Jinx’s Mate(14)

“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.”