Sloan (The Protectors Series) Book #9 (11 page)

Chapter 20

Becky was done with the poking, testing, and the rest of the crap that went along with being in the emergency room. Her hearing was almost back to normal. She was just a little sore from Sloan falling on her. More than anything, she was bored to death and worried about Sloan.

He had stayed with her, along with some of the Warriors, until Slade had collected him. She was since alone. She sat up in the uncomfortable bed listening to the conversations going on around her. She couldn’t see anything because the curtains were closed, but she could see feet walking back and forth.

No one had been in for the last half an hour and she was ready to get dressed and find out what was going on with Sloan. Glancing down at the IV port they put in the top of her hand, she frowned. Ripping the tape off, the pulled it out and cursed. “Damn, that hurts.” As soon as it left her hand, blood squirted everywhere. “Ah, shit!” She frantically reached around to find something to stop the blood. Coming up empty, she used her bed sheet. Using that to put pressure on the small hole, she looked for her clothes.

Once the bleeding had stopped, she hopped out of the bed, waiting for a second to make sure she really was okay and not going to fall flat on her face. Taking a step, then another toward the chair with her clothes, she felt triumphant as she hurried and dressed.

Peeking out the curtains, she glanced around. If she was going to make a break for it, now was the time. It was clear. Quickly she walked out, then slowed, wondering where the hell Sloan was. Turning up another hallway, she watched Slade walk out of a room. She pushed herself against the wall, then peeked to make sure he was gone and saw the Warriors standing around at the end of the hallway, talking. Katrina spotted her. Putting her finger to her lips, Becky warned Katrina to shush, then pointed toward the room Slade had exited and mouthed “Sloan.” Katrina glanced around at the Warriors, then nodded.

With a sneakiness that would make the Warriors proud, she crossed the hallway to the wall and plastered herself against it. Easing herself along, she reached out, grabbed the knob, and snuck into Sloan Murphy’s room. With a satisfied smile, she turned, her eyes falling on Sloan’s back.

“Oh, my God!” Her hand went to her mouth in shock.

Sloan lay on his stomach on a bed. He pushed himself up to see her. “What in the hell are you doing up?”

“Your back!” Becky cried, heading toward him to see it closer. The wounds were jagged, long, and very deep. Blood seeped out, streaking down his side.

“Becky, did Slade release you?” Sloan narrowed his eyes.

“No, he didn’t.” Slade entered the room, answering for Becky, and he was not happy. “Dammit, Becky, I don’t have your results back yet. You shouldn’t be up walking around.”

“Is he going to be okay?” Becky was past caring about herself. The man lying before her with huge gouges in his body from protecting her was who she cared about at the moment. She was absolutely fine.

“He’s a vampire,” Slade reminded her. “He’s fine, but I need to staple some of these closed so they heal right. Some of them are already healing incorrectly.”

A frantic nurse entered the room saying, “Dr. Buchanan, the girl in triage four is missing.”

“No, she’s not,” Becky responded. She then sat down in a chair next to Sloan’s head. “She’s right here and not moving.” Her eyes pleaded with Sloan.

He had rested his head on his bare muscular arm, his golden eyes staring at her.

“Please don’t make me go,” she whispered to him.

“Doctor?” the nurse asked. Slade looked toward Sloan, who shook his head.

“She’s fine,” Slade said, but didn’t sound happy about it. “Check on the results of her tests and see if they’ve come back, please.”

The nurse backed out, leaving them alone.

“If you feel dizzy or weak, you need to lie down right away,” Slade warned before he started working on Sloan’s back.

Becky watched as Slade stapled Sloan’s back. She wasn’t squeamish—her son had broken bones and bloodied many parts of his body in the past—so the stapling didn’t really bother her. She looked back at Sloan, who was staring at her.

“Novocain is the shit, isn’t it?” Becky gave him a small smile.

“I wouldn’t know,” Sloan replied, adjusting his head. “It doesn’t work on us.”

“Holy crap.” Becky cringed, biting her lip as she looked back at Slade stapling the wounds closed without any numbing medication.

It seemed like forever before Slade was done. She did all the grimacing, hissing, and ouching for Sloan.

“Give it about two days and then I’ll take the staples out,” Slade told him as he walked over to wash his hands.

“Hey, you didn’t wear gloves.” Becky frowned at Slade.

“We don’t get infections and can’t give infections,” Slade responded, still sounding a little peeved about her escape from triage.

“Must be nice.” Becky watched as Slade walked out of the room without commenting. “Guess I made the doctor mad. Story of my life.”

“He only has your best interest in mind. And he takes this shit very serious.” Sloan pushed up off the table and stood. He turned to grab the shirt Slade had brought him since his was torn all to hell, but stopped when Becky placed her hand gently on his lower back.

“Thank you,” she whispered, tears in her voice. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”

Silently, Sloan turned and stood before her, his gaze tracing a single tear that had escaped her eye.

“I know you’re fast and could have gotten away without being touched, but because you were shielding me….” She tilted her head, swallowing hard. “Just thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he finally said as he reached up and swiped another tear that had escaped.

“Near-death experiences always make me emotional.” Becky sniffed, rolling her eyes.

A small smile tipped his full lips as he cupped her chin with the large hand she had admired on many occasions, then slid it to the back of her head. Leaning down, his eyes never left hers. She placed her hand on his arm to help herself rise.

So many times since seeing this man she had imagined this, but that was nothing compared to what she was experiencing, and he hadn’t even kissed her yet.

She placed her free hand on his neck, her thumb creasing his strong chin. Finally, his mouth met hers as his hand left the back of her head, moved to her waist, and pulled her against his body. Her feet actually left the floor. She didn’t care; she was safe in his embrace.

His tongue dipped in, tasting her, and she happily let him inside. The kiss was demanding and she gave freely. She moaned, not caring. Never had she been kissed so thoroughly. She knew if this man demanded anything from her at that moment, she would have done it. She was in deep shit and she didn’t care.

Sloan pulled away, causing a disappointed groan to escape Becky’s lips. He set her down on her feet as her gaze met his. His eyes were as black as night. Turning, he put his shirt on right before the door opened. Slade walked in, but Sloan stayed turned away, cracking his neck back and forth.

“Your test results are negative.” Slade handed her the release papers. “But next time I put you in a room, if there is a next time, I will tie you down until I release you.”

“I’m sorry.” Becky signed the paperwork and handed it back to Slade. “I was just freaking out and didn’t want to be alone.”

Some of the anger left Slade’s expression before he headed toward the door. “You’re both released,” Slade informed them. “I signed yours, boss.”

“Thanks,” Sloan answered, his voice deep. “Tell the guys I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Will do.” Slade closed the door behind him.

Becky wasn’t sure what to do since Sloan still had his back to her. It said so much. Finding her voice, Becky attempted an even tone. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When he didn’t say anything, her stomach dipped in hurt. She shrugged aside the sensation and headed for the door. A strong arm stopped her and turned her.

“I don’t do relationships.” Sloan glared down.

Confusion dipped Becky’s brows. His anger was palpable, but at what, at who? Wow, she was sounding like Dr. Seuss.

“Ah, okay. Good to know,” she replied, not knowing how to reply to that statement. “Though the last time I checked, but then again I’ve been out of the game for a while, a kiss doesn’t constitute a relationship.”

Once again Sloan did that silent stare thing. It was actually a real turn-on because a sexy man deep in thought as he stared at her got her imagination flowing.

“Good to know,” he finally decided to say. A second later, he pulled her to him and kissed her hard, but she gave as good as she received. Just as abruptly he let her go.

She stumbled back, but he steadied her before going to the door. “I’ll have someone take you and Katrina home,” Sloan said before disappearing out the door.

Becky stood staring at the closing door, her hand on her mouth. “What the fuck just happened?” she asked the empty room. Unfortunately, the room didn’t answer and she left more confused than she’d ever been in her life.

Chapter 21

Sloan had to get the fuck out of that room and fast. Never had his emotions been so involved with a woman, and he had only kissed her, that was it. Nothing else. Just a fucking kiss that blew his mind. Dammit, he needed to hit something.

Seeing his Warriors waiting for him, he went straight to them, ready for any news that could lead him toward the sons of bitches who’d fucked his day up. When he searched their eyes, he knew they were just as ready.

“What did we find out?” Sloan stopped, waiting for the answer.

“Not much,” Duncan replied, not looking happy about the fact. “Everything that was in that car was destroyed, and we went through it more than once.”

“Did you question the carpenters?” Sloan questioned, his mind still on Becky.

“They said the car was there when they arrived this morning, but they didn’t pay much attention to it,” Jared answered, his eyes narrowed in anger and frustration.

Sloan felt the same. They had shit to go on. Nothing. “Anyone from the other chapters find anything? Any clue as to who, once again, is after us?”

“Not yet,” Duncan replied. “Steve and Adam are camping out at the warehouse to see if anyone shows up to see their handiwork.”

“Let’s head back there and recheck to see if we missed something.” Sloan turned just as Becky headed straight toward him. “I need someone to take Becky and Katrina to Becky’s.”

Dammit, he was hoping to get the fuck out before he had to face her again. He wasn’t a pussy, but he needed to get his head on straight and figure this shit out.

“I can drop them off then meet you guys at the warehouse.” Sid stepped in. “I drove the van.”

“Okay, good.” Sloan turned away, looking for a way out, but passing Becky was the only option. She had that look on her face, one he wasn’t used to. When he had sex with women, he’d always leave immediately. No ties, no talk, just in and out, literally. Her look was asking for something more, and he wasn’t sure he even knew how to do more.

“Hey.” Becky walked up to Sloan, her eyes searching. “I forg—”

“Listen, we are really in a hurry.” Sloan barely looked at her. “Sid is going to drive you guys to your place.”

“Ah, okay.” Becky frowned up at him. “But I—”

“I said we’re in a hurry.” This time Sloan’s tone was rude and dismissive. It was his way, the only way he knew.

“Am I off the clock?” Becky said just as rudely.

“What?” Sloan’s head snapped back in confusion.

“Am I off the clock?” she repeated, looking at him like he was an idiot.

“Yes,” he replied, not really understanding what she was asking.

“Good! I wasn’t coming out here to slobber all over you, and fuck you for thinking I was, asshole,” she snapped, poking him in the chest. “The day we came back from the warehouse, there was a dark blue sedan that kept pace with us on the way back to the compound. It slowed at the drive when we pulled in, then took off. It had a dented driver door and dark tinted windows. I didn’t think much of it until just a few minutes ago. After the blast today, I saw it again after we hit the ground. Whoever was in that car may have something to do with what happened today, but then again, I’m just a secretary and don’t know shit. So take it however you want.”

Everyone was silent and looking anywhere but at him, except for Becky who stared at him with no fear, no expectation. No, her stare was filled with distrust and it actually made him, Sloan Murphy, feel like a piece of shit.

“I didn’t mea—” Sloan whispered to her as he reached out, but she stepped back.

“Katrina, are you ready?” She turned away from him and, with Katrina at her side, she walked away.

“Ah, guess that’s my cue.” Sid sidestepped Sloan as he followed the women.

Actually, everyone sidestepped Sloan as they headed out. Duncan passed, tossing him his bike keys. “We had your bike brought over,” was all he said as he also walked away.

Alone, Sloan stood in the front of the waiting area. Hearing something, he turned to see an old man who was making his way toward him, his cane clicking on the tile floor.

“Son, that’s no way to talk to a pretty lady.” He tsked, shaking his head as he passed. “Especially a beauty like that.”

Sloan watched as the old man made his way into a room. Running his hand down his face, he cursed. His day had gone to hell, but what surprised him was he’d single-handedly opened hell’s door, because just five minutes earlier, he’d been in heaven, he had no doubt.

Shaking his head at those thoughts, he walked through the hallway and happened to look into the room the old man had disappeared into. There he stood, next to the bed, holding the hand of an old woman, his face full of love as he stared down at her still form. Suddenly, the man’s face rose toward Sloan. Unshed tears made the old man’s eyes bright. Then he dismissed Sloan to look back down at the woman, who was saying something that made the old man smile.

Making his feet move, Sloan continued down the hallway and knew the wise old man was right. He should have never treated Becky that way and he regretted it. She was better off without him. He was not mate material. She would be better off without him. The repeated thought banged around in his brain, making him wonder who he was trying to convince.

******

Becky, with Katrina at her side, followed Sid. No one said a word, but her mind was busy talking and it wouldn’t shut up. She was so mad, hurt, and, well, mad. Did Sloan think she was that hard up that she would come running up to him in front of everyone like a lost dog looking for a pat on the head and scraps of his affection? Did he think she was that desperate for him, or any man for that matter?

“Hey, where you going?” Sid called out.

Stopping, Becky realized she’d passed Sid and Katrina. They both stood next to a black van. Silently, she turned, headed back, and climbed into the back of the van. Once Sid and Katrina were buckled up, Sid glanced at her in the rearview mirror before starting the van.

“Where to?” Sid asked before pulling out.

Becky rattled off the address, then leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes, wishing… hell, wishing for what? That she had never met Sloan? That he’d never kissed her? That she found him disgusting like any sane person would find their boss? Seriously, what the hell was wrong with her that she wanted to bang her boss? That wasn’t normal, was it?

“You seriously need to block,” Sid said from the front seat.

“What?” Becky said absently, then her eyes widened. “What? Are you reading me?”

“Kind of hard not to when your thoughts are so loud.” Sid frowned at her in the mirror. “Sloan’s an asshole, but a good guy.”

Becky shrugged. “Stop reading me or whatever it is you vampires do. It’s rude. Or is rude just part of the vampire culture? Because there’s a lot of rudeness going on tonight,” she rambled. Sighing, she leaned her head back against the seat again, but not before she threw Sid a warning glare.

After a few minutes of silence, the sound of Sid’s voice made her open her eyes. “What?”

“Did you say the sedan had a dented driver-side door?” Sid asked, his tone not light and airy, but all business.

“Yes, why?” Becky sat a little straighter, looking into the front where Sid and Katrina sat.

Sid turned the van in the middle of the road but kept his slow speed. “Is that it?”

Becky peered through the windows and then she spotted it. “That’s it!” Becky put her face closer to the window to watch the car pass.

Sid was on the phone. “We got the car.”

“Where are you going?” Becky watched as they passed the sedan. “That’s it. Stop!”

Sid rattled off the address before hanging up. He then parked up the street facing the blue sedan. “Katrina, get in the back.”

Katrina quickly relocated and sat next to Becky.

“I’m going to check it out. I want you both to stay put.” Sid started to open his door, but turned to look at them. “I mean it. Stay put. If you see anything, text me, but do not get out of this van. No one can see you in here.”

“But—” Becky frowned.

“Stay in the van.” His growled order cut her off.

Both Becky and Katrina remained in the back of the van unseen, but leaned far enough to watch Sid disappear into the darkness. Scanning the area, Becky realized that a lot of the buildings were vacant. She hoped to hell Sid found whoever owned that car, but she prayed the rest of the Warriors arrived before he did.

“Look.” Katrina tugged on her sleeve.

A man stepped out of a building across the street from the car and from where Sid had disappeared. “Dammit,” Becky hissed, looking around for Sid. “Text Sid.”

“I don’t have my phone anymore,” Katrina whispered, sounding worried and a little nervous.

Becky pulled out her phone, found Sid’s number, hit New Message and typed, MAN HEADING TO CAR, and then, BE CAREFUL! Before she could hit Send, the dreaded sound filled the car. Her phone had died.

“Noooooo!” Becky stared at it as if willing it to come back to life. “Piece-of-shit battery-sucking phone!”

“He’s getting in the car,” Katrina whispered, once again tugging at her.

Staring out the window, Becky didn’t see Sid anywhere. He was probably searching inside the empty buildings on the side of the road the car was parked. Her eyes fell on the keys still in the ignition, then back to the guy. Her eyes went from the man, who was now in the car, to the keys. She couldn’t let him get away.

“Put your seat belt on,” Becky said as she climbed into the front.

“What are you doing?” Katrina asked, but did as she was told.

Becky turned the key, and the engine purred to life. “Either saving the day or something very stupid.” She reached up to the gear shift and put it in drive. “We’ll find out in a minute. Hold on.”

She inched her way forward, leaving the headlights off. As soon as the car’s headlights came on, she knew this was it—now or never. Slamming on the gas, she headed straight for the car’s driver-side door.

“Hold on!” Becky screamed before ramming the blue sedan into the telephone pole, blocking the passenger doors. Even knowing she was going to make impact and because she had forgotten to put on her own seat belt, her head banged against the steering wheel. “Are you okay?”

When Katrina didn’t answer, she looked in the back to see Katrina staring out the van window. Her gaze followed to see six men rushing toward them with guns drawn.

“I’m thinking we didn’t save the day,” Katrina finally said, her eyes going to Becky.

Surely Sid had heard the crash, but where in the hell was he? Looking around frantically, she did the only thing that might save their asses. She pressed her hand on the horn.

Both Katrina and Becky screamed when the back window of the van shattered. Holy shit, they were shooting at them. Thoughts of Frankie flashed through her mind and she realized how much of an idiot she had been to take a chance like this. A little adventure was fine, but this had been a huge mistake. She wasn’t a Warrior and she definitely wasn’t a vampire. She could fucking die. Didn’t she just go through this a few hours ago with the explosion?

“Get on the floor.” Katrina pushed her down while lowering herself.

“Oh my God.” Becky panicked, her brain closing down as bullets ripped into the van. “My son! I can’t die. I’m so sorry.”

Katrina grabbed her arm, jerking her. “You are not going to die.” She then tilted her head toward the top of the van and closed her eyes.

A swooshing noise circled the van, everything became pitch-black, and the shooting stopped. Slowly, Becky lifted her head to peer out the window. Hundreds of bats swarmed the van. She could hear male screams in the distance.

It seemed like forever that the bats flew around the van, protecting them. In the midst of the noise, they heard men shouting their names. Katrina once again closed her eyes and the bats as one flew into the air and disappeared. The driver-side door was pulled off; not opened, but torn off the hinges, and strong arms pulled Becky from her spot under the dashboard.

“Son of a bitch.” Sloan’s voice sounded worried and on edge. “Are you hit?”

She actually had to think about that one because she honestly didn’t know, but she didn’t think she was because she didn’t hurt anywhere. Or maybe she was just too numb with fear.

Sloan’s hands were all over her, turning her as he looked her over. She saw Blaze helping Katrina out of the van and then she saw it, the van. It was riddled with bullet holes, the windows shot out. Her hand went to her mouth as she realized how close she had come to death for a second time.

“Katrina?” Becky whispered toward Katrina, vomit stuck in her throat.

“Is fine.” Sloan turned her toward him and searched her face, which was crumpling in the realization of what could have happened. “But are you?”

Becky looked up at him, and everything hit at once. Her hands went to her face as sobs racked her body. She heard Sloan curse, which caused more uncontrollable sobs. She couldn’t stop. Her emotions and body were in control and they were a mess. When she was pulled into a hard body, she wrapped her arms around Sloan’s neck, climbing up his body until her legs were around his waist. Safe. She prayed as she sobbed that he wouldn’t reject her, and he didn’t. His strong arms enveloped her and she felt herself being carried away. To where, she didn’t care, as long as it was him taking her.