Jax (The Protectors Series) Book #8 (9 page)

Chapter 12

Sloan looked at the clock then to the door. "Has anyone heard from Jax?"

"Since he stabbed me, no." Sid's angry answer indicated he had not forgiven Jax.

"Give it a fucking rest." Jared snorted. "It's been two fucking days and you're a damn vampire. You were completely healed within half an hour."

"Fuck you, Jared," Sid hissed, then threw a knife at him.

Jared blocked the knife. "What in the hell are you doing?"

"Hey, it's no big deal. You're a vampire. It'll heal in half an hour," Sid shot back. "Asshole."

"Throw a knife at me again and I'll—"

"Why don't I just have Damon decapitate both of you so we don't have to hear your shit anymore?" Sloan glared at them both while Damon cracked his knuckles. "Because honestly, I'm sick of hearing it."

The door opened and Jax strolled in.

"Oh, well, what the fuck!" Sloan threw his hand up. "So nice of you to follow fucking orders and be here on time. Are you sure I'm not intruding on your day?" Sloan studied Jax and while he wasn't sure, he would pretty much bet he had been with Caroline. And if he really wanted to lay some money down, he'd bet that Jax seemed a little more relaxed, a sure sign the fucker had been laid. Sloan hid a smile, wondering if his parting remark to Jax about Caroline hadn't lit a fire under the Warrior's dumb ass. About fucking time. Sloan didn't hide his grin at that thought.

"Actually, it is pretty hectic so if we can hurry this along…." Jax leaned against the wall, crossing his arms across his chest and glaring at Sloan before glancing toward Sid. "How's the shoulder?"

"Fuck you." Sid sneered his way.

"His shoulder's fine, but his butt hurts." Jared grinned at his own joke. "Get it? He's butt hurt."

Steve laughed the loudest. Actually, he was the only one who laughed other than Jared.

"I will kill you." Sid turned to Steve.

"He said it." Steve pointed at Jared, not laughing any longer.

"Where have you been?" Sloan asked Jax, ignoring Steve.

"I covered my shift." He nodded at Blaze. "Other than that, I think that's all you need to know."

"Fair enough, because I really don't give a shit what you do on your time, but I just had a meeting with all the pack leaders in the area and your time is going to become my time." Sloan grabbed folders, handing them to Jill to pass out. "They need our help. Since their laws have become nonexistent for shifters since the shit storm Hunter caused, we're going to be doing double shift."

"We already do double shift." Adam groaned. "Why in the hell can't they train other shifters like we do with vampires?"

"They are, but that takes time. It seems the shifter from the other night was right. Shifters, your brother among them, are trying to form their own councils. Without regulation, this could mean a true battle between us and them." Sloan frowned, glancing at Jax. "And that brings me to my next point."

"Which is?" Jax took the folder from Jill, but his eyes were on Slade.

"You and Blaze are going to head up the training, which starts tomorrow. In the folders are the candidates with all their information," Sloan explained. "When the others are free, they can help you. I sent Dillon down to Kentucky to work with the pack leaders in that area. Hunter's going to show him around, introduce him. I may be sending more, but we will see what Dillon reports back to us. He’s pretty good in the field and makes a lot of contacts."

"And who exactly are we training?" Jax's eyes narrowed as if already knowing the answer.

"Vampires and shifters. Actually, anyone who will apply." Sloan didn't hesitate in his answer. "We're being overrun. We need to keep control of the situation. We're going to help them train shifters until they can get a grip on it, but they will be under VC rules and regulations. Anyone breaking our laws will be arrested, whether they're vampires, humans, or shifters."

"I have no problem with it, but Caroline cannot be left unguarded." Jax glanced around at all the men. "None of the women should be left unguarded."

"I agree and we'll figure it out." Sloan had already thought of this. "When does school start?"

"It usually starts in late August," Adam answered. "Which is only two weeks away."

"So if Mika isn't taken care of by then, we need a plan," Sloan replied, looking toward Jax. "Any ideas?"

The only answer Jax gave was a frown.

"Me, Adam, and Steve can act as students in her class," Jill offered, looking at both Steve and Adam, who nodded in agreement.

"I've heard they've integrated the humans and vampires in the same classrooms," Adam added. "I'm in."

"Going back to high school." Steve grinned widely. "Holy shit, finally an undercover job."

"You agree with that?" Sloan asked Jax.

"It's not like any of you could pass as high school students," Jill replied when Jax hesitated. "We know what we're doing, Jax, and it will be three of us. Being the girl of the three I can follow her into restrooms. With Adam and Steve plus me, if something does go down, then one of us can always be guarding her."

"Yes, while I'm kicking ass and taking names, Jill can guard the teach," Steve said with self-importance.

Jill snorted and rolled her eyes at him. "You wish."

"At this point, it seems the only plan we have." Jax nodded, not totally agreeing or disagreeing.

"I'll set it up." Sloan made a note on a piece of paper.

"You really need a secretary," Jill mused, watching him.

"No." Sloan didn't even look up from the paper.

"Why not?" Jill continued to press the issue. "Your desk is a mess, you're always answering the phone, and by the way, my pay was late in my account."

"Yeah, so was mine," Steve piped in. "That really needs to be taken care of. I got bills now. I think a secretary is a great idea."

"I think having someone organized would help you so you can focus on important things," Jill continued her case.

"There is no woman on Earth who wouldn't be running out of this office screaming and crying by the end of the first day." Sid snorted. "Shit, I'll put money down on that. Anyone care to make that bet?"

No one even reached for their wallets because they all knew that there probably wasn't a woman alive who could handle Sloan Murphy.

Sloan glared up at Sid, but then realized he was probably right. "If you're not happy with the way I run shit, get the fuck out."

Jill rolled her eyes at his blustering. "That's not what I mean."

"Ah, hey, man. You're doing a great job." Steve laughed nervously. "I was just… I mean hell, man… I'd do this job for no pay."

"That can be arranged," Sloan warned.

"Jill, shut up and leave Sloan alone." Steve glared at her. "He doesn't need a secretary. He does a great job."

"Hey, kiss ass, shut up," Jill replied, but kept her eyes on Sloan. "If I can find the perfect candidate, will you at least talk to them and give them a chance?"

Sloan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Probably not." Jill beamed a smile of victory at him. "You're going to be thanking me, Sloan."

"I seriously doubt that," Sloan grumbled before kicking them all out of his office. "I need a fucking vacation."

******

Caroline sat in the large compound kitchen with Lana, Nicole, Pam, and Tessa, drinking coffee, but her mind was elsewhere. Last night had been nothing like she had ever experienced before, and waking up in Jax's arms had been pure bliss. Sipping her coffee, she looked up to see all the women staring at her.

"What?"

A huge smile spread across Lana's face. "You had sex."

"Definitely." Tessa grinned, then laughed.

"Well, spill it, woman." Nicole leaned toward her.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Caroline's face grew warm with embarrassment.

"You know exactly what we're talking about so don't try to fool us. We know the look of a woman satisfied by a Warrior and, woman, you're wearing that look all over your face." Pam laughed, giving her a knowing look. "Sitting there all dreamy-eyed with a
satisfied
smile. So how is Jax Wheeler in the sack?"

"You guys are terrible." Caroline stood up quickly to pour herself some more coffee, then turned back toward the women. "And a real lady never tells."

"No ladies at this table, and I know for a fact you aren't one either." Lana snorted, rolling her eyes. "So start talking, sister."

Thank God Jill picked that moment to barge in the door. "You guys are not going to believe this." Jill grabbed a chair, sitting down quickly and glancing at the door. "We are going to find Sloan a secretary."

"He agreed to that?" Nicole looked doubtful.

"In a Sloan kind of way." Jill's mischievous grin grew. "So you guys with me on this?"

"Hell yeah, we're in." Tessa nodded with determination. "It's about time we get Sloan organized."

"And laid," Pam added and then glanced at Caroline. "Seems Sloan is the only one not getting laid."

Jill's eyes followed Pam's gaze to Caroline, who was blushing furiously. "Finally." Jill laughed excitedly. "Took him long enough."

"I could eat the ass end out of a skunk I'm so hungry," Steve was saying as he came through the door.

"And Steve," the women said at once, then burst out laughing.

"Ah, shit, what did I walk into?" Steve actually looked scared as he stared at the women.

"Nothing at all, Steve." Nicole stood, patting Steve on the cheek. "Soon we'll be helping you."

"Helping me what?" Steve asked, as if he didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or run. When the women didn't answer, Steve looked around, frantic. "Help me what?"

Caroline laughed, but stopped when Jax walked in, his intense eyes searching her out and finding her. Every part of her body that could tingle did and with a force that had her biting her lip. The women became very quiet, watching. "You ready to go?"

Nodding, Caroline stood, taking her cup to the sink and washing it out.

"So, Jax." Lana used her cop voice. "Where were you last night?"

Pam, Tessa, Nicole, and Jill all stared at him with questioning eyes and knowing smiles.

"Lana, stop," Caroline warned, hurrying toward Jax, whose narrowed eyes were zoomed in on Lana. "Let's go." She tried to pull Jax, but he wasn't moving.

"Jax, man, I would run and run fast," Steve warned, eyeing the women. "They're acting crazy, and it seems their interest just went from me to you."

Jax walked over, bending down so his hands were on the table as he leaned toward Lana. "You want to play this game?" Jax tilted his head, looking straight at her. "Because honestly, if you want to play the cop, I'll tell you exactly where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing. But I think we both know we don't want to embarrass your sister any more than she is now. Do we, Officer Fitzpatrick?"

Caroline watched in awe as Lana obediently shook her head and shut up, she didn’t even correct him that her name was now Sinclair and the fact she wasn’t technically a cop anymore since she worked with the Warriors instead of the police force. Jax straightened, moving away from the table, his eyes pinning Lana to the spot before he took Caroline's hand in his, heading for the door.

"Holy crap, that was hot," was the last thing Caroline heard Jill say as the door closed behind them. And Jill was right, it was hot and she hoped to hell Jax was taking her back to her place.

Chapter 13

Jax did take her home and they hardly made it through the door before he was inside her. They had taken her car instead of his motorcycle to the compound because of the rain. Once in the car, she had been hesitant to do anything, but she had just happened to glance at his lap to see he was hard. That was all the encouragement she needed. The short drive gave her opportunity to drive him insane with her hands and mouth.

Pulling into her drive, he slammed on the brakes and tucked himself back into his pants. "You're damn lucky we made it back alive." Jax opened the door, got out, and helped her to her feet.

Caroline grinned up at him, noticing he wasn't looking at her, but scanning the area. Most women would probably be upset because his attention had been diverted, but she wasn't. He was a Warrior and she knew this was just who he was. He was making sure it was safe and as far as she was concerned that was sexy as hell, plus he was with her and not running away. Everything about the man was hot and she wanted him with a passion that made her knees weak.

He led her up to the porch, unlocked her door, and went in first, stopping to listen and scan. Satisfied, he pulled her inside and shut the door, locking it. His mouth smashed down on hers so fast it took her breath away. He pulled her up so she straddled his body, both hands gripping her ass, grinding her into him.

Lifting her up higher, he ordered her to take off her shirt and bra, which she did quickly. His strength to hold her at the height he could suck and lick each of her breasts amazed her because she wasn't a petite girl.

"This is going to be hard and fast." He growled the warning against her stomach before setting her down. He quickly had her naked before him and had freed his cock from his jeans without taking them off.

That morning before leaving, she had hung her curtains at his request while he'd brought some of her furniture in from the barn. Carrying her over to the kitchen, Jax sat her down and turned her. She placed both hands on the counter. He used his booted feet to carefully nudge her legs apart before leaning over her with his body. His hardness pressed against her ass, sending bolts of desire racing through her. He then used his fingers to make sure she was ready for him.

His breathing was rough against her ear and she loved the sound of it. It was the sound of Jax wanting her and she savored every second of it. She gasped and moaned in one breath when he pushed inside of her in one swift movement. Her arms straightened as she gripped the counter. His hands were everywhere, the overwhelming pleasure they gave her almost too much. Slamming into her, he picked up the tempo; an arm went around her stomach while his other hand rested beside hers on the counter to keep her from slamming against the hard surface.

His power surrounding her combined with his pounding into her was overwhelming. Darkness edged her vision, but she fought it. No way in hell was she missing out on this by passing out. He had said this was going to be hard and fast—hard was right, but fast wasn't the case. Jax's stamina shocked her, but in a good, delicious way.

Knowing she was on the edge, Caroline locked her legs and gripped the counter until her knuckles turned white. And then it hit. Wave after wave of release slammed into her and it took everything she had to stay on her feet.

Jax must have felt it also, but once he gently pulled out and re-snapped his pants, he picked her up, carrying her to the couch. Caroline watched his face carefully. Something wasn't right.

"What's wrong?" She tried to turn his face toward hers, but he remained staring straight ahead.

"I shouldn't have taken you like that." Jax's voice was low, filled with disgust.

Naked, Caroline shifted and crawled up on his lap so she straddled him. She put both hands on his face. "I don't know why not. I obviously thoroughly enjoyed every second of it." She smiled, but when he didn't return the gesture, she leaned back. "And I hope you do it again and soon."

"You deserve something more than me fucking you on your kitchen counter." Jax growled, finally looking at her.

"You have got to be kidding me?" Caroline's temper rose, simmering. "So what you're saying is it's okay to
fuck
me on my living floor four times—"

"Five," he broke in.

"Excuse me, five times, but it's totally uncalled for to
fuck
me in my kitchen," Caroline spat out. "Then I guess I can't suck your dick again while you're driving since I'm such a lady."

Something glimmered in Jax's eyes before it was gone. "No, that's perfectly fine," Jax gave the typical male response.

Caroline sat in shock until a smile tipped the corner of his lips. "You're an ass." She smacked him on the chest, fighting to get off his lap.

Jax flipped her over onto the couch, lying across her to keep her still. "You're different, Caroline."

"Good, because I don't want to be like the other
thousand
women you've been with, asshole." Caroline wiggled, trying to dislodge him, but it was no use. He wasn't budging.

"That's not what I meant." He frowned down at her. "I don't want you to think I don't…"

"Respect me?" Caroline finished when he hesitated.

"Yeah, I guess that's it," Jax replied, not looking too happy with the conversation.

"Jax, there are so many ways to disrespect me, but what we did in the kitchen definitely isn't one of them." Caroline was understanding Jax a little more. Even though he was closed off, he was opening up to her slowly, to where she was learning to read him. "I'm going to take a leap here and say that anything you do to me during sex will not make me think you are disrespecting me and, if I feel that way, I promise to tell you."

"Yeah" was his only response, but relief seemed to sweep across his handsome features.

"Thank you." She smiled up at him.

"For what?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"For caring enough about something most men wouldn't even think about." She kissed his chin.

"And once again, I'm not most men." He growled down at her.

"You most certainly aren't," she agreed, tracing his lips with her finger.

"Now say it again," he demanded with a growl, but a teasing gleam in his eye.

"Say what?"

"Suck my dick." He laughed when she smacked him. "I can't believe my little teacher says words like that. And the things you do would shock the teaching world."

"You'd be shocked at what this teacher would do for you." Caroline made sure her voice was husky when she replied.

"I doubt it, but I'm more than willing to let you try." Jax grinned down at her before taking her mouth in a kiss that set her soul on fire.

******

While Jax put together her bed, Caroline started painting the living room. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she rolled paint on the wall, happily humming. A loud knock from the front door startled her and before she could turn around, Jax was coming down the steps opening her front door.

"What's up?" Jax said, stepping aside so Blaze and Sid could enter.

"Sloan put me on the training job with you guys and…" Sid glanced over at Caroline, a large frown on his face.

"And what?" Jax also glanced at Caroline, who just shrugged.

"And Lana wanted me to come here and make nice." Sid sneered and then pointed at Caroline. "Hush!"

Caroline used the roller to point to herself in total innocence. "I didn't say a word."

Sid turned his attention back to Jax. "So I accept your apology for stabbing me."

"I don't think I apologized for that." Jax cocked his eyebrow.

"Well, fuck you, you should have." Sid growled before calming himself down and waited a second, as if recalling what he was supposed to say. "I understand why you did it."

Caroline watched in awe as Sid seemed to struggle with his words. She held the roller up to hide her grin.

"So apology accepted," Sid finished, looking relieved.

"Again, I don't think I apologized." Jax didn't budge on the fact so Caroline decided to step in.

"There's coffee and beer as well as leftover—" she started to say, but yeah, Sid wasn't finished.

"Dude, I'm on the edge here." Sid eyed Jax. "And if this don't get settled, I'm going to have one pissed-off woman on my hands. So take this however the fuck you want to take this. I don't care, taking one for the team. I have in the past, but if you ever throw a fucking knife at me again, Slade will not be able to…"

Caroline watched Jax's eyes darken then glanced at Blaze who was watching with a half grin, casually leaning up against the wall without a care in the world.

"He gets it." Caroline hurried between them. "Don't you, Jax?"

"Oh, yeah." His tone was even, but harsh. "I get it."

"Good, because if you ever and I mean ever—" Sid growled.

"Oh, for shit's sake." Caroline threatened them both with her roller full of paint. "Stop acting like two-year-olds before I put you both in time-out. Now shake hands."

When they both just stared at each other, Caroline swung her roller around.

"I said shake before I clobber you both with this roller." She watched as they grasped hands, but then they wouldn't let go. She looked down to see both of their hands gripped in a painful handshake war. Glaring at Blaze, who was still watching with an amused grin on his face, she said, "Will you please do something before I clobber you too? Don't think I won't."

Blaze pushed himself off the wall and then stepped between Jax and Sid. When he couldn't get them to part, he laid his hands on both their wrists until finally, they shot apart.

"Holy shit, Blaze." Sid grabbed his wrist. "That fucking hurts."

"Yeah, it does," Blaze agreed with a grin. "Now, can we talk about what we came here to talk about without you two going at each other or Caroline beating me to death with her paint roller?"

Caroline went back to painting, but kept a close eye on Sid and Jax. Finally, they seemed to calm down and were working on whatever it was Warriors worked on.

"While Sid and Blaze are here, I'm going to have them help me move some more furniture in from the barn and then we'll work on the roof. Is there anything special you want brought inside?" Jax had walked up behind her, startling her.

"You scared me." She laughed when she jumped. "If you can get my dresser and the two smaller nightstands that go beside the bed, that would be great."

"No problem." He winked at her, turned and walked out with Sid and Blaze following.

She went back to work with a smile, remembering only a few short weeks ago she had bought this house thinking she would be here alone. It was amazing how things worked out. With a frown, she looked toward the front door, thinking she heard footsteps. When no one knocked, she put the roller down and headed that way. She could have sworn she'd heard footsteps. Opening the door, she was shocked beyond speech.

"Why haven't you answered my calls, Caroline?" Rod stood on her front porch looking pissed and as intimidating as ever. "I've called and called and called. Thankfully, one of your schoolteacher friends told me where you moved to. Obviously, you've been busy. I really wish you had waited for me to make a decision as big as buying our home. But with a lot of work we can turn this dump into a nice place for our family."

"Why are you here, Rod?" Caroline was still in a state of shock, his words not fully registering. She tried to close the door a little, but he stopped it with his foot.

"Why, to take you back." Rod smiled at her. "To give you a second chance."