Page 125 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

Partnership. They actually mean it.

Jax moves behind my chair, his presence warm and protective. When I glance back, his eyes burn with pride despite the medication. Not just desire—genuine admiration for my capabilities.

"There's more." I pull up another file, fingers steady despite the emotional impact of their acceptance. "Gideon mentioned high-level buyers during his office confession. Politicalconnections, institutional protection. These aren't just criminals—they're protected criminals with government resources."

The room falls into tactical silence. Damian shifts position in the shadows, his movement fluid and predatory. These are targets that require careful planning, the kind that fight back with resources most people can't imagine.

"Then we plan for extended engagement," Damian's voice carries deadly promise from the shadows.

"We handle this together." Jax's uninjured hand settles on my shoulder, fingers tracing the tension gathered there with gentle precision.

The silence stretches as I process what they're offering. Not just Kade through the secure link, but all of them. My throat feels tight with unexpected emotion.

They want to help me hunt Alexei. Not just use my intelligence—actually help with my personal mission.

"You'd risk your organization for my vendetta?" The question comes out more vulnerable than intended.

"Taking down child traffickers isn't personal vendetta—it's operational mandate," Cole states with matter-of-fact certainty while closing unnecessary display windows. "Your mission aligns perfectly with our core objectives."

Remy leans forward from his position at the medical station, his green eyes serious but warm. "You think we'd let you face that monster without proper backup?"

"I've been hunting him alone for seven years." My voice cracks slightly on the admission. "Never expected—"

"Family protects family," Asher's rare contribution from his position by the window makes everyone turn. His cold gray eyes meet mine through the tactical display reflection. "That's non-negotiable protocol."

Family.

The word hits like physical impact. I've spent so long convinced that needing people made me weak, that emotional connections were operational liabilities to be avoided.

Jax's thumb strokes my nape, grounding me while my understanding of the world shifts fundamentally.

Damian speaks from the shadows, his voice quiet but carrying absolute certainty. "Seven years you've carried this alone. Time someone had your back."

The displays show Alexei's network sprawling across continents like a malignant web. Information I've gathered piece by piece for over a decade. But looking at it now with their tactical expertise overlaid on my intelligence...

We could actually destroy him. Systematically dismantle everything he built.

"I don't know what to say."

Kade's approval carries through the comm system with unusual warmth. "Say you'll let us be the family you deserve."

Heat builds in my chest, spreading outward until my skin feels too tight. Being claimed by all of them fundamentally changes something inside me.

Jax's fingers tighten possessively at my nape, and I turn in my chair to meet his burning gaze. The pride and satisfaction I find there makes my pulse spike.

He did this. Brought me home to his family and made them mine too.

"Yes." The word comes out stronger than I feel. "I want that."

Remy grins from his medical station. "Good. Because we weren't really giving you a choice."

"Damn right," Xander adds with satisfaction. "You're stuck with us now."

I address the room but keep my gaze locked on Jax. "Thank you. All of you."

For the first time since I was sixteen, I'm not alone in this fight.

Later that evening, I find myself curled against Jax on the couch in his room, hyperaware of his injured shoulder. Every small wince when he shifts position triggers protective instincts I'm still learning to navigate.