JADES RESCUE

JERMAINE SAYS GOODBYE

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Do you know anything about this, Victor asked Frank.

He held the paper out and Frank took it. He read it and handed it back.

I have no idea why he would like to be released from the pack, " answered Frank. Unless it has something to do with the report I have for you.

“Go ahead and let me have it said, Victor.

Frank took a deep breath. Before I begin, Victor, I want you to remember that he is your Beta and best friend and that nothing inappropriate has ever taken place.

Victor raised an eyebrow and looked at his general.

Right said Frank, now let’s just get to it, shall we? Last evening, I heard Jermaine confess to another that he loves your Luna. He said that he would never act on those feelings out of respect for you and the position of Jade Jade, but still, he loves her.

Victor listened to what Frank had to say, and when he was finished, Victor dismissed him.

He would need time to consider this information before speaking with Jermaine again. It was strictly forbidden for any wolf to look upon his Luna with anything but respect. By doing anything else, the wolf could be put to death. But Jermaine was his best friend and had been since childhood. Victor also felt some responsibility for pushing Jermaine and Jade into a relationship neither had asked for. After all, it should have been him, not Jermaine, to comfort Jade after the loss of the baby. But he had been too caught up in his grief to consider hers, and Jermaine had stepped into the gap like always. No, Jermaine would not suffer because of his inability to care for his Luna. A plan began to take shape in Victor’s mind. He knew what he was going to do with Jermaine.

The raid on the Kansas pack went as planned. Many of the soldiers were either away on patrol or caught unaware. Retribution for the others was swift and deadly. Jermaine and his wolves were careful to make sure no innocent wolves were harmed, but made short work of the leader and his generals. As Victor had commanded, the Alpha was brought to the pack mansion and placed in the lower dungeon. After making sure he was secured, Jermaine headed for Victor’s office.

After giving Victor a full report on the raid, Jermaine informed Victor that the Alpha was secured in the dungeon and asked if he was to perform the usual routine reserved for the Alphas.

Victor looked thoughtful for a moment, then replied. No, I have something different in mind this time. Meet me in the Alpha’s cell in five minutes.

Perplexed, Jermaine shook his head in the affirmative and excused himself. He stood for a moment outside of Victor’s office and wondered what this was about. Also, Victor hadn’t said anything about his request for a release from the pack. He was sure Victor had seen it by now. This was strange behavior indeed.

Before he could complete it any further, Victor jerked the door open. He looked surprised to find Jermaine standing in the hall. But he said nothing and only motioned for Jermaine to follow him.

Both men were silent on the walk to the lower level, each lost in his thoughts. Once they had reached the cell where the rival alpha was being held, Victor produced a paper. He laid it in front of the prisoner, and when he spoke, he left no doubt that the alpha had only two options.

I will never sign this spat the alpha!

Victor looked at the guard and gave a slight nod. The guard stepped forward and swung a small hammer, hitting the alpha in the knee.

He howled in pain, and Victor stepped closer.

I’m giving you the chance to take your family and live the rest of your lives in peace without fear of retribution from myself or anyone else. You will be under my protection and have the full protection of the Prairie pack. Refuse to sign it and you will die a slow, painful death. Then I shall have your whole family wiped from the earth! Spat out, Victor.

With the break in his leg already starting to heal, the alpha knew he could suffer many days or even years of torture before death claimed him.

Looking at Victor, he asked," You will guarantee the safety of my family?

I will answered Victor. You and your family can live in peace on our lands and will be safe from rouges.

What about Silas? Asked the alpha.

Silas will not bother you either, answered Victor.

Give me the pen, said the alpha, and I’ll sign your damn paper.

Victor handed him the pen and paper once more. Without hesitation, this time the alpha signed the paper and handed it back.

Taking the paper, Victor looked at the guard.

Take him and his family to the west side of our property. He is to be deeded five acres of land. You and the rest of the pack help them to get settled and build a home for them. I will order the things you will need today and they will be here tomorrow. Also, send three of our best soldiers and one female to retrieve his family. Make sure they understand they are to be reunited with their father and husband.

Yes, Alpha, said the guard.

Next Victor turned his attention to Jermaine. Handing him the paper, he said. Congratulations you are no longer my beta. You are now the alpha of the Kansas pack.

Without saying anything else, Victor turned and walked from the room.

Jermaine stood frozen to the spot. He hadn’t expected Victor to give him the Kansas pack. It was rare that an alpha would give his beta his pack.

Congrats man said the guard and slapped Jermaine on the back. You are one lucky beta. A pack of your own! Wait until I tell the guys about this. Shaking his head, he escorted the former alpha from the cell and into his new life as just a pack member.

Still lost in thought, Jermaine made his way to Victor's office and knocked on the door.

Come in, said Victor.

He looked up to see Jermaine and wasn’t surprised. He had expected to see his beta full of questions.

I thought you would be busy making plans to take over the Kansas pack, said Victor.

I have just a few questions stated Jermaine.

I would be happy to answer them if I could, said Victor.

Okay well, for starters, why did you spare the other alpha and why did you give me his pack? Asked Jermaine.

Well, said Victor. First, without his pack, the other alpha isn’t a threat, and I don’t believe any wolf should be killed just for doing what he was born to do. Second, he has a young family, and they need his guidance to grow into strong, healthy wolves. Now as for you, it’s a little more complicated. I saw your request to leave the pack. After much consideration, I felt I had only two options. One was to grant your request and allow my best friend and beta to become a rogue. The second was to deny your request and watch you become bitter and unhappy. Neither was going to produce a good outcome for you or myself. The taking of the Kansas pack presented me with a third option. I have no desire to acquire more property and wolves to rule over, but I could gift them to you and help you become the alpha I know you can be.

Jermaine sat silent for a moment, then looked at Victor. When he did speak, his words were measured and carefully chosen.

Victor, I feel that I owe you an explanation for my request. I don’t want to leave the pack. It’s all I have ever known. I can’t imagine a time when you and I weren’t best friends. As pups, we explored every inch of pack lands. We fished the rivers and streams. We hunted in the woods and hid from our parents in the wheat fields. It was very difficult to decide to ask for release from the pack, but I felt I had no choice given the circumstances. Said Jermaine.

Victor held up his hand to silence Jermaine.

Before you say more, let me stop you right there. I know about your feelings for my Luna and I’m not mad. I understand how you could fall for her; I blame myself. I left her for you to comfort when it should have been me there for her. But she is not your mate. You will know your mate when you find her. What you feel for Jade isn’t true love, it’s only infatuation. Maybe a change will make things clearer for you. Now alpha you have a new pack to take charge of. You may pick three of our best soldiers to help you bring the others in line. Make it clear to them that it is their choice to stay or come back. Now, if that is all for today, I have a naming ceremony that I must attend.

Standing, Victor headed for the door. Stopping, he turned around and walked back to where Jermaine remained seated and placed his hand on his old friend's shoulder. Giving him a squeeze, he turned and left the room.

Victor thought about Jermaine and his feelings for Jade during his run to the vale. He hoped he was doing the right thing by giving Jermaine his own pack. He didn’t want to exile his old friend. He shifted back into his human form before reaching the vale. Jade had stashed his clothes behind a large rock. Victor retrieved them and walked toward the guard who stood watch. Jade had placed a guard there so that Victor could enter anytime he wished without waiting for someone to come and lift the vale.

Good afternoon, said the guard.

Good afternoon," responded Victor. He slipped underneath the vale covering the land of the fae and walked down the path to the palace and his Luna.

Suddenly Victor stopped. Did Jade know how Jermaine felt? If she did, why hadn’t she told him? Surely, if she had known, Jade would have told him. But then again, maybe she didn’t want to be the one who ruined the friendship between the two men. Victor made a mental note to ask Jade about it later when they were alone, but right now he needed to get moving. It wasn’t very far to the palace, but walking on two legs instead of running on four took so much more time.

Jade paced around the office. She had asked Victor to join her in the naming ceremony today, but she was still nervous about being able to look at the faces of those babies and not break down crying. She knew it had been four months since the loss of her and Victor’s child, but to her, it seemed as fresh as if it had happened yesterday. She walked to the window, closed her eyes, and drew in a breath of fresh air. When she opened her eyes she saw Victor walking across the courtyard. Not caring what anyone thought of her un-queen-like conduct, Jade turned and ran through the palace and into Victor's waiting arms.

Victor saw Jade running full speed toward him; he stopped and opened his arms wide, then braced himself for impact. Not slowing down, Jade jumped into his open arms and buried her head in his shoulder. Without saying a word, her tears began to flow.

Victor said nothing and held her while she released whatever had her so upset. When her tears had finally slowed, he set Jade on her feet and wiped away the last of her tears.

Would you like to share with me or did you just need a shoulder to cry on and mine happened to be handy? He asked.

Jade made a kind of hiccup laugh and said, can we take a walk in the garden before we go to the ceremony?

Of course, answered Victor.

He noticed Jades was more melancholy than she usually was, and he wondered what had happened to cause such a drastic change in her since last night.

Jade took his hand, and they walked in silence for some time. Finally, Jade stopped and turned toward him.

Jade, has something happened to cause you such distress? Asked Victor.

No, Jade answered," It’s just that it wasn’t that long ago we lost our baby and I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to keep my composure during the naming ceremonies.

Victor lifted her face as a tear slid down her cheek. He cupped her small face and wiped the tear away with his thumb. She looked so small and vulnerable. Mentally, he admonished himself for leaving her to deal with this loss alone. He could see the hurt on her face, her eyes searching his face for reassurance and love. At that moment, Victor felt his heart break into a million pieces. If this was what he had left Jermaine to deal with, no wonder the poor man had fallen in love with her.

It's going to be just fine Jade. You’re a strong woman and I will be right here beside you. You can do this, I know you can, said Victor.

He bent down and kissed her full on the lips. A kiss that was nothing more than I’m here for you. He felt the tension beginning to leave Jade’s body. When he raised his head she was smiling at him.

“There’s my Luna, said Victor with a smile.

I love the way you kiss me was all Jade said.

Turning around, they made their way back to the palace and the naming ceremony for the new fae.

Jade loved seeing the babies and to her surprise, it wasn’t as bad as she had originally thought it might be. Victor stayed close to her side even though at first the new mothers were reluctant to bring their babies so close to a wolf. He quickly won them over with his ready smile and easy grace. Jade actually thought she saw a few of the mothers sneak an extra look at Victor when they thought no one was watching. She was amused at how some tried to gain his attention, but his attention was for her alone.

As the afternoon wore down, the royal couple took the opportunity to thank everyone for coming. After the last course had been served, Victor and Jade said goodbyes. Victor suggested they take a run to work off some of the meal they had just consumed.

Having spent several days locked in the palace, Saphira was ready for a chance to run and begged Jade to agree.

It would seem Saphira thinks that’s an excellent idea, laughed Jade.

Jake has been bugging me for days to see if Saphira could come out to play, joked Victor. Shall we drive out to the vale and let these two have some fun this evening?

I think that’s a wonderful idea, said Jade. Let me tell Mariah that I will be gone this evening, so she won’t worry. Also, I think I will change into jeans and a tee shirt. I’m not really a dress kind of girl.

Victor laughed and kissed the top of her head. As you wish, my lady, and while you do that, I’ll have the cook prepare a cold dinner for us after our run. Would you like to take a swim before dinner? If so, I’ll have our things brought down to the pool.

That sounds just like what the doctor ordered, smiled Jade.

Consider it done, said Victor, and started dialing his phone.

Jade left him there in the hall speaking with his staff while she went to find Mariah and change into her favorite pair of jeans and old blue tee shirt.

Victor was surprised at how quickly Jade returned and was even more surprised when he walked outside to find a new Jaguar convertible.

Do you like it," asked Jade.

“It’s beautiful,” said Victor.

Good said, Jade. I had hoped you would like it. I got it for you as a present.

Victor wanted to object but looking at Jade he could see how happy she was that her gift pleased him, so instead, he drew her into his arms and spread kisses down her neck, stopping at her shoulder.

It’s the perfect gift, he said.

I have one more surprise for you, but you will have to wait until we reach the vale. Said Jade.

Victor smiled. Taking her hand, he led her to the car. He opened the door and Jade slid into the seat. On the drive to the vale, Jade sang to the radio while Victor drove in silence.

Victor stopped the car a mile from the vale and turned to Jade.

I have something to tell you, Jade, and I hope you won’t be upset with me after I explain everything Victor said.

Growing concerned, Jade turned and gave him her full attention.

Taking her hand, Victor drew a long-ragged breath.

Oh no, thought Jade. He’s grown tired of waiting for me and has found another Luna.

When Victo spoke, his words were soft. I have given Jermaine his own pack and he will be leaving. Today will be the last day you will see him for a long while.

Jade was confused. This was a good thing, right, so why did Victor seem so sad about it?

But this is a good thing, right? She asked Victor.

Normally, yes, but under these circumstances, it was the only way to save his life. Answered Victor. See Jade, I know about his feelings for you, and as the alpha of the pack, I am left with few choices.

But he never acted on them, cried Jade!

Victor looked at her. Did you know how he felt about you? He asked.

I suspected answered Jade. She didn’t dare tell Victor that Jermaine had professed his love for her.

What do you mean you are left with a few choices about how to deal with the situation? She asked.

Pack rules are very clear about another wolf lusting after the Luna of the pack. Said Victor. I could have him killed or exiled him from the pack and make him a rogue. I have recently acquired another pack and chose instead to make him the alpha of that pack. By doing this, I have saved his life. I couldn’t order his death and, as a rogue, he would have been hunted down, but by making him an alpha of the new pack, he will be respected. It will also give him the opportunity to find his own Luna.

Jade saw how difficult this had been for Victor. She reached out for his hand.

I know that you have done what was necessary to save your best friend and beta, she said.

“I will have him meet us at the pack mansion so that the two of you may say goodbye, said Victor.

I’d like that, whispered Jade.

Victor started the car and drove toward the vale. He linked up with Jermaine and asked him to join them at the mansion in an hour.

Yes, Alpha, said Jermaine, his tone more formal than he intended.

Once at the vale, Victor saw a huge building that had not been there earlier in the day.

What is that!? He asked Jade.

She looked pleased with herself. That is the other part of your surprise! I had a garage and apartment made for you. Now you can drive to and from the palace. You will always have a place to store your clothes. You can shower if you like or stay the night. I will keep it fully stocked with all your favorite things so that it will feel like a home away from home.

Getting out of the car, she said" Come and see your new home away from home.

Victor was impressed with how Jade had thought of everything. It was beautifully decorated in rich oak wood. It had a desk in the far-right corner of the large living room. One wall was covered in windows that reached from floor to ceiling. The floor was covered with tongue and grove wood. In the center of the room was a large, overstuffed sofa with a chaise lounge on one end and a recliner on the other. A small kitchen stood separated from the large room by a bar. It had white marble countertops with cherry wood cabinets. The stove and fridge were hidden in the cabinets so that it looked more like a wet bar than a kitchen. To the left and up a set of five steps was the master bedroom with a bathroom. The king-size bed was covered with a white faux fur spread and several throw pillows. To the right of the door was the bathroom. It was fully stocked with all the things Victor would need to shower and change.

Do you like it? Asked Jade.

Like it no, said Victor. Seeing her face sink in disappointment, he quickly added," I love it! This is great, but you didn’t have to do this, Jade.

I know, but I wanted you to have someplace to call your own here in my kingdom. You have done so much to accommodate me in your pack. I wanted to do this for you. Said Jade.

Thank you very much. Said Victor.

Oh, wait! Exclaimed Jade, I almost forgot the best part.” The garage.

Taking his hand, she led Victor to a door just off the kitchen. Opening it she escorted him into one of the biggest garages he had ever seen. Along one wall were nothing but cabinets for tools and garden essentials. On the other wall was a pool table and a pinball machine.

The center was left open except for a motorcycle in one of the many stalls.

I thought you might like to take me for a ride one evening, said Jade with a smile.

I would like that very much, answered Victor, but if we don’t get going and let these two wolves of ours out for a while, I fear they may decide to mutiny.

Okay, said Jade, let’s let our other halves out to play for a while.

Quickly shifting into Jake and Saphira, Victor and Jade slipped into the background and let the wolves greet each other in private.

Having said their hellos, the two wolves bolted from the garage and wasted no time in running full speed into the woods beyond the vale.

Saphira felt good to be running after being confined for so long. Jade didn’t let her come out when they were in the fae land. She didn’t want to alarm the residents. She had promised Saphira that as soon as they became accustomed to her presence she would introduce them to Saphira. But for now, today Jade had taken a backseat and allowed Saphira to run with her mate and that was enough. Saphira had missed Jake. Even though they could communicate through the mind link, it was good to see him in person and she wanted to enjoy every minute of it. Goodness knew when she would get the chance again with these two.

All too soon they had reached pack lands and Victor and Jade made the shift again. They went directly to the bedroom they once shared and showered and dressed. Jermaine was waiting for them in the living room when they came back downstairs.

Hello Luna. Said Jermaine.

Jade nodded. Hello Jermaine. Victor tells me you are going to be leaving as he has gifted you a pack of your own.

Yes, he did answered Jermaine. I only came over today because Victor told me you would be here, and I wanted to tell you goodbye.

I’m glad you came. Said Jade. I will miss you, Jermaine. You have been a wonderful friend to me and all of us. I wish you well with your new pack and look forward to hearing about your progress.

Jermaine stepped forward and took Jade’s hand.

I will miss our talks too, Luna, but know that if you should ever need me, all you have to do is call and I will be here or anywhere without hesitation. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, might I have a few minutes with Victor alone?

Of course, said Jade. She excused herself to the kitchen to help cook with dinner, leaving the two old friends to say goodbye in private.

Jermaine stepped in front of Victor.

I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I know the decision could not have been an easy one for you given our present situation. I meant what I said to Jade. If either of you ever need me for anything, just call and I will be here.

Victor looked at his old friend. He had wanted to be the stoic alpha, but standing here now knowing that his friend, companion, and beta were leaving, he gave into his emotions. With tears welling in his eyes, he reached out and drew Jermaine into a tight hug.

I will miss you, my oldest friend. I want nothing but the best for you and wish you a long and happy life, but if you don’t get your feelings for my Luna under control, I will kill you. Do you understand me? Victor spat out.

I understand completely," snapped Jermaine, and wrenched himself from Victor’s hug.

Without another word, Jermaine turned and walked out of the door and out of Victor’s life. Just then, Jade came back into the room.

Seeing the look on Victor’s face, she knew Jermaine was gone, never to return.

Jade's heart broke when she looked at Victor's face. Because of her, he had just lost his best friend and beta