Duncan (The Protectors #3)(39)

Her hand going automatically to the pillow still securely tucked in her shirt, Jill frowned, not knowing if that was going to help or hurt her. By the look of glee on the vampires’ faces, she didn’t think it was a plus.

“Listen, I need help.” Jill searched for a solution to her current situation while repeatedly cursing herself for jumping out of the car. What the hell had she been thinking? “I’m running from reporters and need to find the VC Warriors. We got split up.”

Fear flashed in a few golden eyes at the mention of the Warriors, but the obvious leader snorted. “Honey, just stick with us.” He stepped closer making Jill step back. He cocked his head at her action, a not so nice smile curving his lips. “We can keep you safe and get you out of the city. Don’t seem the Warriors are doing a very good job. Heard they were a bunch of pussies.”

If they only knew, Jill thought with a snort. “I appreciate that, but they’re looking for me now. I’ll just head back the way I came. I’m sure they’re close.”

“I don’t think that’s her.” The vampire on the end had stepped closer looking at Jill.

“What the f*ck you mean, that’s not her.” The main vampire pointed to her stomach. “She’s f*cking pregnant, isn’t she?”

Knowing it was about to get nasty, Jill turned to take off, but wasn’t quick enough.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He grabbed her arm with one hand as the other reached out to touch her stomach. Jill tried to avoid contact, but his grip was strong, and her not feeding had made her weaker than she should be. His hand sunk into the pillow she had hidden under her shirt. His golden eyes turned dark as he reached under her shirt pulling out the hospital pillow she had used.

“I knew it,” the other one growled. “I told you it wasn’t her.”

The one holding Jill leaned down holding the pillow up. “What the f*ck is this?” he growled so close she felt his breath on her face. “What kind of game are you playing?”

Jill knew it was do or die time. Words from the Warriors came back to her in a rush of instructions, but Sid’s words rang true in her current situation, ‘When all else fails, fight dirty’. Leaning her head back, she thrust it forward with all her might head butting the vampire. Before she could take off, another vampire stopped her. Struggling to get away, she kicked, scratched and punched anything that got in her way.

“You bitch.” The vampire she head-butted grabbed her by the shirt throwing her across the alley by the car.

Doing her best to land and roll out of the fall, Jill grunted when her sore shoulder made contact with the hard concrete. Okay, pain sucked. Pushing herself off the ground, she caught sight of Slade standing in the shadows. Shaking her head in warning, she missed the booted foot that kicked her hard in the leg.

“Get up, bitch.” The leader picked up his leg to kick her again.

“I wouldn’t suggest you doing that.” Slade stepped out of the shadows, taking in the situation as he walked right up to the vampire standing over Jill.

“Who the hell are you?” The vampire who she had head-butted turned around. “You’re asking for trouble. I suggest you leave and save yourself a lot of trouble.”

“Step away from the woman or die.” Slade’s black eyes narrowed in warning.

The vampire shifted nervously, and then snorted. “I think you’re way out numbered to be giving orders, *.”

Slade cocked his head. “I’m not talking to them. I’m talking to you. Step away from her or die.”

“Fuck you.” The leader leaned closer to Slade to say those words, stepping on Jill’s leg.

Slade spun, his leg kicking out so fast the vampire never knew what hit him as Slade’s size 14 met the side of his neck, cracking it instantly. “No, f*ck you,” Slade spat.

“Watch out!” Jill warned. Another vampire came toward his left, but Slade stuck his hand out grabbing him around the throat without looking.

“You guys sure you want to play?” Slade said to the others as the vampire in his hold made gasping gurgling sounds. Slade squeezed even harder.

Car lights lit up the alley. Jared jumped out of the car before it even stopped, Sid not far behind.

Looking down at the vampire, who wasn’t quite dead jerking on the ground, his neck at an odd angle, Jared toed him with his boot. “This one piss you off, doc?”

Catching sight of another getting ready to take off, snapped Sid to attention, his eyes glowing. “Go ahead, run. Bet I catch ya.”

The vampire stopped. “We didn’t touch her.”

“Get on your knees with your hands behind your head,” Jared ordered opening his phone. “Now!” he shouted when only one did as he was told.

Slade tossed the one he held next to the rest of them.

“There’s a woman in the car.” Jill stood limping her way over to check on the woman.

Out of the shadows, the vampire who had taken the other woman grabbed Jill wrapping his arm around her neck dragging her a few steps back. Jill struggled, but he was too strong.

“Back the f*ck up or I’ll rip her throat out,” he snarled, his fangs gleaming. He looked at the others on their knees. “Get up and get in the car!”

“Let her go or-”

“Or what…die?” The vampire mocked Slade as he leaned down licking the side of Jill’s face, a crazy look in his eyes.