“Have there been any changes with Claire?”
She leaned down and picked Claire up, so they could keep up with Robin as they made their way to the cabin. “She’s not talking, but she’s adjusting well. We had a wonderful play date yesterday with another little girl, Lisa.”
“That’s great.” Robin opened the cabin door. “How is she adjusting to the guards?”
“She’s doing well with Jackson.” She walked in, and sat Claire next to the fire with her stuffed tiger. “And she’s doing well with Carson and Garth. Larry, he’s in Texas at the moment, but he looks a little too much like Avery and that seems to be scaring her. As for the rest, she hasn’t met them really. Well, she saw Hugo on the plane but she didn’t actually meet him.”
“Have you thought about assigning Larry somewhere else then?”
“He’s a good guard, and one that needs to be on the team to keep the Alpha Female and Claire safe.” Jackson answered before Summer could.
“Very well. I was only considering Claire.”
“So are we.” Jackson stepped closer to Claire, in a protective gesture. “As Captain of the Guards, Summer and Claire are my top priorities. Larry is part of the team but we’ll make sure he keeps his distance until Claire has a chance to warm up to him. Sheltering her from him will only let the fear continue. He’s a good man and will protect her, she’ll see that.”
“Fine then, if you’ll both give me a few minutes alone with Claire, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Actually, Jinx and I discussed this…Jackson can wait by the door out of eyesight, but I won’t leave her,” Summer said. “Anytime she’s along without Jackson, Jinx, or myself, it seems to set things back further. She’s come to trust us, and leaving her now in a new place could prove to be disastrous.”
Robin took a seat by the fireplace. “That’s not how I prefer to work, but as you are the Alpha Female I’ll let it slide this time. In the future I’ll need to do this alone in order to make progress with her. I would ask that you step out of direct eyesight as well.”
She gave a nod to Jackson who reluctantly took a place by the door. Then, with a reminder to herself they were doing this to help Claire, she stepped back. As soon as she stepped away Claire pulled her legs up against her chest, hugging the stuffed tiger to her.
“Claire, my name’s Robin and I’m here to help you.” She slipped forward on her chair, bringing herself closer to Claire.
Summer’s heart broke as she watched Claire begin to rock herself. The fear was clear in her body as she made herself as small as she could get. Even Jackson had taken a step forward.
“Can you tell me what happened to you in the cellar? What happened to your mother?”
With every question Robin asked, tears flowed quicker down Claire’s face, her body trembling with sobs. Summer wasn’t sure how much more she could take. Her body screamed to go to her little girl, that this wasn’t right. Everything that seemed to be happening seemed to push Claire further back.
The door flew open, nearly hitting Jackson, and in walked Jinx. “Enough.” His voice echoed with authority as he closed the distance to Claire. “It’s okay, lass.” He picked her up, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight to his chest.
Robin shot to her feet. “What is the meaning of this? You asked for my help.”
“Consider it retracted then.” He ran his hand over Claire’s back. “I might not be able to feel her emotions but I can tell you for damn sure you’re not helping her.”
“I have to find a way to break through. Bringing up those bad memories might help her talk. I don’t have time to pussyfoot around it, you’re only here for two days!”
“All you’re doing is terrifying her. I was watching from the window and I could see her retreating further into herself. We haven’t made a lot of progress yet, but what we have is better than nothing. I won’t have you scaring her back to the terrified little lass we found in Texas.” He turned and stalked toward the door. “Come along, Summer, we’re done here.”
She went to him, with Jackson taking up the rear.
“I thought you had other things to deal with?” Summer asked, coming down the steps to where Carson and Garth waited.
“I decided my family was more important and that I should be there in case Claire said anything.” He rubbed Claire’s back, trying to ease the sobs. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
“I wasn’t alone, Jackson was there.” She slid under his arm, pressing herself to him and gently laying a hand on Claire. “I couldn’t stand what was happening but I kept telling myself if it helped it was going to be worth it.”
“She has no experience with children or anyone who is mute from terror.” He held her for a moment before continuing. “You said it yourself, she was making progress yesterday with the play date, so we’ll do things our way. Research what we need and if it doesn’t work we’ll find someone who specializes in this. I won’t have someone terrifying her.”
“We should move along,” Jackson suggested. “She’s standing in the window watching us.”
“Come on, lass, let’s get you and Claire settled into our cabin. Then I have to get back to work.” He brushed his lips against Claire’s forehead. “Little lass, how would you like it if Jackson read you a story?” She nodded her head against his shoulder without looking up.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Summer ran a hand through Claire’s hair, pulling it away from her face. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Things are going to be okay. Daddy and I will make sure of it.”
* * *
With his family secure in the cabin, Jinx made his way across the compound back to see the progress and to check with Lukas on what he had missed. Seeing that fear in Claire had pushed him over the edge; his tiger was ready to spring forth and attack. This was more than being an Alpha. This was parenthood. The love for a child could make a person do things they would never do to protect that child.
“Jinx.”
He turned to see Adam strolling toward him. “Everything okay? You look worried.”
“I was just by the cabin to see Robin. She’s upset.”
“What do you want me to say?” As the wind picked up, he adjusted his cowboy hat. “I can’t apologize. With someone in Claire’s condition and her age, she took it too far.”
“Actually, it was me who came to apologize. Robin is so eager to help. She went at it straight forward, and with a child that young she shouldn’t have.” Adam held out a stack of papers. “This is all the research we gathered. Maybe something in it will help Claire.”
“Thank you.” He took the papers, and told himself he’d look over it as soon as things were over in Alaska. “Robin is a good thing for our people. Especially those in the Ohio and Texas clans who have been abused. I saw the progress she made with Harmony and Tex with the abuse they suffered. I just don’t think her specialty is children.”
“I understand you probably won’t want it, but if you ever need it, Robin is still here to help. Though it might be best if it isn’t until Claire is speaking. I can give you my word there won’t be a repeat of what happened today. She does feel extremely guilty.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He wanted to tell Adam it wasn’t a big deal, but it was. “We all make mistakes. If Claire doesn’t have any lasting issues, and this hasn’t set her back further, then no damage done. Now I must find Lukas.”
“He’s with Ty and that kid Eric, they’re in the Nerd Crew room with Connor.”
“Perfect.” Jinx headed that way, hoping that for Lukas’s sake Eric was living up to what Ty needed from him.
Across the grounds everyone seemed to be moving at an escalated pace, getting things prepared for tomorrow. The Alaskan Tigers knew Tabitha’s destiny, but the rest of the tiger population was about to find out. Everyone was checking the perimeter, making sure the fence and cameras were all in place. Preparing themselves if there was an attack.
Tomorrow the announcement would go out,
with Jinx, Lukas, Tex, and Ben at Ty and Tabitha’s side supporting them. Devon, Taber, and Thorben would be there representing the Kodiak Bears. It would be a joint affair showing their support for the union. Directly after the announcement, Jinx and his crew would head back to West Virginia, Tex to Texas, and Devon back to the Brown’s Island in Nome. Everyone wanted to be home in case of an uproar.
Tomorrow’s the day we’ve been all waiting for…
Chapter Twenty-One
The team gathered in the ballroom, one final run down of what was about to happen before they’d take their places. Jinx stood with his arms around Summer, while Claire played happily at their feet, anxious to get things going. Lukas had the equipment set up, ready to be activated.
“The clans that aren’t available at this time, or don’t have computers, how will they get the message?” Tex inquired.
“Anyone who doesn’t log in within thirty minutes to watch the announcement, the system will call and deliver it through the phones. That should cover everyone,” Lukas explained, as Eric fixed the lights.
“If not, we’ll have to figure something out for any clan that doesn’t have the news within the next few hours.” Ty stood next to the platform, Tabitha looking a little pale at his side.
“Are we ready then?” Jinx ran his fingers down Summer’s body. He was anxious to get this over with and get back home. This wasn’t just a new beginning for all the tigers; he was on the path of a new beginning for himself, one that he wanted in West Virginia. He found it amazing that mating changed so much, making him leave his traveling days behind to settle down, giving his family stability.
“Why doesn’t everyone get into position? I need a moment with Tabitha.” Ty led Tabitha to the side, his arm around her shoulders.
“Jackson!” Jinx called out.
Summer raised an eyebrow at him. “We don’t need a guard. You’re going to be right there.”
“You never know what could happen, so stay with Jackson. Carson is just outside if he’s needed.”
“I’m right here as well.” Ben came up to stand next to them. “Sorry I haven’t had much time to see you.”
“It’s been a whirlwind of a trip, and thankfully almost over. I never realized how much I preferred the quiet life until now.” She stepped out of Jinx’s embrace and hugged her brother. “It’s still good to see you.”
“I spoke with Tex. As soon as things calm down, I’m going to slip away for a few days and come visit you. I thought it would be better for Claire, and Jinx approved.” He squatted down in front of Claire. “Did you miss your Uncle Ben?”
Surprising them all, Claire leaned forward and wrapped her little arms around Ben’s neck, the stuffed tiger he’d given her still clutched in her hand.
“I think she missed you,” Summer confirmed.
“I got to go.” Jinx nodded to everyone already in their places. “Remember to stay back, I don’t want you and Claire in any more danger.” He kissed her and then leaned down and kissed Claire on the top of her head. “I want you to stay with Mommy, Uncle Ben, and Jackson.”
Stepping onto the platform, he took his position, which would be next to Ty when he joined them. Raja was on the other side of Tabitha with Devon next to him, while Taber, Thorben, and Tex stood behind them. Solidarity.
He reminded himself why they were doing it. It wasn’t so there was one ruler, it was for their future, one that would make them free. It was for his family, for Summer and Claire, and all the other shifters. No longer would they have to hide. All over the country tiger shifters were dying out; this was going to bring life back to their people.
If Tabitha produced an heir their numbers would explode. If she failed, or their enemies were able to kill her or Ty, they would slowly die out, and tiger shifters would fade until there was nothing left. That sent Jinx’s thoughts spiraling downward with a glance at his family as he thought about the one thing that had compelled him to dedicate himself to Tabitha. The legend.
No one was sure if they’d be able to continue their line, and would simply fade out with time, or if they would just die with her. Either way it would mean the end of their species.
Even though it made no sense to Jinx, the rogues were desperate to kill her. Pierce had drilled into them that she was an enemy, and that she wanted them to band together so she could kill them all. As insane as it all sounded, some bought into it. Now this announcement would bring more danger to her and everyone surrounding her.
“Okay, we’re ready.” Ty nodded to Lukas as they stepped into their places. Tabitha looked better than she had, the color back in her cheeks. Whatever Ty had said to her worked. Felix and Adam took their places on the ends, their weapons visible.
Lukas nodded, letting them know they were on.
“Hello, Alphas of the United States clans. I’m Tabitha. My mate Ty and I have an announcement that concerns everyone.” She paused, squared her shoulders, and began. “The legend of a tiger coming to unite all of us as one, bringing peace among all, and one day announcing our species to the world is true. I am that one, the tigress here to save our kind. This is the official announcement that I’ve claimed my destiny and my title as Queen of the Tigers.”
Ty placed his hand on her back. “If you’re not with us, you’re against us. Any enemy who makes a move on us or our allies will be dealt with severely. As you can see we are surrounded by people who stand together for our cause.” Ty paused and glanced toward his Lieutenant. “Raja, the Alaskan Tigers’ Lieutenant.” Raja nodded.
“Jinx from the West Virginia Tigers.” Jinx stepped forward, and when he stepped back Ty continued. “Tex, the new Alpha of the Texas Tigers.” Since Tex was behind Jinx he couldn’t step forward so he raised his hand instead. “Devon of the Kodiak Bears and two of his sons, Taber and Thorben.”
“The two at the end are members of my Elder guards. Felix, the Captain of my Guards.” Tabitha paused as Felix stepped forward, looking menacing. “Adam, his second.”
“Korbin of the Ohio Tigers, who couldn’t make it today, is also an ally,” Ty said. “There are many more who aren’t pictured, both in this clan and among our allies. So before you decide you’re against us, consider what you’re up against.” Ty glanced at his mate. “If you’re with us, you’ll see a world you never have before. One that allows us to live without hiding ourselves, or risk being experimented on. It won’t happen overnight, but this is one step toward it.”
Tabitha cleared her throat. “We ask that if you wish to join us in making a better world for our species that you get in touch with us. At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a phone number and email that you can contact us at. If we don’t hear from you within forty-eight hours we’ll assume you are against us.” Tabitha paused as Lukas got the information on screen. “This is the first step toward a brighter world for all of us. Don’t delay, as there’s much to do.”
Lukas ended the transmission, sending it out for all the tiger clans to see, and sending it as a file to be downloaded for anyone who wasn’t online.
It all seemed anticlimactic. With nothing else to do Jinx stepped away and went to his family. “Now we wait. Hopefully within the next forty-eight hours we have everyone on board.”
“Otherwise we could have a war on our hands.” Adam leaned against one of the tables.
Ty shook his head. “I think it’s clear the war is already on our hands and is just beginning.”
“Dealing with the Ohio and Texas clans was just the beginning of what is about to come.” Raja slipped his hand into Bethany’s. “We all have to be ready because the future is going to be a bloody thing.”
“From everything I heard, this was the right decision, so we shouldn’t doubt it now.” Summer leaned her head against Jinx’s chest.
“Not doubting, just concerned.” Tabitha shook her head. “We’ll need to be cautious of everything and everyone now.”
“Let’s sit down before everyone starts rushing off.” Ty pulled out a seat for Tabitha. “We
’re going to need to be cautious of every Alpha, even once they commit to our goal. Unlike with the clan right now there’s no way to determine if they are truly with us. We will only have their word. Until they prove themselves we need to be on guard.”
Tabitha laid her hand over Ty’s. “We didn’t mention the book that was handed down through the generations of my family, and has been leading me on this journey, because we can’t risk it falling into the wrong hands. Only the ones gathered in this room, and my guards, know about it. If it were to get out the danger would be even greater.”
“We have the longest journey ahead of us, so we should be going.” Jinx lifted Claire into his arms. “You know how to reach us when you need us.”
Ty stepped forward and offered his hand. “Thank you for everything. We’ll see you again soon.”
He shook his hand, before nodding to Jackson. “I hope it is on good terms and not in the midst of a battle.”
“Eric and I will be out in a minute,” Lukas hollered packing up his equipment.
Jackson opened the door, and stepped into the hall before allowing Jinx to lead his family out.
“Come on, lass, let’s get you home.”
“I don’t know what I was expecting when we came, but I guess I thought more would happen, I suppose.”
“Me too, lass, but I have a feeling we’re going to have all the excitement we could want in the coming months.”
“You think it’s going to be bad?”
They stepped outside, heading to the plane. Garth and Hugo were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Once Lukas and Eric were done they’d be on their way back home.
“There’s no real way to tell, but I do suspect there’s going to be more Alphas like Avery in the mix, and others who are just resistant to the change,” Jinx said. “The idea of having Tabitha overseeing everything is going to make others nervous.”
“It doesn’t make you nervous?”
“No, not really. I know Tabitha and Ty are trying to take over. They want to make things better for everyone, and make sure there’re no more Alphas like Avery.” He paused at the bottom of the steps, letting the cold air blow around him.
Jinx's Mate (Alaskan Tigers) Page 13
