Adam (The Protectors #5)

Caroline was up and out of the chair in Sloan’s face. “Look at me.” She thumped her chest hard, making Sloan grimaced. “I’m in a woman’s body. Me, your Lanista in a woman’s body. This is my hell.” Caroline’s voice became shrill, but deep.

“Sloan was our trainer, Alexio.” Duncan spoke up. “You were only our trainer when greed, whores and money were involved. You deserve everything you get.”

“You know what, I don’t need this.” Caroline pointed at each Warrior, even Slade who had moved even closer. “I’ve done my deed.”

“Then leave,” Sloan growled. “You’ve done us no favors. A war between humans and vampires has always been a threat, so you have delivered nothing.”

“This is not a threat. It will happen,” Caroline warned and then pointed at the newspaper that Adam had given Sloan. “And it has already begun.”

“And we will take care of it, as always.” Sloan’s voice was confident. “Now, let the girl go.”

“You have no idea what is coming. Hope you turn your human mates soon, because your hand may be the one that kills them.” The warning was laid out, her eyes searching before landing on Sid. “Hey, Sinclair. Looks like you’re about to be alone again. Your female…” An evil smile played across her lips.

Sid’s head snapped forward. “My female what?”

“Fuck you,” Caroline said before her eyes rolled back in her head as her legs buckled.

Sloan caught her, laying her on the floor. Her eyes opened immediately and began to focus. “I swear…” Her voice was raspy and she cleared her throat to try again. “I swear when I die, I’m hunting that bastard down.”

“Are you okay?” Sloan watched her closely, his eyes dark with anger.

“I’m fine, just weak.” Caroline’s pale face reddened. “I was present for all of it, just couldn’t control anything. I hate when they do that.”

“Isn’t there a way to stop them from doing it?” Slade frowned, his large hand on her wrist checking her pulse.

“Guess I’m going to have to learn from Lana, because she’s better at it than I am.” Caroline closed her eyes with a sigh, and then shot straight up, almost hitting Sloan and Slade in the face with her head. “Lana!” Her eyes shot to Sid.

“Do you know what he meant?” Sid had been pacing with his phone, but stopped, looking hopeful at Caroline.

“No, but she’s with Adam and wherever Angelina is. She’s in trouble.” Caroline attempted to get up, but stopped when her head started to spin.

“I know where it’s at.” Jared headed for the door. “Come on.”

“Go with them,” Sloan instructed Duncan as Sid and Jared rushed out the door. “We’ll get this other shit straightened out later.”

“You go too.” Caroline pulled her arm out of Slade’s grasp. “She might need you. I’m fine.”

Slade looked to Sloan who nodded. “Go.” Sloan ordered.

Caroline stood with Sloan’s help. “Thank you.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Sloan frowned, watching her closely.

“I’m fine, but just so you know, I’m a history major and teach history.” Caroline leaned against his desk, still trying to get her bearings.

Sloan shifted uncomfortably, but didn’t break eye contact with her. “And?”

“And…you owe me.” Caroline smiled. Even shaken by her ordeal, she had questions, lots of questions. “I want to know…everything.”

“What did you hear while he was…?” Sloan stopped, not really understanding what just happened.

“Oh, I heard it all, but I still have questions.” Caroline sighed before sitting down in the nearest chair. She hated feeling weak and her insides felt like jelly.

“Then you heard it all, Ms. Fitzpatrick,” Sloan replied, still not breaking eye contact. “And I owe you nothing.”

“I think not, Mr. Murphy.” Caroline’s eyes challenged him. “He made me grab my own breasts, and that alone says you owe me some easy answers.”

“Do you browbeat your students like this?” Sloan frowned down at her.

“All the time,” Caroline’s reply was serious.

“And does it work?” Sloan’s lips curved into a half-grin.

“All the time.” Caroline’s own grin spread across her face; she knew she had won.

Chapter 9

It took Adam seconds to make a decision. Get shot by the woman he loved or move the fuck out of the way. His choice was move the fuck out of the way. Just as he dove for the ground, he turned to realize that she hadn’t been aiming at him, but at her husband, who stood in the doorway holding a shotgun. The bullet he thought had been meant for him splintered the wood above Robert’s head. Another round went off this time, hitting the floor in front of him.

“You bitch!” he screamed, dodging wood and bullets. “I’m your husband. Shoot him!” He stabbed a finger at Adam.

“You are not my husband, you bastard!” Angelina screamed, still aiming her gun at Robert, but missing him every single time.

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