Chapter 8: Jax

Jax doubled over in pain, on his hands and knees in anguish. He took in a shaky breath, regaining his strength slowly. His hands balled into fists, knuckles going white, knowing it was because of Scarlett. She was severely wounded, enough to the have the vampire in wrath on the floor. It had been a few days since the pain started, but it worsened every day.

It hurt him to breathe.

It took him a few moments to rise to his feet, brushing off his clothes once standing. Jax took a moment to catch his breath and refocus on the task at hand. He had torn up the house last night in rage. Scarlett would be disappointed in him, which is why he was taking his time to clean up.

Shards of glass lay at his feet. He grabbed a broom to sweep them away and carefully inspected a piece of it in his hand. It was on of his favorite mugs. Yet, he didn't miss it. Jax would give up everything he had if it meant he could spend another day with her.

"I should of never let you go." He whispered, tossing the glass pieces into a trash bag. He also needed to clean since a guest was arriving shortly; a friend of his—the heir to the throne. They had been friends since childhood. The heir explained he had some information for the noble vampire, pertaining to Scarlett. Maybe it was her location? He wondered how far she really could of gotten. What if she got lost and couldn't find her way back? What if she died before he could see her again?

He gulped, hoping none of those would ever occur. If Scarlett was in his presence, he'd make sure it couldn't happen. But on her own... there was no telling what she'd get into.

Jax took his time to clean, sweeping up and wiping things down, rearranging things and putting things where they belonged. He was finished in a short few hours, enough to make his house look put together once more. Now, he was just waiting for his guest to arrive.

❧

The doorbell rang through the house, signaling to Jax someone was at the door. He rushed downstairs, almost missing a step and falling flat on his back. Luckily, he caught himself and moved on.

Before opening the door, he took a pause to straighten his clothing and run a hand through his hair. He had to look well put together, especially if the future of the kingdom was here. He opened the front door, causing it to creak.

"You better get that fixed, Jax."

"Ash! What good it is to see you."

The two friends embraced for a quick hug as Jax shuffled out of the way to let Ashton inside. He was roughly the same stature as Jax, just with much shorter hair and slightly lighter skin. He stuffed one hand in his pocket, smiling. "I have some news for you, dear friend." Jax was giddy. "About—?" "Yes, her. Let's sit a moment and we can talk."

Jax motioned for Ashton to sit on the couch, following after him. The future king leaned back, settling in. His feet were flat on the ground in contrast to Jax's, whose were up on the coffee table.

"Is it good news?" Jax asked. Ashton didn't say anything at first, leaving Jax to wonder the worst. "Yes and no. Yes, I think I know when you can find her, but last I heard she was pretty beaten up." He explained, sighing. "Do you know what happened?" Jax moved forward with curiosity, also now pulling his feet from the coffee table. Ashton continued. "I don't know exactly what happened but I would guess some sort of ambush. The group she's with like to travel and have often run into the likes of rogue packs and lone vampires."

"You mean the group of slaves? At the edge of the kingdom?" Ashton nodded. "Yeah. They're supposedly freed slaves and runaways, children included. Must be a hundred of them together at least." Jax blinked a few times, trying to process the information. So Scarlett wasn't alone at least, she had people to watch over her. Part of him was relieved at this, but also slightly angry. So he couldn't go with her but she joined a group? Jax gave a grumble at the thought.

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing."

They sat in silence for a moment. "Do you know where I can find them?" Jax turned to Ashton, a hand resting on his chest, propping him up. "I believe at the very, very edge of the kingdom going south from here. I was told it's a very secluded place and rather hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for."

"Well, what am I looking for?"

"That, I don't really know. I'm assuming a large building considering there's at least a hundred of them living together. Maybe something abandoned from the outside?" Jax scratched at his face, thinking. The edge of the kingdom was miles from here. It would take him a few hours or more to travel, depending on if he could flit with his phantom injuries.

"Looks like I'll be traveling then."

Ashton frowned. "As much as I admire your determination, you still have duties here. I'm saying that as both your friend and your future majesty." He reached out and rested a hand on Jax's shoulder, rubbing it slightly. "But if it's only for a few days, can't you pull me some strings?" Jax was hopeful Ashton would be able to come through for him again.

"I can try. I had to pull a lot of strings to get the information in the first place. You know what my father would do if he found out? He'd hang me by my neck."

"I know, I know. Thank you."

Ashton smiled, elbowing Jax in the ribs. "I better get to meet her after all of this. It's only fair." He laughed.

"You will, I promise. She's special."

"Sounds like it. I'm happy for you. I should get going though, duty calls after all. I have a few things I need to take care of. It was great seeing you, if only for a few minutes."

"Likewise. I'll walk you out."

They stood, Ashton slipping his shoes on. Jax clasped his hands together and moved to grab the door.

"Your majesty—"

"Cut the shit. I hate that so much."

"I know. It's why I love doing that."

"You know how to get on my nerves."

The two shook each other's hand before Ashton took off, leaving Jax to close his front door and prepare for the next week or so. He was going to find her even if it killed him.