Jax (The Protectors Series) Book #8 (17 page)

Chapter 26

Jax sat at Caroline's kitchen table waiting for her. She had been upstairs for half an hour, but he was giving her time. Finally, he heard her coming down the stairs.

She walked straight to the table and sat before him. "I owe you an apology."

"No, you don't," Jax replied, placing his phone on the table between them. "Just know that I mean you no harm. I don't want to hurt you in any way."

"I know that, Jax." Caroline sighed. "I think I understand how you feel. I love my students, even the pain-in-the-ass ones who drive me nuts, and I would do anything to help or keep them safe. So I understand why you want to distance yourself from people because of your brother."

"But you've been right," Jax admitted, leaning back in the chair. "I do give my brother too much power. I'm here to protect you and I need to stop letting him dictate my life."

"What happened between the two of you and Alisha?" Caroline's voice was hesitant, yet her eyes begged for the answer. 

"I don't talk about my past or my tribe too much because we believe it's disrespectful to the dead." Jax frowned.

"And I respect that, Jax." Caroline nodded. "Even though the history teacher in me as well as someone who cares about you wants to know all about you, I do understand some of the traditions."

"My brother was evil, even when young. The things I've seen him do I would never discuss with you." Jax's anger bubbled at the surface, rising to the level it had been over a hundred years ago. "I had him kicked out of the tribe. He ended up with another tribe and came back for his revenge." The pain in his voice was thick.

"Jax, you don't need to tell me this." Caroline stopped him. "I'm sorry I even asked."

Jax didn't want to tell her. He wanted to forget, but the urge to tell her was strong. He hadn't spoken about this to anyone, ever. Only his sister knew. "I was out hunting when he came back with renegades. They killed everyone in camp. From the very young to the very old. Only a few escaped. Alisha was one of the few."

"I'm so sorry." She reached out, touching his arm.

"I searched for him, hunted him, but it wasn't until Alisha and I were being initiated into the VC Warriors that I finally found him." Jax lifted his gaze to hers and saw his own pain reflected in her eyes. "He killed Alisha before I even knew he was there, going through the initiation with us. He never even tried to kill me."

Jax knew she could hear, actually feel his hatred, but she remained quiet.

"Before I could kill him, the other Warriors stepped in," Jax hissed. "I was so close to my revenge as my sister lay dead at my feet. He had taken everyone away from me, as I had done to him. His last words to me were, 'I will take everyone from you for as long as you walk this earth.'"

******

As Caroline listened, her heart broke for him. Yet anger so fierce burned her soul. "And that's what you live with every day." It wasn't a question, but a cold, clear fact.

"Yes," Jax said bluntly.

She didn't know what to say. What could she say? He'd lost his family, friends, and then his sister to a brother who wanted to make him pay for the rest of his life by taking those he cared for away from him. Until that moment, she hadn't fully understood why Jax was reluctant to have a relationship with anyone, even after realizing she had done the same thing in a way. But understanding hit her hard, anger and sadness for the man who sat in front of her rushing through her.

Standing, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head against her stomach, holding him tight. "I hope you find him and take back your life, Jax Wheeler. No one deserves to live this way." She paused, finding the courage to continue. "If you need to leave"—Caroline held him tighter as if by saying the words he would disappear—"I understand. I'm willing to take the risks just to be with you, but I will understand and will be here waiting for you when—"

Jax didn't let her finish. He pulled her down on his lap, his mouth crashing down on hers. She welcomed him as he was with no other questions asked.

"The risks are too great, but I can't stay away from you." He lifted his mouth long enough to say those words. "I couldn't protect my tribe or my sister so I know this is a big mistake."

"You're more prepared now than you were then. You're a Warrior who's stronger and smarter than Mika.
You
know this and
I
know this. I have faith that you can keep me safe, but it'll be hard always looking over our shoulders." Caroline kissed his chin. "You need to focus on finding Mika. I'm sorry I didn't understand before, but I do now."

"That was my fault." Jax looked into her eyes. "I should have told you from the start, but—"

Caroline interrupted him with a kiss. "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me."

Jax's eyes shifted from her. "I know you think I don't have feelings for you, but you're wrong."

Caroline pulled his gaze back to her. "I know now, Jax."

"I won't let anything happen to you." His tone became hard, the truth of his words in his eyes.

"I know that also. Actually, I've always known that." Caroline focused on the outline of his tattoos under his white T-shirt. She traced it with her finger, then lifted it to pull it off so she could study them further. Thankfully, he didn't stop her. She had wanted to ask him about them so many times, but Jax without a shirt turned her brain to mush. "What do your tattoos mean?"

Jax swallowed hard. "They're my tribe's symbol with the name of each person that my brother killed worked into it."

He allowed Caroline to pull his shirt over his head. Once more, she traced each tattoo that she could reach. She found Alisha's name beautifully blended into the tribal tattoo over his heart. A tear slowly escaped from her eye.

"It's beautiful." She looked up at him. "A beautiful tribute."

Caroline touched his face, moving his hair back. Her fingers caressed each line and tiny scars as if memorizing every detail.

"Make love to me, Jax," she whispered.

Jax picked her up, collected his phone without looking, and carried her up the staircase. He gently laid her on the bed. Removing his gun, he placed it on the table next to the bed. They undressed each other slowly, exploring and taking time enjoying each other.

His hands were magic against her skin and she felt special. He made her feel beautiful, even with her not-so-perfect body. The way he touched her, his hands trailing over her skin, filled her with excited anticipation. Jax was a quiet man by nature, but his whispered words when he touched her made her feel as if she were perfect. In the past, she had felt self-conscious, as if she didn't measure up to other women, but not with Jax.

She pulled him close, holding him tightly against her. She loved the feel of his hardness against her softness. It made her feel safe. Kissing his way down her body, she cherished the contact.

"I love your body," he whispered against her mouth when he came back for a kiss. "It was made for me."

"You make me feel beautiful." She moaned when his fingers found her sweet spot.

"You are beautiful. It has nothing to do with me." Jax growled, nipping her shoulder with his fangs.

"Why have you never taken my blood?" Caroline asked curiously.

Jax's darkened eyes glowed in response to her question. "Wasn't sure if you wanted that."

"I think I offered it before, and you are a vampire." Caroline raised an eyebrow. "No pressure, I was just wondering."

Jax moved between her legs. "You honor me," he said, right before he rammed inside her at the same time he bit into her neck.

A short scream escaped her throat, but soon turned into needy moans. His aggressive pulls at her neck as he kept a steady, hard rhythm inside her, pushed her closer to the edge.

His fangs left her skin, leaving her gasping and writhing beneath him. After licking her neck, he threw his head back as he rode her hard. When he looked back down at her, the intensity in his eyes had Caroline meeting his thrusts with a strength and power she didn't know she had.

Jax reached under her, grasping her ass to help her slam against him. She knew by the look on his handsome face that he was on the edge, as was she. Holding back, she waited. Gazes locking, it was time. She let herself go, giving herself to him with no regret.

Reaching up, she cupped his face with her hands. "I can love enough for both of us if you let me."

And she knew it was true. She had been fooling herself. She loved Jax more than anything and whatever it took, she was going to do, because she was afraid that living without him would be like living without air.

"
Ktuhwhunoohmuh,
" Jax whispered into her hair.

"Oh, that's beautiful." Caroline's eyes widened. "What does it mean?"

"It means I love you." Jax rose up to look into her eyes. "I think I've loved you since the day you pounded on my door at the compound, demanding I teach you how to play the guitar."

Caroline's hands flew to her face as uncontrollable sobs took control over her body. They were words she had longed for but never thought she'd hear, but then something he said floated through her muddled mind. Her hands left her tear swollen eyes so she could look at him. “You think?”

“Yeah, for someone who doesn’t really know what the hell love is, it took me longer than most to figure it out.” Jax gave her a sad smile, then held her close. "I'm sorry for hurting you."

Finally getting herself under control, she wrapped her arms around him. "I've hurt you too, Jax. I'm also sorry." She sniffed, trying not to lose it again. "Do over?" she asked, hopeful.

Jax thought for a minute as a grin spread across his face. "If a do over means when you, how did you say it, sucked my—"

Caroline smacked him on the arm but grinned in amusement. "Yes, even that."

Jax winked at her. "Then definitely yes, a do over."

"And speaking of guitar, you still haven't given me my lessons." Caroline pouted, embracing the change in topic and the lighter mood.

"My God, woman." Jax smiled down at her. "What more do you want from me?"

"No guitar lesson, no sucky-sucky," Caroline said seriously, but was trying hard not to laugh.

Jax's laugh boomed through the room as he didn't hold back. "I'll definitely be bringing my guitar tomorrow and starting those lessons."

The rest of the night they lay together talking, laughing, and finally getting to really know each other. No other thoughts of work, issues, or Mika filled her thoughts. Instead, they savored their time, not willing to face reality quite yet.

Chapter 27

It had been three days since Jax had confessed his love for Caroline and he felt different, in a good way. True to his word, he had Blaze bring his guitar out the next day and had started lessons with Caroline. She was a fast learner, but the teacher in her had her asking so many questions that they made Jax's head swim.

The training, and search for Mika, as well as his other duties, hadn't stopped and when he was away from her, no matter who he left in charge to guard her, he wasn't at ease until he was back at her side.

Riding back to her house after a long day, he was excited to give her the gift he had bought. Pulling into the driveway, he nodded to Adam and Steve, who were finishing up the roof, along with Duncan and Damon. He grabbed her gift, hurrying to the front door.

Once inside, he found her instantly. She turned when he entered, tossed her paintbrush down, and ran to him.

"Wait!" He held his hand out, stopping her, while the other was behind his back. "I have something for you."

"For me?" She smiled, trying to look around him, but he moved so she couldn't see.

"Of course for you, who else?" He grinned, then quickly frowned. "Close your eyes."

Caroline did, clasping her hands together and putting them under her chin. "I love surprises." She bounced excitedly.

Jax laughed, pulling the gift from behind him and placing it on the floor in front of her. "Okay, open your eyes."

Her eyes sprang open, gaze settling on the object before her. As her hand went to her mouth, she dropped to her knees. "Is that a guitar?"

"No, it's a puppy." Jax raised his eyebrows in humor, looking at the guitar case. He chuckled when she shot him a glare.

She carefully opened the case. "It's beautiful." She strummed the strings without taking it out. Then she started to cry.

"Caroline." Jax knelt down. Okay, this wasn't how he'd expected this to go and he wasn't sure what in the hell to do. "It's supposed to make you happy, not make you cry."

"Happy tears." She pointed to her face, crying and laughing at the same time. "I love it. Thank you so much." She threw her arms around him.

"Roof's done." Duncan walked in, with Damon, Steve, and Adam following.

Jax and Caroline stood. "Thank you, guys, so much." Caroline wiped her face. "Please let me make you something to eat real quick. I know you have to be hungry."

"No, we're good," Duncan replied, looking down at the guitar. "Nice guitar."

"Jax got it for me." Caroline beamed. "He's been teaching me how to play."

"I can play a pretty mean set of drums," Steve said, then added at the disbelieving looks, "No, seriously. I'm not being smart-ass Steve this time. I really can play drums. Maybe we can get together sometime and play."

Before anyone could say anything, Caroline's phone rang. Walking over, she picked it up. "Hey, Rachel." She smiled, but her face quickly became concerned. "Okay, let me call Mom and Dad. Maybe she went home early. I'll call you right back."

"What's wrong?" Jax was beside her.

"Today was cheerleading tryouts but Jamie didn't show up, even though she was at school. Rachel said she was excited, so she doesn't understand why Jamie wouldn't show up." Caroline hit her parents' number, putting her phone to her ear. "Hi, Dad."

Jax glanced over at Duncan and Damon, who listened closely. Their eyes met in silent, mutual understanding. Damon pulled out his phone and walked outside.

"Did Jamie come home from school?" Caroline's worried eyes landed on Jax. She shook her head. "I know. Rachel called and said she didn't show up. What about Mom, has she heard from her? Okay, let me call Rachel back and see if she showed up yet. Maybe she just got held up in her last class."

Jax watched Caroline's hands shake as she tried to call Rachel back. "Calm down, Caroline."

Caroline nodded. "Rachel, has she shown up yet?" Caroline listened and he knew by the look on her face Jamie hadn't. "No, Mom and Dad haven't heard from her. I'm going to call Lana now. What? Who said that?"

Damon walked back inside, shaking his head at Jax.

"That doesn't make sense." Caroline bit her lip as she listened, her frown deepening. "Why would she be talking to Pete? Okay, let me call Lana. Please call me if she shows up."

"I called Sid, and Lana hasn't heard from her. They're on their way to the school now," Damon informed them.

"Who's Pete?" Jax asked. He was no longer the smiling man from moments before. He was in full Warrior mode.

"He's one of the janitors at the school." Caroline frowned. "But in all the years I've been there, I've never seen him converse with the students, and with Jamie being a freshman, he wouldn't know her."

******

The more time that went by, the more Caroline's panic heightened. A missing persons alert had been issued, even though it hadn't been twenty-four hours. Her dad and Lana had connections and used them with no problem.

Caroline sat with the phone in her hand, and she couldn't get the thought of why Pete had spoken to her sister in the parking lot out of her head. Something nagged her and she couldn't shake it. Pete had been acting strange when last she'd seen him, but maybe he was just having an off day, plus she hadn't seen him all summer. And Jamie was a smart, strong girl. Lana had taught them both self-defense moves. Pete was an older man with a limp and was slumped over. She tried to convince herself not to overthink it.

Caroline stood when Lana and Sid walked in. "Anything?"

"Yeah." Lana frowned, looking worried. "This janitor, Pete, says he didn't talk to her. He said today was his first day back to work after getting sick and leaving work Monday morning. He worked mostly in the auditorium today to get it ready for a band concert tonight."

Caroline's head snapped back. "Wait a minute." Caroline glanced at Adam and Steve. "That can't be right. I talked to Pete the day I worked. He came in my room and then again in the office. The secretary saw him, as did Jill, Steve, and Adam. Jamie was also in the office."

"If it's the same old guy, Adam about ran him over in the hallway," Steve added.

"He couldn't have been," Lana said, checking her notes. "The principal confirmed this. He also confirmed that at the time the student said she saw the janitor talking to Jamie, he was with the janitor in the auditorium, along with two other teachers who also confirmed."

"Oh, my God." Her eyes swung to Jax. "He's got my sister."

"Who's got her, Caroline?" Lana clutched her arm.

"My brother." Jax pulled Caroline to him, holding her. "He won't hurt her. He wants something and wants to make sure I know he's got her."

"He wants me," Caroline replied. "The bastard wants me in trade for my sister because he hasn't been able to get to me. This is how he's going to do it."

"He isn't going to do anything," Jax promised. "I won't let him."

"I called everyone. They're on their way." Duncan stepped in. "Keep your phone lines open because he's going to contact someone, and soon. We need to have a plan in place when he does."

Steve walked up, looking like he was ready to burst. "I've got the plan."

"Steve, please," Adam said, glancing at Caroline and Lana. "Now's not the time."

"Ah, hello… who's the dumb ass now?" Steve pointed at himself, then frowned. "I mean, guess who's not the dumb ass now? Me, that's who."

When no one said anything Steve rolled his eyes.

"How about we talk about your newly acquired power, Adam 'who reads everyone even when blocked as long as he touches them' Pride?" Steve twirled his hand, urging Adam to understand what the fuck he was saying.

"Holy shit!" Adam looked shocked, then punched Steve in excitement. "I ran into the fucker. If Mika did shift into Pete, I ran into him. Holy shit!"

Steve rubbed his shoulder. "If that's the way you say thank you, then keep it to your damn self."

"Can you get a read on him?" Jax let go of Caroline to head toward Adam.

"Hold on." Adam walked out on the porch. "Give me a minute. I need to focus."

No one said a word as they waited. Lana came over and held Caroline's hand as Jax paced, waiting for Adam.

"I got the bastard." Adam's smile wasn't pleasant.

Jax walked over, kissing Caroline hard. "I swear I'm going to get her back unharmed."

"Stay here with Caroline," Sid told Lana.

Caroline shook her head. "No, I'm fine." Caroline wanted nothing more than to go with them, but knew she would only be in the way and didn't want Jax worrying about her. Jamie was what was important. "Go, Lana. She can call backup from the police department if needed."

"I don't like leaving you here alone." Jax frowned, hesitating.

"Adam will know if he leaves," Caroline urged him. "Just get Jamie back safe. That's all that matters. He doesn't even know you guys are on to him. I'm safe."

Jax kissed her one more time. "I'll call you as soon as we have her," he assured her and turned to leave, but stopped. Looking at her over his shoulder, he said, "I love you." It was the first time he had said it to her first and her heart soared. 

"I love you, too. Please be careful." Caroline watched as they took off just as the rest of the Warriors arrived. She wanted to wallow in his words of love, but she was too worried about him, about all of them. There would be time for that later. Mika was finally going to pay for all the tragedy he had caused. She just prayed her sister wasn't hurt, but she trusted Jax and knew he would get her back.