Jared (The Protectors #2)(50)

“We need to make sure he doesn’t rage when he comes into his power.” Sloan’s eyes narrowed.

“From what we understand from the half-breeds who came over to our side is that whatever they used to turn them makes them immune from going rogue.” Jared shrugged his shoulders. “Until we know what’s in that vial we don’t really know that for sure.”

“You think Chad Evans would know?” Sloan pulled the vial out looking at it.

“Send Damon in to ask.” Jared smirked. “I’m sure if he knows anything Damon can get it out of him.”

Sloan snorted. “We need to keep the bastard alive, not decapitated like the last one. Anything else I should know?”

“These half-breeds have beating hearts, which makes them easier to kill if need be.” Not often did things surprise Sloan. He’d been around longer than most. “I think they are trying to make them more human, but with the skill and powers of a vampire.”

“What makes you think that?”

Jared’s eyes darkened slightly. “Because they were going to use something on Tessa. Not sure what, but from what we understand they were going to make her a breeder.”

“Son of a bitch!” Sloan was truly shocked.

“Exactly our thought.” Jared pushed away from the wall. “If that’s all….”

“No, that isn’t all.” Sloan frowned. “Stay away from this Tessa Pride.”

“No.” Jared didn’t like to be disrespectful to any council member and he usually wasn’t, but on this he wouldn’t budge.

“If she is mated….”

“Then I’ll kill him.”

“You can’t just go around killing people because of your current piece of ass…”

Jared took a quick step forward, but stopped inches of grabbing his elder. “I have done nothing but give my life for the Council. I have shown nothing but respect and did what I was told since I pledged my alliance, but if you ever call her that again or show any disrespect toward her, you will greatly regret it.”

Sloan stood toe to toe with Jared. “You are ready to throw it all away for this human who may or may not be your mate?” His nostrils flared as if smelling for the truth.

“Without question.” The answer surprised even Jared, but he knew it to be true. No woman had ever affected him the way Red did. “I have walked this world alone for many years without finding a mate. Actually I think the mate thing is way overrated and a load of crap.”

The older vampire crossed his arms staring intently at Jared. “I’ve never known you to act rash. You’re one of the best warriors the Council has ever had.” Sloan sighed. “I’m going to trust you on this, but no matter what you think, the mate thing is real and the Council will ban you if she is mated to another. Find out if she is mated to this half-breed and if not, find out if she is your mate. Every vampire finds their mate Kincaid and if she isn’t yours, you need to let her go. It’s not fair to her because once you find your true mate the feelings you have for her will be put to rest.”

Jared bowed his head slightly keeping his mouth shut. He knew Sloan was giving him some slack and he appreciated it, but he also knew mate or not nobody would come between him and Tessa.

“Now get the hell out of here and send Duncan back in.” Sloan walked around Duncan’s desk taking a seat.

Jared turned to leave, but stopped. “You need to keep an eye on Levi.”

“Why’s that?” Sloan looked up from the papers scattered on the desk.

“Because I know all the warriors that were at the fairgrounds and I also know none of them would have said a word before being debriefed by the elders. Levi isn’t an elder and I know they haven’t been debriefed yet because you would have known about Tessa and the half-breeds.” Jared warned.

“Noted.” Sloan replied. “Anything else?”

“Nope.” Jared opened the door and walked out. “He wants to see you.” Jared nodded toward Duncan as he walked past heading back to his room where Tessa waited.

Damon fell in step with Jared. “Well?”

Jared didn’t say anything for a moment. Thoughts of Tessa being mated to the half-breed burned his blood. “Sparkles needs to die.”

Chapter 21

After Jared left Tessa couldn’t go to sleep so she got up to shower again. Stepping out she wiped the steam from the glass staring at her reflection smiling at herself. The reflection looking back at her looked happy. Shaking her head Tessa dried off, dressed and walked out into the room. Jared had left some bandages for her feet on the dresser. Stopping, she looked around and noticed there was nothing personal of his in the room. No pictures, no nothing. She would have never known this was his room if he hadn’t brought her in.

Grabbing the bandages she limped to the bed and started to wrap her feet after applying the medicine he also left. She looked up when the door opened. Jared walked in spotting her on the bed.

“What are you doing up?” Jared frowned as he walked toward her. Kneeling down he picked up the foot she just wrapped.

Tessa shrugged her shoulder. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“You need your rest.” He grabbed the medicine spreading it on her other foot.

“So do you.” She countered jerking her foot not from pain, but because she was ticklish.