Page 30 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable (The Beautiful Scars Duet #2)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sunny

I sit between Zane and Levi during the meeting, trying not to fidget as Wolf goes through the latest intel. My fingers trace the edge of the photos spread across the table—crime scene shots that make my stomach turn. Four girls total now. I know how easily they could've been me—were me at one time.

"The latest victim was found this morning," Colt says, his voice tight. "Same signature as the others."

I close my eyes, fighting back nausea. Levi's hand finds mine under the table, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. On my other side, Zane shifts closer, his shoulder pressed against mine.

The discussion circles endlessly—possible locations, money trails, witness reports. But we're getting nowhere. Garrett's too careful, too methodical. He's always been good at hiding in plain sight. Just like last time.

"We need to change our approach," Chase argues. "He's playing with us, leaving bodies where —."

"Where they'll be found. Where he know I'll eventually know they exist," I whisper. The room goes quiet.

After two hours of strategic dead ends, Zane calls for a break. As everyone files out, Colt catches my eye and gestures for me to stay behind.

"Got a minute?" he asks once we're alone.

I nod, settling back into my chair. "What's up?"

Colt runs a hand through his hair, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "It's about Jade."

My heart skips. I haven't heard from my best friend since everything went down. Not because I haven’t wanted to reach out, but because I would never knowingly put her in any danger.

"Is she okay?"

"She's safe. She's been staying with her cousin." He pauses. "She didn't want to bother you until you were ready, but with everything that's happening..."

"Anyone connected to me is at even more risk now," I finish quietly.

"Yeah." Colt's expression softens. "I want Jade here. With me. Where I can protect her. Where we can protect her."

The way his voice catches when he says her name makes me smile. He's gone for her.

"How long?" I ask.

"Six months officially." A small smile tugs at his lips. "She's... something else."

"That she is." I feel tears welling up. "God, I miss her."

"She misses you too. Been driving her family, and me, crazy worrying about you." He hesitates. "Would you be okay with her coming here? I know it's already complicated and crowded here with..."

"Yes," I don't even let him finish the thought. "Please. I could use my best friend right now."

The relief on his face is obvious. "I'll make the arrangements. I'll put together a team and leave this afternoon. We should be back in a couple days."

I launch myself at him, wrapping him in a tight hug. "Thank you for taking care of her."

His arms come around me carefully. "I always will, Sunny."

When I pull back, I see Zane and Levi watching from the doorway, their expressions soft. They understand better than anyone the importance of having people you trust, people who make you feel safe.

"Jade's coming to stay," I tell them, and for the first time today I feel something other than dread. Despite everything happening, despite Garrett's shadow looming over us all, knowing I'll have my best friend back gives me hope.

Zane smiles. "I don't know if we're ready for that."

"You sound nervous." I tease.

"I mean she's a little scary," he admits with a laugh.

Levi wraps an arm around my waist. "We'll make sure she's safe here."

I lean into him and take Zane's hand in mine. Jade will fit right in with this makeshift family we've built.

Looking back at Colt I see the same fierce protectiveness in his eyes that I recognize in Zane and Levi. "Tell her..." I swallow past the lump in my throat. "Tell her I love her and that I can't wait to see her."

He nods, pulling out his phone. "I'll let her know right now."

As we leave the office, I can't help but smile despite the heavy weight of the morning's meeting. Garrett may be trying to isolate me again, to cut me off from everyone I care about but he doesn't understand — every person he threatens just brings us closer together, makes us stronger.

And when we finally find him, he'll learn exactly what happens when you threaten the people I love.

Two days later, I’m standing in the living room when front door bursts open with hurricane force. Suddenly, my arms are full of Jade as she practically tackles me to the ground.

"Angel! My beautiful girl!" She squeezes me tight, then pulls back to examine my face. "God, I missed you so much."

"I missed you too." Tears spring to my eyes as I touch her nose gently. It's hers, but not the one I remember. "It looks amazing. I'm so sorry about what happened. That night at the club..."

She waves off my concern. "Please, that was nothing compared to what you..." Her voice trails off, eyes darkening briefly before she forces a bright smile. "Besides, gave me an excuse to finally fix that bump I always hated."

"Still. I should have been there for you these past couple months."

"We're together now. Right?" She grabs my face between her hands. "And holy shit girl, look at you with these two gorgeous specimens hovering over you. I'd say you're doing just fine."

I feel my cheeks heat as Zane approaches. "Welcome back, trouble."

"Z!" Jade launches herself at him next. "I missed your grumpy face."

He returns her hug with a rare genuine smile.

"And hello again, Levi." Jade turns her analytical gaze on him. "Hmm. I’d almost forgotten what a snack you are, big guy." She winks at me. "Yum, babe."

Levi stands frozen, face red, eyes glued to the floor, clearly unprepared for Hurricane Jade. "I... thank you?"

"Oh my god, he blushes!" Jade claps in delight. " This is going to be so much fun."

"Jade," Colt warns, though he can't hide his amusement.

"What? I'm just appreciating the view. Speaking of views..." She turns back to me with a wicked grin. "Details. I need all the details about how this..." She gestures between me and the guys, "delicious situation came about."

"Jesus Christ," Levi mutters, face flaming.

"Chase, help me with her bags," Colt says quickly, heading for the door.

"Running away already?" Jade calls after him. "Coward!"

I can't stop smiling as I watch her immediate effect on everyone. It's like she's brought light and air into the house, which is something we've all needed.

"Come on." She links her arm through mine. "You're having a drink with me while I unpack. We have months of gossip to catch up on." Her eyes sparkle. "Including how you ended up with not one but two incredibly hot, incredibly protective men wrapped around your finger."

"I wouldn't say wrapped around..."

"Please," she snorts. "I've been here five minutes and I can already tell they'd walk through fire if you asked."

She raises her voice and looks intently at both Levi and Z. "Isn't that right, boys?"

Zane just shakes his head, but Levi looks like he wants to sink into the floor.

"You're terrible," I tell her fondly.

"It's why you love me." She starts dragging me toward the stairs. "Now come on. I want to hear everything. And I mean everything ."

"I'm not giving you details!"

"Angel, sweetie, have you met me? I'm getting those details one way or another."

As Chase and Colt pass us with her bags, she blows Colt a kiss. "Thanks baby. You're the best."

"Behave," he warns, but his eyes are soft when they meet hers.

"Never." She grins.

I catch Levi giving Zane a what-the-fuck-just-happened look as Jade pulls me upstairs, chattering a mile a minute about everything I've missed. Despite the chaos she brings, or maybe because of it, I feel lighter than I have in weeks.

"So," she says once we're in her room, producing a bottle of wine from one of her bags. "Start at the beginning. And don't skip the good parts."