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Mariah glanced up, her mouth pressed in a flat line. “We’re traveling with a baby. Things don’t just pack themselves overnight.”
My smile slipped. Teasing was the wrong choice after all. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
I moved closer to her, wanting to pull her into my arms. Her emotions seemed all over the place again. All I wanted to do was comfort my mate, but she didn’t look like she wanted me to touch her as she grabbed a piece of paper and shoved it into my hands.
“Here. I wrote down some things we'll need to pick up before we leave.”
I skimmed the items. “No worries. I can get these when I’m in town tomorrow.”
“Never mind.” Mariah snatched the paper out of my hands. “I’ll just take care of it myself.”
“Mariah?”
She turned back to the bed, busying herself with folding some of Sofia’s clothes. Her shoulders were tense. When I took another step closer she said, “It’s fine, Evan. Really. There are leftovers in the fridge.”
My chest ached at the blatant dismissal, but I didn’t want to upset her further. I felt helpless, something that the alpha in me couldn’t stand. We’d find the time to talk and work this out. The best place to fuel my frustration and concern was getting ready for what was ahead and for the pack meeting I’d scheduled tomorrow.
I made my way down to the kitchen, grabbed some burritos and threw them in the toaster oven to warm up. I’d just started eating when Jax walked into the kitchen. He looked just as exhausted as before.
“Have you still not gone to bed?”
Jax slid onto a barstool and slumped over the counter, resting his head in his hands. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and a weary sigh escaped him.
“Just took a nap. It might take me a bit to get back to a normal sleep cycle.” He grinned wryly as he lifted his head. “It’s not my first rodeo. And those burritos smell amazing.”
“Glad to see you eating, but you look like hell.” I laughed and forced himself up from the stool, giving me the finger as he walked toward the fridge.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He grabbed some burritos and heated them up.
“We’ll be leaving for New York in a couple days,” I told him. He’d left my office shortly after playing the recording of Tomas and the doctor, so I gave him the quick version of why I thought it’d be best to take Mariah away from here, then the details of my meeting with Kyle. “I met with the security guy, and he’s already getting things going on that end.”
Jax grabbed a plate for his burritos. “Sounds like things here will be under control. I wouldn’t mind coming along for the trip.”
“I’d feel better if you did.” I turned at the sound of Mariah’s voice. She walked over to the pantry, pad of paper in hand, and started doing inventory of the baby food supplies. I shook my head. If it were left up to me, I’d be scrambling at the last minute to gather things for Sofia.
Jax’s gaze followed Mariah as he smirked. “Worried for me, love?”
Mariah glanced at both of us. “Honestly? Yeah. If we’re banking on Tomas coming here, I’d really prefer you to not be here.”
I considered that offer. Jax was a capable ally, and I knew he wouldn't hesitate to put himself in danger for our cause. Mariah made a good point. He was safer with us.
“It could be dangerous there, too.” I didn’t like to think about this part too much, knowing we were choosing the best of some pretty shitty options, but taking Mariah away from the security of the clan lands made me nervous. We could all be putting ourselves at risk.
“Do you really think I care?” Jax stared at me, determination hardening his features. “You're my alpha. I'll follow you anywhere. Both of you.”
I breathed out slowly, touched by his unwavering loyalty to my mate and me. In the end, it was his choice unless I ordered him as his alpha to stay, but I wouldn’t do that. Not when he was one of us now. He’d been with us from the beginning of Tomas’s games, and he deserved to be part of ending them.
“Okay. It’s a deal. Lucas is staying behind, so I want you to be my point man on this.”
Jax’s grin widened. “Deal.”
A small smile played out on Mariah’s lips as she glanced between the two of us. I could sense she was pleased, warmed by the display between Jax and me. We’d gotten off to a rocky start, but we’d all bonded through what we’d endured together. The connection that bound us all as chosen family was a force to be reckoned with.
Jax sat down with his plate as Mariah closed the pantry. “I need to finish packing. We have a lot to prepare for.”
That was the truth. “I need to check in with Mason and let him know about the trip.”
“Send him my love,” Mariah said before she retreated upstairs.
