21. Jax
Chapter 21
Jax
T he cabin has never felt more like home than it does right now.
I pause in the doorway to the living room, taking in the scene before me. Stone sits in the oversized armchair by the window, his large frame relaxed in a way I haven’t seen in years. Curled against his chest, sleeping peacefully, is Hailey—the golden strands in her hair spilling over his forearm, her face nestled into the crook of his neck. His hand strokes absently down her spine, protective even in rest.
Across from them, Finn perches on the edge of the couch, head thrown back, eyes closed, fingers threaded through Ren’s dark hair. And Ren—on his knees between Finn’s spread legs, head bobbing slowly, the wet sounds of his mouth obscene in the quiet room.
Heat flares low in my belly at the sight. Even after days of Hailey’s heat, of sating myself until I was boneless with exhaustion, my body still responds to my pack’s pleasure.
None of them has noticed me yet, too wrapped up in each other. Stone’s amber eyes are fixed on Ren and Finn, his expression hungry despite Hailey’s weight in his arms. Finn’s breath comes in quick gasps, his scent sweetening with approaching climax.
“Ren,” he whispers, tugging gently at the alpha’s hair. “I’m close.”
Ren responds by taking him deeper, his hands gripping Finn’s thighs, and I feel the exact moment Finn tips over the edge. The bond, renewed and strengthened by our claiming of Hailey, pulses with his pleasure. My cock twitches in response.
“Fuck,” Finn gasps, trembling through his release.
Ren pulls back slowly, swallowing what Finn has given him, his tongue sweeping across his lips to catch any evidence left behind. There’s something reverent in the gesture, in the way he presses a final kiss to Finn’s inner thigh before sitting back on his heels.
Stone grunts in approval, his gaze catching mine across the room. “Enjoyed the show?” he asks, voice pitched low to avoid disturbing Hailey.
I step fully into the room, allowing myself a small smile. “Seems like I missed most of it.”
Finn startles slightly at my voice, a flush crawling up his neck. Ren just looks at me, eyes still dark with arousal, lips slightly swollen.
“Plenty more where that came from,” Ren says, the corner of his mouth quirking up. His eyes are better now. Not so swollen.
My pack is healing. Figuratively. Literally. Slowly, imperfectly, but healing nonetheless. The realization settles warm in my chest. A week ago, Ren wouldn’t have touched any of us voluntarily. A week ago, Finn’s eyes still held shadows of hurt and betrayal. A week ago, we almost lost Hailey.
Now, the bonds between us pulse with renewed life. I can feel them all—Stone’s steady presence, Ren’s cautious reemergence, Finn’s tentative forgiveness, and strongest of all, Hailey’s deep slumber, her contentment reaching me even in unconsciousness.
I take the second armchair, sinking into it with a sigh. “How long do you think she’ll be out?”
“Few hours,” Stone replies, his large hand still moving gently over Hailey’s back. “Heat’s finally broken completely. She needs the rest.”
Ren rises from the floor with a fluid grace that belies his recent injuries. “Water?” he asks Finn, touching his shoulder briefly.
Finn shakes his head. “Soda, if there’s any left.”
“Coming right up.” Ren’s hand lingers on Finn’s shoulder a moment longer than necessary, before he heads to the kitchen.
I watch him go, noting the lingering stiffness in his movements. His face might look better, but he needs more time to heal. The reminder of how close we came to losing him—to losing them both—makes something protective and fierce curl in my chest.
“It’s been a week,” Stone says, drawing my attention back to him. His gaze is steady, assessing. “It’s time.”
I nod, reaching for the remote on the side table. “Yeah.”
The television flickers to life, already tuned to a news channel. A familiar face fills the screen. A polished anchor with a serious expression, the scrolling headline beneath her leaving no room for misinterpretation:
“brEAKING: VEYRA HEATH AND ROBERT CALDWELL IMPLICATED IN OMEGA TRAFFICKING RING”
“—following an anonymous tip that provided substantial evidence linking Veyra Heath, CEO of Heath Corp, and Robert Caldwell, prominent businessman and philanthropist, to what authorities are calling ‘one of the largest omega trafficking operations uncovered in decades.’ The evidence, which includes financial records, communications, and disturbing footage from outside a facility allegedly used to process and drug captured omegas, has prompted a nationwide investigation.”
My jaw tightens as grainy images from the facility flash across the screen—the same facility where Ren was tortured, where Hailey was drugged and prepared for Caldwell’s pleasure.
“Neither Heath nor Caldwell has come forward to address these allegations, their silence speaking volumes as several high-profile associates have begun distancing themselves. Senator Williams has canceled a planned fundraiser co-hosted by Heath, while the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has removed Caldwell from their board of directors. Tech mogul Eliza Chen has withdrawn a substantial investment from Heath Corp, including Heath Pharmaceuticals, causing their stock to plummet nearly forty percent since the story broke?—”
Ren returns, handing Finn a cold soda before settling on the couch beside him, closer than I’ve seen them sit in years.
“Did you kill him?” I ask, not needing to specify who.
Ren’s expression darkens. “I should have.”
I exhale slowly. “We didn’t get Heath either.”
“I shot her, though,” Finn says, opening his soda with a soft hiss. “Twice. Think she’s dead?”
The question hangs in the air. None of us has a clear answer.
“The Ashgraves went after her,” Stone says finally, his voice a low rumble that causes Hailey to stir slightly in his arms. He immediately gentles his tone. “Any word from them?”
I shake my head. “Haven’t heard from them since that night.”
Ren frowns. “You asked them for help?”
“They’re our business partners now,” I confirm.
“ What ?” Ren’s brows lift in surprise.
“Twenty percent stake in our operations in Burlington.”
Ren goes still before he releases a breath, leaning back against the couch. “Guess we could have done worse.”
I nod, my gaze drifting back to the television where the anchor continues detailing the fallout. It’s strange to see our private nightmare playing out in public, sanitized and packaged for mass consumption. The reality was bloodier, more desperate. The reality almost cost us everything.
“How did you convince them?” Ren asks after a moment. “The Ashgraves aren’t exactly known for their generosity.”
“Didn’t have to convince them,” I reply, remembering the tense negotiation. “They were in it for Heath. Seemed to take it personally.”
“Because she’s an alpha that’s part of the ring that held their cousin,” Finn supplies.
Stone shifts Hailey’s weight, cradling her more securely as she murmurs something in her sleep. “Think they’ll kill her if they find her?”
“No,” Ren mutters, and I think that one word surprises us all. “Not at first.” He releases a breath. “And the stake in our business? That’s their payment?”
“That’s what they agreed on.” I watch his reaction carefully. Ren’s always been the most cautious of us with outside alliances. “I thought it was a fair exchange for their resources and…influence. We needed powerful friends.”
“Need,” Stone corrects.
“Especially if Heath is still alive,” Finn adds quietly.
The thought sends a chill through the room. On the television, footage plays of police raiding what appears to be Caldwell’s estate, leading away staff members in handcuffs.
Stone leans forward. “Was he keeping the omegas at his house?”
The scene switches to another location with the newscaster explaining that assets are being seized.
“Fucking hell,” Stone breathes as blurred images of five omegas being taken away in ambulances is shown on screen.
“Looks like he had them on some underground compound up in the mountains. One of his betas blabbed in exchange for a better sentence.” Finn sits up straighter.
“Fucker,” Ren breathes.
His anger is felt through the bond, echoing my own. That’s where he would have taken Hailey. Where he would have hidden her away from us.
Hailey stirs at the tension in Ren’s voice, her brow furrowing slightly before smoothing out again as Stone immediately relaxes his hold, murmuring something too low for the rest of us to hear.
The protective surge that rises in me at the sight nearly takes my breath away. My omega. Our omega. Safe in our pack, where she belongs.
My gaze shifts to Finn, my heart warming even more. “Finn…about the house…if you want to move…if you and Hailey want somewhere nicer, bigger nest—” I stop when I realize he’s already shaking his head. “You don’t want to move?”
“I like our home. Hailey does, too.”
I study him some more before nodding. “Well, then, maybe…I was thinking we should take some time off, from work, from everything. Spend some time with you and Hailey…”
Finn studies me for a long moment, searching for sincerity. Whatever he sees must satisfy him, because he nods slowly. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Because it’s not a request.” I look around at each of them, making sure they understand what I’m saying. “It’s a promise. A pack promise.”
Stone nods his agreement, his expression solemn. Ren hesitates only briefly before adding his own nod.
“Speaking of pack decisions,” Stone says after a moment, “we should discuss what happens next. Heath and Caldwell might be exposed, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still dangers.”
“Caldwell’s under investigation,” Finn points out, gesturing to the television where footage now shows police raiding other locations. “He’ll be hiding for a long time.”
“Heath’s the wild card,” I say. “If she survived Finn’s shots…”
“She’ll be looking for revenge,” Ren finishes, his expression darkening. “She doesn’t strike me as the type to go quietly into the night.”
“But the Ashgraves are looking for her.” The hope in Finn’s voice is almost calming.
“That’s not enough,” Ren argues, leaning forward. “We need to be proactive. Find her first.”
“And do what?” Stone asks, his tone neutral. “Kill her?”
“Yes.” Ren and Finn speak at once.
Ren’s jaw tightens. “If that’s what it takes to keep our pack safe, yes.”
“There are other ways,” I interject quietly. “The evidence—it’s enough to put her away for decades. If she’s alive, she’s running scared.”
“Scared people are dangerous,” Ren counters.
“So are cornered ones,” I remind him. “We need to be smart about this, Ren. Not reckless.”
He looks like he wants to argue further, but his gaze falls on Hailey, still peacefully asleep in Stone’s arms. Something in his expression softens. “Fine. But I want enhanced security at the house when we return. And I want Finn and Hailey guarded at all times.”
“Agreed,” I say, relieved he’s not pushing for immediate aggressive action. “We’ll work with the Ashgraves to set up a comprehensive security plan.”
I exhale, rubbing my jaw. “But, um…there’s something I need to say.” The weight of it settles between my ribs like a stone. It worsens when all their attention focuses on me. I decide to push through it. “I haven’t been the leader this pack deserves.”
Silence. Then?—
Finn stiffens. “What?”
Ren’s gaze sharpens. “Jax?—”
“I’m stepping down,” I say, voice steady despite the ache in my chest. “Stone. Ren. One of you should take the lead from here.”
Stone reacts first—a derisive snort. “Fuck that.”
Ren leans forward, his bruised face taut. “You’re out of your damn mind.”
Finn’s scent spikes with distress. He sits up. Wide eyes on me. “Are you serious?” The question is almost a whisper. When I nod, he swallows hard before I notice his shoulders tighten. “No.” The word cracks like a whip. “You don’t get to quit us.”
I shake my head. “I’m not quitting. I’m fixing what I broke. The secrecy. The distance. Fuck, I didn’t even notice Ren was drowning until he nearly died.” I take a deep breath. “Or how much you were hurting.”
Stone adjusts himself in the armchair, causing Hailey to stir in his arms. “You think this is what we need? Some grand fucking gesture?” His voice drops to a growl. “The fact you’d consider giving it up proves you’re exactly what this pack needs.”
Ren nods once, sharp. “He’s right. You stay. We rebuild. All of us.”
The lump in my throat grows impossibly bigger. What do I say?
All I can do is nod, gratitude and peace almost overwhelming me.
My pack still wants me to lead, even after everything. It’s more than I can ask for.
Hailey stirs again, this time more purposefully. Her eyes flutter open, disoriented at first, then focusing as she takes in her surroundings. Her gaze finds mine across the room, and a slow, sleepy smile spreads across her face.
“Jax,” she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep.
The bond between us pulses with warmth, her simple acknowledgment sending a rush of possessive satisfaction through me.
“Hey, sunshine,” I reply, using Finn’s nickname for her without thinking. “How are you feeling?”
She stretches slightly in Stone’s arms, wincing a bit. “Sore. Hungry. But good.” Her gaze shifts to each of us in turn, the bonds strengthening as she connects with each of her mates. “Really good.”
Stone presses a kiss to her forehead. “Heat’s broken completely,” he tells her. “You’ve been sleeping for almost two days.”
“Two days?” She looks surprised, then sheepish. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Finn says immediately. “You needed it. Especially after…”
He trails off, but we all know what he’s referring to. After being kidnapped. After being drugged into heat. After being marked by three alphas and an omega in quick succession.
“I made soup,” Ren offers, surprising all of us. “If you’re hungry.”
Hailey’s expression softens as she looks at him. “You cooked?”
A faint blush colors his cheeks, barely noticeable beneath the healing bruises. “Tried to. It’s edible, at least.”
She laughs, the sound light and genuine. “I’d love some, thank you.”
As Ren disappears into the kitchen, Hailey’s gaze falls on the television. Her smile fades as she registers what she’s seeing.
“Is that…?”
“The investigation into Heath and Caldwell,” I confirm. “Finn’s tip worked. It’s all over the news.”
She shifts in Stone’s lap to see better, her expression growing serious as she watches footage of police escorting handcuffed men from what appears to be the facility where she was held.
“They found the others?” she asks quietly.
Finn nods. “Everyone Heath was holding at that place. And five more at Caldwell’s estate.”
Tears well in her eyes. “Are they okay?”
“They will be,” Stone assures her, his arms tightening protectively around her. “They’re getting proper medical care and support.”
She nods, swallowing hard. “Good. That’s…good.” A breath shudders from her. “Any sign of Vi?”
“Vi?” The name isn’t familiar to me.
“She’s an omega. She escaped from the truck when Hailey did,” Finn supplies. His gaze shifts to Hailey, eyes softening. “Sorry, sunshine. I haven’t seen anything about her on the news.”
Hailey swallows hard before she nods.
I watch her carefully, attuned to her emotions through our new bond. There’s relief there, but also lingering fear, anger, and something that feels almost like guilt.
“Hailey,” I say gently, drawing her attention back to me. “None of this was your fault.”
She looks startled, then rueful. “The bond goes both ways, huh?”
“Yes,” I confirm. “And you should know that we all feel the same way. What happened to you—what Heath and Caldwell tried to do—that’s on them. Not you.”
“But if I hadn’t wandered off at the gala?—”
“They would have found another opportunity,” Stone interrupts firmly.
“Which is why we need to be vigilant,” I add. “We don’t know if Heath survived, or if she has other associates we haven’t identified yet.”
Fear flickers across Hailey’s face, the scent of her distress sharp enough to make Stone growl low in his chest.
“You’re safe,” he tells her immediately. “We won’t let anyone touch you again.”
“It’s not just me I’m worried about,” she says, looking around at all of us. “They hurt Ren, too. And they could have hurt any of you. Because of me.”
“No,” I say firmly, rising from my chair to cross over to her. I kneel before Stone’s chair, taking her small hands in mine. “Not because of you. Because they’re monsters who see omegas as commodities to be traded. Because they thought they could take what belongs to us and get away with it.”
The possessive edge in my voice makes her breath catch, her pupils dilating slightly.
“You’re ours,” Stone rumbles behind her, his mouth close to her ear. “Our omega. Our mate.”
“And we protect what’s ours,” I finish, squeezing her hands gently. “All of us. Together.”
The bond between us pulses with reassurance, with commitment.
Ren returns with a steaming bowl of soup, pausing at the intensity of the moment he’s walked into. “Everything okay? What’s this I hear about another omega?”
Hailey nods, blinking back tears as she looks up at him. “Yes. Just my friend. She escaped from the truck with me when it crashed. Her name is Vi and she’s out there somewhere.”
He sets the soup on the coffee table, then reaches out to brush a tear from her cheek with unexpected tenderness. “One day at a time, Hailey. That’s all any of us can do.” Then he glances at me. “I’ll call in another favor with the Ashgrave gang. See if they’ve seen or heard of your friend.”
This seems to calm her down a bit.
With a smile, Ren takes up the soup. “Ready?” He lifts a spoonful.
I watch as Hailey lets him feed her, before my gaze slides to Finn and Stone.
Part of being a better pack leader is ensuring all of them remain safe. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.