Jared (The Protectors #2)(69)

“Angelina.” Adam’s voice was calm, but firm. “Come here.”

She looked up at the half-breed frowning. “Were you one of them at the fairgrounds?” She asked, trying to pull away.

An arrogant grin tipped his lips. “So what if I was?” He held her tighter when she struggled.

Adam didn’t even warn the half-breed before he punched him in the side of the head with one hand and grabbed Angelina with the other to pull her out of harm’s way.

The half-breed recovered quickly, his lips curled in anger baring his fangs at Adam. Humans quickly made their way to safety, the girl who had been with Angelina pulled her out of the way as Adam stood ready.

“He’s with the Warriors Brad.” One of the half-breeds warned. “Let’s get out of here.”

“I’d take your buddies’ advice.” Adam kept his eyes on his threat, the half-breeds hissing not backing him down. Steve, Dillon, Matt and even Jill took a step closer to Adam.

“I say let’s not give him an option.” Dillon cracked his knuckles shifting his head from side to side loosening up.

A wicked grin spread across Matt’s face. “Jill, I say you take the * with the flowered shirt.” Matt chuckled when the smaller half-breed stared at Jill wide eyed. “Just don’t hurt him too bad. The Warriors probably want him alive.”

Jill looked him up and down with casual eyes. “No problem.” She stood poised, picking at her fingernail as if bored out of her mind.

Their confidence was making the others nervous. “Dude, I didn’t sign up for this shit.” The half-breed with the flowered shirt mumbled. “I don’t want no problems with the Warriors.”

Brad glanced over at him in disgust. “Then get the f*ck out of here Dave.” His gaze returned to Adam. “Maybe if you kept your girl happy she wouldn’t come looking for more.”

Not taking the bait Adam kept a steel hold over his control. “I’m going to tell you this once.” Adam replied looking at them all one at a time. “The Warriors are hunting you down and I suggest you turn yourselves over. They just want to question you.”

Shaking his head, Brad laughed then looked at Angelina. “Honey, now I know why you came looking for something more because this poor boy ain’t got no balls.” He smirked, leaning closer to Adam. “As soon as I kick your ass I’m going to f*ck that fine piece of ass and show her what a real man feels like.”

Adam also leaned closer. “Well, that outta be a miracle because I’ve never seen a dead man f*ck anything.” The breed’s eyes widened at Adam’s words.

“Ah, shit.” Steve sighed just before Adam and the other breed went full force at each other.

********

Tessa did her closing routine which included calling a cab for old man Farley, who had his very own bar stool. Going through her tips she pulled out money, then went around the bar when she heard the cab beeping outside. “Come on Bob.” She took his skinny elbow. “Your ride awaits.”

“Did I ever tell you the time when me and your grandpa went hunting?” Bob wobbled on his feet almost taking Tessa down with him, but Jared was there holding them both up.

“I’ve got him.” Jared helped the old man toward the door.

Her eyes shot up to Jared’s in appreciation. “You mean the time you shot Will Jackson’s prized bull?” Tessa chuckled. She remembered her Gramps coming in that night all red faced, huffing about never drinking and hunting again.

The old man cackled. “Will Jackson’s a grizzly old asshat.” Bob snorted, throwing his hand up in the air almost smacking Jared in the side of the head.

Jared grinned at Tessa, finally realizing where she got her colorful vocabulary.

“Well I guess I’d be an asshat too if you shot my prized bull.” Tessa chuckled, shaking her head.

“I swear it had antlers.” He stopped and crossed his heart on the wrong side of his chest.

“Gramps use to talk about that all the time.” Tessa smiled at the old man who stopped to stare at her.

“You look just like her…you know that don’t ya?” Suddenly Bob Farley didn’t seem so drunk, his eyes looked clear as he stood picturing the past. With Jared’s help he took the three steps needed to stand in front of Tessa. “Your momma was a good woman. She took care of me just like you do.”

Tessa’s eyes blurred as she leaned up and kissed his wrinkled cheek. “That’s the best compliment anyone has ever given me.”

He patted her cheek. “You’re a good girl. I’m glad you’re back. That new bartender didn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground.” The cab blared its horn again making Bob snap his head toward the door with a frown. “That driver is gonna be farting that horn after I shove it up his fat ass.”

Tessa slapped her hand across her mouth, her eyes crinkled with laughter. Getting herself under control quickly, she grabbed his other arm, helping Jared lead him out the door. “I already called Martha.” Tessa told him as she put money in the older man’s hand for cab fare. “She’s waiting for you.”

Jared pushed the money back at her. “I’ve got it.”

Watching the cab pull away, she waved at Bob as he waved from the back window. It was the same routine every night Tessa worked. Walking back into the bar Tessa smiled up at Jared. “Thanks.”