Tiger's Choice: Palbert City Underground, #2

By Ryenne Renner

He smiled and I melted. 

This was pure torture. Why had I asked to come in? We were friends. We got along great. He didn't want anything else from me…

But just like every other time I tried to convince myself he wasn't interested, I caught a look from him that had me wanting to tear the clothes from his body so I could lick every inch of him.

Like the looks he'd given me all evening. Like the look he was giving me now.

 

Abby

From the first time I saw Trey, I've felt drawn to him. After two years, It's turned into a bit of an obsession. He's all I can think about. So, of course, on the day I decide to take a risk and tell him how I feel, my life gets thrown into chaos. Because Trey isn't who I thought he was. Hell, he's not even what I thought he was.

 

Trey

Two years ago, my tiger picked Abby as our mate. There's just one small problem: she's human and I have no idea how to go about letting her know about what I am and the world I've been keeping from her. The truth is, I've been keeping her close witout pushing for more because I'm terrified she'll refuse to have anything to do with me if she finds out. When fate takes matters into her own hands and Abby is put in danger because of the hunters after me and my friends, I have no choice but to reveal what I am. Will the hunters manage to destroy everything I've ever wanted, or will I get the happy ever after I've been dreaming about...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ryenne Renner
• Release date: Jul 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223590309

Ryenne Renner

Ryenne Renner is a Canadian author who resides in the beautiful province of Saskatchewan. Wife, mother, author, woods sprite, food lover; she has many hats she loves to fill. A trucker’s wife and mom of three, she is grateful to be able to write full time and stay home with her son with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. When not writing, her days are spent hiking, fishing, camping, reading, and watching movies with her family.  Ryenne is a romance author who is a firm believer that love is love.  Follow her at the following links! Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ryennesromancelovers/  Twitter: www.twitter.com/ryennerenner Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ryennerenner  Newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jfqivnv90e (free book) Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ryenne-renner  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryennerenner    Books by Ryenne Renner Contemporary Romance   Yours Always (Mason, Lukas, Logan, Nyssa, Ray, Jack, Kit, Dean, Morgan) Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy   Palbert City Underground (Fire’s Kiss, Tiger’s Choice, Reaper’s Promise) Books written as Mireille Chester Adult: Fantasy Romance   The Chosen One Trilogy (Crossover, Journey, Destiny)   Sageden Pack (Displaced, Shattered, Strayed)   Holidays in Quelondain (Eggnog Kisses, Candy Hearts)   Ghosts (a Quelondain Short) Apocalypse Romance   Angered Seasons Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy   Crimson Moon Hideaway (Winning Paradise, Feathers Afire, Ocean’s Blood, Sweet as Huney)  *these characters also make appearances in the Palbert City Underground series)    YA :   Tyler’s Story   Chael’s Luck

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Trey

2years ago...

I rounded the corner of the track, my feet pounding in a steady rhythm. I loved running. Whether it was here at the sports center on the indoor track or out in the woods, it was my favorite thing to do when I needed to think. I’d thought about going out into the woods and running shifted, but the thunderstorm had put an end to that. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the rain. I just hated lightning. I was not a fan.

Thunder shook the building.

I felt my tiger approve of my choice of running venu. He was even less of a fan than I was.

I’d transferred to the Palbert City Police Department two months prior and so far, it had been interesting. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected when I’d moved to the city that held the title of ‘fourth in the country for violent crimes per capita’. I mean, it was an impressive title to have considering it was the 79th largest city in the country. One thing was for sure: we were never bored when we were on shift.

I could see how it could wear a person out. Some of the officers who’d been stationed here five plus years definitely had a little less enthusiasm for the job. My partner, Ben, wasn’t there yet, though he’d transferred over before me. He loved the job, loved to help, but by the end of our set of shifts, he was ready to just go home and ignore the world until we were on again.

If there was anything I’d learned in the two months that I’d been here, it was that there was one particular part of my job I loved more than anything else and that was calls that took me to the ER.

Because in the ER was Abby. With her strawberry blond hair up in a clip and her clear blue eyes always sparkling with her smile, she made my heart kick like no other woman ever had. Her scrubs were always bright and covered in cartoon characters. I liked to think her smile was just a little bigger when she saw me walk in through the doors, but that was probably just wishful thinking.

I slowed to a walk and took one last lap before grabbing my water bottle and taking a few swallows.

My tiger chuffed at the thought of Abby. We were both pretty infatuated with her. It was strange, because he’d never shown much interest in any other woman. Not that there had been many of them. I had a mate out there. I was positive I did. Maybe it was wishful thinking because I’d seen how happy my parents were, but I wanted what they had. I was only thirty. I still had plenty of time to find her. I had to admit, I was a little disappointed she wasn’t Abby. I’d heard of some paranormals finding human mates, but I had no idea how that worked.

I took the hem of my t-shirt and wiped my face, smiling at the approving look from a pretty brunette doing stretches. At 6’2" with black hair and light hazel eyes, I was used to having people notice me. I was usually one of the taller ones around.

I was tempted to strike up a conversation. It never hurt to say hi.

My tiger growled his disapproval and I took my bag to the showers instead.

He’d been strange the last couple of months. Moody bastard.

By the time I’d gotten back out to my truck, the rain was just a sprinkle and the thunder and lightning was done.

I put the vehicle into drive and started for home, glancing at the hospital as I drove past it.

I’d only made it five blocks when something caught my eye in one of the back alleys and I slammed on the brakes.

Fuck.

Jumping out of the truck, I raced to the girl twitching on the ground.

Hey! Hey! Can you hear me?

Her eyes rolled back into her head and she started to heave.

I rolled her onto her side, quickly grabbing my cell from my pocket.

9-1-1, what is your emergency?

I’m in the alley between eighteenth and seventeenth street west. Ahhh, eight hundred block. I’ve got a girl overdosing on something...

Alright, sir. Is she conscious?

No. She’s breathing, barely. Convulsing, puking, eyes rolled back...

I’ve sent the EMT’s the information. They should be there in the next five to seven minutes.

I glanced back at my truck.

Fuck that. I could have her at the hospital in less than two.

I’m five blocks from the hospital. I’m taking her there now.

I hung up before she could say anything and scooped the girl up, running to the truck and placing her in the back seat.

She weighed nothing and didn’t look more than fifteen.

Jesus.

I raced up to the hospital, my heart in my throat, screeching to a halt in front of the ER doors.

Picking her up, I ran into the building, my eyes automatically finding Abby behind the desk.

Abs! She just stopped breathing!

Bring her! She opened the door to one of the trauma rooms while another nurse got on the speaker, calling out codes.

I set the girl on the bed and stepped away as doctors and nurses appeared.

Abby grabbed a clipboard and came to stand by me just outside the room while another nurse, I vaguely remembered her name was Kit, closed the curtains to block the view.

Do you know her name?

I shook my head and walked her through what had happened.

Sorry. I know that’s not much help.

She smiled up at me. Trey, you found her. If you hadn’t, I highly doubt tonight would have a good outcome for her.

I glanced at the curtain. Think she’ll make it?

It’s hard to say. She sounded exhausted.

Yeah. I frowned and looked around to make sure no one could hear. Hey. Look. I know it’s not allowed because I’m not family, but... I just...

I grabbed her pen and wrote my number on the small pad of paper she was holding under her clipboard. Just a text. Yes or no if she pulled through? That’s it. Nothing else.

I...

Abby, we need you in here!

Her blue eyes met mine briefly before she disappeared into the room.

Taking a deep breath, I headed to the washroom to clean off as much puke as possible before heading home to take a hot shower.

Christ. What a night.

It was one thing to get a call out while on shift and being able to somewhat prepare yourself for what you were going to find, but this...

My heart was still pounding.

Sitting on the couch, I took a drink of my beer. It had been almost two hours since I’d dropped her off.

My phone vibrated and I checked my texts.

Just one from a number I didn’t know.

Yes.

I grinned, relieved.

Now, here was hoping the girl would get the help she needed to get better.

I finished my beer and went to bed.

CHAPTER TWO

Trey

Iwas sitting in my patrol truck with Ben when my phone vibrated. I checked it.

She wants to meet you to say thank you.

I blinked.

Ben glanced over. What?

I shook my head. I didn’t think my partner would tell anyone, but I didn’t want to risk getting Abby in trouble.

I text her back. I’m on shift for another two hours. Will she still be there?

Yes.

Okay. I’ll stop by afterwards.

I smiled, happy the girl was alright and excited to see Abby again.

Ben raised an eyebrow at me. 6’4" with dark blond hair and dark blue eyes, the man was built like a bear... which made sense since that’s what he shifted into. It was nice knowing I wasn’t the only shifter on the police force. I wasn’t sure if there were other paranormals though. Shifters could sniff each other out. When it came to elves, fae, witches, and the rest, we were just as in the dark as the humans around us.

The radio went off, dispatch letting us know we were needed to secure the scene at a shed on fire.

I sent a small wish out into the universe that I’d get off on time tonight and I was more than a bit pleased when I did.

I decided to shower and change out of my uniform. I didn’t want to scare the girl.

At the hospital, my heart gave a kick as my eyes found Abby walking out of a room. She smiled and gestured for me to follow her.

She gave a soft knock on a door. Nikki, honey, are you awake?

Yeah. The answer was just a soft croak.

Abby poked her head in. Trey is here. Did you still want to meet him?

Nikki must have nodded and Abby led me into the room.

Hi, Nikki.

She was still pale and thin, but she was conscious and clean. Her long chestnut hair was in a couple of braids to keep it from getting tangled. Her green eyes filled with tears at the sight of me.

Thank you, she whispered.

I went to sit by the bed.

I’m glad you’re okay, Nikki.

She swallowed hard.

I’m tired.

I barely heard the words. I’ll let you get some rest.

She shook her head. I’m tired of being alone. I’m just... tired. That’s why...

My heart broke for her and I glanced at Abby who made an encouraging motion.

Why do you think you’re alone? I asked softly. My tiger wanted to hunt down whoever had made her feel this way.

Because I am.

Who do you live with?

Another shake of her head.

Where are your parents? I peeked at Abby to make sure this was alright.

She nodded.

I don’t know who my dad is. Mom went out with her boyfriend about four months ago. I don’t know where she is.

Jesus.

So, where have you been staying?

Silence.

Nikki... I prodded gently.

I was so hungry. Our neighbor... He said he’d feed me...

I clenched my teeth together and my tiger growled.

I couldn’t keep doing... Her eyes filled with tears again. I waited until he passed out and I stole his stuff and ran. I just wanted it to be over.

Abby swallowed hard.

I took a deep breath.

How old are you, Nikki?

Fourteen.

My chest tightened. Jesus Christ.

Sweat started to bead on her forehead and she clenched and unclenched her hands.

Another woman walked in and I pushed down my irritation.

Michelle. She was part of the social workers team at the station and had made it more than obvious she was available the first few weeks I’d been here. We weren’t interested.

Trey! She blushed. What are you doing here?

Abby’s eyes narrowed and my tiger gave a happy chuff at her reaction.

Nikki asked to meet me. I’m the one who brought her in yesterday.

Michelle frowned. Are you family?

I shook my head. I was just driving home from the sports center.

Nikki was starting to shiver. What’s going to happen to me?

I pulled up another blanket for her before looking at Michelle. Get me the forms.

She blinked. What?

The foster application.

Trey. You can’t possibly be thinking of fostering her.

Why not?

I don’t know... I just... you’re what? Thirty? Single? You really think you want a kid to raise? You don’t think that might cramp your style a bit?

I raised an eyebrow. My style? What’s my style, Michelle? I go to work, I come home. Every once in a while, I go for drinks with my friends. I don’t know what the hell you think  I do in my free time, but having a teenager in the house is definitely not going to cramp my style.

I tried to tamp down my anger. I knew what she thought I did in my free time. I’d overheard her talking with a couple of other women at the station in the break room. Apparently, one of them had seen me out with one woman one night and with two women the next then decided I was THAT guy. Never mind that the first night had been a friend and the two keeping me company the following night had been my fucking sisters.

I looked at Nikki who was staring at me with wide eyes.

You want me to live with you?

Shit. I probably should have asked her first. Whatever it was her neighbor had been taking as payment for food, I highly doubted it was housekeeping services. She was probably terrified to be around a strange man after that.

Would you like that? I’m not really exciting and I eat a lot of takeout, but I have a spare room you could use. There would be some rules, though. No drugs, no booze, and you have to go to school.

She swallowed hard and nodded, fresh tears streaming down her face.

I looked at Abby. Where is she going now?

Her eyes flicked to Michelle before finding mine again. The youth rehab center.

For how long?

I guess that will depend on Nikki, but thirty to ninety days.

I nodded and looked at Michelle. Set it up so it’s all ready when she gets out.

Nikki’s small hand touched mine. Why?

Everything happens for a reason, Nikki. The universe led me to you so you could have another chance. So, we’re not going to waste it, okay?

Okay. She cleared her throat. Thank you.

I smiled and felt my tiger’s approval of our new cub. I could also feel him plotting her neighbor’s death.

Alright. Michelle looked just as flabbergasted as a few minutes ago. Nikki, I’ll get all the information we can think of on the way to the center and Trey, I’ll have everything ready to go at the station tomorrow. We’ll have to inspect the house and all that, but if this is what you want, I don’t see anyone objecting to it.

I nodded to show I wasn’t changing my mind.

There was a knock at the door and a couple of paramedics arrived with a gurney. I remembered Ryne from some previous calls. At 6’6" with short black hair and dark brown eyes, he was hard to forget. He took a quick look at Nikki and my heart dropped as his eyes turned completely black before going back to normal.

Reaper.

Jesus. How the fuck did I not know he was a reaper?