CHAPTER 83: CHAPTER 83 SECRET CRUSH

Jax’s POV

There I was, wiping down glasses at Moon & Whiskey, my mind stuck on that lunch with Caroline. These girls were gorgeous, smart, and fun as hell. Hanging with those three was a blast.All in all, it was one killer lunch.But Caroline... man, she was something special.

That night, I was hanging out with Ruby at the bar entrance, waiting for her friends to show. The second Caroline stepped out of the car, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

She was breathtaking. Tall and graceful, she moved with a confidence that drew every eye without effort. Her blonde hair shimmered like spun gold under the lights, highlighting a face that could stop traffic. But those green eyes... they held a secret, clear and bright, hinting at a strength she kept carefully hidden, a mystery that set my wolf, Blaze, on edge.

Weirdly, I couldn’t catch her scent. But honestly? I didn’t give a damn. She was drop-dead gorgeous, the kind of beautiful that could bring a man to his knees. Like some sort of angel sent down to drive guys crazy. And hell, I was ready to lose my mind over her.

"Still thinking about that blonde from lunch?" Dominic asked, interrupting my thoughts as he strolled behind the bar. As my head bartender and close friend, he had an annoying habit of reading me like an open book.

"That obvious, huh?" I admitted, setting down the spotless glass.

"You are practically drooling," Dominic laughed, his eyes twinkling. "I haven’t seen Blaze this worked up over a female since... well, ever."

Blaze rumbled in agreement inside me.

Dominic came up behind the bar, clapping my shoulder. "Bro, I gotta warn you. Remember what Ruby said? She’s got a thing with Alpha Draven."

"Alpha Draven Thorne," I muttered, the name tasting bitter on my tongue. "Storm Valley Pack’s mighty leader."

Everyone in Harbor Bay knew of him. Alpha of the largest wolf pack in the region, CEO of Thorne Enterprises, and multi-billionaire businessman. His violet eyes were as legendary as his ruthless business tactics.

And what was I? The heir to a small, financially struggling border pack, running a modestly successful bar while my sister worked at Puma Global to help make ends meet. The contrast couldn’t be more stark.

"You saw how he acted at lunch," I said, remembering how possessive Draven had been. "If they’re so deeply in love, why does she look like she wants to claw his eyes out every time he speaks?"

Dominic sighed. "From what I’ve gathered, he keeps messing things up with her. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love him."

"Then perhaps she deserves someone who won’t mess things up," I replied.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Draven’s reaction when I brought up Caroline’s kid. His possessive act was weird as hell. Acting like the boy belonged to him, when Ruby told me straight up that Caroline was a single mom whose baby daddy had disappeared. And seeing him feed her cake, playing house like they were mates... I nearly lost it right there. Took everything I had not to jump across that table and throw down.

"You know what?" I said suddenly, pushing away from the bar. "I’m not giving up without trying. Call the guys,I have an idea."

Within minutes, I had our pack’s inner circle on a group chat.

"What do you guys think about inviting the girls to do something tomorrow night?"

The responses came in rapid succession.

Dominic, "Hell yes. Eleanor’s smile is permanently etched in my brain."

Wesley, "Ruby and I have unfinished business. I’m in."

Theo, "Any chance Ava will join? Count me in."

Paul, "If Kyle’s coming, absolutely."

I grinned, then sent a message to Ruby,"Hey,my dear Sis.The guys and I want to invite you and your friends for something tomorrow, including Kyle and Ava. What do you think?"

Her response came quickly,"What kind of plans?"

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I quickly consulted the guys, and Paul made a suggestion that seemed perfect.

"We thought about taking you all to dinner at Golden Petal and then having fun at that karaoke bar with the live band. What do you think?"

Fifteen minutes later, Ruby replied,"It’s settled. I’ll go with you, and the girls will meet us there at eight. Make the reservations; the karaoke place gets packed on Friday nights."

"We can pick up the girls," I offered, hoping to spend more time with Caroline.

"They’ll meet us there," Ruby replied firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Perfect.I was already eager to see the beautiful Caroline again.I handled the reservation at the karaoke place while Paul took care of Golden Petal. Then I started a video call with the guys to strategize.

"It’s all set. They’ll meet us at the restaurant tomorrow at eight," I announced, hearing cheers through the screen. I turned my attention to Paul. "But I’m curious about something, Paul. You’re interested in Kyle, but she’s married. What’s your angle there?"

Paul chuckled."No worries, I don’t play the homewrecker. But Luke and she have an... understanding about certain arrangements. You know I appreciate the dynamic of sharing."

It was true. Paul had unconventional preferences; he enjoyed arrangements where two males shared intimacy with one female, claiming it created a uniquely intense experience for everyone involved."The pleasure two men can give a woman is surreal," he often said. "Makes her more receptive, which heightens everyone’s enjoyment."

"Not my style," I admitted with a laugh. "I’m too territorial."

Blaze growled in agreement. The thought of sharing Caroline with anyone made my wolf bare his teeth.

"Well, if Eleanor wanted both me and her mate to show her a good time, I’d be down." Dominic confessed with a grin.

"Man, anyone who sees you with that tough-guy persona would think you’re the typical dominant Alpha, but you love being bossed around by a woman," Theo shot back, shaking his head.

"My friend, there’s nothing more thrilling than a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants and takes control," Dominic replied with a sigh.

"Goddess help us, they haven’t even agreed to date any of you yet, and you’re already planning your kinky futures," I groaned, then fixed my gaze on Wesley. "And I’m warning you, Wes, my little sister may be grown, but you better treat her with respect. I know what kind of wild stuff you’re into."

Wesley held up his hands defensively. "Hey, Ruby and I grew up together. I know exactly who she is and what she wants. And she’s perfectly capable of making her own decisions about her love life."

"He’s right, Jax," Theo added, grinning. "Ruby’s a grown woman now, and a beautiful one who deserves to explore whatever aspects of her sexuality she chooses."

"Enough!" I growled, not wanting to think about my sister that way. "She’s still my little sister. Just... behave yourselves, all of you."We wrapped up our plans for tomorrow night and hung up. I couldn’t help feeling excited. Something about Caroline just got to me, had my wolf practically bouncing off the walls, already counting down till I’d see her again.

Yeah, I knew about her and Draven. Guy’s loaded, powerful Alpha and all that. But I’m not blind,I could tell she wasn’t happy. And she deserved way better than what that asshole was giving her.

Maybe I could be that better option. Worth a shot, right?