Page 41 of Finding Her Panthers

“You would be able to infiltrate a prison and kill a prisoner?” James is doubtful.

“Please. There are no bars or gates or guards that would stop me,” he scoffs.

“I appreciate the offer and might take you up on it in the future.” Jax stands and offers his hand this time. “Call me when you need that favor. I will do it willingly.”

“Same. I’ll kill him for free.” He reaches into his pocket and hands me a business card. “If you need help and these three can’t get to you, call.” The responding growls cause him to hold up his hands innocently. “I know she’s your mate, not mine, but everyone needs friends. I’ll show myself out.” He’s gone as silently as he came.

The remaining silence is frightening in its intensity. Jax is still staring at the door, his contemplation the scariest.

James has a death grip around my waist as if I will disappear at any moment. Blue is running his hands through his hair and pacing with determination.

“I have to go see him.” I decide, gaining their intense attention.

“Excuse me?” Jax glares.

“I have to go see Mickey. He has the answers. We need to know what he knows. Why is Cindy writing to him?”

“Like hell, you will,” Jax yells. “I will not allow you to go near him. If I have to, I will chain you to the fucking bed,” he threatens and storms out of the house.

Chapter Ten

Harmony

The guys have given me some space after Jax’s outburst, as shocked as I was because of it. He’s never spoken to me or anyone that I have seen like that. Piling that on top of all the fucked-up shit that Ryker informed us about, it’s a bit overwhelming. The guilt pulls at me. I could have taken her with me, taken them all with me. It wouldn’t have taken that long to run and haul them out. Right? I would like to think that would have changed her. Some people just choose to go the other way. I know in my gut she is one of them. No matter what she has been through, it doesn’t change that she is just a shitty person. What puzzles me more than anything is why she would continue to talk to that man. What I wouldn't give to get my hands on those letters.

Would Jax really chain me to the bed? In any other context, that might be a good time, but stopping me from doing what needed to be done just makes me want to do it more. I could handle it. I’ve been through much worse. They would protect me, but also, I can take care of myself. I don’t like being told what to do.

James sticks his head around the door, finding me standing in front of the balcony.

“Are you ready to say Alexa yet?” he asks.

I frown, confused until it dawns on me what he means, remembering our secret word. “Not yet, but close,” I sigh and sit on the end of the bed.

“Listen, he’s just scared, and an Alpha that is scared is going to say things that he may not mean. Especially to his mate, he hasn't marked, and that he is worried about. He usually can handle any situation.” James sits beside me, picks up my hand, and plays with my fingers.

“I get it. I can see where he’s coming from but what if talking to him will help us find Cindy?”

“What if it doesn’t? What if he just plays with your emotions? And gives us nothing. Jax has to live with causing you more pain. Being a male shifter not yet bonded to the mate he wants desperately is fucking with his head. Not to mention if you get physically hurt, he will lose his shit and probably kill the guy.”

“I should talk to him. I understand. I won’t be using our code word. It’s just so frustrating. Not being able to contribute anything.”

“That’s not true. You, more than any of us, may have some insight into what makes him tick. What about her? You might know more than you think to help.”

I never thought of it that way. I was pretty young when I knew them both. Relieving the details will be challenging, but if that’s the one thing right now I could do, I’ll do it.

“Where’s Jax?”

“He’s beating the shit out of the bag downstairs. Just for the record, he feels bad.” James gives me a sad smile. “Blue and I are going to head into town, check out some of the places they like to hang out. Give you guys some time to work this out.”

“Thank you. I know why Blue sent you. You are the best at talking us down. Never doubt your place in this pack. You smooth all their rough edges out. They would be nowhere without you.” I lean down and kiss his surprised face on each cheek as he does me. “Please be safe. Call if you need back up.”

I leave him sitting in shock and find my way down to the gym. I use my enhanced hearing, following the pounding.

I haven’t been down here yet. I try to avoid exercise as much as possible. If I were born human, I would shuffle everywhere, eating cookies and happy in my love handles. Thank goodness for super metabolism. Still, that doesn’t make me want to do anything physical unless I have to.

The room isn’t that big but big enough to have a couple of weight machines, a treadmill, and another machine that I have no clue what the name is. See, that’s how many times I’ve set foot inside a gym.

Jax is standing in front of the bag hanging from the ceiling, punching it like crazy, probably picturing my head on it. I know he heard me come in, but he seems to be ignoring me. I stand patiently waiting for him to acknowledge me.

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