Tessa

by Gabelman, Teresa

  Tessa

  Teresa Gabelman

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Also by Teresa Gabelman

  The Protectors Series

  Tessa

  Copyright 2019 Teresa Gabelman

  All rights reserved. The right of Teresa Gabelman to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance between the characters and persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Gabelman, Teresa (2019-9-9). Tessa (The Mates) Book #2

  Kindle Edition.

  Editor: Hot Tree Editing

  Created with Vellum

  Chapter 1

  Sitting on the ridge with her chin on her knees, Tessa stared out over the top of the trees. The day had been hot and humid. A haze hung lazily, sheltering the forest below. She loved this time of day—just as the sun disappeared on the horizon. The creatures of the night come out to search for prey. That thought made her frown. Many would look at her as a creature of the night now, even though that was a myth from the times of Dracula. She could walk in the daylight just like she had as a human.

  Before being turned, Tessa admittedly had a fear of vampires. That was until she met her mate, Jared. Her frown deepened as his image flashed through her mind. Closing her eyes, she listened to the sounds surrounding her, trying to calm the sick swirling in her stomach. Her phone rang in her pocket. Tessa ignored it. She needed this time alone and was taking it without guilt or worry.

  Slowly, her eyes opened in time to see a hawk gracefully float on a breeze as it searched the forest floor below for something to eat. Her gaze followed the flight of the beautiful bird before it made a daring dive, disappearing into the trees. God, she would give anything to be that free. To just take a dive knowing that…. Wait a minute. Tessa’s eyes narrowed as her head popped up from her knees. She shot up to her feet and glanced over the edge to see a clearing. She could do that. She was immortal.

  Taking a step back, Tessa looked around. She was never one to take chances. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. Breaking into the Warrior compound and stealing one of their prisoners was taking a huge chance and yet, she’d been forced by her brother to do that. Peeking over the edge once more, she sighed. It would probably hurt. She could break an ankle, lay there for hours and it heal wrong, making her look like an idiot. All the more reason for Jared to be on her case.

  Maybe it was time for her to take chances, though. Prove that she, Tessa Pride Kincaid, was one badass bitch with a mind of her own. Even if she did break her ankle, leg, or neck, she would make her way to Slade so he could fix her. She was tough, smart, and definitely had what it took to be a woman who no one wanted to fuck with. Someone people looked up to. Not poor Tessa. Ah, poor Tessa, who had no support from the man she loved more than anything. Yeah, fuck that.

  Without additional thought, she took off and leaped off the edge of the ridge. Doubt slammed into her instantly, but it was too late. She was falling quickly to the ground below. Her arms began to flap as if she really was a bird, but nowhere near as graceful. A scream stuck in her throat as the trees passed her in a rush and before she knew it, her feet hit solid ground with a force that buckled her knees.

  On all fours, she panted heavily, afraid to move. Glancing back, she checked to make sure her ankles were not contorted gruesomely. She didn’t feel any pain but knew from previous accidents that injuries didn’t always hurt right away. Seeing all her body parts where they should be, she pushed herself slowly off the ground and stood. Taking a few test steps, she laughed. Holy shit, she was fine. Looking up, she grinned at how far she had jumped and survived.

  “Yes!” She fist-pumped in the air, did a little dance, and started to head back up to do it again when suddenly, someone landed behind her. With a scream, she turned, ready to defend herself only to see her brother, Adam, looking at her with his arms crossed and eyebrow cocked.

  “What the fuck was that all about?”

  Tessa jumped, her hand to her chest. “You scared the crap out of me! What are you doing here?”

  “Looking for you.” Adam glanced up from where they’d both jumped. “Seriously, what in the hell are you doing?”

  “I wanted to see if I could make it,” Tessa said without hesitation. She was so finished with feeling as if she wasn’t good enough to try different things, no matter what they were. She was also damn tired of having to explain why she did something outrageous just because it wasn’t her nature.

  “Good.” Adam gave her a half grin. “About time you started living.”

  “Huh?” Tessa couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  “Seriously, sis.” Adam gave her a nod as he glanced back up at the cliff. “You’ve always been so worried about disappointing people that you truly haven’t lived. Most of that is because of your ex, Otis, but I know having to take care of me after Mom died and Dad left hasn’t been easy for you.”

  “It was my job to take care of you,” Tessa replied, deciding not the talk about Otis—rest his soul. Her ex had made her life hell, but she had survived the humiliation he had put her through.

  “Actually, it wasn’t.” Adam frowned. “It’s no one’s job to take a beating for another.”

  “You’re welcome.” Tessa snorted, giving him a shove, not wanting to talk about this anymore. He was putting a damper on her excitement from making the jump without crippling herself.

  Adam didn’t laugh. Instead, he looked at her, and something in his gaze told her that she didn’t want to hear what he was about to say. “I talked to him.”

  “Who?” she asked, knowing damn good and well who he was talking about.

  “He called the compound. Sloan came to me and gave me his number.” Adam glanced away from her for a split second. “He wants to meet with us tomorrow.”

  A sudden feeling of insecurity and rage hit her, making her head swim with so many thoughts at once she felt dizzy. She shook her head, afraid of the fury she worried would escape from her throat in a scream.

  “That’s why I came out here to find you. I guess he saw me on television and found out I was now a VC Warrior. Contacted Sloan.” Adam’s eyes narrowed. “I’m meeting with him.”

  “Why?” Tessa finally calmed herself enough to ask. “We owe him nothing.”

  “He owes us everything,” Adam countered.

  “Frank Pride has nothing I want… now or ever.” Tessa sighed, leaning against a tree. She knew, without a doubt, she would not let Adam meet with him alone. “When and where?”

  “Here, at the house. Noon,” Adam responded, his eyes shifting away from hers. “Will you be here?”

  “Have we ever faced him alone?” Tessa replied, then frowned at the look on Adam’s face.

  “You have, but no more.” Adam’s shoulders straightened. “I promise you he will never hurt you again.”

  “Protecting me from our father is not your job, Adam. I’m the oldest of us.” Tessa hated having this conversation but knew it was way past time. “As long as we have each other’s back, nothing can take us down. Even our own blood.”

  Adam nodded and star
ed at her deep in thought. “And what about your mate, Tessa? Where do I stand when I see him treating you like—”

  “You stand as my brother, but Jared is not unkind to me,” Tessa replied, and truly meant it. When the doors closed, shutting out the rest of the world—especially the VC world—he was the most attentive, loving mate, and yet there was still something between them that didn’t fit when those doors opened. She needed his support. Tessa wanted him proud of her but was painfully, and slowly, learning she didn’t need his support, approval, or pride to achieve what she wanted. “I will handle Jared, Adam. He’s a good man.”

  “He’s an asshole,” Adam mumbled, then sighed. “But I’ll respect your wishes, until I can’t.”

  “And what does that mean?” Tessa started walking toward the cliff beside him.

  “That means he crosses the line like Otis did, I won’t be silent this time,” Adam replied, then jumped to the top of the cliff without another word.

  Tessa stared up at him, seriously doubting if she could make that jump. His words meant the world to her, but she knew that Jared would never treat her as badly as Otis. He may be an asshole here and there, but he respected her. He just didn’t agree to her wanting to be a VC Warrior. She could see his point, somewhat, but the problem was he wasn’t seeing hers.

  “What the hell are you waiting for?” Adam called down impatiently, his hand on his hip. “Jump.”

  Taking a few steps back, Tessa eyed where Adam stood, then took off, making the leap. She almost made it. Thank God her brother had good reflexes and grabbed her hand as she started her tumble back down. She dangled in the air for a few seconds as Adam grinned at her.

  “Who’s the most handsome, smartest, and hilarious Pride in the family?” A smirk sat on his mouth.

  Even dangling in the air she didn’t hesitate to answer. “Gramps.”

  Adam laughed and hauled her up to where her feet were safely on solid ground. “True.” He grinned, then it slipped slightly. “Don’t second-guess yourself, Tessa. You make the leap, see it through. If not, that’s how Warriors end up dead.”

  “I’m not a Warrior.” But Tessa heard his advice and stored it away.

  “Yet,” he answered, before turning and heading up the path. They were silent until the house came into view. Adam slowed, staring at the building. “Gramps’s will is solid, right?”

  “Yes.” Tessa nodded, knowing where this was going. “You think he’s going to try to get the house.”

  “I know he’s going to try.” Adam headed toward his bike. “He’ll have to kill me first.”

  Tessa didn’t respond as she made sure the house was locked up. She looked around as she stepped toward her car. She and Jared were spending less and less time here. Deep in her soul, she knew that was about to change, at least for her. She missed this place more and more.

  Adam leaned against his bike as he focused on the house. “You and Jared did good fixing this old place up.”

  Looking over her shoulder, she nodded. “I’ve been thinking of bringing Gramps back over for a weekend.”

  “He’d love that.” Adam grinned, then unexpectedly tossed her the keys to his bike.

  Tessa frowned. “What?”

  Adam held out his hand. “You take the bike.” He took her car keys she reluctantly handed him.

  “Are you sure about this?” Tessa eyed his bike as excitement mixed with fear swirled inside her belly.

  “No.” He laughed, then tugged her hair. “Wreck it, and you owe me a new one.”

  “Why?” Tessa asked, looking up at Adam.

  He knew what her question meant and turned serious. “Because all VC Warriors need to be skilled on bikes.”

  “But I quit. I’m not going to be a Warrior.” Tessa hated the truth of that statement. “I work for Children’s Services now.”

  “As soon as you come into your own, there will be no stopping you, sis.” Adam strolled to her car. “Prides don’t quit. Take a break, yes… but never quit.”

  His words hit something deep inside her, sending her toward his bike as if she were on a mission. She had ridden before, but not much. As she climbed on the huge bike, she almost needed a stepping stool, but managed. She could feel Adam watching her every move and wanted to prove not only to him but to herself, that she could do this with grace. If not for her vampire strength, she and the bike would have fallen over, but she managed to take off without running into anything.

  As she rode down the road, she smiled as the wind whipped through her hair. The freedom was intense, and she loved it. Looked like it was time to trade in her car. Tessa laughed, but cut it short with a frown knowing Jared wouldn’t go for it. Well, tough. What Jared didn’t know, Jared couldn’t stop. Her smile reappeared as she picked up speed and rode the open road with new purpose.

  Chapter 2

  Tessa pulled into the compound with Adam behind her. Her eyes found Jared, who exited through the door as soon as she appeared. He headed her way. Pulling to a stop, she balanced the bike with her tiptoes, shutting it off.

  “Hey,” she said, glad his eyes weren’t narrowed at her.

  “Why’s Adam driving your car?” Jared’s gaze left hers as he watched Adam pull around to the garage area. “Is it acting up again?”

  “No.” Tessa managed to get off the bike. Jared held it still until she was clear. “I just felt like riding.”

  It looked as if Jared wanted to say something, but instead, he just nodded. She knew he was trying to understand the new her. Hell, she was trying to understand it too.

  “Are you finished for tonight?” Tessa glanced to where Adam was heading their way. He tossed her the keys and she did the same before looking back at Jared.

  “We have a meeting in about fifteen, but after that, I should be finished.” Jared put his arm around her shoulders, leading her to the compound behind Adam. “Sid fixed some chili if you want to wait for me there.”

  Tessa nodded, kissed him outside of Sloan’s office, then headed toward the kitchen. And that was how their nights seemed to go of late. Or at least the nights he didn’t work. Meeting, kitchen, and then sit in silence after an amazing round of lovemaking. They needed to talk, really needed to talk, yet Tessa was terrified of what may be said.

  With a sigh, she wondered where the brave woman who’d jumped off the cliff had gone. She seemed to disappear when the opportunity to say her piece presented itself to her mate.

  Walking into the kitchen, she spotted Charger sitting at the table alone, a finished bowl of chili in front of him. His eyes went directly to her, and he nodded without saying a word. The Dark Guardian was handsome for sure, but something about him set her on edge.

  Grabbing a bowl, she scooped out some chili, grabbed some crackers, and headed to the table and sat across from him. “You’re missing the meeting.”

  Charger gave her a smug grin. “If they need me, they’ll let me know.”

  Tessa knew he watched as she crumbled half a pack of crackers in her chili, then stirred them around. Glancing up at him, she frowned. “What?”

  “That’s disgusting.” His eyes narrowed at the spoon she lifted to her mouth.

  “It’s delish this way.” Tessa smiled, blowing on her spoonful of cracker chili. She hadn’t known Dark Guardians existed. Then again, she didn’t know much about this world she now found herself in. From what she had learned, Dark Guardians were like the VC Warriors, but instead of dealing with humans and vampires, they dealt with demons primarily, with a human and vampire thrown in here and there.

  “And why aren’t you in the meeting?” Charger cocked his eyebrow at her.

  “Because I’m not a Warrior,” Tessa replied, finally taking a bite of chili, which was still hot as hell.

  “By your choice?”

  That question had her eyes flying to his. “What does that mean?”

  “It’s pretty straightforward,” Charger answered, this time without the grin. “What do you want, Tessa? Has anyone ever asked you?”
<
br />   Okay, this was just weird. It was as if he were searching her mind, which she knew was closed off. Also, she knew he didn’t have that kind of power to read her. She would definitely know. Tessa really didn’t know how to answer his question. She didn’t want to lie; he’d know for sure, and honestly, she didn’t want to be disrespectful to her mate since Tessa knew that’s exactly what he was asking.

  “I know what I want.” Tessa took another bite of chili, forgetting to blow on it. Instantly her mouth was on fire, but she played it off, not wanting this man to know he had unsettled her. “And what does anyone asking me matter? I will do what I want, when I want, and how I want.”

  Charger cocked his eyebrow at her. “Good answer.” Charger stood from the table, grabbing his empty bowl. “Truthful I’m not so sure.”

  “Are you calling me a liar?” Tessa pushed her bowl away, suddenly losing her appetite as she glared at him.

  Stopping in the middle of the kitchen, Charger turned to look at her. “I would never call a beautiful lady a liar.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “Only you can look in the mirror to determine what is truth and what is not.”

  Tessa continued to watch him as he put his dirty bowl in the sink. What was it with these men? Adam, her father, and even Gramps she had to clean up after, but these men didn’t even have to be nagged. She noticed he had turned and was staring at her.

  “Are there women in the Dark Guardians?” Tessa asked, curious.

  “Yes, and some are even better than the men.” When Charger leaned against the counter, Tessa moved so she could look directly at him. “There is no discrimination in what we do, Tessa. Soon we will be outnumbered. Male, female, young, or old who believe in what’s right are welcomed to join the fight.”