“He was scary.” She jerked her arm out of his hold. “I just want to go home. It’s been an ordeal and I have a pounding migraine,” she lied again.
Ted nodded. “Of course. I’ll pay you for today. I’m so sorry about the mix-up with the directions and I’m just glad you’re not hurt.”
“I’m absolutely fine,” she muttered, silently wondering if she should keep track of how many lies she told, but quickly dismissed the idea. The truth would be much more of a hassle and she didn’t want to go there.
Ted stepped back with an uncertain smile. “It’s been an exciting day, huh?”
“Yeah.” She forced a smile. “I’m out of here. Do you mind if I take the van?”
Her boss hesitated. “I need it. You’re carrying most of the food for the party. It hasn’t been canceled.”
“I’ll drive her home,” Tiger offered softly. “Come this way, Miss Shasta. My Jeep is right here.”
She walked to the van to retrieve her purse, silently praying that she got away before Valiant woke. She followed Tiger to one of the Jeeps and climbed inside. He didn’t immediately start the engine. He studied her intently. She decided to be somewhat honest because the minutes were ticking by and she didn’t know how long it would be before “Trouble” rose from the floor of his bedroom.
“We need to go right now. Please start the engine and get me out of here.”
Tiger started the engine and yelled over his shoulder. “Clear this area out now.”
The Jeep moved and the stress inside Tammy eased. She remembered to put on her seat belt. “I live about five miles from here. Thank you for driving me home.”
He hesitated. “I’m taking you to our medical center first.”
“No. I just want to go home.”
He frowned grimly at her. “You need medical attention and we will call in a councilor. You need to make a report about what Valiant has done to you. We handle all justice at Reservation but he’s going to be punished severely for this attack on you.”
Shocked, Tammy gaped at him. “He didn’t hurt me and I don’t want him punished. I don’t need a doctor and I sure don’t need a shrink.”
He hit the brakes and turned to face Tammy. His blue gaze locked with hers. “You can lie to Ted and Marcy. They are human and will believe what you said back there. I’m not them and you smell strongly of Valiant. I can also smell sex. He obviously hurt you and forced you to breed with him. You need to allow our doctors to take a look at you, you should talk to someone about what happened and you need to file a report to make sure he’s punished for what he’s done.”
Her mouth had fallen open so she closed it as she stared at Tiger, feeling the heat of a blush warming her cheeks. She swallowed the lump that formed so she could speak.
“I know he hurt you.”
“I’m fine. He didn’t force me. I want to go home.”
His frown deepened. “What happened?”
She hesitated. “He didn’t hurt me but he also didn’t want to let me go. He wanted to keep me as if I was a pet or something. He was about to attack anyone coming after me. I nailed him with a lamp and knocked him out cold. You might want to have someone check on him but I think he’ll be fine. I tried not to hurt him but I figured it was better than someone shooting him. You need to get me away from here though because I think he’s going to be upset that I got away when he wakes. I just want to go home.”
“Son of a bitch,” he cursed as he released the brake and stomped down on the gas. The Jeep lurched forward and picked up speed. “Let me take you to the medical facility.”
She gritted her teeth. “He didn’t rape me, didn’t force me, and the sex was consensual, okay? Just get me home. Please? I just want to forget this day ever happened.”
Tiger jerked his head in an angry nod. “Fine.” He reached for the radio clipped to the top of his vest. “This is Tiger. Everyone clear a wide path from around Valiant’s. I want tranquilizer guns with everyone patrolling that area. Put his ass down and secure him if he tries to leave his territory. Clear?”
Tammy glanced at the guy on the seat next to her. He had an ear clip-on comm device. Whatever was said made him look more relaxed. “Good. Tiger out.” He hooked the radio back to his vest.
“I’m very sorry for all of this. You need to contact us if there’s anything we can do for you. Our legal department will be getting hold of you.”
“For what?”
“They just will. When you agreed to work here you had to sign forms. You know anything that happens here stays confidential or you could face huge lawsuits so please don’t go to the press. Our legal department will make sure anything you need is taken care of so whatever issues you face, they will make sure you’re well compensated. That’s all I can do if you refuse to press charges against him.”