Adam (The Protectors #5)(8)

“She doesn’t look good,” Nicole spoke up, glancing at Jared, Duncan and finally Damon. “I think you need to talk to her.”

“No.” Damon’s voice was final.

“I’m not asking, brother.” Sid took two steps and was in Damon’s face. “I have no clue how to protect her from this. Jesus, I’m a damn vampire and this shit freaks me out. But I do know one thing, you will walk into that room and listen to her, because as far as I know, that is the only way to get them to leave her alone.”

Damon and Sid stood staring at each other, neither giving an inch.

Jared stood. “I’ll go talk to her.” He smacked Damon on the back. “If it was Nicole in there, you’d feel the same way Sid feels, so I suggest you do it and get it done.”

Nicole nudged herself between Sid and Damon. “Sid would do it for me, Damon.” She reached up and touched his cheek, waiting for his eyes to meet hers. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“Oh, you do?” Damon’s eyes crinkled at the corners, softening his scowl. “And what is that?”

“That I will be hurt if she is the one wanting to give you a message.” On her tiptoes, Nicole reached up and kissed him softly on the cheek. “But your concern is the reason I won’t be. Maybe if she is the one with a message, you will find the closure that you need. I’ve never even asked for her name, Damon.”

“Rose. Her name was Rose.” Damon stared down at her for a moment longer before pulling her to him. “I don’t deserve you.”

Sid, who had been standing silently, snorted. “You got that right.”

“Shut up, Sid.” Nicole’s voice was muffled by Damon’s massive chest. Finally looking up, she smiled at Damon. “Go find your closure with Rose so I can have you all to myself. I’ll be here when you’re finished.”

“I want you with me and you have always had me to yourself. Never doubt that.” Grasping her hand, he pulled her past Sid. “Let’s get this over with.”

Sid stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks, my brother.”

“Nicole was right.” Damon nodded at him. “You would have done it for her.”

“Without a second thought.” Sid followed them out hoping that this would work. Never in his many years did he think he would have to protect someone from the dead and not have one damn clue how to do it. Even though most considered his race dead, this was a whole different dead, and for once in his life, he was at a loss.

******

Adam, Jill and Steve found an empty table at Spare Time Diner. A few customers gave them uncomfortable stares, but they ignored them, used to the disgusted or frightened glares from others.

“I thought we were going for a beer.” Steve frowned, crossing his arms with a huff.

“And I thought I’ve told you I don’t drink.” Adam shot him a look before picking up the menu and glancing at it, even though he knew exactly what he was getting.

“Me either.” Jill took a long whiff of air. “God, I love this place. I used to come here almost every day after school. They have the best hamburgers and their ice cream is to die for.”

“Is food all you ever think about?” Steve rolled his eyes, his mood still salty.

“It’s probably the top five things on my thinking list, yeah.” Jill shot back, wrinkling her nose at him. “What’s your problem?”

“Well, after hearing that we may die soon, I was hoping for an alcoholic beverage.” Steve looked around the diner. His gaze settled on an old farmer who was staring at them. “After you get your prize winning hamburger and ice cream, we are going to Club Zero. I’m getting shitfaced.”

“No, you’re not,” Adam finally spoke up, an edge to his voice. “And we’re not going to die.”

“You two suck.” Steve pointed at both of them with a disgusted glare.

“Yeah, well, tomorrow you’ll be thanking me.” Adam glared back, slamming the menu down. “If Slade even sniffs alcohol on our breath, we’ll be dead, and I’d rather take my chances with anyone other than that big bastard.”

Steve made a thoughtful face. “Guess you got a point, but you still suck.”

Jill set both elbows on the table and cradled her face in her hands. “You afraid to die?” Jill asked Adam, her eyes searching for the truth.

Staring at Jill for a few seconds, Adam sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I don’t want to die, but I’m not afraid to die.”

“Well, I don’t want to die either, and call me a *, but I’m scared to death of dying.” Steve shrugged before glancing at Jill. “What about you? Are you afraid?”

Blowing out a long breath, she nodded. “Yeah, I am.” She looked around at the people around them. Everything about them screamed normal and human. It left her feeling a little lost. “I don’t like pain. If I’m going to die, I hope it’s quick and painless. I don’t want to go down crying and screaming like a little girl. I don’t want to let you guys down being a *.”

“You want a Damon death.” Steve nodded, and then frowned when they were both looking at him. “You know, the Damon decapitation death. It’s quick and…what?”