Jinx’s Mate(11)

“It’s true.” The awe sparkled in Ben’s eyes.

Ty nodded. “We have been dealing with things that needed to be done before the announcement. The West Virginia clan has been a great aid when it comes to what we had to do. Jinx has partnered with my clan and will be standing at our side when the announcement is made. As have the Kodiak Bears. So even though Jinx is tied up with this, it doesn’t mean Summer will lack for his time or anything, it only means their traveling might be limited over the next few months. Once the announcement is made, anyone resistant to this will see him as a threat as well.”

“She’ll be in more danger than she was here.”

“I will protect her,” Jinx said firmly, trying to suppress a yawn. “She’ll be doing this to better her kind. Now let’s get back to why we’re here. We need to know where you and Tex stand. If you’re going to be a help or hindrance in Tabitha’s mission.”

“We’re behind you.” Tex smiled at Ty. “After all you’ve done for me, I couldn’t turn my back on you.”

“With that settled, I’m going to get some sleep. You guys work out the details and let me know what you need help with the most. I’m flexible.” Jinx stood, ready to finally get some rest. After all, he and Ty were the only ones who hadn’t had a break since this whole thing started.

“Tex, you’re going to make an excellent Alpha,” Jinx continued. “You have the heart, soul, and most importantly the will to keep this clan together and on the right track. With good people like Ben backing you, you’ll be successful and have Manetka Resort better than it was before. Just remember you’re in power now. Your authority is something that’s needed. Without it, they’ll walk all over you.”

* * *

Oranges, reds, and pinks danced across the sky as the sun sank low on the horizon, about to disappear from view altogether. Summer stood there under her first sunset in longer then she could remember, feeling the warm breeze on her face, still unable to believe only a day had passed since Avery had controlled her. No longer was she forced to live underground, hidden away from anyone who might have seen her.

Tex had allowed anyone who’d lived in the tunnels to occupy the top floor of the resort. There were only a handful of them, but it was more freedom than they’d had in months, or even years. Avery had kept many of them on a tighter chain, using them to control the clan. She had been one of them, used to keep Ben submissive and under Avery’s control. Avery knew Ben would never risk her, no matter the cost to himself, and because of that she had been forced into one of the rooms in the tunnels, locked away from almost everything and everyone. Now things had changed and she was still trying to adjust to this new freedom.

She missed the smell of the outside the most, the crisp air, the roses—everything was so new and fresh. All those months she had missed out on so much, and now she had to make up for lost time. Between helping Ben and the clan, she had spent the day outside, and every moment she wanted to see Jinx. Her gaze scanned the rooms as she walked around the resort, never finding him. He was occupied with smoothing things over. Still, she had hoped he would have sought her out.

“There you are.” Ben stalked toward her.

“Everything okay?”

“Things are fine. I wanted to let you know there will be a ceremony for Autumn tomorrow at sunrise. It’s early, but I know that was always her favorite time.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I can’t even begin to count how many times I found you two up on the roof as the sun came up.”

“How?”

“Jinx and I worked together to get it done. I’m not sure how many clan members will be there, but I know you wanted it. I’m having her cremated. You can decide what you want to do with her ashes. Since you won’t be staying here, I didn’t make plans for them to be buried in the clan’s spot. I thought you might want to take them to West Virginia.”

“Oh, Ben.” She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his chest, letting her tears fall. It didn’t bother her to leave Texas, after all a new start might do her good, but she didn’t want to leave him.

“Hey.” He tipped her chin up to look at him. “This isn’t goodbye. We’ll see each other often, I promise.”

It felt like goodbye, like her heart was being ripped from her chest. She wasn’t sure how long she stood there sobbing, and he held her while she cried. When the sobs finally stopped, she pulled away.

“He’s not like Avery,” Ben said. “He’ll protect you and cherish you.”