Jared (The Protectors #2)(13)

“I didn’t want this.” Adam’s tone turned angry. “I don’t want to be a mindless killer.”

“None of us want this life, but we got it and we deal with it so you need to man up and do the same.” Jared hissed knowing this kid needed a badass response. The more they felt sorry for the kid the worse off he will be. Jared looked at the other half-breeds who were keeping their distance, the worse off they’d all be.

That seemed to straighten the kid’s spine a bit. “Why didn’t you guys help us when we asked?”

Damon and Jared shared a glance. They were never told about half-breeds in the area. “Not sure about that Adam, but I promise you we will find out.”

“We really didn’t mean any harm.” Adam nodded toward his sister who seemed to have calmed down slightly.

Jared also glanced up at Sid and Tessa waving them down. “Call Duncan. We need to get them to the warehouse where we can talk and figure out what the hell is going on.”

“Already called. He’s on his way.” Sid replied letting go of Tessa’s arm so she could rush to her brother.

Tessa stood next to her brother, eyes wary, ready to protect him if necessary. “What are you going to do with him?”

“As soon as we get him into the warehouse we’re gonna hang him by his fangs, beat him senseless before locking him in a room tied to a bed with silver chains.” Jared replied gaining a chuckle from Damon and Sid.

Tessa scrunched her nose at him. “Silver doesn’t work on him.” She snorted then tapped her temple. “Guess you all rank low on the memory thing too.” She jumped slightly when Jared growled at her.

“Keep pushing, Red.” Jared glared at her. “Just keep pushing.”

Tessa shrugged her shoulder before turning to her brother. “Sense of humor isn’t their strong suit either.

“If we were going to hurt either of you, it would have been done before now.” Jared’s tone was sharp as a whip clearly stating he was losing his patience.

“There’s more of us than this.” Adam indicated with a nod of his head.

“How many more and where are they.” Jared sighed not liking where this was going.

“At least ten more that I know of.” Adam looked around at the others. “Most scattered when we escaped.”

“I need you guys to get a definite head count, names or whatever you can. We need to track them down.” Jared turned toward Damon. “Can you take a few of these guys with you and meet us at the warehouse?”

Damon nodded as Sid headed for the small shack. “I’ll get dickhead and meet you all there.”

“You take them.” Jared nodded behind him at the other half-breeds who had ventured closer. “I’ll go with these two.” He glanced at Tessa, waiting for her to argue, but she just raised both eyebrows as if she was totally innocent of what he was looking at her for.

Sid walked out with Chad who glared at Damon, but kept his mouth shut. Then his focus turned on Adam and Tessa. “You know he had big plans for you.” He chuckled when he nodded toward Tessa. “Especially you, baby doll.”

Sid pushed Chad past them when both Damon and Jared growled. “You are the stupidest son of a bitch I’ve ever met. Shut the f*ck up and move before I pick you up and throw your ass to the car.”

Chad tripped catching himself, but laughed loudly. “Just wait.” His annoying deranged giggle floated through the fog that was starting to settle in the dusk. “This isn’t over by a long shot.”

“I can kill him now.” Damon snarled his golden eyes turning black as they followed Chad.

Jared felt the same damn way, but they needed him. He had more information, he knew it. “In good time, buddy.” Jared headed toward the car, opening the passenger side door for Tessa holding out his hand.

Tessa stood there staring at him. “What?”

“Get in and give me the keys. I’m driving.” Jared glanced around making sure everyone was accounted for before looking back down at her, his hand still outstretched.  Adam had already gotten into the backseat of the Mustang.

“Ah, no way. I’m driving.” Tessa shook her head. “This is my boss’s car and if anything happens to it it’s my ass….literally.”

“Give me the keys Tessa.” His tone was as firm as his glare.

“No.” Backing away Tessa stuck them in her front pocket with a smirk. “I drive or you walk.”

Jared grabbed her so fast, sticking his hand in her front pocket fishing out the keys, that Tessa didn’t have time to react. He dangled the keys in front of her. “Who’s walking?”

Tessa made a grab at them, but he was faster, way faster. Slapping her hands on her hips Tessa frowned. “You’re an asshat.”

Tilting his head Jared chuckled. “Yeah, well you’re a pain in my asshat. Get in the damn car.” He gently, but firmly guided her into the front seat.

“Brute.” Tessa hissed yanking her arm from his grasp.

Making sure all her body parts were in he slammed the door. Walking around the back of the car he smiled. “Asshat?” he chuckled. Where in the hell did she come up with her insults?

“You better not put one scratch on this car.” Tessa fumed from the passenger seat.