Ryder was stunned speechless. Jax was being held captive by the alpha that had made his life a living hell. They needed to get Jax out of there as soon as possible. “Have you seen Jax, though?” Ryder’s voice was urgent. Fuck if the asshole had hurt his mate, Ryder would rip him limb from limb.
“We saw him through a window. He’s going to need some medical attention once he gets out of there, and we will get him out. Okay? Don’t do anything crazy; we’re almost at the finish line. Trust us.”
“Ro and I are coming over there. Text us your location? We’ll start heading in your direction, but it’d help if you could text us the landmarks.”
“Ryder, that’s not a good idea.” Maddox sighed. “We’ll get him out and then get him to you.”
“I’m a doctor, and we’re fated mates, so don’t tell me what is or isn’t a good idea.” Ryder knew his brother was back in the room without having to turn around.
“I understand why you feel this way, but I’m only thinking of your safety.” Maddox’s tone was firm. “You’re not a trained soldier. I’m only trying to protect you. We can’t worry about you and focus on Jax and Tabby.”
Ryder blew out a breath. He didn’t want to jump on everyone’s case, but he was tired of being seen as weak. He wasn’t weak or naïve. He knew what he was doing. And he most certainly knew what was at stake. But he was done waiting; his mate needed him, and he needed him now.
“I mean no disrespect,” Maddox continued.
“I know, Maddox. I just need to feel like I’m doing something to help out. Surely you can understand that. I’m going nuts here, and if I can be there when Tabby and Jax are freed …” He rubbed his face. “I need to see them, know they’re okay. I couldn’t protect them.” His voice broke.
Ronin squeezed his shoulder, and he hadn’t even seen his brother move. “I just need to do something. I won’t get in your way, I promise. I just need to feel like I’m doing something … anything.”
“Well, I can’t stop you from coming.” Maddox sighed.
“No. You really can’t.” They could, but Ryder was taking the win.
“Okay. Then I’ll keep you posted if anything happens, but I’ll text you the information, and we’ll see you there. You will do exactly as I say, or I swear I will knock you out and tie you up till we’re done.” Ryder could tell from Maddox’s voice he was not joking.
“I won’t do anything to put Jax or Tabby in any more danger.”
“It’s not you that I’m worried about,” Maddox growled and disconnected the call.
Ryder knew Maddox meant his wolf. The beast was restless and Ryder was fighting to keep him at bay. He met Ronin’s gaze. “They have his location. Tabby and Jax are in a house on the other side of town. They were taken by the alpha that hurt Jax.” He refused to call that man Tabby’s father. He’d simply contributed to half of their daughter’s DNA.
“He has scars on his back,” Ryder said quietly. “I didn’t want to ask about them. I was worried he’d think I was prying, and then when we mated …”
“And you saw everything,” Ronin finished for him.
“I have to go, Ro. I have to.”
“I know.” His brother cupped his neck and joined their foreheads. “Just remember, your mate is strong. Whatever has happened to him, know he will be fine; he has you and Tabby. Come on, let’s go get your omega and my niece.”
“Thank you for coming. I know it can’t be easy being away from Ollie,” Ryder said.
“Brother, they’re yours,” Ronin simply said.
Ryder managed a nod and went over to the bag of medical supplies he’d packed.I’m coming to get you, Jax. Just hold on, baby.
Chapter Eleven
Jax
I’m on my way, Jax. Just a little while longer. Please hold on.Jax opened his eyes. “Ryder?” He looked around the bedroom and sighed. It’d just been a dream.
He realized what had woken him up—the man that had kept him fed had entered the room. And he hovered over Jax. “Ryder?” he mimicked, a sneer on his face.
Jax glared at him. “Shut up!” He wasn’t sure where it came from, but he was sick of being pushed around. He was sick of being there. He wanted to go back to his mate. He wanted to hold his daughter in his arms. Jax had heard Tabby crying a lot of times, and it killed him not to be able to hold her and soothe her.
The man’s eyes widened. “Who the fuck are you telling to shut up? Mouthy little shit! I’ll make you shut up.” The anger in his eyes had Jax scooting back on the bed and his whole body breaking out in a cold sweat. The man dropped the tray and put his knee on the bed. Jax closed his eyes and prayed. Then he heard Bo’s voice and opened his eyes.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Bo sounded pissed. “Get the fuck away from him. What did I tell you? Hands off.”
