Chapter Six
Jaxon sat in the officeof the clubhouse.Gunner leaned back in his chair, across from him, fingers under his chin as he listened intently.
The Vice President of the Iron Sentinels had always been a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened.
Jaxon ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that betrayed the tension coiling in his gut.He had always been the type to take matters into his own hands, to deal with threats personally, but things were different now.The stakes were higher, and he had more to lose.
“I wanted to deal with Clay myself,” Jaxon began, his voice low but steady.“But it’s not just about me anymore.I’ve got Harper and Mia to think about.I can’t afford to be reckless.”
Gunner nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he considered Jaxon’s words.“Clay’s always been a thorn in our side, but if he’s getting bolder, it’s not just a personal issue.It’s a club issue.”
Jaxon leaned forward, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
“It’s escalating.The Vipers are pushing boundaries, and it’s only a matter of time before things get out of hand.I need your advice, Gunner.I can’t handle this alone,” Jaxon admitted.
Normally, Jaxon hated admitting any form of weakness.In his world, vulnerability was a luxury he couldn’t afford.It wasn’t just about pride—it was survival.
As one of the senior members of the Iron Sentinels, showing any sign of weakness could be a death sentence.He was used to handling his problems on his own, but this time was different.The stakes were higher.Clay knew about Harper and Mia.The mere thought sent a cold wave of dread through him.
Harper and Mia were his world now.The knowledge that Clay had them in his sights made Jaxon’s blood run cold.It wasn’t just his life on the line, it was theirs too.That changed everything.
He had always been reckless with his own safety, taking risks that most would shy away from.But Harper and Mia had altered that calculus.They made him realize he couldn’t afford to be impulsive, not when the people he cared about could be caught in the crossfire.
Still, admitting he needed help, that this was bigger than something he could handle alone, went against every instinct he had.But he couldn’t let his pride jeopardize the safety of Harper and Mia.So, he swallowed his pride, pushed aside the ingrained need to handle everything solo, and went to Gunner.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, the only sound the faint hum of activity from the bar outside the office.Gunner finally leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as he met Jaxon’s gaze.
“You’re right to bring this to me,” Gunner said.“The Vipers have been stepping on our toes more than usual.This isn’t just about you and Clay.It’s about them testing us, seeing how far they can go before we push back.”
Jaxon nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at those words.“So what do we do?”Jaxon asked.
Gunner exhaled slowly.“I’ll talk it over with the Pres and the other senior members.We need to show the Vipers that we’re not going to sit back and let them walk all over us.But we need to be smart about it.No unnecessary risks.”
“Thanks, Gunner,” Jaxon said, relief washing over him.“I appreciate it.”
Gunner clapped him on the shoulder.“We’ve got your back, Jaxon.And Harper and Mia are part of us now too.We’ll make sure they’re safe.”
Jaxon left the office, his mind still racing but his heart a little lighter.As he walked through the clubhouse, Bear caught his eye, raising a bottle in a silent invitation.
“Come on, Jax.Let’s have a drink,” Bear called out, grinning.
Jaxon hesitated for a moment before nodding and joining Bear at the bar.The familiar routine was comforting, but as the night wore on, he found his thoughts drifting back to Harper and Mia.He could no longer afford to lose himself in his old habits.His priorities had shifted, and he wasn’t the same man he used to be.
After a few rounds, Jaxon excused himself, heading back to his room in the clubhouse.The quiet solitude of his space offered a welcome reprieve from the noise outside.He was just settling in when his phone buzzed, Harper’s name lighting up the screen.
“Hey,” Jaxon answered, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Hi,” Harper’s voice came through, warm and familiar.“I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Jaxon said, leaning back against the headboard.“What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you’re free this Saturday afternoon,” Harper began, a hint of hesitation in her voice.“Mia’s usual babysitter isn’t available, and I could really use some help.”