[06] Slade

by Teresa Gabelman

  Jill, along with Adam and Dillon followed Duncan to where five Warriors dragged two bloodied men to the group, tossing them to the ground. Two of the Warriors pulled them up to their knees.

  “We told you everything we know,” one cried, his frightened eyes scanning all the Warriors surrounding them.

  The Warrior closest to him knocked him in the back of the head with his foot. “Shut the fuck up.”

  “They were hired by a man who works for Mayor Ferguson,” one of the Warriors spoke, directing his response to the older Council member who had been in charge of the initiation. “There were ten all together and the others are being hunted as we speak. They were told they would get a thousand dollars each and a bonus if they got her alive.”

  Every eye went to Jill. Anger so raw and deep hit every nerve in Jill’s body. She walked up to the two men, jerking her arm away when Adam tried to stop her. Duncan, Jared, Sid, Damon and Jax stepped up, surrounding her. “What did you just say?” Her voice was low with anger.

  “She’s talking to you.” The same Warrior nudged the man again with his boot. “I’d advise you to answer.”

  “The guy who hired us doesn’t work for the Mayor, but the Mayor’s fiancée,” the other guy answered, blood dripping from his nose.

  “And how do you know this?” Sid asked, taking a step forward, watching the guy closely.

  “Dude, you’re going to get us killed,” the first guy cried out. “Just shut up. They can’t kill us. They’re VC Warriors. They have to follow the laws.”

  Damon grabbed the man who spoke, lifting him up off his feet. “Look around this field, motherfucker.” Damon shook him. “How many dead Warriors can you count?”

  Tension and anger was so thick you could taste it among the Warriors who stared with hatred at the men who had taken down their brothers.

  The man’s eyes did scan the area before Damon’s face was back in his. “There is no law for us to follow now.” Damon gave him another hard shake. “So one of you better start talking. If not, you will be the first to die by my hand.”

  Jill watched from her position in front of the man still on his knees. She had never seen Damon so angry; it was truly a scary sight. She looked back to the other man. Adam moved up close to her. Reaching out, he wrapped his hand around the man’s throat. “Start talking, motherfucker, or I will snap your neck with a smile.”

  “I was asked if I wanted to make some money and told to meet at a house downtown. There were fifteen of us in total. Once we found out what the job was, a few tried to leave, but were stopped.” He swallowed, trying to move his neck away from Adam’s hand, but Adam gripped harder.

  “Is he telling the truth?” Sid glanced down at Adam.

  “So far.” Adam loosened his grip. “Keep talking.”

  “We were told we would each get a thousand for every Warrior killed.” His eyes looked at Jill. “That’s when the Mayor’s fiancée pulled out a picture of you. She said there was a bonus if we got you alive.”

  Jill’s mind worked frantically. Frustration wasn’t close to how she felt, knowing Alice had been in her sights just the day before. Taking a step back, she looked at Adam. “Is that true?” Adam nodded, looking away. “I swear, if my friend dies, I will kill you myself.” Jill tried to keep the tears out of her voice.

  “If we didn’t listen and do what she said, we were going to die anyway. The bitch is determined to see the VC Council go down and has the backing and information on you guys to do it, from what I can tell.” The man frowned. “I just wanted to get paid, man. That’s all. I don’t have anything against you guys.”

  Jill walked backward through the crowd of Warriors as the two men continued to get drilled. Shouts sounded from the right as more Warriors came forward with more men. As soon as Jill was at the back, she turned and ran toward the parking lot. Looking around frantically, she found a car and prayed she could get it started. She spotted Jax heading toward her from the other side of the parking lot.

  “Hey?” He walked up to her. “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to find a car I can steal so I can go kill a bitch,” Jill sneered, trying different doors, but they were all locked. “Doesn’t anyone trust anyone anymore? Fuck!”

  “I may be of some help.” He jiggled keys in front of her face. When Jill tried to grab them, he pulled them away.

  “I’ll take you,” Jax smiled, heading toward a black BMW. “Here, you drive.”

  Jill climbed in, frowning. “Where’d you get this car?” She looked at him and wondered about the look on his face, but dismissed it. They had all just gone through hell. “And you are seriously going to let me drive a BMW when you wouldn’t let me drive your GT.”

  “This isn’t my favorite car,” Jax replied, looking around nervously.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Jill put the car in reverse, backing out, but eyeing Jax.

  “Just a little shaken up, I guess,” he replied, giving her a sad look. “I just can’t believe what happened. Can you?”

  Jill pulled out on the road. “No, I can’t,” she said slowly, knowing something wasn’t right with him, but then again, she felt pretty shaken up too. Her thoughts went to Steve. “Can you call Sloan and see how Steve’s doing?”

  “How about you shut the fuck up and drive,” Jax pulled a gun out, pointing it at her temple.

  ******

  It was a somber sight as the dead Warriors were carefully carried off the field. Sid walked toward Adam and the rest, his face grim. “We got a total of six.” He frowned, looking out over the field. “Has anyone heard from Sloan or Slade?”

  “Yeah,” Jared nodded, then cleared his throat. “He said he wanted us all at the compound as soon as we were finished.”

  “Fuck, does that mean…?” Adam cursed, his mouth turning into a thin line, his chin trembling. “Fuck!”

  “We don’t know what that means until we get to the compound.” Sid grabbed the back of Adam’s neck in a comforting hold. “Don’t go thinking shit yet until we hear official news.”

  Adam nodded without saying a word for a second, visibly pulling himself together. “He took a paintball for Jill right before this happened. Jumped right in front of her because he felt she deserved it more than him. She was so upset, but of course, being Steve…” Adam choked out, “he made us all laugh saying he had to piss anyway.”

  “Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Sid put his arm around Adam, and then glanced around. “Where’s Jill?”

  Dillon walked up at that point. “I just came back from a search and saw her take off with Jax a few minutes ago.”

  “How in the fuck is that possible?” Sid frowned, turning to look at Jax who stood right behind him. “When he’s here?”

  Jax stepped forward, grabbing Dillon. “Why would you say something like that?”

  Dillon’s eyes popped open wide. “How did you do that?” Dillon actually looked spooked, pushing Jax away, and then looked at Sid. “I swear, I just saw him leave with Jill.”

  “By the look on your face, you seem to know what the hell is going on.” Sid’s voice was low and dangerous. “So I suggest you tell us what the fuck is going on and where Jill is.”

  “It’s my brother.” Jax had a look of panic and rage on his face.

  “Are you guys twins?” Dillon asked, still looking spooked.

  Jax ignored them. Pulling out his phone, he dialed and put it to his ear. “No, we’re not. Dammit!” He turned to Sid. “Get Lana on the phone. I need to talk to Caroline. Tell them to meet us at the compound.”

  “Why?” Sid started dialing.

  Looking at Damon, Jax headed toward the compound. “Get as many Warriors as you can to meet us at the compound.”

  “Will you tell us what the fuck is going on?” Jared ran toward the parking lot to keep up with Jax.

  “That was you getting in the car with her, so if you are not twins, then what the fuck are you?” Dillon glared at Jax. “I know what I saw with my own fucking eyes.”


  Jax stopped, turning to look at each of them. “Shifter.” He spun back around. “And we need to find them now.”

  ******

  Slade was just heading out the door, his phone in his hand, trying to get ahold of Jill, yet she wasn’t answering her fucking phone. “Shit!”

  Caroline and Lana came running in the door. “Where are they?”

  “Who?” Slade asked confused.

  “Sid called me and told me to get Caroline and meet them here.” Lana looked worried. “What happened today?”

  Before Slade could answer, Jax raced inside followed by a flood of Warriors. Slade’s eyes searched for Jill, not seeing her anywhere. “Where’s Jill ?” Slade grabbed Adam.

  “She left.” Adam looked like he’d been through hell and back.

  “What the hell do you mean ‘she left’?” Slade shook him.

  “I saw her leave with Jax.” Dillon, who still looked spooked, glanced at Jax, then Slade.

  Slade walked up, grabbing Jax’s shoulder. “Where’s Jill?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to find out.” Jax shrugged out of Slade’s hold.

  “Is Alisha here?” Jax looked down at Caroline.

  “What the fuck do you mean you’re ‘trying to find out’?” Slade growled, panic and a rare fear trickled through his system. “Dillon said she left with you, so where is she?”

  “Will you give me a fucking minute?” Jax yelled, his face twisted in anger.

  Slade went for Jax, but Damon and Duncan held him back. “Hold on, bro.” Jared stepped in front of Slade, putting his hand on his chest. “Something funky is going on.”

  “Somebody better tell me where the fuck she is now before I tear this place apart,” Slade roared, making Caroline jump.

  Jax cursed, turning on Slade. “She’s in grave danger, so shut the fuck up so I can find out what the hell is going on.”

  “Have you ever heard of a vampire shifter before?” Sid glanced over at Slade.

  “There isn’t any such thing!” Slade growled, ready to kill something or someone.

  “That’s what I thought.” Sid turned as they all watched Jax closely.

  Jax turned back to Caroline. “I need Alisha, Caroline.”

  Caroline frowned. “She’s really upset.”

  “Why? Why is she upset?” Jax urged, his fist flexing. “Is it our brother?”

  “Yes.” Caroline grabbed her chest right before she went limp. Jax caught her.

  “Caroline!” Lana bent down brushing the hair from her eyes.

  Slade shrugged out of Damon and Duncan’s hold. “Let me go so I can help her.” They did, but before Slade could reach her, Caroline pulled herself up.

  “I’m fine.” Caroline put a hand to her head and looked at Lana. “Did you see that?”

  “Yes, I did.” Lana looked at Jax. “What are you?”

  That’s all Slade heard before he grabbed Jax by the throat. “What did you do to Jill?”

  “Stop it,” Lana screamed, grabbing Slade. “He didn’t do anything.”

  Warriors pulled Slade off Jax, holding them away from each other. “Does she know where he took her?” Jax yelled over the chaos.

  “She’s at the Halfway House. Your brother, who looks just like you, took her to the Halfway House.” Caroline’s shocked eyes burned into Jax’s before turning to Slade. “She says you need to hurry.”

  Chapter 24

  Jill drove right through the gates of the Halfway House as if they were guests, Jax’s gun still pointed at her head. Something definitely wasn’t right with Jax. His hand shook uncontrollably to the point he had to use his other hand to steady it.

  “If you’re shaking from fear, you’re a smart man,” Jill hissed at him as she parked where he instructed. “Slade is going to kill you.”

  “If he can find me,” he laughed, jamming the gun harder in her temple. “Now, you are going to get out of the car like a good girl. If you make one wrong move, I am going to kill you and say ‘fuck the bonus’.”

  “You’re doing this for a bonus?” Jill looked at him in shocked rage. “Money made you a traitor? You’re pathetic. I hope you burn in hell, traitor.”

  He smacked her in the side of the head. “Just get the fuck out of the car and remember what I said. Even if I somehow miss, we have sharpshooters up on the roof who will take you out.”

  Getting out of the car, Jill searched her surroundings. She actually didn’t want to run, as stupid as that sounded. She had planned on heading to the Halfway House first to find that bitch Alice. Jax grabbed her arm, leading her toward the side entrance. Pulling out his phone, he hit a number. “Yeah, open the door. I’m at the side entrance.”

  “Not important enough to have a key?” Jill smirked at him. In horror, she tried to jerk away when his face completely changed in front of her eyes. “What the hell is wrong with your face?”

  The door opened and he pushed her inside. “Just get in there.”

  Jill continued trying to look at him, but he wouldn’t allow it. She knew his face had…she didn’t even know how to explain it. Maybe she was losing it? Maybe the initiation, hell …?” Hell, the past week had just been too much.

  He led her past rooms with steel doors that had small openings for what looked like trays. “Stop casing the place.” He pushed her faster, the gun still out. “The only way you’ll be coming back out is in a body bag.”

  “Oh, is that so?” Jill egged him on. “You’re nothing but a pussy traitor. Having to use a gun on a half-breed girl. Afraid to go one-on-one, Jax? Afraid real Warriors showed me how to kick your ass.”

  “After I get my bonus, then me and you can have a go around and see who has the biggest dick.” He led her to a large two-door room with a camera positioned above it. Before they reached the door, it opened. Jax pushed her into the room causing her to fall to her knees and slide across the floor. Even before she stopped, Jill jumped to her feet, ready.

  The first thing she saw was George, sitting in a chair, with the large man from the limo standing behind him.

  “Welcome to my party, breed.”

  The most hated voice filled the room making Jill sneer. Slowly, Jill turned her head, seeing Alice through a rage that formed over her eyes. Alice sat comfortably on a plush sofa. “Thank you. I appreciate the invite,” Jill said slowly. “Saves me the time of hunting you down.”

  “Oh, is that right?” Alice laughed, standing; she walked toward her spreading her arms wide. “Well, here I am.”

  “Yeah, there you are, bitch,” Jill hissed, her eyes shooting to George.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” Alice walked toward George. “This is George. Dear George, who wants my sweet Tom thrown out of office so he can take over. Seems he’s a traitor and was giving information to people he shouldn’t have.” She patted his cheek, clicking her tongue at him.

  “You are crazy!” George glared at her. “Tom should never have gotten involved with you, whore.”

  Alice lifted her hand and Jill knew one blow would be the end of George.

  “You still need a decorator, bitch?” Jill laughed loudly, thankful her question stopped Alice’s hand from hitting George.

  “What did you just say?” Alice turned, her face a mask of rage.

  “You heard me. And I do believe you need one for that ugly-ass face of yours. Come closer and I’ll decorate that old, wrinkled up mess for you,” Jill taunted.

  Alice pointed at her, not yet taking the bait. “That was you?”

  “Oh, yeah, and we have enough information to…” Jill paused when Alice rushed toward her. They were nose-to-nose. “…take you down.” Jill tilted her head as she finished her sentence, a smile playing on her lips.

  “I don’t believe you.” Alice glared, stepping back. She indicated behind her at George. “He doesn’t have the balls to do something like that.”

  “But I do and I can pretty much talk anyone into anything.” Jill was practically begging for her to take a swing. “So e
ven if you kill us both, you’re still going down. Everything has been given to the Council and very soon, you will be hunted by every Warrior, but not just because of that. The men you hired to kill Warriors talked…a lot.”

  Alice looked over at the man standing behind George, giving him a glare that proved right there, she was behind it all.

  Jill saw a hint of fear in Alice’s eyes, just a hint, but it was there and that was all Jill needed. “Your name was mentioned quite a few times and hundreds of Warriors heard it all.” Jill smiled, hatred flickering across her features. “You know what happens to people who kill Warriors, especially vampires?”

  “Shut up,” Alice hissed, baring her fangs at Jill, who stood strong without flinching. “I’m going to enjoy killing you.”

  “And I’m going to enjoy having you try, you nasty whore,” Jill hissed back.

  “Before this catfight starts, can I please have my bonus and I’ll be on my way, dear Alice,” Jax interrupted, looking bored.

  “You better take the bonus and run far, you bastard,” Jill spat at him.

  “You know, I’m getting sick of your mouth.” Jax was in her face in a split second. “How about a scare? Hmmm? Maybe that will get you to shut the fuck up.”

  Jill prepared herself for what was to come, steadying her breathing and body, waiting for the blow she was sure was coming. But as she watched Jax change into another person right in front of her eyes, she stumbled back. What the hell? A man stood before her. He was the same size as Jax, and actually looked similar to Jax, with American Indian heritage, but there was evilness behind his eyes, a hatred directed not just at her, but everything. “Who are you?” Jill asked, staring at him, trying to believe what she just saw. “What are you?”

  “Well, for starters, I’m not my asshole brother, Jax.” He glared at her and smiled without humor. “At least, not right now.” The man laughed as he went to touch George, turning into George’s twin, and as if showing off, he grabbed the man behind George, changing into him.