Adam (The Protectors #5)(36)

“Calm down?” Angelina turned on him, her eyes narrowed in fury. “Did you see what she did to that child?”

Adam nodded, but didn’t let go. He watched as Sid pulled Lana off Alice and Slade grabbed Jill. “Yes, I did.” Adam finally let her go as Alice and the Mayor rushed to their waiting limo. “But you are human.”

Her eyes turned to meet his, sadness shining through. “And that’s the problem, isn’t it?”

Before Adam could say anything, she pulled out of his hold and headed toward Jill who was talking to the little boy.

“Hey.” Jill smiled at the little boy, catching his attention. “I’m Jill, a friend of your mom’s. And this is Angelina.”

The little boy wiped his nose and looked at both women, distrust clear as he held onto his dad tightly.

“Did that woman scare you?” Jill asked, and when the little boy nodded, Jill had to calm herself not to go chasing after the limo pulling away. “What’s your name?”

“Shane.” When he didn’t answer, Anne and her husband replied at the same time.

“Well, Shane, I didn’t get to see what kind of face she made at you.” Jill smiled at the little boy. He reminded her of her little brother. “Was it something like this?” Jill crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.

The little boy looked at her for a second before a giggle escaped. “No,” he said, shaking his head, watching her closely.

“No?” Jill’s face went back to normal as she faked a surprise look. “Are you sure?” She made the face again until he was laughing freely.

He nodded his head, a smile lighting his face, but the wetness from tears still wet his chubby cheeks.

“Well, next time you think of that ugly face, I want you to remember this one instead.” Jill did it one last time but more exaggerated. When Shane laughed, Jill smiled at him ruffling his hair. Her eyes then met Anne’s husband’s. “I’ll take care of her. I promise.”

He nodded his head at Jill. “Thank you.”

“I love you.” Anne slipped into his arms, kissed his cheek and then Shane’s.

“Hurry back to us.” He pulled Anne close, kissing her deeply.

Adam noticed Sid and Slade take a step closer to make sure Anne would not lose her composure. She didn’t. She kissed her son on the cheek before holding Jill’s hand tightly. Adam’s eyes briefly met Jill’s and Jill’s thoughts filled his head. This isn’t going to happen. We will not allow that bitch to separate half-breeds from their loved ones. I’ll die first. He totally agreed.

*******

Angelina watched Adam nod at Jill before everyone went their separate ways, getting into cars. Lana and Sid took the other woman, Janie, who had been turned, while Jill walked with Anne, Slade following them. Feeling more alone than she ever had in her life, Angelina was at a loss. Feeling she had no other choice, she started to walk away from the place that had pretty much ruined her life as she knew it.

“Where is your family?” Adam’s voice so deep and strong came from behind her.

Stopping, Angelina turned, her eyes automatically going to his. “I’m sure my dad is on the road and my mom…” she shrugged, “well who knows.”

Anger surged through his body. “Did someone call them?”

Angelina ignored his question. “Thank you, Adam.” Her eyes searched his before she turned to walk away.

“Thank you is all I get?” He stopped and turned her toward him. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” Angelina leaned toward him, just as lightening filled the sky followed seconds later by rolling thunder. “Thank you very much.” A teasing smile tipped the corner of her lips, yet it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

A voice that would haunt her for the rest of her life screamed her name, but Angelina didn’t look, didn’t flinch.

“Angelina!” Robert’s voice called out as Damon and Duncan led the three men to vehicles. “Angelina!”

“Shut him the f*ck up or I will!” Adam called out to Damon and Duncan, turning to glare over his shoulder until the men were shoved into the SUV; the doors slammed shut.

Even though Adam looked away from her, she continued to stare where his eyes had been. An overwhelming sense of loss caused a single tear to roll down her cheek. She tried to hold back, yet more followed its path. Unblinking, her eyes remained fixed on what felt safe and familiar and that was Adam. He was the reason she had stayed strong and hadn’t given up.

Seeing her tears, Adam reached for her hand. “Come on.” He led her to the car. “I’ll take you home.”

Digging her heels in, Angelina shook her head, finally blinking. Her focus on Adam didn’t waver. “Not unless you believe me.” Another loud crack of lightening flashed over their heads, but Angelina stood, unwilling to budge.

“Believe what?” Adam still held her hand tightly. Rain fell in sheets, completely drenching them in a matter of seconds.

“That I had no choice.” Angelina was glad for the rain; it hid more tears that swamped her eyes. “I had to make you believe that I was happy.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Adam said again, trying to pull her to his car and out of the rain.

“It does to me.” She pried her hand away from his. “It kills me to think you believed I just threw the love I had for you away, like you meant so little to me.”