Free Jinx's Mate by Marissa Dobson

be there. Claire will be our responsibly if she
comes with us. Not only to bring up correctly, but to protect.” He pulled her
to her feet, his fingers traveling down the length of her arms before going
back up. “Fatherhood, well that’s a new role for me, one that I’d be excited to
take on. I have extensive experience with children, through my clan. We are a
very close bunch, and believe strongly that it takes a village, or in this case
a clan, to raise a child. No parents are left without help.”
    “You’re
serious about this aren’t you? We’re really going to take Claire with us.”
    “What
would you have us do? Claire is in a fragile state right now. If we abandon her
it could be the end for her. When Ashley gives birth, don’t you think Claire
will be pushed aside?”
    She
glanced at Claire, sleeping peacefully, and wondered what would happen if she
stayed with Ashley. “What about when we have children of our own?”
    “You
have the bond with her, as if she was your own child. Ashley does not. Ashley
is also just a few weeks from giving birth. She’s not ready to handle both a
new baby and Claire, especially not because she feels it’s her duty.” He
brushed his finger along her jawline, gently turning her head so she was
looking at him. “Claire will never be second to you or me, not even if we have
a dozen children. I can see the bond connecting you to her. Search your heart
and you’ll know the right thing to do.”

Chapter T en
     
    Jinx
had barely stepped out of the bedroom when there was a light knock on the door.
He had arranged for Tad to guard his new family while he met with Lukas about
the upgrades for the resort. He crossed the living area quickly, hoping to
reach the door before Tad knocked again and woke up Claire.
    He
pulled the door open and stepped back. “Come in, Tad, thanks for coming. Summer
just got Claire to sleep and will be joining us in a moment.”
    Tad
stepped into the room, glancing around for exits. Every move he made showed he
was working. “Milo and Lukas are ten minutes away. Besides this door, is there
another one from the bedroom?”
    “No,
this is the only way in or out except the windows…and since we’re on the eighth
floor, I doubt there will be any problems in that arena.”
    Summer
paused in the doorway to the bedroom. “Umm…”
    “It’s
okay, lass. This is Tad, he’s a member of the Kodiak Bears from Nome, Alaska. His
sleuth partnered with Ty, and he agreed to guard you and Claire so I can meet
with Lukas.”
    “We’ll
be here, there’s no need for guards.”
    “I
told you before that I would see to having Elder guards for you. I had planned
to wait until we were in West Virginia, but with the state of the clan and
Claire becoming our responsibility, it’s necessary. I have four guards arriving
tonight. Until then, Tad has agreed to stay with you when I cannot.” He grabbed
a folder from the table and went to her. “Don’t fight me on this, lass, you
won’t win. I need to go. Lukas will be here soon. I’m just downstairs if
anything happens.”
    “What
do you think might happen?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
    “You
were there when Ben said he didn’t think Ashley would let this go. There’s that
and other possibilities, but nothing’s going to happen. Tad’s here with you for
now, and I’ll be back shortly. I just want both of you safe. Think of me as an
overprotective new mate and instant father.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I
love you. If you need me, Tad has my cell number. I’m only a few floors away
and can be here in a matter of minutes.”
    “You
said that.” She smiled at him.
    “So
I did, but it brought a smile to your face.” This time when he kissed her, she
returned his kiss with a hunger of her own.
    He
broke the kiss, forcing himself to the door before they ended up back in the
bedroom. “I’ll be back soon.”
    There
were a number of things he wanted to see to before Lukas’s arrival.