Page 56 of Jax

"Count on it," Blake added, his voice resolute.

Jax nodded, his resolve solidifying. With his brothers by his side, they would face anything—even Viper. And together, they would bring justice to those who had suffered at his hands.

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting soft light through the windows of the Den. Jax took a deep breath, steeling himself for the coming mission. He stood up, his muscles tense from the long night of planning. It was time to say goodbye.

"Let's do this," he said, determination etched on his face. His brothers nodded in agreement, each one wearing their own expression of resolve.

Jax headed toward the playroom door, opening it gently. The sight of Mia, Savannah, and Rosie playing together brought a bittersweet smile to his lips. He couldn't help but be grateful for the solace they found in one another, especially his babygirl.

"Hey, Mia?" he called softly, trying not to disturb the others. Her green eyes met his hazel ones, curiosity and concern flickering in their depths.

"Everything okay, Daddy?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. The weight of her question hung heavy in the air.

"Time to go, sweetness," Jax replied, swallowing the lump in his throat. "But I promise I'll be back soon."

Mia stood up and approached him, her small frame trembling slightly. Jax pulled her into a tight embrace, breathing in her familiar scent. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before leaning down to whisper in her ear, "I love you, Mia."

Her eyes widened, tears threatening to spill over. "You love me?”

Jax nodded. “I'd give my life to keep you safe.”

“I know you would, Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But I don't want that. I don’t want you to die for me. Or anyone. I admire what Savannah and Blake are doing, fighting for justice and all . . . but I can't live like that. I want a normal little life somewhere. Peace and quiet. I’ve never had that, and I’m desperate for it."

Jax looked into her eyes, seeing the vulnerability hidden behind her tough exterior. "Babygirl, I understand. All I want is for you to be happy and safe. I'll do whatever it takes to give you the peaceful future you deserve."

Mia's eyes shimmered with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Daddy," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist for one last hug.

"Take care of each other," Jax instructed, addressing all three women in the room. "We'll be back before you know it."

"Promise me you'll be careful, Daddy," Savannah called after Jax, her eyes searching Blake's for reassurance.

"Always," Blake replied, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "We're doing this for a better future—for all of us."

Jax's heart swelled with pride as he watched his brother's determination to right the wrongs of their world. He knew the sacrifices they were making, and it only fueled his own resolve to see Viper brought down.

Across the room, Nash leaned against a wall, his arms folded as Rosie approached him, an impish grin on her face. "So, big guy," she teased, poking him in the chest. "Gonna show those baddies who's boss?"

Nash smirked, meeting her gaze with a playful glint in his eyes. "You know it. Just make sure you don't miss me too much while I'm gone."

"Who said anything about missing you?" Rosie shot back, tossing her hair over her shoulder defiantly.

A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Jax’s mouth. "You two should just admit you like each other already," he called out, unable to resist teasing his eldest brother.

"Keep dreaming, little brother," Nash retorted, rolling his eyes, but Jax could see the faint blush creeping up his neck.

Blake chimed in, grinning widely. "You two have more chemistry than a high school science lab."

“That’s ‘cause he’s as boring as high school science,” Rosie jabbed.

"Ha ha, very funny," Nash muttered, but his lips betrayed his annoyance with a slight smile.

With their goodbyes said, the brothers steeled themselves for the coming battle. The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation, but despite the danger they faced, Jax knew in his heart that they would prevail.

The neon lights of the strip club bled into the dark alley, painting the grimy walls with a lurid, pulsating glow. Jax, Nash, and Blake approached the building, their footsteps nearly silent on the damp pavement. The air was thick with tension and the faint scent of stale cigarettes and cheap perfume.

Jax's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the scene. This was it—the moment that would decide the rest of forever. He could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on him, the lives of countless innocent women hanging in the balance.

"Alright," Jax whispered, his voice barely audible above the muffled thrum of bass coming from inside the club. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his hazel eyes scanning their surroundings one last time. "I've disabled the security camera outside the club. The ones inside are impenetrable, but who cares? We're not here to be subtle."

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