Chase, Zara - Tigers' Temptation [Impulse 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Zara Chase Page B

Mikael’s standard, though.”
    “We’re also under constant attack here,” Mikael said. “There’s a pride of lions, werewolves, and bears all trying to get their paws on Impulse. They want the age-slowing atmosphere, of course, but also want to commercialize what we do here for the terminally sick.”
    “I thought it was only human animals who were motivated by greed.”
    “Don’t forget that shifters are half-human,” Philo said.
    “Yes, that’s true, I suppose, but the thought will take some getting used to.”
    “It must be a lot to take in,” Philo said. “It’s hard for us to see it that way, given we’ve always lived like this.”
    “I’m sorry I said mean things about your qualifications,” Layla said meekly to Mikael.
    He roared with laughter. “Don’t give it another thought.”
    “So who really finances your efforts here?”
    “The entire colony.”
    “Really?”
    “Sure, we support one another in everything. All the souvenir shops, you’ve seen them, right?” Layla nodded. “We encourage the myth about our strange atmosphere, aware that no humans can take it for long, which means they’re all gonna try, especially the macho guys. They come down here on air-conditioned buses, stop right outside the shopping mall that—”
    “Let me guess,” she said, smiling. “It’s air-conditioned.”
    “Right. They spend their money on lots of tacky souvenirs, just to prove they survived, get back into their air-conditioned bus, and get the hell out of Dodge.”
    “We realize how privileged we are, being able to live the way we do, and for so long,” Philo said, taking up the story. “So we try to give something back, without upsetting our privacy and risking being labeled as freaks. It’s a delicate balance, but the best way to do it, we all agree, is by helping sick kids.”
    “No arguments from me there,” Layla said, the shadow returning to her eyes.
    “Our puma shifters are awesome when it comes to investments. They look after the colony’s finances and turn a healthy profit on the stock exchange.”
    “Basically, every business in Impulse turns over a percentage of its profits to keep the Institute in business. The council sets the rules, but it’s hardly necessary because everyone wants to help.”
    “The council?”
    “Yeah,” Philo said. “The alpha of each species sits on the council, chaired by Rafe. We make the rules, all the important decisions, on behalf of the colony.”
    “Can I ask you a favor?”
    “No, he can’t help your daughter,” Philo said, scowling.
    “That’s not what I was going to ask.”
    Mikael quirked a brow. “Then what?”
    “Well, I’ve never touched a full-grown, tame tiger.”
    “Honey, there’s nothing tame about us,” Philo said, grinning. “We’re wild animals, in all respects—big, bad, and dangerous. I thought you’d know that much by now.”
    “Even so.”
    “Aw, she wants us to shift for her,” Philo said. “How sweet.”
    “I assume you’ve been out on the…er, prowl,” she said, glancing at the still-open window.
    “We were working,” Philo said. “Organizing the troops to gather herbs.”
    “That must be a sight worth seeing.”
    “This is another one.”
    Philo indicated Mikael with his eyes. He was on all fours on the rug, huge cock dangling beneath him, his bones popping and cracking as fur appeared on his arms. She gasped when his fingers extended and vicious claws appeared in place of nails.
    “Amazing!”
    Mikael completed the shift and stalked across the room to rub his head against her legs. He could see that she was fascinated rather than appalled. She was so the right mate for him and Philo, but he was still determined not to tell her that. Nor would he mention that they needed a human mate to restore their powers.
    “My, what a beautiful tiger you are.” Layla dug her fingers into the top of his head and then kissed his nose, tugging his long whiskers for good measure. Mikael purred loudly,