Pam eyes widened. “You want to marry me?”
“Why does that surprise you?” Duncan watched the emotions play across her face.
“I don’t know if I…” Pam stopped speaking to search his eyes. She wanted more than anything in the world to say yes, but was terrified that he would regret it.
“If you what?” His tone was level, not raised. Deciding then and there she would make it work, her heartbeat picked up speed as a wave of fierce resolve filled her. She wanted to be his wife. She would do anything to be whole again, and her first step would be to marry this incredible man.
“Yes.”
“Yes?” Duncan looked surprised but hid it quickly.
“Yes,” she whispered again, then watched as he quickly slipped a beautiful princess-cut engagement ring on her finger. Her hand shook as she held it up looking at it. Biting her trembling lip, she shook her head.
“What?” Duncan could tell she was upset by the way she bit her bottom lip. Tears had welled up in her eyes, but not a single tear had fallen…yet.
“I don’t want to let you down.” One tear finally escaped, sliding from the corner of her eye. “I don’t know if I can be who you want me to be, Duncan.”
“You will always be who I want you to be.” Duncan’s voice was firm, his eyes gentle.
“I do love you, Duncan.” Pam reached up to touch his face. “I will make you proud. I promise.”
“You have already made me proud.” Duncan leaned down to kiss her. “You have made me complete.
*****
Jeff stood in the compound entryway when everyone walked in. Flashes of lights followed them in.
“Don’t they realize the pregnant one isn’t with us?” Sid mumbled, aggravation lining his face. “These reporters suck if you ask me!”
Adam snorted then noticed Jeff standing there. “Where the hell have you been?” Adam walked straight up to him. “You’ve been gone for almost a week.”
Jeff looked around nervously at all the attention, his eyes landing on Slade then Jill. “I know.” He shifted nervously. “I had a lot of thinking to do.”
“Still man, you got to check in.” Adam frowned. “Duncan is going to chew you out big time on this one.”
“Yeah.” Jeff looked away clearing his throat. “I know.”
Adam tapped his shoulder hard. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” Jeff growled noticing everyone going their separate ways, his eyes watched Jill head off with Jared, Tessa and the asshole who made him look like a fool. “Where’s Duncan and Pam?”
“Why?” Adam asked with suspicion.
Jeff’s eyes darkened when they shot back to Adam. “Because I need to see if I can come back,” he spat out. “Why the hell else would I want to know where he was?”
“He and Pam are staying at his place.” Adam glanced at his phone. Angel had driven separately because she came straight from work. She was supposed let him know when she got home.
“Guess I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Jeff glanced once more down the hall where Jill and the others disappeared.
Adam’s phone rang. “Yeah, make sure you do.” He walked away answering his phone. “Hey babe.”
Jeff glared at Adam’s back. He had always hated him; even in high school he had hated him. Pulling out his phone, he dialed, putting it to his ear, looking around. “Yeah, it’s me,” he whispered walking in the opposite direction of Adam.
*****
Tessa and the rest stopped at the door of Slade’s office as he unlocked it. She tensed when Jared put his hand on her shoulder. “Jared you don’t have to be here for this.”
“You don’t want me here?” Jared asked, his eyes darkening.
Not able to look into his eyes, she looked away. “No, not really.”
Jared stared at her, his eyes narrowed. He stopped her from following Jill and Slade through the doorway. “This has gone far enough.”
“I agree.” She shrugged her arm out of his hold.
He watched as she disappeared into the room, shutting him out. He knew this had to be about the way her ex, Sheriff Bowman had treated her, and it pissed him the hell off. Even dead, that asshole was causing problems with his relationship with Tessa, and to be put in the category of a cheater with the dead asshole, pissed him the fuck off.
Knowing what he had to do, he turned and started down the hallway with determined steps. With any other woman, he would have said fuck it, but not Tessa. Never with Tessa. He would fight the devil to keep her.
Tessa closed her eyes as soon as she heard Jared’s heavy footsteps fade down the hall. God she felt horrible. Her hand hurt, but her heart hurt more. She wondered suddenly if she was doing the right thing.
“You okay?” Jill whispered as Slade prepared to stitch Tessa’s fingers.
“No, not really.” Tessa walked over to sit in a chair, feeling weak and shaky.
Slade rolled a low stool over and started unwrapping her hand, but blood had dried some of the towel to her hand. “Jill, can you get me a large bowl of water?”
“Are you going to be his assistant?” Tessa watched as Jill did what he asked quickly and efficiently.
Jill set the water down in front of Tessa. “Sloan wants me to help out until I can start training again.” When Slade pulled out a shot with a long needle, Jill grimaced. “I really don’t think this is my thing.”
“Not big on needles, huh?” Slade tossed her a teasing grin.
“Not in the least.” Jill turned and busied herself with anything except watching that needle go into her skin.
“Okay, this is going to sting a little.” Slade swabbed her hand with cold alcohol.
“Don’t listen to him,” Jill said over her shoulder. “And if he says he’s going to count to three, he’s lying. It’s two.”
The first smile all night appeared on Tessa’s face. “Sounds like you have experience with his bedside manner.”
“Oh, yeah.” Jill frowned.
“Needles don’t bother me.” Tessa glanced up at Slade who waited. “Give it your best shot…pun intended.” Tessa welcomed the pain in her finger as the needle found its mark. At least it made her forgot about the pain deep in her soul.
“I’ll give it a few minutes to get good and numb, and then we’ll get these cuts cleaned and stitched up.” Slade stood to dispose of the needle.
Tessa nodded staring down at her hand. “Sounds good.”
“Where did Jared go?” Slade asked after a few minutes of waiting for the numbness to set in., sitting back down in front of her using a long Q-tip dipped in a dark liquid to clean her wounds. When she didn’t answer, he looked up at her. “Sorry. None of my business.”
Tessa didn’t even acknowledge she’d heard him. She just sat watching each stitch he made. Growing up and taking care of Adam, she had seen her fair share of blood and gore; it didn’t bother her. Never did. She probably would have made a great veterinarian, even a nurse. Instead, she worked in a rundown bar serving drinks. Shaking those thoughts away, she frowned, knowing feeling sorry for herself wasn’t going to do anything. She had gotten over Otis; she would get over Jared. Deep down, she knew without a doubt she was lying to herself.
“Okay, looks good.” Slade lifted her hand closer to check his work. “Let me bandage it, and then you can get out of here. If the pain gets too bad for over-the-counter stuff, just let me know, and I’ll get you something stronger.”
“I’ll be fine,” Tessa replied. When Slade went into the other room, she looked at Jill who had finally turned around. “How much do I owe you? I don’t have insurance.”
“The Council will take care of it,” Slade replied, not in the least worried about payment.
“But I’m not part of the Council and I’m human.” Tessa frowned. “Just give me a bill.”
Slade watched her for a few seconds, and knew by the look on her face that she wasn’t going to let this go.
“I’ll write something up and give it to you next
time I see you.” Slade played along. He wasn’t going to take her money.
A sad expression colored her face. “You can’t write it out now?”
“We haven’t unpacked the paper stuff yet,” Slade answered, shooting Jill a look when she started to open her mouth.
“Oh, well okay.” Tessa frowned. “Nicole knows my address if I don’t see you, so make sure you send it.”
“Will do.” Slade walked into the other room carrying the surgical supplies he had used.
Tessa sighed then looked at Jill. “What are you doing tonight, Jill?”
“You’re looking at it.” She smiled, tossing bloody towels into a bag closing it up.
“Would you like to go to my place with me tonight?” Tessa asked, hoping she said yes; she didn’t want to go home alone.
Jill hesitated for a second, catching herself from asking why she wasn’t going with Jared. “I’d like that.” Jill smiled, figuring if Tessa wanted to talk, the least she could do was be there for her. Tessa had been so nice to her - always making her feel welcome. “Let me finish up here real quick, and we’ll go.”
Tessa nodded, trying to keep the tears from flowing. She prayed she could make it through this first night without Jared. Wiping the tear she felt slipping down her cheek, she looked up and found Slade staring at her.
“Are you in pain?” He frowned.
If he only knew, she thought. Shaking her head, she pushed her shoulders back. “Nope. Just a delayed reaction from the shot. I seriously hate shots,” she lied terribly, and then lifted her hand up. “I could cut them off and not feel a thing.”
“Let’s keep all knifes away from her,” Slade teased, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Chapter 20
They had left the baby room making their way to his bedroom, the room they would share. Pam looked around and felt a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt for quite a while, and it warmed her. Rubbing her belly, she walked over to the bed and sat down.
“You feeling okay?” Duncan frowned.
“The baby is moving a lot tonight.” Pam grinned then grimaced. “And very strong.”
Duncan sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard. “Come here.” When she walked up to him, he pulled her onto the bed between his legs with her back against his chest. Both of his large hands rested on her stomach and began to gently massage in soft, tender strokes.
Lying back against him, she enjoyed the gentle motions of his hands. The baby gave one solid kick, stilling his hands. “Did you feel that?” She laughed.
“Doesn’t that hurt?” Duncan continued to massage.
“Yeah, sometimes.” Pam leaned deeper into him. “But it’s a good hurt.”
“Do you need to feed, babe?” Duncan rested his chin on the top of her head.
She tensed momentarily before taking a calming breath. “If you don’t mind.” Pam still had a hard time with her need for blood. “I think the baby is taking a lot out of me. I feel weak and shaky a lot.”
“Turn around.” With his help, Pam turned, sitting on her knees.
“Should I get a towel? I don’t want to get blood on your bed.”
“Our bed,” his deep voice rumbled.
“Our bed,” she repeated with a whisper, her golden eye glowing dark.
With an approving nod, he lifted his wrist to his mouth but stopped at her frown. “What?”
“I want to take it from your neck, but I can’t.” She looked away from him, swallowing a nervous lump that had filled her throat. Her first test at wanting to be close to him was a total fail, what she feared most.
Duncan growled low as he reached into his back pocket. Flipping a knife open with one hand, he raised it to his neck. “There is nothing I would love more than you taking from my neck.”
“Really?” She looked back at him, and immediately screamed, grabbing for the knife. “What are you doing?”
He caught her hand with his free one. “Be careful. This knife will cut you to the bone.”
“Don’t you dare cut yourself!” Pam looked at him in horror. “Your wrist is fine. I can take from your wrist.”
“Honey, I know knives better than I know anything else.” With no hesitation, he made two large, expert nicks in his neck. Closing the knife, he set it on the table next to the bed close enough to reach if he needed it. Grasping the back of her neck, he pulled her to him.
Pam looked at his strong-corded neck where two puncture wounds slowly leaked blood. “I can’t believe you cut yourself.”
“For you I would do anything.” He adjusted himself to make it more comfortable for her.
With a sigh, Pam placed her lips on his neck. The taste of his blood was addicting. Soon she was taking long pulls. Her body reacted with an intense need, her breasts feeling more heavy and sensitive. She became wet instantly and wanted nothing more than to feel him between her legs. The thought and feelings shocked her, but made her glow in excitement that the feelings were there.
Taking a chance and letting her rush of need lead her, her hand ran down his heavily muscled arm to grasp his hand. Slowly, she placed his hand on her leg bringing it slowly up her body, placing it on her aching breast. When she felt him hesitate, she pulled her lips from her neck.
“Please, Duncan,” she whispered. “I want you.”
Another growl rumbled in his chest as his hand cupped her soft breast on its own. He rubbed her nipples over her shirt making them pucker for more. Running his hand down her body, he slipped under her shirt pulling her bra away, giving him what he sought. He was in heaven, her soft moans of pleasure urging him on. He couldn’t wait to taste the sweet bud poking his hand, begging for more. With twists and tugs, he felt her body buzzing with want. His buzzed along with hers as his cock hardened painfully pressing against his jeans, wanting to be free.
Pulling away from his neck, she licked his wound. Her mouth found his as she kissed him frantically, straddling his body. Breaking the kiss, she looked down into his face as she lifted her shirt off tossing it to the floor. His eyes roamed her body with hot desire instead of disgust making her soar.
“Fuck,” he growled, desire thick in his voice. Placing his large hand on her back, he pulled her back down, his lips finding the sweet nipple his fingers had brought to peak. His tongue swirled as his mouth sucked, moving from one breast to the other.
Wanting to see him, she reached under her to pull his shirt up, helping him pull it over his head. Her hands slowly ran down from his shoulders to his chest, her thumbs stopping and circling his nipples. Her fingers lightly played over his hard stomach.
Duncan noticed her eyes kept flying to his face as if to assure herself who was here with her. It didn’t bother him that she did it for her own state of mind, but he wanted to kill the bastard who put that fear in her. He swore then and there that he would make her forget Kenny Lawrence ever existed.
“Make love to me, Duncan,” she whispered.
“You know we can’t until after the baby.” Duncan hated the disappointment and embarrassment that flashed across her face.
“I just know I can now and I…” He shushed her with a finger to her lips.
“You don’t have to explain anything to me, babe.” Duncan pushed her hair out of her eyes. “But I won’t put you or the baby at risk. I’m sorry.”
“I know,” Pam sighed. “It’s just I’m not afraid like I thought I would be, and I want to make sure I can be with you. I mean, I did agree to become your wife, but was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to….you know. And now that I know I can, I can’t. It’s frustrating.” She knew she was rambling, and it irritated her. She hated to ramble. With a sigh, she flopped down hard making him hiss.
“Easy.” He grabbed her hips to hold her still. “As you can obviously feel, I want you really bad and believe me…frustration is not what I’m feeling at the moment.” She looked beautiful and sexy as hell straddling him, wearing only her skirt.
A grin played across her lips. She wiggled a littl
e, surprised by her own actions. Was this the old Pam coming out? Was Duncan bringing her back to herself again?
His eyebrow cocked at her teasing as his hand went up her leg under her skirt. His fingers worked their way to her sweet spot. “You want to tease me, do you?”
Her eyes rolled as they closed. Her moan echoed in the room. “Oh God.”
“No, Duncan.” He grinned when her eyes shot open, looking down at him. “And I’m going to make you scream.” His fingers worked magic.
Before long, Duncan made good on his promise as Pam’s screams of pleasure filled his home.
*****
Jared rushed down the hall with Adam hot on his heels. The door to Slade’s office was wide open. “Where is she?”
Slade looked up from a small desk in the corner. “Tessa? She left about fifteen minutes ago.”
“Where the hell did she go?” Jared demanded, looking pissed.
“That, I don’t know.” Slade frowned. “Is everything okay?”
Jared just growled, turned and walked out.
“Thanks.” Adam nodded to Slade before he followed Jared.
“Can you get a read on her?” Jared asked over his shoulder as he rushed back down the hall.
“No, I’ve tried. Check your room and I’ll check Gramps,” Adam said as he split down another hall. “Text me if she’s there or meet me back here.”
Jared knew she wasn’t there, but opened the door, walking into the room and checking the bathroom. Heading back, he met Adam. “She’s not with Gramps?”
“No.” Adam stood thinking. “Is her car still here?”
Jared didn’t answer, just headed toward the garage where her car was usually parked. The spot was empty. “Fuck!” Taking out his phone, he hit her number. It went straight to voice mail. “Dammit!”
“Where else would she be?” Adam looked at his phone to make sure he hadn’t missed a call from her.
“Think she would have gone back to the house?” Jared glanced at Adam.
“That’s the only place I can think she would have gone.” Adam followed, jumping in Jared’s car. “Was the picture that bad?”
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