Free Damon (The Protectors Series) Book #1 by Teresa Gabelman

I know.” Mitch smirked. “Been there, done that, more than you even know.”
    Nicole threw up her hands, walking away. “I'm going home. Text me.”
    “Get your ass back here, Callahan.” Mitch sighed, looking as tired as she felt. “We have a problem.”
    “Is Steve okay?” Nicole woke up fast.
    Damon shook his head in amazement. Thinking of others first was one of things that had drawn him to
    her.
    “The man we took down at the club last night was after someone.” Jared began, glancing at Damon
    then back to Nicole.
    “Yeah, I know. Damon told me.” Nicole wasn't putting two and two together. “So, did he get away
    from you?”
    Jared choked a chuckle back. “Ah....no." His head did though, but he kept that to himself. “We know
    who his target was.”
    Still Nicole stared at them, even Damon. “And......”
    “It was you.” Mitch added when Jared didn't.
    “Me?” That took her mind off Damon real quick. “Why would he be after me? I have never seen that
    man before in my life.”
    “It seems someone thinks you are doing your job too well.” Jared again eyed Damon, who stood still
    staring at Nicole.
    “As of today you are on a leave of absence.” Mitch put on his boss hat.
    “No.” Nicole shook her head. “First of all, this has to be a mistake. You got it wrong.” She looked at
    the three vampires then back to Mitch. “I am not going on a leave of absence, Mitch.”
    “Yes, you are and I am not budging on this, Nicole.” Okay, he was serious. He just used her first
    name. He never, ever did that.
    “Is there any family you could go stay with?” Duncan ask before Nicole could tear into Mitch.
    Shaking her head. “No, there isn't.”
    “I'll call my brother and see if you can stay with him and his wife in Michigan.” Mitch started dialing.
    Nicole stood there speechless. Suddenly her life spiraled out of control, or at least out of her control,
    and if Damon didn't stop staring at her, she was going to scream. Grabbing Mitch's phone, she snapped
    it shut and tossed it back to him. “While I appreciate you doing that Mitch, it's a waste of time. I'm a
    big girl who can make big girl decisions and have been for most of my life.” She turned to Duncan. “I
    really don't see a problem if you got the guy. Right?”
    There was some nervous shuffling of feet and looking away. “We had him” Duncan looked at Damon.
    “So that's the problem? He got away?” Nicole did not like where this was heading and seeing three
    nervous vampire warriors was not helping matters.
    “No, I killed him.” Damon replied with ease as if discussing the weather. “And someone will take his
    place.”
    Nicole stepped back, stunned. He killed him.
    “We need to get you somewhere safe until we can find out who put the hit on you.” Duncan looked at
    Mitch. “Call your brother.”
    “No, Mitch.” Nicole tore her gaze from Damon. “I am not going into hiding. I don't understand any of
    this, but I know I am not going to run and leave my job. I'm not stupid. I'll be careful and lock my
    doors, but right now, I need to get home and feed Ren and Stimpy.” Why the hell she said that she
    didn't know. All she knew was she had to get away from them and the only thing that came to mind
    was feeding her turtles. Grabbing her bag she raced out the door to her car.
    “Who the fuck is Ren and Stimpy?” Jared turned to look at everyone, confused.
    Damon ignored him as he let his shitkickers lead him out the door behind Nicole.
    “Let it go Mitch.” Hearing heavy footsteps coming up behind her, Nicole didn't even turn around
    figuring it was Mitch. “I'm not leaving and I will be at work Monday morning.” Opening the door she
    threw her bag in the backseat, got in and slammed the door.
    Damon put both hands on the hood of her car, leaning down so his face was in her window. “We need
    to talk.” He opened her door.
    “No, I don't think we do.” Nicole went to close her door, but he stopped it with his