Duncan (The Protectors #3)(50)

“Okay, looks good.” Slade lifted her hand closer to check his work. “Let me bandage it, and then you can get out of here. If the pain gets too bad for over-the-counter stuff, just let me know, and I’ll get you something stronger.”

“I’ll be fine,” Tessa replied. When Slade went into the other room, she looked at Jill who had finally turned around. “How much do I owe you? I don’t have insurance.”

“The Council will take care of it,” Slade replied, not in the least worried about payment.

“But I’m not part of the Council and I’m human.” Tessa frowned. “Just give me a bill.”

Slade watched her for a few seconds, and knew by the look on her face that she wasn’t going to let this go.

“I’ll write something up and give it to you next time I see you.” Slade played along. He wasn’t going to take her money.

A sad expression colored her face. “You can’t write it out now?”

“We haven’t unpacked the paper stuff yet,” Slade answered, shooting Jill a look when she started to open her mouth.

“Oh, well okay.” Tessa frowned. “Nicole knows my address if I don’t see you, so make sure you send it.”

“Will do.” Slade walked into the other room carrying the surgical supplies he had used.

Tessa sighed then looked at Jill. “What are you doing tonight, Jill?”

“You’re looking at it.” She smiled, tossing bloody towels into a bag closing it up.

“Would you like to go to my place with me tonight?” Tessa asked, hoping she said yes; she didn’t want to go home alone.

Jill hesitated for a second, catching herself from asking why she wasn’t going with Jared. “I’d like that.” Jill smiled, figuring if Tessa wanted to talk, the least she could do was be there for her. Tessa had been so nice to her - always making her feel welcome. “Let me finish up here real quick, and we’ll go.”

Tessa nodded, trying to keep the tears from flowing. She prayed she could make it through this first night without Jared. Wiping the tear she felt slipping down her cheek, she looked up and found Slade staring at her.

“Are you in pain?” He frowned.

If he only knew, she thought. Shaking her head, she pushed her shoulders back. “Nope. Just a delayed reaction from the shot. I seriously hate shots,” she lied terribly, and then lifted her hand up. “I could cut them off and not feel a thing.”

“Let’s keep all knifes away from her,” Slade teased, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Chapter 20

They had left the baby room making their way to his bedroom, the room they would share. Pam looked around and felt a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt for quite a while, and it warmed her. Rubbing her belly, she walked over to the bed and sat down.

“You feeling okay?” Duncan frowned.

“The baby is moving a lot tonight.” Pam grinned then grimaced. “And very strong.”

Duncan sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard. “Come here.” When she walked up to him, he pulled her onto the bed between his legs with her back against his chest. Both of his large hands rested on her stomach and began to gently massage in soft, tender strokes.

Lying back against him, she enjoyed the gentle motions of his hands. The baby gave one solid kick, stilling his hands. “Did you feel that?” She laughed.

“Doesn’t that hurt?” Duncan continued to massage.

“Yeah, sometimes.” Pam leaned deeper into him. “But it’s a good hurt.”

“Do you need to feed, babe?” Duncan rested his chin on the top of her head.

She tensed momentarily before taking a calming breath. “If you don’t mind.” Pam still had a hard time with her need for blood. “I think the baby is taking a lot out of me. I feel weak and shaky a lot.”

“Turn around.” With his help, Pam turned, sitting on her knees.

“Should I get a towel? I don’t want to get blood on your bed.”

“Our bed,” his deep voice rumbled.

“Our bed,” she repeated with a whisper, her golden eye glowing dark.

With an approving nod, he lifted his wrist to his mouth but stopped at her frown. “What?”

“I want to take it from your neck, but I can’t.” She looked away from him, swallowing a nervous lump that had filled her throat. Her first test at wanting to be close to him was a total fail, what she feared most.

Duncan growled low as he reached into his back pocket. Flipping a knife open with one hand, he raised it to his neck. “There is nothing I would love more than you taking from my neck.”

“Really?” She looked back at him, and immediately screamed, grabbing for the knife. “What are you doing?”

He caught her hand with his free one. “Be careful. This knife will cut you to the bone.”

“Don’t you dare cut yourself!” Pam looked at him in horror. “Your wrist is fine. I can take from your wrist.”

“Honey, I know knives better than I know anything else.” With no hesitation, he made two large, expert nicks in his neck. Closing the knife, he set it on the table next to the bed close enough to reach if he needed it. Grasping the back of her neck, he pulled her to him.