“No.” Jill wished she could tell him something different, but she wasn’t going to lie. “I think he’s just waiting to turn me, but I’m not letting that happen unless the laws change.”
“So you’d rather die than let Slade change you?” Adam stared at her as if trying to understand.
“Slade’s a doctor, a VC Warrior, it would ruin him to change me,” Jill responded firmly. “I can’t live with knowing I was his downfall.”
Adam started to say something but Sloan walked in the room holding something in his hand. “Been looking for you.” He handed her a check. “Sorry it took me so long, that should cover whatever’s needed.”
Jill looked at the check and about choked on the cracker she had just put in her mouth. “This is too much.” Jill handed it back to him, but then pulled it back looking at it. “Exactly how much do I get paid anyway?”
Sloan’s lips curved up in a half grin. “Only part of that is your pay advance. The guys pitched in to pay for their part.”
“That wasn’t the deal.” Jill frowned again, handing the check back, which he wouldn’t take.
“They figured you’d say that and said to tell you that this is the deal, and if you didn’t accept it, then the weddings were off.” Sloan replied, then walked out before Jill could argue further.
“How much is it?” Adam plucked it out of her fingers to look at it. “Holy shit. Can I borrow a couple thousand?” He gave her a ‘pretty please’ smile.
Jill stood, plucking it right back out of his fingers. “Not a chance.” She grinned and headed out of the kitchen.
As she made her way to her room, she had to watch for any of the girls. She told everyone else to keep the secret, but she totally sucked at secrets. That was why she was sneaking down the halls as if she were on some covert operation with the VC Warriors. Rushing inside her room, she shut the door. Slade walked out of the bathroom totally naked drying his hair with a towel.
“Good thing it was me.” Her eyes roamed his body and a sudden heat flushed across her skin.
Slade’s smile was slow, his eyes roaming over her. It had been way too long since he had touched her and she knew exactly why. She turned away from him and gazed at herself in the mirror, something she tried not to do lately. Her cheeks were sunken as were her eyes, which looked flat. The paleness of her skin made the shadows under her mismatched eyes even more pronounced. Steve was right; she looked like shit. Closing her eyes, she shut out the truth of the situation staring back at her.
“Open your eyes,” Slade said from directly behind her. His heat surrounded her.
Jill did as he said, but looked up over her head to stare at him, not her reflection. “I know why you haven’t touched me.” Jill didn’t take her eyes off him. “I can’t blame you. Steve’s right, I look like shit.”
Turning her around, Slade glared down at her. “Steve’s a fucking idiot.” Slade raised an eyebrow as if emphasizing that fact. “And I’m taking it slow with you until you’re stronger.”
“Don’t lie to me, Slade.” Jill tried to look away, but he wouldn’t let her. “I would totally understand if you want to call off our wedding.”
“Jill, I’m going to marry you because that is what I want.” Slade’s voice turned into a growl.
“I’m gross,” Jill replied, then laughed at her choice of words, despite her eyes misting with tears.
Slade didn’t laugh. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“You have to say that.” Jill rolled her eyes.
“No.” Slade’s voice held conviction. “I don’t. I just know exactly what will put you in jeopardy and as badly as I want to lay you down underneath me at this very moment, it’s not going to happen. It’s not worth the risk.”
“So is this what it’s going to be like being married to a doctor?” Jill grumbled, but her heart felt a little lighter. “I get a little sniffle and...”
“This is not a little sniffle and you know it.” Slade had already put on a pair of slacks and reached over grabbing a shirt.
She sighed and then eyed him. “Where you going?”
“To get my tux with the rest of the men you and Caroline have been ordering around.” He winked at her. Leaning down, he kissed her softly. “I cannot wait to make you my wife. I love you.”
Jill kissed him back with a tight hug. “I love you.”
“Now rest for a while and I’ll be back soon.” Slade smiled. Something flickered in his eyes, but was gone as soon as it appeared.
As the door closed, Jill felt more alone than she ever had and she knew it was fear making her feel this way. She could yell right now and Slade would be in front of her in two seconds flat. Glancing at the closed door, she thought about doing just that, but didn’t. She’d be damned if she let fear win. She was stronger than that.
******
Slade went the opposite way of the game room, where he was supposed to meet the guys, past his office and out the door to the parking lot. He continued until he knew he was out of sight of the cameras. Stopping, he just stood, staring at nothing. With his hands clenched at his sides, his body pulsed in rage. It took every ounce of discipline he possessed not to show any negative emotion around Jill, around any of them. He was their doctor. He should be able to do something except watch the woman he loved slowly starving to death in front of his fucking eyes.
Tilting his head back, he held back the roar he felt building in his chest. Afraid if he let go, he would be too far gone in his rage to return to the man he needed to be for Jill. All his life he had waited for her; though he didn’t know it until he had seen her that first day playing tag football, and still he had tried to fight it. Flashes of memories filtered through his brain as he stood, head back with his eyes closed.
Jill’s words came back to him like a punch in the gut. For her to even think for one minute that he didn’t want to marry her, make love to her, told him he was failing miserably at taking care of her. For Jill to have any doubts of his devotion to her was unacceptable. His insides twisted at the mere thought of not having her in his life, so why in the hell did he have such a hard time expressing that to her? Just the thought of losing Jill brought his rage even closer.
His eyes opened, black as night as he stared toward the sky. “I will not lose her.” His voice was hoarse with emotion. Bringing his head down he wasn’t surprised at the wetness on his face. Determination and rage filled his soul as did the love for his mate. “I will not fail her.”
Turning, he swiped his face before heading back inside, feeling a little more in control. He grabbed the door handle and swung the door open.
“Fuck!” Steve jumped back with a squeal. “I think I just shit my pants.”
Slade didn’t say a word as he passed Steve.
“They’re all waiting for you and sent me to find you.” Steve walked fast to keep up with Slade. Then almost ran smack into him when Slade slowed by the door to his room, but then kept going.
Making it to the game room, Slade stepped inside, his eyes finding Sloan. “I’m turning her after the wedding.”
Sloan didn’t say anything for a second, but of course, Steve did.
“You can’t!” Steve said a little too fast. When everyone looked at him, he shuffled his feet nervously. “I mean, she’ll be mad. She doesn’t want you to turn her. Can’t somebody else maybe later next week or something.”
“Later next week?” Slade tilted his head, his eyes narrowing at Steve. “Why later next week?”
“Ah, well...” Everyone in the room knew Steve was hiding something. He knew they knew which made him a nervous mess. “Because...I mean instead of you changing her, someone else can.”
“No one will touch her.” Slade’s growl rattled the room, his body stiffened as if ready to attack.
“Let’s keep calm, Slade.” Jared placed himself between Steve and Slade. “Steve’s just talking out his ass again.”
“Yeah.” Steve’s voice was full of relief as he peeked around
Jared to Slade. “I do that a lot...talking out my ass. I’m an ass talker for sure. I even—”
“Steve.” Sid coughed, shaking his head and mimicking a cutting motion across his neck indicating to Steve he needed to shut the fuck up.
Slade’s glare went back to Sloan, then to Adam. “I’ll change Adam also.”
Adam, who was sitting slumped in a chair, looked up. “I’m good, man.” His voice was weak.
Nothing about Adam was good; they all knew it. He was deteriorating fast.
“I’ll change Adam,” Duncan said from his place against the pool table.
“Yeah, and have two counts against you.” Sloan shook his head. “No. How much time do we have, Slade?”
Slade stared at Sloan before looking at Adam then at nothing but empty space. “Not long.”
“We’re not losing anyone,” Sloan said, anger lacing every word. “Let’s get this wedding shit over with and set a plan into action. If anyone needs to be turned before then, they will be turned and we’ll deal with the consequences later.”
“I wouldn’t let Jill hear you call the wedding...wedding shit,” Steve added, not knowing when to shut the hell up. “Just sayin’.”
“The kid’s got a point.” Sid laughed. “Now let’s get this over with. Caroline’s going to meet us and take tuxes to Jill’s parents' house.”
Slade watched each of his brothers leave the room until just he and Sloan remained. “I’ve been talking to my colleagues in California,” Slade said, his eyes darkening. “They’ve tried to get the law changed there and it’s been shut down. They’ve lost over fifty half-breeds and that’s only in their area. We have no idea how many have died across the country. They are keeping this quiet, just a few leaks from the media. The government is doing everything in their power to make sure the human race does not get outnumbered by vampires.”
Sloan cursed. “Have they been given the same serum as Pam, Jill and Adam?”
“There’s no way to tell.” Slade’s voice deepened in anger. “We need to find out who’s making this shit and put a stop to it.”
“Well, if I lose my Warriors that isn’t going to happen,” Sloan replied, then slapped Slade on the back. “But I understand what you need to do because if it were me, I wouldn’t hesitate to change my mate if it needed to be done.”
Surprised, Slade looked at Sloan as they headed out the door.
“And if you tell any one of those sons of bitches out there I said that I will kill you.” Sloan gave him a warning glance before walking out of the room. “I don’t need fucking Sid or Jared matchmaking.”
Slade followed him out, shaking his head with a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. There was no happiness in his soul until Jill was safe.
CHAPTER 19
The day had finally arrived and Caroline was about to have a full blown panic attack. Trying to pull off a wedding in one week with six brides and grooms was just crazy, but there she was right smack in the middle of it. The few guest who had been invited were mingling in the woods with the tux-clad Warriors, and that alone was a heart-stopping moment for any hot-blooded woman. Poor Trevor and Steve had been hiding cars for an hour. Everyone invited knew what was going on and were more than happy to be a part of the surprise.
“Breathe,” Jax said from behind her. “Everything is perfect. You’ve done an amazing job.”
Caroline frowned as she continued to look around. “Are you sure? I feel like I’m missing something.” The clearing was set up with chairs decorated with green vines and flowers. White lights were strung through the trees and the archway that Jax, Hunter, and Blaze made for the occasion was gorgeous.
“It’s fine.” Jax smiled down at her nervous frown.
“I just don’t want Jill to be disappointed.” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
Jax groaned before tugging her arm. “Come on. You need to get up to the house before the women show up or they’re going to catch you coming out of the woods.”
Caroline let Jax lead her, but kept turning around looking at the clearing until they turned the bend and she couldn’t see the beautiful wedding setup anymore. They stayed to the side of the white runner the brides would walk on along the trail.
Trevor and Steve met them, keeping clear of the white runner since Caroline threatened bodily harm if they stepped foot on it.
“Cars are hidden.” Steve gave her a thumbs up.
“And let me tell you it wasn’t easy,” Trevor grumbled but smiled. “Although, that Mustang GT was freaking awesome. I think I parked that one farthest away.”
“Dude, that’s Damon’s car,” Steve said as they headed down the trail where everyone was. “You better hope nothing happens to that car ‘cause that mean son of a bitch decapitates people who piss him off.”
“Ah, come on.” Trevor snorted.
“I shit you not...” Steve’s voice trailed off as they disappeared around the bend.
Caroline grinned, shaking her head. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you later.”
Jax nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Ah, well, okay.” God, she sounded like an idiot, but Jax Wheeler in a tux could make any woman act like a complete fool. She turned, started toward the house, and then stopped. “Oh, I’ll text you when we’re ready for the ushers.”
Again Jax nodded, but this time, a small grin tugged the corner of his mouth.
“Yeah, okay.” Caroline turned back around, rolling her eyes at herself. She could feel his eyes on her as she made her way across the yard and prayed she didn’t trip. Secretly, she hoped her ass looked good in her jeans. “Jesus, Caroline. Stop being such a slut.” The deep chuckle behind her sent a burning flush up her neck to her face. Lord, she just needed to keep her mouth shut around that man.
Opening the door to the house, Caroline headed upstairs where she knocked on Jill’s door. “Come in.”
Jill sat in front of a mirror while her mom styled her hair. Caroline really didn’t know how she felt about Ruth Nichols. The stories she’d heard about her and Jill’s relationship didn’t sit well, but Jill seemed happy and that was what counted, especially today.
“Is everything ready?” Jill turned to look at Caroline, excitement and a strange sadness in her eyes.
“It’s perfect.” Caroline replied, praying that Jill would think so. “All the guys are there, know what to do, and are ready to go.”
“Are the girls here yet?” Jill stood, hugging her robe tightly against her body. She stumbled as she stood, then sat back down quickly.
Looking away from Jill, Caroline checked her watch. “No, but they will be any minute. I’m going to run and get dressed before they get here.”
“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.” Jill again stood, this time without stumbling. She walked up to Caroline hugging her tightly. “If it wasn’t for you, this never would be happening.”
“Ah, the guys did most of the work.” Caroline hugged her back before pulling away. “I just ordered them around, which I have to admit, I’m very good at.”
“Is Slade here?” Jill asked, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks.
“With the biggest grin on his face.” Caroline smiled, then rushed to the door. “Now finish getting more beautiful than you already are while I go change and get the girls ready.”
Running to the room next door, Caroline rushed to get dressed, then applied a little makeup and fluffed her hair. Loud knocking from downstairs had her grabbing her high heels before running down the steps to open the door.
Nicole, Tessa, Pam, Lana and Angelina all stood in the open doorway looking a little confused. “Hey!” Caroline opened the door wider, inviting them in.
Lana stepped inside, her eyes narrowing on Caroline. “What are you doing here?” she whispered, already suspicious.
They all held presents and Caroline suddenly didn’t know what to say, her eyes shooting upstairs then back to the ladies. “Ah, you can just set the gifts on the kitchen table.”
Nicole looked around with a growing frown. “Are we too early?”
After all the presents were set on the table, they all turned to look at Caroline. “This isn’t a bridal shower.” Caroline began wringing her hands together. “Jill asked that you all come.”
“So if it’s not a bridal shower, then what is it?” Tessa asked.
“Don’t make me interrogate you, Caroline.” Lana narrowed her eyes. “Because I will and you’ll blab like you always do.”
Caroline cringed, knowing her sister was right, but not this time. “Jill has planned something special for all of you.” Emotions threatened to overwhelm Caroline, but she held it back. “Follow me.”
“Caroline,” Lana warned in her cop voice.
“Please don’t question me,” Caroline said, but not just to Lana, to all of them. Thankfully, they remained quiet and followed her into a bedroom downstairs. Walking to the closet, Caroline grabbed two white dresses handing one to Angelina and the other to Tessa. She continued to pass out the dresses until they all had one, not looking at any of them in the eye. She was going to see this done. Bending down she grabbed the shoe boxes next, handing one to each of them that had their names on it.
“What is this?” Pam’s voice held confusion as she looked at her dress and shoe box.
“Please put the dresses and shoes on. There is makeup on the dresser as well as brushes and hair stuff. As soon as you’re dressed, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” Caroline walked out and hurriedly shut the door behind her praying they would do what she said. She seriously felt like she was going to have a damn panic attack. Wedding planning was so not her forte. She’d rather be in the classroom with a hundred preschoolers than go through that again.
******
Jill stood while her mom laced up her dress. The long mirror Trevor had brought up from her mom and dad’s bedroom stood against the wall. Jill couldn’t stop staring at herself. She actually looked pretty. Her mom, being a hairdresser, had done her hair and makeup, but it was the dress that kept catching her eyes. It was a white silk sleeveless swoop neck, off-the-shoulder wedding dress that fit tight to the waist and then flared out into flowing lace with no train. It was a simple dress for a simple girl. Looking back at her face, she was happy that her mother was very good with makeup. Her dark circles had all but disappeared from under her eyes.
A Warrior Wedding Page 13
