Despite taking a deep breath, Denim felt her bottom lip quiver as she said, “He’s going to kill you. Jax, I’m scared.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” His brow bunched. “Are you sure you heard his thoughts?” He looked as if he hoped like hell she wasn’t telling the truth.
She nodded, feeling bile rise in her throat as she said, “No, his lips weren’t moving. He gave you a choice to either marry his sister or he’s going to get back at you for shaming the pack.” Jax’s eyes widened at her response. He took her hand and led her over to a wooden bench in front of a men’s shoe store and dragged her down to sit beside him. Denim expelled a long breath and continued. “At first I didn’t hear anything, then all of a sudden it was like a radio had been turned on in my head.”
“Fuck!” Jax snarled and dragged a hand along his long free-flowing hair.
“Why is this happening?” Denim said quietly, through clenched teeth. “How is it I can hear your thoughts and his, but I couldn’t hear Aidan’s or Chayton’s?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“I don’t know. I’ve never known a human who could hear my thoughts.” He studied her. “Can you hear what I’m thinking now?”
Denim tried to focus, but heard nothing. “No. It seems like the only time is when you’re in wolf form or angry.”
He nodded. “That’s when the animal inside is threatening to emerge.”
“Maybe that’s why I heard Diesel’s thoughts.” She tossed her hands in the air. “I don’t understand what’s happening to me.”
Jax placed a gentle hand to her knee and squeezed. “Sweetheart, neither do I, but I promise you regardless of what’s happening, I’m going to keep you safe.”
They stared at each other for a long moment. Fire and determination burned in the depths of his golden eyes.
Denim waited until a teenager coming out of the candy store passed before saying, “Diesel knows.”
“Knows what?”
“That I can read minds.” Momentarily she dropped her eyes before meeting his inquisitive stare. “It was the way he looked at me. I heard him ask me a question and it wasn’t until I responded that I realized his lips never moved. He smiled and I heard him say he knew I could hear his thoughts.” She stopped and started gnawing on the corner of her lip. “Is there any way he could have heard my thoughts?”
“Fuck! Anything is possible. We all have some kind of special skill. Mine is speed.”
Denim shivered at the memory. “You moved so fast; it’s as if time stood still.”
“And that’s a good thing, otherwise everyone would have seen what happened at the diner.” By the time the customers had noticed, Jax already had his fingers wrapped around Diesel’s neck. “I’m going to have to find out if Diesel knows.”
“He knows or at least he said he does.” She stared at Jax’s face, her heart beating fast. His face was blank. “He didn’t give you any indication while the two of you were talking?”
Jax averted his eyes and shook his head. “No, but he wouldn’t. With that kind of knowledge, he would find a way to use it to his advantage. Fuck!”
“Should I be worried?” Denim searched his face, waiting to see if he would lie to her and if she could tell if he had. Jax tilted his head and met her stare. She drew in a breath. He had the focused gaze of a wolf. Hard and intense.
“You let me worry about that,” he snarled. “This isn’t your fight. And I hate that I got you involved in this mess. But, trust me I’m going to see a way out of it.” He dropped his forehead to hers, pressing into her.
“I do trust you,” she said barely above a whisper.
“C’mon. I’m supposed to be getting you ice cream.” Jax kissed her throat, then rose and held out his hand and lifted Denim to her feet. As they continued down the sidewalk she forced a smile, waved at people she knew, and nodded her head at others as they passed by.
“I have always been a people watcher,” she began in an attempt to brighten the mood. “I use to wonder who they were, what their life was like etcetera, but never in a million years would I have guessed there were people like you walking up and down these streets.”
Jax looked down and studied her face. “And now that you know, how does that make you feel?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “I guess I really don’t feel that much different since I know one of them is you. But if I had found out under different circumstances, I think they would have had to take me away in a straitjacket.” It was insane because a month ago as far as she knew there were no shifters. Men didn’t turn into wolves except for in a paranormal movie. But now Weres were a part of her reality.
Jax draped a comforting arm across her shoulders and her body turned into his.
“I’m curious. How do you know if someone else is a Were?”
“We can smell each other,” he murmured, then nuzzled her throat until she giggled.
“Oh yeah. That explains it. For me, if one walked past me right now, I wouldn’t have any idea.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. It seems you have a gift that most humans don’t have. You can hear our thoughts and that could someday become a valuable tool.”
Silence followed his response. Denim shivered at the thought of being different and having some unique ability. What was the point of having it if she could never tell anyone?
Suddenly she felt Jax’s body stiffen as he said, “But your ability could also be dangerous if anyone was ever to find out. Especially another pack, which is why I have to find out if Diesel really knows or was just bluffing to see how you reacted.” Jax squeezed Denim close as if he never wanted to let her go before he released her to hold open the door.
She was supposed to be selecting ice cream flavors and instead his last comment spiraled through her head. It could also be dangerous. Dangerous in what way? She wondered. As she decided on green mint ice cream, Denim drew a long breath. After her encounters with the Chadwick siblings, it was probably better if she never found out.
Jax ordered a double scoop of chocolate, then, hand-in-hand, they went and found an empty bench in the community park at the corner and took a seat. Children were playing on the jungle gym. Others were swimming in the Olympic-size pool. No one appeared to have a worry in the world. As they sat there, her eyes traveled over to Jax, who was licking ice cream that dripped onto his hand. For a moment he reminded her of that young thirteen-year-old boy.
“So now what?” she said finally breaking the silence.
There was a strained look on his face. Something was clearly bothering him. “Now we wait until Mr. Chadwick returns and the packs meet. In the meantime I will continue to protect you.”
“But you said he wouldn’t hurt me,” she burst out.
Jax’s hand framed her face, forcing her head around until she had no choice but to look at him as he said, “His fight is with me, not you, but until this is over I’m not taking any chances. Diesel is smart and conniving and so is Troy. I have a feeling one of them is about to turn rogue at any moment.”
She bit her lip hard. “What’s that?”
Despite an attempt to hide it, his voice was rough with worry as he replied, “It’s like going bad. No longer obeying our laws, leaving the pack and creating rules of their own. Those Weres can be very dangerous.”
Her entire body jerked, and suddenly Denim lost her appetite.
19
After that evening, things were relatively quiet.
There were occasions when Denim had a feeling either Diesel or Troy was somewhere lurking around, but Jax denied it and if they were she couldn’t hear their thoughts.
A month had passed since her return to Justice, and she was so in love with Jax it was insane. She couldn’t get enough of him. When she wasn’t working at the diner or hanging out with Quinn, she was with Jax helping him exercise the horses, sharing the details of their lives with each other, and making love. Denim enjoyed every toe-curling moment, even him biting her like he was some kind of vampire, branding he
r. He had explained it had something to do with bonding them so no other Were could claim her. She didn’t quite understand, but to be honest, none of it really mattered except that they were now mated for life.
Denim was almost tempted to call Kimberly and thank her for screwing Asher because if she hadn’t, she might never have returned to Justice, and discovered that Jax was her true soulmate.
As she mopped down the tables she reminisced on a conversation she’d had yesterday with Pappy. He had hinted at her staying in Justice and running the diner. She was amazed at how excited she had gotten over the idea of making this place her home. She allowed her imagination to run wild and was already planning on expanding the menu, redecorating the interior, and offering daily specials. Most importantly, once she started running the restaurant, Pappy could finally retire, and spend his days in his boat out on the lake fishing.
It’s funny how she realized how much she’d missed the pace of the town and its people. Pappy… and especially Jax. Wasn’t it just a month ago she had been dreading her return? And now she couldn’t imagine being anywhere that was away from Jax.
You got it bad.
By four, the diner was slow enough that when Tyler, one of the evening waitresses, arrived, Pappy told her to take the rest of the evening off. Happily, Denim grabbed her purse, kissed her grandfather’s cheek and hurried out to her car. Jax was taking her to San Antonio overnight. He was supposed to pick her up from work at six, but since she’d been relieved, instead of calling him, she decided to drive herself home. That way she would have time to pack and put on something extra special. She wanted the evening to be unforgettable.
Once at the house, Denim took a shower, washing off the stress of the afternoon, then slipped into an orange and white striped halter dress. Smiling, she turned side-to-side, taking in all her curves.
“Denim, you look good,” she murmured.
Giggling, she walked over to the closet and slipped her feet into a pair of white wedges. The doorbell rang and she frowned and glanced down at her wristwatch. It couldn’t be Jax. He didn’t know she was at home. And he wasn’t scheduled to pick her up at the diner for another hour. She hurried down the stairs and across the hall to the front door and swung it open. There stood a beautiful, red-headed woman that Denim had sworn she’d seen once or twice at the diner.
“Can I help you?” Denim asked.
She gave a soft friendly smile and said, “Sorry to bother you, but my car broke down up the road and I can’t get a signal on my cell. May I use your phone?”
The woman looked innocent enough that Denim replied, “Sure.” She stepped aside and allowed her to enter. It wasn’t until she shut the door and she swung around that Denim noticed the gun in her hand. The rage in the woman’s eyes made her heart nearly stop beating. “Don’t tell me… you must be Troy.” Denim guessed she had been waiting on the big red wolf to appear.
“Yes, and it seems you have something that belongs to me.”
Denim was confused before she realized what, or better yet, who Troy was referring to. “Are you talking about Jax?” she shook her head. “I mean, really?”
A low growl rumbled in Troy’s throat. “Our packs are supposed to join alliances and you are standing in the way of us making that happen.”
Despite how frightened she was, there was no way Denim was letting her point the blame. “It was over long before I came into town. I have nothing to do with his decision.”
Troy pelted a shallow laugh. “Keep fooling yourself. Jax loves you. The fool probably thought he was in love with you even back then, which was why I’ve always had a hard time getting close to him,” she confessed with a snarl then pointed the gun at her. “I think staging a robbery will be a nice scandal for this dusty little town. What do you think?”
Something dangerous shifted in her eyes and Denim didn’t need to see sharp fangs to realize she was in danger.
20
Jax mopped his forehead and headed back into the house. He had spent the last two hours assisting one of their veterinarians with the birth of a new mare. As always, the experience was fucking amazing. He could have stayed out in the barn all evening, but he had an overnight trip planned with Denim and was anxious to shower, scoop her up and get on the road. After stepping into the house, Jax headed to the kitchen, and retrieved a bottle of water.
“Jax!”
Turning, toward the door, he spotted a petite blonde and grinned. His little sister was home from college. “What’s up blondie?”
Cheyenne danced over and threw her arms around his neck. “I missed you!” she cried.
He kissed her lips. “I missed you, too. How was Paris?”
She stepped back, her mercury-gray eyes sparkling with excitement. “Absolutely amazing! Mariah and I didn’t want to leave.” Mariah was her best friend since grade school.
“Well, I’m glad you’re home. Have you seen Father yet?”
“Nope, not yet. I just got here, but you wanna hang out later?” Cheyenne grabbed a few red grapes from the bowl at the center of the island.
Jax twisted the top on a bottle of water as he replied, “I’m going to San Antonio this evening.”
Her eyes lit up. “Ooh! Can I go? Please… please!”
Jax chuckled as he watched her jump up and down. His sister could be loud and overly dramatic at times. “No, you can’t go. I have a date.”
Apparently, his response surprised her. “A date? Who?” Cheyenne asked curiously.
He took a long drink, then gazed over at her small oval face. “You remember Denim… her grandfather owns Pappy’s Diner?”
“Denim,” she repeated, then her pink smile widened and her eyes gleamed. “Sure, we were on a swim team together one summer. Why you ask?”
“She’s my mate.”
“But she’s human!” Cheyenne barked, with an incredulous look.
Jax shrugged and then started chuckling. “And that’s what makes her extraordinary.” Denim was branded in his bones.
She twirled a thick strand of hair from her ponytail around her finger, which she often did when she was thinking. “I can’t believe you finally found her.” She was grinning over at him before she suddenly startled and said, “Wait a minute! What about you and Troy? She was here looking for you.”
“What?” He tilted his head, his wolf snarling. “When was she here?”
“About an hour ago. She stopped by to see if you were home.”
Cheyenne had no idea what had been going on between the two packs. She had been away at school and then on a trip with her college roommates before returning home.
“Did she say anything?”
Her brow furrowed as she thought about the question. “She asked who lived on the other side of the hill, and I told her Pappy.”
His eyes darted to the clock. Quickly, he grabbed his phone and called the diner only to find out Denim had gotten off early, and headed home. Jax bolted out the room.
Troy was going after Denim.
Jax shifted, then leaped out the house and raced through the forest toward the farmhouse. Driving would have taken entirely too long. As a wolf he could cut across the land straight to the treehouse where he had left a change of clothes the last time he’d walked Denim home. He hurried through the forest, dodged around trees and leaped over foliage, moving with no other thought than to get to Denim. Just ahead a large red wolf jumped out in front of him, followed by three more.
The Chadwick pack.
The largest of the three advanced slowly, his mouth opened in a hideous snarl.
Diesel, this is not the time!
No, I’m afraid it is.
Wolves could communicate to each other through their minds, which made Denim’s power so unique. Unfortunately Diesel was interested in payback. You attacked my sister. Now that I’ve met Denim, I know what makes her so special. Shame on you for trying to keep her power a secret.
He knew. Diesel knew all about her ability. Denim was in danger. He didn’t have
time for this foolishness. His wolf was going crazy. Get out of my way!
You’re not going anywhere until after we finish this!
Troy went after Denim and you want to waste my time! If anything happens to her, it’s your head.
Troy’s just going to shake her up a little, that’s all. Diesel stalked toward him and growled, revealing dozens of sharp teeth. Once I get rid of you I’m going to have Denim all to myself. He launched his body in the air, but Jax was prepared. His teeth bared.
He wasn’t worried about the other three interfering. They stood back and watched, not wanting to undermine Diesel’s authority or make him look weak.
Biting, slashing with teeth and claws. Jax growled fiercely. I don’t want to hurt you.
Fat chance. Diesel’s lips curled back in a snarl.
All he could think about was Denim. The mere thought of Diesel going anywhere near her again fueled his rage. He attacked the red wolf over and over. Ripping and clawing at his flesh. His wolf was raging, driving him to finish Diesel and save his mate.
Jax’s claw ripped down Diesel’s back, causing him to cry out in excruciating pain, but he refused to surrender. Instead his paw slapped at Jax’s face, knocking him down. Jax jerked quickly to his feet, leaned in and sank his teeth into Diesel’s hind legs, He then noticed the other two advancing. Cold fury settled into his bones. Is this an ambush?
Kane’s green eyes locked on him. Call it what you will. No one will ever know but us.
Take a step further and I swear I’ll kill him. Jax grabbed him by the throat. His teeth holding Diesel’s wolf in place.
Stay back! Diesel ordered.
There was the rustle of tree branches, then the heavy pad of wolves drawing closer before one sailed through the air, landing in the grass between Jax and the other three.
Aidan.
Chayton.
His brothers had arrived.
Wilde About Her (Wilde Pack Series) Page 14