Slade (The Protectors #6)(86)
Getting out of the car, Jill waited for Katrina. Slade again took her hand. Jared, Sid, Duncan, Damon and Jax were walking in front of them with Adam and Dillon coming up beside them. As soon as they entered the compound, a flood of sadness washed over her. Glancing at Adam, she knew he felt the same way.
She really needed to go to her room before she lost it. Her gaze caught Sloan giving Slade a huge smile and a nod. Looking up at Slade’s happy face made her want to puke. Everyone looked happy, even the women who were all waiting for their Warriors to return. What the hell was wrong with everyone? Steve was dead. Were Jill and Adam the only ones who were heartbroken? Jill dropped Slade’s hand like it burned her, tears gathering in her eyes.
“This is bullshit,” Adam told her, turning to leave. “I’ve got to get out of here.”
“Hey, where you going?” Sloan yelled at Adam, causing everyone to turn to look. “We’ve got something–”
“I’m getting the f*ck out of here. I lost a great friend today, a best friend, and if you guys want to celebrate, then be my guest.” Adam growled, pointing at everyone. “You got a problem with that, then f*ck you!”
“Actually, I do have a problem with that, you *,” a familiar voice came from the game room behind Sloan. “I get shot coming out of the pisser, claw my way back from death’s door and you want to leave? Damn straight I have a problem with that, so f*ck you.”
Jill froze. Her eyes searched the direction Steve’s voice came from wondering if she was having a hallucination from the stress and heartbreak of the day, but then he was there, walking out of the game room, his eyes finding hers.
“And you still owe me a true heartfelt thank you for taking that paintball with your name on it.” Steve grinned at her, spreading his arms wide. “I’m back, bitches!”
Jill got to him first, throwing herself at him, hugging him tightly. Tears ran freely down her face; too choked up with her emotions, she couldn’t speak. Couldn’t say a word. Adam hugged them both and they all stood like the biggest pussies ever, hugging each other and crying.
“How?” Jill touched his chest. Pausing, she peered up at him. “Oh, my God.”
Steve batted his eyes at her. “Pretty, ain’t they?” He nodded toward Slade. “He turned me. Despite being possibly thrown in prison and losing his doctor’s license, or whatever in the hell they call that….he turned me.”
Sloan stepped in. “I spoke with the Council and received special permission, even though it had already taken place. So Slade is safe from prison time and will continue to be our doctor.” Sloan focused on Jill, Adam, Dillon and then Steve. “I just want you to know that you all did me and the other Warriors proud. With the attack against the Warriors and the response of all trainees, the Council has awarded all of you Warrior status, even though the initiation was not completed.”
Jill waited for the excitement to hit her, but it didn’t really come. While there was excitement there, she wasn’t ecstatic. She wondered what the hell was wrong with her. It was what she wanted most…wasn’t it? Her eyes went to Slade who stood watching her. She gave him a small smile, turning her attention back to Sloan.
“And Steve, because of your sacrifice to another trainee, you have also obtained Warrior status even though you were officially out of the test before the trouble started.” Sloan gave a rare smile to each of them. “Congratulations. You did us proud today. Unfortunately, the Warrior ceremony will be placed on hold until all the funerals are completed. I expect all of us to attend each funeral and will be letting you know when those are.”
“Can we have a much needed drink now?” Sid growled, a tinge of anger in his voice. “And salute our brothers who were lost today.”
“I want everyone in my office…” Sloan winked at Jill when the Warriors groaned. “First thing in the morning.”
“That’s more like it.” Jared grinned, heading into the game room. “Drinks are on me.”
Lana smiled at her as she passed and Jill stopped her. “Lana, this is Katrina. She needs a place to sleep. Is there any way you can help her out?”
“Of course. I’ll take her to Sloan to get his permission.” Lana took the girl’s hand. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to everyone first.”
Jill walked away and smiled when she heard Steve flirting with Katrina. They would be a cute couple. She felt bad leaving the girl, but she was not in the mood. Taking two steps, she looked up to find Slade in front of her. He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. Jill really tried to stay strong, but she just couldn’t do it. It was all too much. She pulled her chin away, dropping her head. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as the sobs overtook her control.
Slade didn’t say a word as he picked her up, carrying her toward her room. Shutting the door, he sat on her bed and held her. Once her sobs slowed down, he lifted her chin. “A little too much for one day?” He gave her a small smile.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was okay?” Jill looked at him confused.
“Because I wasn’t sure if it was going to work. We were losing him on the way to the hospital. I took a chance, Jill,” Slade sighed. “I’ve never heard of a half-breed being turned into a full-blood. So far, he seems absolutely fine, but until I came in tonight, I wasn’t sure. Sloan stayed here with him. It was a chance, Jill. I didn’t want to tell you or anyone else until I was certain.”