Page 90 of Storm and Tempest

The move diffused a lot of the tension, but several of them regarded both Zeyla and Jax’s father with suspicion.

After a member of the MSI team, Allison Moore, had been killed in New Orleans, Kenna said that Bear dropped off themap. And Maizie had been the only one who kept in touch with him—so she didn’t have to hunt him down. For a few months, Maizie had been his only contact with his life while he went off grid. Even his company hadn’t known where he was, but the young woman saw fit to make sure he knew people cared about him.

Now he was back.

Jax said, “We don’t have much time. That team of operatives has been behind us for the past three states.” He was so exhausted he was seriously dragging but apparently had to manage this. “Dad?”

His father came over with him to Earl and Preston, both of whom eyed his father with suspicion. “Edward Jaxton, this is Preston Lightwood and Earl Jonas.” Before his dad could point out that Preston was a murderer—even if he had served his time and been released—Jax explained, “Preston is a friend of mine and Kenna’s, and Mr. Jonas runs a security firm who have saved our lives in the past.”

His father couldn’t argue with any of that.

Mr. Jonas said, “Interesting company you keep.” Glancing specifically at Zeyla.

“Yeah?” Zeyla fired back. Jax didn’t turn, but given the tone in that one word, he figured she had a hand on her hip. “I’d have to say the same about you,Mr.Jonas.”

Maizie said, “Kenna and Jax got a cat. Her name is Jolene. I’d show her to you, but I had to secure her in the bathroom so she doesn’t get hurt.”

Jax figured she learned from Kenna to diffuse any tension with humor, and he was more than proud of her for all of who she was becoming, but they had to focus here.

Preston grinned. “A cat?” He started laughing. “What happened to the dog?”

“She’s in California with Jax’s niece and nephew.”

“Guys,” Jax said, “we have a team incoming who are probably going to try and kill us all. We should make a plan.”

Bear came over, offering Maizie a wink. “Jax?”

He nodded. “Good to meet you. Again?” The guy offered a hand, which Jax shook. “I know you were in Mexico, but I’m pretty sure I was unconscious at the time.”

Bear grinned. “We’re all set up. My team can show your people where to position themselves.” He glanced at Zeyla, then Ramon, and finally at Jax’s dad. “Depending on whether you have them here to fight or if you want them protected.”

Jax turned to his dad. “Go with Preston. Do what he says.”

“I think I could?—”

“Go with him.” Jax looked away. “Maizie?”

“You’re giving me a choice?”

He needed about six cups of coffee for this conversation. “You’re an adult, and you’ve pulled your weight so far. What do you want to do?”

“Bruce has been teaching me how to use guns, but…” She bit her lip.

“A pistol?”

“I just want to be able to defend myself if I have to.” She seemed nervous.

Jax cupped her face with his hands. “Honey, you get scared, you shoot whoever you want. Okay?”

Someone off to the side laughed.

She smiled up at him, still somewhat unsure. “Okay.”

He kissed her forehead.

Ramon came over. “I’d say stick with Zeyla, but she’s already taken a bullet for you once this week.” He smiled the kind of sibling smile Jax had come to expect when the guy looked at Maizie. “Wanna stay by me and Bear?”

She nodded.