“Oh, no,” Jill reassured her. “It was earlier today, but he did so much to help the shutting down of this place. He should be here.”
“Well, I thank you and your friends.” She stood to walk away. “I’m really sorry you lost him.”
“Do you have anywhere to go?” Jill stopped the girl.
The girl shook her head. “I have no family, but I’ll be fine.” She waved, turned and walked away.
“You about ready to go?” Slade took her into his arms, holding her tightly. Jill held on and nodded, her eyes not leaving the girl who walked slowly past reuniting families.
“That’s the girl who showed me where you were,” Slade said, following her line of vision.
“She doesn’t have anywhere to go.” Jill looked at him. “She has no family.”
Kissing her forehead, Slade smiled. “What’s her name?” He laughed when her smile beamed across her face.
“I love you,” came out of her mouth before she could stop it. Horror filled her stomach with swirling nausea.
His smile faded as he stared back at her horrified expression. Picking her up, he kissed her hard and deep, holding her tightly.
“Come on, guys!” Sid walked past. “Get a room or some shit.”
Jared also passed them. “Come on. Jax just got back.”
Jill looked at Slade who was looking at her, but not saying a word. Okay, that was telling. She felt like a fool.
“Come on, dammit,” Jared called out. “I want to get the hell out of here sometime tonight.”
Slade held her hand briefly, following Jared. “I’ll be back.” He jogged across the street after the girl.
Jill watched as the red-haired girl shook her head, but Slade didn’t give up. Finally, the girl nodded and walked beside him across the street toward them. Jill gave her a comforting smile as she moved closer. “I’m Jill.” She smiled, hoping to ease the girl’s fear.
“I’m Katrina Beach.” she smiled shyly.
“Well, I’m glad you decided to come with us, Katrina.” Jill touched her arm. “Wait here for a second, okay?” The girl nodded, making her way to sit on the curb.
Jill headed over to where Jax was talking to Slade and the other Warriors. When Jax saw her coming, he took a step toward her, but stopped when she eyed him warily.
“It’s me, Jill,” Jax frowned. “I’m sorry that happened to you. I have not seen my brother in a long time.”
“Can you do what he does?” Jill asked, still a little weary. “And exactly what and how does he do what he does?”
Jax looked around at everyone and sighed, “In my tribe we had shifters.”
“I thought all shifters were extinct,” Jared frowned. “I mean I haven’t seen one in probably a hundred years.”
“There were really shifters?” Jill’s eyes widened. “I thought those were just…”
“Stories?” Jared bared his fangs at her, then pointed at hers. “We were stories once, too.”
Jill shrugged. “Sorry, it’s just weird.”
“My mother was a shifter and my father was a Chief.” Jax looked at each of them. “And yes, I have the ability also. When me, my sister and brother were turned, we continued to have our shifter ability, but not only can we shift into animal form, we can shift into human form.”
“I’m sorry, but how fucking cool is that?” Sid laughed, but then frowned. “Although, if you ever shift to look like me or whatever you do, I will kill you.”
“How dangerous is your brother, Jax?” Damon asked, not looking too happy. “And don’t you think you should have given us this information when you first came onboard?”
“Very,” Jax replied with a sneer. “And I rarely shift. As I said, I haven’t seen my brother for many years, but he needs to be found.”
“Oh, we’ll find the son of a bitch,” Slade replied, his stare deadly. “No one threatens mine.”
Jill frowned as she glanced up at Slade. She was really confused. Was she okay if he didn’t really love her? After all, she said it to him, not meaning to, but there it was. While he kissed her, that wasn’t the same as saying it. Actually kissing her didn’t mean anything at all. People who didn’t love each other kissed all the time. Okay, she was too tired to sort through this.
“Jill.” Slade was staring at her. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Jill nodded, frowning. “Why?”
“Because I’ve said your name three times.” Slade intense stare made her fidget.
“I’m fine.” Jill gave him her best fake smile. “Now, let’s go.”
“Lola!” George jogged toward her.
Jill smiled at him. “My name’s Jill.”
He smiled, taking her hand. “Jill,” he laughed. “I should have known that wasn’t your real name. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I’ll make sure you have a direct line to my office.”
“So you’re going to be Mayor?”
“I’m going to be Mayor,” he announced, a large smile spreading across his face. “Thanks to you and your friends.”
“I’m really happy for you, George, but I suggest you cancel your membership at a certain club.” She grinned at him.