Chapter 12

Rachel pulled up outside the warehouse, her knuckles white as her hands gripped the steering wheel. Her heart pounded, torn between the desire to help and her deep-seated need for safety. The danger of this world Jaxon lived in went against everything she knew, yet here she was, walking into the lion’s den once more.

The thick metal door creaked open and the scent of blood hit her like a wave. Her stomach churned, but she steeled her nerves.

Inside, a young man lay motionless on a table, a dark red stain seeping across his abdomen. The room swam before her eyes and she took a sharp breath, forcing the nausea back down.

Two Prospects hovered nearby, panic etched into the lines on their faces.

“He’s still bleeding,” one of them said, his voice trembling. “We tried to stop it, but...”

Rachel moved to the table and ripped open her medical bag. “Get me gauze, tape and alcohol. Now!”

The Prospects scrambled to obey as Rachel’s hands moved swiftly and surely. The familiar motions calmed her, and soon she staunched the bleeding.

She looked up at the two young men watching her with something close to awe. “He’ll live, but he needs a hospital.”

They exchanged a worried glance, the unspoken fear of police involvement hanging in the air. Rachel sighed, knowing she had a battle ahead of her to convince them to do the right thing.

Her thoughts flickered to Jaxon, wishing he was here. She had a feeling he was the only one who could make them see reason. The danger of this life they led was spiraling out of control, and she feared what might happen if someone didn’t put a stop to this endless war.

She took a breath and faced the Prospects, hands on her hips. “I know you’re afraid of the police. But this boy will die without medical care. As his brothers, you have to do what’s right for him.”

They shuffled their feet, avoiding her gaze. “It’s not that simple,” one of them mumbled.

Rachel moved closer, lowering her voice. “I understand, believe me. But he’s just a kid. You’re supposed to protect each other, not let each other die for the sake of code.”

One of the Prospects raked a hand through his hair. “Shit. You’re right. But if we take him in, it’ll start a whole new war.”

“And if you don’t, his death will be on your conscience forever.” Rachel placed a hand on his arm. “Have faith in me. I’ll make sure he’s safe. You have my word.”

He searched her face, as if looking for the truth in her eyes. Finally, he nodded.

Just then, a soft groan escaped Dirk’s lips, his eyelids fluttering open. Rachel leaned over him, hands braced on either side of the bed.

“Easy now,” she murmured. “You’re safe.”

He blinked up at her, gaze cloudy with pain and confusion. “What...what happened?”

“There was an attack,” she said. “You were shot, but I’ve patched you up. You’re going to be alright.”

Dirk’s eyes widened, a spark of panic igniting in their depths. “They came back? Son of a—” He started to push himself up, then gasped, collapsing.

“Stay still,” Rachel ordered, placing a firm hand on his uninjured shoulder. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. Any sudden movements could tear the wound open again.”

He gritted his teeth, chest heaving with harsh, uneven breaths. “We have to...have to warn the others. Before it’s too late.”

“Marcus has already increased security,” she assured him. “But you need to rest. Getting worked up will only slow your recovery.”

“I can’t just lie here!” Dirk protested. “What if they attack again?”

Rachel met his gaze steadily. “Then we’ll handle it. But right now, you’re in no shape to fight. So do as I say and save your strength. Doctor’s orders.”

Dirk scowled but remained still, jaw clenched. Rachel could see the tension in every line of his body, could feel the coiled energy radiating from him, even in his weakened state. She didn’t envy trying to keep him confined to bed rest.

Sighing, she straightened and turned to Marcus, who was hovering in the doorway. “We need to call Jaxon. He’ll know how best to increase security and watch for another attack.”

Marcus shifted his weight, shoving his hands into the pockets of his cut. “I don’t know, Doc. Things are complicated enough without dragging Jaxon into this mess.”

“Complicated or not, people’s lives are at stake here,” she said sharply. “We need all the help we can get.”

He hesitated, then jerked his chin in a stiff nod. “Yeah, alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Exhaling in relief, Rachel retrieved the phone from her bag and held it out to him. “Here. Call him.”

After a long moment, Marcus took the phone. He stared down at it for a few seconds, jaw tight, then lifted it to his ear and dialed.

The call seemed to drag on forever. Rachel busied herself checking Dirk’s bandages.

They needed Jaxon. They needed his guidance, his resources, his men. If anyone could keep them safe from another attack, it was him.

Finally, Marcus passed her back the phone. “He’s sending reinforcements to guard the perimeter. And he wants to talk to you.”

Rachel took a deep breath and lifted the phone to her ear. “Jaxon?”

“Doc.” His voice was gravelly and tense. “Tell me what the hell is going on.”

She relayed the events of the past hour in a rush of words, sparing no details about Dirk’s condition or the threats of violence from the Wolverines. Jaxon listened without interrupting, the occasional grunt or sharp exhale the only indication he was still on the line.

When she finished, he was silent for a long moment. “You did good calling me. But this is a dangerous situation, and I want you out of there as soon as my men arrive.”

Rachel stiffened. “I’m not leaving. Dirk needs medical care, and I’m not going to abandon him.”

“Rachel—”

“No, Jaxon,” she said. “I won’t leave until I’m sure he’s stable enough to be moved or taken to a hospital. That’s final.”

Jaxon growled. She could picture him raking a hand through his hair, torn between concern for her safety and respect for her dedication to those in her care.

Finally, he sighed. “Stubborn woman. Fine, you can stay until Dirk’s out of the woods. But I’m posting guards on you, and you do exactly as they say. No arguments.”

“Understood,” she said, relief flooding through her. At least now she’d have backup and a way to ensure everyone’s safety. “Thank you, Jaxon. For everything.”

“Just keep yourself safe,” he said gruffly. “That’s all the thanks I need.”