Jinx's Mate by Marissa Dobson

training was clear as he pinned Ben to the ground.
    “Styx
is the best warrior. He’s been working as one of the Elder guards for the
Alaskan Tigers’ Lieutenant’s mate, Bethany, and is showing just how much of an
asset he is for the clan. He spent many years as an assassin, honing his skills
because his life depended on them. When he came to the Alaskan Tigers, he
wanted a quiet life away from it all.”
    “Then
why’s he back in the action now?” She couldn’t take her gaze away from the
fight, even as Styx stood, giving a hand to Ben. Not giving him time to
recover, Ty quickly came at him.
    “Shadow,
the Captain of Bethany’s guards, requested him as her second. He accepted it,
and since then he’s been taking on more.” He laid his hand on her shoulder. “I
tell you this because Styx is the best and Ben is holding his own. Mind you
they aren’t going at it like they would if it was a real attack, but they
aren’t slacking off either.”
    “I
never doubted he could do it…I’m just scared. He’s all I have left.”
    “Not
true, you have me.” He rubbed her shoulder.
    “As
well as your clan.” The thought of them put a pinprick in the floodgates she
built trying to keep their emotions at bay, giving her a trickle off it.
    “You
have the Texas Tigers too. No matter what happens between us, do you really
think these people will forget what you’ve been through together, what you’ve
done for them?” He answered for her, shaking his head. “No. You’ll always have
a home here as well. Even knowing that you were to mate with me, you spent all
day yesterday with the members, doing what you could to help them adjust to the
changes.”
    “It
wasn’t so innocent,” she admitted. “I wanted to see if there was going to be a
revolt within the ranks. I know these people. I might be able to spot something
to let me know they would revolt against the new leadership.” She gently placed
her hand over his. “Even a small hint could save countless lives and pain.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Jinx,
Tad, and Milo remained behind in Texas, helping Tex get everything sorted out
before their return to Alaska. There was much to do to ensure Tex was safe when
they left. Tad and Milo worked endless hours honing the guards’ skills, while
Jinx helped Tex with his Alpha duties by dealing with the resort side of
things, allowing Tex to worry about the clan.
    Typing
away at the computer, Jinx tried to convert the books into the new system he’d
created. It was tedious job, but gave him a better idea of goals for the resort
over the coming months. It also allowed him to see just how badly the resort
had fallen.
    Only
months ago the place was busting at the seams, and had a waiting list for
cancellations. The resort had activities and luxuries that no other shifter
establishment offered, making it favored by many. With time he hoped Tex would
bring it back to its former glory.
    “There
you are.” Summer leaned in the doorway.
    “I’ve
been here.” He leaned back, welcoming the break. “Everything okay?”
    “Tex
asked me to inform you that someone named Lukas would be arriving within the
hour. He’s sending a car unless you’d like to pick him up personally.”
    He
glanced at the laptop’s clock, cursing when he realized the time. “I guess not,
these need to be finished.” The pile of papers wouldn’t be done by the time
Lukas arrived, but he’d do what he could. “Lukas is my brother. He’s coming to
upgrade things, starting with a computer system. How anyone managed to keep
track of the hotel’s accounting and reservations is beyond me.”
    “Avery
believed computers allowed people to spy on you. Most of us don’t even have
cell phones, or any tech gadgets.” Pushing the door shut behind her, she wandered
in closer to the desk. “I have experience with computers and accounting, from
before I was confined to the tunnels. I can do this while you go meet Lukas.”
    “He’ll
understand.” Slipping a