Adam (The Protectors #5)(22)

“You wound me, Sloan, but you’re right. I don’t care about any of you. In order for me to finally be at rest, I have to do a good deed.” Caroline’s voice became weaker. “This is my good deed; given to ones I’ve presumably deceived.”

“Presumably?” Sid’s eyes went from golden to black in a second flat. “Not one of us would have agreed to a life of watching everyone we know dying, as we continue to live.”

Caroline snorted as her head bobbed toward Sid. “I don’t see how that should have bothered you, Sinclair. You’ve never had anyone.”

“You’re lucky you are already dead, you son of a bitch,” Sid growled, clasping his hands into fists.

“Go ahead and hit me,” Caroline smirked. “I won’t feel a thing.”

“You were a bastard then and you’re a bastard now,” Sid snarled his hatred before growling and walking away.

“So is that all the information you have?” Jared asked, his eyes narrowed. “That’s it? Just ‘there’s a war’, which we already knew.”

“Hey, give me a f*cking break.” Caroline sat down, her legs spread out like a man and not a prim pose for a female. “I don’t know all and I only give information I’m allowed to give.”

Sloan sighed, rubbing his eyes. “There’s a war coming with the humans and vampires, but no hint when this war is going to happen, how it starts or who starts it. I mean, that’s pretty f*cking lame, Alexio, and I’m not sure that deed is enough to get you out of hell or wherever they’ve put your sorry ass.”

Caroline was up and out of the chair in Sloan’s face. “Look at me.” She thumped her chest hard, making Sloan grimaced. “I’m in a woman’s body. Me, your Lanista in a woman’s body. This is my hell.” Caroline’s voice became shrill, but deep.

“Sloan was our trainer, Alexio.” Duncan spoke up. “You were only our trainer when greed, whores and money were involved. You deserve everything you get.”

“You know what, I don’t need this.” Caroline pointed at each Warrior, even Slade who had moved even closer. “I’ve done my deed.”

“Then leave,” Sloan growled. “You’ve done us no favors. A war between humans and vampires has always been a threat, so you have delivered nothing.”

“This is not a threat. It will happen,” Caroline warned and then pointed at the newspaper that Adam had given Sloan. “And it has already begun.”

“And we will take care of it, as always.” Sloan’s voice was confident. “Now, let the girl go.”

“You have no idea what is coming. Hope you turn your human mates soon, because your hand may be the one that kills them.” The warning was laid out, her eyes searching before landing on Sid. “Hey, Sinclair. Looks like you’re about to be alone again. Your female…” An evil smile played across her lips.

Sid’s head snapped forward. “My female what?”

“Fuck you,” Caroline said before her eyes rolled back in her head as her legs buckled.

Sloan caught her, laying her on the floor. Her eyes opened immediately and began to focus. “I swear…” Her voice was raspy and she cleared her throat to try again. “I swear when I die, I’m hunting that bastard down.”

“Are you okay?” Sloan watched her closely, his eyes dark with anger.

“I’m fine, just weak.” Caroline’s pale face reddened. “I was present for all of it, just couldn’t control anything. I hate when they do that.”

“Isn’t there a way to stop them from doing it?” Slade frowned, his large hand on her wrist checking her pulse.

“Guess I’m going to have to learn from Lana, because she’s better at it than I am.” Caroline closed her eyes with a sigh, and then shot straight up, almost hitting Sloan and Slade in the face with her head. “Lana!” Her eyes shot to Sid.

“Do you know what he meant?” Sid had been pacing with his phone, but stopped, looking hopeful at Caroline.

“No, but she’s with Adam and wherever Angelina is. She’s in trouble.” Caroline attempted to get up, but stopped when her head started to spin.

“I know where it’s at.” Jared headed for the door. “Come on.”

“Go with them,” Sloan instructed Duncan as Sid and Jared rushed out the door. “We’ll get this other shit straightened out later.”

“You go too.” Caroline pulled her arm out of Slade’s grasp. “She might need you. I’m fine.”

Slade looked to Sloan who nodded. “Go.” Sloan ordered.

Caroline stood with Sloan’s help. “Thank you.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Sloan frowned, watching her closely.

“I’m fine, but just so you know, I’m a history major and teach history.” Caroline leaned against his desk, still trying to get her bearings.

Sloan shifted uncomfortably, but didn’t break eye contact with her. “And?”

“And…you owe me.” Caroline smiled. Even shaken by her ordeal, she had questions, lots of questions. “I want to know…everything.”

“What did you hear while he was…?” Sloan stopped, not really understanding what just happened.