Jinx’s Mate(48)

“Can you tell me what happened to you in the cellar? What happened to your mother?”

With every question Robin asked, tears flowed quicker down Claire’s face, her body trembling with sobs. Summer wasn’t sure how much more she could take. Her body screamed to go to her little girl, that this wasn’t right. Everything that seemed to be happening seemed to push Claire further back.

The door flew open, nearly hitting Jackson, and in walked Jinx. “Enough.” His voice echoed with authority as he closed the distance to Claire. “It’s okay, lass.” He picked her up, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight to his chest.

Robin shot to her feet. “What is the meaning of this? You asked for my help.”

“Consider it retracted then.” He ran his hand over Claire’s back. “I might not be able to feel her emotions but I can tell you for damn sure you’re not helping her.”

“I have to find a way to break through. Bringing up those bad memories might help her talk. I don’t have time to pussyfoot around it, you’re only here for two days!”

“All you’re doing is terrifying her. I was watching from the window and I could see her retreating further into herself. We haven’t made a lot of progress yet, but what we have is better than nothing. I won’t have you scaring her back to the terrified little lass we found in Texas.” He turned and stalked toward the door. “Come along, Summer, we’re done here.”

She went to him, with Jackson taking up the rear.

“I thought you had other things to deal with?” Summer asked, coming down the steps to where Carson and Garth waited.

“I decided my family was more important and that I should be there in case Claire said anything.” He rubbed Claire’s back, trying to ease the sobs. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

“I wasn’t alone, Jackson was there.” She slid under his arm, pressing herself to him and gently laying a hand on Claire. “I couldn’t stand what was happening but I kept telling myself if it helped it was going to be worth it.”

“She has no experience with children or anyone who is mute from terror.” He held her for a moment before continuing. “You said it yourself, she was making progress yesterday with the play date, so we’ll do things our way. Research what we need and if it doesn’t work we’ll find someone who specializes in this. I won’t have someone terrifying her.”

“We should move along,” Jackson suggested. “She’s standing in the window watching us.”

“Come on, lass, let’s get you and Claire settled into our cabin. Then I have to get back to work.” He brushed his lips against Claire’s forehead. “Little lass, how would you like it if Jackson read you a story?” She nodded her head against his shoulder without looking up.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Summer ran a hand through Claire’s hair, pulling it away from her face. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Things are going to be okay. Daddy and I will make sure of it.”

* * *

With his family secure in the cabin, Jinx made his way across the compound back to see the progress and to check with Lukas on what he had missed. Seeing that fear in Claire had pushed him over the edge; his tiger was ready to spring forth and attack. This was more than being an Alpha. This was parenthood. The love for a child could make a person do things they would never do to protect that child.

“Jinx.”

He turned to see Adam strolling toward him. “Everything okay? You look worried.”

“I was just by the cabin to see Robin. She’s upset.”

“What do you want me to say?” As the wind picked up, he adjusted his cowboy hat. “I can’t apologize. With someone in Claire’s condition and her age, she took it too far.”

“Actually, it was me who came to apologize. Robin is so eager to help. She went at it straight forward, and with a child that young she shouldn’t have.” Adam held out a stack of papers. “This is all the research we gathered. Maybe something in it will help Claire.”

“Thank you.” He took the papers, and told himself he’d look over it as soon as things were over in Alaska. “Robin is a good thing for our people. Especially those in the Ohio and Texas clans who have been abused. I saw the progress she made with Harmony and Tex with the abuse they suffered. I just don’t think her specialty is children.”

“I understand you probably won’t want it, but if you ever need it, Robin is still here to help. Though it might be best if it isn’t until Claire is speaking. I can give you my word there won’t be a repeat of what happened today. She does feel extremely guilty.”