Jinx's Mate (7 page)

With
Claire asleep, Summer collapsed on the sofa, emotionally exhausted. The day had
been trying and it wasn’t over yet. Ben and Jinx had brought her belongings and
piled them up in the middle of the living area for her to go through and decide
what she wanted to take with her. There were also six or more bags of things
that another mother with a daughter Claire’s age had sent over. It saved them
from having to rush out and shop since Claire had very little when it came to
clothes and toys.

“Here’s
the last of the stuff.” Ben entered, his arms full of more bags.

She
lifted her head enough to see him pile it on top of everything else. “What is
all that?”

“Ashley
said if she couldn’t keep Claire, she wanted to get her everything she needed
to start her new life. There’s clothes, toys, shoes, and my favorite.” He
reached into the largest bag and pulled out a stuffed Dalmatian that had to be
as big as Claire. “Spot.”

“Oh,
that’s cute.” She scooted up on the sofa. “It will be nice that she won’t have
to keep anything from downstairs.”

“Anything
but that blanket we can’t pry away from her,” Jinx reminded her.

She
gently kicked her mate who was sitting rubbing her feet. “That’s your fault.
You gave it back to her, she was perfectly content with the stuffed tiger.”

“I
only wanted to make her feel safe, and the way she held onto that dirty blanket
before, I thought it would help. At least it’s clean now, and it did help, so
you can thank me later.” Jinx winked at her.

“We’ll
see about it. I might be too tired once I get through all that stuff. Plus if
you haven’t forgotten, we have a two-year-old child sleeping next to the bed. That
doesn’t exactly turn me on.”

“There’s
always the shower.” He tickled her instep, making her squirm. “How about we
just throw it all onto the plane and then you don’t have to worry about it?”

“Then
I’ll have to worry about it in West Virginia. No use lugging what we don’t want
anywhere else. Plus you’re supposed to be meeting with Lukas again, and your
men will be flying in soon.” She hated to remind him since that meant he’d
leave her alone with Tad or someone else when all she wanted to do was cuddle
next to him.

“I
asked Lukas to meet me here so I wouldn’t have to leave you. The guards will
also stop by, then they’ll take their rooms across the hall. No guards on duty tonight,
unless I’m called away. They can rest and I can have you all to myself while
Claire sleeps.”

“That
sounds like heaven.” She pulled her feet away and cuddled into his chest.

“You
two are sickening.” Ben teased.

“You’re
just jealous. You want a mate of your own,” she told him. “Are you sticking
around?”

“No,
we’re having the bonfire tonight.” He tossed the Dalmatian onto the stack. “If
you need anything just holler, otherwise I’ll see you in the morning.”

When
the door closed behind Ben, Jinx nuzzled her neck. “Umm, to be alone with you
finally.”

“Not
actually alone,” she reminded him. Gosh, she couldn’t wait until they weren’t
sharing the room with Claire, and she could have her way with him again. “We’re
doing the right thing for her, aren’t we?”

He
stopped what he was doing and looked at her. “Yes. You’re what’s right for
her.”

“But
taking her away…”

“Away
from what? She doesn’t know this place or anyone here. Now is the best time to
get her away, let her start fresh somewhere else. Which is why as long as Lukas
keeps things on track, we are flying out the day after tomorrow.”

Her
heart skipped a beat with the thought of going to West Virginia. In the mix of
everything she had forgotten she still had to meet his clan. What if they
didn’t accept her? Or worse, what if they didn’t accept Claire?

“I
see my little worrier is back.” He teased. “Everything is going to be fine.
They’ll love you, just as I do. Word is already spreading around the clan.
Everyone is excited I’m bringing a mate and child home. It’s a big deal when
the Alpha finds his mate. It brings new life into the clan, and the clan’s
population increases with new births.”

“What
about Lukas? Has he made a decision about your offer?”

“Not
yet.” He frowned at her. “I told you before I didn’t hold high hopes for it. He
enjoys his work with Connor, the Nerd Crew, and being in the field. If he took
the position of Lieutenant he’d be out of the field for the most part. If work
with Connor could be done remotely, it might sway him, but I’m not sure any of
that’s the same for him.”

“He’ll
come around.”

“If
he passes on this chance it might be too late. He’s one I’d trust at my back,
to keep you, Claire, and the clan safe if anything happened to me.” A knock at
the door stopped him for a moment. “There he is.”

She
stopped him as he tried to get up. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. Things
are going to work out with the Lieutenant position. Just like they worked out
for my clan, and for Claire.”

* * *

Jinx
planted a smile on his face and pulled open the door. He didn’t want Lukas to
know he was worried if the Lieutenant position would be filled or not. Lukas
still had roughly forty-eight hours before Jinx was leaving for West Virginia.

“Hey
brother, you better be bringing me good news.”

“A
little of both.” Lukas stepped into the suite, his arms loaded with paperwork
and his laptop. “Ahh, you must be the woman who finally got Jinx to settle
down.”

“Summer.”
She held out her hand to him.

“I’m
Lukas. The more handsome one if I do say so myself.” Lukas took her hand and
kissed it.

“Quit
flirting with my mate,” Jinx ordered. “Sit down and tell me this news.”

“Duty
calls,” Summer said, before going to the pile of things she needed to go
through.

“Frequently,
when Jinx is in charge.” Lukas placed his things on the coffee table and sat
down. “Mating hasn’t changed you one bit, you’re still all business. Where’s
the play, old man?”

“There’s
a time for play and a time for work. Don’t call me old man.” Jinx grabbed the
can of soda he had abandoned earlier and took a swig. “So on with it.”

“Very
well. I have things in place for Larry to start with the cameras tomorrow
morning. All the spots are marked, and once in place the whole resort will be
covered. Tex has also requested some of the outside and clan areas be covered under
a different monitoring system, which I’ll begin working on tomorrow.” Lukas
handed him papers with all the camera locations listed.

“How
about the resort computer system? Keyless entry cards for the doors?”

“The
computer system should be up and running tomorrow night. I’m just waiting on a
few pieces to arrive, which are due here by tomorrow noon. The keyless entries,
well…”

“What?”
Jinx pressed.

“All
the doors will need to be replaced, and the new ones will take a week from the
manufacturer. That’s going to push it back. In the meantime the clan can start
getting other things in place, cleaning the rooms, painting, everything else. That
way, when the new doors are in place they can reopen the resort.”

“Has
Tex decided who will head up security?”

“Ben’s
going to be in charge. He’s very good with computers. There will also be a guy named
Barry handling the day-to-day security details. I’ve already brought Ben up to
date with everything.” Lukas pushed the papers aside and powered the computer
up.

“I
won’t be here to oversee everything, but I can leave Larry behind to help.” Jinx
looked over the papers.

“Look
at this.” Lukas turned the laptop. “Here’s a three-dimensional diagram of the
resort. The red circles are where the cameras are going. The top floor will be
Tex and Ben’s private quarters. They are also keeping one there for you and
Summer when you visit. The next floor will be quarters for any workers or
single members who wish to remain in the building. The rest of the clan will
take up residence in the other building around back. It’s more suited for
families with more apartment living, and there are also some stand alone homes.”

“Seems
like they have everything worked out.”

“That’s
sweet of them to keep a place for us.” Summer moved a pile of stuff aside.

“According
to them, there will always be a place for you here.” He clicked a few buttons
and the screen changed. “These will be the changes once everything is complete.
A total renovation, giving the resort a new image to show the new Alpha.”

“Whose
idea was that?” Jinx looked over the design. It was perfect, a clear way to say
it was under new management, and would get people to return to check out the
changes.

“Tex.
He sketched out what he wanted for the logo, design, and ideas for the rooms. I
put it together. There’s a team ready to start right way, the sign and other
supplies should be here soon.”

“Everything
is coming together. It’s all going to work out for them.” Summer leaned over
Jinx’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t interrupt you.”

“You’re
fine, lass.” He laid his hand over hers. “It’s nice to see, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”
She nodded. “To know the clan will be fine once we leave…that means a lot to
me.”

“They’ll
have weeks before things are complete but when it’s done it will be like a new
gem. Everyone will be coming to see it.” Lukas’s eyes sparkled as he spoke.
“I’ve added some other touches, mostly with activities and things that I
believe the clientele will enjoy. Tex is considering them as we speak. In the
meantime I’m going to work on a new website for them, which I’ll maintain,
instead of outsourcing it.”

“You’re
going to be busy with all of this.” Jinx had to swallow his disappointment; his
brother would have no time to accept the offered position.

“It
won’t take much time, plus I’ll have weeks before the website needs to be
complete. Actually I wanted to…”

Jinx’s
phone began ringing, interrupting their conversation.

“One
second.” Jinx grabbed his cell phone off the table and brought it to his ear. “Yes?”

“Boss,
we’ve just pulled up out front. Where would you like us to meet you?” Jackson’s
husky voice came through the line.

“Just
wait there, I’ll be down in a moment.” He slid his finger over the screen,
ending the call before turning to Lukas. “Could you stay with Summer and Claire
for a few minutes while I go meet Jackson and the guys and show them to their
rooms?”

“No
problem. Take as long as you need.” Lukas nodded. “I’ll leave copies of all
this for you on the coffee table.”

Jinx
rose, slipping his arm around Summer’s waist. “I’ll be back in just a few
minutes. Jackson might be coming back with me to meet you and go over a few
things, depending on how tired he is.”

“I’ll
be here.” She kissed him. “There’s a lot more I need to go through, so take
your time.”

Clothes
and toys were stacked in piles of what was going and what wasn’t. The stack
they would bring with them was getting fuller than she expected. Two empty suitcases
sat off to the side, but with the height of the pile she was doubtful there
would be enough room.

“Penny
for your thoughts?” she asked Lukas, who sat on the sofa, the laptop in front
of him. But he wasn’t working, instead he was gazing into space.

“I’m
thinking about West Virginia, my home.” He sat the computer aside and looked at
her. “I never expected to leave the clan, but when I got the chance to stay in
Alaska to help with their cause I jumped at it. For the first time I felt like
I was needed, that I was doing something good.”

“What
changed?”

“Jinx…”
He let his head fall back against the sofa. “This opportunity…well, it’s got me
thinking. I miss home, and it’s a once in a lifetime chance. If I turn it down,
I might never be offered the chance again.”

“But?”
She provoked him when he went silent.

“I’ve
grown a lot since I’ve left West Virginia. I’m not sure I’m willing to give
everything up. I still want to have a part in all the changes. At the same time,
my duty lies with the family clan. I feel so split.”

“Have
you talked to Jinx about this? Maybe there’s a way to do both. He’s very
committed to the changes, and the Alaskan Tigers. I don’t see why it wouldn’t
work for you. You could continue working with them, maybe remotely?”

“I
was going to mention it, but then Jackson called.” He glanced over at her,
giving her a halfhearted smile. “I shouldn’t be bothering you with my problems
when you have your own.”

“It’s
fine. What else are families for?” She tossed the Dalmatian into the keep pile.
“How about a cup of coffee?”

“Sure.
It might help clear my mind. I’ll get it.” He stood and went to the small kitchenette.

“I
know Jinx is hopeful that you will take the position, but in the end you have
to do what’s right for you. If the two of you can work out something so you’re
both happy then all the better.” She got up from the floor, stepping over the
piles she’d created. “He cares about your happiness, and he’ll understand, no
matter what you decide.”

“What
about you? You’re Alpha Female of the clan. Did he give you any say in it?”

“He
mentioned it to me before he asked you, but as for anything further…no. We
didn’t discuss any others he might have in mind if you decline the position.
Not that I could have been much help since I’ve never met any of the clan
members.” She took the coffee mug he offered and sat down at the table that was
now clear since everything was in piles on the floor. “I’m aware he does have
another in mind because he doesn’t feel you’ll take the position. I also know
he doesn’t have the same faith in the other person as he does you. He believes
you’ll keep the clan safe if something happens to him.”

“That’s
the other thing…” He brought his own coffee over and sat down next to her.
“Heaven forbid something happened to Jinx. I don’t think I could stand by and
see the clan fall into someone else’s hands. But since I’m not even a clan
member I wouldn’t have the right to challenge whoever took over. When the
Lieutenant is forced to take over the clan, only a current clan member can
challenge him.”

“I’ve
heard of outsiders challenging before.”

“True,
but it’s not the way of our kind. Most times they are desperate to lead, and
the clan will overthrow them within weeks. A clan normally won’t stand for an
outsider coming in to overthrow their new Alpha without them at least giving
the new Alpha a chance or challenging him themselves.”

She
sat there listening to him and felt like an outsider. These were her people
they were talking about, and she barely knew anything about them. Avery had
brainwashed the clan, making them believe they were stuck under him and that no
one could overthrow him. Ben had tried to get people to see that if they
rallied together they could defeat Avery but everyone was too far-gone to
listen to him. They wouldn’t risk Avery’s wrath on a chance. Instead they’d
rather hide in the shadows hoping they wouldn’t catch his attention.

“You
might not like to hear this, but I’m going to say it anyway.” She leaned
forward, placing her hand over his. “If you don’t want to see someone else
possibly running the clan, then you need to take the position.”

“I
love that you make it sound so easy.”

She
nodded, and picked up her mug. “It can be if you want it to be.”

Jinx
opened the door before she could add anything more.

Behind
him was a tall man with the greenest eyes she’d ever seen, his hair cut in
military style. His muscles strained against his flannel shirt and tight jeans.
Just by looking at him she knew he didn’t get them from hours in the gym;
everything about him screamed he was an outdoorsman. Any workout he did was in
the fresh air.

“Summer,
this is Jackson, the Captain of your Guards.” He glanced behind him and tipped
his head in her direction. “Jackson, my mate.”

Jackson
came to her, dropping to his knees in front of here, and took her hand in his.
“I’m in your service now and always.”

She
glanced at Jinx. The realization of what he was doing was overwhelming.

“Do
you know what to do?” Jinx asked.

“I’ve
seen others do this in front of Avery, but I never expected…”

“You
are my mate, the clan’s Alpha Female.” He let his gaze shift between her and
Jackson who was still kneeling in front of her. “He is offering you his neck.
When a lesser shifter comes into the presence of their Alpha, or Alpha Female,
for the first time, they are
supposed
to offer you their neck. You then bend and sniff it. This act shows they are
subservient to you, and that you accept them as part of your clan. This marks
your scent on them as well, so another Alpha or rogue knows they are messing
with a clan, not a lone shifter.”

Summer
felt her heart speed up with the thought that the clan was hers as well, not
just Jinx’s. She’d have people depending on her, duties to the clan. Now she
completely understood what Lukas was going through.

“Jackson,
I didn’t consider how much rule Avery had over his people, I should have
prepared her,” Jinx explained as she delayed.

She
leaned forward and sniffed Jackson’s neck. The scent of crisp fall leaves,
cedar and maple trees, mixed with the clean smell of air after a rainstorm
filled her. It was strong enough that she almost believed she was there, with
the wet dirt under her feet, surrounded by woods. She longed to be there, to
be…
home
. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she actually
belonged somewhere.

Not
wanting the feeling to end, she took another deep breath of it, and everything
clicked into place. Jackson’s emotions slipped into a file, all nice, neat, and
together. No longer was he lost in the jumble that was the rest of the clans.

While
her eyes were closed, Jinx came to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, as
if he was trying to ground her. “You’re smelling the clan. It’s heavenly, I
know, but don’t lose yourself to it. We’ll be there soon and everything else
will come together.” He squeezed her shoulder, pulling her back from the edge
of bliss. “If you mean Jackson no harm, kiss his neck and welcome him to the
clan. If you find him a threat or wish him harm, this is your chance to bite
his neck, at least until you
draw
blood, depending on the situation and the punishment you see fit.”

She
knew with everything in her that he meant no harm to her, Jinx, or Claire. He’d
protect them with his dying breath. She leaned in, allowing her lips to touch his
neck, and placed a soft kiss there.

“You
have now accepted Jackson as subservient to you. This is how the pack greets
the Elders when they have been away for a while or they’re receiving judgment
over a crime.”

Jackson
stood. “It’s an honor to serve under you.”

“Thank
you.” She shot a look behind her to Jinx. “Not that I need guards.”

“Let’s
not do that again.” He rubbed her shoulder. “I want you and Claire protected.”

“Very
well. Jackson, I’m sorry about the mess, but feel free to make yourself at
home. If you’ll excuse me I’m going to take a hot bath.” She rose and kissed
her mate before heading to the adjourning bedroom. On the way, she shot Lukas a
look and mouthed,
Talk to him
.

* * *

Jinx
fought everything in him not to go after her. Knowing she was in the next room,
getting naked and stepping into a steaming hot bubble bath, made his shaft
harden. Instead, he forced himself to clean off another chair and deal with the
security detail.

“Have
a seat, Jackson.” He nodded to the empty chair before seating himself. “Lukas,
I’d like to continue with what we started after I go over a few quick things
with Jackson, unless you have somewhere you need to be.”

“No,
I’m done for the night. While you do that, I’ll just mosey over there and work
on my computer.”

“Very
well.” Jinx turned back to Jackson. “I’ll cut straight to the point because I
know you’re tired. I asked you to be the Captain of Summer’s guards because I
know you can protect her. The safety of her and Claire is the most important.”

Over
the next few minutes, he brought Jackson up to speed. He went into the details
of Tabitha’s coming announcement as Queen of the Tigers, to why he had been
spending so much time in Alaska, to how Claire had come to be his adopted
daughter. Everything that was relevant to keeping his family safe was on the
table for Jackson to absorb.

“I
know this is a lot to take in,” he added, “but you need to know everything in
order to keep her safe.”

“I
understand, and even with the challenges ahead I’ll do what you ask.” Jackson
clasped his hands on the table. “However, I have to suggest that we add more
guards to their protection.”

“We
will, and I’d value your opinion on them. That will be done when we go to West
Virginia. Tex asked that I only bring four guards here, so that the clan
wouldn’t be alarmed by it. As long as things go smoothly we’re only here until
the day after tomorrow, so having four guards shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Is
she aware of the security threats that surround her? To be frank, I need to
know if she’s going to fight the guards protecting her, or if she’ll let us to
our job.”

“She’ll
let you do what you need to do, I’ll make sure of it. Any problems arise, you
let me know.” Jinx slipped his cowboy hat off and sat it on the table. “I was
thinking of Carson for your second, is that okay with you?”

Jackson
nodded. “He’s a good man. I understand you want what was said here quiet until
Tabitha makes her announcement, but I feel that Carson needs to be aware of it
to perform his duties to the best of his abilities.”

“I
agree, fill him in and then get some sleep.” Jinx stood up from the table. “I
want you and Carson back here at eight tomorrow morning. I have some things I
need to take care of and I want someone watching my family. They’re not to be
cooped up. If Summer wants to take Claire out, that’s fine as long as two
guards are with them.”

“Understood.
I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jinx
rolled his shoulders. Exhaustion had begun to set in, but he still had to
finish things with Lukas before sleep could be considered. Turning to his
brother, he felt his stomach twist as he wondered when the answer would come
about the Lieutenant position.