Jared (The Protectors #2)(33)

Tessa grinned at Nicole’s words. “They do seem to take their job seriously.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Nicole rolled her eyes.

Both women heard someone call Tessa’s name and turned. “Crap.” Tessa frowned turning back around quickly trying to get lost in the crowd.

“Where we going?” Nicole chuckled as Tessa lead her through the maze of people. “The guys are over there.”

Tessa heard the deep rumble of Otis’s voice and cringed. Dammit, she knew he would be here, but hoped her chance of running into him would be slim to none. Yeah, well, she should have known her luck would be slim to none.

“Ah, I think that cop wants you to stop.” Nicole was looking over her shoulder. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

“Yeah, he’s my ex and a total *.” Tessa got them stuck in a line for a ride. “Dammit.” Tessa looked around for an escape but found nowhere to go.

Nicole’s eyes widened. “Oh.” She turned to get a better look at the man barreling his way toward them. Getting a read on him, her eyes narrowed sending a silent message to her husband. They might just need them.

“Tessa Pride!”

Everyone around them stopped to turn except Tessa. One thing Sheriff Otis T. Bowman had was a voice so full of authority everyone stopped at the command in his voice. Tessa felt herself shrink, then cursed for being a coward and turned to face the man who had almost succeeded in ruining her life.

“Sheriff.” Tessa’s tone was flat as she greeted him.

“Didn’t you hear me calling you?” His mouth turned down in an aggravated frown.

“Yes.” She replied staring right back at him keeping her spine straight. He was definitely a handsome man. His body sculptured from many years working in the tobacco fields of his family fit well into his sheriff’s uniform. His sandy colored hair was longer than he usually wore it, but it was his icy blue eyes that held her hostage.

He ignored her sarcasm. “You’re looking good Tessa.” An arrogant grin tipped his lips as his eyes roamed down her body. “I see you took my advice and lost some weight.”

Tessa’s face flamed in embarrassment as shame made her tug her shirt down. She hated that he could do that to her, that he still had any control over her. She felt Nicole take a step closer to her side.

Nicole snorted. “You’re right…he is an *.”

“Who are you?” His eyes narrowed, but then ran up and down her body crudely.

When Nicole didn’t answer, just sneered at him he returned his attention to Tessa. “Why haven’t you returned my calls Tessa?”

“Because I don’t have anything to say to you Otis.” Tessa replied wanting to get away. People were starting to notice them and being the talk of the town wasn’t something she wanted to repeat. “Let’s go.” She started to walk away with Nicole, but was stopped.

“Now hold on a damn minute.” Otis grabbed her arm turning her around. “I’m not done talking to you.”

“I think you are.” Jared stepped between them breaking the contact. Looking down at Tessa he kept his body between her and the sheriff. “You okay?”

Tessa nodded her face growing hotter by the minute. “Yes, I’m fine. Just ready to go.” She could feel the pity stares from those around her that knew of her and the sheriffs’ past.

“What in the hell do you mean is she okay?” Otis huffed behind them. “Who are you?”

Jared turned, his eyes darkening in the overhead lights that twinkled throughout the fairgrounds. “Jared Kincaid.” Jared reached down to clasp Tessa’s hand. “And you must be Oat.”

A few snickers rolled through the crowd. “It’s Otis.” His eyes narrowed. “Sheriff Otis Bowman.”

“I see that.” Jared smirked at the badge he was thrusting out on his chest. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Oat, we have things to do.”

“Not so fast.” Otis took a step forward grabbing his handcuffs and nodding to the other officer that was beside him. “I need to take Ms. Pride to the station. Seems she has some unpaid tickets and has a warrant.”

“That’s total bullshit.” Adam pushed past Damon pointing at Otis, Damon grabbed him around the waist stopping him. “You’ve been doing shit like this since she dumped your loser ass and won’t take you back.”

“I’ve got room for you too boy.” Otis growled at Adam his hand inching toward his gun.

Jared stepped in front of the sheriff. “Going for that gun will be the biggest mistake you ever make.” Jared grinned enough to show his fangs. “Understand…Oat?”

Shocked Otis dropped his hand knowing there was no way he could draw his gun before the vampire was on him. “I’m taking her in.” He said, but didn’t sound as sure now.

“Well, I hope you got another pair of handcuffs because you lay one finger on her I will personally rip your arm off and beat your ass with it.” Jared had lowered his head toward the sheriff so only he could hear. “All I have to do is make one call to the Vampire Council and they will be crawling so far up your ass you won’t be able to sit down for a long while. I am responsible for Tessa and Adam so if there was a warrant out for either of them I would have known it.”