The storm still raged outside, but inside the compound, the real thunder had settled between them.
Lena sat curled on the worn leather couch, a thick bandage wrapped around her forearm, lip split, raindrops still clinging to the ends of her tangled hair. The room smelled of antiseptic, blood, and something electric—raw emotion barely restrained.
Jax stood across from her, fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight. His eyes weren’t just furious.
They were terrified.
“You left without backup,” he said, voice flat, deceptively calm. “Didn’t tell anyone. Walked into a setup like it was nothing.”
Lena’s gaze snapped up, sharp. “I didn’t know it was a setup. Mrs. Green’s voice—it sounded real.”
“That’s exactly why you should’ve stayed,” he bit out. “You’re not a clueless civilian anymore, Len
