Page 36 of Jaxon

Rachel. Her name was a chant in his mind, a prayer on his lips. He’d burn the whole world down before he’d let them hurt her. She was his, and he would come for her.

Always.

Jaxon pulled up outside the Wolverines’ warehouse, gravel spraying under his tires. His brothers fanned out behind him, headlights cutting through the darkness.

He killed the engine and dismounted, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and gas. His men had done their job well. Flames licked up the side of the building, tendrils of fire dancing behind the windows.

Shouts and curses rose from inside, accompanied by the crackle of gunfire.

Jaxon strode toward the entrance, adrenaline and purpose steeling his nerves. He signaled his men forward and kicked in the door.

The interior was chaos. A dozen Wolverines scrambled to evacuate, coughing and swearing. Jaxon raised his gun and fired, the retort of the shot echoing off the metal walls.

A dark figure dropped to the ground, the others whirling with weapons drawn.

Jaxon’s men flooded in behind him, returning fire. He ducked behind a stack of crates, scanning the room. Where was she?

“Jaxon!” a familiar cry rang out. His head snapped up, gaze searching. There, on a catwalk above—Rachel. Her hands were bound, her face pale and terrified. Beside her stood Dom with a gun to her head.

Dread flooded Jaxon’s veins, cold and sharp. He straightened, raising his hands.

“That’s far enough, Jones,” he growled, “or the bitch gets a bullet in the brain.”

Jaxon’s heart slammed against his ribs. After everything, he couldn’t lose her, just like his sister.

“Let her go,” he said, voice low and steady. “This is between us.”

The man bared rotten teeth in a sneer. “I don’t think so.” He ground the muzzle of the gun into Rachel’s temple, and her eyes fluttered shut.

Jaxon’s world tilted on its axis. No. He wouldn’t—he couldn’t—

“Please,” he rasped. All his life, he’d never begged for anything. But for Rachel, he’d get on his knees.

He met her gaze, willing her to look at him. To stay with him.

“I’m here,” he said softly. “I’m right here.”

Her eyes opened, luminous in the firelight. A tear slipped down her cheek.

Jaxon held her gaze, his heart in his throat. They had come so far, survived so much. It couldn’t end like this.

He took a step forward, hands still raised. “Take me instead.”

The scarred man sneered. “How noble. But I think I’ll keep the girl.”

He yanked Rachel against him, pressing the gun to her head—

A shot rang out, and he crumpled, lifeless. Rachel tumbled forward.

Jaxon lunged to catch her as she fell, clutching her to his chest. She was shaking, sobbing into his neck. He smoothed her hair, murmuring in her ear.

“Shh, baby, it’s over. I’ve got you now. You’re safe.”

The fire raged around them, but in the circle of his arms, all was still. Rachel lifted her head, eyes shining.

“You came for me,” she whispered.

He brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Always.”

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