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.”
Chapter Eight
Jinx, Tad, and Milo remained behind in Texas, helping Tex get everything sorted out before their return to Alaska. There was much to do to ensure Tex was safe when they left. Tad and Milo worked endless hours honing the guards’ skills, while Jinx helped Tex with his Alpha duties by dealing with the resort side of things, allowing Tex to worry about the clan.
Typing away at the computer, Jinx tried to convert the books into the new system he’d created. It was tedious job, but gave him a better idea of goals for the resort over the coming months. It also allowed him to see just how badly the resort had fallen.
Only months ago the place was busting at the seams, and had a waiting list for cancellations. The resort had activities and luxuries that no other shifter establishment offered, making it favored by many. With time he hoped Tex would bring it back to its former glory.
“There you are.” Summer leaned in the doorway.
“I’ve been here.” He leaned back, welcoming the break. “Everything okay?”
“Tex asked me to inform you that someone named Lukas would be arriving within the hour. He’s sending a car unless you’d like to pick him up personally.”
He glanced at the laptop’s clock, cursing when he realized the time. “I guess not, these need to be finished.” The pile of papers wouldn’t be done by the time Lukas arrived, but he’d do what he could. “Lukas is my brother. He’s coming to upgrade things, starting with a computer system. How anyone managed to keep track of the hotel’s accounting and reservations is beyond me.”
“Avery believed computers allowed people to spy on you. Most of us don’t even have cell phones, or any tech gadgets.” Pushing the door shut behind her, she wandered in closer to the desk. “I have experience with computers and accounting, from before I was confined to the tunnels. I can do this while you go meet Lukas.”
“He’ll understand.” Slipping a finger into the belt loop of her jeans, he pulled her onto his lap. “I can think of a better way to spend the time.”
“How would that be?”
Without answering, he pressed his lips to hers. The sweetness of her lip-gloss urged him on. Slipping his tongue between her lips, he devoured her, tugging her shirt up as he went. Breaking the kiss, he pulled the thin tank top over her head.
“You have work…”
“Don’t think, just feel.” He kissed along her jawline until he reached the sweet spot just below her ear. Grazing his teeth over the area, he blew his cool breath against her flushed skin. “Work can wait, this can’t.”