Tiger Time by Marissa Dobson

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