This man—her mate—was honorable, and she should be proud to be mated to him. She barely knew him, but fate knew what it was doing when the match was made between them. Maybe he was right by suggesting he’d been brought to her now because she needed him.
“Thank you,” she said softly. He raised an eyebrow in question, forcing her to explain. “For being you, I guess. For not forcing the mating issue, and letting me wrap my mind around it. You could have said nothing, letting me think you might hurt me. Instead you put my mind at rest. The bond between us is still light because we haven’t finalized the mating, but I can taste the truth of your words. It makes this easier.”
“I know I can’t rush you,” he said, gently caressing her fingers. “Not if I want you to accept me.”
She squeezed his hand and leaned her head against his shoulder. Maybe things did happen for a reason. The clan was getting a fresh start, and so was she.
Chapter Five
Jinx sank onto one of the plush leather chairs in the conference room. He was beyond exhausted, unsure how he’d managed to keep himself upright for this long. The last thirty-two hours since they’d eliminated Avery had been a whirlwind of excitement, problems, soothing fears, and more that he didn’t even want to think about it. Only this meeting with the Elders stood in the way of sleep. That was unless something else came up.
He thought about closing his eyes for a moment while they waited for the newest Alpha, Tex, and his Lieutenant, but he knew it would mean missing the meeting. Instead he leaned forward and poured himself another cup of coffee. Caffeine. That would keep him going for a bit longer.
The door opened and in filed Tex, Ben, Adam, and Robin. Each of them looked as exhausted as Jinx felt. Robin had been meeting with the Texas Tigers, trying to get them to see she was there to help. Tex had ensured the clan that as long as they meant no harm to themselves or others that anything said to Robin would remain confidential just as it would with a psychologist. So far, she’d had little luck in getting them to open up. Most of them were still in shock, but at least she was there to let everyone know she was available when they needed her.
Robin’s mate, Adam, had been her shadow since arriving, since no one was really certain who might still be loyal to Avery. “I could sleep for a week.” Robin plopped down on the chair across from Jinx with a moan. “At least I’ve gotten through everyone. Most have nothing to say, everyone seems in shock, but I’ll be here when they’re ready.”
“Thank you, Robin.” Tex poured a mug of coffee and stood just to the side of the table. “The guards need a lot of training. Very few of them know how to shoot accurately.”
“I’ll take whoever you want to the shooting range and teach them how to shoot, as well as gun safety, after I get some sleep,” Styx offered.
“I can work with them on hand to hand combat. I’m sure Styx or Taber wouldn’t mind giving me help with that as well.” Milo took a sip of his coffee.
“I appreciate the assistance.” Tex nodded. “I’d never be able to do this all on my own.”
“Yes, thank you,” Ben agreed.
“We’re not just doing it for you, but for them.” Jinx leaned forward, setting his coffee aside. “They’ve been suppressed by Avery for so long that you’re going to have a long road ahead of you. But you’ll have our support along the way.”
“It seems you have an invested interest.” Ben cocked his head to the side.
“Summer…yes. You have nothing to worry about, she’ll be in safe hands.” He didn’t feel like reminding Ben this wasn’t the time to deal with family issues.
“Across the country,” Ben mumbled.
“There or in Alaska, but she can visit as she likes and I’ll do my best to accompany her as my schedule allows.”
“Your schedule allows?” Ben growled, irritation in his voice.
“Before you get angry with Jinx, I think there’s more you should know.” Ty stepped forward, coming around to the head of the table. “Being that you were raised in a clan, I’m going to assume you know the legend of the Queen of the Tiger that will one day unite all tigers.”
Ben nodded. “Eventually she’ll unite all shifters as well, and we can live in harmony with humans. Yes, I know all about that, but what does it have to do with my sister and him?”
“Take a seat and let me finish.” Ty waited for Ben to do as he asked. “It’s not just a legend. My mate, Tabitha, will be announcing soon that she’s claiming her destiny as the Queen of the Tigers. She has the book and the mark to prove she is who she claims.” Ty turned his hand over revealing the moon design that had been burned into his skin when he claimed Tabitha.