Adam by Teresa Gabelman, Hot Tree Editing Read Free Book Online Page B

“Yeah, pretty much.”
    Damon went to walk away, but stopped. “Tell her she needs to move on. I will always regret what I did, but I understand now that guilt is not going to change anything. I have a woman I love and who is helping me heal.”
    Stepping into his line of vision , Lana looked up at him with a smile. “That is exactly what she needed to hear.” Putting a hand on his arm, she squeezed. “She wishes you and Nicole all the happiness in the world.”
    Knowing that the scowl curving his lips was his way of hiding his real feelings and that he was a man of few words ,Lana did n’ t expect to hear anything from him. So when he nodded, she knew that was his way of saying thank you and she accepted it. “Let Rose know that I will take good care of him.” Nicole walked up and slipped her arm around Damon.
    “She already knows. She, in some way, is the reason you two met.” Lana smiled at the surprise on their faces, and then turned when Jared came into the room. “Listen, I really appreciate you letting me do this. I know it’s not easy for you, but when spirits want to say something, it becomes hard for me to concentrate on anything else.”
    “What about Duncan?” Sid asked, glancing over at the silent Warrior leaning against the wall.
    “I’m not sure?” Lana frowned, glancing at Duncan. “Do you have a brother?”
    “No ,” he replied, not moving from his spot.
    “Is there someone who has a connection with you and Sloan?” Caroline added , rubbing her temple.
    He didn ’t answer at first, just stared at the two women. “Yes,” Duncan replied, looking at each Warrior present. “We all have a connection from our past.”
    Lana felt her sister stiffen and knew , without a doubt, the dark man had just taken over. “Caroline,” Lana cried out, but knew it was too late.
    Caroline ’s body became rigid, her head turning to look at each Warrior before stopping on Duncan. “ Nos morituri te salutant !” The words were spoken in Caroline’s voice, but with a force that had Lana stepping back; it rang loud and true in the quiet room.
    Lana , who was closest to Caroline, tried to grab her as her body went limp, but Damon and Sid were the ones who caught her before she could hit the floor. “Caroline!” Lana shouted in fear. “What did she say?”
    Caroline shook her head, leaning against Sid who was still holding her up. “Well , that wasn’t pleasant.” She frowned, and then glared at Duncan. “Tell your friend, whoever the hell he is, not to do that again without asking permission.”
    “What did that mean?” Lana looked to Sid who was staring at Damon with an odd look. “What in the hell did she say, Sid.” Lana gave him a shove when he didn’t answer right away, indicating she was pissed.
    “She said, ‘those who are about to die salute you ’,” Sid replied, his eyes hardening. “Get Sloan here now!” Sid shouted, helping Caroline to her feet.
    Lana watched as the Warriors jumped into action . Not only did being kept in the dark piss her off, but fear for her sister made her voice crack with emotion and stomach heave with fear. “Is this man dangerous to my sister?” Tugging hard on Sid’s arm, she forced him to look at her, but he just stared over her.
    “No ,” he answered with no emotion, and without looking her in the eyes.
    “What did that mean , Sid?” Lana jerked his arm again. “Look at me, dammit. What does, ‘those who are about to die salute you’ mean?”
    Curses filled the room. “It ’s a phrase that slaves and criminals who were fated to die during fighting used.” Sid finally answered.
    Caroline, who majored in history , gasped. “It’s believed Gladiators used that as a salute or so they say; it’s never been proven.”
    Lana watched the Warriors closely and knew Caroline had hit it right on the head. None of the Warriors would look their way, each trying to contact Sloan on their cell phones.
    Finally, Duncan pushed himself off the wall,