Chapter 10
Jill walked out of the warehouse with her drawing pad in hand. She grinned, thinking about her and Adam’s part in getting Pam away from the compound earlier today. That had been a blast. They had pulled it off perfectly. When they had left to come for training, she had dressed as herself without the baby pillow, and no one paid them much attention.
“Hey sissy girl,” Steve called out. “We need another player. Come on.”
Wrinkling her nose at him, she walked to the other side of the parking lot so she could lean against one of the trees. She wanted to finish her drawing of Pam. Flipping quickly to the page, she stared at it with pride. It was her best work yet, and almost done. Just a bit of shading and it would be perfect. Someone kicked her foot ruining her focus. “What?”
“Come on.” Steve kicked dust on her shoes. “We’re short one player.”
Jill looked at everyone looking at her. “I hate football.”
“It’s just tag football.” Steve rolled his eyes. “We’ll take it easy on ya. Come on…stop being such a girl.”
“I am a girl,” Jill mumbled under her breath, hearing the rest of them calling for her to come on. Standing up, she kicked dust back on his shoes, then shoulder checked him as she ran past, almost knocking him down.
The guys stood around while Adam explained, in quick fashion, the game to Jill who looked bored out of her mind. “You got it?” Adam frowned when she blew a bubble, popping it loudly.
“Run after the guy with the ball and touch him, or catch the ball and run like hell.” Jill cocked an eyebrow chomping away on her gum.
Adam nodded looking around at everyone. “Yeah, that’s pretty much it.”
Walking over, she followed what the other guys on her team were doing, bending over across from someone on the other team putting both hands on her knees. She guessed she was supposed to run in the direction she was facing and catch the football if Adam threw it at her. Seeing everyone else move, she started forward, but found herself on her ass looking up at one of the other half-breeds who bent over, smirking at her.
“You have to dodge, little girl.” Jeff, another half-breed, and the one she’d beaten at arm wrestling, laughed as he walked away.
Back in position, she took off and once again found herself ass-planted on the concrete with a smirking Jeff walking away.
“Chill out, Jeff.” Adam walked over, holding his hand out to help her up.
“I’m fine.” Jill ignored his hand, picking herself up. “Just make sure you throw me the damn ball.” Jill walked back to the line and bent down across from Jeff again. She may hate football, but she was competitive and she was catching on…fast.
As soon as Jill saw movement, she thrust kicked Jeff in the stomach, knocking him on his ass. Jumping over him, she turned to look for the ball while running. With a small leap, she caught it and ran where Adam and Steve had told her to go if she got the ball. But before she made it, a heavy weight landed on her back crashing her to the ground. The air left her body with a whoosh. She may be part vampire, but that didn’t mean being tackled by a hundred and eighty pound dude was a pleasant experience.
Finally able to suck in a deep breath, she figured Adam and Steve had tugged him off until she heard Jeff’s angry tone. “Get the fuck off me.”
Jill tried to push herself up, but her body protested. Suddenly Jeff was slammed next to her, his face smashed to the ground. He struggled against the large hand holding his face to the concrete. “Doesn’t feel too good, does it, badass?” an unfamiliar, deep gravelly voice growled.
“Damn, girl.” Adam leaned down helping her to her knees. “You okay? Jesus, Jeff, what the hell is wrong with you?”
“Get this fucker off me.” Jeff still struggled.
Jill held her shoulder, finally getting a look at the owner of the large hand holding Jeff’s head to the concrete. He was large, larger than any of the other Warriors. His raven hair was shoulder length and hung in his face as he held Jeff down, his large knee in the half-breed’s back. A leather jacket, well worn, hugged his body as did his light faded blue jeans. Wanting to see what his hair covered, she leaned to see his face, but moaned as sharp pain spiked in her shoulder and down her arm straight to her fingertips.
“Are you hurt?” the man asked, pushing Jeff’s head harder into the concrete before looking at her.
The breath was sucked right out of her for the second time in less than a minute, she felt light headed. She couldn’t have talked if her life depended on it. Could men be beautiful? Because this man was the most gorgeous being she had ever laid eyes on. She opened her mouth to answer, but closed it back when nothing came out. She resorted to nodding like an idiot.
“Hey, dude.” Adam stepped next to the man, looking at Jeff. “I think you’re breaking his face.”
The man looked away from Jill, lifting his knee off Jeff’s back. “I’m going to let you up, badass, so I suggest you calm down.”
As soon as the man lifted his hand, Jeff jumped up to get in his face. “You son of a bitc-” Jeff’s voice squeaked to a stop as soon as he realized he was yelling into the man’s chest. His head tilted up to look the man in the face, his throat working in a visibly hard swallow.
“You were saying?” The man frowned down at Jeff, taking a step forward, and then smirked when Jeff took a large step back.
“Jeff, go cool off.” Adam gave him a small push. “I think you just bit off more than you can handle.”
“Apologize before you run off.” The man’s deep voice radiated authority.
“She kicked me,” Jeff argued. “I’m not apologizing to her.”
“And from what I saw, you were supposed to be playing tag football, but the first two hits you gave her didn’t look like tag to me,” the man growled. “Now apologize.”
Jeff frowned looking like he was going to refuse. “I’m sorry, okay?” His tone clearly indicated he wasn’t sorry at all.
“She doesn’t accept,” the man growled. “Now get the fuck out of here before I give you an ass kicking you won’t ever forget.”
Adam stopped Jeff, whose brain malfunctioned into the stupid level as he took a step toward the man. Giving him a hard push, he waited until Jeff was gone before turning back to the man. “Who are you?”
“Slade Buchanan,” he replied, walking over to pick up his backpack and duffle bag. “I’m supposed to meet Sloan Murphy here, but I’m a little early.”
“I’m Adam.” He stuck out his hand. “This is Dillon, Matt, Steve and Jill.”
Slade shook Adam’s hand, but nodded at the rest of them until his golden eyes landed on Jill. “Is there anywhere I can look at her shoulder?”
Jill had finally stood. “I’m good,” she lied. Her shoulder hurt like hell and didn’t feel right.
He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Lift your shoulder,” he ordered, grunting when she just stood there proving that she was not fine.
“Yeah, come on in here.” Adam led the group back into the warehouse. “Where you from? I haven’t seen you around.”
“California.” Slade held the door open for Jill when the others walked on in ignoring her.
Jill nodded her thanks holding her arm close to her body.
“You need me to text Sloan and let him know you’re here?” Adam pulled out his phone.
“No. Like I said, I’m early.” Slade stood at the door leading into the workout area which was dark. “Is there somewhere I can look at her arm?”
“It’s already feeling better,” Jill lied again. She really didn’t want this man looking at her; she’d rather look at him if she was being totally honest.
“Dressing rooms and showers are in the back.” Adam pointed.
“Really, I’m good.”
Slade ignored her, placing his hand on her back, pushing her across the mats to the dressing rooms. Once inside, he flicked on the lights, setting his duffle bag on the floor.
Jill stood still watching every move he made. He was so huge, she s
uddenly felt frightened. He could do anything he wanted to her and she wouldn’t be able to stop him. Hell, she didn’t know if Adam, she and others combined could stop him. He could be anyone and they just took him at his word, but who was he really?
Slade reached out to touch her shoulder, but she jumped back. “I need to see that shoulder.” His deep voice echoed in the small dressing room off from the showers. “With you being half-vampire, it’s healing already, and if it’s dislocated, you are going to have a serious problem!”
Holding her arm close to her body she stayed back. “Who are you?” Suspicion colored every word.
“Slade,” he sighed. “Buchanan. I think I’ve already stated that.”
“I know what your name is, if that is really your name.” Jill’s chin came up. She tried to appear in control, but inside she was shaking. “But who are you?”
Understanding crossed his face. “Sloan called me in,” he explained, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. “I’m a doctor.”
She actually laughed. “Yeah, right.” Her eyes traveled over his hair, down to the leather jacket he wore so well, to the faded light blue jeans that hugged his lower body like a second skin. “I’m out of here.” She went to pass him out the door, but he stopped her.
“So you’re a ‘judge a book by the cover’ girl.” He glared down at her. “I’m a doctor and I’m telling you that shoulder needs to be looked at. I can tell by the way you’re holding it it’s probably dislocated.”
“Let me go.” Jill jerked her good arm away from him, but gasped at the pain it sent through her shoulder. “Dammit.”
“Take off your hoodie,” he demanded, reaching down to help lift it off.
Panic gripped her, making her struggle ignoring the pain. “I swear to God, if you don’t let me go right now, I’m going to scream.”
Their eyes met, both determined, neither willing to give. As promised, her mouth opened wide and out came a scream that could wake the dead.
Chapter 11
Duncan and Pam pulled up to the warehouse with Sid and Jared following close behind. Duncan waited for Jared to come help Pam off the bike again, but he really didn’t want to let her go.
“We can go back.” Duncan looked down at the top of her head, her arms were still wrapped tightly around him. “Jared and Sid can handle the classes tonight.”
Looking up at him, she shook her head. “I’m okay. I don’t want to interfere with your life, Duncan.”
“Honey you are my life,” he whispered for her ears only as Jared walked over to pull her off the bike with care.
“Do you want to take any of your clothes in for you to change into?” Jared nodded toward his and Sid’s bikes that had boxes tied down.
“No, I’ll wait.” Pam glanced at the boxes. After leaving her apartment, the three men had taken her shopping. They had been so sweet, even Sid, who had demanded to buy some of her clothes for her. That had almost caused a fight between Sid and Duncan, but Jared calmed them down while she tried on clothes.
Duncan grabbed her hand leading her inside. Adam, Dillon, Matt and Steve sat around tossing a football back and forth.
“What the hell are you guys doing?” Sid grabbed the football. “You slackers should already be warmed up. I told you we were running late. Where’s Jeff and Jill?”
“Jeff took off, and Jill is in the back with….” Adam’s words were drowned out by a scream that had the Warriors running.
“Watch her!” Duncan put Pam in the middle of Adam, Steve and Dillon, before taking off after Jared and Sid.
Sid was the first to take in the sight of a huge man grabbing at Jill and Jill trying to fight him off. Without any thought whatsoever, Sid’s instincts took over. With one leap, he grabbed the man around the neck tossing him across the room before jumping on him. What surprised Sid, and everyone else, was how fast he ended up underneath the man. Not liking this position, Sid trapped the man’s foot and rolled him. Punches were flying everywhere as they fought for position, neither giving up until the sound of Sloan’s voice penetrated their thirst for blood.
“What the fuck is going on in here?” Sloan grabbed Sid, who was currently on top, pulling him off. When Sid went to go back for more, Sloan pushed him against the wall. “Stand down, Warrior!”
Everyone stared as Slade picked himself off the ground, his eyes quickly turning back to the golden hue as he looked to Jill.
“Who is this fucking guy?” Jared snarled putting himself between Slade and Jill.
Sloan gave Sid one last warning look before letting him go. “If you Warriors don’t stop fighting amongst each other, I’m sending you all back to the shitholes I pulled you out of before you were Warriors.”
“This asshole had his hands on her.” Sid pointed to Jill. “I don’t give a shit if you send me to hell. He better be explaining why she was screaming and fighting him.”
That gave Sloan pause as he looked between Jill and Slade. “Either one of you want to explain?”
Jill looked uncomfortable, but Slade stepped forward. “It was a miscommunication,” he answered without pause. “She hurt her shoulder and I was trying to look at it.”
“Warrior?” Jared spoke up. “You’re a Warrior?”
“Yes, he is. And a damn good one at that,” Sloan replied still looking pissed enough to spit. “He is also who I called in to help with Pam.”
“He’s the doctor?” Sid asked, frowning.
“Yeah, he’s the damn doctor.” Sloan rubbed his eyes, irritation evident in each word. “He even has a damn degree and everything. Jesus, you guys are going to drive me fucking insane. I have enough shit going on without you all adding to it.”
“Well, why in the hell didn’t you say something?” Sid pushed away from the wall.
“You didn’t give me much of a chance,” Slade shot back. “Now, if you all get the hell out of here, I can see if her shoulder needs setting before it heals in the wrong position.
“I’ll stay.” Duncan, who felt responsible for the half-breeds in their group stepped forward, plus he wanted to get a better feeling about this man who may or not be taking care of Pam. He needed to prove himself before Duncan would let him anywhere near her.
“I don’t need help.” Slade took off his jacket laying it across a bench in the dressing room.
“I didn’t ask.” Duncan’s tone was final.
Slade looked at him for a few seconds before looking away toward Jill. “We good now?” His voice held some irritation.
Looking a little embarrassed, she nodded. “It’s just a lot of weird stuff has been going on around here, and well…you just show up and expect everyone to believe you and….”
Walking up to her, he grabbed her elbow with one hand and as the other gently touched the top of her shoulder. “I’m going to be as gentle as I can, but I’m going to try to move it, okay?”
“Yeah.” Jill glanced into his eyes before squeezing hers shut. “Is it going to hurt?”
“Probably.” His answer was honest and quickly spoken.
“I really hate pain,” she mumbled, missing the grin that crossed his face since her eyes were squeezed tight. “I’m sorry I screamed.”
“So am I,” he grunted with a grin.
Her eyes did fly open at his response, and this time she didn’t miss the smile flashing across his face. Her knees felt weak, and it had nothing to do with pain. If she thought he was gorgeous with a frown, he was breathtaking with a smile. He moved her arm just slightly bringing her out of her dazed state. Grabbing his hand with her good one, she stopped him. “Ouch!”
“We really need to get your shirt off.” Slade frowned. “I need to see your shoulder. Do you have anything on under your hoodie?”
Jill glanced at Duncan, who leaned silently against some lockers. “I have a tank top, but I don’t think I can get it off.”
“Let’s start with your good arm sleeve.” He helped her get her arm out, but when he started with the side of her injury she couldn�
��t take it. “I’m going to have to cut it off.”
Frowning, Jill nodded. “Jeff owes me a new hoodie,” she mumbled, watching the Warrior doctor get a pair of scissors from his bag.
“Jeff did this?” Duncan growled.
“Well, not really. I mean he did, but we were playing football,” Jill replied, not wanting to get anyone in trouble by telling.
“Tag football.” Slade stopped cutting her shirt to frown at Duncan. “Someone needs to teach the little badass the difference. It looks to me like he was purposely out to hurt her.”
Duncan grunted, making it a point to find out what the hell was going on with Jeff. He had let a lot of things slide while Pam had been missing. He needed to step it up. Whether he liked it or not, these half-breeds were his responsibility.
Free from her hoodie, Slade looked, poked and prodded at Jill’s shoulder, a large frown reaching his eyes the whole time. “I’m going to have to set this.”
“Is it going to hurt?” Jill’s voice sounded shaky and weak.
“Yes.”
“You could have lied and given me some hope,” Jill groaned. “What happened with probably?”
Slade laughed. “Sorry, but I never lie to patients. It’s bad bedside manners.”
“For future reference…lie to me.” Jill bit her lower lip. “Because now I don’t think I can let you do it. I seriously don’t like pain.”
“Noted.” Slade nodded down at her, but the smile and teasing was wiped off his face. He was totally professional. He reached for her elbow, but she backed up.
“No, I seriously don’t think I can stand here and let you do this, knowing it’s going to hurt.” Jill shook her head. “I think I’ll be okay. Just give it a day or two and I’ll be good as new. It’s actually feeling much better.”
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