“Fine, there were three Spiders. They attacked a small commune of shifters just outside of Flint,” Trevor started.
“A commune?” Jax frowned. “I didn’t know those were around. It sounds like something from the hippie culture.”
“Yeah, usually shifters and hippies can’t be further apart,” Trevor agreed.
“I used to think that, too, but this is the second thing I heard we have in common,” Jax mused.
“What are you talking about?” Trevor asked.
“Nothing,” Shane interrupted as he gave Jax a light cuff on the head. “Keep going, Trevor.”
The whole exchange confused Trevor. He decided he’d ask Shane about it later. At the moment, he just wanted to continue with the story.
“Actually, this group of shifters is a lot like the ones the hippies used to have,” Trevor admitted. “One would almost say they’re a cult. Their leader is a Falcon who claims he’s a god.”
“They really believe that?” Jax’s eyes grew wide.
“Why is that so surprising? There are all different forms of religion out there.” Trevor challenged.
“I don’t know.” Jax shrugged. “I just thought it was a human thing. I never heard of shifters getting into that stuff.”
“You’ll probably learn all about that in history class. Some of our religions go back to the beginning of recorded time. In fact, humans even took on some of our beliefs as their own. Of course, back then they didn’t know shifters even existed, so they didn’t realize it at the time,” Shane said, before he flashed Trevor a grin. “See? I may not have gone to the Academy, either, but I still know things.”
“I’m sure Owen has drummed all kinds of information into your head,” Trevor said.
Owen had been raised with Shane. Since they’d been slaves and were bought for the sole purpose of serving their master, they hadn’t gotten much of an education. That hadn’t stopped them from thriving, though. Owen was nothing short of a genius, and since he’d come to the Coalition, he’d made it a mission to learn as much as possible about shifters, all of which he’d passed on to Shane.
“He never shuts up,” Shane grumbled.
While Shane acted like it bothered him, Trevor wasn’t fooled for an instant. Many just saw Shane as only a violent, killing machine. Trevor knew better. Sure, Shane might be an Assassin, but that was just his job. It wasn’t who he was deep down. Under all that grumpiness was a kind, gentle male, one who was damn smart too.
“Anyway, back to the story. The commune called for help this morning. The Spiders saw them as a weak target and decided to attack,” Trevor said.
“Why would they do that?” Ava asked. “It seems awfully risky. Sure, they may not be part of the Coalition, but the commune is close by. The Spiders had to know Mitchell would send help.”
“The commune has a lot of money on its premises. Like many other cults, the followers sell all they have and turn it over to the leader. The Falcon must not trust banks or something, so he kept it all with him.”
“Either that or he didn’t want the government to know how much he has,” Jax added. “Even shifters have to pay taxes. He was probably trying to avoid that.”
“Jax, you are the only teenager I know who understands tax evasion,” Shane drawled.
“I read it somewhere,” Jax replied with a shrug.
“How did I know that would be your answer?” Trevor ruffled the Lion’s hair again. “By the time we arrived, the attack was already full-on. While there were only three Spiders, they’re big as f—heck and able to do massive amounts of damage in a little bit of time.”
“How large are they?” Jax pressed.
“Larger than a truck. It takes several of us to kill just one of them,” Trevor replied.
“Wow, I can’t imagine ever having to face one of those things,” Jax nearly whispered.
“Don’t worry. You still have years to go before you have to do that, and we’ll make sure you’re more than prepared,” Shane assured him.
“Plus, you’ll never be on your own. You’ll have your team at your back. That’s the great thing about being in a Coalition,” Trevor added.
“So, what happened at the commune?” Ava pressed.
“We managed to kill the Spiders, but not before they took out some of the commune members. They lost all of their buildings too.” Trevor felt a pang of sadness as he thought about the deaths.
“And just for some money. That’s so wrong,” Jax said, with a shake of his head.
“How did you guys kill the Spiders?” Ava asked, showing her Leopard side.
“Flamethrowers and grenades,” Trevor supplied.
“Why don’t you just shoot them? That would be a lot easier?” Jax tilted his head to the side.
“Their exoskeletons are too hard. Bullets bounce off.” Trevor nodded to the plates. “Now, finish eating. We can get Jax settled in as soon as you’re done.”
“Where will I be sleeping?” Jax asked.
Trevor and Shane exchanged glances. “Well, we thought it would be best if you stayed in the guest room.”
“Why? We always just bunked together before?” Ava demanded.
“Yeah, but you guys are getting older now,” Shane replied evenly.
“Please.” Ava rolled her eyes. “Nothing is going to happen. Jax is gay. He’s not going to try to make any moves on me. Even if he did, I’m not interested in that kind of crap. To tell you the truth, I don’t ever want to be in any kind of relationship.”
Hmmm…that was interesting. Not the Jax part. Trevor already suspected that the Lion was gay. Plus, the kid reeked of male Jaguar, which meant he was spending time with a guy. If Trevor had to guess he would say it was Alvus, although Trevor had only met the teen once, so he couldn’t be certain. All he did know for sure was Jax had been getting close to somebody.
What sparked his curiosity was what Ava had said about herself. Then again, maybe it shouldn’t come off as too surprising. Ava had never shown any interest in either sex before. Trevor always chalked it up to her being young. He’d thought she’d show an interest as she matured, but she was sixteen. And as much as Trevor hated to admit it, that made her almost an adult.
“Still, it would probably be best if you stayed in separate rooms,” Shane said. “Or you could just both crash in the living room. Since it’s close to where we sleep, I don’t think that would be a problem.”
Ava smiled, no doubt thinking she’d just gotten her way, which was funny. He and Shane would be able to hear everything that went on. Not that he thought Ava or Jax would do anything wrong. It just never hurt to be on the safe side.
“Fine, I’ll take Jax to the spare room to stash his stuff. Then we’re making some serious pillow forts in front of the big TV,” Ava announced as she stood.
Jax cocked a brow. “Pillow forts? How old are we again?”
“You are never too old for that kind of fun.” Ava gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Come on. If we hurry up, we may have time for a couple of movies before we fall asleep.”
Jax got up and followed her out of the kitchen, but not before he stopped to thank both Trevor and Shane for everything. Trevor had to hand it to the kid, he had great manners, which was a miracle consider who his parents were. Then again, Jax’s mother always had tried her best to put forward a good impression, even if every bit of it was fake. The only good thing she’d ever done was have Jax.
Trevor sank into a seat as he replayed the conversation in his head. While he was happy Ava wasn’t afraid of sharing how she felt, he still worried.
“Do you think it’s because she’s a Leopard?” Trevor blurted. “I mean, her saying she never wants to be in a relationship.”
“Not at all. I’m a Leopard and I still want to be with you.” Shane came up from behind and put his hands on Trevor’s shoulders.
“Sorry.” Trevor winced. “I didn’t mean to sound like I think you guys are damaged or anything. I just know how much harder it is for Leopards to for
m personal connections sometimes.”
“I understand what you’re saying. I know you would never think of me as a freak. It’s because of you that I was finally able to realize I wasn’t broken. You gave me my life back.” Shane pressed a kiss on top of Trevor’s head.
“I’m just trying to understand why she said that,” Trevor admitted as he reached up and wrapped his fingers around Shane’s wrist.
“She may be asexual. There’s nothing wrong or abnormal about that. If she really had issues connecting with others, like you’re talking about, then she would never have bonded with us. Plus, she adores Jax. It has nothing to do with her being a Leopard. It’s just the way Ava is.”
“You’re right,” Trevor agreed, suddenly feeling foolish. “It doesn’t matter to me how she loves, just so long as she’s happy. After all, I was warned never to love an Assassin. I didn’t listen to that advice and look at how great everything turned out because of it.”
Trevor meant what he said too. He would forever be there for Ava. He didn’t care what course her life took as long as she was happy and it was on her terms. That was all that mattered. He couldn’t love her more, and nothing would ever change that.
“I keep thinking about Jax,” Shane said. “This is going to be the first holiday he has had since all that shit went down with his parents. He keeps acting like things are okay, but I’m waiting for that proverbial shoe to drop.”
“I agree. It’s going to be hard on him.” Trevor gave a determined nod. “We’ll just have to make sure that this is the best one he’s ever had. And if he does have any problems, we’ll do what his parents never could. We’ll be there for him.”
“I know one way we can start,” Shane said. “Did you notice how light his backpack is?”
“No.” Trevor’s heart sank at the implication. “Do you think he needs clothes?”
“I’d be willing to bet. He’s been growing, and there’s nobody around to take care of that for him anymore.”
“Why doesn’t he go to Mitchell? I know he would give Jax anything he needs.” Trevor shook his head in confusion.
“That kid has a ton of pride. He probably is too ashamed to ask.”
“What’s he planning on doing? Going around in rags? He has to ask Mitchell for help at some point.” Trevor threw up his hands in exasperation.
“I agree, but we can buy him some time. How about you go shopping for him? You’ve always had better taste than me. We can give them to him as a Christmas present. That way he can’t refuse.”
Trevor smiled. “I love the way you think. I’ll go tomorrow. Maybe I can even convince Andrew to go with me. It’s been forever since we hung out.”
“Good, now let’s make some popcorn for the kids and watch TV together. I can help you finish setting up tomorrow.”
Trevor nodded. He was tired and a night off sounded great. He would make this the best holiday Jax had ever experienced. No matter what.
Chapter Four
When Jax woke up the next morning, it took him a few minutes to figure out where he was. Then he spotted Ava a few feet away from him, and it came back to him. He was at Shane and Trevor’s, and he felt safe. Which was stupid since he still had that bounty on him, but he couldn’t help himself. Trevor and Shane just had that effect on him.
Ava was still asleep. Her hair was over her face, her mouth hanging open. If Jax had been a bit braver he would have taken a picture, but he didn’t want to get punched in the gut the next time they sparred, so he held himself back. Instead, he reached over and brushed the strands away from her eyes. A touch of tenderness went through him as he gazed down at her. He owed her so much. He would never be able to repay it either.
Jax got up and stumbled to the bathroom. When he got back, Ava was awake. She was sitting in the middle of what remained of their pillow fort. She rubbed her eyes before letting out a sleepy yawn.
“How did you sleep last night?” she asked.
“Fine,” he replied as he sat down next to her.
“No nightmares?”
“Come to think of it, no. That’s funny,” Jax replied.
“Must be because you feel safe here with my dads. I was worried they would start up again. You know, since Alvus isn’t here to soothe them way.”
Jax froze as her words sank in. He wondered how much Ava knew.
“Oh, stop it,” she chided him. “Yes, I know you two snuggle like two puppies every night. You do sleep right below me. How did you think I would miss something like that?”
“I just assumed you slept through it. We’re careful and make sure to stay quiet,” Jax admitted. “Are you mad?”
“What?” She shot him a disbelieving look. “That he’s taking care of my best friend? That he made it so you could get a decent night’s sleep? No, I’m happy he’s there for you. You could have told me, though. I would have never ratted you out.”
“I never thought you would,” Jax rushed to say. “I wanted to tell you. I did. It was just…” He trailed off, not knowing what else to say. He never meant to hurt her. God, Ava meant the world to him. It would kill him if he found out she was upset about anything.
“You wanted to keep things between you and Alvus.” She smiled. “I guess I can get that. Although, you should know Phillip knows too.”
“He does?” Jax sucked in a huge breath as panic shot through him. “That’s not good. Alvus said his twin can never keep a secret.”
“He’s known for a while, and nothing has gotten out so far. I wouldn’t worry about him. He may have a big mouth, but his heart is bigger, and all he cares about is that Alvus is happy.”
“I guess you have a point.”
“Plus, I told him if he let it slip I would clock him.”
Jax laughed, feeling so much better. If Jax wanted to be truthful to himself, it felt good to not have any more secrets between them.
“So you’re not mad at me?” he still asked to be sure.
“No, you goof. I do want some details.”
“Like what?” Jax narrowed his eyes.
“Is he a good kisser? That is, if you’ve kissed already. Please, tell me you have.” She bounced up and down a few times on her knees.
“Yes, we’ve done that. It’s only been quick ones, though. We don’t want to get caught.”
“I know they have that rule about us being sexual with each other, but I don’t think they’d have an issue with him being your boyfriend,” Ava reasoned.
“Maybe not, but I’m sure they’d put us in separate dorms.”
“Which would mean no more cuddle sessions,” Ava finished for him.
“Exactly, plus I don’t think we’d be able to sneak away to the hallway bathroom either,” Jax pointed out.
“Is that where you guys kiss?” She wrinkled her nose at him.
“Yeah, why?”
“It just seems gross. That’s not exactly the cleanest place.”
“Well, I would have picked a more romantic location, but we’re a little short of that kind of thing at the Academy. Plus, that’s the only place they don’t have cameras.” Jax paused, studying her carefully. “I noticed you told you dads last night that you don’t find others attractive. I thought you were going to wait to tell them you were Ace. What changed your mind?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “The time just seemed right. Plus, it’s not like I actually came out and said hey, I’m asexual. I just really hinted at it. How do you think they took it?”
While she sounded casual, Jax didn’t fall for it. He knew she’d been agonizing over telling her parents, not that she thought they’d be upset. But she feared letting them down somehow. Jax knew that could never happen, though. Trevor and Shane obviously loved her, and nothing was ever going to change that. They weren’t like Jax’s mom and dad.
“They seemed fine with it. Just like I told you they would be.” Jax gave her a playful nudge. “You worry too much. They only care about what makes you happy.”
“I guess you’re righ
t.” She sighed.
“Of course I am. I’m always right,” Jax teased, realizing he’d said the same thing to Alvus the previously day.
“If I actually thought you believed that, I would call you cocky, but we both know how much you doubt yourself sometimes.”
Jax thought that over. She did have a point. Even before he’d joined the Academy, his self-esteem had been low. Now, with everything that had happened with his parents, there wasn’t a day where Jax didn’t doubt himself. Parents were not only supposed to love their children, but know them best. Was there something his parents saw in him that made them think he couldn’t cut it in the Academy? Had he fought for all this only to become a loser in the end?
He was brought out of his thoughts when Ava punched him in the arm. Jax yelped, more in shock then from pain. He rubbed it as he shot her a glare.
“What was that for?” he asked.
“I know what you’re thinking. You’re amazing, and you’re doing great at the Academy. Don’t let what your father did and said make you doubt yourself.”
“Fine, I’ll try. That’s the best I can offer,” Jax replied truthfully.
“I guess that will do for now.” She brought her knees up to her chest then hugged them. “Thank you, by the way.”
“For what?”
“Without your support I don’t think I would have had the courage to tell my dads about me.”
“It was nothing. Plus, you know how they feel about you. They think the world revolves around you. Face it, deep down you know they’ll be okay with it.”
“I guess. I just kept thinking of what Daddy Shane said all the time. How he was lost until he met Trevor. How it wasn’t until he had a mate that he was complete. I probably will never have a mate. I didn’t want them to think that would make me lacking.”
Jax scooted closer so he could put an arm around her shoulders. She snuggled into his side and rested her head against his chest.
“First off, just because you’re ace doesn’t mean you’ll never have a mate. There are plenty of others in your situation who find somebody special. Sex isn’t what makes a relationship. It’s the connection you share with them. Second, you’ll never be alone. You have your family. Plus, I’ll always be there for you. I’m sure Alvus and Phillip will too.”
Holiday with an Assassin (Coalition Training Academy Book 3) Page 3
