Jinx’s Mate(24)

“I know she’ll be in danger. It’s part of the reason I have the new guards coming in. Larry, Carson, Jackson, and Garth are the best of the clan, they’ll keep my lasses safe.”

“Have you chosen a Captain of the Guards?”

Jinx nodded. “Jackson, with Carson as his second.”

“They’ll protect them, but what about guards for you? With the changes coming, you could use your own.”

He had already had the conversation with Ty and Raja before they ventured to Texas. Ty had been forced to make changes in the guards, providing some additional backup guards for when he or Raja traveled. They were going to be in the center of things, especially Ty, since without him and Tabitha having a child the line of tigers couldn’t continue. They’d be destined to fade out. It had come to the point that Ty believed Jinx should add a line of protection for himself because of how closely he was tied to the Alaskan Tigers. He had refused until now. Now he was considering it, because he had a family to protect.

Jinx nodded, not convinced he wanted guards. Sometimes what he wanted and what was needed were two different things. “Once I’m finished here I have to return to West Virginia and make some changes. I’ll consider adding additional guards for myself as well.”

“What kind of changes?”

“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about.” He leaned back against the chair, watching Lukas carefully. This was something that had been building for some time but he’d always put it off, fearing Lukas’s answer. “Due to me dividing my time between Alaska and home, I believe it’s time I appointed a Lieutenant for the clan. You’re strong enough and have authority within the clan, though I know you’ve always enjoyed the fieldwork. Would you be interested in returning to our clan and taking the position of Lieutenant?”

Lukas’s eyes widened in shock for a moment before he composed himself and leaned forward. “That’s an honor.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“I would have to speak with Ty before I made any kind of decision.”

He swallowed the lump that was forming. It wasn’t an outright no, but it was too close for Jinx. There were others in the clan who could do it, but none that he trusted as much as Lukas.

“I’ve spoken with Ty. After all, since you’re working with the Nerd Crew you are a member of his clan at this time and I didn’t want to step on his toes. He said the decision would be yours, and that he realized when you came to Alaska it was most likely temporary because of our clan.”

He opened the folder on the desk, ready to put this behind him for now. “I understand you need time to think about it. I only ask that you give me a decision one way or another before I leave here. If you’re not interested, then I need to appoint someone else. I don’t want the clan to be seen as unprotected or an easy target because I’m in Alaska, or somewhere else helping with the transition.”

“It is very sudden. I would appreciate a day to think about it. The clan means everything to me and I don’t want anything to happen to the members.”

“Very well.” He slid his chair closer to the desk. “Let’s get down to business.”





Chapter Eleven




Summer paced the living area of their suite with a very timid Claire on her hip. The poor child had no idea what was happening but she didn’t care for Tad being in her space. The big bear had the girl on the verge of tears just from looking at her, and Summer’s nerves weren’t much better. In less than twenty minutes she had to deal with Ashley again. She really didn’t want to put Claire through it, but Ashley demanded they at least try.

“As soon as Jinx returns I’ll leave.” Tad sat woefully still across the room, trying his best not to make Claire more anxious. There was a sadness in his eyes that made it clear he didn’t like the young girl feeling he was a threat to her.

“It’s not you, Tad, it’s everyone. She was locked away without anyone around, except her mother, Autumn, and me. Now everyone’s gone but me, and she doesn’t understand what’s happening.” She ran her hand down Claire’s back, soothing her. “She’s going to have to get used to people quickly. Clan life isn’t for loners.”

“I’m sure a strange-smelling bear doesn’t help matters.”

When someone knocked at the door, Claire clung tighter to Summer’s neck. “Get that, would you?”

Without making any sudden movements, Tad rose slowly and went to the door. “Who is it?” None of the doors had peepholes, so they had to rely on their senses.