Authors: Marissa Dobson
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 her 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.
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?”
She
sat the urn aside, her fingers sliding over the smooth surface one last time
before nodding. If in a few days she was going to have to leave with Jinx she
needed to know Ben would be safe. She had no doubt he would protect those under
him, but when it came to hand-to-hand combat he had no training. It was always
possible another tiger from a different clan would see this as an opportunity
to claim the Alpha position over their clan. The Texas clan was in a difficult
position, where it left them prey to others if they couldn’t prove their
strength.
For
the first time in a long time, as she wandered down the halls she saw people
moving from one place to another, or gathering together in one of the many
lobby areas throughout the resort. It lifted her heart to see so much change in
only a few days. If she came back in a month, or three, how different would her
clan be? It pained her slightly to know she wouldn’t be there to see them
evolve.
“We’ll
come back as often as Tex allows.” Jinx tried to reassure her, but it set off
more alarm bells.
She
hadn’t considered the fact that Tex would have to approve their visits. Mating
with Jinx had made her the Alpha Female of the West Virginia Tigers. When
traveling to another clan, even one that had been her home, she had to have
approval from the Alpha. Some Alphas would see her as a threat, especially with
Jinx at her side, because of their relationship with the Alaskan Tigers, and
soon to be announced Queen of the Tigers. Some might even consider them spies
for Tabitha.
“Lass,
you worry too much.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “Things will be fine,
you have my word.”
They
came to a stop in front of a door with the word
private
etched in bold
letters, and he slipped his key into the lock and opened the door. Inside was a
spacious office with a large oak desk, and two high backed chairs in front of
it. Other than the telephone on the desk, it was spotless.
“This
used to be the resort manager’s office.”
“Before
Avery killed him.” She remembered that night vividly. Avery blamed him for the
low numbers in the resort. He wanted the place full; instead it’d been barely
at half capacity.
“Let’s
not dwell on things we can’t change,” Jinx advised. “Instead, think about all
the members we saved who are now in safe hands under Tex and Ben.” After
following her in, he shut the door and stepped to the window.
“So
many were lost to get us here.” Pausing by the desk, she ran her hand over the
smooth surface and glanced back at him. “I’ve been thinking about what
Tabitha’s going to do, and I can’t help but wonder how many more will die
before it’s complete.”
“I
guess it depends on what you mean. Do you mean how many innocents, or rogues
that attack us?” He came close to her, standing just inches from her, but
didn’t reach out to touch her. “There’s still a group of rogues out there,
determined to continue on where Pierce left off. Ty, many others, and myself
have been working together to bring them down. We’ll find them and eliminate
them.”
“I
understand rogues have to be dealt with. I was thinking of innocents like
Autumn, and the others.”
His
hands glided up her arms, his touch comforting her. “We’ll do the best we can
to protect everyone. In war, people die. This is no different.”
“A
shifter war,” she whispered, leaning against him.
“In
a sense.” He held her to him, tight enough to make her wonder if he worried
what the future might have in store for them. “Come on, you don’t want to miss
this.”
They
crossed the small space to the window. Below, the gym was empty except for Ty,
Ben, Tex, and Styx. Wrestling mats were laid out, giving them a softer place to
work. Ben stretched, while Ty spoke with the others. Even with her delaying
them, they had managed to make it there before anything began.
“Tex
is going to work out on the punching bag, while they put Ben through his
paces.” Jinx flicked the light switch twice, and Ty looked up and nodded.
“How
do they know we’re here?”
“If
you’re looking at the window you can see a faint glow of the light. Ty was
watching for it so you wouldn’t miss anything.” He pulled the office chair
over. “Have a seat. It will be begin in a moment.”
Her
butt was barely in the seat when Ty went head on at Ben. Ty yelled something at
Ben, rushing him as if he was going to tackle him. Styx circled around him,
coming at him from the back.
Ben
slammed his elbow into Styx’s chest, hard enough that he stumbled back. Ty
threw a punch, hitting Ben square in his stomach. A second blow flew at him,
only to be stopped mid-strike with a quick block, and Ben returned fire.
Quickly advancing on Ty, blow by blow, he forced Ty back.
Styx
regained himself and came at Ben, knocking him to the ground. Tumbling, Ben
held on to Styx, trying to use his weight to land on top, but Styx didn’t allow
that. Styx’s training was clear as he pinned Ben to the ground.
“Styx
is the best warrior. He’s been working as one of the Elder guards for the
Alaskan Tigers’ Lieutenant’s mate, Bethany, and is showing just how much of an
asset he is for the clan. He spent many years as an assassin, honing his skills
because his life depended on them. When he came to the Alaskan Tigers, he
wanted a quiet life away from it all.”
“Then
why’s he back in the action now?” She couldn’t take her gaze away from the
fight, even as Styx stood, giving a hand to Ben. Not giving him time to
recover, Ty quickly came at him.
“Shadow,
the Captain of Bethany’s guards, requested him as her second. He accepted it,
and since then he’s been taking on more.” He laid his hand on her shoulder. “I
tell you this because Styx is the best and Ben is holding his own. Mind you
they aren’t going at it like they would if it was a real attack, but they
aren’t slacking off either.”
“I
never doubted he could do it…I’m just scared. He’s all I have left.”
“Not
true, you have me.” He rubbed her shoulder.
“As
well as your clan.” The thought of them put a pinprick in the floodgates she
built trying to keep their emotions at bay, giving her a trickle off it.
“You
have the Texas Tigers too. No matter what happens between us, do you really
think these people will forget what you’ve been through together, what you’ve
done for them?” He answered for her, shaking his head. “No. You’ll always have
a home here as well. Even knowing that you were to mate with me, you spent all
day yesterday with the members, doing what you could to help them adjust to the
changes.”
“It
wasn’t so innocent,” she admitted. “I wanted to see if there was going to be a
revolt within the ranks. I know these people. I might be able to spot something
to let me know they would revolt against the new leadership.” She gently placed
her hand over his. “Even a small hint could save countless lives and pain.”