Duncan

by Teresa Gabelman

  “I love you, Duncan,” Pam moaned. “Now stop making love to me and fuck me like you wanted to in the kitchen at the compound.”

  He looked at her shocked, then a pure sexy grin spread across his lips. “I promised you I would never let you down,” his deep voice rumbled. “Not about to start now.” He slammed into her, but his eyes stayed glued on her, making sure she was still with him and not sinking into a nightmare from the past.

  “I’m not the innocent timid thing you thought, huh? I refuse to let my past break me and run my life. I am stronger than that. It just took you to show me who I once was.” She met his thrusts with determination. “Know this, Warrior, now that I know I can have you without fear, you will never get any rest. Shocked?”

  “No,” his voice rumbled. “I’m one happy son of a bitch.” And he meant it. He didn’t think he’d ever been happier in his long life. She was everything he had ever wanted. He knew the Pam before all of this, and even though he was surprised how she took to his touch after what he could only imagine she had been through, he knew without a doubt that she was a survivor. The way she came in to save them the night Sheriff Bowman had been killed and Tessa and Nicole had been taken. Yeah, his girl was a survivor and Warrior in her own right.

  “Please,” she whispered, her eyes shining bright with emotion.

  Putting his hand on each side of her head, he stared down into her eyes. “Don’t take your eyes off me.” He began moving in a gentle rhythm, bringing her back slowly. Then his movements got faster and harder, to the point where she had to hold onto his strong forearms. Her moans and whimpers urged him on until she arched finding sweet release, their eyes never breaking. His neck corded, his teeth clenched as he joined her in a release so strong he could swear he felt his heartbeat.

  “I love you, Pam.” He took her in his arms holding her tight. Feeling wetness on his chest, he pulled back concern etched in every part of his face. “Jesus, did I hurt you?”

  Pam shook her head. “No.” She sniffed, hugging him tight. “I’m just so happy. Thank you.”

  Duncan grinned. “Honey, you are more than welcome, and it was definitely my pleasure.”

  They lay together entwined in arms and legs. Pam’s human side was seeking sleep. Just as her mind settled, a small sound came from the baby monitor, so she started to get up, but Duncan stopped her. “Rest.” He kissed her cheek. “Let me get him.”

  He grabbed his jeans putting them on without buttoning them, and hurried out of the room. Daniel was making noises, but not full out crying. Duncan looked down and smiled.

  “What’s wrong, buddy?” Duncan picked him up then wrinkled his nose. “Oh damn, son. What did you eat?”

  Standing there holding him, he looked around knowing he was way out of his element. “Okay, we can do this.” Walking over to the bag the hospital had sent with them, he grabbed a diaper out of it along with some wipes. Spotting what he heard Pam call the changing table, he headed that way and set everything down. Carefully, he laid Daniel on his back then unbuttoned his little sleeper he was dressed in.

  Down to nothing but his soiled diaper, Daniel started to fuss with a little more attitude. Peeling the diaper away, the smell hit Duncan full in the face.

  “Boy, you’d put Sid to shame.” Spotting the nastiness in the diaper, Duncan tried not to gag. Having no clue what he was doing, he carefully held Daniel’s two little legs up with one hand, and the other, he held the dirty diaper. Reaching with his foot, he hit the pedal and tossed the dirty diaper in what he hoped was the diaper pail. Grabbing a wipe, he gently wiped Daniel’s little butt. “You sure did a number. You’ve got shit everywhere, buddy. We are definitely teaching you how to sit on a toilet early.”

  Once Daniel was clean, he lay wiggling, naked and making little noises. “Ah, I guess you are happy now,” Duncan chuckled, but his grin faded as he stared down at the little guy who carried his name. Never did he think he would have a son to carry his name, but here he lay. He may not be of his blood, but Duncan didn’t care. It didn’t matter whom Daniel’s father was, it would be him to teach him alongside Pam. As his eyes connected with Daniel’s, he felt a connection that shook him to his very core, bringing moisture to his eyes.

  Taking a step back, Duncan fisted his hand. Crossing his right arm placing his fist over his heart, he bowed his head to the child, chanting in the old language. Finally, his head raised to find the child quietly watching him intently. “I, Duncan Daniel Roark, vow to keep you, Daniel Duncan Roark and your mother, Pamela Cecilia Braxton, safe forever and always.” His eyes moistened with joy and love for the boy. Duncan’s voice rang loud and true throughout the room until Daniel let out a loud squeal.

  Duncan laughed. “So you liked that did you?” Grabbing a clean diaper, he went to put it on him, but before he could, a straight stream of Daniel’s pee hit him in the chest. “Why you little…you just peed on me.”

  Pam stood watching from the shadows, tears streaming quietly down her face. Nothing had ever touched her more than watching Duncan vow to her son to keep them both safe. Seeing him jump back, Pam watched as Daniel peed on him. Throwing a hand over her mouth, she quietly took off running down the hall jumping on the bed. Burying her face in the pillows, she laughed and cried so hard, she couldn’t breathe. Hearing Duncan coming down the hall, she tried to get a grip. Sitting up, she choked back her giggles and sobs.

  “There’s your mommy.” Duncan grinned down at Daniel

  “Everything okay?” Pam took Daniel keeping her head down so he couldn’t see that she had been crying.

  “Perfect,” Duncan replied walking away. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”

  Pam watched him walk into the bathroom. Holding back laughter, she looked down and noticed Daniel was in a little shirt and diaper. Picking him up to pull the shirt down, the diaper fell off. Her heart constricted, and then melted even more. If there was ever a man worthy of her love, she was absolutely sure that Duncan Daniel Roark was that man.

  With a smile, she quickly jumped off the bed, and headed to Daniel’s room to put a new diaper on him before Duncan got out of the shower. “Not a word about this, Daniel,” she cooed down at him. “We don’t want to hurt your daddy’s pride. He is a Warrior you know.”

  Daniel made a little squeal in agreement.

  Chapter 25

  Jill opened her eyes slowly. Her chest felt like it was on fire. Glancing down, she frowned. There was blood everywhere. That bastard shot her. She was lying in the boxes she and Pam had been going through; the gunshot blast had taken her off her feet.

  She could hear voices coming from inside the house. Moving her head slowly, she didn’t see Tessa anywhere, didn’t hear her voice. Reaching slowly to her chest, she felt the bullet wound, but didn’t feel any fresh blood coming out. She was healing already, but she didn’t know if that was a good thing. She was having a hard time breathing, and that scared her.

  As quietly as she could, she sat up listening closely for the voices to stop, but they didn’t. She couldn’t really make out what they were saying. There was a slight buzzing in her ears, and she prayed she didn’t pass out. Getting out of the boxes quietly was a feat, but she did it. She struggled to her knees, and then to her stomach as the Warriors had shown them to do, slithering along the ground. She bit her lip keeping in the cry of pain. She had to ignore it. She had to find Tessa.

  Making it to the doorway, Jill inched her way until she could look in. Sitting at the table was Kenny Lawrence, across from him was Tessa tied up, her eye swollen and red as blood ran from her nose. And there leaning against the counter was the bastard that shot her, that betrayed the Warriors.

  “I don’t care what you do with her after I get what I want.” Kenny spat slamming his hand on the table.

  “We’ll get a lot of money for her at auction.” Jeff’s grin was full of greed. “She said she wanted to be changed.”

  “Well if you hadn’t killed the breed in there, you could have gotten a lot more.” Ke
nny pointed over his shoulder.

  “Yeah, well, I just couldn’t help myself,” Jeff snorted. “The stupid bitch deserved it.”

  Jill scooted back looking around frantically. She was way too weak to take on not only one, but two of them. Something caught her eye and she shimmied her way toward Tessa’s phone. Her own phone was in her bag in the kitchen. She stretched using her fingers to grab it, but could barely reach it. Clinching her teeth, she slid sideways finally able to grab it. Sliding the side button, she silenced the phone. Thank God, it was just like hers. Going to the messages, she saw Tessa’s message to Jared. Tessa hadn’t hit the send button.

  Taking a quick glance at the door, she finished the message to Jared.

  AT TESSA’S NEED HELP NOW KENNY JEFF HERE.

  Jill hit send, hoping it made sense, and then cringed when she heard heavy footsteps.

  “What the hell was that light?” Jeff walked in spotting Jill trying to get up. “Are you fucking serious?” He walked over grabbing her by her shirt, dragging her into the kitchen.

  “I thought you killed her?” Kenny shook his head. “Damn, can’t you do anything right?”

  “She texted someone.” Jeff looked up at Kenny. “You better get out of here. I’ll finish her off and then be there.”

  Kenny tossed a paper with writing on the kitchen table before grabbing Tessa who tried to fight. He smacked her, almost knocking her out. “Don’t tempt me, bitch. I don’t need you alive that badly.”

  As soon as Kenny was gone, Jeff pulled out his gun again, his grin spreading.

  “What the hell are you doing with Kenny Lawrence, Jeff?” Jill had managed to get to her feet. “The Warriors were trying to help you, and you turn on them. Why?”

  “Because he wants to bring the Warriors down and so do I. I never fit in there,” Jeff hissed, pointing the gun at her. “They all walk around like they’re perfect, even that fuck Adam. I’m sick of them looking at me like I’m a piece of shit. They even picked you over me. A fucking weak-ass girl.”

  “Kenny just wants Pam and the baby. He doesn’t care about you.” Jill shook her head. “And he’s too much of a coward to face the Warriors, just like you. Kenny is using you, dumbass.”

  “Shut up.” Jeff screamed shaking with rage.

  “What? Are you going to shoot me again?” Jill knew she couldn’t take another bullet, especially at this close range, but her mouth wouldn’t stop; she was so mad and she needed to get him a little closer. “You afraid of me? You have to use a gun on a weak-ass girl?” She tossed his words back at him.

  He reached out and backhanded her across the face. “I always hated you,” he spat.

  Jill tried to block the pain. “Why? Because I beat you in arm wrestling? Grow up, you pussy.” She actually felt her face swell making it hard for her to talk. Remembering the lessons on gun defense, as quick as lightning, she used both hands in a slapping motion toward each other knocking the gun out of his hand. Then she punched his surprised face.

  “Guess you missed that lesson, asshole.” Jill swung again, but he blocked hitting her in the stomach.

  “I didn’t miss that one though, did I?” He went for the gun again.

  As if one of the Warriors were standing right in front of her giving lessons, she saw her opportunity. Calm and determination spread through her body. Falling to one knee, she spun in a complete circle swinging her other leg out, hitting Jeff in the kneecap. A sickening crunch echoed in the room as both Jeff and Jill fell to the ground. As he screamed in pain, Jill tried to crawl her way out of the room, but her own pain made her slow.

  Jeff caught her foot pulling her back. “You broke my fucking leg.”

  Kicking out with her other foot, she heard another crunch and scream, the hold on her foot gone. As fast as she could, she crawled, trying to scramble to her feet. The click of a gun stopped her cold. This was it, and the only thing she could think of was she had never gotten to kiss Slade - how sad and messed up was that! Not going down like a coward, Jill stood and turned to face her fate.

  “You can kill me, but your problems will double. The Warriors will hunt you down for killing one of their own.” Jill’s voice was strong and true.

  “You’re not a Warrior.” Jeff aimed the gun straight at her heart. “You’re just a half-breed bitch nobody will remember.”

  “I’m more of a Warrior than you could have ever been.” Jill stood straight, her chin tilted proudly. If she was going to die, she was going to die on her terms. “Pull the trigger, pussy.”

  The room erupted in total chaos as Warriors came through every opening. Jill was knocked off her feet as the sound of gunshots echoed throughout the house.

  “Don’t kill him!” Jared shouted.

  “Jill!” Slade was leaning over her. “Talk to me.”

  Jill’s eyes slit open. “I got shot.” She frowned. “And my face hurts.”

  “Goddammit!” Slade ripped her shirt to find the bullet wound; it was already closing. Carefully, he lifted her up to see if there was an exit wound. There wasn’t.

  “I have to talk to Jared,” Jill’s voice cracked as Slade laid her back down. “Jared!” she called out.

  Jared was there kneeling beside her. “Is she going to be okay?”

  “I have to get that bullet out.” Slade frowned looking around, his eyes narrowing as they fell on Jeff.

  “Kenny has Tessa.” Jill grabbed the bottom of Jared’s jeans. He reached down and grabbed her hand. “I’m so sorry. I tried to stop him.”

  “I know you did, honey.” Jared squeezed her hand. “Do you know where he took her or why?”

  “No, but he threw that paper on the table.” As Jill’s eyes slid past Jared, her eyes met Jeff’s. “He knows.”

  Jared hurried to the table; Sid knelt in his place. “You are right. You are more of a Warrior than he will ever be.” Sid nodded toward Jeff. “And who in the hell taught you to say, ‘pull the trigger, pussy’?”

  “You did.” Jill grinned, but hissed at the pain it caused. “You heard that?”

  “We had to wait to make our move, but then you broke badass, and we had to move a little faster.” Sid grinned down at her. “I’m having a proud moment here.”

  Jill hissed again when Slade moved her upper body. “Stop moving me. That hurts.”

  “My moving you isn’t what’s hurting you,” Slade growled, worry etched across his face. “You got shot. That’s what’s hurting you.”

  Adam stood over Jill, anger making his golden eye black. Hearing Jeff running his mouth, he was over there in a flash. “Where’s my sister, asshole?” He grabbed the front of Jeff’s shirt, shaking him.

  “Fuck you, Adam.” Jeff turned his head spitting blood. Slowly, his eyes rose to meet his. “Your sister isn’t who you should be worrying about.”

  “Don’t let him get to you, Adam,” Sid warned.

  Adam ignored Sid. He had always known Jeff hated him, but he didn’t realize just how much. “What are you talking about?”

  “You sister is safe, well sort of, for now.” A wide, bloody grin spread across his face. “Angelina, on the other hand, well, let’s just say, she’s probably long gone by now.”

  “What did you do to Angelina?” Adam’s voice was surprisingly calm.

  “You know I’ve hated you since high school.” Jeff ignored his question. “Adam, the football star, always getting what he wants. Well this time, I got what I wanted.”

  Adam lost it, grabbing Jeff, letting loose. Sid stood by watching for a few minutes, allowing Adam his release, before stepping in.

  “If you kill him, you’ll never know what happened to her.” Sid pulled Adam off.

  Jeff rolled around on the ground moaning. His eyes found Adam. “Oh, I’ll tell you what I did to her because I want to see you suffer.” Jeff rolled back up to a sitting position groaning in pain. “She’s heading to auction. It was a good payday for me. With her looks and body, she’s going to bring a good price.”

  “Auction?” Adam
’s face was blank, trying to grasp what Jeff was saying.

  “Yeah, you stupid fuck,” Jeff hissed. “She will be sold to the highest bidder. By this time next week, she should be a half-breed, pregnant and someone’s whore.”

  Adam roared as he charged toward Jeff, but Sid stopped him.

  “Get him the fuck out of here.” Jared rushed over as Sid dragged Adam out. “What the fuck does this mean?” Jared shoved the paper in Jeff’s face.

  “It means a switch.” Jeff’s laugh was demented. “Your precious Tessa for Pam.”

  Jared stood still as stone, staring at Jeff. “Where?”

  “Now that I don’t know, but Pam does.” Jeff tried to sit up, but cried out grabbing his leg. “Fucking bitch broke my leg.”

  Damon, who had quietly stood watch over everything, kneeled down behind Jeff. “Are we finished with him?”

  Jeff jumped, looking over his shoulder. He knew what Damon DeMasters was capable of and didn’t want any part of it. “Get the fuck away from me, you maniac.”

  Damon grinned, standing back up when something caught his eye. Walking out onto the back porch, he reached down and picked up a phone. “Hey Jared.” When Jared looked his way, he tossed the phone. “Tessa’s phone.”

  Jared caught it staring down at it. Clicking it on, he stared at her background pic of them both laughing, with her giving him rabbit ears.

  The whites of Jared’s eyes turned black as he turned to look at Jeff. “If anything happens to her, I will make you suffer.”

  “What are you going to do? Make the maniac decapitate me?” Jeff rolled his eyes trying to appear tough.

  Jared took two steps to stand in front of him. “No.” He kneeled down getting in his face. “I will keep you alive, and every day, I will make you suffer in ways unimaginable.”

  “You can’t do that,” Jeff snorted, doubt flashing through his eyes. “I have rights. And you have to follow the law.”