Page 8 of Wolf's Whisper

As we ride back, the roar of our bikes slicing through the cool morning air, my mind races with all the possibilities. What if Janelle’s ex tries something more drastic? The thought leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

After returning to the clubhouse, I text Battle Axe and request an urgent club meeting today if possible. I need to discuss the latest developments in Janelle's case and the new information that has surfaced.

The rest of the morning passes in a blur, and before I know it, the guys are all coming in and heading into Church. Battle Axe is at the head of the table as they sit around it, his large hands splayed out on the worn wood, commanding attention without saying a word.

"All right," Battle Axe starts, his voice firm, drawing everyone’s attention. "Wolf’s got something. Let’s hear it."

I nod and stand up. “Thanks, Battle. We caught a guy this morning at Janelle’s house. He snooped around, and Janelle’s ex hired him to gather intel on her routines. He’s with the police now, but this means her ex is escalating things.”

The room falls silent, every member of The Wild Jester’s MC turning their full attention toward me. You can feel the tension prickling like electricity in the air.

"Her ex is pushing boundaries, trying to claw his way back into her life by any means necessary," I continue, pacing a small circle in front of the table. "We need to step up. I'm talking about surveillance rotations, increase the presence around her house — anything and everything we can do to ensure Janelle and her kids feel safe."

Rumble, one of our newest members, leaning against the back wall, crosses his arms and nod. "You think he's gonna try something more physical next time?" he asks, his voice rough like gravel.

"It's a possibility we can't ignore," I reply seriously. "The guy today was just there to get information for the ex-husband. Who knows what he'll resort to if we spook him enough?"

There are murmurs of agreement around the table; the club is no stranger to dealing with threats, but this is personal. Janelle isn’t just another case; she has become something more to me.

Needles, who hasn't said much, finally speaks up from his corner. "Let's install some extra cams around her place, and maybe a couple of us can do random drive-bys throughout the day and night."

"I like that," I agree, nodding toward Needles. "Visibility might deter her ex or any of his cronies from coming around."

"Plus, we keep close tabs on any vehicles that don’t belong in the area," Hatchet adds. "Note license plates, make models—anything out of the ordinary."

I could see Battle Axe processing everything, his brain ticking behind those observant eyes. "Wolf set it up. Coordinate with Hatchet on the logistics. I want updates every morning unless something urgent comes up."

"Will do, Pres," I respond firmly, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders and fierce protective determination coursing through my veins. "We won’t let Janelle and her kids down."

The meeting ends with a series of nods and gruff agreements, the club members dispersing with a renewed sense of purpose. I hang back momentarily, thoughts swirling around Janelle's safety and the grim possibilities that her ex might concoct next.

As I’m about to leave, Battle Axe caught my arm. "Wolf," he says in a low tone, "you’re doing good. Keep your head sharp and your heart guarded."

I nod, unsure where his advice came from, but my heart doesn’t entirely agree. The truth is guarding my heart around Janelle is becoming increasingly difficult. Something about her resilience, the way she smiles even after everything she's been through, has me feeling in ways that I haven't expected. But feelings have to take a back seat. I know that. Getting too close can interfere with my judgment, and right now, Janelle needs protection, not complications.

I leave the clubhouse with those lingering words echoing in my mind, but the next step is to check in with Janelle. It isn’t just about updating her on the security situation; I also need to ensure she’s holding up all right.

I pull up to her place, cutting the engine and striding to the front door. The sound of laughter from her kids playing filter through the door as I knock. Janelle answers, her smile faltering slightly when she sees it’s me, not because she isn’t happy to see me but because my presence often means trouble.

"Hey, Wolf," she greets, stepping aside to let me in. "Everything okay?"

I follow her into the kitchen, where she pours two cups of coffee. The rich aroma fills the small space, mingling with the scent of something sweet baking in the oven. "We've got a bit of a situation," I start, accepting the mug she offers me.

Her brows knit together with concern. "What happened?"

I explain everything, from the snooper we caught this morning to our increasing our surveillance and protection plans. I watch her absorb the information, her fingers tightening around the mug. “We’re taking every precaution," I assure her. "You and the kids are our top priority."

Janelle nods, a slight tremor in her voice as she spoke. "Thank you, Wolf. Knowing you’re all looking out for us."

The room hums tensely as she sips her coffee, looking into the living room where her kids were playing. The sight seems to steel her resolve.

"I just want this to be over," she confesses, glancing back at me with weary eyes. "I want to stop looking over my shoulder. I mean, hell, I want to stop being in hiding."

I place my cup down on the counter next to me as I mirror her posture. "We’re working on it, Janelle. We’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen."

Her gaze holds mine, searching for reassurance in my eyes, a reassurance I’m determined to provide through words and action. "I know," she says softly, breaking eye contact to look back into the living room. "It’s just hard sometimes. But having you here helps... more than you might realize."

There’s a hint of something more profound in her words. It’s hard to tell, and I ignore the warmth that spreads through me in response.

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