Jinx's Mate by Marissa Dobson Read Free Book Online

clear to you. It’s helpful to know who
is truly loyal to you, and how things stand with each clan member. I know it
can be overwhelming at first.”
    Overwhelming
was an understatement. So many different emotions coming at her all at once threw
her off balance. She was just a boat bouncing around in a sea of sensations.
How did he live with it and not go insane? More importantly, how could she live
with it?
    “It’s
all so much. It feels like hundreds.”
    “Not
hundreds. My clan is smaller than this one, but they are a lively bunch. I
promise we’ll go see them soon. That should help you.” He snuggled her closer
to him. “It’s been too long since I’ve been home.”
    She
knew it had only been a couple of weeks, but the longing to be among his clan
was strong. Many of the members were blood related. It was more of a family
clan than she ever knew existed.
    “I’d
like that, when this is over,” she said.
    “It’s
going to be over soon. Tex is already working to turn this clan back to what it
should be. The members already trust him because he’s one of them. Styx and
Milo spent the day working with the men Tex chose for Elder guards. Tomorrow
they’ll be working with some of the grounds guards. Within a few weeks, this
clan will be unlike it’s ever been. You have nothing to worry about.”
    “How
can you say that? Tex and Ben were elected, they didn’t fight their positions.
It puts them in danger. How do we know they won’t be killed so someone devoted
to Avery can take over?” For the first time she allowed her fears to be spoken
aloud. She knew he wouldn’t judge her because she was scared for her brother
and for Tex.
    “As
an Alpha, there are never any certainties.” He leaned up on his elbow, looking
down at her. “Both Ty and I have been working with them. Tex had hand-to-hand
combat, gun, and martial arts training before we ever came here. He was being
trained as one of the Alaskan Tigers guards. He can protect himself and those
under him.”
    “Ben
never had that training.”
    “I
realize that, but he’s learning. Actually he’s come a long way. He’s not going
to lie down and die, he’ll fight with his last breath. Don’t discount him, he’s
made for this.”
    With
a blink she pushed the tears away. “I’m just scared to lose him like I lost
Autumn. I don’t want to be alone.”
    “You’ll
never be alone. I’ll always be by your side.”
    She
wanted him to say she wouldn’t lose Ben, but she also knew he wouldn’t. Jinx wouldn’t
give her words just to make her feel better. He told her he wouldn’t sugarcoat
things, now she had to respect that. Instead of pressing the issue she drew her
hand over his chest, just enjoying the moment, trying not to think about losing
either of them.
    Maybe
caring for men of power takes a stronger woman than me. It pained her to think it, but she
wasn’t sure she was made for it. She pushed the negative thoughts away. If she
couldn’t have handled it, fate wouldn’t have mated her with Jinx. At least she
hoped.

Chapter Seven
     
    There
were more in attendance at the funeral than Summer could have hoped. Once it
was over, she sat clutching the exquisite urn that held her sister’s ashes, her
face soaked with tears, and let Ben deal with thanking everyone for coming. She
couldn’t face the sadness in the eyes of her clan members.
    How
they had managed to put together such a beautiful service in spite of
everything she didn’t know. There were so many little details that meant the
world to her. One of the only pictures of the three of them was displayed for
all to see, and beautiful lilies and roses were scattered throughout the room.
The urn even had Autumn’s name engraved amidst a beautiful autumn setting, the
trees full of color.
    There
had been so much thought put into the event, including little touches like her
favorite flowers, and the urn that made it more special. Autumn and Ben might
have never seen eye to eye but this showed