JADES RESCUE

THE HUNT

CHAPTER NINE

After a leisurely swim, Victor asked Jade if she would like to go hunting. Not sure what he meant, she agreed but said that she would need to shower and dress first. Victor laughed with genuine happiness. Jade had not heard from him before.

Did I say something amusing, Jade asked.

Nothing at all answered Victor with a smile still on his face. I am laughing at my own stupid mistake. I forgot you are new to being a wolf and don’t some things yet. When we hunt, we do it as wolves, so there is no need to shower and dress. All you need to do is shift and Saphira will do the rest. While you do that, I’ll call the hunting pack and we can be off.

Jade only shook her head. She hadn’t considered that they would be hunting as wolves. She had assumed they would hunt as her father had with guns.

Suddenly realization began to dawn on her. That was why her parents hadn’t allowed her to join them when they went hunting. They had always said it would be too upsetting for her and once she was older they would take her. Now she knew the camping gear and guns had been for show. They didn’t use any of it. They had shifted into the wolves they were.

Victor shifted and threw back his head, letting out a shrill yip. Within a matter of five minutes, the yard was filled with all different types of wolves yipping and howling, ready for the hunt.

Saphira stepped closer to Jake as they went around the house where the wolves had assembled. “Do not be nervous,” said Jake, They will show you the proper respect for their Luna.

Upon seeing Jake and Saphira enter the yard, all the wolves turned and bowed. Each wolf sank low to the ground in a sign of respect and submission to their Alpha and his Luna.

Stopping in front of the assembled wolves, Victor spoke. Wolves, I present your Luna Saphira in her human form. She is known as Luna Jade.

A collective Welcome Luna slipped through the mind link, causing Saphira to take a step back. Jake smiled and leaped forward to start the hunt. Each wolf turned and followed their Alpha. Saphira ran forward and joined Jake at the head of the hunting party.

What do I do now? She asked Jake.

Just stay by my side and you will pick it up quickly. Hunting comes naturally to us. We are, after all, wolves. Jake replied.

Not waiting for her to answer, he ran into the tree line and put his nose to the ground. Soon all the other wolves were doing the same. Saphira put her nose down and took a tentative sniff. Suddenly she caught a scent. It was a deer. Before she knew what she was doing she threw her head back and gave a sharp yip. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked in her direction. Not waiting for Jake to tell her what to do, Saphira took off in the direction of the scent trail. The other wolves followed close behind her, yipping and howling.

Before long they heard the sound of the deer crashing through the woods running for it’s life. It was a big buck. He crashed through the branches running at full speed, hoping to lose his tormentors. He was quick, but his speed could not match the speed and agility at which the wolves moved.

In no time, the wolves had caught up to him and had begun to cut off his escape. They surrounded him and ran in a wide circle around him. They didn’t attack but rather ran him to the point of exhaustion. When it was obvious that he was too tired to run further, Jake made a running leap and grabbed him by the throat. He brought the great beast down and held on until it stopped moving.

Saphira watched as the other wolves all bowed to the sacrifice the buck had made. All assembled sat until Jake gave the order to eat. Saphira stood back and watched as each wolf stepped forward, taking only what they would eat. She was amazed at how orderly and quiet the whole process was. She also noticed how each wolf again thanked the big buck for his gift.

Jade knew she should be appalled by the scene unfolding in front of her but instead, as she stood there watching through Saphira’s eyes, she found it a calm with a reverence for the deer. When Saphira asked Jake why he didn’t take a portion for himself, Jake explained that the hunt was more to keep his skills sharp but that he preferred his meat less raw and more cooked.

I would be happy to order them to stand aside if you would like to take some. It is after all your kill said Jake.

“No, it’s okay,” answered Saphira. I think I’m with you on the more cooked, less raw thing.

Jake chuckled and said" Shall we leave them to the rest?

He turned and gave a quick yip to the rest of the pack. All the wolves stopped what they were doing and bowed towards the two of them. Then, without another sound, Jake lunged toward the forest with Saphira following close behind.

When they had gone maybe a half mile from the rest of the pack, Jake stopped, shifting back to Victor. He stepped behind a tree and came back fully clothed carrying a change for Jade.

I will place these behind the tree over there and you can shift back into Jade. There is something I would like to show her," Victor told Saphira.

Walking behind the tree, Saphira shifted. Jade dressed quickly and joined Victor in the clearing. Pressing his finger to his lips, he pointed in the direction of a large rock overhang. Jade shook her head, indicating she would follow him.

Once they had almost reached the top, Victor stopped and walked into a cave. Lighting a lamp, he took it from the wall. Victor moved further into the cave. Jade took a minute to allow her eyes to adjust to the darkness, then followed him.

She was amazed at the way the cave had been maintained. It was obvious that someone came here often and took the time to clean the place. It had functional but nice furniture, and someone had taken the time and expense to install solar power and lighting in this part of the cave.

Jade stood for a moment and took it all in.

“Do you like it," asked Victor.

“It’s amazing,” said Jade, a little breathless.

This is my secret place. Jermaine and I found this cave when we were kids and made a sort of clubhouse here. “We’ve made some changes and modifications over the years, said Victor.

Are you sure you want me to be here, asked Jade.

Of course, answered Victor. That’s why I brought you here to share it with you.

I just thought with Jermaine’s leaving you might want to keep this place to yourself. It must have so many memories of the two of you here.

Victor looked at her with a sad smile.

Yes, there are many memories of the two of us here, but those days are gone forever now, and this place belongs to the two of us now. Said Victor. I want to share this place with you, Jade. You are my world now and I want to share all of myself with you.

Jade smiled and hugged him.

I’m glad you want to share such a special place with me, she said.

Suddenly this self-assured alpha wolf looked like a nervous schoolboy. He pointed to the chair, asking Jade if she would like to take a seat.

I’ve forgotten my manners. said Victor" Would you like something to drink?

A glass of white wine if you have one, answered Jade.

To her surprise, he pushed a button on the wall and the wall turned to reveal a fully stocked bar. Victor poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her.

Thank you, are you going to join me, Jade asked.

“I think I’ll have a nice brandy, not wine," answered Victor.

After pouring himself a drink, Victor sat down on a chair opposite Jade.

Reaching out, he took a small remote from the table beside his chair. With a push of a button, a small fire sprang to life in the fire in the fireplace.

“This is nice, said Jade. She took a sip of her wine and stared into the fire.

I’m glad you like it here, said Victor. I have found many days of solace here. I’m ashamed to say this is where I retreated after the loss of our child. I’m also asking you to forgive me for my absence when you needed me the most. I know now how selfish and unfeeling I was. I also know that I have no right to ask for your forgiveness and I wouldn’t blame you if you withheld it from me. I will accept your decision but know this, Jade, if you choose to forgive me I will spend the rest of my days trying to make it up to you.

The look in Victor’s violet eyes broke Jade’s icy resolve to make him pay for his misdeed. She saw such pain and hurt she admonished herself for thinking only of her pain and loss. She had forgotten Victor had lost a child also. He must have felt so much loss. He had only discovered she was pregnant and within a matter of moments, that was taken away. Jade looked at Victor with tears in her eyes.

There is nothing to forgive you for, Victor. I was wrapped up in my pain and selfishness. I should have realized you too lost a child and were in pain. Sobbed Jade.

Victor pulled Jade from the chair and into his arms. His embrace was warm and comforting, the kind a man uses when he is comforting his one love.

Jade reached up and pulled his lips down to meet hers. She needed to feel him breathe into her. At first, Victor kissed her with a soft and warm. Brushing her lips with his. Jade pulled his head closer. She became more demanding. Searching his mouth with her tongue. He held back, letting her take the lead. Jade released his head and let her hand trail down his body. She reached out and pulled his shirt over his head. Deeping their kiss, she slid her hands over the width of his broad shoulders, feeling the strength of a man who at times carried the weight of the lives of others upon those shoulders. She ran her fingers over the hard muscles of his stomach. Stopping just long enough to unbuckle his jeans, Jade’s hands continued their exploration of his body. When her hands found Victor’s growing manhood Jade wrapped her fingers around him and began to gently stoke him.

Victor let Jade explore his body. Her fingers left little trails of fire on each place she touched. By the gods, no woman had ever caused such a storm of emotion and desire in him. She continued her downward exploration until she found his manhood and took hold of him. Victor moaned as she began to move her hand up and down along the length of his shaft.

Never taking his mouth from hers, Victor picked her up and walked the short distance to the bed. Laying her down, Victor began to undress her but Jade stopped him. She moved to stand and motioned for Victor to lay on the bed. Understanding dawned on Victor and he smiled.

Following her instructions, Victor stripped the rest of his clothes and lay down on the bed. Never taking her eyes from his, Jade began to undress. Her fingers moved swiftly and removed her clothes until she stood before him naked. Victor looked up and down her long slender body. He allowed his gaze to wander, starting with her firm breast across her toned stomach down to her womanhood. It was the first time Jade had stood and allowed him to explore her body with his eyes fully. Victor was surprised to find her pubic hair was the same color as her natural hair. He had never seen a woman that well matched top and bottom. It was different, but then so was Jade, and he had to admit he liked it.

Jade saw the look of appreciation in Victor’s violet eyes, and she grew bolder. She smiled back at him and climbed into the bed and directly over his shaft. Slowly she began to lower herself down upon him. When she had fully encased him she began to move up and down. Slowly at first, then increasing in speed as her own body began to respond and feel the need for release.

Victor closed his hands around her hips and moved with her rhythm. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the feeling of being inside of his woman and the warmth and love he found there.

Jade grabbed ahold of the headboard as their movements became more demanding. Feeling Victor moving beneath her gave her a feeling of euphoria. Throwing her head back, Jade screamed out Victor’s name as she released herself upon him. With her release, Victor felt Jade's juices begin to flow over him. Her muscles contracted and tightened on him. As Jade screamed out his name, Victor released himself into Jade. He grabbed her waist and rolled her onto her back on the bed. Still needing to feel more Jade, he began to move once again. Jade began to move with him and once again they reached heights neither had ever known.

Later, when both were spent, they lay in each other's arms. Victor noticed Jade crying quietly. Worried that something was wrong, he sat up and looked at her with concern showing in his violet eyes.

Jade, did I hurt you? He asked. It was not my intention to cause you pain. I thought you were enjoying yourself, were you not?

Jade sat up to face him.

You didn’t hurt me, and I did enjoy myself very much. Answered Jade.

Then why are you crying, asked Victor, confused.

Reaching out to take his face in her hands, Jade spoke so softly that Victor wasn’t sure he heard her right.

We made a baby tonight, Victor. Whispered Jade.

How can you be sure, asked Victor.

I don’t answered Jade, I just know. It’s like I can feel it growing. The first time I didn’t know, but this time I think it’s because Saphira is much closer and she knows things. She is whispering to me that a child was conceived tonight.

Confused, Victor asked," Are you not happy to be having my child?"

“I’m ecstatic, answered Jade.

“I’m confused said Victor. If you are happy, then why are you crying?

For women, tears are not always because we are sad. Sometimes we cry happy tears, said Jade.

At the look of utter confusion on his face, Jade couldn’t help herself and laughed.

Drawing Jade into his arms, Victor kissed the top of her head and whispered.

I will never understand women, but I will always love this one.

They fell asleep in each other’s arms, both sleeping the sleep of lovers.

Victor was the first to rise in the morning. He made his way to the small kitchen area. Being quiet so as not to wake Jade, he made coffee and toast. Placing everything on a tray, he walked back to the bed he shared with Jade. When he got there, he found her gone and a note where her head had been.

Dear Victor:

I enjoyed last night but I must return to the land of the fae and attend to some pressing business. I will call you later to explain.

Love Jade

Victor turned and walked back to the kitchen. He placed the tray on the table and shifted into Jake.

I feel like a run this morning," Victor said.

Me too, came Jake’s reply.

Without another word, Jake lunged forward. Avoiding the sharp rocks sticking out of the walls of the cave, Jake ran at full speed until he reached the cave entrance. Stopping to look in both directions, he chose to go in the opposite direction Jade had taken.

Saphira stopped just outside the vale and shifted back to Jade. All of the fae knew about her wolf side yet they were still uncomfortable when she presented herself as Saphira. She stepped into the building she had constructed for Victor and went to the master bedroom. Once there, she showered and dressed in her normal attire.

Mariah was waiting for her as she made her way to the kitchen.

Good morning Queen, did you sleep well? Asked Mariah.

Very well thank you for asking answered Jade. She smiled to herself, thinking of the night she had spent with Victor.

Turning to Mariah, she asked. Do I have some time today or tomorrow that I can schedule a doctor’s appointment?

Instantly, concern spread across Mariah’s face. May I inquire if you are feeling ill, Queen?

Busy stuffing a muffin in her face, Jade turned to face Mariah. She finished the last of her muffin and answered, No I’m fine, I just have something I would like to speak with Dr. Gaines about.

Mariah drew herself up to her full height and Jade knew this meant Mariah was concerned. Seeking to relieve her friend's distress, Jade whispered. Can you keep a secret?

Queen Jade, how can you ask me of all people that question? Snapped Mariah.

Jade laughed at her indignation. Alright, alright, calm down Mariah, I didn’t mean to offend you, but you must not give any clue that anything is different. By that I mean you cannot tell me I can’t do something because of my condition.

Her look of concern quickly turned to joy as she understood what Jade had just said.

I’ll clear your schedule this very day and make the call to the doctor myself. Said, Mariah.

See, this is what I mean, said Jade. You can’t do things like that. I need some time in the afternoon to go and see Dr. Gaines to be sure I am and that things are going well. I can’t take a repeat of what happened last time. This time I intend to be extra cautious to make sure this baby gets the best start possible.

I agree, said Mariah. I’ll start today by redoing your schedule. I’ll make sure you have rest breaks and fewer appointments.

Thank you, that will help, but until Victor and I make the announcement let’s not make it too obvious, said Jade. Now I’m starving, so would you like to join me for breakfast?

“No thank you, I’ve already eaten mine, answered Mariah. Seeing the disappointment on Jade's face, she offered I could have another cup of coffee after your happy news.

Wonderful! Exclaimed Jade. Have a seat and I’ll pour us both a cup.

Mariah was about to suggest that she should be the one pouring the coffee but by the look on Jade's face she knew that would be a total waste of time, so instead she sat down at the table.

Jade hummed as she poured the coffee. Today was going to be a wonderful day and she wasn’t going to allow anything or anyone to destroy it. Just then Victor slipped through the link they had established.

Sorry to bother you Jade, but I wanted to ask you a question before we both got our busy day started. Said Victor.

You are never a bother to me. Love, what can I do for you, asked Jade.

I would like to know when you plan to see the doctor and if you intend to see Dr. Gaines or if you would prefer to see one of the doctors there. Answered Victor.

I’m going to see Dr. Gaines this afternoon. Mariah is working on clearing my schedule and setting up the appointment. Would you like to know what time we can meet at the hospital? Asked Jade.

Victor smiled, happy that Jade would allow him to participate in this process. I’d be honored to meet you there and be a part of this experience. He said.

Okay, so I’ll let you know as soon as I know. But right now, I have to eat, or I fear no one is going to be safe. Laughed Jade.

Victor laughed," Okay, I’ll let you feed our little one and Jade, I love you.

Victor closed the link and took the stairs two at a time. He hummed a little tune he had heard Jade humming once while he showered. Drying and dressing quickly, he called Frank through the link.

Meet me in the office in ten minutes. We have many things to discuss today and not much time to do it. Victor said.

Yes, alpha came Frank’s reply.

Victor was waiting for Frank when he knocked on the office door.

Come in, said Victor. Please have a seat, Frank. We have so much to discuss this morning and we need to cover as much of it as we can. I have an appointment this afternoon and I’m not sure how long it will take.

“Yes,” Alpha said Frank as he took his usual seat in the window.

Victor waited for Frank to get settled and offered him a cup of coffee.

Frank held up his hand and shook his head in the negative.

“Alright”, then said Victor, let’s get right into" shall we? As I’m sure you know, Jermaine is no longer my Beta. He has left the pack to become the Alpha of the Kansas pack. While I granted him that position, it has left me without a beta. I would be honored if you would consider filling that position. You don’t need to give me your answer right now. Take a few days and think it over. It’s a big decision and I would encourage you to talk it over with your wife. You will spend more time here at the pack mansion as it will require you to spend more time with pack duties. However, should you decide to accept, we have more than enough room here and you and your family are welcome to move into the apartment vacated by Jermaine. It’s not a large apartment, but it is nice, and you will have no maintenance or expenses while living there. Also, as my beta, you will receive a salary of $150,000.00 a year and a per diem for all travel and free use of cars. This, of course, extends to your wife and daughter. In addition, your daughter’s tuition to the college of her choice will be fully paid. You will also have use of the company jet for pack-related travel and, once a year, you may use it for travel to a vacation destination of your choice.

Victor looked at Frank to see his reaction to all he had just said. Seeing that Frank remained as stoic as ever, Victor continued. You will be required to sign a contract stating that all pack business cannot be discussed with anyone who is not authorized to discuss or participate in pack business. There are some other minor concessions you will be granted that will be listed in the contract. Said Victor. I’ll give you a copy of the contract to take home and go over with Winnie.

Frank stood and took the offered papers.

When would you like my answer? He asked Victor.

I’ll give you one week to make your decision and then, if I have heard nothing to the contrary, I will assume that you have chosen to accept. Answered Victor.

Fair enough, stated Frank. One more thing, Victor. Can I ask why me? You have a mirada of qualified men to be your beta.

Victor shrugged his shoulders." You are as qualified as any of them, so my question is, why not you? Do you doubt your ability to carry out the duties of beta? Asked Victor.

I never doubt myself," answered Frank, and closed the door behind him.

Victor looked at the closed door and shook his head. Frank was certainly different from Jermaine. It would be interesting, to say the least. Reaching for the link with Jade, Victor asked if she was ready for him to come pick her up for her appointment with Dr. Gaines.

Just a few more minutes, her answer came back. I should be ready by the time you arrive, but just in case I’m not, can you do me a favor and check on the east field. It has come to my attention that we may have a problem with some of our livestock going missing and I could use your help. I thought maybe if you spoke with the herdsman they might be able to give you some more information.

Why don’t I stop over there before I come by the palace? Asked Victor.

That would be wonderful, answered Jade. Now, if I don’t get back to work, I’ll never get out of here.

Victor laughed and blew imaginary kisses at her.

Jade smiled and pretended to catch them in the air before closing the link.

Victor finished a few last-minute details and closed and locked his office door. He always kept his office locked, as the other members of the pack had the freedom to come and go from the pack's mansion. Only his office and his personal rooms on the upper level were off-limits without an invitation.

He was halfway to the fae kingdom when he remembered to contact the cook and inform her that he would be dining with Jade at the palace tonight.

And what am I supposed to do with this wonderful dinner I have already fixed for you? Snapped cook.

I heard that we have a refugee family that is having some trouble getting started send it to them. Answered Victor.

You’re the boss, sighed Cook.

Thank you, said Victor with a small chuckle.

Closing the link and turning his attention to the problem of the missing livestock, he drove toward the east field.

When he arrived, Victor found several of the herdsmen standing in a circle looking at something on the ground.

He could smell the blood even before his car had reached the area where the men stood. This wasn’t a fresh kill, but it was done sometime last night.

How’s it going? Asked Victor.

Not good, said the oldest man. This makes the fifth calf we’ve lost in the last week. If this keeps up, we won’t have any herds left to make it through the winter.

Do you have any suggestions on who or what is doing this? Asked Victor.

The men shuffled their feet. Once again, the oldest man spoke up.

We think from the looks of it that it was a wolf attack. He said.

Victor stepped through the ring of men and squatted down next to the carcass. By the look of things, the men were right, but it wasn’t any wolf from his pack. He knew he had to reassure them that his pack had not done this or they would force Jade to choose between them and the pack.

Straightening up, he looked at the men and said," I think you’re right". It was a wolf that did this, but it wasn’t one of the Prairie pack.

How can you be so sure, asked one of the younger men.

Each pack and each wolf has a certain scent. I don’t recognize this scent, and I know most of the packs and their scents. A rouge wolf did this. Said Victor.

" What do you mean a rouge wolf asked the younger man.

This wolf killed out of hunger because no pack claims it. When a wolf has a pack it will never go hungry because the other wolves will make sure it eats. If it cannot hunt, they will provide meat from the hunt. If it becomes disabled or too old, the other members of the pack will provide shelter, clothing, and food. They will do the same for a wolf female who has lost her mate and has children or children who have lost their parents. Explained Victor.

The men looked at Victor in stunned silence.

Clearing his throat, the older man said. Maybe we should take the time to learn more about your pack society. We were taught that wolves were savages with no rhyme or reason as to why they kill.

I would be happy to explain how our pack society works, said Victor, but right now we need to find this rogue wolf and find out if we should kill him or find him a pack.

All the men shook their heads in agreement. Victor suggested that he send five of his best trackers to find the lone wolf. He also suggested he send three of his best soldiers to guard the herd at night.

How can we be sure that they won’t get hungry and make a meal of our herd? Asked one of the men.

Victor smiled and said," You can’t, but I can. I’m the alpha. Now, gentlemen, I have an appointment with our Queen and I can’t be late.

Looking at the oldest man, Victor asked his name.

James answered the man.

Okay, James, I’ll contact you this evening so that you may tell the wolves where you would like them to patrol this evening. Stated Victor.

Sounds like a plan, answered James.