[06] Slade (34 page)

Getting out of the car, Jill waited for Katrina. Slade again took her hand. Jared, Sid, Duncan, Damon and Jax were walking in front of them with Adam and Dillon coming up beside them. As soon as they entered the compound, a flood of sadness washed over her. Glancing at Adam, she knew he felt the same way.

She really needed to go to her room before she lost it. Her gaze caught Sloan giving Slade a huge smile and a nod. Looking up at Slade’s happy face made her want to puke. Everyone looked happy, even the women who were all waiting for their Warriors to return. What the hell was wrong with everyone? Steve was dead. Were Jill and Adam the only ones who were heartbroken? Jill dropped Slade’s hand like it burned her, tears gathering in her eyes.

“This is bullshit,” Adam told her, turning to leave. “I’ve got to get out of here.”

“Hey, where you going?” Sloan yelled at Adam, causing everyone to turn to look. “We’ve got something–”

“I’m getting the fuck out of here. I lost a great friend today, a best friend, and if you guys want to celebrate, then be my guest.” Adam growled, pointing at everyone. “You got a problem with that, then fuck you!”

“Actually, I do have a problem with that, you asshole,” a familiar voice came from the game room behind Sloan. “I get shot coming out of the pisser, claw my way back from death’s door and you want to leave? Damn straight I have a problem with that, so fuck you.”

Jill froze. Her eyes searched the direction Steve’s voice came from wondering if she was having a hallucination from the stress and heartbreak of the day, but then he was there, walking out of the game room, his eyes finding hers.

“And you still owe me a true heartfelt thank you for taking that paintball with your name on it.” Steve grinned at her, spreading his arms wide. “I’m back, bitches!”

Jill got to him first, throwing herself at him, hugging him tightly. Tears ran freely down her face; too choked up with her emotions, she couldn’t speak. Couldn’t say a word. Adam hugged them both and they all stood like the biggest pussies ever, hugging each other and crying.

“How?” Jill touched his chest. Pausing, she peered up at him. “Oh, my God.”

Steve batted his eyes at her. “Pretty, ain’t they?” He nodded toward Slade. “He turned me. Despite being possibly thrown in prison and losing his doctor’s license, or whatever in the hell they call that….he turned me.”

Sloan stepped in. “I spoke with the Council and received special permission, even though it had already taken place. So Slade is safe from prison time and will continue to be our doctor.” Sloan focused on Jill, Adam, Dillon and then Steve. “I just want you to know that you all did me and the other Warriors proud. With the attack against the Warriors and the response of all trainees, the Council has awarded all of you Warrior status, even though the initiation was not completed.”

Jill waited for the excitement to hit her, but it didn’t really come. While there was excitement there, she wasn’t ecstatic. She wondered what the hell was wrong with her. It was what she wanted most…wasn’t it? Her eyes went to Slade who stood watching her. She gave him a small smile, turning her attention back to Sloan.

“And Steve, because of your sacrifice to another trainee, you have also obtained Warrior status even though you were officially out of the test before the trouble started.” Sloan gave a rare smile to each of them. “Congratulations. You did us proud today. Unfortunately, the Warrior ceremony will be placed on hold until all the funerals are completed. I expect all of us to attend each funeral and will be letting you know when those are.”

“Can we have a much needed drink now?” Sid growled, a tinge of anger in his voice. “And salute our brothers who were lost today.”

“I want everyone in my office…” Sloan winked at Jill when the Warriors groaned. “First thing in the morning.”

“That’s more like it.” Jared grinned, heading into the game room. “Drinks are on me.”

Lana smiled at her as she passed and Jill stopped her. “Lana, this is Katrina. She needs a place to sleep. Is there any way you can help her out?”

“Of course. I’ll take her to Sloan to get his permission.” Lana took the girl’s hand. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to everyone first.”

Jill walked away and smiled when she heard Steve flirting with Katrina. They would be a cute couple. She felt bad leaving the girl, but she was not in the mood. Taking two steps, she looked up to find Slade in front of her. He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. Jill really tried to stay strong, but she just couldn’t do it. It was all too much. She pulled her chin away, dropping her head. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as the sobs overtook her control.

Slade didn’t say a word as he picked her up, carrying her toward her room. Shutting the door, he sat on her bed and held her. Once her sobs slowed down, he lifted her chin. “A little too much for one day?” He gave her a small smile.

“Why didn’t you tell me he was okay?” Jill looked at him confused.

“Because I wasn’t sure if it was going to work. We were losing him on the way to the hospital. I took a chance, Jill,” Slade sighed. “I’ve never heard of a half-breed being turned into a full-blood. So far, he seems absolutely fine, but until I came in tonight, I wasn’t sure. Sloan stayed here with him. It was a chance, Jill. I didn’t want to tell you or anyone else until I was certain.”

“I’m glad you took the chance, Slade. Thank you.” Jill went to stand, but he stopped her.

“You’re welcome. Now why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?” Slade’s voice turned hard. “Look at me, Jill.”

“It’s been a long, hard day, Slade.” Jill glanced toward him, but not at him. “I’m emotionally and physically done.”

Jill refused to be one of those women who hinted for the words she longed to hear. Yeah, she wanted to hear them, but only if he was ready to say them…if ever. Her heart hurt, but he didn’t need to know that. She wished she had never said the words, but then she wouldn’t know exactly how he felt, which was not enough to say the words back to her.

“I’m sorry.” She faked a smile. “I’m not very fun tonight.” She kissed him on the cheek. Maybe she could love him enough for both of them. She knew he cared and honestly that should be enough.

Standing, he set her on her feet. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“Where you going?” Jill frowned at the abruptness of his actions.

“I have to get something from my room.” He opened the door, but paused when he spoke, “I mean it, Jillian. Don’t leave.”

Jill actually groaned. “Believe me, I’m going nowhere except to bed.” She felt tingles of excitement flow over her body at the heat in his eyes at her reply. Damn, that man could turn her on with just a look.

Taking one of his shirts draped on her chair, she smelled it with a sigh. Hurrying into the bathroom, she showered and brushed her teeth. Combing her hair out with her fingers, wearing only his shirt which came to her knees, she froze in her tracks. Slade knelt in the middle of her floor, his head bent to the ground until she walked out, then his head raised.

“I love you, too.” Slade’s eyes were as intense as his voice. “Will you marry me, Jillian Robin Nichols?” He slowly lifted his hand, a small box in his palm.

“You love me?” Jill’s eyes didn’t even go to the box, but stayed on his.

“More than anything or anyone I have ever known.” Slade frowned when she still didn’t answer him or take the ring. “I wanted to wait for a better time to do this, but–”

“This is the perfect time, and yes, Slade, I will marry you.” She jumped into his arms, holding him tightly. “I love you so much.”

“This is all new to me, Jill. I know there are words that a Warrior is to speak to his mate, but I haven’t learned them yet.” He pulled her away, handing her the box. “But I will.”

“I love you is all I need to hear, Slade.” Jill opened the box and gasped. The ring was a beautiful, yet simple slender gold band with a round solitaire diamond. Nothing fancy, just like her. “It’s beautiful.”

He took it and slipped it on her finger. “On the day of your driving test, I asked your dad permission to ask you, and he gave his blessing.”

Jill felt the tears start again. “Thank you.” She hugged him with everything she had.

“I want you to have whatever kind of wedding you want.” Slade smiled, wiping a tear away from her cheek. “And the sooner the better so everyone knows you’re mine.”

Kissing his cheek, Jill moved to his mouth, her hands running up his chest and around his neck.

“Don’t you want to talk about the wedding?” Slade teased, nipping at the side of her mouth.

“No, not really.” She smiled at his teasing.

“Good, because I’m about to get demanding.” Slade pulled her up and onto his lap so she straddled him.

“So am I.” Jill bit him on the side of the neck, earning her a smack on the ass.

“Watch it, Mrs. Buchanan,” Slade growled, but his smile was wide. “I like the sound of that…..Mrs. Buchanan.”

Jill groaned her agreement as his hands began to work their magic.

******

Standing outside drinking a beer, Jax gazed at the night sky. He heard the door open behind him. Sloan walked up next to him with his own beer.

“Just got filled in.” Sloan took a long draw of his beer. “So how do I know if I’m talking to Jax?”

Jax laughed, though nothing about the situation was funny. “You don’t.”

“We need to figure this out, Jax,” Sloan sighed. “You’re a damn good Warrior, but this is…”

“Fucked up,” Jax added, looking out into the night.

“Yeah,” Sloan nodded. “Definitely fucked up.”

The door opened again. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Caroline went to go back inside, but Sloan stopped her.

“I’m going in.” Sloan waved her over and then glanced back at Jax. “Be in my office first thing so we can figure this out.”

Jax nodded, taking another drink.

Caroline stood beside him, her arms wrapped around herself. “Are you okay?”

“No, not really.” He turned to glance at her. “Listen, Caroline, I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Don’t be sorry.” Caroline shrugged. “I wanted to help.”

Jax sat his beer down, taking off his jacket. Wrapping it around her, he then picked his beer back up.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “Do you want to talk?”

“Listen, I really think you need to stay away from me for now.” Jax downed the rest of his beer. “It’s not safe for anyone with my brother running around.”

“But–”

“I’m serious, Caroline.” Jax frowned, his eyes darkening. “My brother is dangerous and until I find him, no one associated with me is safe.”

“You can’t push everyone away, Jax.” Caroline’s head tilted as she stared up at him. “We can help you, just like you’ve helped us.”

“No,” Jax growled, his eyes turning fierce. His gaze ran across her features, her black eye starting to fade, but it didn’t take away from her beauty. She was gorgeous with a special heart. Thoughts of maybe one day being with her ran through his mind, but he shoved them away. It wasn’t possible with his brother, so there was no use in even thinking it. “You need to stay away from me, Caroline.”

“What if I don’t want to stay away from you, Jax?” Caroline answered back. “What if I want to take that chance just to be with you?”

Her words hit him hard. Tossing his beer bottle out into the yard, not caring where it landed, he grabbed her and tilted her face up to his. Once again, his eyes searched hers before angling his head as he slowly placed his lips to hers. What he only meant to be a soft kiss turned into much more. Her arms looped around his neck in a tight grip; his arms pulled her flush against his body. Their kiss was one of desperation, of things that were out of their control, but Jax took this one minute, this one kiss that may be the only one he ever received from the beautiful Caroline. The more her body reacted to him, the more he knew he had to pull away, and pull away he did, with much reluctance.

“Stay away from me, Caroline.” Jax voice was hoarse with need as he turned and walked away from her.

“I can’t do that, Jax.” Caroline called out after him. “I don’t want to do that.”

Her words made it harder for him to walk away. Cursing long and hard, Jax knew kissing her had been a stupid move, because after tasting her, he wanted more and he would never be satisfied until he took more of what her kiss promised. “Fuck!” his deep growled echoed in the night.

*******

Caroline stood on the steps watching Jax walk away, her fingers going to her lips. She didn’t move until he disappeared. Turning to go back inside, she held his jacket tightly around her, his scent enveloping her senses. Once at the door she turned hoping to see Jax coming back, nothing but inky darkness met her gaze.

Eyes followed her every movement until the door shut tight behind her obviously giving her the feeling of being safe. Shadows played against the porch as a dark figure stepped forward. Quiet laughter echoed in the darkness as the shadows disappeared along with the laughter that held a tinge of madness.