Sloan (The Protectors Series) Book #9 (7 page)

Chapter 12

Katrina walked down the wet, slippery hill through the wooded area behind the store. The building of the Dollar General came into view. The reason she had picked this place when she first had nowhere to go was because of the wooded area. It was easy to stay hidden from view during the store’s busy hours. She had been spotted earlier by one of the workers so she had taken off.

Walking toward the tarp she had found and used as a makeshift shelter, she tossed her bag containing all her belongings under it and then sat down. Her stomach tightened painfully. She needed to feed, and soon. It was bad enough that she was hungry for blood, but she still needed other nourishment. A pizza sounded awesome and she moaned, lying back in the wet leaves. She stared up at the tarp, through the hole and through the trees that were losing their leaves to the sky. It was a typical fall sky. The clouds were billowy, some white, some dark, and behind the clouds the sky was a beautiful dark blue.

Feeling something tickle her fingers, she moved her head to see a rabbit sniffing her. She loved animals, always had since she was a little girl. She had been drawn to them and they to her, but after she was changed, she’d developed an understanding that had terrified her and still did a little. She hadn’t understood it until she was with the Warriors and she’d heard them talk about powers. She guessed her power was with animals. Then again, she didn’t really know if that was true. She had been afraid to say anything. What if it wasn’t a power and she was just strange? She had enough going against her without adding more to it.

“How has your day been so far, Bugs?” She grinned at the name she’d given the rabbit.

Bugs looked up from her fingers, tilting its furry head.

“Ma’am,” a male voice called out.

The rabbit scurried away as Katrina sat straight up. Two police officers stood a few feet away. Her eyes scanned to find the quickest escape, but one of the officers held up his hand.

“Please don’t run.” He frowned. “We were called by the manager. He said he can’t have you living behind the store.” His eyes took in the surroundings. “Are you living back here?” he asked, his eyes and voice kind.

Fear thrummed through Katrina; she didn’t want to go to jail, but knew she was breaking the law. “No,” she lied, not knowing what else to do.

“Come on, ma’am.” The other police officer took a step forward, causing Katrina to jump to her feet.

“I’ll leave.” Katrina slowly reached down to grab her bag. “I’ll leave,” she repeated a little more frantically. Seeing movement out of the corner of her eye, she saw the huge deer camouflaged, watching, waiting. Slowly she shook her head, then looked back toward the officers.

“We can take you somewhere to get something to eat.” He reached out his hand, waving her toward him. “We can also call the VC Warriors and see if they can help you.”

“No!” At the mention of the Warriors, Katrina was ready to bolt.

“No need,” a familiar voice came from behind the officers. “We’re already here.”

******

Blaze had left the compound and headed straight toward where Adam said Katrina was. Pulling into the parking lot, he looked around but saw no sign of her. Parking, he climbed off the bike and started to head inside, until he’d heard voices. Following the sound, he’d continued until he saw two uniformed police officers and Katrina.

She stood next to a tarp she must have set up to try to stay out of the rain the previous night. Fuck, why hadn’t he thought of Adam sooner? Glancing at her surroundings, he was pissed that she’d felt this was better than being at the compound. Nothing about this was safe for a woman, even a full-blooded vampire. She would be no match against a male vampire and there were plenty running around this part of town. It was the reason it was heavily patrolled by Warriors.

He watched as her eyes moved from the officers to something in the trees. His eyes followed. A large buck stood hidden, but its eyes were on her. He looked back to see her shake her head discreetly before looking back at the officers. The large buck took a step back as if following her orders.
Interesting.

Turning his attention back to Katrina, he heard the officers say they were going to call in the Warriors to help her.

“No need.” He stepped forward, his eyes on Katrina. “We’re already here.”

When Katrina’s eyes popped wide staring at him, he cocked his eyebrow at her. As the officers came his way, he reached out and shook their hands, glancing at their name tags.

“I will be sure to let Sloan know how helpful you were to one of our own.” Blaze nodded.

“There’s no way we could keep a handle on all this without you guys,” one of them replied. “If there isn’t anything else we can do, I’ll let the manger know it’s been taken care of.”

Blaze nodded, watching them go before turning toward Katrina. “So where should we start?” Blaze asked. When Katrina remained silent, he continued, “Why you ran or your Dr. Doolittle moment with the large buck who is glaring at me?”

As her eyes darted for escape, he knew she was ready to run, yet he stood there.

“I will catch you,” he warned, but stayed relaxed and at ease.

“Why are you here?” she asked, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

And wasn’t that the question of the day. Blaze had asked himself that same exact question the previous night as he’d hunted for her nonstop. Why? He didn’t have the answer, or at least the answer he wanted to hear.

“You’re going to make us late for training,” Blaze responded, not answering her question. “Now let’s go.”

“I’m not going back.” Katrina shook her head, her mouth set in a stubborn line.

“Should I call the officers back?” Blaze threw out, cocking his eyebrow. He knew he wouldn’t do that, but she didn’t.

“Why?” Katrina frowned, throwing her arms out. “Why do you even care? I can take care of myself and have been doing it for a long time.”

“Because you’re my responsibility,” Blaze replied without hesitation.

“No, I’m not.” Katrina’s voice rose, which was something he had never heard. “So you can just walk away with a clear conscience because I am no one’s responsibility.”

“You belong in the program, Katrina.” Blaze’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t want to force her back, but he’d be damned if he left her to live behind a fucking Dollar General store.

She actually laughed. “I’m the worst trainee you have, Blaze. And I will not walk back in knowing my peers think I’m whoring myself to rise in the ranks.” She looked around at her surroundings, her makeshift camp. She released a bitter laugh. “It may not look like I have much pride, but I do.”

“And that is exactly why you belong in this program,” Blaze shot back. “To prove that you belong.”

“Really? Do I really belong?” Katrina sighed. “And I’m done proving myself to everyone. That is all I’ve done in my life, prove something to someone who cares nothing for me. It doesn’t matter what I do. I’m still invisible except when I do something right, and then I’m accused of being a whore.”

Blaze watched her cringe, knowing she’d said more than she’d wanted. He didn’t like being in the position of not knowing what the fuck to do. She was right. Why would she put herself in that position again? It was bullshit, yet there he was asking her to do it.

“What if you didn’t live at the compound?” Blaze tilted his head. “What if everything that made it look like you were getting special treatment was gone and you walked in as an equal.”

“It wouldn’t matter,” Katrina said, but there was hope in her eyes. He saw it and he was going to run with it.

“I once heard you say this was something you wanted to do, something you wanted to accomplish. Do you think Jill would have given up? Do you think Jill had it easy?” Blaze was grasping for anything to get through to her.

“I’m not Jill.” Katrina frowned. “And yes, it was something I wanted. Things change. Things always change.”

“Exactly,” Blaze replied, taking a step toward her. “Things do change and sometimes it takes us to change them to what we want. You can do this, Katrina. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be here.”

He watched the emotions play across her face. He knew she wanted this, so he would fight for her only because that was part of his job as a trainer. He would be doing the same thing for any of the trainees. He kept telling himself that same lie over and over again. When she remained silent, he frowned, watching her arm wrap around her stomach.

“Have you eaten?” His eyes remained on her stomach when she snapped her arm away. His eyes rose to meet hers, but she looked away. “I asked you a question, Katrina.”

“A little,” she replied, still not looking at him.

“Come on.” He stretched his arm out, waving her to him. “Let’s go eat. I’m also hungry. We can talk some more because honestly, that damn buck staring me down is making me a little nervous.”

Katrina turned to look and then shook her head. “He won’t hurt you.”

“And you know that how?” Blaze had a feeling he knew how, but wanted to hear it from her.

She looked back at him. “Because I told him not to.”

Chapter 13

Becky had changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt when she’d arrived home, then started cleaning. She had done everything she could think of at work to stay longer, but boredom finally won and she’d left. She had wanted to wait until Sloan returned so she could apologize for opening her big mouth… again. Her mouth was cursed, spouting shit with no filter.

Grabbing a rubber band out of her junk drawer, she put her hair in a ponytail. It was hot for mid-September. Opening her front door, she locked the screen, then opened up her windows.

She had talked to Frankie on her way home. He was loving college and had made new friends. His classes were going great, as was his new job. His father had finally sent him the money for the books he needed, but had bribed Frankie into going to see him during his first three-day weekend off. It bothered her that her ex did stuff like that, but she knew Frankie would make his way to her house anyway.

Heading to the kitchen, she grabbed the furniture polish under the kitchen sink, but stood up quickly when she heard a motorcycle. Her stomach dipped and her heart sped up. When it sounded as if it stopped in front of her house, her breathing quickened. Holy shit, just the sound of a motorcycle was going to make her orgasm. Bending so she could look out the front door, she sighed, seeing Sloan slipping off his bike. She had been wrong. It wasn’t the motorcycle; it was the man riding the motorcycle.

She held the furniture polish close to her chest, watching him walk toward her door. The way he carried himself with no-nonsense purpose made her wish she was lying in bed naked with him walking toward her like that. Yes, she went there. How could she not? The man oozed sex like no other.

“No men, my ass.” She snorted at herself and rolled her eyes. The knock that she knew was coming startled her anyway, making her spray the furniture polish toward her face. “Shit!”

Setting the polish on the table, she headed for the door, using the bottom of her T-shirt to wipe the polish off her chin. Reaching the door, she came face-to-face with Sloan, who was staring at her bare stomach. Dropping the shirt, she reached out to unlock and open the door.

“Hey.” She stepped aside, letting him in. “Everything okay?”

He nodded and walked in. Then turning toward her, he looked at the lock on the screen door. “Do you really think locking that thing will keep anyone out?”

“Never really thought about it before.” She frowned at the lock. “Thanks for freaking me out though.”

“You need better locks.” Sloan frowned, ignoring her sarcasm. “Did you really mean you’d let Katrina stay here for a little bit?”

“Yes, I did,” Becky replied, glancing around her small house. “I mean I don’t have a lot of room, obviously. But it could work and it’s a little lonely with Frankie gone now.”

“I’ll pay your rent—”

“No, you won’t.” Becky frowned. “I offered to let her stay. Done deal.”

“Along with your electric and water,” Sloan finished, ignoring her refusal.

“No, don’t think so,” Becky shot back. “I have a job now, unless I’m fired.”

Sloan seemed ready to say something, but stopped, his eyes narrowing. “Why would you be fired?”

“I think I pissed my boss off.” Becky cringed, then shrugged. “He sent me home early. I guess I should have warned my boss during the interview that I’m outspoken. I also usually say anything that comes to my mind. I have no filter, never have. Not a very good trait in a woman to most—”

“It’s a trait I respect.” Sloan stopped her. “You’re not fired, but your boss has a short fuse at times and it’s best to just step out of the way.”

“You got that right.” She snorted, then her eyes popped open wide. She pointed to herself. “See, no filter.”

Sloan actually grinned. “Blaze and Katrina will be here any minute.”

“He found her?” Becky sighed in relief.

Nodding, Sloan leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Are you sure about this?”

“Of course, I’m sure.” Becky also crossed her arms, but across her breasts. Her nipples were going a little crazy, reacting to the way Sloan’s eyes kept going to her bare legs. Actually, her nipples weren’t the only things going a little crazy. “I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t sure.”

He only nodded, a small hint of a smile tipping his lips. Holy crap on a cracker, she needed to get a grip. His silence was driving her nuts and she was never without anything to say… ever. What in the hell was he doing to her?

“You know, anytime I get on your nerves by stating my opinions, you can tell me to, you know…,” Becky said, not able to stay silent. She guessed he was waiting for Blaze and Katrina, but the quiet gave her mind time to think of very inappropriate things she’d like to do to her boss. And that was a huge no-no with him standing right smack in front of her. Those thoughts were best saved for when she was alone, very alone.

“Oh, I will.” Sloan cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Well, okay. Good,” Becky replied, then screamed at herself to just shut the hell up. Hearing another motorcycle, she prayed it was Blaze. It was then she realized her body didn’t react to the sound like it had earlier. Her eyes went from the window back to Sloan, who was still staring at her.

They stood quietly as the motorcycle passed on by. Crap, it wasn’t them. Cars passed up and down the road. Everyday life happened outside her small house on her busy road while they just stood inside without saying anything. Becky couldn’t remember a more awkward time in her life. Obviously Sloan wasn’t down for small talk.

He made her feel tiny inside her house. He filled it with authority and a maleness no woman could deny. Glancing down at her bare feet, then to his large boots, she sighed. He was a big man and she wondered stupidly with him standing there if he was big everywhere.

A motorcycle pulled up to her house and stopped. “They're here,” Becky said quickly and a little loudly as her head snapped up. “Thank God,” she whispered as she headed toward the door.

******

Sloan grinned, hearing her whispered words. He had watched her checking him out, but doing her best to hide the fact. He had stayed silent for a reason and he knew it drove her nuts, but fair was fair because those cut-off shorts were driving him completely in-fucking-sane.

He turned and watched her open the door for Blaze and Katrina. She was openly excited to meet the small girl who had stolen the Warriors’ hearts and their mates’. He knew Katrina’s life had been hard, but that was her story to tell. He was going to make damn sure she passed the Warrior training. Jill had changed his mind about women Warriors. He knew they could be just as valuable as the men. Obviously, he would never let Jill know that.

“I think we kind of met during the interviews for Sloan’s secretary, but honestly, I’m not sure. That was a little crazy.” Becky smiled, letting them in. “So, I’m Becky Spencer and it’s really nice meeting you, Katrina.”

“Thank you, it’s nice meeting you,” Katrina replied, her eyes going directly to Sloan before snapping to the ground.

Before Sloan could say anything, Becky elbowed him in the side. He glared down at her and she nodded toward Katrina. “Say something,” she whispered.

He bent toward her. “Remember when you told me to let you know if you were getting on my nerves?” Sloan’s eyes narrowed.

“So soon.” Becky bit her lip. Nodding, she turned her attention back to Katrina and Blaze. “Anyone need something to drink?”

Katrina shook her head.

“We just had something,” Blaze replied. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Becky stepped into the kitchen and busied herself.

Sloan again grinned, but wiped it off his face when he noticed Blaze staring at him. “So, Katrina.” Sloan waited until Katrina lifted her face to meet his gaze. “What do you want?”

Katrina let her eyes roam his as if searching for the answer. “I don’t know what you mean, sir.”

“Well, let me make it easy on you,” Sloan replied, his voice stern. “Do you want to continue living on the streets or do you want to become a respected VC Warrior? Because this is the last chance you have before I make the decision for you. Living on the streets is harsh, but if that’s what you want to do then get the fuck out of here and stop wasting our time.”

Becky gasped and Sloan knew she was ready to open her mouth, but his hand flew up, stopping her. Blaze was also glaring at him, but he ignored it. His focus never left Katrina and he was glad because he saw a spark of something in her eyes, and it wasn’t a sign of giving up.

“Have you ever lived on the streets?” Katrina asked after a few minutes of tense silence, her voice void of any emotions.

“Yes,” Sloan replied.

“Then you know no one would choose to live on the streets.” Katrina continued to stare at him. “Neither would someone put themselves in a situation where they were treated as if they were a whore.”

“Truth,” Becky added, then snapped her mouth closed when Sloan turned to look at her over his shoulder. “Sorry.” She acted as if she zipped her lips closed.

“That will not be happening again.” Sloan turned his attention back to Katrina. “I personally made sure of that.”

Katrina actually looked at Becky, then closed her eyes. “Now they will hate me even more.”

“Then work your ass off to make sure they have no reason to hate you except when you kick
their
ass.” Becky gave her a nod. “Come on, Katrina. I mean, I don’t know you, but it sounds like these guys are just a bunch of jealous drama queens, who for some reason are intimidated by you.”

Sloan watched Becky’s words sink in, so he stepped back and let Becky continue.

Katrina shook her head. “They are not intimidated by me.”

“Obviously they are if you’re the only thing they have to talk about.” Becky raised an eyebrow at her. “If it were me, I’d be in there 24-7 to prove those assholes wrong. I bet Jill will help you. It seems she’d like to stick it to a bunch of idiots.”

“You think she would?” Katrina looked up at Sloan, hopeful.

“It’s already taken care of,” Sloan replied, his respect for his new secretary soaring. She’d done in a second flat what he and Blaze couldn’t do, give this girl with no confidence whatsoever, hope. “She will be there tomorrow.”

Everyone watched a battle rage across Katrina’s face until she finally nodded. “Okay.”

“Good.” Sloan gave one short nod. “You will be staying here with Becky instead of the compound until you officially become a Warrior. I expect you back at tomorrow’s session. You can ride in with Becky on her way to work.”

“Thank you,” she said, first to Sloan and then Becky.

“Ben started the rumor and has everyone going on it,” Sloan added, his eyes staring her down. “It is up to you, right now, if he stays in the program.”

“I don’t want anyone kicked out because of me,” Katrina finally replied, her voice and eyes not wavering.

“Good girl.” Becky gave her a thumbs-up.

“There’s something else you should know.” Blaze stepped in. “It looks like Katrina has a power that I’ve never heard of.”

“Which is?” Sloan’s interest piqued. Any powers, even odd, helped their fight against the war going on that grew worse every day.

“Seems we have our own Dr. Dolittle,” Blaze replied, a small grin tipping his lips.

“Who the fuck is Dr. Dolittle?” Sloan frowned, not having a clue what Blaze was talking about.

“Holy crap.” Becky stepped next to Sloan with a huge grin on her face. “You can talk to animals?”

“Who the fuck is Dr. Dolittle?” Sloan repeated, still not getting it.

“You know, Eddie Murphy, the movie.” Becky glared up at him. “Seriously, you need a movie night.”

Sloan ignored her, but chuckled to himself. Lord, he was truly fucked with her. No one in the room knew what he was thinking because he made damn sure he looked serious enough to kill anything that moved. “So you are telling me you can talk to animals?”

Katrina nodded.

Sloan had heard of some strange powers, but this was a new one even for him. “Okay, you know what, let’s save this until tomorrow when all the Warriors are present.”

“Sounds good,” Blaze replied. “She needs to feed anyway.”

“Oh, I just went to the store,” Becky spoke up. “I can make something real quick.”

“Not for food,” Sloan replied, liking the way Becky was ready to jump in and help one of his Warriors and future Warrior, with not just food, but opening her home. Not many would do that, but she was different and in the short time he had known her, his respect for her was growing, quickly.

“Huh?” Becky looked at him for a second until understanding brightened her face. “Oh! Well, yeah, ah, I don’t have any of that.”

Sloan actually laughed, a real belly laugh. How fucking long had it been since he’d done that. Long enough that he couldn’t remember.

“Where’s your bathroom?” Blaze also chuckled as he took Katrina’s arm.

“Right down that hall.” Becky pointed and when they disappeared, she rolled her eyes. “Thought that was funny, did you?”

“Very,” Sloan agreed, then watched her start cleaning.

“Well, I’m learning all about this vampire stuff.” Becky sprayed polish on her coffee table and started wiping it off. “Give me a week and I’ll have it all down.”