by Kym Grosso
Growling, saliva and blood sprayed into the air as Jax secured his hold. Arlo snapped in an attempt to dislodge the fierce Alpha. Unrelenting, Jax pierced his fangs deep into his opponent’s fur, shredding the skin. The tenacious wolf shoved upward, refusing to submit. With his forepaws, Jax pinned the wolf immobile and lodged his jaws further into Arlo’s neck. Releasing the supreme strength of an Alpha, Jax vigorously shook his challenger. Bones snapped as he crushed its spine, the sanguine essence rushing down his throat.
Jax absorbed the magick as the life drained from the wolf. Raging, he shifted to human and sprang to his feet. A mournful, triumphant howl tore from the Alpha’s lungs, and his wolves rose to meet his call. Overcome with emotion, he both celebrated his victory and grieved the loss of a pack member. For the greater good, blood had been spilled to protect them all. Jax wiped tears from his face, satisfied when Finn nodded and joined him. My new beta. No longer divided, Agrestis Wolves were united once again. The Alpha had risen.
Jax shoved the cabin door open, and Finn followed. They’d run with the pack for over an hour and had returned exhilarated but exhausted. Although Jax had known leaving Katrina was a risk, his wolves took priority over the woman who’d nearly started a territorial war. The attraction between them was undeniable, but he struggled to reconcile his feelings with what she’d done in the past. No matter how beautiful she was, he didn’t yet trust her. Instinct may have urged him to keep her close, but logic told him to question whether she was friend or foe.
The attractive little wolf caused him angst, an emotion he was not at all used to feeling. A curious pang of jealousy had stabbed through him when he’d observed the interaction between Katrina and Jake. His gut twisted as he speculated on the nature of their relationship. She’d told him that they were friends, but was she telling the truth?
Jake was a good friend to his sister Gillian’s mate, Dimitri. He’d shown aggressive tendencies from the moment Jax had met him in New Orleans. While Jake displayed irritation toward him, it was clear the young wolf hadn’t tried to establish himself as Alpha nor had he challenged Finn. On the contrary, his new beta appeared entirely comfortable with the Acadian wolf, welcoming him as a guest.
Jax turned on the kitchen sink spigot and submerged his head in the flowing water. The icy stream did little to thwart the churning thoughts of Katrina, Jake and the challenge. Jax reasoned he’d need a long shower to wash away the death lingering on his skin. Finn’s rough voice drew him out of his contemplation. He jerked his head upward, droplets spraying throughout the kitchen.
“Jesus Christ, Jax. Do you think you could have taken five fucking minutes to ask me to take Nick’s place?” Finn glared at his Alpha.
Jax caught the look of disgust that crossed his beta’s face and shrugged. While the debonair Alpha was usually the epitome of a gentleman, he had trouble shaking off the feral tendencies the challenge had brought forth.
“This shouldn’t be a surprise.” Jax grabbed a dishtowel and wiped his face. “You’re my beta.”
“What the hell is going on with you?” Finn gestured to the wet tiles.
“What?” Jax glanced to the floor and chose to ignore the mess. “It’s just water.”
It had been over a year since Jax had visited his private home. While the décor of the cabin was upscale, its exposed beams and soapstone kitchen counters gave it a slightly rustic feel. The great room, with its vaulted ceilings and skylights, soaked in the light of the moon. Despite not visiting there often, he’d utilized a service to keep the home well stocked with supplies.
Naked, Jax strode across the room to the bar, where he reached for a bottle of Lagavulin. Setting four glasses onto the smooth surface, he uncorked the scotch and began to pour.
“Seriously. Have you lost your shit?” Finn snatched a throw blanket off the sofa and wrapped it around his waist.
“What is wrong with you?” The caustic liquor burned his throat as he downed a shot and poured another glass. Offering Finn a tumbler, he handed it off and fell back down onto the black leather sofa.
“Really, you gonna just lie there? Letting it all hang out?” Finn took a swig and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“What do you want me to say?” Jax closed his eyes and opened them, taking a deep breath. His mood grew dark and he continued. “It had to be done. I could not allow Arlo to challenge me further.”
Jax lifted his gaze to meet Finn’s. He wasn’t waiting for judgment. They both knew what he’d done was in the best interest of the pack.
“I’m not talking about that. He was an asshole. He’s been fighting me since the day you went missing, but Jax…fuck. How was I supposed to take over?”
“Did Tristan show his face?” the Alpha asked, stretching his neck from side to side.
“You kiddin’ me? After what went down with Katrina, you think I was going to tell him who I saw in the club? Fuck no. If he was lookin’ for her, I wasn’t volunteering information. He would have been up here tearing the entire city apart.”
“Smart move.” Even though Jax and Tristan had established peace, a truce of sorts, the issue with Katrina had never been resolved. He still believed that Jax had gone after his sister.
“It was Logan who called. Gillian was behind it. Holy shit, man. I’d call her a pit bull but that would be an insult to the breed. The tiger in her…she would not give up. She kept calling here for you and next thing I knew, I had the Alpha of Acadian Wolves threatening me.”
“She’s my sister. The Alpha genes are strong in that one. She won’t submit, you know that, right? Dimitri’s got his hands full with her but I can’t help but be proud. She doesn’t take any shit.”
“Yeah well, tiger girl got Logan involved and before I knew it, Jake was here. Between the two of us, we were able to manage things, but Jax…” Finn took a deep draw and coughed. “What happened to you…you’ve got no idea how fucking happy I am you’re back. But tonight…”
“Ah, the beta thing…” Jax swirled his drink, taking note as the legs ran down the sides of the glass.
“Yeah, that.” Finn shook his head and threw it back against the back of his chair.
“You would have been my choice of beta if you hadn’t left.” Jax lofted the statement in silence, waiting for Finn to acknowledge it, to finally tell him what had happened over in Ireland that had kept him from coming home. He’d never been the same.
“Look, you know I had to go. And hell, I’ve been back for a while now. But your beta?”
“It’s done. Nick was my best friend, you know that. He, uh…” Jax’s voice cracked as his sorrow rose to the surface. He swallowed the last of his scotch and choked back his emotions. “He’s gone. I love him, but there’s no going back.”
“He was a great guy.”
“And so are you. What’s done is done. Finn, this makes sense. You’re the only one I can trust. We’ve been friends a long time. It was the right decision.”
“You could have told me. To just put it out there like that. It’s not like I wasn’t ready to fight tonight. Seriously, I was ready to tear the shit out of Easton and Arlo. Those dickheads have been challenging me since the day you left, but hell, to just do it like that…not tell me.”
“How long have you known me?” Jax stood and went to the bar.
“A long fucking time, that’s how long.” Finn stared at his Alpha, his eyes bloodshot.
“This is why I’m Alpha. I make decisions. There is no wavering. It’s what I do.” Jax didn’t expect others to always understand his responsibility. It was the ultimate burden and opportunity. The lives of hundreds of wolves and the future of their pack rested in his hands.
“I can see you’re going to give me more of your Alpha mumbo jumbo, so let’s move to the next topic. What the fuck is up with your, uh,” Finn gestured to his friend’s dick. His mouth curled up in a half grin, “your lack of clothes? Because I know Jax Chandler, and this is not him.”
“Perhaps I don’t give a fuck wha
t anyone thinks tonight. I’m going back to my nature. I’m raw.” Jax pounded on his chest with a closed fist. The killing had surged a virile energy within him that he struggled to contain.
His thoughts turned to Katrina. The fresh scent of coconut shampoo lingered in the air and he wondered where Jake was. Had he watched her while she ran the soap over her smooth skin? An unfamiliar possessive urge crawled inside his belly and his lips drew tight in agitation. He didn’t want to care who she fucked or what she did.
Jax curled his fingers into the mahogany bar, his claws scratching the wood. Fuck it all, I need to see her now, he thought.
“Jax.” He heard her voice softly call to him. As he raised his eyes to hers, the beast inside stirred. Mine.
Chapter Five
The sight of Katrina standing in the hallway took his breath away. She appeared fragile, her wet hair combed behind her shoulders. Her once brunette locks had turned blonde, and he wondered if the change was related to her abduction. His eyes darted to Jake as he brushed by Katrina, giving her a small hug as he passed. The brief but intimate interaction reminded him that no matter his visceral attraction, he didn’t trust her.
“Everything all right?” Jake asked.
“Kat.” Jax ignored the question, his eyes locked on Katrina’s.
“Everything’s great, Jake. Thanks for taking care of my pack while my sorry ass was captured, Jake.” The Acadian wolf gave a smirk, his voice laden with sarcasm. He snatched a tumbler and poured a scotch. “You’re welcome, Alpha. No problem, Alpha.”
“Sometimes showing trust is a form of appreciation.” Jax gave a brief smile to Jake and turned his attention back to Katrina.
As he drew closer to the she-wolf, he noted no other scent on her. As much as Jake grated on his nerves, the confirmation he hadn’t touched Katrina ameliorated the Alpha’s concerns. After Jax had fought to save Dimitri and Gillian, he considered that Logan had returned the favor by sending an honorable wolf to help Finn watch over his pack.
“Sometimes a simple thank you works too, but whatever.” Jake stole a glance at Jax’s bare ass. His eyes darted to Finn, who laughed in response. “And sometimes…just putting on some clothes is a great way to show appreciation. You look like you work out. I’ll give you that. But dude, I don’t need to see your junk all day long. How ‘bout some threads?”
Before Jax had a chance to retort, Katrina approached, distracting him. Her petite form swam in his black cashmere bathrobe. The lapels drifted open, and his eyes fell to the swell of her breasts. A warm hand on his roughened cheek stunned him into silence. His eyes lifted to meet hers.
“Clothes do not make the man. The Alpha can do as he wishes.” Katrina smiled.
“Don’t listen to her, Finn. She grew up with Tristan. That one never gets dressed either,” Jake retorted.
Katrina glared over to Jake for only a second. Jax never lost focus as she spoke to him. Although he towered over her, she commanded his attention.
“Death is never easy,” she told him.
“I’m fine,” he began.
“I smell it on you. Never forget, Jax. I am an Alpha’s daughter. An Alpha’s sister. A death within the pack destroys a wolf to renew the lives of many. The wolves…they’re settled now?”
“Yes. And you are…” He leaned into her touch, within inches of her lips. Jax’s cock jerked as he breathed in her scent. A devious smile crossed his face. “You smell delicious.”
Jax’s chest tightened as Katrina’s expression grew somber. He wanted to trust her. He’d never thought it possible that anyone besides another Alpha could understand what it was like for him to kill during a challenge, yet she stood before him unafraid, undaunted by the fatality he’d caused. There had only been a handful of occasions when he’d been forced to take the life of a brother. Each time it came with a price, and the cost was high on his soul. Yet this was the responsibility of a leader, and the pack rejoiced in the peace and stability of an established Alpha. They’d mourn the loss, perhaps some would harbor resentment, the family and friends of the deceased, but they’d also come to acceptance. It was the culture of the wolves: their past, their future, how it always would be.
“I know I said I’d stay, but maybe Jake is right. Maybe I should go. After what I did to you…your wolves…they won’t understand,” Katrina explained, her voice gentle.
Her soft palm on his skin soothed the bitterness of the past. Confused by his mixed emotions, he blinked and the memory of what she’d done flashed through his mind. A fresh surge of anger surfaced. Until she confessed what had happened, why she did what she’d done, he couldn’t forgive her. His hardened dick told him to forget about it, but reason prevailed. Don’t let the temptress fool you. Jax wrapped his hands around her wrists, closed his eyes and shook his head.
“We need to clear the air.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers, his brow furrowed and tense. He forced himself to remember everything that had happened, and his tone grew firm. “Until I know everything, and I mean every last fucking detail about what is going on with these demons, you aren’t leaving. Consider yourself a guest. Or a hostile witness. Whichever you prefer…doesn’t matter, because you’re not leaving.”
“You can’t keep me against my will.”
“Oh, I can and I will. What you did…” he growled.
“Things aren’t how they seem,” she offered.
“And just how are they?” Finn rose and approached them. “You accused Jax of forcing you to mate with him.”
“I told you…” Katrina’s eyes darted from Finn to Jax. “You have to believe me. I never told Tristan you tried to force me to mate with you. But I was trying to get you to stop coming after me. I was trying to protect you from these things. You and Tristan…you’ve never gotten along. When I told him that you wouldn’t stop coming after me, the rumors started. I know I should have stopped it but then Marcel died. It was just easier. You left me alone. You were safe. I’m sorry, Jax. But it’s not what you think.”
“Really? Because people almost got killed over your little accusation. Who does that?” Finn asked.
“Someone who’s desperate, that’s who,” Jake interjected, crossing the room to Jax and Katrina.
“How would you know? You were down in NOLA. It’s not like you were here when it happened,” Finn countered.
“I know Kat and there’s no way she’d do that without a reason.” His eyes went to Jax. “Let her go.”
“Really, just how well do you know her?” Finn questioned, his question laced with implication. “Are you lovers? Friends with benefits? Fuck buddies? Do tell, wolf.”
“Enough!” Jax yelled, without letting go of Katrina.
“You know her presence in this cabin causes trouble in the pack as we speak. It’s part of the reason Arlo is dead,” Finn said accusingly.
“What?” Katrina’s eyes widened. Unsuccessfully, she attempted to break free of Jax’s hold.
“That’s right, baby. They could smell you on him.” Finn poured a shot and downed it. “They were going after you. And he defended your pretty little ass.”
“No…Jax…please…you have to let me go.” Katrina shook her head, continuing to tug her wrists from his grip.
“I said enough!” Jax yelled. “All of you. You will not blame her for Arlo’s death.”
“Please just let me go. I’m not good for you,” she protested.
“Finally, someone in this goddamned room sees reason. I don’t know why you are so set on keeping her. It’s like you aren’t even thinkin’ straight.” Finn tunneled his fingers through his ginger locks. In a moment of recognition as to what was happening to his Alpha, his eyes landed on Jake, who shook his head no.
“I need to go back to New Orleans. I’ll find answers there. They won’t stop. If I stay here…”
“I’m warning you. Do not challenge me,” Jax commanded. Although he’d loosened his grip, he hadn’t released her. “I already told you earlier, we’re going to work things out between us.
What happened in that cave and when you went to shift, no…this is fucked up. I saw what happened. That night in the club, the person who kidnapped me looked like you, but it wasn’t. In the ambulance…they changed. I want to know what the hell we are dealing with. Why are they after you? Why me?” Jax released Katrina and threw his hands up in frustration. She rubbed her wrists, tears brimming in her eyes. Her rage emanated from her like a beacon, stabbing through his chest. “No, you’re not leaving New York until I have answers, and if there’s something in New Orleans that you know about that’s going to help us, then I’m going with you.”
“Jax…” Katrina’s shoulders slumped in defeat. She looked to Jake for help but he shrugged, deferring to the Alpha.
“We can’t stay here. I’ve got to get back to the city, check on ZANE. Fuck.” Jax blew out his breath, the realization that his multi-billion dollar corporation, while probably still running, had been ignored. Assuring the publication subsidiaries were still intact was a priority. “Finn. I need you to round everyone up. We’re going back home.”
Jax turned away from Katrina, needing space. As he strode down the hallway to go shower, guilt rushed through him. Jesus Christ, she was pushing him to his limits. He wanted to fuck her senseless until they both couldn’t breathe. She’d kill them both. The way she tested him drove him insane, yet his beast celebrated her defiance. When his wolf demanded her submission, she’d give it freely and the moment would be all the more sweet.
Jax stepped into the shower, letting the cold spray pelt his skin, and prayed his body’s reaction would subside. He hadn’t wanted to escalate the argument further. If she hadn’t lied to Tristan, why had she allowed her brother to continue to think he’d attempted a forced mating? Although her excuses were like poison on her lips, the woman’s compassion touched his soul. He despised that she appeared to care, that her touch calmed his wolf in a way that no other woman had. Jax glanced to his erection, and cursed it. With his arm leveraged across the tile, he tugged at his cock and stroked himself. Like a punishment, he pumped it with vigor, angry that she did this to him, enraged he’d lost control. Goddamned, motherfucking…As his seed erupted, he cried out in frustration and smashed his fist against the wall. The crack of the tiles did nothing to change his decision. When they got to New York, he’d interrogate her to his satisfaction and send her home to NOLA with Jake.
