Page 13 of Jesse
Jackson rubbed a hand over his face, clearly trying to keep his temper in check.
“Aren’t there cameras around the festival? CCTVs or something? Can’t we use that to get some answers?” Jackson asked.
Jesse, leaning casually against the wall, straightened. “I’ll see what I can do about that.” His tone was calm, steady, like he had it all under control.
He caught my eye and gave a small nod, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. To my surprise, it was reassuring.
Ethan, still standing by the covered body, spoke up. “This pattern seems familiar,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ve seen reports about something similar before, on the Healer’s Circle.”
“The what?” I asked, my frustration momentarily giving way to curiosity.
“It’s an online network where pack healers share information,” Ethan explained. “In cases like this, we trade notes, comparewounds, patterns, and outcomes. There’s a precedent for this kind of attack. Whoever’s responsible usually strikes more than once before they move on. Two victims usually.”
Cooper’s frown deepened. “So there’s a chance they’re still here.”
“Which means,” Jackson cut in sharply, “we don’t need Beck sticking around to be next in line.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I snapped, the heat rising in my chest again.
The body had been left in my truck, no one else’s. I took a step closer, locking eyes with Jackson.
I continued, “And I know the festival better than any of you. I’ve been here since it started. I know the vendors, the regulars, the routines. If something feels off, I’ll notice it before any of you do.”
Jackson opened his mouth to argue, but Jesse spoke first.
“He’s right.”
The room went quiet. Jackson glared at Jesse, but Jesse didn’t flinch. He looked at me with steady eyes.
“If Beck knows the festival that well, he’s an asset. He can spot what we’d miss,” Jesse pointed out.
Jesse’s words caught me off guard. Jackson had always treated me like I needed protecting, like I couldn’t handle myself. And here was this stranger siding with me.
Part of me wanted to feel grateful. Another part bristled at the idea of needing help. But my wolf stirred, restless, cautious, yet oddly encouraged.
This was my life. This was more than just a job or a hobby. It was my chance to stand on my own without leaning on my family or their name.
It was where I proved who I was, away from their shadow. If I lost that, if I was shut out from protecting what I’d built, then what was left?
I spoke quietly but with no less resolve. “I have to see this through.”
Cooper studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “Whoever did this might kill again. The best way to stop them is to work together.”
Jackson’s shoulders slumped, and I knew I’d won. But his next words still carried a warning. “Fine. But only if there’s protection for Beck.”
And just like that, I had a seat at the table.
Jesse straightened, shoulders broad and stance confident as he stepped forward. “I’ll take care of it,” he said simply.
All eyes shifted to him. Doubt crept in as I studied him carefully.
The casual set of his jaw and the almost lazy way he stood with his hands in his pockets made it seem like this was no big deal.
Did he really understand what he was volunteering for?
“You?” I blurted before I could stop myself.
Jesse raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Me.”
