Jared (The Protectors #2)(76)
“You better make your shot count then, because I’m coming.” Jared took off praying he timed his move right, if not he wouldn’t get to Tessa in time. At the last second as the shotgun blast sounded Jared ducked low hitting Kenny at the knees taking him down, the shotgun sliding across the floor.
Jared continued to pound into Kenny until he glanced up to check on Tessa, but she was gone. Standing he spotted the bastard heading for the door with her over his shoulder. In three long strides Jared was on the bastard pulling Tessa away. As careful as he could he dropped her to the floor putting his body between her and the bastard.
Unleashing his anger Jared went crazy holding nothing back as he inflicted ten times the pain that had been inflicted on Tessa. Knowing without a doubt in his mind this bastard couldn’t leave this bar alive he grabbed his knife that was always in his boot stabbing him in the heart with no remorse. The half-breed’s eyes glazed over as death claimed him for a ride to hell. Pushing himself up Jared turned to see Tessa had crawled to a corner, her knees pulled up to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs.
As fast as he could he was in front of her kneeling down and died all over again when she flinched from his touch. “Tessa.” Her eyes met his without really seeing him. “It’s me Tessa.”
Her chin crumpled as her eyes cleared. With no hesitation she threw herself into his arms, holding him tight silently crying into his chest. “I thought he killed you.” Her choked sobs vibrated against him.
He gently pulled her away from him and wanted to kill the son of a bitch all over again seeing her battered face close up. “I’ve got you honey.” He wiped a trickle of blood from her lips, his eyes welled up hating himself for not protecting her better. “I’m so sorry.”
Her shaking hands reached up clasping his face. “I love you Jared Kincaid.”
Jared’s throat closed up with emotion. He pulled her to him again and held her tight not able to say a word without losing all control.
“Jared. Please look at me.” She tilted her head to look at him. “Please.”
His eyes met hers, again seeing the beating her face had taken. God she was so strong, so brave. “Tessa I’m so…”
“I love you.” Tessa repeated.
His eyes snapped away from hers, afraid of the emotions running through his body. He felt her fingers flow through his hair and felt her love. “Please forgive me.” He finally raised up to face her.
She smiled then winced at the pain it caused. “Please love me.” She countered a fleeting look of shame crossed her face as she started to cover herself.
“I love you more than my own life.” Jared vowed, his hand tenderly touching her bruised cheek. “I’ve loved you since you held me hostage in my own interrogation room.”
Tessa wrapped her arms around his neck holding tight. “Take me home.”
“As you wish baby…as you wish.” He picked her up and carried her out of the bar, her head cradled in his neck.
True to Pam’s words Warriors bounded into the bar by the dozens. Soon everything was under control of the Vampire Council and Warriors. Levi was being led out by Sloan Murphy himself. Adam had Ryan tied up and was escorting him out with more force than necessary.
“Stop.” Damon shouted to a Warrior who was leading Chad Evans. Gently he handed Nicole off to Sid and walked to Chad.
Chad tried to step back, but the Warrior holding him kept a firm grip. “Damon…” Chad sputtered, his nervous eyes shifting back and forth. “I really wouldn’t have done anything to her. Come on man, you know I wouldn’t have.”
“Whether you would have or wouldn’t have has no bearing on why you have to die. Just the threat to my mate is enough for me to kill you.” Damon’s face held no emotion. ‘And I never go back on my word.”
“What the f*ck is that supposed to mean?” Chad’s voice was high pitched in fear.
“It means you will not leave this bar alive.” Damon walked toward him.
Shaking his head Chad struggled to get away. “Please no.”
Damon grabbed his head in a brutal grip despite the shouts of the other Warriors in the room and in one violent twist Chads head was disengaged from his body. Damon tossed it on the ground and looked at the Warrior who was still holding Chad’s arm and headless body. “You can take him now.” Damon turned and headed toward Nicole.
“Dammit Damon.” Sloan cursed. “We really need to work on your anger management. That’s two prisoners you’ve decapitated.”
“They need to stop threatening my mate.” Damon held Nicole close to him, his eyes daring anyone to say anything more.
Sid smirked when the Warrior holding the headless body looked at him wide eyed. “Pretty f*cking sick…huh?” Sid laughed kicking Chad’s head toward the door. “Impressive, but sick as hell.”
Chapter 32
Tessa woke and stretched, her body still sore protested in pain. Today was Damon and Nicole’s wedding. The day of the bar incident was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Kenny had gotten away which put a damper on the celebration. But the biggest disappointment was Pam disappeared also. So far the Warriors were unable to locate her and that put everyone on edge not knowing if Kenny had her or if she escaped and ran from possible repercussions from the Council.