Page 23 of Jaxon

The intruder’s voice echoed through the house, a low, mocking drawl that sent chills down her spine.“Harper, where are you, sweetheart?”

Harper squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, her breathing shallow and ragged.She couldn’t rely solely on Jaxon.She had to prepare, to protect Mia, to buy time if nothing else.

Her gaze flicked around the dark confines of the closet, landing on an old baseball bat leaning against the wall.Her fingers closed around the worn handle, the wood cool and solid beneath her touch.

She pushed Mia gently behind her, positioning herself between her daughter and the closet door.The bat felt heavy in her trembling hands, but she gripped it tightly, knuckles whitening.

Her heart pounded a wild rhythm in her chest, fear mingling with a fierce determination.She had to be brave.For Mia.

The floorboards creaked ominously as the intruder moved through the house, his boots thudding on the stairs.He was on the second floor now, his footsteps growing louder, each step a countdown to their confrontation.

Harper’s breath hitched, the sound of his heavy breathing sending a fresh wave of terror crashing over her.

“Found you,” his voice oozed from just beyond the door, each word a sinister promise.

The closet door creaked open, and Mia let out a terrified scream, her small hands clutching Harper’s back.Harper surged forward, desperation fueling her as she swung the bat with all her strength.She aimed for the shadowy figure looming in the doorway, her vision blurred with tears and fear.

The bat connected with a sickening thud, catching the intruder off guard.He staggered back with a grunt, clutching his shoulder where the bat had struck.Harper didn’t wait.She swung again, this time aiming for his side.Her arms ached, muscles protesting from the force of her strikes, but she didn’t stop.

“Stay away from my daughter!”she screamed, her voice cracking with a mixture of fury and fear.

The intruder recovered quickly, dodging her next swing with a snarl.His hand shot out, grabbing the bat mid-swing.He yanked it from her grasp, tossing it aside with a clatter.Harper’s heart sank, but she refused to back down.She lunged at him, fists swinging, nails clawing at his face.

He caught her wrists, his grip like a vice.“Feisty, aren’t you?”he sneered, his breath hot against her skin.“I can see why Jaxon fell for you.”

Harper struggled, twisting and kicking, refusing to go down without a fight.Her mind raced, searching for any opening, any way to break free.

She bit down hard on his hand, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.He yelped, his grip loosening just enough for her to wrench free.She scrambled backward, grabbing the nearest object—a lamp—and hurled it at him.The ceramic shattered against his shoulder, making him stumble.

Harper grabbed Mia, pulling her close, shielding her with her body as they backed toward the window.

The sound of roaring engines filled the air outside, sending a spark of hope surging through Harper.The Iron Sentinels had arrived.

The intruder cursed, glancing toward the window, his confidence faltering for the first time.Harper seized the moment, grabbing the bat from the floor.She swung again, this time with a guttural cry, fueled by the knowledge that help was just outside.

The bat connected with his leg, sending him crashing to the ground.He snarled in pain, clutching his knee.Harper didn’t hesitate.She grabbed Mia’s hand, pulling her toward the bedroom door.

“Run!”she shouted, her voice hoarse.

They raced down the hall, feet pounding against the hardwood as they fled.Harper’s heart pounded in her ears, each beat a desperate plea for escape.

She could hear the front door burst open, Jaxon’s voice booming through the house.“Harper!Mia!”

“In here!”she screamed, rounding the corner just as Jaxon appeared at the foot of the stairs, his face a mask of fury and relief.

Harper and Mia descended the stairs.Once they reached the first floor, Jaxon pulled Harper and Mia into a fierce embrace, his arms wrapping around them like a shield.

Harper collapsed against him, the adrenaline finally crashing, leaving her shaking and breathless.

“I’m here,” Jaxon whispered, pressing a kiss to Harper’s temple.“You’re both safe now.”

Harper clung to him, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling with the aftershocks of fear and relief.

Behind them, the sound of boots thundered as the Iron Sentinels swarmed the house, their presence a wave of relief washing over Harper.

Clay was dragged down the stairs, his body slumped and bloodied, a shadow of the man who had broken into their sanctuary.His face was contorted in pain and fury, his lips curling into a sneer even as the Sentinels’ grip on him tightened.

He spat on the floor, his defiance lingering despite his defeat.

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