Page 24 of Jaxon

Jaxon’s brothers handled him with cold efficiency, their expressions hard and unyielding.They knew what he had done, the danger he posed, and there was no room for mercy.

The muffled sounds of Clay’s protests grew fainter as he was dragged into the yard, the heavy front door closing behind the Sentinels.

Harper’s breath hitched, her body tense with anticipation.The world outside seemed to hold its breath, the night air thick with expectation.

Then came the cry—a guttural, desperate sound that pierced the quiet, followed by the unmistakable crack of a gunshot.

Harper’s heart leapt into her throat, her grip on Mia tightening instinctively.The sound echoed through the still night, a sharp punctuation to the terror they had endured.Silence followed, heavy and final.She felt Jaxon’s arm wrap around her, pulling her close.

“He won’t hurt you or anyone else ever again,” he assured her.

Harper could only nod.The front door creaked open, and Gunner stepped inside, his expression solemn as he met Jaxon’s gaze.He gave a brief nod, the unspoken message clear.It was done.

Jaxon exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly.He turned to Harper, his hand gently cupping her face.“You okay?”

Harper swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper.“I think so.”

Mia shifted in her arms, her small voice breaking the silence.“Is the bad man gone?”

Harper kissed the top of Mia’s head, her throat tight with emotion.“Yes, sweetheart.He’s gone.He can’t hurt us anymore.”

Jaxon knelt down, taking Mia’s hand in his.“You were so brave, Mia.I’m so proud of you.”

Mia sniffled, wiping her eyes.“I was scared.”

Jaxon nodded, his voice gentle.“It’s okay to be scared.But you did amazing.Both of you did.”

Harper felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, the weight of the night catching up with her.She reached out, her fingers intertwining with Jaxon’s.

****

The quiet after thestorm was almost unsettling.Harper moved through her kitchen, her mind still reeling from the night’s events.

She had offered drinks and snacks to the Iron Sentinels who lingered, their presence a comfort in the aftermath of chaos.They had accepted with grateful nods.The bond they shared with Jaxon was evident in every glance and word, a family forged in loyalty and the protection of their own.

Mia hadn’t wanted to sleep in her own room after the terror they had faced.Harper didn’t blame her.The little girl had clung to her, wide-eyed and trembling, until Jaxon had come and gently scooped her up.The sight of him holding Mia, whispering soft reassurances, had made Harper’s heart ache with a mix of love and relief.

Now, Jaxon was upstairs with Mia, as he promised he would be until she fell asleep.The last time Harper had checked on them, Mia was curled up in Jaxon’s arms, her favorite stuffed toy clutched tightly in her hands.

As the last of the Sentinels left, bidding quiet farewells and leaving with reassurances that they were just a call away, the house finally fell silent.

Harper stood in the living room, the soft hum of the refrigerator the only sound.The stillness was both a relief and a reminder of how close they had come to losing everything.

She was tidying up when she heard the creak of the stairs.Turning, she saw Jaxon descending, his steps slow and deliberate.His presence filled the room, a calming force that eased the tension still coiled in her chest.

“Mia’s sound asleep,” Jaxon said, reaching the bottom of the stairs.

Harper smiled softly, the image of Mia finally at peace after the ordeal, bringing a brief moment of solace.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.“For being there for her.For us.”

Jaxon stepped closer, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek.“You don’t have to thank me, Harper.You’re my family.”

Her eyes drifted down to his arm, and her breath caught.The sleeve of his shirt was bloodied, a dark stain spreading across the fabric.Panic surged through her.

“Jaxon, you’re hurt,” she exclaimed.

He glanced down at his arm, shrugging lightly.“Just a cut.Clay got lucky with his knife, that’s all.”

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