“I heard you joined the Guardians,” Braxton asked while the two women chatted between themselves. “You like it?”
“Yeah.” It surprised him how much he liked his job. “It’s steady work and it pays damn good.” Though he hadn’t really thought much about the pay. He didn’t have any bills since he lived at the Guardian compound. The only major purchase he’d made was the Harley that was required for all the Guardians.
“You thinking about joining?” Jayden cocked his head and studied the Were. There was a peace about him since the last time he’d seen his friend.
Braxton had been accused of murder and had been on the run from the Louisiana Assassins whose only job was to seek out and kill him. Braxton had been lucky enough to end up on Kate’s doorstep after he’d been shot with a silver bullet. She had saved his life. It all ended with Braxton being declared innocent of all charges by Barrett and the real murderer arrested.
Braxton shrugged. “Maybe. I know Barrett is looking for more Guardians in my area. I feel indebted to the guy for saving my ass.”
“Barrett isn’t the kind of guy who calls in his debts. He would be more concerned that you were committed to staying in that area and being loyal to the pack.”
Braxton glanced at Kate, a softness floating into his expression. “I’m committed. That I know for sure. I’m not going anywhere.”
Jayden saw the way Braxton gazed at Kate and his heart ached for something he knew he wasn’t going to have, not now, not ever.
“So what’s the deal with Haley?” Braxton elbowed him in the side while keeping his voice low. “She’s not your usual type.”
“And just what is my type?”
“I don’t know. Loose, fast, those bikini model types that moon over you like you’re the latest thing out of Hollywood.”
Jayden opened his mouth, ready with some smart ass comeback, but stopped. Braxton was right. Those were the types he usually attracted. Grabbing Braxton by the arm, he pulled him a few feet away from the girls and the crowd of people.
“I’m here protecting Haley.” He kept his voice low. “Barrett sent me over here. Some asshole has been stalking her.”
Braxton straightened, his expression hardened. “How long has this been going on?”
“Since she transferred from LSU.” Jayden propped his hands on his hips. “You remember that second girl that was kidnapped after Ava?”
“Yeah.” Braxton nodded.
“That was Haley.”
“Fuck.” Braxton ran his hand through his black hair with dyed blue tips. He met Jayden’s gaze. “What can I do to help?”
Jayden shook his head. “Nothing right now. I had to move her from her dorm to the house where I’m staying. He’s been leaving notes on her dorm door that have been getting more aggressive. Hell, he even managed to leave a note on my car while we were in the mall.” Jayden told Braxton what the note said and about the DNA that was left on it.
“That’s some fucked up shit.” Braxton shook his head, anger etched in his face. The ex-bartender had a protective streak when it came to women. It stemmed from years of abuse his father had inflicted upon his mother.
“Look we are here for another few days. Let me know if you need backup.”
“Thanks man. I appreciate the help.”
“It’s the least I can do after all you guys did for me when I was in trouble.”
Jayden looked over at Haley, who laughed as she talked to Kate. “I’m going to find that asshole. And when I do, there’s not going to be anything left of him when I’m finished.
“I feel ya, man. Hell, I’ll even help you bury the pieces.”
“What are you guys talking about? Jayden’s new clothes?” Kate walked over and wrapped her arm around Braxton’s waist. He pulled her close, keeping a possessive hand on her hip.
“Yeah, man. What’s up with the new clothes?” Braxton arched his brow.
“That’s my doing.” Haley grimaced. “I told him he needed a clothes intervention.”
“You did well. Jayden you look like you stepped off the cover of GQ magazine.” Kate nodded.
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with T-shirts.” Braxton protested and glanced down at his own black T-shirt.
“I have nothing against T-shirts, as long as they’re not the same shirt in different colors.” Haley shrugged.
Braxton cut his eyes at Jayden and barked out a laugh. “She totally busted you.”
“Leave Jayden alone.” Kate elbowed Braxton in the side. “I might get Haley give you a makeover. We still have that dinner tomorrow night with the Arkansas Historical Society. All you brought was black tees and jeans.”
“Hey now, let’s not get crazy.” Braxton held up his hands, looking a little uncomfortable.Jayden snorted.
Haley cocked her head and studied Braxton. Braxton squirmed under her gaze.
“You could wear an unbuttoned vest over a black T-shirt and black jeans. Or you could wear a gray cardigan over your tee shirt. Either way, just make sure you wear dressy shoes.”