Chapter 26
Tessa sat in her car glancing in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were still a little puffy and red from crying. Anger had replaced the sadness. She couldn’t believe she once again fell for a handsome face sprouting smooth words of…bullshit. God, she was pathetic and so pissed off at herself she could scream. She knew better than to trust again, but no, she had to go being a damn gooey eyed idiot panting over a hot vampire Warrior who gave her the best damn sex she’d ever had.
Smacking the mirror so it aimed toward the roof of the car, she grabbed her bag and headed toward the bar. Yeah, this was going to suck, but it was the fastest way she knew to get her life back on track.
Opening the door the familiar odor of smoke and booze hit her in the face. Only a few people sat around since it was still early. The regular crew usually didn’t hit the door until after six. Letting her eyes adjust, she spotted Bobby stocking the bar, usually her job.
Taking a deep breath, she got her feet moving to the bar. Once there she slung her bag down on a stool.
“What can I get ya?” Bobby didn’t turn around as he placed a pint of Jack Daniels on a shelf.
Figuring she deserved a damn beer she decided she would have a damn beer. It wouldn’t kill her. “Beer.” Tessa ordered and then thought, why the hell not go for it. “And a job.”
Her voice froze him for a second before he swung around, eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing here?” He scanned the bar quickly, fear flashing in his eyes.
“He’s not here.” Tessa reassured him. “I’m sorry about what happened, okay.”
“No, it’s not f*cking okay.” Bobby hissed, lowering his voice. “That crazy son of a bitch about killed me.”
What could she say to that since it was pretty much the truth. “Listen, I’m sorry.” She tried again to apologize. “But I really need my job back.”
“You’re f*cking crazy, you know that?” Bobby pointed at her still glancing behind her like Jared was going to magically materialize.
“Yeah, I know.” Tessa sighed, then frowned feeling her anger kick up a bit. “But if you wouldn’t have been such an asshat what happened wouldn’t have happened.”
“What…me getting my ass kicked was my fault.” Bobby’s eyes widened.
“You were being an arrogant jerk and slapped my ass…hard.” Tessa slammed her hand on the bar then closed her eyes trying to calm down. Her nasty attitude was not helping get her job back. “I’ve apologized. What else can I do?”
“That maniac needs to apologize.” Bobby demanded. “That’s who needs to apologize.”
Yeah, like that would ever happen. She couldn’t see Jared apologizing….ever. “I need my job back Bobby.” Tessa sighed. “I was your best bartender, I never missed work and everybody liked me. I was good at my job.”
Bobby just stared at her for a second before shaking his head in disbelief. “Why in the hell should I give you your job back?”
“Because you’ve known me my whole life, I grew up in this bar and because…” Tessa took a long swig of the beer he finally put in front of her making a nasty face. “I’m going to lose Gramp’s house if I don’t find a job.”
A spark of understanding flashed in Bobby’s eyes. He watched her take another agonizing swig of beer. “When did you start drinking or attempting to drink?” He rolled his eyes at her facial expressions.
“About two minutes ago.” Tessa wiped her mouth, leaning back on the stool. “Ugh, that is God awful.”
“I am so going to regret this, but when can you start?” Bobby sighed grabbing her beer and tossing it in the trash. He really didn’t want another ass kicking and he knew without a doubt he would have another run in with the vampire, but he couldn’t stand by and watch her lose Gramp’s place.
“Tonight.” Tessa smiled, but then her face turned serious. “I have one condition.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” He threw his hands in the air, then pointed at her again. “You don’t get conditions.”
Tessa ignored him. “This is strictly a boss and employee relationship.” She eyed him firmly. “No asking me out and definitely no ass smacking.”
Bobby rolled his eyes. “The ass beating I received by that maniac pretty much cured any intentions I’ve had about dating you.” He turned back to restocking the bar. “Now get the hell out of here before you piss me off more and I change my mind.”
“Thanks Bobby!” Tessa grabbed her stuff. “I’ll be here at eight.”
“Seven Tessa.” Bobby yelled. “Be here at seven sharp. Your start time has not changed and you damn well know it.”
Tessa grinned feeling more like her old self. The faster she could get into her old routine the faster her heart could mend…again.
********
Sid walked Levi and Adam into the pool room. “Here they are as you ordered…master.” Sid’s sarcasm was thick.
Jared ignored him, his eyes on Levi. “Why did you lie?”
“What are you talking about?” Levi’s gaze kept skipping around indicating he was lying out his ass.
Eyes steady on the little bastard, Jared directed his order to Adam. “Can you read him?”
“No.” Adam replied after a short minute. “I can if I touch him.”
Jared’s smile was not pleasant. “Then touch him.”
“This is bullshit.” Levi jerked away from Adam. “I’m a Council member. I don’t follow your orders.”
“You have something to hide?” Jared’s intense stare was putting everyone on edge.
“Of course not.” Levi shook his head. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
“Either me or Adam are going to touch you.” Jared took a step forward, his growl growing with each word. “I suggest you let Adam do what I have asked him to do because if I touch you it will not be pleasant. I know you lied, I want to know why.”
“This is ridiculous.” Levi tried to storm out of the room.
Sid grabbed Levi holding him tight before nodding to Adam. “Do your thing.”
“Okay!” Levi held his hands up away from Adam. “I knew you hadn’t fed in a while because of the human….”
“My sister’s name is Tessa.” Adam growled, making Jared damn proud. “Use it.”
Levi shot him a nasty glare. “I called and had Vicky come over. I knew once you met up with her you would feed because of your hunger and I was right.” His gaze landed on Jared. “We can’t have our Warriors running around on the edge because of hunger. We have to be responsible when you’re not.”
“So you did it for my benefit.” Jared leaned against the pool table eyeing him intently.
“Of course.” Levi answered quickly, a little too quickly. “Why else?”
“Exactly.” Jared stood up glancing at his watch. “Get the f*ck out of here. If you ever pull a stunt like that again your Council title won’t save your sorry ass.”
All three of them watched him hurry out the door. “He’s lying.” Sid walked over to the fridge grabbing a beer.
“Ya think. He doesn’t do anything that doesn’t benefit himself.” Jared tapped out a text on his phone then looked to Adam. “Have you talked to Tessa today?”
“Yeah, earlier.” Adam replied. “Why?”
“Because I texted her just before you guys walked in and she hasn’t answered me.” Jared frowned, his gut telling him something wasn’t right.
“Check Gramp’s room. She might be in there.” Adam shrugged.
“Yeah.” Jared looked at his phone again before walking toward the door. “Thanks guys.”
Steve walked in passing Jared. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Adam tucked his shirt in. “Where’s Jill and the guys?”
“Waiting at the car.” Steve grinned, looking excited as always.
“Where are you guys heading?” Sid crossed his arms leaning against the pool table, tapping his beer against his arm.
“New club just opened up on Sixth Street. Thought we’d go check it out and try to get Romeo here out of his funk.” Steve nodded toward Adam.
“Why’s Romeo in a funk?” Sid eyed Adam who avoided his gaze.
“He and his girl broke up.” Steve smacked Adam on the back. “He needs to see there’s life after Angelina.”
Sid watched Adam closely. “So she left your sorry ass?”
When Adam didn’t answer; Steve, who was never at a loss for words, piped in. “No he broke it off with her.”
“Ah, well, I’m sure you’ll find a nice piece of ass tonight and forget all about her.” Sid tried to hide his grin by lifting his beer and taking a swig. “Though I’m surprised you let that nice looking female go. Hell, if you’re done with her maybe I could take a shot. I like them young and with a body like hers she could make a man real….”
Adam was in his face before he could finish. “You go anywhere near her I will kill you.”
Sid didn’t even flinch, just stood ready, nose to nose with Adam. “You sure you want to ride that train son?”
“Ah, shit!” Steve stood wide eyed shifting nervously from foot to foot. “Ah, guys…”
“All aboard….motherf*cker.” Adam answered cocking his head, his golden eye black as night staring straight into Sid's.
“Oh my God!” Steve dropped his face in his hands not wanting to watch the massacre that was coming.
Sid’s head fell back, his laughter banging off the walls. “I will say one thing, you got balls.” Sid shook his head. “You may have shit for brains, but you got balls.”
“No one talks about Angelina.” Adam backed up slightly, but still stood threateningly close.
“Cage some of the aggression, lover boy.” Sid grinned. “I don’t want your woman, but she is a looker and if you don’t get your head out of your ass somebody is going to step up on your territory.”
“Yeah, well she can do better than me.” Adam frowned remembering the conversation he’d had with her friend.
“You’re training to be a Warrior breed, respect that or no one else will.” Sid turned serious. “We don’t bow down to anyone. I don’t know what happened between you and your lady, but you better fix it and fix it soon.”
“I seriously don’t know what to do.” Adam finally calmed down. “I just want her to be happy.”
“They always say if you love something let it go and if it comes back to you…..” Steve added, but stopped when he noticed Adam and Sid glaring at him. “What?”
“Do you have a vagina son?” Sid asked, his face full of disgust.
“Ah, no.” Steve’s eyes widened slightly. “I was just repeating that saying…”
“Yeah…well stop it.” Sid rolled his eyes. “Warriors don’t let their women go…ever.”
“Ah guys, are we going or not?” Jill walked in, her spiky black hair tipped with red highlights. “Dillon and Matt are ready to leave you here.”
“Yeah, we’re coming.” Adam answered. “Thanks Sid.”
“Anytime my brother.” Sid knuckle bumped him. “You need woman advice come to me…please.” He shot Steve a look.
“Seriously.” Steve said as they walked out the door leaving Sid behind. “Haven’t you heard that saying?”
“What saying?” Jill asked, following them out.
“If you love something let it go…” Steve started.
“And if it comes back you know its love.” Jill sighed. “I love that saying. It’s so romantic.”
“See, she knows it.” Steve pointed at Jill, glancing back at Sid.
“And….she has a vagina.” Sid didn’t pull any punches. “My point has been made.”
Steve frowned at Jill as if her having a vagina was her fault. Adam laughed for the first time in a while, slapping his arm around Steve. “Let’s go before Dillon and Matt do leave us.” Adam chuckled. “We can talk about vaginas and lost love on the way.”