Page 19 of Jaxon

Harper followed his gaze, her heart sinking at the sight of her beloved bookstore, now scarred by flames and smoke.But the damage wasn’t irreparable, not yet.They still had time to rebuild, to reclaim what was theirs.

“I’ll call a meeting,” Jaxon said, his tone all business now, the protective veneer slipping into the role of a leader.“The club needs to know what’s going on.We can’t let this slide.”

Harper nodded, her resolve hardening.“What can I do?”

Jaxon’s eyes met hers, a flicker of admiration shining through.“Stay strong.We’ll need everyone to be ready.This isn’t just about us, it’s about the whole community.”

The weight of his words settled over her, but instead of fear, it fueled her determination.She wouldn’t let Clay’s intimidation tactics break her.She had something worth fighting for now—Mia, Jaxon, the life they were building together.

“Okay,” she agreed, her voice steady.“I’ll be ready.”

“I know you will be,” Jaxon confirmed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

As the firefighters began packing up, satisfied the blaze was under control, Jaxon pulled Harper into a brief but fierce kiss, a silent vow of his commitment to her and Mia.

****

Iron Sentinels gatheredat the clubhouse that evening.Jaxon stood at the front of the room.He scanned the faces of his brothers—men he trusted with his life—before speaking.

“The Vipers crossed a line today,” Jaxon began, his gaze sweeping the room.“They set fire to Harper’s bookstore while she was inside.This isn’t just a personal vendetta anymore.”

The murmurs of anger rippled through the room, the bikers exchanging dark looks.Gunner leaned forward, his expression hardening with every word Jaxon spoke.He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw tight.

“We need to deal with this before it escalates further,” Gunner finally spoke.“They’re testing our limits, and we can’t let that stand.”

The room buzzed with the energy of agreement, the brothers of the Iron Sentinels ready to rally behind Jaxon.They weren’t just a club—they were a family bound by loyalty and an unbreakable code.No one threatened one of their own without facing the full force of their retaliation.

“We’ve got your back, Jaxon,” Bear growled out.“Whatever you need, we’re in.”

Jaxon nodded, the support of his brothers bolstering his resolve.Plans were swiftly made, strategies discussed.They would send a message, one the Vipers wouldn’t forget.

****

Harper sat at home, her nerves frayed from the events of the day.The acrid scent of smoke clung to her clothes, a constant reminder of how close they had come to disaster.

She moved through the house, checking on Mia, who lay peacefully asleep in her room, blissfully unaware of the danger that loomed over them.

Harper’s mind raced, fear and worry twisting in her gut.She couldn’t shake the image of the flames, the heat, the suffocating smoke.The thought of what could have happened left her breathless.What would happen to Mia if she ...no.She refused to follow that line of thought.Harper wanted to believe they were safe now.Jaxon even sent one of his brothers to keep a close eye on her and Mia.

When the sound of Jaxon’s bike rumbled up the driveway later that night, the tension in her body disappeared.She met him at the door, her heart pounding as she took in his tired face.Without a word, she pulled him into a tight embrace.Even though he sent someone he trusted to watch them, she was glad to see him, touch him again.

Jaxon wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.He pressed a kiss to her temple, the tension in his body slowly easing as he breathed her in.

“We’ll get through this,” Jaxon murmured against her hair.“I promise you, Harper.”

Harper closed her eyes, the comfort of his words sinking into her.She believed him.She had to.Because the thought of losing Jaxon or Mia was too terrifying to consider.The stakes were higher than ever, but she trusted him.She trusted them.

“Would you like to come inside?Spend the night here?”Harper asked him.

“I’d like that,” Jaxon said, grinning.

---