Kings of Hawkings [bxb]

Chapter 22

Hugh was initially puzzled by Jonas' sudden surge of anger until he noticed the cut on Eli's lip. The sight of it explained everything. Jonas, struggling to conceal his fierce protectiveness for his little brother, forced himself to stay composed. Understanding the unspoken bond between them, Hugh decided not to mention it.

Instead, Hugh turned his attention to his roommates. "Travis, Jaiden—get to the car."

Jaiden tried to pull Travis away, but Jackson still held on to him. Jackson yanked Travis from Jaiden's grip and held him by the collar, lifting him off the ground.

"This one's coming with me," Jackson growled.

"Let go of me, you beefy bitch!" Travis yelled, trying to kick out.

Eli latched onto Jackon's arm. "Jackson, you need to let him go."

Jonas watched as Jackson snarled and pulled back his fist, aiming it at Eli. He saw Eli flinch, closing his eyes in anticipation of the oncoming pain—but Jonas wouldn't let that happen. In an instant, he stepped forward and effortlessly held back Jackson's arm with one hand, keeping his other hand casually in his pocket as if Jackson was never a real threat.

Jonas noticed Eli's surprised expression, taking in the changed—and, in Eli's opinion, improved—version of his older brother. In the café, Jonas had been disguising himself, but now he stood entirely in his element.

It was at that moment Eli realized he was no longer Joey, the pompous Elite, all smiles and flattery. He wasn't Jo, the exhausted brother, dragging himself off the floor to take another hit from their father. He wasn't Jonas, the terrified son, pleading to be let out of the basement. He wasn't the dark and desolate Wolf, unsure where to direct his anger. He was something more—a protector, a dangerous King.

But even Eli had to shiver when he saw the venomous look in Jonas' eyes, a look begging to unleash a murderous beast.

Hugh gently pulled Eli away. "We got this now, kid," he whispered, his voice low and reassuring, meant for Eli's ears only. Eli let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as he took several steps back.

"I suggest you fuck off, Jackson buddy," Hugh said with a laugh. "My friend doesn't like you."

Initially baffled by the sudden halt of his hand, Jackson was jolted when he met Jonas' intense gaze. The look in Jonas' eyes was enough to make Jackson flinch as Jonas tightened his grip, sending a searing pain shooting up his arm.

"Release him or lose your arm," Jonas growled.

Jackson shuddered and let go of Travis, who brushed off his jacket as if it were dirty. "I suggest you still break that arm, Jo. Fuck him."

Hugh patted Travis on the back. "Go to the car. We're going to have a little fun right now."

Jonas only released Jackson when he saw Travis and Jaiden safely make it to the car. Hugh quickly resumed his position beside Jonas, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Sam, Rodgers, and Millan flanked them, their eyes fixed on the St. Vincent's crowd with unwavering vigilance.

Jackson and a few others were fresh faces at St. Vincent's, and Jonas didn't recognize them. He could tell they had some fighting experience from their physiques but lacked refinement. Jackson's laughter cut through the tension. "What do you think you'll do with just the five of you against 30 and more on the way?"

Jonas scoffed with a hint of arrogance. "St. Vincent's couldn't put me down on my own, even with the element of surprise and overwhelming numbers. So against you pathetic excuses for fighters, five Kings are more than enough."