Read To Yank a Tiger by the Tail for Free Online

the fog evaporated to leave her staring at Starl.
    She glanced down and saw she only wore her bra. She lifted the covers to confirm her worst fear.
    Oh, shit. Bare. No panties. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.
    Her gaze sought Starl and took note of his unclothed state and position in the bed. Well, after a pass or two over the large washboard chest. Yeah. He uh, did have an impressive chest. She dropped her head in her hands.
    What had she done? Well, she remembered the what—the better question was with whom had she done the what? Zhara’s heart sank. She and Dax were to have spent Valentine’s Day in an inn Dax knew about in the neighboring town. He’d said they’d break from his family for one day to go somewhere very special to him.
    She’d packed a red lace teddy, complete with thigh-highs and garter. Dax teased he’d had a surprise for her. She’d wanted one for him as well.
    She hadn’t meant it to be infidelity.
    Now, not only had she ruined Valentine’s Day, but she’d destroyed any shot at a future with the man she loved.
    Fuck it. She didn’t even try to hold the back the tears that flooded her cheeks.

Chapter Six
     
     
    The Maine temperature in February, even when lucky, held bite in the air. Most would have bundled up in their cable-knit sweaters or donned coats to prevent the chill from overtaking them. Tiger shifters had no such worries. Their blood ran warmer than humans’ did.
    Dax rubbed his palms across Zhara’s suitcase and worried about what she wore. No doubt she’d spent an evening chilled. Hopefully she purchased more suitable wear by now. Visions of her shivering and miserable out somewhere in town drove him insane. Thoughts of her anything but happy, comfortable, and safe bothered him. He’d connected with her last night, but couldn’t get a fix on where she’d been. He’d assumed the lodge in town, but no record placed her there.
    He hated dragging Fin with him, especially since the ass had pretty much caused the blow-up between him and Zhara in the first place. But Fin knew all the new places and made far more contacts than Dax did as a result.
    “I’m assuming she’s still not answering her cell?” When he nodded no, Fin asked, “You ready to head out?” He strolled over ,wearing weathered jeans, an old gray tank and shit-kickers.
    “Yeah. Still strange I wasn’t able to get a fix on her location from the dream state last night. I did before. Why not now?” Dax rolled the tension from his shoulders and grabbed his wallet from the dresser.
    “Dude, you’re asking me why? I still haven’t figured out how to do that shit. Honestly? I thought Grams was telling old wives’ tales and shit. I can’t believe she really did all the magic she claimed to.”
    “Well, she said the dream state was easier to perform when you use it with your mate, which explains why you’ve never been able to,” Dax explained.
    “Oh. Well then. Makes perfect sense because I haven’t and don’t want to. Not ready to be with one woman. Not for a long damn time. Dude. One piece of tail, like forever? Nah, man. Not for me.” Fin appeared appalled at the mere prospect.
    “When and if you meet yours, you won’t know what hit you,” Dax assured.
    “Bullshit. I don’t buy into all this mate crap. Soul mates or tiger mates.” Fin shook his head, clearly denying he bought any of it.
    “Right. I get to be the one who says told ya so.” Dax laughed as they headed down to the garage.
    “If it happens, dude, I’ll let you scream you’re right from a bullhorn,” Fin promised, sliding his long frame into the cab of the old, lime green antique Ford truck.
    Once in town, Dax realized how much things had changed in the short time he’d been gone. His parents hadn’t been bluffing when they claimed building had started booming in their tiny community. Still, there was only one main lodge and no Zhara. Where in the hell had his little minx steamed off to? Instinct screamed she wasn’t alone, but