Duncan (The Protectors #3)(59)

Chapter 23

Pam was filled with excitement on the day of their release from the hospital. A warm buzz of contentment filled her chest every time she thought of the possibility of her life with her son and Duncan. Slade had insisted on one final test that needed to be carried out on Daniel, and then they would be home free. She smiled at the thought, waiting impatiently to finally be given the all clear.

She was completely healed, which was one plus of being a half-breed. Having a baby one day, up and running the next. She felt stronger than she had ever felt.

Slade finally walked in, smiling at Duncan who sat holding the baby. “Have you even gotten to hold him yet?” He grinned at Pam.

“Hardly,” Pam teased. “Can we get out of here yet?”

“You both are officially released.” Slade laid out some papers. “Daniel seems healthy as any newborn. We did do the jaundice test which came back normal, but what wasn’t normal was the little prick marks on his feet healed within seconds. Usually they bruise and you can see where the needles go in, but his are all gone.”

“What does that mean?” Pam glanced at Duncan, who was staring back to her.

“Well, that he’s a fast healer for one, but until he grows and gets older, we’re not going to know,” Slade replied. “I would like to see him every two weeks to weigh and measure, check his motor functions and to answer any question either of you might have.”

“I appreciate that, thank you.” Pam nodded.

“Also, I had a friend of mine look into what you could have possibly been given when you became pregnant. If it was some kind of fertility drug, it may have not only gotten you pregnant right away, but affected how fast the little guy grew during pregnancy.” Slade handed Pam her release papers. “That’s another reason I want to check him frequently. I want to see if his growth spurts are going to continue.”

“And if it does?” Pam asked, looking worried.

“Then we will deal with that then,” Slade replied with a reassuring smile. “I have good people working on this, but without knowing exactly what we are dealing with makes it hard.”

“I appreciate everything you’ve done, Slade.” Pam actually walked up and hugged him.

“It’s been my pleasure.” He shook Duncan’s hand. “Now, get out of here.”

Walking out, they were met by Nicole, Damon and Sid. “Give me that adorable little Warrior.” Nicole took Daniel from Duncan. “Come to Aunt Nicole.” She kissed his plump cheek.

“We parked by the emergency room.” Sid hit the elevator button. “The reporters are swarming, expecting her to leave out the front.”

“Did you get the car seat in?” Pam asked, stepping in the elevator.

“Could they make that thing any more complicated? Took most of the damn morning.” Sid frowned down at Daniel. “You sure that thing is going to fit?”

“That thing,” Nicole growled, “is a baby, and if I hear you call Daniel a thing again, I’m going to tell every woman I see what you watch on a daily basis.”

“You know that’s getting old,” Sid hissed at her. “Get something new, vampira.”

“Your Uncle Sid watches chick shows,” Nicole cooed at Daniel. “Yes, he does.”

Sid rolled his eyes, but a small grin tilted his lips. Sid held the door when it opened, letting them all out. “Okay, Dunk, my man, you and Pam ride with them.”

“Dunk?” Duncan’s eyes narrowed as he passed him.

“Yeah, I’m giving everyone nicknames.” Sid grinned. “I’ll wait for a minute and go get your car and meet you back at your place.”

“Thanks.” Duncan still eyed him.

“No problem, Dunk.” Sid went to follow them, but stopped when Duncan stepped in front of him.

“If you call me that one more time, I’m going to beat your ass.” Duncan tilted his head, his eyebrow raised in warning.

“What? You don’t like…” Sid tilted his head to match Duncan. “Dunk.”

Duncan just growled.

“Okay, I’ll come up with something new.” Sid sighed.

“Are you bored or something?” Duncan frowned at him.

“You don’t even know, bro.” Sid shook his head walking away. “You don’t even know.”

“You need a woman,” Duncan called after him.

Sid flipped him off without turning around, making Duncan grin. A blind date may be in order.

Once everyone was in the car, they took off without any reporters following them. Damon glanced at Pam in the rearview mirror. “Kenny has been charged with rape and domestic abuse. I have papers here that you have to sign to make it official. There is also a restraining order for you to sign. Sloan pulled some strings on that, so you didn’t have to go to the police station.”

Pam nodded, grasping Duncan’s hand. “Thank you.”

Nicole turned to look at her with an understanding smile. “He deserves this, Pam. He shouldn’t get away with what he did to you.”

Squeezing Duncan’s hand, Pam nodded. “I don’t want him to do it to anyone else. I wanted to do this for a while, but was too scared.” She glanced at Duncan. “But I’m not anymore, and I feel I have a responsibility to stop him.”