“Ben.” Tad opened the door and Ben strolled in. “What’s wrong with my little cub?”
“She just woke up and came out of the bedroom to find me. Instead she stumbled into Tad. It just scared her, but she’s okay.” She moved Claire to her other hip. “Right, sweetie?” In answer, the girl buried her face in Summer’s shoulder.
Ben stood across the room, not coming any closer. “Jinx is running a little behind bringing Tex up to speed. He asked me to accompany you to the meeting with Ashley and he’ll meet us there.”
“Okay.” She dragged a hand through her hair, pulling the blonde strands away from Claire’s grip. “I still think this is a bad idea.”
“Me too,” Ben said. “Tex and Jinx discussed it. If we do it now, maybe Ashley will lay off and allow you to help Claire. Has she spoken yet?”
“Not a word. If she’s not crying, she doesn’t make a sound.” She glanced down at Claire before looking up at Ben again. “What if she does something to make matters worse for Claire? If she tries to force Claire to come to her, it could…”
“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m not going to let anything happen to her. Tad, Jinx, and Tex are going to be there as well.”
“Why?”
“Jinx and I are going to be there because we’re family, and Tad is your guard until the men from West Virginia arrive. Tex is there as Alpha. If any decisions need to be made, he’ll be there to do it.”
She shook her head. “That’s too many people for Claire.”
“We’re meeting in the fifth floor lobby. It’s open enough that we can stand back so you, Claire, and Ashley can do this without feeling closed in.” He looked at his watch. “It’s the best you’re going to get. Now we should go. Jinx wants us there before Ashley so it will give Claire a chance to feel comfortable with her surroundings.”
“Claire.” She paused until the girl moved her head away from Summer’s shoulder and looked up. “There’s someone who wants to see you, so we’re going to go downstairs.”
Claire shook her head, sending her blonde curls flying.
“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m going to be with you the whole time. To get there, we’re going to take an elevator with Tad and Ben. I promise you’re going to be fine, they’re here to protect us.” She tried to soothe the girl, but she wasn’t sure if she was making things better or worse.
Her doubts began to rise within her. She knew nothing about raising a child. Not to mention the fact Claire had yet to speak. How was she supposed to deal with that? Claire had always been a quiet child, but this was more than that. She was completely silent.
* * *
Jinx stood in the back of room watching his mate work her magic on little Claire. In just the few minutes he had been watching, Summer had gotten Claire to sit on her lap without burying her head away. The little cub wouldn’t look at Tad, but she clung to the stuffed tiger Ben had brought her earlier. Summer had doubts about being an instant parent to Claire, but already she was proving she was the only one capable of the job. Claire trusted her, and with half the tiger shifter cubs not making it past their second birthday, they need Summer and Claire to keep the bond strong.
Claire might already be two but she wasn’t out of the woods yet. There was still a high casualty rate until cubs reached five. Three more years that Claire would be relying on Summer and Jinx for everything—they were her key to survive in a clan. Maybe longer due to what she’d suffered already. Either way, they’d be there for her.
“Look what I have for the little lass.” Jinx came toward them carrying the crocheted blanket.
With a bright smile, the first one Jinx had seen since he met her, Claire held out her hand for the blanket. She didn’t say anything, but this was a start.
“Have you seen Ashley?” Summer whispered as he neared.
“Tex headed them off, giving me time to slip up here to make sure things were okay. They’ll be up in a few minutes. Is she ready?”
“As ready as she’s going to be.” She draped the blanket over Claire’s legs. “As long as Tad keeps his distance she’s okay. For some reason he scares her.”
“Ben and I both brought her gifts, maybe Tad just needs to bribe her.” He knelt down so he was at eye level with Claire. “Mind if I sit next to you two beautiful lasses?” Instead of answering, she pulled the blanket closer to her face, snuggling with it and the tiger. He took that as a yes, and sat next to them.
“Things are going to be fine, Summer?” Several feet away, Ben stood off to the side.