Tessa

by Gabelman, Teresa

  Her fangs grew, wanting his blood, but she controlled it. Usually, once they began taking each other’s blood, it was over. She wanted tonight to last. Admittedly, their relationship was rocky, but their sex life was on point.

  Jared grabbed her, quickly pulling her beneath him. He kissed and licked his way down her body until he was between her legs. He loved going down on her. Thank God. Spreading her legs to give him free rein, her hands found her tits. He loved to watch as she gave herself pleasure.

  Yeah, their sex life was amazing. She had never felt so free in that aspect. She was never embarrassed, which had been a new experience for her, and no matter what, she could ask anything without feeling less than. He answered her questions about sex, usually by showing her in such mind-blowing ways.

  As soon as she was on the verge of exploding, his mouth left her core as he made his way up her body, a body he knew better than she knew herself. Just as he plunged into her, his eyes stared into hers intently, as if showing her his soul. She gasped at the intensity.

  “Never forget that I love you, Tessa.” Jared’s voice was low, to the point, and stern. “Never.”

  Before Tessa could reply, he offered her his neck, which Tessa accepted immediately. No one saw behind closed doors Jared’s total care for her needs. He never sought pleasure for himself, only for her, and if it wasn’t for her insistence on pleasuring him, he would be fine and content. Tessa enjoyed giving him pleasure as much as he did. He never argued, but it was always her first.

  After she had her fill, she pulled her fangs as he continued to pump a sexual rhythm, sending them both closer to the edge. Licking the small wound on his neck closed, she arched her neck toward him. Instead, he picked her up, turned her around so she was on all fours, slid back into her from behind, then pulled her up against him, using his strength to continue their pleasure as he sank his teeth into her neck.

  “Never forget that I love you, Jared.” She repeated his words and they both found release. “Never.”

  Chapter 4

  Tessa sat at her desk looking through files. She really loved this job and felt important, as if she were making a difference. Glancing at the huge stack of reports, she frowned. Well, somewhat of a difference. The amount of work involved in Children’s Services was a little overwhelming, but she was up for the challenge.

  Shifting in her seat, she grimaced before a smile tipped her lips. Last night had been amazing. They had actually talked. Not about their issues, but it was a start. It was the first time in a long time they had lain together after sex, talked, laughed, and even ran to the kitchen to take snacks back up to the bedroom. All night, it was talk, eat, and sex, until it was time to shower and get ready to face another day. She hoped with everything in her power tonight would be a repeat of that.

  Jared had walked her to the car, kissed her playfully until it turned into full-blown passion to the point they almost went back upstairs. They probably would have if his phone hadn’t rung.

  A quick glance at the clock on the wall and she frowned. Soon she needed to leave to meet her father, something she dreaded. As she and Jared were getting ready this morning, she’d mentioned the meeting to her mate. His eyes had flashed angrily, but instead of responding right away, he remained quiet as he stared at her before asking her if she wanted him there. To say she was shocked was an understatement. He’d ask her what she had wanted, and in truth, it had thrown her for a minute. Even though knowing Adam would be there, she wanted Jared’s support. This meeting with her father was going to be hard and him being there would mean a lot to her.

  Closing the file she’d barely looked at, Tessa stood, grabbing her things as she headed toward Mitch’s office. Even though she could see Mitch at his desk, she knocked.

  “Do you know how nice that is?” Mitch said, looking up from his desk.

  “Not sure I know what you mean,” Tessa replied with a frown.

  “Manners is what I mean.” Mitch sighed, then waved her inside his office. “Callahan just barges inside and starts running that big mouth of hers.”

  Tessa laughed with a nod. She had witnessed Nicole doing that on numerous occasions. She also knew there was deep-rooted respect between the two. “Well, give me a few more weeks,” Tessa teased. “I’m still new.”

  “Yeah. She seems to rub off on people around her.” Mitch chuckled and gave a small shrug. “So what’s up?”

  “I have to take a little extra time for lunch today,” she replied, not really wanting to explain why and hoped he didn’t ask.

  “Sure, go ahead,” Nicole said as she actually barged into the room and took over. “We’ll cover you here.”

  “See what the hell I mean.” Mitch threw up his hands in defeat, then slammed them on the desk. “Callahan, get the fuck out of my office before I fire your ass.”

  “You need me to go with you?” Nicole ignored Mitch’s outburst as she stared at Tessa, who was looking at her in surprise. “Jared and Damon had a job today, but Jared backed out and told Damon why. Yes, I was eavesdropping.”

  “Do you have no shame?” Mitch gave her a glare of disgust.

  “Nope.” Nicole gave him a large smile. “Sometimes that’s the only way you learn anything with that group.”

  “That is so true.” Tessa came to Nicole’s defense. “And thanks, but I’ll be fine with Adam and Jared there.”

  “Well, just call if you need anything.” Nicole gave her a hug, then walked out of the office without another word.

  “I swear one day I’m going to fire her,” Mitch grumbled, glaring at the door.

  “No, you won’t.” Tessa laughed, then turned to leave. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “What area are you going to be in today?” Mitch stopped her before she could disappear.

  “Kentucky. Just across the river.” Tessa glanced back at him. “Why?”

  “Do you think when you’re finished, you could do an unscheduled visit?” Mitch grabbed a file and thumbed through it. “If you don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, that’s not a problem. We just haven’t been able to reach the foster family of a young man for about two weeks.”

  With a frown, Tessa took the file. “Has anyone been there yet?”

  “No, that’s why I want to make it a priority,” Mitch replied with a sigh. “We’re finally getting somewhat caught up, but a few have slipped through the cracks so to speak.”

  “Sure, I can stop.” Tessa put the file in her bag. “And I promise to call for backup if I feel it’s needed,” she added before Mitch could say it.

  “God, please tell me there are ten of you out there somewhere and they all need a job,” Mitch said, his voice growing loud. She knew he was hoping Nicole was near to hear him. “Someone who knocks on my door without barging in, doesn’t have a big-ass mouth, and follows orders before they’re even given.”

  Tessa smiled as she walked down the hallway, hearing every word Mitch was now shouting. She glanced in Nicole’s office as she passed to see her looking down at her desk, but Nicole’s arm was outstretched flipping the bird toward the direction of Mitch’s office.

  Chuckling, she rushed out of the building toward her car but stopped when she saw Jared sitting in the parking lot, lounging on his bike. His eyes watched her head his way, running up and down her body.

  “You need a ride?” His deep voice always comforted her in a way nothing else ever could.

  “Yes!” she said excitedly, loving to ride behind him, but then she remembered the file in her bag. “But I can’t. I have to do an unscheduled visit afterward.”

  “Alone?” Jared frowned, his eyes narrowing.

  “Yes,” she replied, her mood growing dark. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing her father, and now Jared was going to pull his alpha bullshit with her job. Yeah, she wasn’t in the mood for this right now. “It’s my job, Jared. I don’t think Mitch would send me into a dangerous situation alone and I have a phone, which I will use to call backup if necessary.”

&nb
sp; Slowly, his frown disappeared as he stared at her. “Get on.” Jared scooted up slightly. “I’ll take you.”

  “You don’t have to do that, Jared.” Tessa shook her head, really not wanting to have this fight after the night they’d had last night. “I can handle this.”

  Jared looked away from her for a split second before his eyes slammed back toward her. “I know you can,” he finally said. “I won’t even get off the bike. Hell, I’ll even drop you off and park up the road. Now get on.”

  Suspicion settled in her gut. “So you aren’t doing this because you don’t think I can handle an unscheduled visit alone?”

  “No,” Jared answered flatly. Then a sexy smile spread across his lips. “I’m doing this because I want to feel that sexy body pressed against me.”

  “Now that I can believe.” She laughed as she strapped her bag over her shoulder deciding that this would be a test to see if Jared was going to be true to his word. Before she could get on, he stopped her, pulling her close. His lips hovered over hers as he stared into her eyes. The kiss was deep and hard. He let her go suddenly, making her stumble back, but he caught and steadied her.

  Getting on the back, she made sure she pressed her body against his. While doing so, she wondered about his sudden change in attitude about her working. Though he was taking her to her first unscheduled visit, he said he would remain on his bike. Before she got too excited about this change, she would see if he kept his word and let her do her job.

  Tessa rested her head against his back as they rode. She wasn’t excited about seeing her dad, not at all. The last experience had almost put her in the hospital. His drinking had been heavy and his rage centered on her. Today she was going to stand strong, yet the little girl in her missed the father he used to be before things took a turn for the worse.

  The further away they got from the city, crossing the bridge into Kentucky, Tessa felt herself relax. Staring down at the muddy Ohio River, she smiled. This was her home, where she was most comfortable. Kentucky girl in heart and soul. Even the air smelled different.

  The roar of the bike, the strength of the man she held onto, gave her a sense of calm. Yet deep down, she knew that troubled times were ahead. She could feel it, and as much as she tried to push it away, it was there in the back of her mind.

  Closing her eyes, she let everything go, preparing herself for what was to come. After a while, the bike slowed as Jared pulled onto the dirt driveway leading to her place, their place. Home. Opening her eyes and lifting her head, she was relieved to only see Adam’s bike parked next to the house. Her father wasn’t there yet. Good. It gave her time to prepare. Maybe, just maybe, he would pull his normal stunt and not even show, but she doubted that would happen. He wanted something. Frank Pride always wanted something.

  Jared helped her off the bike, then held her hand as they walked into the house. Adam sat at the kitchen table eating a sandwich.

  “Hey.” Adam gave them a nod as he took a huge bite.

  “Have you heard anything?” Tessa let go of Jared’s hand and set her bag down. Walking to the fridge, she grabbed a water, offering one to Jared. He declined.

  “So do you know what this is about?” Jared asked, leaning against the counter.

  “No.” Adam took a long drink of Mountain Dew. “But I’m sure it has to do with the house and Gramps.”

  “You didn’t read him?” Jared cocked his eyebrow.

  “Nah, takes the fun out of it sometimes.” Adam stood, cleaning up his mess. “I want to see what Frank comes up with.”

  “Don’t think much of your old man, do you?” Jared replied with a grin.

  “Hate is too mild of a word to describe what I feel for that man.” Adam glanced at his watch. “And the bastard has five minutes before I walk out that door and refuse to see him. Period.”

  Tessa felt the same exact way Adam did. Yet she knew if they left tonight without seeing him, it wouldn’t end. Their father would be persistent until he got what he wanted, or in this case, tried to get what he wanted. Her gaze went to Jared, who had turned to look toward the front door. His frown deepened on his face. The door opened, and the voice that turned her insides to ice reached her ears.

  “Where’s my girl?” Frank Pride’s booming voice rattled through the house, and so did Adam and Jared’s growls.

  Chapter 5

  Tessa braced herself to face her father again. Frank walked in bigger than life, his long graying reddish-blonde hair was tied back in his usual ponytail. How pathetic was it that she despised this man who she had once loved as a little girl? Somewhere deep inside her, she wanted him to be that man again, but she was a woman who knew even that wouldn’t make a difference. Not now. Not after everything.

  Her father, who had been a handsome man before alcohol ravaged his body, sought her out. As he stepped toward her, Jared came between them.

  “Who the hell are you?” Frank stepped back with a frown, glaring at Jared, then Tessa. “Who is he?”

  “My husband,” Tessa replied without skipping a beat. “What do you want?”

  Her father’s eyes went back to Jared briefly before a smile slowly spread across his face. “So you finally hooked you a man.” Frank snickered with a shake of his head. “Didn’t think that would happen.”

  “You son of a bitch!” Jared growled, heading toward her father.

  Tessa grabbed Jared’s arm, stepping in front of him. “Get out.” Tessa’s tone was calm, but she made sure to bare her fangs. His eyes widened. “What? Surprised that I can now stand up for myself and not cower as you smack me around?”

  “You know that wasn’t me.” Frank actually took a step back. “That was the booze. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

  “Oh, it was you, and you knew exactly what you were doing.” Tessa felt her courage growing stronger, as well as her anger.

  “I wanted to come here today to make amends. I understand why you’re so upset,” he said, with as much empathy that Frank Pride could spit out of his lying mouth, which wasn’t much. He didn’t know the meaning of the word.

  “Why?” Tessa cocked her head. “Why am I upset, Frank?” She could see the narrowing of his eyes when she called him by his first name.

  “Because of what I did to you,” he replied without hesitation.

  “Wrong.” Tessa sneered at him. “I despise you for what you did to our mother. That is something I will never forgive. You killed her by driving drunk, then placed her in the driver seat, making it look like it was mom who wrecked. You took her from us.”

  Frank frowned, glancing at Adam who had remained silent, but close, then back to her. “She was already gone. There was nothing that I could have done.” Frank reached toward Tessa but dropped his hands quickly when Jared growled. “I did it for you, for both of you, baby girl.”

  A haze of red came over Tessa’s vision and her body vibrated with rage. “Don’t call me that.” She hissed as her hand quickly came up, slapping him across the face. A long scratch beading blood appeared on his cheek. “She loved you, and what you did to our mother is unforgivable.”

  Reaching up, he touched his cheek and looked at his hand spotted with blood. That was when the real Frank Pride showed up. “You little bitch.” He leaned toward her. “I came here with good intentions, but as usual, you’ve fucked that up.”

  “You came here to get whatever you can,” Adam finally said in disgust. “And I’m so fucking happy to tell you that you’ve wasted your time.”

  “Shut up, boy.” Frank snapped his head toward Adam, who hissed at him. “What? You think I’m scared of you since you’re a big VC Warrior now? You’re still just a snot-nosed kid who ain’t grown a pair yet.”

  “Get the hell out of here.” Tessa felt Jared at her back and knew his rage was barely under control. He was letting her take care of the situation, but if Frank made one move toward her, it would be the last thing he ever did.

  Frank laughed with an arrogance that set Tessa’s nerves on edge. “This is m
y house.” Frank glared at them both. “You get the fuck out and you ain’t taking nothing with you.”

  Tessa laughed in her father’s face. “Actually, this house belongs to Gramps.”

  “Exactly,” Frank spat out with a triumphant look on his face. “My father, which means anything he owned now belongs to me.”

  Tessa and Adam both looked at each other, then back to Frank. “The bastard thinks he’s dead.” Adam laughed, shaking his head. “You are a stupid son of a bitch. Gramps isn’t dead.”

  That seemed to surprise Frank, his eyes opening in shock. “What? You put him in one of those homes or something?”

  “You really are a piece of shit,” Tessa said. Her voice held very little emotion other than anger. She would never let him know how upsetting his words were. Never give him that satisfaction again. “We will never let you near him, father or not.”

  “You can’t keep me from my own father.” Frank slammed his hand against the table, making it rattle.

  “He’s under VC protection, so yes they can and definitely will,” Jared added, his tone firm.

  “I’m getting me a lawyer.” Frank looked away from Jared to Tessa, then pointed at Adam. “And you best watch yourself, boy.”

  Adam walked straight up to Frank, who stood only a few inches taller than Adam. “I’m a man now, Frank.”

  “I’m your father and you ain’t no man,” he spat out, something close to hatred in his eyes. Then he looked toward Tessa. “You know I almost had your momma talked into aborting you.”

  Those words hit hard and deep, but she’d be damned if she let him know it. She just stared him straight in the eyes with her chin held high. Before she knew what was happening, Jared picked Frank up by the throat and had him against the wall.