“Then they need to be fired,” Slade replied with an angry sneer.
“Oh, yeah. That will make me popular with the unmated males around here,” Jill snorted. “Get rid of the hot, sexy blood banks because the poor little half-breed girl is whining about it. No, I don’t think so.”
She missed the grin that tipped his lips. “But that is their job, to supply blood,” Slade added again.
“Why can’t they have hot, sexy male blood banks walking around for the women? Huh? I mean how would you feel latching your lips on Sid or Jared?” Her eyes finally shot to his in time to see him shiver with revulsion. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“You should have gone to Duncan with this.” Some of Slade’s irritation had left his tone.
“For three months, Duncan has not been here. Even when he was sitting behind his desk, he wasn’t here. Pam’s disappearance was more than enough for him to handle, not my little problem.” When he started to open his mouth, she shook her head knowing what he was going to stay next.
“This is not a little problem,” Slade argued staring into her mismatched eyes.
“I learned a hard lesson after I was turned. Once you become a problem, you’re put out. When I was turned, I went home, but it was too much for my family, so I left. They were afraid of me, but I was still me. If I become a problem here, I have nowhere else to go.” She looked away from his eyes, feeling uncertain. “If I leave now, I can still keep the friends I’ve made here. I wasn’t that lucky with my family.”
Slade was quiet for what seemed like forever. With a sigh, he took off his shirt. “You can feed from me tonight.” He tossed his shirt on his jacket. “I will find someone male you can count on to feed from in the future.”
Her eyes traveled the expansion of his chest down to the fine hairs that disappeared into the waistband of his jeans. His body was carved to perfection making Jill swallow hard.
“Uhm, that’s okay.” Jill pulled her eyes away from his body feeling like a sex fiend teenager that had never seen a man’s bare chest. She had seen plenty of bare chests, but none like Slade Buchanan’s. “I’m good.”
“Oh, really? If you’re fine, why did you almost attack an innocent at the hospital?” He walked toward her putting his hands on both sides of her legs caging her on the table. He cocked his eyebrow at her before tilting his neck. “Feed. Make sure you hit the vein.”
Jill took a deep breath closing her eyes wondering how she got herself into these messes. Nervously, she opened her mouth and eyes at the same time, but just stared at the vein in his muscular neck.
“Jill?” Slade’s voice broke the silence.
“Huh?” She still stared at the vein, her mouth and eyes wide open.
“Is there a problem?”
“Na uh.”
Before he could move to see what she was doing, her sharp fangs broke his skin sinking into his vein. A hiss escaped him, but he stopped her when she started to pull away, putting his hand on the back of her head. “Don’t stop.”
She honestly didn’t know if she could stop if she wanted to. His blood was warm with a hint of spice. She’d had a small amount of blood before, but never had it tasted like this. Her hand went to the other side of his neck, her fingers splayed apart, her thumb slowly moving back and forth across his skin. Never had she taken blood from someone’s neck. It had always been the wrist. Her body was coming alive with feelings that were new to her and she was liking it…a lot. She felt lost in the moment, her body pressed closer to his as she took her fill.
Not having any idea the effect she was having on Slade, her body pressed closer as the tug of her mouth seductively took pulls of his skin. Moans reached her ears, but she didn’t know if they were her own. She didn’t care. Not really knowing how much she should take, she reluctantly pulled her mouth from his, licking the two puncture wounds taking the rest of his weeping blood.
“Is that enough?” Slade’s voice was rough and low.
“I was going to ask you the same thing?” Jill replied into his neck, afraid to make eye contact with him yet. Her emotions and feelings were raw.
Slade leaned back away from her. “You probably don’t want to take too much. My blood is going to be more potent than others.” He looked down at her legs which were wrapped around his lower body.
Her eyes followed the path his had taken. A blush bloomed across her face. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She unwrapped her legs, scooting further back on the table.
He only nodded as he reached to grab his shirt. “You should heal quicker now.” He tugged his shirt over his head. “I’m having appointments with all the half-breeds next week, so I’ll see how you’re doing by then. If you need anything sooner, just let me know.”
Hopping from the table, Jill was totally shocked when her leg held and didn’t hurt at all. She moved her shoulder not feeling a twinge of pain. Hell he was a walking cure for aches and pains. Feeling dumb and inadequate just standing there, Jill headed for the door figuring she was dismissed.
“Thank you,” Jill replied, finally able to make eye contact with him.
“It’s my job, Jill.” He nodded. “I’ll find someone to take care of your needs, but for now you should be fine.”
Okay, that hurt a little, but what did she expect? For him to fall to his knees announcing his undying love for her and swearing that he would be her hot, sexy blood bank? Yeah, in her dreams. Taking one last long look at him she savored the moment, because she was sure she would never have her lips or anything else on this man again. Men like him didn’t go for girls like her, and at that moment that’s what he made her feel like, a little girl.
“Well, I appreciate it, Dr. Buchanan.” She added his title, because the sooner she realized he was way out of her league, the more protected her heart would stay. This was a man she could fall for…hard. Jill moved too fast once she was out the door, missing the cursing and loud bang of a fist going through the wall of the room she had just left.
Chapter 17
Duncan watched Pam pack her things. Tonight, Nicole and Tessa were throwing her a surprise baby shower at his place. It was time he took her to his private domain.
“What time did you get in last night?” Pam asked, folding a shirt and placing it in the small suitcase Nicole let her borrow.
“It was late.” He smiled. “You don’t remember me carrying you to bed?”
Pam laughed. “I actually thought it was a dream until I woke up in bed. Then I knew you had carried me here.”
By the time they had come back from taking in the vampires, questioning and processing, not to mention cleaning up the mess Slade had made, everyone at the compound had been fast asleep, except for Nicole and Adam.
“You talk in your sleep,” Duncan teased as he closed her suitcase for her, setting it by the door.
“No, I don’t,” Pam argued then frowned. “Do I?”
He grinned, wrapping her in his arms. “You do.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“What did I say?” She put her head on his chest liking the feel of his hands rubbing her aching back.
“Well, it was kind of hard to make out because some of it was mumbled, but I did hear my name a few times.” He liked her soft sighs when he rubbed her back. “Does that feel good?”
“Yes, it does,” Pam replied nodding into his chest. “Do you think it will always be like this?”
“Like what?” Duncan had closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head.
“Nice, like this,” Pam whispered. “Not fighting or hating each other.”
Duncan pulled away, forcing her to look at him. “We’re going to fight, Pam, but never would I hate you.”
Before Pam could answer, someone knocked on the door. With a long sigh, Duncan let her go to answer it.
Slade stood on the other side. “Hope I’m not interrupting, but I wanted to see how Pam was doing before the meeting.”
“Come on in.” Duncan opened the door wide. “Is it five already?”
Pam smiled. “I feel much better, thanks.”
“No pain?” Slade’s turn from Warrior to doctor was instant.
“None.” Pam rubbed her stomach with a motherly smile; she absolutely glowed. Both men stared at her. “What?” Pam laughed nervously.
Slade cleared his throat. “You’re beautiful.” Slade slid a glance at Duncan. “Sorry.”
Duncan glared at Slade.
“I’m just saying she makes a very beautiful pregnant woman.” Slade tried to explain, but when Duncan continued to glare, Slade chuckled. “Listen, I don’t want your woman. Just a compliment. I swear it.”
Pam walked up to Duncan wrapping her arm around his. “Thank you…Dr. Buchanan.” She grinned when Duncan’s frown slipped into a half smile.
“He’s right. You are gorgeous.” Duncan looked down at her, his true feelings there for everyone to see.
“So I’m not a dead man for complimenting your beautiful lady?” Slade teased heading for the door.
“Guess I need to get used to that, or I’m going to have to take out most of the male population.” Duncan winked at Pam. “So today, you live.”
“Much appreciated.” Slade laughed. “See you at the meeting.”
As soon as the door shut, Duncan kissed Pam, pulling her close. “I have to go.”
“You sure you have to?” Pam nuzzled his neck.
“Yes,” he whispered in her ear, making her shiver. “Or you will probably be witness to one of Sloan’s temper freak outs.”
“Then go, because I don’t think I want to see that.” Pam pushed him toward the door.
“It’s pretty ugly. Scared the shit out of me the first time I saw him having one,” he teased. Leaning down, he kissed her goodbye. “As soon as I’m done, we’ll take off to my place.”
“Can’t wait,” Pam replied, feeling excited to actually be looking forward to something. It felt great for a change. “Duncan, thank you.”
“For what?” He stopped right outside the door.
“Everything.” Pam smiled, feeling radiant by the look he gave her. With a nod and wink, he was gone. Walking to the mirror, Pam looked at her reflection. She hardly recognized her happy face. “Welcome back.” She grinned into her own reflection.
******
Duncan walked into Sloan’s office, and by the look on Sloan’s face, Duncan was ready to walk back out. “Happy you decided to join us,” Sloan growled tossing him a look.
Knowing that keeping his mouth shut was the best thing to do, Duncan took an empty place against the wall.
“Good, now that we’re all here…” He glared at Duncan who just stared without any facial expression at all. “I’ll just start this little meeting with these.” He slammed pictures on his desk, spreading them out with his hand. Everyone’s eyes fell on the pictures.
“Oh snap!” Sid grabbed one of Nicole and Damon at the front door of the compound, Nicole’s hand clearly cupping Damon. “Shit, I can’t even think of anything to stay,” Sid snorted, shaking his head and practically wheezing with laughter.
“Well how about this one?” Sloan grabbed one of Sid throwing the reporter off the property onto the street. “You got anything to say about this?”
“Photoshop.” Sid tossed Sloan an innocent look.
“Then I’m sure this one is also Photoshop?” Sloan picked up one from last night with Sid flipping off the camera.
“Damn, that was fast.” Sid glanced from the picture to Sloan’s angry scowl. “Isn’t it amazing what they can do now with computers?”
“That’s actually a good picture of you.” Jared observed tilting his head. “You should get that one framed.”
“Thank you.” Sid grabbed it looking it over. “I think I may just do that.”
“Dammit!” Sloan shouted. “Do you take anything seriously?”
“Now, boss…” Sid began, but stopped at Sloan’s sneer. “You were saying?”
“There are more pictures of Duncan, Jared, Slade, me, your mates, the half-breeds and this one is my favorite.” He handed one to Jared. “Hope you have a good excuse for this one.”
Jared’s eyes darkened as he looked at the picture of him and Vicky, one of the female vampires the Warriors fed from standing close together looking as if they were having a secret meeting. Both wore smiles as they stared at each other their heads bent toward one another. She was excited because she was finally getting out of working for the Council, and was opening her own candle shop with a friend, but the picture made it look like they were having a secret lover’s meeting.
“Not so funny now, is it?” Sloan glared watching the expressions cross Jared’s face. “We are under the microscope more than ever now, and I don’t think I need to tell you how important it is to watch yourselves, and your actions, because it doesn’t seem like their interest concerns just Pam.”
Duncan looked through the pictures finding at least ten of Pam, but the one that froze him was of her staring out the window. If a photographer got this close, so could Kenny.
“Next on the list.” Sloan sat down running his hand through his hair. “Our girl Jill stumbled on something last night. After interviewing the vampires we took into custody, we didn’t get much out of them, but the girl had plenty to say. Sid, fill us in since you interviewed her.”
“Her name is Janie Sandfoss. Three of her human male friends were looking to make some good money by selling her to the vampires last night, who are part of a human trafficking ring, here in Cincinnati. She was to be sold to the vampires last night, who would then take her to an undisclosed location to be sold at auction to the highest bidder. Seems overnight, the need for human women has become highly profitable. Once sold to the highest bidder, they will be turned into half-breeds to breed. Pam’s pregnancy has started this new trend.”
“And she knew all of this?” Duncan asked.
“Yeah, she said that her three friends, who she named - we have our people, plus local law enforcement looking for them - were starting a new business and everything was discussed in front of her during the trade.”
“Had the money traded hands yet?” Duncan asked.
“Yes.” Sid frowned looking at each of them. “Ten thousand.”
“Shit, that’s enough for them to hide out for a while,” Jared cursed. “And enough for a father to turn over a daughter, or a husband a wife. Does it ever end?”
“No, it doesn’t,” Sloan sighed. “Not only are we fighting the blood trade, we are now fighting human trafficking. We need to get those half-breeds trained fast. We are drowning here boys. We need all the help we can get.”
“The last thing I have is this bullshit with Kenny Lawrence.” Sloan shuffled some papers around until he found a folder. “Everyone in this room, except for Slade, knows that Kenny Lawrence killed Sheriff Bowman. Most of you witnessed it. Tomorrow, I have an unscheduled appointment with Detective Ferguson.”
“Unscheduled?” Slade asked.
“Yeah, means he won’t have time to figure out a lie,” Sloan replied. “Have you talked to Pam about the charges being dropped and him being a free man?”
Duncan looked at Slade before answering. “Not yet.”
“Well you need to, soon,” Sloan ordered. “I’m going to raise all kinds of hell and stir up shit Ferguson thinks is buried. If I can get the charges reversed and put back on Kenny, she may have to testify.”
“I don’t want to do anything that could upset her until after the baby,” Duncan replied again looking to Slade.
“I agree.” Slade nodded. “She really shouldn’t be put under any stress right now.”
Sloan sighed nodding in agreement. “Okay, one more thing. What about Jill?” He looked around at the group. “Did anyone talk to her about what she heard last night?”
All eyes went to Slade. “I took care of her injuries, that’s all.”
“Sid, go get her.” Sloan ordered.
> “Isn’t she with Nicole and Tessa getting everything ready for the baby shower?” Damon spoke up.
“I just saw her on my way in here.” Sid headed out the door. “I’ll get her.”
Everyone was quiet as they waited. Sloan broke the silence. “California seeing any of these problems?”
Slade nodded. “Crimson Rush is the main drug on the streets. Actually, I had heard of Nicole before coming here. She’s well known for her work in trying to put a stop to the blood trade with children.”
“I’m not surprised.” Damon’s smile was full of pride.
Sid walked in with Jill following. She slowed when she saw everyone, her eyes avoiding contact with Slade.
“Jill is there anything that happened last night that you can fill us in on?” Sloan didn’t beat around the bush. “The woman was being sold by her friends to the vampires.”
Jill frowned. “Why?”
“From what she said and heard, she was going to be sold at an auction to the highest bidder.”
Jill thought for a minute. “The one who seemed to be the leader was pretty excited that I was a half-breed, and said something like he thought it was going to be a light night, but they were going to make bank with me, which I guess is a lot of money,” Jill replied, then her eyes widened. “They were going to auction me off?”
Sloan looked at Duncan and the others. “That’s what it sounds like. If they don’t have to turn you, they can go ahead and auction you off. Faster payday for them.” Sloan frowned thinking out loud. “I don’t want you leaving the compound alone until we figure out if this was just these idiots trying to make a fast buck, or if this is widespread.”
“But…” Jill started to argue.
“That’s an order.” His tone left no room for argument.
“Yes, sir.” She nodded. “Guess I need a ride to the party then.”
“You can ride with me squirt.” Sid nudged her, sending her a few steps forward.
“Do I have to?” She teased wrinkling her nose at him.
“Watch it or I might auction you off myself.” Sid’s eyebrow cocked at the thought. “Maybe with her being a half-breed, she’d go for more than ten thousand. I could use ten thousand.”
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