To Tempt A Tiger by Kat Simons Page B

most tigers assumed the story had no basis in reality.”
    “Then why is there research being done?”
    “One of the elders believes it might be the key to tiger survival. Until my half sister, though, there was no evidence of half breeds.”
    He winced at the term. His father had imbued that phrase with a great deal of disgust and hatred whenever he discussed tiger-human offspring.
    Rose didn’t seem to notice his reaction. “And now Zoe.” She pulled in a breath. “What does all this mean for our daughter?”
    He set his tea down and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees and staring at the fire. He didn’t want to tell her this part. But she had to know some of it. Again, he settled on giving her the basics. “Some of my people think those like Nila and Zoe are…saviors. They represent hope of other breeding options. Then there are those like my brothers, my father…who think tiger-human offspring will dilute our bloodlines and lead us to extinction faster. They argue that successful matings between humans and tigers—if they could even happen—would result in only humans, like my sister.”
    He fisted his hands when they started to shake, a combination of anger and betrayal swamping him. He pushed thoughts of his family aside and turned to face Rose. “Zoe proves tiger offspring can come from mixed matings.”
    “And that means?”
    “It means we’ll have to eventually introduce her to the elders and get her protected under our laws.”
    “I don’t see why?”
    “Because without that protection, my brothers will just keep coming for her.”
    “You said they bought your story about wanting me back and Zoe not being yours.”
    He ran his hands through his hair. “They did. I think. But I can’t guarantee they won’t figure it out eventually. Rose, she has my eyes. Anton saw that.”
    She sighed and dropped her head back against the couch. “If she’s a shifter, though, why would they still want to hurt her?”
    “They’re convinced hybrids will dilute our bloodlines no matter what kind of offspring is produced.”
    She rolled her head to look at him. “What good will the protection of the elders do?”
    “It’ll mean severe punishments for anyone who tries to hurt Zoe. She’ll be safe.”
    “So why aren’t we heading to the elders now?”
    “I don’t want to introduce Zoe to the tiger world before she can control her own tiger.”
    Rose nodded and looked away again. “Okay, I guess that’s fair enough.” She sipped her wine and sighed. “I don’t want any of this to be real.”
    “But it is.”
    “Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I just want Zoe safe and healthy.”
    He did, too. “I’ll make sure she’s safe, Rose. I promise. We have time for all this stuff.”
    They stayed silent for long moments, the only sound the quiet crackling of wood and flames. He turned his attention to Zoe, assuring himself she was breathing peacefully, sound asleep.
    Finally, he said, “Thanks for the tea and for dinner.” He stood. He’d given her enough to think about for one night. “I’ll come back in the morning and we can consider how to tell Zoe about all this.”
    Rose patted the couch. “I’m not letting you sleep in the snow, Vlad. This place has enough bedrooms for all three of us. You can stay here.”
    He swallowed hard as he stared down at her, caught in her eyes. He didn’t trust himself to be in this house with her overnight, not when her scent filled it and drifted around him like temptation. He was pretty sure the only way he’d stay out of her bed was to spend the night in the freezing temperatures in his tiger form.
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he forced out.
    She blinked but didn’t turn away. “I’m not going to lie and say I’m not still attracted to you. Especially after that almost kiss earlier in the kitchen. But I’m also not ready for anything to happen between us. I’m still…hurt and leery and confused. And frankly, I