She leaned forward and sniffed Jackson’s neck. The scent of crisp fall leaves, cedar and maple trees, mixed with the clean smell of air after a rainstorm filled her. It was strong enough that she almost believed she was there, with the wet dirt under her feet, surrounded by woods. She longed to be there, to be…home. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she actually belonged somewhere.
Not wanting the feeling to end, she took another deep breath of it, and everything clicked into place. Jackson’s emotions slipped into a file, all nice, neat, and together. No longer was he lost in the jumble that was the rest of the clans.
While her eyes were closed, Jinx came to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, as if he was trying to ground her. “You’re smelling the clan. It’s heavenly, I know, but don’t lose yourself to it. We’ll be there soon and everything else will come together.” He squeezed her shoulder, pulling her back from the edge of bliss. “If you mean Jackson no harm, kiss his neck and welcome him to the clan. If you find him a threat or wish him harm, this is your chance to bite his neck, at least until you draw blood, depending on the situation and the punishment you see fit.”
She knew with everything in her that he meant no harm to her, Jinx, or Claire. He’d protect them with his dying breath. She leaned in, allowing her lips to touch his neck, and placed a soft kiss there.
“You have now accepted Jackson as subservient to you. This is how the pack greets the Elders when they have been away for a while or they’re receiving judgment over a crime.”
Jackson stood. “It’s an honor to serve under you.”
“Thank you.” She shot a look behind her to Jinx. “Not that I need guards.”
“Let’s not do that again.” He rubbed her shoulder. “I want you and Claire protected.”
“Very well. Jackson, I’m sorry about the mess, but feel free to make yourself at home. If you’ll excuse me I’m going to take a hot bath.” She rose and kissed her mate before heading to the adjourning bedroom. On the way, she shot Lukas a look and mouthed, Talk to him.
* * *
Jinx fought everything in him not to go after her. Knowing she was in the next room, getting naked and stepping into a steaming hot bubble bath, made his shaft harden. Instead, he forced himself to clean off another chair and deal with the security detail.
“Have a seat, Jackson.” He nodded to the empty chair before seating himself. “Lukas, I’d like to continue with what we started after I go over a few quick things with Jackson, unless you have somewhere you need to be.”
“No, I’m done for the night. While you do that, I’ll just mosey over there and work on my computer.”
“Very well.” Jinx turned back to Jackson. “I’ll cut straight to the point because I know you’re tired. I asked you to be the Captain of Summer’s guards because I know you can protect her. The safety of her and Claire is the most important.”
Over the next few minutes, he brought Jackson up to speed. He went into the details of Tabitha’s coming announcement as Queen of the Tigers, to why he had been spending so much time in Alaska, to how Claire had come to be his adopted daughter. Everything that was relevant to keeping his family safe was on the table for Jackson to absorb.
“I know this is a lot to take in,” he added, “but you need to know everything in order to keep her safe.”
“I understand, and even with the challenges ahead I’ll do what you ask.” Jackson clasped his hands on the table. “However, I have to suggest that we add more guards to their protection.”
“We will, and I’d value your opinion on them. That will be done when we go to West Virginia. Tex asked that I only bring four guards here, so that the clan wouldn’t be alarmed by it. As long as things go smoothly we’re only here until the day after tomorrow, so having four guards shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Is she aware of the security threats that surround her? To be frank, I need to know if she’s going to fight the guards protecting her, or if she’ll let us to our job.”
“She’ll let you do what you need to do, I’ll make sure of it. Any problems arise, you let me know.” Jinx slipped his cowboy hat off and sat it on the table. “I was thinking of Carson for your second, is that okay with you?”
Jackson nodded. “He’s a good man. I understand you want what was said here quiet until Tabitha makes her announcement, but I feel that Carson needs to be aware of it to perform his duties to the best of his abilities.”
“I agree, fill him in and then get some sleep.” Jinx stood up from the table. “I want you and Carson back here at eight tomorrow morning. I have some things I need to take care of and I want someone watching my family. They’re not to be cooped up. If Summer wants to take Claire out, that’s fine as long as two guards are with them.”