Life in Texas was unbelievable and the unease that knotted Carleen’s stomach since she first learned she was Tex’s mate was gone. She had been nervous the clan wouldn’t approve or accept her, but it turned out she had nothing to worry about. They had only been in Texas a few days, but everything had gone perfectly and she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt more at home than she did there. This was where she belonged.

Enjoying her morning coffee, she stood on the patio near the pool as she looked out at the grounds. The construction crews were already busy on the second living quarters for the clan. The resort’s suites were nice but once the clan began to produce children, they’d need more space. Before they could see an increase in their population, they needed to have more mated couples. Avery had done a number on the clan; even mated couples were limited.

Her gaze continued to scan the ground, pausing over each of the buildings that housed clan members. The sprawling building divided into apartments was at capacity and Tex had offered a couple of the resort’s guest cottages for temporary use to anyone who wanted more space than they could offer in the resort. She glanced toward the only one that was occupied just as the front door opened. Ashley stepped out onto the porch, and in her arms she held her daughter, Nova. The adorable baby had her parents and the whole tribe wrapped around her finger. She was the first baby born in the clan’s new beginning with Tex leading them, hence why Ashley chose the name Nova, meaning new.

“There you are.” Tex strolled across the patio toward her. “I was wondering where you got off to while I was busy with Ben.”

“I wanted some fresh air.” She set her coffee mug on the railing and turned to him. “Did you get everything worked out with the security assignments?” Last night as he’d crashed into bed beside her, utterly exhausted, he told her they had almost everything worked out. Resort security was the only big aspect that remained. If the meeting was already over, she could only hope it meant he’d get a break. He’d spent most of the last two days working out everyone’s new positions and selecting potential guards to begin training. Jamison, Griffin, Rhett, and Thorn would share the responsibility, giving the upcoming guards the best overall training they could get.

“Yeah, Jamison’s the Director of Security Operations and Griffin, the Director of Security Response.”

“Fancy titles, but it sounds like their jobs will overlap.”

“Job titles make it official and with the resort about to open, we want the guests to be reassured we have security under control. They’ve worked as a team for years and just from watching them together, it’s clear separating them would be disastrous. They’ll work together to handle the guards and security for the resort. When the occasion arises that we need them on a mission or when we travel, they’ll be available. Barry will step into the role of resort manager, giving us more time to focus on the clan.” He reached behind her, grabbed her coffee mug, and brought it to his lips, taking a long drink. “Damn, that’s good.”

“Some women would kill if their man stole their coffee,” she teased, looping her arms loosely around his waist.

“To think I was planning on spending the day with my beautiful mate.” He set the mug aside and wrapped his arms around her. “Everyone deserves to let off a little steam, so tonight that’s just what we’re going to do. Mario’s making the best barbeque you’ll ever eat, Barry’s making Texas chili, and the kitchen staff is making more food than everyone can handle. We got lucky with Courtney and her mates still being here, because she’s an amazing baker. She didn’t want to be in the kitchen staff’s way, so she took over one of the cottages with Milo. I’m not sure what they’re baking, but I know we’re going to have a delicious spread of desserts. We’re going to gather in the dining hall, eat, drink, and celebrate.”

“What are we celebrating?”

“Good news, the purchase of the airplane, being alive, and everything.” He lowered his head, bringing his mouth next to her ear. “Jack called. Those who left the clan are not a threat to you; they never were. They wanted a fresh start and believe leaving Mississippi was the only way to get it. They didn’t support Lee, but they’re not sure they support Tabitha either. Right now, they’re informing themselves on Tabitha’s beliefs and determining where they stand before making a decision on a new clan.”

“Everything’s fine with Dad? Why didn’t he call me?”

“Overthinking it, peaches.” He leaned back to look at her, but kept his arms around her. “He’s fine. Knowing you wouldn’t tell him the truth, he called me to make sure you were adjusting well to the clan. He wanted to make sure you were happy.”

“Tex?” a soft female voice called from behind them.

“Bree, come join us.”

Tex stepped back from Carleen, giving her a view of the other woman. Seeing her shoulder length auburn hair and jade green eyes, it was clear she was Rhett’s sister. Bree was the woman Tex spoke about when he pulled the glass out of her hand. Just thinking about her brought the images of Bree’s cuts to the forefront of Carleen’s thoughts. Each time she cut herself, it was to release the pain within her, to feel alive, never out of the desire to die.

“Actually, I um…” Bree shifted from foot to foot. “Rhett…he wanted…”

“Briallen.” Tex stepped out of the embrace and went to the other woman. “It’s fine. Rhett told you about Carleen. There’s no need to be shy.”

“I’ve been hoping to meet you.” Carleen took a step closer, but then decided it was better to let Bree come to her rather than scaring her away.

“To see the freak of the clan?” Bree took a step away from Tex, but he grabbed her arm to stop her.

“You’re not a freak.” Knowing Tex wasn’t going to let her run off, she closed the distance between them. “I know you nearly died, but now you’re getting the help you need. Robin’s been working with you and the whole clan has been supportive. You started talking to Robin because Rhett pushed for it. He was terrified that next time he wouldn’t get to you in time to save you, but you’re doing it for you now. I know there are times when it feels like you’re alone, but you’re not. Come, let’s talk. We’ll go into the library.”

“The library.”

“I know it’s your favorite place. It’s quiet and no one will bother us.” She tipped her head to the side and raised her eyebrow at Bree. “You think I’m doing this out of pity, but you couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not sure why, because I’ve screwed up enough in the past, but I think I can help.”

“Touch her.” Tex let go of Bree’s arm and stepped away so he wasn’t interfering with the connection he encouraged between them. “Bree, you’ll know she’s not doing this out of pity.”

Carleen placed her hand on her forearm and let the connection between them flow free, allowing Bree to see the offer genuine. She understood why Bree had turned to cutting to ease the pain. There were many times when she had wanted something to ease her own pain. While cutting might never have worked for her, there were other options.

Alcohol had been restricted within the Mississippi Tigers compound, but when she was seventeen she snuck out see a guy she met with her Dad at the construction job. They went to a party where she ended up getting drunk. The relief she found in those few hours was unlike anything she experienced before. She’d have turned to it after Lucy’s mating, to ease her guilt, but it was unavailable to her.

Everyone handled stress differently. Bree cut herself. Thorn let his frustrations out in the gym. She had shut down, hiding in her room. But since she left Mississippi that had changed. She didn’t feel overcome with stress. Even now as the Alpha Female, she didn’t feel overwhelmed. If anything, she thrived off it.

“I see.” Bree stepped back, breaking the connection. “I think we’ll be good friends, but right now I must get back to Rhett. He just wanted me to tell you Jinx agreed. He’ll bring Summer and Claire for a short visit the week before the resort opens.”

“That’s great. Can you make sure Ben knows? I’ll inform Ashley and Michael.” Tex shot Carleen a grin. “Claire can test out the new play area in conference room three. That’s where we decided to move the movie night to.”

“How about lunch?” Bree asked before moving away. “I mean, if you’re not busy.”

“Lunch is great. How about I grab it from the kitchen and we eat in my suite?” She tipped her head toward Tex. “He’ll be checking on the construction and remodeling, like he does every day at that time.”

“Great. I’ll see you there.” With a smile on her face, Bree strolled back to the main building.

“I thought we’d spend the day together to make up for the lack of attention, and you go brushing me off.” Tex kept a straight face, but the link between them gave him away only a split-second before the smile tugged up the corners of his lips. “Don’t look at me that way.”

“What do you mean?” She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her. “Maybe I should drop my shields and show you just how I’m planning to spend the next few hours.”

“How’s that?”

“Upstairs.” She jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. “I want you.”

“What am I, your sexual plaything?” His hands cupped her ass, holding her against him.

“Don’t play like you don’t want this.” She snatched his cowboy hat off his head and put it on her own. “We’ve both spent the last few days focused on the clan. You in meetings, getting things lined up, and me getting to know the members, as well as getting to know the resort. I learned that Manetka is the Polish word for shifter, and I know we’re going to make this a safe haven for our kind again. It’s starting to feel like home. Right now, I don’t care about any of that. I just want to feel you. Feel your naked body pressed against mine, your manhood buried deep inside me until I scream your name. Tex, I need you.”

“Mate, you always have me.” Holding her wrapped around his body, he walked toward the elevator.

Mate. She’d never wanted to be mated to an Elder, but Tex was different. He was everything she wanted in a man and more. The power and authority that rolled off his body didn’t scare her as it had at first. Now it excited her. “I love you, Tex.”

“Shit, Carleen.” When they stepped into the elevator, he pressed her against the wall. “I’ve been waiting for you to say those words. I could feel your emotions, but it’s not the same things as hearing it.”

“I love you.” Before he could say anything, she pressed her lips to his, claiming his mouth. She hoped the elevator would make it to the tenth floor before they lost control of themselves. It had been too long and their beasts were too demanding. They weren’t going to last long. Once, the thought of someone finding them in the elevator might have bothered her. Now, she wasn’t worried. She just wanted him. Her mate.