Read Online Jinx's Mate by Marissa Dobson - Free Book Online Page B

isn’t my way. I wouldn’t toss Claire
out into the world of hungry tigers alone.”
    She
leaned against the arm of the sofa. “This is all too sudden.”
    “One
step at a time.” Jinx grabbed the crocheted blanket from the ground and stepped
closer. Claire’s grip tightened on Summer’s neck. “Little lass, I mean you no
harm.” He tucked the blanket around her. “Let’s use my suite. There’s enough
room that we can add a cot. You can get her cleaned up and I’ll see about food.”
    Ben
cleared his throat from where he stood across the room. “ I’ll see about
the food. You stay with them until we can get someone else to.” When everyone
turned to him, he glanced at his sister and added, “I don’t think Ashley’s
going to give up. Claire is the only family she has left, and a pregnant
tigress is unruly. I just want you both safe.”
    “I
believe this brings us to another topic.” Jinx looked from each of them before
his gaze finally settled on Tex. “With your permission, now that our mating is
official, I’d like to fly in Elder guards for Summer and Claire.”
    “With
the state of the clan, I believe that would be wise,” Tex agreed. “However, I
ask that you keep it to four guards. Any more might have some of the clan on
edge, more so than they already are.”
    “Wait
a moment, don’t I get any say in this?” Summer asked.
    “No,”
Jinx and Ben said without even bothering to look at her.
    “See
that, Claire?” Summer peeked down at the little girl’s dirty face. “That is
your first lesson on not giving men power. They’ll try to rule you into
submission.” She smoothed her hand over the girl’s back. “Come on, love, let’s
get you cleaned up while Ben finds you something to eat.” She glanced over at
her brother. “Ben, do you think you can rustle up some pizza with pepperoni for
us? It’s her favorite.”
    “Us?”
he teased. “I only offered to get it for the little girl who stole my heart
with her tears.”
    With
a roll of her eyes, Summer strolled from the room. Ben was always a ladies’ man
when there wasn’t any danger, and he’d been trying to win Claire over. From the
way she moved to look at him, Summer had a feeling it was working.
    * * *
    Summer
sat on the edge of the cot, tucking Claire in. The sleepy little girl clung to
a stuffed tiger Ben had bribed her with so he could get the filthy blanket
she’d held onto. Looking down at the sweet face, she couldn’t understand how
Cliff could run off and leave her behind. He had to have known the state she’d
be in when they released her from the cell she’d been in since she was born.
    “You
okay?” Jinx came up behind her and rubbed her shoulders.
    “How
do you just leave a child behind?”
    “Our
kind has always done it. Normally it’s not until they’re older and can take
care of themselves. In the states we have adapted to their ways and wait until
the child reaches adulthood—eighteen—but in other countries the children are
younger. Mind you, none as young as Claire, but some parents don’t care. Look
at humans, they do it too, and sometimes worse things.”
    Seeking
comfort, she reached up, laying her hand over his. “She’s so innocent.”
    “Lass,
there’s nothing I can say that will make this right or even easier, but you’re
that little girl’s only hope.” He squeezed her shoulders gently. “Ashley wants
her because she feels it’s her duty, but there’s no bond there. Claire needs
you now more than ever.”
    “Can
I be what she needs? What do I know about raising a child?”
    “Every
woman has instincts. Trust them, and never think you’ll be alone. You won’t be.
There are plenty of experienced mothers in West Virginia, and Alaska to help
you if you need it.”
    She
turned to look at him. “You keep saying me, but this involves you too. I’m not
the only one expected to take on the parenting role with Claire. She’ll need a
father.”
    “I
never meant to imply I wouldn’t