Jared (The Protectors #2)(54)

“You’re Adam Pride I take it?” Sloan assessed him quickly.

“Yeah.” Adam glanced quickly at Tessa. “And you are?”

“Sloan Murphy, Vampire Council.” He stated matter of factly. “Have you unblocked your sister?”

He waited for a second before answering. “Yes.”

“You’ve had her blocked ever since you both escaped?” He questioned further.

“At all times until just fifteen minutes ago.” Adam answered walking to Tessa to stand by her side.

“Impressive. Can you block anyone?”

“Yes.” Adam replied. “I can also read anyone, even if they block, by touching them.”

“What number am I thinking of?” Sloan put him to the test.

“Don’t know….you’re blocked.” Adam grasped his wrist when Sloan held out his arm. “One thousand six hundred and forty.”

“Nice.” Sloan grinned impressed. “You planning on joining with us?”

“Depends.” Adam didn’t grin or jump for joy at being complimented by one of the famed Council members.

“On?” Sloan frowned.

“What happens with my sister in the next few minutes because obviously this is about her.” Adam didn’t pull any punches. His loyalty has been and will always be with his family.

Sloan inclined his head. “I respect that, but your sister’s welfare is very important to us as is all human affairs.”

“Good.” Adam’s response was said firmly, his stance strong.

“I like him.” Sloan looked at Duncan. “Make sure he starts training right away. We can use someone like him on our side.

“Done.” Duncan replied glancing at Adam who hadn’t taken his eyes off the Council leader.

“Obviously you can read your sister.” Sloan said as Damon walked in the door.

Adam grinned. “Yes, but I don’t because she swore she would stab me in the heart with anything she could find.” At Sloan’s confused expression Adam glanced at Jared who nodded. “I have a heartbeat. The only way to kill us is to stab us in the heart. Silver doesn’t bother us either.”

“So you are truly half human..half vampire.” Sloan’s expression clearly showed his interest. “We seriously need to find out what is in that vial.”

“Okay, can we get back to this little problem we have.” Sid threw his hand up in the air. “I mean no disrespect, but I really want to live to see another day.” He eyed Jared who was still glaring at him.

Duncan looked over at Damon. “Can you read Tessa, because she is a total blank to everyone in this room other than her brother?”

“Yeah, totally nothing in there.” Sid pointed at her again as if accusing her of doing it on purpose.

Damon looked at Tessa and grinned. “Sid, I would suggest you stop saying there is nothing in her head because she is about ready to kick you…” Damon laughed staring at Tessa. “in your…ah…pride and joy.”

Sid narrowed his eyes, but took a step back. “So you can read her?” He asked Damon without taking his eyes off Tessa.

“Yes.” Damon actually winked at her. “Clear as day.”

“What the f*ck is going on.” Sid cursed truly freaking out. “I don’t want my brother thinking I’m going to move in on his territory.”

Sloan crossed his arms. “I’ve heard of this, but never experienced it before.”

“What?” Jared tried to keep the edge out of his voice, but failed.

“Where an unmated female has all the power.” Sloan sighed. “It can cause total chaos among vampires, especially warriors, if she doesn’t mate with one soon. It’s very rare and I have never heard of it happening with a human female before.”

“Doesn’t the male have to have some kind of feelings toward her?” Sid had started to calm down a little. “Cause I mean in all honestly she’s nice, but not my type.”

Tessa snorted. “That’s good cause you’re a little short for my liking and Brad Pitt never did anything for me.”

“She’s perfect.” Jared growled.

“I’m not saying she’s not.” Sid held out his hand. “Jesus, this is a no win situation. If I say she’s hot I get my ass handed to me by you and if I say I’m not a attracted to her I hurt her feelings. Dammit man. If I could sweat I’d be sweatin balls right now.”

Damon laughed followed by Duncan, Adam, Sloan and finally Jared. Tessa didn’t join in with their laughter she did smile however, shaking her head. “What in the hell have I gotten myself into?”

“That’s a loaded question.” Nicole walked into the room heading straight toward Damon. “Hey Sloan.”

“I guess you’ve been listening in.” Sloan grinned.

“Ah yeah.” Nicole snorted. “Have to make sure my girl was being treated right.”

“We are not barbarians Ms. Callahan.” Sloan sighed shaking his head.

“Most times.” Nicole shot them all a wicked grin. “Anyway I’m here to get Tessa so she can help me shop for some wedding stuff. Pam is going to meet us.”

Tessa and Nicole frowned when all the men started shaking their heads with huge frowns and talking at once. “We have training so you are going to have to wait.” Damon said above the other voices.