“What if she was our own flesh and blood?”
“We wouldn’t have this issue with our flesh and blood, they would be connected to us from birth. There would never be a doubt of loyalty to us or the clan.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m truly sorry but I can’t give you the words you want to hear. I can only tell you that if we raise her right and do what we can to help her put the past behind her, we stand a good chance of never having to make that decision.”
She wished that was enough to calm her, but it wasn’t. If anything it frightened her, and made her want to question every decision she made. Would one of their decisions give Claire a reason to turn against them in the future?
* * *
Jinx sat in his home office dealing with clan business. Going over the things that had slipped to the side while he was in Alaska. So much work and so little time before they had to go back to Alaska. He had forced Lukas to choose between his duty to the clan and the Nerd Crew. Now Jinx had a feeling the day would soon arrive when he would have to make a similar choice.
His clan needed him here, and his family needed stability instead of always traveling, but on the other side of things Ty and Tabitha needed him. Somehow there had to be a balance. One that would allow him to be there for Tabitha and her new world, while still giving himself completely to his family and clan.
Suddenly his computer alerted him to a call from Ty through the secure computer transmissions that Lukas himself had coded. Leaning back against the leather chair he pushed the button, accepting the call. A brief moment later Ty’s face filled the screen.
“What has you up and busy this early?”
Ty sat in his own home office, his shoulder length dark hair pulled back in a leather strap and worry lines creasing his face. “We received a call from Tex. Cliff attacked the compound last night with three other former clan members. They’re dead.”
“Is everyone in Texas okay? Ben?” The thought of telling his mate that her brother was injured or worse when they had just left the day before made him ill.
“Ben’s fine. One of the guards was shot but he’s going to be fine.”
“Then I can’t help but wonder why you called.” Jinx tossed the pen he had been rolling between his hands on the desk.
“The Texas Tigers proved they are strong by overcoming their first attack. It was the final step needed. Tabitha will be making her announcement soon. We’d like for you to be here for it, and we need Lukas to patch into every clan’s computer system for the announcement.”
“I need time to put in place the final Elder guards for Summer and Claire, which I have planned for this evening. We could leave first thing in the morning if that’s soon enough for you.” He wasn’t going to take Summer and Claire without additional guards to keep them safe.
“That will be fine.” Ty nodded. “We’ll set the announcement for the following day.”
“I believe Lukas has already received your approval for Eric to join us. He’s seeking to have Eric come on as one of the Nerd Crew so he can manage both responsibilities.”
“Yes, I agreed that Raja, Connor, and I would meet with him.” Ty’s office door open and Felix stepped in. “I must go, there’s much I need to attend to before the announcement. We’ll see you tomorrow.” With that Ty clicked off.
Jinx leaned back against the chair. In less than forty-eight hours everything for their kind was about to change. Tabitha was about to become Queen of the Tigers. There was bound to be backlash from it, and he had to be damn sure he’d have his house in order so the clan and his family were protected.
Chapter Nineteen
The list of new Elder guards had been created—only one name left before they could end the discussion. Summer sat on the sofa with Claire playing at her feet, and Jinx next to her. Jackson sat across from them giving his input on the status of the potential guards.
“Let’s discuss Meshell.” She knew Jinx had been putting it off, and now it was time to confront it head on.
“You observed her training, what did you think?” Jackson inquired.
“I know next to nothing about hand-to-hand combat, weapons, or anything else that you covered with her today. She seemed good, and she’s a good shot. But I think you need to tell me what you thought of her actions today.” Summer tossed the question back at Jackson. Avery had never taught them any kind of combat skills, so even though Meshell looked good to her, it didn’t mean she was.
“As I told Jinx before, Meshell is a good prospect. She takes orders well, and as you said she’s a good shot. Even with as many hours as she puts in at the gym she’s still outweighed and out-powered by most men. That could be an issue in a fight, if she can’t shoot because innocents are in the way,” Jackson explained.