37

There was no way any normal person could go from hot to cold as fast as Jax. He'd literally been scalding her body with all his heat and need in that closet but suddenly he was all business right after. Of course she understood what they did was the eventual head to all their sexual tension and she also understood he had just cheated on his girlfriend. That made her feel terrible in one way and relieved in another. If there was a fault in that couple that meant there was room for her.

And was it even home-wrecking if she hadn’t started it? Technically, Jackson was wrecking his own home and she wouldn’t be putting herself in any more positions to make things worse. She hadn't made him kiss her. She hadn't done anything to imply it should happen. She pinched the bridge of her nose, debating whether to exit the car and face the awkward atmosphere between the two of them. She looked out the car window as Jackson spoke with several males nearby, all equally broad and rough around the edges. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time Jackson bothered with a suit at all, not that Mara was complaining…

Her face flushed again, sending a throb low, right where Jax’s fingers had just been. This was so fucked up, because, yes, it was still home wrecking. It was wrong and she knew better. But despite what she knew, Mara wanted to do it again. She wouldn’t. But the urge to feel that heat again…

Fuck it. She threw open the door and forced a neutral expression on her face. Taking in the area, Mara couldn’t help but relax. Surrounded by trees and nature felt right, soothing the part of her that hadn’t been right since her stalker came into her life. Birds left the trees and she turned toward the sound, taking in the large cabin-like structure she hadn’t noticed. Nestled into the overhang of tall redwoods, it appeared cozy, even for its size.

She took a step toward it as a familiar broad hand slipped around her bicep. Jax leaned in closely, stirring up the scent of wildlife and damp moss.

“Look we need to clear the air," Jackson whispered.

"Clear the air about what?" She didn’t bother looking at him, keeping her focus on the carved benches sitting on the wrap-around porch. If he wanted to run as far away as he could get, she’d let him. She wasn’t going to beg.

"About what happened in the car."

"Fine, let's clear the air.” She agreed, feeling pettiness rear its ugly head. “You ran because you’re a coward. You have a girlfriend but you have no self-control. You want to keep me physically protected without any concern for whether or not you’re causing me mental harm. And you’re probably mad because despite all the reasons why you shouldn’t have kissed me or touched me… you want to do it again."

His sharp intake of air and how the males nearby suddenly went quiet led Mara to believe she hadn’t been speaking as quietly as she thought. Jackson just swiveled his head around, growling at the other males to find something else productive to do, before scrubbing the back of his neck. "Amara, it’s complicated."

"Is it? So you didn't like it? I wouldn't describe your reaction," she looked down between his legs, "as dislike..."

"It's not that. Obviously I... enjoyed what happened," His gaze darkened, "And me and Sheila aren’t together at the moment. But it’s not an excuse for what happened. I don't really know how to defend it. We can't do that again, Mara. As much as I might want to. You’ve hired me to keep you safe and we’re in the middle of an active threat. You can’t go back to set until it passes. You can’t go home."

“Wait, what? I have to work, Jackson. That’s the whole reason you were hired!”

He shoved himself away from her and sighed. “Of all the times for what’s between us to flare up, it can’t be right now. Now when you’re this vulnerable. And you are vulnerable. You can’t work until I’m sure that fucking set is secure. Don’t you see how much closer he’s getting? He’s one of us, love. A wolf. Hunting you from place to place for whatever goal he has. There’s no way in hell I can let him get anywhere near you.” He looked at her closely as they walked up the stairs of the cabin. “I don’t want you scared, Amara. I can’t stand it.”

"Okay," she said quickly, ignoring all the tension in her shoulders. Why was he making everything seem like such a big deal? The stalker, yes, obviously he terrified her. But no one had been hurt so far. And a kiss or more between two consenting adults wasn’t nearly the same level of stress. She could agree to the strange work relationship but plenty of people met in uncharacteristic ways. So Mara took his deflection for what it was, an excuse. “Just show me where you want me to stay and I’ll keep out of your way.”

"Mara-" he started but she wasn't listening anymore.

Before she could open the front door, Christie and Derrick sprang up from their hidden spots on the bench, all smiles. Her steps faltered as Christie pulled her in for a hug.

“How are you doing?” Christie asked at the same time Derrick gave an uncomfortable wave and motioned to Jax. Those two headed into the house and Mara was grateful for the distraction. “I’m sure this is all a lot to accept.”

“I’ve been better. Being driven out of every safe space I have by a faceless, nameless stalker is a bit more than what I signed up for when I started acting.”

“I can’t even imagine. And adding on all the stress of supernatural creatures and Jackson’s status as Alpha of this pack… I mean, I don’t know how I would feel if I were in your shoes. But I’m here for you, Mara. Do you want to go get settled in? Maybe we can decompress over some drinks afterward. I feel like… I mean I don’t want to presume… but if you need someone to talk to I’m here.”

Mara gave her a soft smile, letting her shoulders drop. “Please and thank you. Your house is truly beautiful. How long have you and Derrick lived here?"

Christie snorted. "My house? Oh, honey, no, this isn’t our house. You didn’t know you’d be staying with the Alpha? This is Jackson's house. I think you two are temporarily setting up camp here for a few days until he can find another safe place."

“He mentioned it but I hoped maybe it’d be full of people, like a resort. This is… quiet.”

Christie led her inside, nodding sagely as if Mara’s words didn’t have an ulterior meaning. With how much tension was brewing between her and Jax, she had hoped they’d have buffers… “You guys won’t be staying here at all, then? Is there going to be anyone else aside from us?”

“I mean if it made you more comfortable I’m sure I could discuss it with the Alpha no problem. He would never want you to be upset.”

“Who is your Alpha, anyway? I don’t know much about the pack dynamics for wolves. Really, I don’t know much more than the basics. Is your Alpha nice?”

Christie paused at the foot of a beautiful wood staircase, her expression confused. “Didn’t you already know? I mean, I was sure at the very least you put the pieces together once you knew what we were.”

“There’s been a lot going on. I just assumed anything I needed to know, Jax would tell me.”

“Well, that’s the thing… He definitely should’ve told you by now. He’s the Alpha of this pack…”