Jinx's Mate (11 page)

It
was midday in Alaska when they finally landed. For Summer and the rest of them,
it was five hours later. They had much to do to get ready for Tabitha’s
announcement. By this time tomorrow, the whole world for tigers was going to
change.

They’d
have one Queen who ruled over all the Alphas. It also meant some major backlash
was coming, and Tabitha, Ty, and their clan weren’t the only targets. Tex and
the Texas Tigers, Jinx and the West Virginia Tigers, and the Kodiak Bears all
had to be on alert. They had to embrace a life where danger was around every corner,
and any of them could die at any time.

“Summer,”
Robin called out, working her way toward them. “With everything that’s going on
I was thinking if I could get you and Claire right off the plane we could get
it over with. That way Claire’s not too tired. What do you think?”

“Sure.”
She nodded. Claire stood next to her holding her hand. “Jinx?”

“I
need to speak with Ty, and the others. Can I catch up with you in a bit?”

“That’s
fine.” Robin nodded. “We’ll be in my cabin, just ask Adam or one of the others
to direct you.”

“Jackson
goes with Summer,” Jinx ordered. “I’ll have Carson take your bags to our rooms
and then he’ll join you.”

Robin
led the way, quickly passing through the gathering crowd. “I’m sorry to catch
you right when you landed, but if we can make some progress with Claire, I can
work with her while you’re here. We should take advantage of every moment we
have for her sake.”

“It’s
fine. I wanted to have this meeting today before things got busy with the
announcement.” Though she had hoped to spend a moment with Ben before being
rushed off.

“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…

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.

“Do
you really think one day we won’t be able to hide what we are?”

He
nodded. “Someday we won’t have to worry about others finding out and trying to
experiment on us. It’s going to take some time. We need to get everyone
together, and eliminate any problems before we go public.”

There
was still a lot to be done before that, rules that had to be established, and
issues that had to be eliminated. Most of all, they had to do away with the
rogues who were eager to kill Tabitha.