Page 21 of Jaxon

The call seemed to drag on forever. Rachel busied herself checking Dirk’s bandages.

They needed Jaxon. They needed his guidance, his resources, his men. If anyone could keep them safe from another attack, it was him.

Finally, Marcus passed her back the phone. “He’s sending reinforcements to guard the perimeter. And he wants to talk to you.”

Rachel took a deep breath and lifted the phone to her ear. “Jaxon?”

“Doc.” His voice was gravelly and tense. “Tell me what the hell is going on.”

She relayed the events of the past hour in a rush of words, sparing no details about Dirk’s condition or the threats of violence from the Wolverines. Jaxon listened without interrupting, the occasional grunt or sharp exhale the only indication he was still on the line.

When she finished, he was silent for a long moment. “You did good calling me. But this is a dangerous situation, and I want you out of there as soon as my men arrive.”

Rachel stiffened. “I’m not leaving. Dirk needs medical care, and I’m not going to abandon him.”

“Rachel—”

“No, Jaxon,” she said. “I won’t leave until I’m sure he’s stable enough to be moved or taken to a hospital. That’s final.”

Jaxon growled. She could picture him raking a hand through his hair, torn between concern for her safety and respect for her dedication to those in her care.

Finally, he sighed. “Stubborn woman. Fine, you can stay until Dirk’s out of the woods. But I’m posting guards on you, and you do exactly as they say. No arguments.”

“Understood,” she said, relief flooding through her. At least now she’d have backup and a way to ensure everyone’s safety. “Thank you, Jaxon. For everything.”

“Just keep yourself safe,” he said gruffly. “That’s all the thanks I need.”

13

Rachel's heart pounded as the roar of motorcycles outside grew louder. Not just one or two bikes—at least a dozen. Through the narrow slit of a window, she could see the Wolverine MC pulling up, armed with baseball bats and chains.

"Shit," Marcus hissed. He slammed the butt of his pistol against the wall, leaving a dent in the rotting wood. "They're not alone."

Rachel clutched her trembling hands together, her knuckles turning white. She was trapped. Again.

"We need backup," Dirk said. "Now."

Marcus yanked out his phone and barked an order to someone on the other end. His gaze flickered to Rachel, and she glimpsed the apology in his eyes. They had promised to keep her safe. But even the formidable Green Devils were no match for the Wolverines right now.

The rumble of engines cut off, followed by the slam of doors. Voices drifted through the walls, harsh and demanding. "We want Rachel now."

Rachel's stomach dropped. They knew she was here. Of course they did.

"Like hell," Marcus shouted. He strode to the barricaded door, pistol raised.

Dirk grabbed his arm. "Wait for backup."

"I'm not handing her over." Marcus shook him off, jaw clenched.

Rachel's breath caught. Never in her life had anyone fought for her. The Wolverines would tear Marcus apart, and it would be her fault. She couldn't let that happen.

Summoning her courage, she approached Marcus and touched his arm. "It's okay."

He stared at her, eyes gleaming with rage and regret. "I'm not giving up that easy. Jaxon will kill me if something happens to you."

The sound of gunfire exploded outside. Rachel screamed, but Marcus pulled her against him, shielding her with his body. His heart slammed against her cheek, as rapid as her own.

Over the chaos, a familiar roar rang out. "Green Devils!"

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