A Warrior Wedding (The Protectors #7)

“You’re the one who came to me,” she shot back, leaning even closer, her eyes just as narrow

“So I did, didn’t I?” Jax’s lips were so close to hers she could feel his breath, but then he was gone and she was being pulled behind him wondering what in the hell he meant with those words.

CHAPTER 12

Jill could feel someone staring at her before she even opened her eyes and opening her eyes was not an easy feat. It felt like they were sewed shut. She could hear whispering, but couldn’t make out any of the words. It was definitely female voices. Oh, God, was it her wedding day and she passed out? Fighting to wake up, her eyes slowly opened.

“Did I mess up the dress?” Jill croaked. Her dry throat made it difficult to swallow.

Tessa’s face came into view. “What dress?” Tessa asked, touching Jill’s forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“My wedding dress.” Jill tried to swallow again. “Did I tear it?”

“She must still have a fever.” Nicole also leaned over her.

“No, she feels cool to me.” Tessa removed her hand. “You feel her.”

Jill brushed Nicole’s hand off trying to sit up. “I need water.” Again she tried to swallow, but it was nearly impossible. Finally looking around, she realized it wasn’t her wedding and she was in her and Slade’s bed.

Tessa ran to the bathroom then came back quickly with a glass of water. Jill tried not to down it in one swallow, but it felt so good sliding down her throat.

“Slow down,” Nicole scolded, sitting on the bed next to her.

Too late. Her stomach cramped painfully. Handing the glass back to Tessa, she lay back rubbing her stomach.

“Listen, Jill, we’re sorry.” Tessa came out of the bathroom and sat down on the other side of her. “We’ve been bugging the hell out of you about this wedding. We didn’t know you were sick.”

“No, we didn’t,” Nicole grumbled. “And Damon got hell for not telling me.”

Jill grinned even though it was the last thing she felt like doing. “I bet he did, but honestly, I wasn’t even sure what was going on.”

“Damon and Jared finally told us everything.” Nicole put her hand on Jill’s. “Don’t worry. Slade will find out what’s going on and will help you and Pam.”

“Where is Slade?” Jill opened one eye to look at Nicole then Tessa.

“He’s with Pam.” Tessa glanced at Nicole, then back to Jill. “He wanted us to stay with you until he gets back.”

“Why’s he with Pam?” Jill sat back up, her chest tight with fear. “Is she okay?”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Nicole replied. “Just lie back and rest for a while.”

An inhuman roar filled the room making each woman jump and stared at the door.

“What in the hell was that?” Tessa clutched her chest, eyes fixed on the door as if whatever made that God awful noise was going to come into the room at any minute.

Running feet passed, heading down the hallway. Jill jumped out of bed, grabbed a pair of shorts and she swung open the door, following Sid and Jared who were running toward Slade’s office. She managed to get her feet in her shorts as she ran. Before turning the corner, she heard the commotion of shouts, grunts and all out hell fire coming from Slade’s office.

With no thought at all, she ran to the open doorway, her eyes landing on a horror she would never be able to forget. Jared grabbed a screaming Tessa, taking her out of the room. Nicole pushed past Jill, but all Jill could do was stare in shock.

“Get her the fuck out of here!” Slade bellowed.

Jill’s eyes swung to his as someone grabbed her around the waist taking her out of the room. Her last vision was Slade covered in blood, Pam laying lifeless on the examination table, and Duncan being restrained by Sid and Sloan.

“No!” Jill screamed, fighting to get to Pam. “No!”

******

Jax opened the door for Caroline and followed her into the compound. Lana was just coming down the steps.

“Hey, there you are.” Lana hugged Caroline. “I got your message. What’s going on?”

“Hunter picked up someone’s scent around her place so he’s checking it out. I thought it was best that she come back with me and Blaze until we got the all clear from Hunter.” Jax headed toward Sloan’s office. “Where is everyone? Sloan wanted us here.”

“Not sure. They’ll probably be back. Sid left a little bit ago for the meeting. They should be in Sloan’s office or maybe the game room?” Lana frowned. “I was upstairs with Katrina playing with Daniel.”

“You hear anything from Hunter?” Jax asked Blaze as he leaned against the door jamb to Sloan’s office.

“No, not yet.” Blaze checked his phone before answering.

“So what do you think of my sister’s new place?” Lana grinned at Jax.

“Yeah, about that.” Caroline glared at Lana. “Are you in the habit of giving out my address to anyone?”