Jax (The Protectors Series) Book #8 (11 page)

Chapter 16

Jax lay with Caroline in his arms all night, waking her every half hour. He watched as the swelling and bruising faded from her face. She was almost completely healed.

He had never shared his blood with anyone. The woman in his arms was the only person, human or vampire, who had his blood running through her. His protectiveness for her was overwhelming. He would have killed for her yesterday, but her words had stopped him. Only her words.

She moved restlessly, indicating she was trying to wake up. He held her closer, breathing in her scent. It had been a night of firsts for him because he had never lain in a bed with a woman he'd had sex with. In truth, he had never lain in bed with a woman in his arms until that moment.

Her eyes fluttered open, closed, and then fluttered open again. He knew when she realized she was in bed with him, but instead of pulling away, she snuggled closer, holding him tighter. He didn't want this to end. He could lie with her for days, even weeks, holding her, and that threw him a little.

"How you feeling?" He watched her closely.

Her head tilted slightly so she could look up at him. Her hand slowly reached for his face. "Better." Her voice was husky with sleep. "I think."

"The swelling and bruising is almost gone." He wasn't for sure about her neck because he couldn't see it, but he knew without a doubt that was healing also.

Slowly she sat up, getting her bearings. "That's amazing." She gently felt and poked at her cheek. "It doesn't even hurt."

"You still have a headache?" He tilted her chin up so he could see her neck.

"No, not at all," she said, surprised, then leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Jax."

"For what?" He frowned, feeling uncomfortable. He didn't get many thank-yous and didn't know exactly how to say "'you're welcome."'

Caroline's eyes widened slightly. "Well, you got a minute, because the list is quite long?" She smiled before reaching out and wrapping her arms around his neck to give him a long hug. "I'll just say for everything, and leave it at that. Obviously, you don't like thank-yous or praise. So, I won't make you uncomfortable."

"And that's why I l—" What the fuck was happening to him? He didn't know what the hell love was so no way in hell was it going to be spewing from his mouth.

"Why you what?" Caroline tilted her head to stare at him.

Jax didn't know what in the hell to say. They just sat staring at each other. Quickly, he pulled himself out from under her and stood. "Why don't you…?" Jax ran his hand through his hair. "Do what you do in the morning and I'll go start some coffee?"

"Ah, okay." Caroline looked at him, confused, as she swung her feet over the side of the bed.

Staying close, he watched as she slowly stood, stretched, and took a step. "You still feel dizzy?" He wouldn't leave her until he was sure she was okay, even though he wanted to run like hell out of the room.

She turned to give him a bright smile. "Actually, I feel amazing." She took a few steps and then stopped. "You should bottle that stuff up, Jax. You could make a fortune. I feel like a million bucks. You think I can have a sip every once in a while as a pick-me-up?" she teased.

Jax actually laughed, momentarily forgetting that he'd almost said the word he didn't even think was in his vocabulary.

"At a low cost, I think we could work something out." He winked at her, making sure she was okay before heading downstairs. Caroline was turning his world upside down and he actually felt pretty good about it. Yeah, the world had to be fucking ending or some shit. There were too many 'firsts' happening to him in the span of a few hours, and even though he felt good, maybe even happy, he had a strong feeling that wouldn't last. Something big was coming, it always did.

******

Caroline had showered, dressed, stared at her face in complete awe and was now sitting across from Jax, drinking coffee and enjoying his company. She couldn't believe he had stayed and held her all night. She remembered each time he had gently woken her, asked her questions before allowing her to go back to sleep. And then that morning, she was almost sure he had come close to saying he loved her. She'd debated with herself as she showered, and even as she sat directly across from him, whether that was what he was going to say before he'd abruptly cut himself off.

Honestly, it didn't matter. If he didn't say the words she felt, she could live with that… she hoped.

"What happened yesterday?" Jax interrupted her musing with something she definitely didn't want to talk about, but the look on his face told her that was exactly what they were going to do.

"I was painting and thought I heard someone on the porch." Caroline frowned, remembering her shock at opening the door to find Rod standing directly in front of her.

"And you opened the door without asking who it was?" Jax guessed correctly.

"I didn't even know if anyone was out there," she defended herself. By his narrowed gaze, she knew he was not happy. "So yes, I opened the door and Rod was standing there with his brother in the yard."

"Go on." Jax took a drink of coffee, watching her closely over the rim.

"I asked him what he was doing there." Her hand shook as she brought her coffee cup to her lips. "Is this really necessary? It's over."

"It is." Jax frowned. "And it's far from over."

"What do you mean, it's far from over?" She set her coffee down before she sloshed the hot liquid all over her.

"Stop changing the subject." Jax eyed her knowingly.

"It's still the same subject," Caroline hedged. "How am I changing the subject?"

"What did he say, Caroline?" Jax was no fool and knew exactly what she was doing.

"He said he was there to take me back. He had given me time to realize my mistake." Her voice trembled. "I told him that he made a mistake coming here and to get off my property. That's when he grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against the house."

"When did he hit you?" Jax's voice had changed and so had his eyes. They were black instead of their usual beautiful gold.

"He said he wanted to see our house, but I refused to let him in." Caroline looked away from Jax. "And he hit me. You know the rest."

Jax sat, saying nothing for a long time. She became fidgety and uncomfortable under his stare, to the point she got up and poured more coffee for herself before sitting back down. She sensed his eyes on her the whole time.

"Jax, can we please talk about something else?" She finally broke the silence. "I don't want you to be upset with me."

"I'm not upset with you." He finally spoke. "I'm trying to keep myself from leaving and killing the son of a bitch."

"Oh, well, I don't want you doing that either. It's not worth it."

Jax gave a sinister laugh. "Yes, it would be totally worth it." As quickly as he laughed, his face changed. "He will never lay a hand on you again. That I can promise you."

Caroline could only nod because she was afraid if she opened her mouth, the sobs she was holding back would escape, and she was so over crying. After a few minutes of more silence, she felt it was safe to speak without blubbering. "So what are your plans for today?" She tried for a normal conversation.

"I was supposed to start the training program, but Sloan let me off." Jax got up to put his cup in the sink. "He really cares for you."

"Who? Sloan?" Caroline shrugged. "He has to. My sister is married to one of his Warriors." She laughed.

"No, that's not it," Jax added, but then dropped it. "Blaze and Sid can get things started."

Okay, this conversation was strange. Was he bringing up Sloan liking her for a reason? When he turned and wouldn't meet her gaze, she knew. Call it women's intuition.

"I don't have feelings for Sloan Murphy." By the flash of relief that disappeared a split second later, she knew she had been right. She also knew not to dwell on it because that wasn't the kind of man Jax was. He threw something out there, wanting to know without actually asking. She understood it, answered it, and would leave it at that. It also made her heart skip a beat to even imagine he was jealous, but she wouldn't use that to her advantage.

The only reply he gave was a nod, without meeting her gaze.

"And please don't change anything because of me. I'll be fine. Go do your training, Jax." Caroline hated to be a nuisance to anyone. "I have so much to do with school starting next week."

"Next week?" That got his attention. "Adam said it doesn't start for two weeks."

"No, we're starting a week early because of snow days." She frowned. "And why does that matter?"

Jax didn't answer her right away; instead, he pulled out his phone and typed a text. Actually, he didn't look like he was planning on answering her at all.

"What's going on?" Caroline pushed. "Why does it matter when school starts?"

"We're going to plant Adam, Steve, and Jill in your classroom," Jax answered with a tone that indicated it was a done deal.

"They can't do that." Caroline frowned. "Is this because—"

"They are doing it and yes, it is because of Mika," Jax cut her off. "None of the women are being left alone."

"Jill is a woman. Isn't that putting her in danger?" Caroline didn't like this idea at all. "And isn't that spreading you guys thin? I know how busy you are."

His eyes shot to hers. "Jill is a Warrior and a damn good one at that." Something flickered in his eyes before it was gone. "And our women will not be left unguarded in the face of danger. It's a done deal, Caroline."

A terrible thought occurred to her. "Am I putting my kids in danger by teaching them?" Caroline gasped.

Jax didn't answer right away, but when he did, there was a fierceness to his voice. "We won't let anything happen to you or the kids." Then he added, "This is a precaution. Trust me."

Caroline stood and walked toward Jax, putting her arms around him. "I do trust you." She did trust him, with all her heart.

Chapter 17

As Jax walked into the warehouse, his mind was elsewhere. He had dropped Caroline off at the compound. She had insisted yesterday that he go to training, but he'd flatly refused. He hadn't been ready to leave her alone yet and still felt that way, but he had responsibilities.

The workout area was full. He walked through, making his way toward Blaze and Sid. Everyone stared, but got out of his way. He spotted Katrina sitting alone. From what he could tell, she was the only female in the group. She was quiet and kept to herself. He didn't know much about her, but that would soon change.

Sid had filled him in on the phone about how the first session had gone. They'd mainly gone over rules and what was expected—to get ready for an ass kicking they'd never forget—and then did some hardcore conditioning.

"Well, we lost ten already." Sid grinned when Jax stopped in front of them. "And after tonight, I expect to lose a few more."

"Is Katrina the only female?" Jax once again glanced her way, then surveyed the rest of the group, which was sizing him up.

"Yeah, and she looks a nervous wreck, but she's a determined little thing." Sid nodded in her direction.

"So you say we lost ten so far?" Jax cocked an eyebrow when Sid's grin widened with a nod. "Okay, let's see how many more pussies we can flush out today."

"Even though you stabbed me, I can't help but like your Native American ass." Sid followed Jax to the middle of the mats, with Blaze right behind them.

"I'm Jax Wheeler." Jax's voice boomed through the warehouse. The low rumble of conversation stopped at his first word. "Looking at you, I can tell if you are VC Warrior material and right now, I can tell you half of you will be running out of this room crying like bitches."

Jax paused for effect.

"I'm not here to hold your hand. I'm not your friend. I'm training you to keep order and possibly save lives. I take my job seriously and if for one minute I feel you're not right for this job, I will personally escort you off this mat and out the door." Jax's eyes narrowed, seeing one of the larger candidates roll his eyes. Without saying a word, he walked over to stand in front of him. "You got a problem with your eyes?"

The large candidate looked around at the others who seemed to fade away from him. "No." Even though he said one word, it sounded cocky.

"No, sir." Jax's voice was deadly.

The guy hesitated. "No, sir," he repeated, not sounding at all like he meant it.

An audible gasp filled the room when Jax punched the guy in the eye. "Now you do." Jax growled. "Get the fuck off my mats and out of my building."

Jax heard a few "holy shits," Sid's included, as well as mumblings. "Anyone else?" Jax took the time to look each candidate in the eye before turning toward Blaze. "Get them running and warmed up."

Blaze was grinning from ear to ear, but at Jax's order, the smile disappeared. "You heard him," Blaze shouted. "Get your asses moving!"

"Bad day?" Sid laughed, following Jax off the mat.

"Not at all." Jax leaned against the wall, crossing his arms across his chest, watching each candidate run. "Just don't like cocky bastards."

******

At the compound, Caroline sat in the kitchen staring at her laptop. She hadn't argued with Jax when he said no one was available to come to her house and that he would have to take her to the compound. She had work to do, getting her class schedules and planners ready, which she could do anywhere with her laptop.

Yesterday, after their little talk, they'd enjoyed the rest of the day and Jax had actually helped her finish painting the living room. Their teasing paint fight turned into a sex marathon, but only after Jax made sure, after repeated questioning, that she felt okay.

"Give me your damn phone." Lana walked in, a pissed expression on her face.

"Well, hello to you too." Caroline frowned, but dug into her purse trying to find her phone. Finally feeling it with her hand, she pulled it out and handed it to her sister. She watched wide-eyed as Lana checked it and then shoved the phone at her.

"Twenty-five missed calls and just as many text messages, all unanswered and unchecked." Lana put her hands on her hips. "Why do you even have a phone, Caroline?"

"I'm sorry, but I figured Sid would tell you I was okay." Caroline tossed her phone back in her purse.

"Yeah, well, he did, but dammit, answer your damn phone or at least check it," Lana scolded. Concern etched her features as she sat down, staring at her face. "Sid said your face was really bad, but it's not really even swollen."

Caroline blushed, self-consciously touching her cheek.

Lana frowned until understanding crossed her face. "No!" Her mouth opened wide. "Jax gave you his blood? You're mated to Jax Wheeler?"

"Oh, no!" Caroline shook her head, setting her sister straight. "He just let me have some to help me heal."

"What exactly is going on with the two of you?" Lana narrowed her eyes.

"Lana, can you please stop being a cop for one second and just be my sister?" Caroline sighed. "I get so tired of being interrogated by you."

"Ah, excuse me, I am being your sister and want to know what's going on between you and Jax," Lana grumbled.

"Whatever." Caroline rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to her laptop.

"Okay, then how's this?" Lana said. Flipping her hair, she leaned close to Caroline. "Oh, my God, have you and Jax… you know… done it?"

"What?" Caroline moved back, looking at Lana as if she'd lost her mind.

"Does he have a big one?" Lana giggled, pointing down to her lap. "You know… did it fit and stuff?"

"That's exactly what we'd like to know." Nicole walked in and sat down, with Tessa following. "And why in the hell are you talking like a valley girl?"

"Because she has lead poisoning from all the bullets she plays with." Caroline was still staring at her sister.

"No, I asked Caroline a simple question and she thought I was playing cop with her." Lana switched back to her regular voice. "She wanted sister-talk, so I gave her sister-talk."

"We never ever talked like that." Caroline chuckled, shaking her head while still staring at her sister.

"Thank God, 'cause I really like you both and would hate to have to kill you." Nicole gave them both a teasing grin. She then turned serious. "Now back to the question." Nicole looked directly at Caroline.

"What question?" Caroline asked, confused.

"Does Jax Wheeler have a big one?" Nicole leaned forward, as did Tessa and Lana, to hear the answer to that question.

The seriousness in Nicole's voice as well as the looks on their faces was hilarious and Caroline burst out laughing. "You guys are so not right."

Soon they were all laughing, with Nicole, Tessa, and Lana comparing their men, but Caroline kept her mouth shut, except to laugh. Jax Wheeler was not something she was willing to share with other women, even if it was just talk.

Before any of them goaded her into joining in, Jill burst into the room with a look of horror on her face.

"What's wrong?" all the women shouted at the same time, except for Caroline. New to the Warrior way, she didn't totally understand the dangers they faced, or the worry the women suffered each time their men were out in the field.

"I'm a dead woman." Jill held papers to her chest. "That's what's wrong."

"What did you do now?" Nicole grinned. It was common knowledge that Jill had a knack for getting herself into messes.

"You know that ad I asked you to place in the paper?" She looked at Nicole.

"For the open secretary job for Sloan, Thursday." Nicole nodded. "Did I mess it up?"

"No, kind of the opposite." Jill slapped the papers down on the table. "The ad did so well we have over a hundred women signed up for interviews."