Chapter 61

When no more shots rained down, he turned on the jets even more, preparing to chase down the hunter and snap his neck. There would be no escape. Not this time.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Donovan, in his polar form, charging after him. Both relieved and terrified, TJ pushed himself faster. His feet churned over the terrain in a full sprint. A mighty roar of challenge erupted from his throat.

Just as he topped a small rise, an answering roar made him slam on the brakes.

Directly head, a huge white tiger stood, busily slashing and shredding something with his sharp claws. The unmistakable scent of blood and death hung heavy in the air, along with fury. Shifter fury. In the form of Jonah ripping apart a man. The rifle laying nearby told the story.

As Donovan pulled up next to TJ, Jonah swung around and stared at them, his blue eyes filled with victory, satisfaction, and a deep-rooted hatred which emerged as dominant aggressiveness and a brutal slaying.

TJ immediately shifted back to human form, uncaring of his nudity. He watched Jonah with leeriness and swallowed hard. When Donovan transitioned back to a man, TJ swung his arm out, preventing him from taking a single step closer to the tiger and his prey.

“What the hell? Is that the hunter?” Donovan whispered.

Jonah narrowed his eyes at them then, stared intently. Blood stained his mouth and a piece of cloth dangled from his lips. A low growl contained plenty of warning.

TJ held his hands out to his side and averted his eyes for a second. Not about to prod the big cat further with him already in such a temper, TJ aimed for cool and calm. “Good work. Threat eliminated.” The threat of Jonah’s tiger still existed. He didn’t have any idea how much control Jonah wielded over his beast, especially in such a circumstance.

Another low, menacing growl sounded.

TJ understood immediately. “Got it. Briefing later.” He retreated several steps, taking Donovan with him. “Much later.”

Jonah spared them one more look before tearing back into his prey. What remained already didn’t make up enough parts for half a person, let alone a full-sized adult.

TJ waited until they’d went back over the rise before speaking again, this time to Donovan. “Well, half the threat seems to be taken care of.”

Donovan blew out a breath. “That was a bit tense.”

“You think?” The sarcasm spilled out before TJ could bite it back.

“Great. There’s an out-of-control and very intense tiger back there making human fillets for the buzzards. You’re a cranky, pissed off grizzly just looking for some poor trash can to tear to pieces because someone stole your honey. Meanwhile, I’m about have a temperature meltdown and there’s no air conditioner in your Jeep for the ride in.” Donovan hung his head.

The put-upon tone put a hint of a smile on TJ’s face despite the adrenaline and urge to destroy still riding him hard. “Maybe we can get you a bag of ice at the store on the way in.”

Donovan perked up. “How about I just climb into the ice case instead?”

TJ chuckled. “I’m pretty sure old Mrs. Harvey would chase you out with her broom.”

“Well, hell.”

Donovan’s sense of humor quelled most of the fury inside TJ. He pulled Donovan close and kissed him on the temple as they walked. “Cold shower. Clothes. Work. Then we’ll have the rest of the day to ourselves.”

“Does this involve chocolate?” Donovan asked with a sparkle in his eye.

“Nope. Honey.”

* * * *

As the clock struck one in the afternoon, TJ watched Jonah slip into the front door. His last patient left a little over an hour ago, as did Emmy, his receptionist. Quiet ruled the clinic. Well, it did after a little quickie make out session in one of the exam rooms between him and Donovan. Time limitations and a lack of honey prevented them from getting too creative.

“That door was locked.”

Jonah offered up a half-shrug. He slowly walked across the room with the slightest of limps.

TJ observed the tiny lines of pain in Jonah’s face and the alteration in his usual smooth gait. “Maybe you should come into the exam room and take off those clothes.”

Jonah didn’t argue.

That tidbit told TJ something.

“Hey, Jonah.” Donovan greeted him from the break room as they walked by.

“Polar.” Jonah paused at the first room. “Oh, good grief. You two are worse than a couple of cats in heat.” He walked forward and turned into the second room before sitting up on the table

“Life and death do that to people.” TJ waved his hand. “Clothes. Let me see those wounds.”

Jonah eyed him sternly.