Jinx’s Mate(39)

Jinx leaned close to Summer and whispered, “Angie.”

“Angie, it is possible and like Jinx said, we will do whatever we can for Claire, and explore each option,” Summer told her. “I do want Claire to begin to meet some of the clan members and children her own age. Having a playmate would be good for her, as long as there’s an understanding that right now Claire needs it in small doses. She hasn’t spoken since she was freed. That might be hard on another child. I’m asking you give us a few days, let us get Claire settled in, and we’ll slowly begin introducing her to everyone.”

“I know parents with children Claire’s age. We’ll set up play dates as soon as we feel she’s ready,” Jinx added. “We don’t want to keep her isolated, it’s not good for her or us. We just want to take things slow. I’ll appreciate if everyone respects that.”

“We only want to do what’s right by Claire.” Summer smiled at the crowd, hoping they could understand where she was coming from.

“Now that the announcements are done. How about we get this party started?” Excitement laced Jinx’s voice. “Summer and I will be making our way around, trying to spend a few minutes with each of you. Remember tonight is about having a little fun, meeting the new Alpha Female, and tomorrow we’ll worry about work and everything else.”

While he addressed the clan, she was awed by the change in him. There was always authority seeping from him, but among his clan there was also a relaxed sense to him. He loved being home, back in charge of his clan. He might have be comfortable in Texas, but not like this.

“Are you ready to meet the clan, lass?” He held out his arm to her.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She smirked and laced her arm through his. “I just wish Claire could be awake for this.”

“Maybe it’s for the best. All these people in one place might be too much for her. With her sleeping, you’ll be able to meet people without her clinging to you in fear.”

“Instead you have to carry her around.”

“That’s what fathers are for.” He teased. “Just wait until boys start coming around.”

“We’re shifters, they don’t come around like humans.”

“Not like humans, no, but we sniff around you girls once we start wondering where are mate is. She’ll have boys coming out of the woodwork to see if she’s their mate. All the while I’ll be cleaning my shotgun.” Summer raised an eyebrow at him and he continued to smirk at her. “Fine, not a shotgun, but my pistol will do the job.”

“You will not kill our daughter’s mate,” she warned.

“I’ll take your wishes into consideration when the time comes.” He led her over to the first table where his Uncle Tony sat. “Come on, Uncle Tony will get upset if I don’t introduce him first.”

“It’s about time my nephew finds his mate.” He stood up, quickly wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “Welcome to the family. Maybe you can get this wandering Alpha to settle down and stay home for a change.”

How did Jinx deal with people questioning why he was away when they couldn’t tell anyone the true reason? She just smiled. “I’ll see what I can do, after we take Claire to Alaska.”

“Angie’s right, we can help her.”

“Uncle, we’ll give the clan a chance as well,” Jinx interjected. “I know you’re not fond of doctors, but like when I brought on the clan’s doctor, I believe it can be of help to Claire. You don’t have to agree but it’s our decision to give it a try.”

“It’s a waste.” Tony gave Summer a meaningful glance. “Go mingle. I’ll be seeing you later.”





Chapter Seventeen




The evening had been a fun filled and somewhat overwhelming experience. Now all Summer wanted to do was curl up next to Jinx. Claire had woken up halfway through the evening and though she’d been scared with all the new people gathered around, she did fine once Summer held her. Everything had fallen into place. Even the clan’s emotions had categorized themselves just as he had predicted, and were no longer overwhelming, leaving her free to focus on Jinx’s wants and needs.

She stepped up next to him, slipping her hand into his. “Can we go now?”

“Almost, lass. Jackson, can you stop Meshell before she leaves? I want Summer to meet her before we leave.”

“Tonight?” Even as she asked it, Jackson stepped away from them, going back to the table where Lukas was sitting with a couple guys and two women.

“What better time? First impressions can be a world of good. In the morning, Carson will put her through her paces for you. Then if you are still interested, we can meet with her again.”