“They’re all here,” Summer mumbled, stifling a yawn.
“We’ll go inside to the ballroom, that’s where we’ll make our announcements and mingle,” Jinx said. “We have a busy few hours ahead of us while every tries to get a moment with you. I hope you are up to it.”
“I’ll be fine.” She glanced at Claire in his arms. “Wonder if she’s going to be okay with so many new people.”
“If it becomes too much, we’ll end it. I think she’ll be fine as long as we’re with her. She’s going to have to get used to the clan. This is her home now. Our home.” He squeezed his arm around her waist tighter and they descended the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs, with Carson on his right and Jackson on the other side of Summer, he stopped. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming out on this cold evening to welcome Summer and Claire to the clan. I ask that we make our way into the ballroom. I have a couple announcements, and then I promise we’ll mingle giving everyone a chance to meet her.” Some of the ground guards began to urge everyone toward the ballroom.
Summer glanced over the land, surprised how much it reminded her of Texas with the farms surrounding it, and the rolling hills of endless space. The biggest difference was the cold. It was freezing. They arrived at the perfect time. The sun was just setting, casting an exquisite glow of reds and yellows over the area.
“I can’t believe I didn’t ask before. Where are we?” Summer wondered.
“Just outside of Snowshoe, West Virginia. We own over nine hundred and fifty acres.”
Still glancing around, she tipped her head to the side. “Almost a thousand acres? How do you keep it all safe?”
“There are guard houses around the perimeter, where guards are always stationed. Every piece of the board is covered with motion sensors, heat sensors, and cameras. No one can get on or off the property without us being alerted. There is also a second layer of security once you’ve come onto the property,” Lukas explained.
“We are far enough way from any roads or houses that we are never bothered,” Jinx interjected. “You can’t just stumble upon this place, you have to know what you’re looking for to end up here. The guards are well trained and protect the border and the clan.” Jinx led them forward at a slower place so they could keep their distance from the stragglers making their way into the ballroom. “Our homes are built in the center of the land, at the safest point. That building you see just ahead on the hill is ours. From there, we can see almost the whole compound.”
The building he indicated was huge. It was a three-story log home, towering over all the others. A beautiful winding pathway led to the houses below, with shrubs that appeared to be the kind that would flower in the summer.
“That can’t be just for us.” Summer gasped.
“I have taken my quarters on the third floor. Lukas will once again take over the second, and Jackson, I’d like for you and Carson to make your residence on the first floor.”
“Yes, sir. We’ll see to that once we have you and your family safely home for the evening,” Jackson replied, his gaze scanning the area for any possible threats.
“Wow.” It was hard to believe she was about to live in that house. It seemed like too much just for them. “Doesn’t the clan ever have a problem with you towering above them like that? Like you’re watching their every move?”
“It has been like that for centuries. The Alpha is in charge of their safety and the house allows me to watch over the land, and spot threats before they can get close enough to do us any harm,” he explained. “I have no interest in spying on my members, and before I started traveling to Alaska I was only in the house to sleep. You’ll find the clan is always gathered. This building we are going to has a ballroom for special occasions, parties, weddings, that type of thing. It also has a large dining area that will fit all the members. At least weekly, we take our meals together as a family. We’re very close.”
“You mentioned that, but I guess I didn’t believe there could ever be a closeness in a clan like you described.”
“Trust me, lass, there is and you’re about to see it. Remember, I told you we believe it takes a clan to raise a child, well that doesn’t change with families. Everyone is always in everyone’s business, it’s just how we are. I might be Alpha of the clan, but they are still in my business.” He let out a light laugh, the first one she heard that was truly joyful. He was glad to be home. It showed in every part of him.
“They’ve never considered me higher than they are,” he continued, “and I don’t want them to. I’ve always lived by the rule, never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. It’s why I have almost every clan male as a willing guard. They know I wouldn’t risk their lives if I wouldn’t do the same, or if I felt like it was a battle we wouldn’t win. The women’s rights movement is just now trying to work its way through the clan.”
“Just now?” She couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.
“The clan mainly keeps to our land. We grow and raise our own food. Very rarely do any of us venture off the land. Some of the guards have gone on missions since we’ve started working with the Alaskan Tigers, but before that we were homebodies. Shifters have always protected the women and children. They are the key to allowing our species to continue.” He paused as they neared the entry to the ballroom. “Our protection of women and children make it hard for women to be guards, or anything that puts their lives in danger. Too many of the men would stop what they were doing and would go to protect the women. It’s too far engrained in us. Ty has a woman guard, Shadow, and she’s the Captain of Bethany’s guards, but in all the clans I know, she’s the only one and it took her years to prove herself.”
“If given the chance, others can as well.”
“I agree, but to give them a chance the men must be willing to accept a woman can handle herself. Any woman guard would have to prove herself before she would be allowed to risk herself. Otherwise, too many could die.” He laid his hand on her arm. “I realize it sounds like I live in a cave, and I’m not willing to give women a chance, but that isn’t the case. I’ve seen what Shadow can do and I’d go into battle with her any day.”
“But things will change when she’s mated, won’t they?”
He frowned at her. “That’s not my place to say, it would be Ty’s decision.”
“If she was your guard?”
“Yes, things would change. I wouldn’t risk a possibly pregnant female. If fertile, she’d be able to bring more generations to us. Too many shifters have problems conceiving, and of those cubs who are born over half of them don’t make it past their second birthday. I won’t stand by and see our numbers shrink and end our species if I can help it.”
The reasons were logical, and the future of the clan and their species depended on new life being brought into the clan. In the human world, women were being allowed in the front lines of military operations where it had been forbidden in the past. They’d come a long way.
But in the shifter world, women were in the dark ages, after centuries of being taught woman should be protected, cherished, and that they were the key to the future. They couldn’t protect their clan; instead they were expected to stay behind where it was safe.
“Being an Elder isn’t easy,” Jinx said. “There are hard decisions to make, ones that are going to upset people, but each decision has to be made in the best interest of the clan. Keeping women out of the front lines is in the best interest of the clan. We have come so far, and there’s a brighter future ahead for all of us once we get through this.”
“There are always dead in war,” Summer countered. “If a woman is skilled and strong enough to defend the clan in battle, I believe she should.”
“Which is why I would go into battle with Shadow. Don’t think that she just came into her position. It has taken her years to prove herself. There are others who are trying, one actually I want you to meet.” He adjusted Claire in his arms. “I’m willing to give them a cha
nce if I think they can do it. I hold the men to the same condition. There are some guards I feel should remain ground guards, and others I would trust your safety to because of their skills. Women should be held to those standards too.”
Chapter Sixteen
As she listened to him, Summer realized Jinx would be open to the right woman guard. He wasn’t one to risk someone that wasn’t ready. He needed to have complete confidence in her, and the men working with her needed to be prepared to let her do what she needed to do.
“This woman you want me to meet?”
“She has aspirations of being a guard. Like Shadow she has been working her way up. Currently she is a grounds guard, closest to the homes. She has the skills, and desire to do it, she just needs to be given a chance in order to develop the instincts that come along with it.” He took a step forward, once again moving them toward the door.
“Wait.” She grabbed his arm, stopping him. “What do you expect me to do when I meet her?”
“See what you think of her.” He glanced at Jackson. “We’ve considered the possibility of having her as one of your guards. Jackson has done some of her training and believes she’s up for the challenge. Jackson and Carson can give her more of the training she needs without risking you or anyone else. She just needs to start trusting her instincts. Jackson can help hone those skills. Right now I want you to see what you think of her before we consider it further.”
“You’re going to have me make the decision? To be the woman’s only chance…and if I say no, is that it for her?” She was worried she would think the guard had possibilities but wasn’t ready yet, and then the woman would lose her chance. After all, Summer didn’t mind a fresh guard when it came to her, but for Claire’s safety she wasn’t willing to risk it.
“It’s not her only chance,” Jinx clarified. “Jackson and I believe she would be a good fit, but I want to make sure you’re comfortable. Any guards that are assigned to your protection are also in charge of protecting Claire, so you need to consider that was well. She has taken to Jackson, puts up with Carson, but she doesn’t like Larry.”
Her thoughts traveled back to Larry. He seemed to be a good guy, and an excellent guard, but he reminded her too much of Avery. Not in personality but in looks, and that could be what scared Claire. Their little lass must have seen some of the horrible things that were done to her mother. Did Avery make Claire watch while her mother was tortured? She hated the thought, but wouldn’t put it past Avery; it was just like him to do something like that in an attempt to emotionally scar Claire.
“What are we going to do about Larry?”
“He’s a good guard, one that I’d trust your safety to if I was called away. I want him a part of the team. Claire does okay as long as he isn’t too close and they’re not alone together. I think with time she’ll warm up to him once she sees he has a soft side.”
Tipping her head back, she laughed at the idea. “Where? He’s all muscles, orders, and duty. Hell, I don’t think I’ve seen him smile once.”
“Okay, so it’s hidden.” Jinx’s grinned. “Now come on, it’s cold. Let’s get this night train rolling so I can get you to myself.” He nodded to Carson who pulled the door open.
Jackson stepped into the room first, with them following, Carson and Lukas taking up the rear. Everyone was already in their seats at the small tables around the room. They glanced at them as the pair made their way down the aisle with the guards. She felt as if she was about to be on trial.
She took a deep breath, trying to push away her fears as they turned to face the audience. Jinx gave her comfort with his arm around her waist, as did Jackson’s presence beside her. She wished she was holding Claire. It would give her something to do with her hands. Something to focus on.
“It is my honor and privilege to introduce my mate, Summer, and our daughter Claire. As the parents in the room will understand, sometimes children fall asleep at the worst times.” Jinx chuckled. “Claire has been through a lot recently and hasn’t been sleeping very well. Now before we mingle so you can meet the new Alpha Female, there are a few announcements that need to be made.”
“Do you want me to take her?” She whispered when Jinx nodded for Lukas to come forward.
“Not on your life. She’s sleeping, and after last night I won’t have her woken.”
That sent chills through her. Last night had been the worst one yet for little Claire. She had woken from a nightmare, screaming. Jackson who was asleep across the hall came running half naked with his gun in hand. He stood in the doorway, looking for something he could kill, anything he could do to stop her from shrieking, but there was nothing. Clearly pained that he could do nothing to help Claire, Jackson left them alone. Whatever Avery did to her or her mother was haunting her dreams. Because she wouldn’t talk, there was little they could do, so Summer and Jinx had taken her to bed with them and cuddled her close.
Summer blinked the memory away and returned to the present despite her exhaustion.
“Everyone here knows my brother Lukas,” Jinx continued. “You also know he has been spending time in Alaska, helping the clan their with their computer needs. Being that most of it has been confidential, that is all any of us can tell you.” He paused, waiting for Lukas to step up next to him. “However, while I was away, things have changed. Lukas will now take over the newly created position as the clan’s Lieutenant.”
A round of applaud and hollers of way to go and congratulations followed until Lukas raised his hand, silencing the room. “Thank you everyone, it is an honor to step into his position. I hope I will make everyone proud.”
“Lukas is going to do a fine job, and having him here will make me confortable when I need to travel,” Jinx said. “One more announcement before we let the evening’s activities begin. Because I have a family now, it is time to assign Elder guards to our protection. Jackson has agreed to come on as Summer’s Captain of the Guards, with Carson as his second. Claire is young and won’t be leaving Summer’s side, at least not until we’ve worked through her fears. So I’m not permanently assigning guards to her yet. Summer’s guards will protect her as well.”
“How long are you home for?” a man at the first table asked.
“Uncle Tony, I’ll be home as long as I can. We need to take Claire to see someone in Alaska who believes she might be able to help Claire overcome her past.”
“She doesn’t need a therapist, all she needs is family,” a woman called from somewhere in the room.
“I won’t go into details about it, but I will tell you this. Claire spent her whole life locked in a room below ground. Until two days ago she had never been around people, felt the sun on her face, the grass under her feet. She has been doing well as long as Summer is there, and she has taken a liking to Jackson and me, but we will still need to take things slow with her. If tonight becomes too much then we’ll have to leave.”
Summer cleared her throat, and gained everyone’s attention. “Claire has seen more than some of us have seen our whole lives. She’s frightened and we have to do what’s right for her. I’ve seen Robin, and the therapist get others to open up to her. If there’s a slight chance she can help my daughter, I’ll do whatever I can to make sure she’s seen.”
“Maybe children of her own age would be good for her,” the woman suggested.
Jinx leaned close to Summer and whispered, “Angie.”
“Angie, it is possible and like Jinx said, we will do whatever we can for Claire, and explore each option,” Summer told her. “I do want Claire to begin to meet some of the clan members and children her own age. Having a playmate would be good for her, as long as there’s an understanding that right now Claire needs it in small doses. She hasn’t spoken since she was freed. That might be hard on another child. I’m asking you give us a few days, let us get Claire settled in, and we’ll slowly begin introducing her to everyone.”
“I know parents with children Claire’s age. We’ll set up play dates as soon as we feel
she’s ready,” Jinx added. “We don’t want to keep her isolated, it’s not good for her or us. We just want to take things slow. I’ll appreciate if everyone respects that.”
“We only want to do what’s right by Claire.” Summer smiled at the crowd, hoping they could understand where she was coming from.
“Now that the announcements are done. How about we get this party started?” Excitement laced Jinx’s voice. “Summer and I will be making our way around, trying to spend a few minutes with each of you. Remember tonight is about having a little fun, meeting the new Alpha Female, and tomorrow we’ll worry about work and everything else.”
While he addressed the clan, she was awed by the change in him. There was always authority seeping from him, but among his clan there was also a relaxed sense to him. He loved being home, back in charge of his clan. He might have be comfortable in Texas, but not like this.
“Are you ready to meet the clan, lass?” He held out his arm to her.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She smirked and laced her arm through his. “I just wish Claire could be awake for this.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. All these people in one place might be too much for her. With her sleeping, you’ll be able to meet people without her clinging to you in fear.”
“Instead you have to carry her around.”
“That’s what fathers are for.” He teased. “Just wait until boys start coming around.”
“We’re shifters, they don’t come around like humans.”
“Not like humans, no, but we sniff around you girls once we start wondering where are mate is. She’ll have boys coming out of the woodwork to see if she’s their mate. All the while I’ll be cleaning my shotgun.” Summer raised an eyebrow at him and he continued to smirk at her. “Fine, not a shotgun, but my pistol will do the job.”
Jinx's Mate Page 10