She didn’t bother to argue, only sat down and adjusted Claire so she was sitting on her legs. “My sweet little girl, I’m going to get muscles as big as Jinx’s if I have to keep carrying you around.”
“Speaking of that. Robin suggested that since the paperwork was drawn up before we left Texas, we can make the adoption official.” He sat down next to them, putting his hand over theirs. “Maybe we should refer to ourselves as proper parents, that way when she starts talking she’ll know what to call us.”
“You mean like Mom and Dad?”
“Exactly. It might be easier for her, especially once we have kids of our own. We don’t want her to feel like she isn’t as much a part of our life and love as they are.”
She ran her thumb over Jinx’s hand and looked down at Claire. “Would you like that, Claire? Do you want us to be your Mommy and Daddy?”
Before Claire could answer, not that Summer really expected her to, Jackson had returned with a woman. Her long black hair and deep chocolate brown eyes were the first features Summer noticed about her.
“Summer, this is Meshell.” Jackson introduced them.
“Meshell, please have a seat.” Jinx nodded to the seat across from them. “I was telling Summer that you’re one of the ground guards here, and I wanted to introduce you both since you seemed to have been missing part of the evening.”
“I was patrolling.” She pulled out the chair and sat down. “Most of the guards covered for each other so we could be here. By the time I got here you were already eating. I didn’t want to interrupt.” It was painfully clear that Meshell was nervous, even slightly uncomfortable being singled out.
Summer watched how the woman moved. She was extremely fit, but not overly that took her to an unattractive level. Underneath, the womanhood was still clear. “How do you enjoy working with the clan?” Summer asked.
“I love it. It’s been what I’ve worked for my whole life.”
Claire begun squirming in Summer’s lap and rubbing her eyes. “We’re almost done, sweetie.”
“Someone is tired.” Meshell smiled at Claire.
“It’s been a long few days for all of us, especially Claire,” Jinx confirmed. “I wanted to give Summer time to get to know you, but I’m afraid Claire has other ideas.”
“I understand. There will be other times.” She nodded and stood. “Welcome to the clan.”
When Meshell walked away, he turned to Summer. “Sorry, lass, but I believe we’ve pushed Claire as far as we can tonight. Let’s get her home.”
In agreement, she let him take Claire from her and stood. There would always be tomorrow to see if Meshell could cut it as one of the Elder guards.
* * *
The hour was early with darkness still surrounding the West Virginia land when the alarms were going off. Jinx hurried out of bed, slipping into a pair of jeans and grabbing the gun he had at the bedside table. The easy reach of the weapon reminded him that he’d have to lock up his guns now that Claire was in the house.
“What’s going on?” Summer asked, fear creeping in her voice.
“Someone or something has crossed the perimeter. I’m sure Jackson and Carson are on their way up. I’ll have to check it out.”
“I’ll go check on Claire.” She grabbed the yoga pants and tank top she’d thrown at the end of the bed. With Claire sleeping soundly in the next room, they’d been able to enjoy each other’s company before falling asleep the night before.
“You don’t have to worry about her,” Jinx promised. “The building is safe and she’s probably sleeping. Nothing can get in, not with everything locked down for the night.”
“If she hears the alarm, she’ll be frightened.” Summer tugged the tank top over her head.
The elevator ding let them know someone had arrived.
“Jinx. Carson and I are here,” Jackson called out as they stepped off the elevator.
“I’ll be back.” Jinx crossed the room. “If anything happens, stay with them.”
“Be safe,” she whispered as he dashed out.
On his way, he glanced at the guards. “Summer’s going to check on Claire. If anything happens you know what to do.” Knowing the men would keep her safe, he didn’t wait for a reply, just stepped onto the elevator and left.
The elevator stopped on the second floor and Lukas stepped in, still getting dressed. “What the hell’s going on?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll tell you this. First thing tomorrow your first assignment is to get us those ear transmitters Ty’s clan has. It would make this easier. At the moment, we’re heading out blind.” He growled, not know what was happening at the perimeter.