Jax (Immortals of New Orleans Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page B

I said I’d…”
    “You’ll never be safe here. They’ll come again. You know it’s true.”
    “She stays with me,” Jax asserted.
    “Alpha, I think we’d better talk,” Finn interrupted. “We’ve been searching for you for over a month.”
    “They’re here,” Jax commented. “You,” he pointed to Finn, “come with me. Jake stays.” His eyes focused in on Katrina who held the covers against her chest. “Do not leave the cabin. This is none of your concern.”
    Katrina sensed their presence. Wolves. Although they weren’t of her pack, the hum of their magick grew thick in the air. Instinct told her to go with Jax, but his command to remain with Jake took precedence. Before she had a chance to speak, the Alpha shifted, and within a blink of an eye, he’d gone out the door.
    You’ll kill him , they’d told her. For so long, she’d believed their words. Deliberately avoiding Jax, she’d thought she’d protected him. Katrina brought her fingers to her mouth, his searing kiss lingering on her lips, and she began to question everything she’d thought to be true. No matter her fear, her heart had won; she’d chosen to stay with the one man who she believed was her mate.

Chapter Four
    Jax pushed thoughts of Katrina to the recesses of his mind as his pack came into view. He’d expected the infighting. A wave of agitation rippled through his psyche, confirming the instability. He scanned the woods but didn’t sense any intruders or newcomers to their clan. Yet as he transformed, he took notice of several young males stepping closer, tipping their hands in confrontation.
    He waved Finn behind him, happily surprised the experienced wolf had stepped in to lead. While they’d been close at one time, their lives had taken separate paths. Jax had recruited Finn to work with him at his magazine, ZANE. A photographer, he’d been an integral player, creating high profile spreads that brought a unique perspective to the publication. Although talented, Finn chose to leave New York City. He’d gone to Ireland to settle a dispute within his mother’s pack. Upon returning, he’d refused to return to ZANE, giving up his artistic passion. Jax had argued with Finn, insisting he was throwing away his life, but supported him when he’d created a New York City night club that catered to supernaturals.
    As he looked into the eyes of his old friend, Jax recognized the blood-thick loyalty that stood the test of time. He considered everything that had transpired over the years, their friendship and the greater good of the pack. Prior to his abduction, Jax had been devastated by Nick’s death. He’d grown despondent and refused to name another beta. He couldn’t fathom another wolf taking his best friend’s place. Yet as Jax stood before his pack, he reached inside himself, drawing on the wisdom that only an Alpha could possess. It was his duty to protect his wolves, no matter what turbulence affected his own life. With the decision made, he’d bury the pain and announce his edict.
    “Agrestis Wolves, I stand before you today as your Alpha,” Jax addressed them. He waited patiently as they flickered back into their human forms. A glint of moonlight appeared as silver shadows on their skin. “You are not without your leader.”
    “You were captured?” a voice called out.
    “Yes, I was attacked, but I prevailed and stand before you today.” Jax sought to ease their concerns, mindful they’d be shaken. It wasn’t as if dangerous supernatural beings didn’t exist, but it was rare one was powerful enough to kill an Alpha.
    “And what about Nick? He’s dead. You didn’t protect him,” he charged.
    Jax’s eyes flickered red with rage as the brawny wolf, Arlo, spoke Nick’s name. On the verge of losing his temper, the Alpha forced his pulse to steady. Jax had long recognized Arlo’s antagonistic nature, but this was the first time he’d been aggressive enough to challenge the Alpha. As the pack stirred, Jax