A Warrior Wedding (The Protectors #7)(27)

“He’s just a child.” Caroline smiled at the empty space, but her head moved as if watching an invisible person walking toward Hunter. “And he likes you. You make him laugh.”

That took Hunter back. “Who is he?”

“Not sure.” Caroline glanced at Jax, who was staring at her with an odd look on his face. “He was here when I purchased the house.”

“And you still bought this place? Woman, you’re crazy!” Hunter yelled, looking at her like she’d lost her mind.

“You scared him.” Caroline frowned.

“Yeah, well....sorry!” Hunter yelled out to the air. “But honestly, the only dead thing I ever deal with are vampires, but I can see those suckers. No offense.”

“None taken,” Jax said smirking, enjoying watching Hunter squirm.

Caroline watched Blaze closely and could tell he was uncomfortable, and he should be. He had at least ten dead people following him around. She had seen them the first time she met him, but kept her mouth shut because, well, it could be a little unsettling for people. Taking in his attitude, she figured she’d continue to stay quiet...for now.

Jax’s phone rang, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “Yeah,” Jax answered, his eyes going to Hunter, then to Blaze. “Be there in ten.”

Jax stood along with Blaze. Caroline started to stand on her own, but three huge hands appeared in front of her face. Grabbing one without looking at who it belonged to, she was eased to her feet. She stared into Jax’s golden stare. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied, letting go of her hand quickly. “We need to go. Let’s get this cleaned up.”

“That’s okay. You guys go ahead.” Caroline took an empty pizza box out of Blaze’s hand. “Is everything okay?”

Before Jax could answer, Hunter became instantly alert. “Do dead people carry a scent?”

Caroline just stared at him as if he were being a smartass.

“Do dead people carry a scent?” he asked again, his voice sharp. He went from funny guy to deadly in a second flat.

“No, not really,” Caroline replied, looking confused as Jax took a protective step closer to her.

“Someone who doesn’t belong here is very close.” Hunter sniffed the air.

“Go!” Jax pulled Caroline out of the way.

Hunter began to shake, his body contorting in front of her very eyes and Caroline actually grabbed ahold of Jax. Within seconds, a huge beautiful wolf stood before her and she wondered briefly if she had more beers than she thought. With a loud growl, he turned his head to look straight at her and then to Jax as if waiting for orders.

“Track and see what you can find.” Jax nodded toward Blaze who went to open the door. “We’ll meet you back at the compound.”

Caroline watched this wild animal take orders from Jax and knew it was Hunter, but still it was almost too much for her mind to take. Then the wolf looked at her once more.

“Don’t worry, she’s going with us,” Jax answered the unspoken question.

“What?” Caroline said surprised, but couldn’t take her eyes off the wolf until it was out of sight. Then she looked up at Jax. “I’ve got work to do. I can’t leave and plus I have a gun.”

“No, I’ve got your gun.” Jax left her and locked the back door as Blaze blew out the candle, leaving Caroline no choice but to go with them. “I’ll bring you back after Hunter makes sure it’s safe.”

Caroline dug her heels in. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Jax sighed, tightening his grip on her arm. “You are going, so you better grab whatever you need on the way out.” He narrowed his eyes as he leaned in close. “I warned you to stay away from me.”

“You’re the one who came to me,” she shot back, leaning even closer, her eyes just as narrow

“So I did, didn’t I?” Jax’s lips were so close to hers she could feel his breath, but then he was gone and she was being pulled behind him wondering what in the hell he meant with those words.

CHAPTER 12

Jill could feel someone staring at her before she even opened her eyes and opening her eyes was not an easy feat. It felt like they were sewed shut. She could hear whispering, but couldn’t make out any of the words. It was definitely female voices. Oh, God, was it her wedding day and she passed out? Fighting to wake up, her eyes slowly opened.

“Did I mess up the dress?” Jill croaked. Her dry throat made it difficult to swallow.

Tessa’s face came into view. “What dress?” Tessa asked, touching Jill’s forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“My wedding dress.” Jill tried to swallow again. “Did I tear it?”

“She must still have a fever.” Nicole also leaned over her.

“No, she feels cool to me.” Tessa removed her hand. “You feel her.”

Jill brushed Nicole’s hand off trying to sit up. “I need water.” Again she tried to swallow, but it was nearly impossible. Finally looking around, she realized it wasn’t her wedding and she was in her and Slade’s bed.

Tessa ran to the bathroom then came back quickly with a glass of water. Jill tried not to down it in one swallow, but it felt so good sliding down her throat.

“Slow down,” Nicole scolded, sitting on the bed next to her.