“You need to let me go,” Jax whispered.
“Why?” Erin asked.
He rubbed against Jax again. Jax let out a gasp when he felt Erin’s erection brushing against his hip. Well, that was more than unexpected. Damn if Jax’s body didn’t respond in kind, which would have been sexy had there not been so many students watching them.
“Because you’re scaring me,” Jax replied, honestly.
Erin immediately backed off, although he kept his hands on Jax’s shoulders. Erin cocked his head to the side then frowned.
“I’m sorry. I would never hurt you,” Erin said.
Erin lowered his hands then took several steps away. He shook his head, as if he were trying to clear away the fog. Then he glanced around the room, his eyes growing wide with shock.
“Oh, shit! What just happened?” Erin asked, his voice shaky.
“You had your first shift,” Logan said. “It’s okay. Why don’t you go back to the dorm? You can crash for the rest of the day and recover.”
Logan took Erin by the arm then led him from the room. Neither one of them bothered to give Jax a parting look. Jax continued to lean against the wall so he didn’t collapse onto the ground.
His whole body trembled, and he couldn’t catch his breath. He ran his hand through his hair, surprised to find he was sweating. He felt as if he’d run twenty laps around the training room and had topped it off with fifty pushups.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Alvus asked, as he rushed over to Jax.
Alvus began to run his hands all over Jax, no doubt checking for injuries. Jax was so shook up, he just allowed it, even though he knew he didn’t have any wounds.
“I’m fine. Just a bit confused,” Jax finally said. “What got into him?”
“He likes you,” Kira said.
Jax looked over at the large group of students. Kira was in the front of the crowd, and she was shooting Jax a knowing glance. He dumbly shook his head in response.
“Well, yeah. We’re friends,” Jax replied.
Willow let out a huge sigh. “Jax, I love you, sweetie, but you can be so dense sometimes.”
“What are you talking about?” Jax nearly yelled. “Will somebody tell me what in the hell is going on?”
“Erin likes, likes you,” Willow said slowly, as if she were speaking to a child. “When he shifted, he was able to smell Alvus’ scent all over you. Erin’s feline didn’t like that at all, and that’s why he freaked out.”
Jax rubbed his face as he recalled how Erin’s body had reacted when he’d rubbed against Jax, how Erin had sniffed at him, and the words he’d spoken. He couldn’t believe it, but Kira was right, which shocked Jax to the core. He couldn’t understand why some hot guy like Erin would even notice a nerd like him.
“Well, Erin needs to get over it,” Alvus snapped. “Jax doesn’t belong to anybody. He’s not an object or possession.”
“I know,” Willow agreed. “Erin would say the same thing. He was just acting feral because he had his first shift. He went into caveman mode. Jax, you know he’s really not like that. He may like you, but he would normally never be that aggressive.”
“Yeah,” Kira added. “I’ll bet he feels terrible.”
Jax nodded his head. He knew he couldn’t stay upset over the situation. Sure, he was still shocked to his core, but Erin hadn’t been himself. Jax couldn’t allow himself to read too much into the situation.
Keegan came running into the room. He glanced around then spotted Jax. The small instructor rushed to his side.
“I heard what happened? Are you okay?” Keegan asked.
Jax wondered to himself how many times he was going to have to answer that dumb question. He just nodded his head. Keegan put his hand on Jax’s shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. His brown eyes were soft with concern, and he even gave Jax a tiny smile. Jax finally felt himself calming down. He was quickly coming to see Keegan as a mentor, and it was comforting to have the adult there.
“I’m fine,” Jax said, taking in a shaking breath. “Maybe a bit embarrassed, but I’m not hurt.”
“Good,” Keegan replied. “Why don’t you go grab some dinner? I’m sure Logan won’t mind if I dismiss everybody early. It’s been quite an eventful afternoon.”
“Does this mean we don’t have to take that history test tomorrow?” Alvus quipped with a teasing smile.
“You wish,” Keegan said. “The test is still on, and you better get a good grade.”
Alvus grabbed Jax by the hand then led him out of the training room. Jax was still so shook up he allowed himself to lead through the halls like a child. He even took a seat at the table and allowed Ava to grab a tray for him.
“I don’t know what Erin was thinking,” Alvus declared angrily. “He knows you’ve already been through enough crap. The last thing you needed was to be stalked like you were a mouse or something.”
“It’s okay,” Jax assured him. “He didn’t know what he was doing, and he didn’t hurt me. I was just a bit scared. I’ll get over it.”
“He was wrong about something,” Alvus said, locking gazes with Jax. “You don’t belong to him.”
Alvus reached across the table and took Jax’s hand. Alvus gave it a squeeze, all the while never looking away. Jax took in a deep breath as he got lost in Alvus’ eyes. Jax had never realized how beautiful they were.
Jax realized he was in big trouble. He liked Alvus. A lot. But he couldn’t deny he was attracted to Erin as well. Jax knew he was eventually going to have to choose one. He only hoped nobody ended getting up hurt in the process.
Chapter Nine
After he got some food in him and got to sit with his friends, Jax began to feel much better. He even began to berate himself for being so afraid of Erin. After all, they were friends, and he should have known Erin would never harm him, not even when he was in an altered state.
Jax couldn’t help but feel like a jerk. He should have comforted Erin in his time of need. Instead, Jax had cowered and shook like some baby. He knew he owed his friend a huge apology. He only hoped Erin would be able to find it in his heart to forgive Jax.
Jax wanted to go to Erin’s side, but he was smart enough to know the time wasn’t right. Erin probably was still dealing with having his first shift. He didn’t need to be bothered by anything right now. Jax did vow to himself he’d find Erin the next day and make amends.
Jax replayed all the events that had taken place the past couple days. After the attack he’d hoped things would have calmed down, but that hadn’t been the case. He knew then he couldn’t hide away anymore. He needed to face things head on. Otherwise, he would continue to be a victim.
“I need to see my uncle,” Jax said aloud.
Ava gave a slight shake of her head. “Why would you want to do that?”
“I need to start facing my fears instead of hiding away from them. That’s the only way I’ll ever be able to get my life back,” Jax replied.
“How do you know that he’ll even talk to you?” Philip asked. “You didn’t even realize he existed before he was captured. He may not want to have anything to do with you. He didn’t before now.”
That reminder stung a bit. His uncle was his family, so he should have been in Jax’s life. But Jax remained firm. He needed to meet his uncle.
“I have to try,” Jax said, standing up.
“You’re going now?” Alvus asked.
“Yes,” Jax replied.
“I’m going with you,” Avlus declared as he got to his feet. “You shouldn’t have to do this on your own.”
“Maybe you should talk to Mitchell first,” Ava suggested.
Jax shook his head. “He might try to talk me out of it. I need to do this. It’s time I faced my uncle and got some answers about my father. I can’t hide behind Mitchell forever.”
“Do you even know where the jail is?” Ava demanded.
She was chewing on her bottom lip. It was a nervous habit she’d always had. The fact she was openly doing i
t, when she always tried so hard her emotions, spoke volumes. She was worried about Jax. While he was touched, it still didn’t change his mind.
“I know where it is. I can show him,” Alvus said.
“Let’s do this.” Jax nodded.
He and Alvus left the cafeteria and went out into the main part of the building. As they went farther throughout the halls they passed by several soldiers and civilian Coalition members. Several of them turned to look at the teens, but they made no move to stop them. They all probably assumed they had permission to leave the Academy area.
Alvus reached out and grabbed Jax’s hand. Jax liked their fingers together, taking comfort in the familiar touch of his friend. They didn’t let go as they made their way to the jail.
They finally reached a heavy door. Alvus opened it and revealed a staircase. They silently walked down it, stopping at a desk. A soldier sat behind it. He looked up with a surprised expression as they approached.
“What is your business here?” the guard asked.
“I’m Jax, and I want to see my uncle. His name is Reaper, and he’s a prisoner here,” Jax said.
The guard shot them the side eye. “If you think I’m going to let two students just waltz into the jail, then you’re crazy. Mitchell would have my head for that.”
Jax clenched his hands into fists as frustration bubbled inside him. Now that he’d decided he wanted to meet his uncle, Jax was determined to make it happen. To be turned away when he finally got the courage to face his issues head on, frustrated Jax. He didn’t want to fail.
“Please, I’ll only be there a few minutes. Nothing bad could happen in such a short amount of time,” Jax pressed.
The guard slowly shook his head. “Nope, I do that then I’ll be demoted to guarding the front gate. Nobody wants to be stuck with that job, so I’m not going to let some pushy kid get me into trouble. Sorry.”
“Come on. You don’t have to be an ass about the whole thing,” Alvus said. “I’ll go with him so he won’t be alone.”
“No. Nope. Nada. Nete. Nein. How many other ways do I have to say it?” the guard replied, cocking a brow.
“Let him in. I’ll go with him,” a familiar voice called.
Jax jerked in surprise as he looked up at Dr. North. The psychiatrist stood at the entrance to the cells. Jax felt a heat come over his face. It was something that frequently happened whenever he was around the male. Jax couldn’t help it, but he found his doctor more than a bit attractive, even though Jax knew the guy was happily mated and way too old for him. Jax couldn’t help it, though. The male was stunning. Dr. North had once told Jax his family came from Japan. His dark hair was cut short, in a no-nonsense manner, kind of like Dr. North’s attitude. His body was lean yet muscular. His eyes were always so serious, but he still managed to be kindly at the same time.
The guard stood then turned to the psychiatrist. “Are you sure about this? If you want, I can call Mitchell and have him handle it.”
“Jax is my patient, and I feel this could be very therapeutic for him,” Dr. North replied. “Mitchell will be fine with it. I can give him a report as soon as we’re finished, so you don’t need to worry, Gage.”
“Fine, but if I get stuck out in that damn guard shack, I am so going to be pissed,” Gage shot back.
Dr. North nodded then looked at Jax. “I’ll go back with you, but is there anybody else you want to be with you, maybe one of your instructors or something? I just want you to feel safe. It’s not weak to want to have somebody at your back.”
Jax thought it over for a few moments and finally realized he did want somebody there with him, a shifter Jax knew would protect him and stand up for him no matter what.
“Can we get Shane?” Jax asked.
Dr. North smiled. “Yeah, we can call him down. I think he’s a great choice.”
Gage picked up the phone on the desk and made a quick call. Not even five minutes had passed before Shane came down the stairs. As soon as the Assassin saw Jax, a gentle smile covered his face.
“Hey, Jax. I hear that you want to meet the asshole,” Shane said by way of greeting.
“Yeah, thanks for coming. I hope I’m not being a bother,” Jax replied, suddenly feeling a bit like a baby.
He knew he should be able to face his uncle on his own, but at the same time it felt good to finally be able to lean on an adult for support. Jax still felt a bit apprehensive since so many older shifters had let him down. At the same time, Jax knew deep down Shane would never do that to him.
Trust. It was such a simple word, yet it had become so hard for Jax to embrace. But at that moment, he found he was able to do that with Shane.
“I told you I would always be here for you.” Shane ruffled Jax’s hair. “I meant it. It’s good to see that you might finally be able to believe that.”
Jax managed a tiny grin. “I do.”
He glanced up at Dr. North. The physiatrist was practically beaming at him. Jax realized it was because he’d made a major breakthrough. Maybe Jax’s sessions were actually paying off, which was kind of funny since he hadn’t even wanted to go into therapy at first. He was glad Mitchell had pressed the issue.
“Okay, let’s go see what the idiot has to say.” Shane began walking toward the cells.
Alvus reached out and grabbed Jax’s hand. He leaned in then whispered into Jax’s ear, “I’ll be by your side. And I’ll always be here too.”
Those words sent a tingling sensation through Jax and suddenly he forgot all about his silly crush on Dr. North. Jax turned his head so he could whisper back.
“I know you will. I’ll always be there for you too.”
“Promise?” Alvus asked.
“Promise.”
A shiver shot down Jax’s spine when he felt Alvus’ lips brush against his cheek. Oh, wow. That was nice. Really, really nice. So much so, Jax almost forgot why he was standing in the prison. All his focus had shifted on Alvus and how good he smelled.
“Ah…are we going to do this?” Shane asked, a hint of laughter in his voice.
Jax felt himself blushing again, although it was for a whole different reason. He nodded to Shane then began to follow him. He kept a firm grip on Alvus’ hand, though.
Eventually they began to pass cells. Some were empty, but quite a few were occupied. They had signs on the doors, all stating the shifter’s breed and crime. Jax was shocked to see there were several Ravens there. He’d always assumed they were just killed. It never occurred to him that Mitchell would take prisoners. Then again, if the Ravens had surrendered, Jax didn’t see Mitchell cruelly cutting them down. The leader was strong, but he was kind as well.
Shane finally stopped at a cell. He glared at the occupant, almost as if he were daring the guy to say or do something offensive. Jax suddenly felt really relieved Shane was on his side. He looked damn scary at that moment.
“There’s somebody here to see you,” Shane said to the prisoner. “You better be nice to him or I’ll rip your tongue out and slap you across the face with it.”
“Somehow I don’t think that’s an empty threat,” Alvus said in a low voice.
“Yeah, I don’t think so either,” Jax agreed. “While it would be interesting to see, I kind of want to talk to him first. It would be hard for him to chat without a tongue.”
Shane grinned at Jax. “You’re getting a little vicious streak in you. I’m so proud.”
Jax slowly walked forward until he was standing in front of the cell. His uncle was small, no surprise there since that was a family trait. He was much thinner than Jax’s father, though. Reaper almost looked sick. His bones jutted against his skin, and his cheekbones were hallowed. It gave him a creepy kind of vibe, especially since his eyes were glassy and blood-shot. His brown hair was shaggy and looked like it had been cut with a dull knife. His dirty white T-shirt hung on his frame, and the seat of his worn jeans were so baggy they looked as if they were about to fall off.
“Well, if it isn’t my little nephew,” h
is uncle sneered. “I’ve been waiting so long to meet you.”
Since that statement dripped with sarcasm, Jax didn’t believe it for one second. Jax’s upper lip curled in disgust. Val had been right all along, Reaper was a bottom feeder. Only, Jax no longer felt any shame for being related to the creep. Reaper had been the one who’d made bad decisions in his life. Jax, on the other hand, planned to do the exact opposite. He was going to do well, despite his family.
“Do you know where my parents are?” Jax asked.
“No, but if I did, I wouldn’t tell you or any of Mitchell’s pets.” His uncle began to pace around in the cell. “What in the hell are they doing, locking me up like this? I don’t bow down to Mitchell, so he doesn’t have the right to punish me.”
Shane slammed his hands against the bars. “Hey, shit for brains. The moment you started dealing TAR, you became fair game. You’re just lucky Mitchell decided to lock your sorry ass up. Most packs or Coalitions would have just have killed you on the spot.”
Reaper smiled. “Mitchell would never do that. If I were dead then I wouldn’t be able to answer some of the questions that we both know Jax is dying to ask. Isn’t that why he’s here?”
Jax cautiously walked a few steps forward. “Not really. I just wanted to see you for myself, to check you out and confirm you’re a loser like everybody told me.”
“Come on, nephew. Don’t you want to know how your mother is doing?”
That made Jax pause. He did wonder about his mother. She was the only one he really missed. Even though she had turned her back on him, Jax still worried about her mental state. More than anything, he wished she would be captured, not to be punished, but to finally be able to get help. She needed Dr. North more than Jax and Shane combined.
“Is she doing okay?” Jax asked, hating how small his voice sounded.
“She’s bat shit crazy. What do you think?” Reaper gave a cruel laugh.
Jax lowered his head as a red, hot rage filled him. He was almost tempted to ask Shane to go through with his earlier threat, but Jax knew he had to pull in his emotions. His uncle was trying to get a rise out of him, and Jax was about to give that jerk the satisfaction.
Blood Doesn't Decide (Coalition Training Academy Book 2) Page 7