Jinx’s Mate(49)
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He wanted to tell Adam it wasn’t a big deal, but it was. “We all make mistakes. If Claire doesn’t have any lasting issues, and this hasn’t set her back further, then no damage done. Now I must find Lukas.”
“He’s with Ty and that kid Eric, they’re in the Nerd Crew room with Connor.”
“Perfect.” Jinx headed that way, hoping that for Lukas’s sake Eric was living up to what Ty needed from him.
Across the grounds everyone seemed to be moving at an escalated pace, getting things prepared for tomorrow. The Alaskan Tigers knew Tabitha’s destiny, but the rest of the tiger population was about to find out. Everyone was checking the perimeter, making sure the fence and cameras were all in place. Preparing themselves if there was an attack.
Tomorrow the announcement would go out, with Jinx, Lukas, Tex, and Ben at Ty and Tabitha’s side supporting them. Devon, Taber, and Thorben would be there representing the Kodiak Bears. It would be a joint affair showing their support for the union . Directly after the announcement, Jinx and his crew would head back to West Virginia, Tex to Texas, and Devon back to the Brown’s Island in Nome. Everyone wanted to be home in case of an uproar.
Tomorrow’s the day we’ve been all waiting for…
Chapter Twenty-One
The team gathered in the ballroom, one final run down of what was about to happen before they’d take their places. Jinx stood with his arms around Summer, while Claire played happily at their feet, anxious to get things going. Lukas had the equipment set up, ready to be activated.
“The clans that aren’t available at this time, or don’t have computers, how will they get the message?” Tex inquired.
“Anyone who doesn’t log in within thirty minutes to watch the announcement, the system will call and deliver it through the phones. That should cover everyone,” Lukas explained, as Eric fixed the lights.
“If not, we’ll have to figure something out for any clan that doesn’t have the news within the next few hours.” Ty stood next to the platform, Tabitha looking a little pale at his side.
“Are we ready then?” Jinx ran his fingers down Summer’s body. He was anxious to get this over with and get back home. This wasn’t just a new beginning for all the tigers; he was on the path of a new beginning for himself, one that he wanted in West Virginia. He found it amazing that mating changed so much, making him leave his traveling days behind to settle down, giving his family stability.
“Why doesn’t everyone get into position? I need a moment with Tabitha.” Ty led Tabitha to the side, his arm around her shoulders.
“Jackson!” Jinx called out.
Summer raised an eyebrow at him. “We don’t need a guard. You’re going to be right there.”
“You never know what could happen, so stay with Jackson. Carson is just outside if he’s needed.”
“I’m right here as well.” Ben came up to stand next to them. “Sorry I haven’t had much time to see you.”
“It’s been a whirlwind of a trip, and thankfully almost over. I never realized how much I preferred the quiet life until now.” She stepped out of Jinx’s embrace and hugged her brother. “It’s still good to see you.”
“I spoke with Tex. As soon as things calm down, I’m going to slip away for a few days and come visit you. I thought it would be better for Claire, and Jinx approved.” He squatted down in front of Claire. “Did you miss your Uncle Ben?”
Surprising them all, Claire leaned forward and wrapped her little arms around Ben’s neck, the stuffed tiger he’d given her still clutched in her hand.
“I think she missed you,” Summer confirmed.
“I got to go.” Jinx nodded to everyone already in their places. “Remember to stay back, I don’t want you and Claire in any more danger.” He kissed her and then leaned down and kissed Claire on the top of her head. “I want you to stay with Mommy, Uncle Ben, and Jackson.”
Stepping onto the platform, he took his position, which would be next to Ty when he joined them. Raja was on the other side of Tabitha with Devon next to him, while Taber, Thorben, and Tex stood behind them. Solidarity.
He reminded himself why they were doing it. It wasn’t so there was one ruler, it was for their future, one that would make them free. It was for his family, for Summer and Claire, and all the other shifters. No longer would they have to hide. All over the country tiger shifters were dying out; this was going to bring life back to their people.
If Tabitha produced an heir their numbers would explode. If she failed, or their enemies were able to kill her or Ty, they would slowly die out, and tiger shifters would fade until there was nothing left. That sent Jinx’s thoughts spiraling downward with a glance at his family as he thought about the one thing that had compelled him to dedicate himself to Tabitha. The legend.