“I heard Tex putting straight one of the clan members today. I guess some believed that you and Ty were overthrowing all the Alphas who were against you and putting your own people there instead.”
“Yeah, Tex told me about that. You know it’s not true, right?” He didn’t want her to answer. “The Ohio clan was being abused just as you were. You haven’t met him yet, but Felix is Tabitha’s Captain of the Guards. His brother was in Ohio suffering their tortures. It’s how we found out, and part of the reason Korbin is now Ohio’s Alpha. Under Korbin’s command, the Ohio clan has come a long way. They are even planning to open a resort like Manetka, but on a much smaller scale.”
“I knew you and Ty weren’t the type to overthrow other Alphas.”
She snuggled deeper against Jinx, letting her hand run down his chest, feeling the muscles constrict under her touch. He was everything she needed, and more she didn’t even know she wanted.
She wanted to lose herself in his embrace, to forget everything that happened and seize what her future held. Her last day under Avery’s rule would haunt her until she died, but she had to put it behind her for the sake of her family.
Chapter Fifteen
The next day and a half flew by, leaving Summer wishing for more time. She had been running around trying to get everything done, make progress with Claire, checking on a few people close to her, and still deal with packing. It left her exhausted and glad to be about to board the plane for West Virginia.
The only good thing that had come out of the last forty-eight hours was Claire had made some progress especially where Ben, Jinx, and surprisingly Jackson were concerned. There was something about Jackson’s voice that the little girl loved. She’d bring him a book, and force him to hold her while he read it. It was sweet seeing Claire climb into Jackson’s strong arms. She looked so small and fragile in the big man’s lap. Even with the progress Claire had made, she had yet to speak.
There on the landing strip was where everything was going to change. Summer stood with a very sleepy Claire on her hip, about to board a plane to take her to her new clan. Never again would this be her home. She might be welcomed at the resort, but it would never be her clan again. West Virginia was about to be.
Or I guess it already is since I’m Alpha Female to the clan.
She pushed her thoughts away, and tried not to dwell on the negative.
“I’m going to miss you,” Ben said, giving her a hug.
Feeling Ben’s arms around her almost made her lose it. He had been her protector for years, and now she was leaving him to go to the other side of the country. It didn’t matter that they would visit, or that she could have the clan’s private plane bring her here anytime she wanted. All that mattered was she was leaving him, and it was breaking her heart.
“Don’t cry. This isn’t goodbye. I’m going to see you soon for Tabitha’s announcement.” He playfully tugged Claire’s thumb out of her mouth. “Same with you, little one. You’re going to remember your Uncle Ben when I see you in a few weeks, aren’t you?”
She nodded, her little hand reaching out to cup his cheek. When he leaned closer she kissed him. It was a perfect ending to their days in Texas.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better goodbye.” He kissed Claire’s cheek before looking back up at her. “I love you, and if you ever need anything day or night you can call me. Got it?”
She nodded and wrapped her arms around him. “I love you too.”
“Lass…” Jinx stepped away from where he’d been talking to Tex, and walked over to her. “We should go.”
“What about Ashley? Isn’t she coming?”
Tex moved up to stand next to Ben. “We decided it was best for Claire that she doesn’t. Next visit we can try again, but right now Claire is making progress and none of us want to set it back.”
“I’m doubtful Ashley went along with it quietly.”
“She was upset but finally agreed. It might be nice if you consider emailing her pictures of Claire from time to time,” Tex suggested.
“Okay. I also promised I’d call her with updates. I don’t want to take Claire away from her family. I only want to do what’s right for her.”
“That’s what we all want, lass,” Jinx reassured her.
“Carson and Garth are already on board,” Lukas told Jinx when he came to stand by them. “Tex, if anything comes up with the security, let me know, otherwise Larry can finish what needs to be done and can handle most problems.”
“Very good. Thank you for all you’ve done for my clan.” Tex held out his hand and Lukas shook it.