunny season. No more ice-cold winters and dreary falls. He was going to do it this time.

San Diego would be good if it weren’t for the high cost of living. Phoenix looked great except it was a little too hot. The city was somewhat friendly to homeless people and there were many shifter meet-ups.

His third option was Austin, Texas. It was warm, had a thriving shifter population, and had a low cost of living. Of the three, Austin seemed his best bet. He had heard mixed reviews of the rest of Texas from other Rose Valley residents. As long as he kept to himself until he got to Austin, he thought he had a good chance.

Once he was in Texas, he would try to find a job. He would hook up with some of the other shifters in the area and get himself set up nicely. At least, that was how he hoped it would go. He knew there was a chance he would end up homeless for a few weeks. Worst case scenario, he would end up failing and have to come back to Rose Valley with his tail between his legs begging for help. But he’d worry about that if and when the time came.

There was nothing to lose. He had to go today, before he lost his nerve. Tyler lay in bed twenty minutes more and then he had to get up. Red was snoring softly on the couch with the blanket pulled over her face. He didn’t wake her. Instead, he started cooking in the small kitchen.

He was no master chef, but he could do the basics. He made French toast and fried some bacon before starting a pot of coffee. Red had stirred as he cooked the bacon. By the time the smell of coffee was wafting around the living room, she was rolling over and stretching. She looked around the room sleepily and then seemed to realize where she was. She sat up quickly and pulled the blanket to her chest.

“Time to get up already?”

Tyler nodded. “It’s probably best to get an early start. I’m sure you want to get on your way and find your grandmother.”

Red nodded. “You made breakfast?”

“I did. I just haven’t made any eggs for you yet. How would you like them?”

“Fried, please.” She got up. “Do you have a spare toothbrush?”

“There should be a fresh one in the medicine cabinet.”

She disappeared into the bathroom off the kitchen while he fried her an egg. Tyler was antsy to get the woman out of his house. Once she wasn’t his responsibility anymore, he could get started on packing. He only had one bag that he could attach to his tiger’s neck. It wouldn’t hold much, but it would be enough. He could bring three outfits and worry about the rest later. People threw away clothes all the time. He might as well embrace his inner hobo.

Red came out of the bathroom looking somber but hopeful. She sat at the table and began eating. Tyler poured her a cup of coffee.

“Cream or sugar?”

She shook her head. “Black is fine.”

He nodded and poured himself a cup, and they ate together in silence. He got up to make her another egg when she finished hers in record time.

“Could you make me two?” she asked.

“Can’t send you out there hungry,” he agreed. Tyler cracked three eggs into the pan for good measure and fried them.

“So this is it,” she said.

“You’ll be fine. There are some nice people in the Brotherhood. I’m going to point you in the right direction and you’ll be home in no time.”

“You’re not coming with me?” Red sounded very apprehensive.

Tyler didn’t want her to be nervous. It was no big deal, and she would be better off without him. He was in exactly on the Brotherhood’s good side this week. If she came to the bar with him, they’d be less inclined to help her. They would think it was some kind of grift. If she went alone, they would see a scared girl and fall over themselves to help her.

“You don’t,” Tyler assured her. “Once you get back to the bar we were at last night, the barkeep will help you. He’s a member of the Brotherhood and well-respected. They’ll help you find your grandma. Is that what you want?”

Read look conflicted. “I do. But I was hoping you would come with me. I know you. I trust you. Is there any way you’d reconsider? I don’t think it would take much of your time at all today. Like you said, you’ll be home in no time.”

“I don’t have time to go with you,” Tyler said, annoyed. “You’re a big girl. You don’t need a babysitter. I’ve helped you enough.”

His tiger’s tail twitched. Tyler’s annoyance had annoyed the beast. Tyler gritted his teeth. Whatever the animal wanted, it would have to wait. He didn’t have time to figure out his tiger’s objection. He needed to get rid of the girl and get on his way. The longer he sat around, the less inclination he would have to leave. He couldn’t let himself get wrapped up in her quest to find her grandma. It didn’t matter how hurt by his words she looked. He had to look out for number one. Once she found her grandma, she would leave for Penicalla. She was just using him too.

Red quickly finished the two new eggs and her coffee. “That’s fine. Could you show me how to get back to the bar?”

Tyler nodded. “I can take you there. It isn’t far, if you remember.”

“Thanks.”

He pulled on his sneakers and they left. It was a very quick walk back to the Old Tavern. Unfortunately, they were closed. Tyler couldn’t believe it—the place never closed. When Gunner wasn’t working, a cook and waitress took over. Lucy was almost as good a bartender as Gunner was. And if both of them were sick, there was a coyote shifter who filled in when they were desperate.

“What’s wrong?” Red asked. “I thought you said they were open.”

“They should be. I don’t know why they’re shut down.” He looked around. The streets were still empty. That didn’t make sense either. He hadn’t seen anyone while they were walking over. There should be dozens of shop owners coming to work by now. There were shifters who worked in the human towns, and they should be up and going to work too. There were usually at least one or two cars zipping by whenever he was up this early. Granted, he hadn’t been awake this early in a long while, but things couldn’t have changed that much.

“Come on.” He turned away from the tavern. “We’re going to check with the head waitress. She lives close and she’s nice.”

If he went to Gunner’s house, the guy would tear him up. As long as she was already awake, Lucy was really sweet and friendly. He didn’t even look back to see if Red was keeping up with him as he stalked down the street. He couldn’t believe this was taking so long. If Lucy wasn’t home, he had no idea what he was going to do. The only place left would be the home of the leader of the Brotherhood, and Abe wouldn’t appreciate being awakened this early.

Luck was on Tyler’s side. He could hear Lucy moving around inside as soon as he knocked. She must have been expecting someone else, though. She answered the door in a flimsy lavender robe. She quickly reached down to hold the sides together.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

“The Tavern was closed.”

She rolled her eyes. “Everything in the Valley is going to be closed until at least ten. Nobody wants to go to work right now. Don’t worry, the place will be open and ready for business in an hour or so.”

Tyler wanted to scream. “You expecting company?”

“What’s it to you?”

Tyler pointed to Red. “Could she stay with you until the Tavern opens? She won’t be any trouble.”

Lucy sniffed. “What is it with you boys and human women? No, she cannot stay here, you asshole. Take her for breakfast or make her walk home.”

“I’ve already fed her. And we aren’t together. She needs help. I found her wandering around last night.” 

She looked Red up and down. “What were you doing wandering around the Valley?”

“I’m looking for my grandma,” Red said. “I really could use some help. I won’t be any trouble while we wait. I can stand next to the door the whole time. You won’t know I’m even here.”

Lucy looked back into the house. “Well, come in, then. I don’t want to miss any more of the news.”

Tyler breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I owe you one.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Sure.”

Red nodded at him. “Thanks for your help.”

“You’re welcome.” Tyler pushed her gently toward the door. “Good luck.”

“Thanks. Bye.”

As soon as Red was inside, Lucy closed the door quickly. Tyler didn’t wait a second before leaving the doorstep and heading home. He was free. He could get himself ready now and be out of Rose Valley before lunchtime. He was elated, but his tiger thought otherwise. The animal was pushing to get free.

Tyler didn’t understand. His animal had been acting strange ever since he’d met Red. It must have been a little too long since he’d taken a lady companion for the night. He would let the animal have a romp when he got to Texas, but he didn’t have time for his tiger today. There was too much to do.

When he was a block away from Lucy’s house, his tiger put up a fierce opposition. Tyler couldn’t take another step; he was stuck at the corner. He grimaced as the big cat fought its way to the surface. Tyler had no idea what was going on, but he gave in. Maybe if he let his animal run around for an hour, it would leave him alone for the rest of the trip.