“Why can’t you tell me?”
“I can’t, it needs to come from him.” He kissed her forehead and walked away.
Ben had left her full of questions. As she sat down on the outdoor sofa, she wondered what Jinx was hiding. She didn’t have time to question it when she heard footsteps behind her. For a moment she thought it might be Ben returning.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Jinx’s deep voice whispered behind her. “May I join you?”
“Sure, but you missed the best part.”
“I believe you’re wrong.” He sat down next to her.
She turned to find him looking at her, not the sunset. “I was talking about the view.”
“So was I.” He smiled, and it made her heart flutter. “I’ve missed you today. I tried to find you earlier but Ben said you were busy.”
“I was helping soothe out some fears for him.”
“Sounds like my day. I feel like I’ve been running around putting out small fires.” He crossed his legs at the ankles and leaned back.
“You should be resting. You’re tired.”
“I tried to sleep earlier, but all I could do was think of you. How about you come upstairs with me? Let me hold you in my arms. I promise I don’t bite.” His lips curled up in a smile. “At least not too much, and only if you enjoy it.”
Every nerve in her body sprang to life, firing with need. She wanted to take him upstairs, and run her hands over his body. To see every part of his toned physique that was evident under his tight jeans and white tank top. Her fingers itched to trace the lines of his biceps, and more that was hidden.
“You need sleep, not sex,” she said, flushing. “They both start with the same letter but they are completely different.”
“I’d like both, but right now I was only talking about sleep. I’m not sure what’s on your mind, though.” He winked, taking off his cowboy hat, and running his hand over his face. “Things are calming down, at least for the moment. With Ty returning to Alaska in the morning, I need to get some rest. What do you say?”
She bit her lip when she realized she’d misunderstood him. Without giving herself a moment to back out, she nodded.
“Okay.”
Chapter Six
In the elevator, Summer considered changing her mind. She hated feeling guilty about what she was doing. Mating was supposed to be a joyful occasion. With everything the clan was going through, she felt as if she shouldn’t be happy. She pushed her doubts aside and followed him down the hallway of the eighth floor where Jinx had checked in, and the rest of the Alaskan Tigers and Kodiak Bears had taken up residence, two floors below her room.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine.” She answered in a voice that was a little too high pitched for her. When he looked at her instead of opening the door, she added, “The timing is just wrong. I’m burying my sister in the morning, the clan is all shaken up, and here I am about to go into the room of a man I just met, one who came and stirred everything up.”
“Would you have rather I hadn’t come?”
“No. Just forget it, I’m not making any sense, it’s just all confusing.”
He slid the key into the lock and pushed open the door. “No, you’re making perfect sense. Your feelings are all jumbled. I can sense that, but I can also sense you’re longing to be with me. All I’m asking is for you to come inside so I can feel your body pressed against mine.” He held the door open, letting her decide.
She threw caution to the wind and stepped in. “Thank you for arranging the service for Autumn.”
“You’re welcome. Ben played a big part in it as well.” He made his way through the living area, and headed straight for the bedroom. Tossing his black cowboy hat on the dresser, he sat down on the bed to take off his boots.
“Speaking of Ben, he mentioned I should ask what I’m getting into. Something about the future. He wouldn’t tell me anything, just said I needed to ask you. Hopefully you know what he was rambling about.” She stood in the frame of the double doors between the living area and bedroom, not sure what to do with herself.
“I do, and I planned to tell you.” He pulled the jeans down his legs, the muscles in his thighs tightening, the outline of his shaft straining against the material of his boxers, forcing her to look away or go to him. She chose to avert her gaze. “Ty’s mate, Tabitha, she’s going to announce soon that she’s the Queen of the Tigers.”
“What?” No longer able to keep her gaze anywhere else, she looked back at him.
“You heard me. My clan has dedicated itself to her cause and to protect her. It’s the reason I’ve been dividing myself between Alaska and West Virginia. It’s also the reason my brother, Lukas, has taken a place with the Alaskan Tigers. He can do more good for them on their missions than he can in West Virginia right now.” He pulled back the covers and slid between the sheets. “Join me?”
“What a moment…” She shook her head trying to clear away the cobwebs. “It’s all true, the legend, everything?”
“Yes. It’s why Ben wanted me to tell you. When Tabitha makes the announcement I will be there at her back, along with Ty, her guards, and the Kodiak Bears. Tex has also committed himself and the clan to her. Anyone against us will see us as the enemy, and we will be targets.” He adjusted the pillows allowing him to lean against them. “As my mate, you’ll have your own guards to protect you. I’ve never bothered with guards myself because my clan is small, but that will have to change. Elder guards will be put into place immediately. I will also be electing a Lieutenant for my clan so that when we’re away there’s official leadership.”
She came to the bed and sat on the edge. “Wow. I can’t believe it.”
“Does all this make you want to run to the hills as fast as you can?”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s amazing. I mean, I never thought I’d live to see the day when the Queen of the Tigers would be here to unite us.”
“Not only witnessing it, but a part of it. As my mate, you’re very much involved in it. With that comes the danger.”
She threw her head back and gave a half-hearted laugh. “I laugh in the face of danger.”
“Then come here, lay with me, and we’ll face the rest of the danger later.” He patted the side of the bed. “Take your jeans off, you’ll be more comfortable.”
“That sounds like a line.” Teasingly, she moved her hands around to the front of her jeans, tracing the button with her finger before undoing them.
When she slid them down her legs, a soft growl rippled from his throat. “I might have just discovered the secret to staying awake. All my tiredness has melted away. Come here.”
“Only if you sleep.” She pulled back the covers next to him, slipping between the sheets.
“Sleep? How can I sleep with a beautiful half-naked woman next to me? Let me show you how much you mean to me.” He closed the distance between them, forcing her to lie back.
“I mean nothing to you.”
“You mean everything to me.” He kissed the side of her neck, gently gliding his teeth along her skin. “It’s so much more than just the bond and desire. The moment I saw you, I felt drawn to you.”
She refused to let herself think of the motives that had brought him to her. What mattered was he was there next to her, wanting her. “Show me then.” Her own desire laced her voice.
Without giving her a second to think about it, he pounced on her, pushing her gently the rest of the way back onto the bed and pressing his body tight against hers. “You’re beautiful.” He traced his finger along her jawline, watching her. “I can see it in your eyes that you don’t believe it, so let me show you.”
With his gaze locked on hers, he slid his hand under her shirt, slowly tugging it up her stomach. “Lay back.” When she did as he asked, he teased a hot, wet trail of kisses across her belly, and stroked her thighs with his fingertips.
He slid his hand between her legs, sliding his finger between her wet folds until he found he
r sweet spot. He teased the bundle of nerves, dragging pleasure from her in hard, hot waves as moans tore from her throat. He held her captive against the bed, his fingers thrusting into her as his thumb continued to wring more pleasure from her core. Fierce desire rose within her like a tidal wave smashing through a dam.
With every touch, she arched her hips to him, demanding more. Her desire soared to new heights, until she couldn’t hold back her need for him.
“Please, Jinx.” She clawed her nails up his back. “I want you.”
In answer, he rose off her, tugging his boxers off.
“Take your shirt off, too,” she encouraged.
“So demanding.” He tugged off his shirt and tossed it to the floor.
Once he was as naked as she was, he nudged her legs farther apart with his knee, giving him the access he needed, his hand cupping her hips and drawing her closer to his body. She ran her fingers over the hard muscles of his chest before she cupped the side of his cheek.
“Claim me as your mate,” she whispered.
He kissed the palm of her hand, and slid into her, filling her completely with his manhood. Slowly at first, with each stroke gaining momentum, their bodies moved in harmony. With each thrust he buried himself deeper and faster, and she rocked her body into him, meeting him with her own need until they fell into a perfect rhythm.
Their bodies rocked back and forth, tension stretching her tighter than a spring as she climbed toward her release. The world exploded around her, and she arched her body into his, her nails digging into his chest, and she screamed his name as her climax arrived. He pumped once more and threw his head back, growls tearing through him as he came. The connection they shared as mates came to life, filling her with warmth as they merged psychically, his emotions and desires overflowing inside her like hot liquid on a cold night.
He stayed on top of her for a moment longer, buried deep within her, keeping the connection alive while she drew lazy strokes down the sides of him with her fingers, feeling the muscles beneath his skin.
“I love you.”
The words slipped out before she had time to think about it. They just felt right. He was the person she’d been looking for. Someone to protect her, someone who would love her for who she was in a way only a mate could.
“I love you too, Summer.” He slipped out of her and rolled to the side of her, cradling her against him. “There was a time when I never thought I’d find a mate of my own, someone I could share my life with. I had almost given up hope when you showed up.”
“More like you showed up.” She slid her leg over his, getting as close to him as she could. “I thought mates were supposed to feel each other’s emotions and desires, but this…this is so much more. There’s more then just yours in there. I don’t understand it.”
“I’m an Alpha. That comes along with the package.” He drew his hand through her hair, pushing it away from her face. “You’re feeling everyone that’s committed to me. My clan.”
“Will I always?”
He nodded. “You’ll get used to it with time. Once you’ve met them, your body will begin to categorize them, so you’ll understand whose thoughts and emotions are whose. If you need to know something about a specific person, all you’ll have to do is think about them and everything will be clear to you. It’s helpful to know who is truly loyal to you, and how things stand with each clan member. I know it can be overwhelming at first.”
Overwhelming was an understatement. So many different emotions coming at her all at once threw her off balance. She was just a boat bouncing around in a sea of sensations. How did he live with it and not go insane? More importantly, how could she live with it?
“It’s all so much. It feels like hundreds.”
“Not hundreds. My clan is smaller than this one, but they are a lively bunch. I promise we’ll go see them soon. That should help you.” He snuggled her closer to him. “It’s been too long since I’ve been home.”
She knew it had only been a couple of weeks, but the longing to be among his clan was strong. Many of the members were blood related. It was more of a family clan than she ever knew existed.
“I’d like that, when this is over,” she said.
“It’s going to be over soon. Tex is already working to turn this clan back to what it should be. The members already trust him because he’s one of them. Styx and Milo spent the day working with the men Tex chose for Elder guards. Tomorrow they’ll be working with some of the grounds guards. Within a few weeks, this clan will be unlike it’s ever been. You have nothing to worry about.”
“How can you say that? Tex and Ben were elected, they didn’t fight their positions. It puts them in danger. How do we know they won’t be killed so someone devoted to Avery can take over?” For the first time she allowed her fears to be spoken aloud. She knew he wouldn’t judge her because she was scared for her brother and for Tex.
“As an Alpha, there are never any certainties.” He leaned up on his elbow, looking down at her. “Both Ty and I have been working with them. Tex had hand-to-hand combat, gun, and martial arts training before we ever came here. He was being trained as one of the Alaskan Tigers guards. He can protect himself and those under him.”
“Ben never had that training.”
“I realize that, but he’s learning. Actually he’s come a long way. He’s not going to lie down and die, he’ll fight with his last breath. Don’t discount him, he’s made for this.”
With a blink she pushed the tears away. “I’m just scared to lose him like I lost Autumn. I don’t want to be alone.”
“You’ll never be alone. I’ll always be by your side.”
She wanted him to say she wouldn’t lose Ben, but she also knew he wouldn’t. Jinx wouldn’t give her words just to make her feel better. He told her he wouldn’t sugarcoat things, now she had to respect that. Instead of pressing the issue she drew her hand over his chest, just enjoying the moment, trying not to think about losing either of them.
Maybe caring for men of power takes a stronger woman than me. It pained her to think it, but she wasn’t sure she was made for it. She pushed the negative thoughts away. If she couldn’t have handled it, fate wouldn’t have mated her with Jinx. At least she hoped.
Chapter Seven
There were more in attendance at the funeral than Summer could have hoped. Once it was over, she sat clutching the exquisite urn that held her sister’s ashes, her face soaked with tears, and let Ben deal with thanking everyone for coming. She couldn’t face the sadness in the eyes of her clan members.
How they had managed to put together such a beautiful service in spite of everything she didn’t know. There were so many little details that meant the world to her. One of the only pictures of the three of them was displayed for all to see, and beautiful lilies and roses were scattered throughout the room. The urn even had Autumn’s name engraved amidst a beautiful autumn setting, the trees full of color.
There had been so much thought put into the event, including little touches like her favorite flowers, and the urn that made it more special. Autumn and Ben might have never seen eye to eye but this showed he cared more about her than he ever showed. Or maybe Summer just wanted to believe that.
“Everyone’s gone.” Ben wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “You okay?”
“No.” She chuckled through her tears. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever be okay again, but somehow I’ll find a way through it. What choice do I have?”
“If I could make things better, you know I would.”
She nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, for all of this.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Ben…” A voice called from the door. It sounded like Tex, but Summer didn’t turn around to see.
“I should go,” Ben said, squeezing her close. “Taber is taking Ty back to Alaska today, and we’re supposed to have one more training session. I’ll stay if you need me.”
“No.” She shook her head, running her
fingers over the urn. “Go ahead. I’m fine. I need a few minutes alone and then I should check on some of the others.”
“I’ll find you later.” He kissed her forehead and stood.
“Honestly, I’m fine.” Every part of her hated to lie to him but she wanted him to go. He needed the training, or she might be burying him next.
She closed her eyes, let the silence wrap around her, bringing the memories of Autumn back to her. Grief tore her heart in two, stealing away her breath, until she thought there was nothing left. Anger sprang up on its tail. Anger at Avery, at the clan for not doing something to stop him, at herself for not doing something. It seemed her own life had meant more to her than jumping to Autumn’s aid.
Autumn’s torture was supposed to be just like all the other times she had to stand by and watch Avery cut away the will to fight from the members. Only this time it was different, costing her sister’s life. She died in order to free us. At least that’s what she tried to tell herself. It wasn’t the first death Avery was responsible for, but it was the last.
“May I join you?” Jinx asked, and she opened her eyes to find him standing in front of her.
“Where did you come from?”
“My mother’s loins.”
His joke brought a smile to her face.
“That’s not what I meant. I didn’t hear you or even feel you coming.” She should have known he was coming to her. It was part of mating to always feel your mate, to know where he was even when they were separated.
“You were occupied.” He held out his hand. “Come with me.”
“Maybe later, I just want to…” She didn’t finish the sentence. To say she wanted to stay with Autumn sounded stupid. Autumn wasn’t there, just the ashes from her body, but it was what she wanted.
“I know you want to stay but I have something you need to see. It can’t wait.”
“What?”
“Ben is about to start practicing with Ty. I want to show you how he’s doing. Ty’s working with him in the gym. We can see it from one of the offices without disturbing them. You’ll be able to see you have nothing to worry about. What do you say, will you come with me?”
Jinx's Mate (Alaskan Tigers) Page 4
