Slade (The Protectors #6)

“How about you shut the fuck up and drive,” Jax pulled a gun out, pointing it at her temple.


******

It was a somber sight as the dead Warriors were carefully carried off the field. Sid walked toward Adam and the rest, his face grim. “We got a total of six.” He frowned, looking out over the field. “Has anyone heard from Sloan or Slade?”

“Yeah,” Jared nodded, then cleared his throat. “He said he wanted us all at the compound as soon as we were finished.”

“Fuck, does that mean…?” Adam cursed, his mouth turning into a thin line, his chin trembling. “Fuck!”

“We don’t know what that means until we get to the compound.” Sid grabbed the back of Adam’s neck in a comforting hold. “Don’t go thinking shit yet until we hear official news.”

Adam nodded without saying a word for a second, visibly pulling himself together. “He took a paintball for Jill right before this happened. Jumped right in front of her because he felt she deserved it more than him. She was so upset, but of course, being Steve…” Adam choked out, “he made us all laugh saying he had to piss anyway.”

“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Sid put his arm around Adam, and then glanced around. “Where’s Jill?”

Dillon walked up at that point. “I just came back from a search and saw her take off with Jax a few minutes ago.”

“How in the fuck is that possible?” Sid frowned, turning to look at Jax who stood right behind him. “When he’s here?”

Jax stepped forward, grabbing Dillon. “Why would you say something like that?”

Dillon’s eyes popped open wide. “How did you do that?” Dillon actually looked spooked, pushing Jax away, and then looked at Sid. “I swear, I just saw him leave with Jill.”

“By the look on your face, you seem to know what the hell is going on.” Sid’s voice was low and dangerous. “So I suggest you tell us what the fuck is going on and where Jill is.”

“It’s my brother.” Jax had a look of panic and rage on his face.

“Are you guys twins?” Dillon asked, still looking spooked.

Jax ignored them. Pulling out his phone, he dialed and put it to his ear. “No, we’re not. Dammit!” He turned to Sid. “Get Lana on the phone. I need to talk to Caroline. Tell them to meet us at the compound.”

“Why?” Sid started dialing.

Looking at Damon, Jax headed toward the compound. “Get as many Warriors as you can to meet us at the compound.”

“Will you tell us what the fuck is going on?” Jared ran toward the parking lot to keep up with Jax.

“That was you getting in the car with her, so if you are not twins, then what the fuck are you?” Dillon glared at Jax. “I know what I saw with my own fucking eyes.”

Jax stopped, turning to look at each of them. “Shifter.” He spun back around. “And we need to find them now.”

******

Slade was just heading out the door, his phone in his hand, trying to get ahold of Jill, yet she wasn’t answering her fucking phone. “Shit!”

Caroline and Lana came running in the door. “Where are they?”

“Who?” Slade asked confused.

“Sid called me and told me to get Caroline and meet them here.” Lana looked worried. “What happened today?”

Before Slade could answer, Jax raced inside followed by a flood of Warriors. Slade’s eyes searched for Jill, not seeing her anywhere. “Where’s Jill ?” Slade grabbed Adam.

“She left.” Adam looked like he’d been through hell and back.

“What the hell do you mean ‘she left’?” Slade shook him.

“I saw her leave with Jax.” Dillon, who still looked spooked, glanced at Jax, then Slade.

Slade walked up, grabbing Jax’s shoulder. “Where’s Jill?”

“That’s what I’m trying to find out.” Jax shrugged out of Slade’s hold.

“Is Alisha here?” Jax looked down at Caroline.

“What the fuck do you mean you’re ‘trying to find out’?” Slade growled, panic and a rare fear trickled through his system. “Dillon said she left with you, so where is she?”

“Will you give me a fucking minute?” Jax yelled, his face twisted in anger.

Slade went for Jax, but Damon and Duncan held him back. “Hold on, bro.” Jared stepped in front of Slade, putting his hand on his chest. “Something funky is going on.”

“Somebody better tell me where the fuck she is now before I tear this place apart,” Slade roared, making Caroline jump.

Jax cursed, turning on Slade. “She’s in grave danger, so shut the fuck up so I can find out what the hell is going on.”

“Have you ever heard of a vampire shifter before?” Sid glanced over at Slade.

“There isn’t any such thing!” Slade growled, ready to kill something or someone.

“That’s what I thought.” Sid turned as they all watched Jax closely.

Jax turned back to Caroline. “I need Alisha, Caroline.”

Caroline frowned. “She’s really upset.”

“Why? Why is she upset?” Jax urged, his fist flexing. “Is it our brother?”

“Yes.” Caroline grabbed her chest right before she went limp. Jax caught her.