Across the way, he was glad to see at least one of his brothers starting to rein things in. Sawyer was crouched in front of Lele, trying to pry a half-eaten cookie from her sticky fingers while pushing a sippy cup of water at her.
He could imagine what Lele must be telling her Daddy. Probably something similar to Tazzy. “But Daddy, Gabi says the Geneva Convention forbids cruel and unusual snacks!”
Whatever they were saying, Sawyer kept his cool and continued offering water to Lele.
“Daddy, you know the Littles are winning. You might as well surrender so I can have as much chocolate as I want. Victory feels within our reach.”
Jaxon looked back at Tazzy. “You’re going to be feeling something else if you don’t drink your water,” he said.
Tazzy’s eyes widened. “You know, I think I am thirsty after all. But keep in mind, this is just a coincidence. I just happened to want to drink when you told me to. I’m not giving in.”
The protest seemed to have completely spiraled out of control. Gabi was up on her soapbox for the third time, but it was clear her enthusiasm was waning. Though from what little he knew about Gabi, she would rather die than admit it.
Half the Littles were now improvising verses about “bunny oppression” and trading stickers instead of chanting.
Jaxon spotted Ezra Harper and waved him over. “Got time for a question, Ezra?”
He walked over with Rory and said, “Okay, shoot.”
“First, since you’re the law enforcement here, I was wondering when you needed us to clear the square.”
“I was just telling Rory this protest is about to get shut down for disturbing the peace. We’ve even got bears from the woods coming in and complaining about the noise.”
Rory slapped the side of Ezra’s shoulder. “Daddy, we do not!”
“Believe me, babygirl, if they could, they would.”
Rory crossed her arms. “Well, I’m not leaving even if bears do complain. Not until the Daddies give in.”
Ezra took a pair of cuffs off his belt. “Well, how about this. Drink your water and let’s go before I cuff you to my wrist and haul you out like last time.”
Jaxon raised his eyebrows when Rory said, “That’s okay, Daddy. I like handcuffs.”
Nope, Jaxon was not going to go there.
Ezra just shook his head. “We’ll start winding things down here in a few minutes. You can see how chaotic it’s gotten.”
Jaxon nodded. Chaotic was the word, all right. Littles chanting and giggling. Daddies offering water bottles and healthy snacks while arguing in low, patient voices. It was so crazy and ridiculous, and pure innocent fun. If it wasn’t for the threat hanging over Tazzy’s head, he probably would have really enjoyed it.
Jaxon’s hand settled on Tazzy’s hip, thumb stroking possessively under the hem of her shirt. The warmth of her skin soothed him even as the chaos swirled.
As much fun as everyone was having, he knew it was time to rein it in, at least for Tazzy. A lot of people were crowding around watching the “protest,” and he knew that large crowds could hide danger. He leaned in, voice dropping to that dark growl he knew she craved. “Darkling, you’re pushing every single button I have, and I’m still proud as hell of you. But this ends now. One more chant and I’m throwing you over my shoulder whether you like it or not.”
Tazzy grinned up at him, eyes sparkling pure brat energy. “You’d have to catch me first, Daddy!”
She turned to run, a smile still on her lips. Jaxon reached out tograb her to close on empty air. More and more people were still coming to the square. Most of them were probably curious about all the racket. This was fast approaching an intolerable situation.
“Darkling!” he yelled, and she froze in place.
At first, he thought she’d stopped because he’d called out to her. That was before she cried out in pain. She spun back to face him, shock and confusion on her face. Then she sank to her knees.
Three red splotches dripped down the front of her shirt.
Staring down at her chest, she said, “Daddy… something hit me.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Jaxon’s world narrowed to his girl and the red stains spreading over her chest. His mind refused to accept what his eyes were telling him. Time stopped. Every step took hours. Only after reaching her did reality snap back in place.