Jinx’s Mate(37)
“But things will change when she’s mated, won’t they?”
He frowned at her. “That’s not my place to say, it would be Ty’s decision.”
“If she was your guard?”
“Yes, things would change. I wouldn’t risk a possibly pregnant female. If fertile, she’d be able to bring more generations to us. Too many shifters have problems conceiving, and of those cubs who are born over half of them don’t make it past their second birthday. I won’t stand by and see our numbers shrink and end our species if I can help it.”
The reasons were logical, and the future of the clan and their species depended on new life being brought into the clan. In the human world, women were being allowed in the front lines of military operations where it had been forbidden in the past. They’d come a long way.
But in the shifter world, women were in the dark ages, after centuries of being taught woman should be protected, cherished, and that they were the key to the future. They couldn’t protect their clan; instead they were expected to stay behind where it was safe.
“Being an Elder isn’t easy,” Jinx said. “There are hard decisions to make, ones that are going to upset people, but each decision has to be made in the best interest of the clan. Keeping women out of the front lines is in the best interest of the clan. We have come so far, and there’s a brighter future ahead for all of us once we get through this.”
“There are always dead in war,” Summer countered. “If a woman is skilled and strong enough to defend the clan in battle, I believe she should.”
“Which is why I would go into battle with Shadow. Don’t think that she just came into her position. It has taken her years to prove herself. There are others who are trying, one actually I want you to meet.” He adjusted Claire in his arms. “I’m willing to give them a chance if I think they can do it. I hold the men to the same condition. There are some guards I feel should remain ground guards, and others I would trust your safety to because of their skills. Women should be held to those standards too.”
Chapter Sixteen
As she listened to him, Summer realized Jinx would be open to the right woman guard. He wasn’t one to risk someone that wasn’t ready. He needed to have complete confidence in her, and the men working with her needed to be prepared to let her do what she needed to do.
“This woman you want me to meet?”
“She has aspirations of being a guard. Like Shadow she has been working her way up. Currently she is a grounds guard, closest to the homes. She has the skills, and desire to do it, she just needs to be given a chance in order to develop the instincts that come along with it.” He took a step forward, once again moving them toward the door.
“Wait.” She grabbed his arm, stopping him. “What do you expect me to do when I meet her?”
“See what you think of her.” He glanced at Jackson. “We’ve considered the possibility of having her as one of your guards. Jackson has done some of her training and believes she’s up for the challenge. Jackson and Carson can give her more of the training she needs without risking you or anyone else. She just needs to start trusting her instincts. Jackson can help hone those skills. Right now I want you to see what you think of her before we consider it further.”
“You’re going to have me make the decision? To be the woman’s only chance…and if I say no, is that it for her?” She was worried she would think the guard had possibilities but wasn’t ready yet, and then the woman would lose her chance. After all, Summer didn’t mind a fresh guard when it came to her, but for Claire’s safety she wasn’t willing to risk it.
“It’s not her only chance,” Jinx clarified. “Jackson and I believe she would be a good fit, but I want to make sure you’re comfortable. Any guards that are assigned to your protection are also in charge of protecting Claire, so you need to consider that was well. She has taken to Jackson, puts up with Carson, but she doesn’t like Larry.”
Her thoughts traveled back to Larry. He seemed to be a good guy, and an excellent guard, but he reminded her too much of Avery. Not in personality but in looks, and that could be what scared Claire. Their little lass must have seen some of the horrible things that were done to her mother. Did Avery make Claire watch while her mother was tortured? She hated the thought, but wouldn’t put it past Avery; it was just like him to do something like that in an attempt to emotionally scar Claire.
“What are we going to do about Larry?”
“He’s a good guard, one that I’d trust your safety to if I was called away. I want him a part of the team. Claire does okay as long as he isn’t too close and they’re not alone together. I think with time she’ll warm up to him once she sees he has a soft side.”