No one was sure if they’d be able to continue their line, and would simply fade out with time, or if they would just die with her. Either way it would mean the end of their species.
Even though it made no sense to Jinx, the rogues were desperate to kill her. Pierce had drilled into them that she was an enemy, and that she wanted them to band together so she could kill them all. As insane as it all sounded, some bought into it. Now this announcement would bring more danger to her and everyone surrounding her.
“Okay, we’re ready.” Ty nodded to Lukas as they stepped into their places. Tabitha looked better than she had, the color back in her cheeks. Whatever Ty had said to her worked. Felix and Adam took their places on the ends, their weapons visible.
Lukas nodded, letting them know they were on.
“Hello, Alphas of the United States clans. I’m Tabitha. My mate Ty and I have an announcement that concerns everyone.” She paused, squared her shoulders, and began. “The legend of a tiger coming to unite all of us as one, bringing peace among all, and one day announcing our species to the world is true. I am that one, the tigress here to save our kind. This is the official announcement that I’ve claimed my destiny and my title as Queen of the Tigers.”
Ty placed his hand on her back. “If you’re not with us, you’re against us. Any enemy who makes a move on us or our allies will be dealt with severely. As you can see we are surrounded by people who stand together for our cause.” Ty paused and glanced toward his Lieutenant. “Raja, the Alaskan Tigers’ Lieutenant.” Raja nodded.
“Jinx from the West Virginia Tigers.” Jinx stepped forward, and when he stepped back Ty continued. “Tex, the new Alpha of the Texas Tigers.” Since Tex was behind Jinx he couldn’t step forward so he raised his hand instead. “Devon of the Kodiak Bears and two of his sons, Taber and Thorben.”
“The two at the end are members of my Elder guards. Felix, the Captain of my Guards.” Tabitha paused as Felix stepped forward, looking menacing. “Adam, his second.”
“Korbin of the Ohio Tigers, who couldn’t make it today, is also an ally,” Ty said. “There are many more who aren’t pictured, both in this clan and among our allies. So before you decide you’re against us, consider what you’re up against.” Ty glanced at his mate. “If you’re with us, you’ll see a world you never have before. One that allows us to live without hiding ourselves, or risk being experimented on. It won’t happen overnight, but this is one step toward it.”
Tabitha cleared her throat. “We ask that if you wish to join us in making a better world for our species that you get in touch with us. At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a phone number and email that you can contact us at. If we don’t hear from you within forty-eight hours we’ll assume you are against us.” Tabitha paused as Lukas got the information on screen. “This is the first step toward a brighter world for all of us. Don’t delay, as there’s much to do.”
Lukas ended the transmission, sending it out for all the tiger clans to see, and sending it as a file to be downloaded for anyone who wasn’t online.
It all seemed anticlimactic. With nothing else to do Jinx stepped away and went to his family. “Now we wait. Hopefully within the next forty-eight hours we have everyone on board.”
“Otherwise we could have a war on our hands.” Adam leaned against one of the tables.
Ty shook his head. “I think it’s clear the war is already on our hands and is just beginning.”
“Dealing with the Ohio and Texas clans was just the beginning of what is about to come.” Raja slipped his hand into Bethany’s. “We all have to be ready because the future is going to be a bloody thing.”
“From everything I heard, this was the right decision, so we shouldn’t doubt it now.” Summer leaned her head against Jinx’s chest.
“Not doubting, just concerned.” Tabitha shook her head. “We’ll need to be cautious of everything and everyone now.”
“Let’s sit down before everyone starts rushing off.” Ty pulled out a seat for Tabitha. “We’re going to need to be cautious of every Alpha, even once they commit to our goal. Unlike with the clan right now there’s no way to determine if they are truly with us. We will only have their word. Until they prove themselves we need to be on guard.”
Tabitha laid her hand over Ty’s. “We didn’t mention the book that was handed down through the generations of my family, and has been leading me on this journey, because we can’t risk it falling into the wrong hands. Only the ones gathered in this room, and my guards, know about it. If it were to get out the danger would be even greater.”