JADES RESCUE

Jade and Jermaine

CHAPTER FIVE

Jermaine didn’t like deceiving Victor like this, but Jade asked him not to tell Victor about their meetings. He knew she was still

stinging from what she perceived as Victor’s rejection, but he had decided to tell her this would be their last meeting.

Jade allowed Saphira to take over as she left for her meeting with Jermaine. She knew what she was asking of him was more than

she had a right to do it but she had to know if Victor was trying to save this relationship or if he just wanted it to be done.

Jermaine was her only trusted source of information for the pack. Maybe Saphira suggested it’s time you made contact with Victor

and asked him yourself.

I know that I should have a conversation with him, but right now I just don’t have the strength to face his rejection in person. At least

with Jermaine as a buffer, it would be easier to move on without Victor. Sighed Jade.

I could be wrong, but I don’t think Victor wants to break your bond. He’s tried so many times to make contact with you and each

time you shut him down. It seems like you are the one who doesn’t want to stay in this relationship. Observed Saphira.

To be honest, I’m sure how I feel about us right now, answered Jade.

You had better figure it out fast because Victor won’t wait forever. He’s already grown weary of your silence and longstanding

suffering. Snapped Saphira. You may not speak Victor, but I do talk with Jake, and he misses us terribly. Not to mention Jermaine is

starting to develop feelings that no Beta should ever have for his Luna. He is going to make a move soon and if you shut him down

you will lose your only confidante within the pack.

As they neared the clearing where Jade was to meet Jermaine, she shifted back to her human form and retrieved the clothes she had

placed there. Stepping from behind a tree she felt Jermaine’s presence.

We’re alone. It’s safe to come out, she said.

A large blonde wolf stepped from the shadows and walked toward her. Jade reached out her hand and stroked his fur.

I’m glad to see you, my friend. If you would like to shift, I have placed some clothing behind that tree for you. Spoke Jade.

Thank you, said Jermaine through the mind link. I’ll be just a moment.

He stepped behind the tree and was back fully dressed before Jade had time to blink.

Wow! That was fast she remarked. I don’t think I’ll acquire the speed that all of you have, but I do keep trying.

Jermaine smiled and said," You will my Luna, but you must remember we have had years of practice and you are just starting.

I suppose so, sighed Jade. It’s just that sometimes I think Victor would want me more if I hadn’t been so far behind all of you.

A tear slid down her cheek. Jermaine stepped forward and wiped it away. His hand was gentle and warm. Jade longed for the touch

of another human being. She missed Victor so much and wished she could go home to him. Without thinking, she reached up and

took ahold of Jermaine’s hand, holding it on her cheek for just a moment longer.

She closed her eyes and thought of Victor and the way his hands had explored her body.

Jermaine cleared his throat and snapped her back to reality.

I’m so sorry Jermaine. I shouldn’t have done that. Apologized Jade.

I understand Luna said Jermaine. He didn’t dare tell her that small gesture had set his heart soaring and his insides shaking.

You can’t think about your Luna in such a way admonished his wolf.

Don’t you think I know that, snapped Jermaine. I cannot help myself, she sets my soul on fire with her innocence. The smell of her

is enough to drive even the sanest wolf to do unspeakable things. She makes me want to devour every inch of her beautiful body.

When I think of her with anyone else, even my Alpha, I go insane.

I know what she does to you, but I also know what Victor will do to you if he even suspects these thoughts. He will kill you

Jermaine. Your friendship will mean nothing if he thinks you are going to step between him and his Luna. You know this! Still, you

let these thoughts run freely in your mind. You must shut them out and forget Jade is anything but your Luna. She can never be more

to you.

Jermaine is everything okay asked Jade.

Yes, Luna, I was just having a conversation with my wolf. He seems to have a lot to say today, answered Jermaine.

Jade stepped closer to Jermaine. We don’t have much time. I have to be back for a ceremony in a few minutes, she said. Touching

Jermaine’s arm, she looked directly into his eyes and asked, is Victor doing okay?

Gently removing her hand from his arm, Jermaine took a step back. Jade had no idea what she did to him when she got this close. It

took all of his inner strength not to grab her and hold her in his embrace while his lips found hers.

Instead, he calmed down his voice and said, his voice seems to be doing as well as he can. I know he misses you

and wants you to come home.

Jade shook her head; I can’t do that right now. I need more time and, here among my people, I have found some peace. I know it’s

hard to understand. In fact, I’m sure I can explain it myself, but I feel the need to be here right now. I don’t know that I can ever

return to the pack or Victor, for that matter.

Please, Luna, try to remember the pack are your people too and you have a responsibility to them also. Said Jermaine.

I know and I wish I could fulfill that duty, but right now I can’t face Victor. I must get back now, so quickly

tell me the pack news. Said Jade.

Jermaine wasted no time in telling her about the new pups that had been born this past week. Frank had become a first grandfather.

He was over the moon about his new grandson and everyone in the pack had heard about how Frank was a grandpa.

Jade chuckled while she eagerly soaked up the news of the rest of the pack. Ray and his new bride had the marking ceremony last

night, Trish the elder had passed onto the moon goddess two nights ago. Other members of the pack were getting ready to enter the

human world to attend college and some were just living their lives, but Jade wanted to know about each of them.

Jermaine suddenly became very serious. Jade, I can’t meet with you anymore. I must confess that over the last few weeks, we have

been meeting I have been conflicted. I want to serve my Luna, but I have served my Alpha and friend much longer. I feel that my

loyalties are divided, and I can no longer do this.

Jade shook her head. I understand my friend and I won’t ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. I want to thank you

for your friendship and I will never forget your kindness. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Then, turning, she began to run

and shifted into her beautiful white, silver-shimmering Saphira.

Jermaine stood for a moment admiring how beautiful she was. He knew this might be the last time he would ever see her and

something in his heart broke into a million pieces. Looking at the spot where she had entered the vale before turning and shifting into

his wolf for the run home.

Frank watched the interaction between Jermaine and Jade. He would report this to Victor, but he knew that it wouldn’t go well for

Jermaine. He was meeting with the Alpha’s Luna without his permission and that could only mean trouble for someone.

Enter snapped Victor.

Frank walked into the room and shut the door.

" Do you have some news for me," asked Victor.

I do, but maybe you should have a stiff drink before we talk, suggested Frank.

Just get done with it and don’t stall. Said, Victor.

Frank stood in front of the big oak desk and cleared his throat.

He knew how unpredictable Victor could be when provoked to anger.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was incur Victor’s wrath. He already feared for Jermaine

once he told Victor what he had witnessed at the clearing.

Well! Demanded Victor.

Alpha what I have to tell you is unpleasant but could have a reasonable explanation and I worry that once you hear my report your

anger will supersede your judgment. Said Frank.

Frank began to relay what he had seen at the clearing and the interaction between Jermaine and Jade. As he talked he noticed that

Victor grew more and more quiet. By the end of his report, Victor was totally silent and still.

When he had finished, Frank stepped away from the desk and waited patiently for his Alpha to speak. For ten minutes Victor didn’t

move. He stared straight ahead with a look of utter rage on his face. When at last he did speak, it was to order Frank to leave and

speak of what he had seen with no one.

Yes, my Alpha. Said Frank and quickly left the room.

Opening the link between himself and Jermaine, Victor did not let his anger show when he asked Jermaine to meet him in his office.

On my way came Jermaine’s cheerful voice.

Victor didn’t want to believe his Beta would betray him, but after what Frank had just told him, what other conclusion was there for

him come to?

If it were true, Jermaine would meet a swift death out of consideration for his years of service and Victor’s love for his old friend, but

he would die.

Jermaine knocked on the office door and walked in. He noticed a change in

Victor’s attitude but paid no attention. After all, Victor was under so much pressure these days, how could he not be a little stressed?

Victor looked up from his work and asked Jermaine to take a seat across from him.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he looked at Jermaine and began.

We have been friends for the whole of our lives, have we not? He asked.

Before Jermaine could answer, Victor raised his hand.

That was more of a rhetorical question and requires no answer. However, the next question I ask you will require an answer, and I

advise you to think carefully before you answer.

Jermaine gave him a questioning look but said nothing. He knew when Victor was in one of his moods it was best to stay silent and

allow him to get it out of his system.

Victor walked around the desk and stood in front of Jermaine.

I would like to know how many times you have met my mate in the clearing.

Jermaine’s eyes grew wide. How could he know about that unless he had Jermaine followed?

Knowing that his answer could mean his life, Jermaine looked directly at Victor and said, I have met Jade exactly three times in the

clearing and, before you ask, it was because of you. I have been trying to convince her to give you another chance. I know how

miserable you have been without her, and I know she feels the same. I have done nothing to disgrace you or my Luna.

Victor gave Jermaine a hard look for what seemed like an eternity. Jermaine knew his friend well enough to know that he was

looking for any deception in his response.

Finally, Victor spoke. Have you had any luck persuading her to at least talk to me?

Jermaine exhaled the breath he had been holding in before he answered Victor.

No, she refuses to see or speak with you at this moment, but I think her hurt is just too great. She thinks you blame her for the

miscarriage, and she says she understands if you want to find another mate.

By the gods, she is infuriating! Thundered Victor. Can she not see that I know who is to blame and it’s not her? I could not choose

another mate, even if I wanted to, Jade is the only one I want or will ever want.

Victor walked to the window and looked out across the expanse of the wheat field. The golden heads swayed gently in the breeze.

Normally, he would have found comfort in seeing this crop and knowing that his pack would eat well this winter. But today he felt

nothing except an emptiness that sank to the depths of his very soul.

Without turning around, he dismissed Jermaine with a wave of his hand. He couldn’t look at his Beta, knowing Jade chose to speak

with Jermaine and not himself. He should have been angry enough to discipline Jermaine for such devious acts, but today all Victor

could do was wave him away and stand looking out over the wheat field.

Jade didn’t stop until she reached the palace. She shifted back into her human form and stepped behind a pillar to change into a gown

she knew what was stashed there. Mariah had been so wonderful, making sure she change of clothes hidden around the palace and

the palace grounds. Jade was sure Mariah didn’t understand her need to let Saphira run each day, but Mariah never questioned Jade.

Running her fingers through her hair, she headed for the back stairs into the palace. They should be deserted at this time of evening

and she really didn’t feel like seeing anyone right now. Today had been a hard day. It was difficult to say goodbye to Jermaine. He

had become one of her most trusted friends, not knowing if she would ever see him struck like an arrow in her chest.

Stopping by the kitchen to grab a quick snack, Jade once again took the servants' stairs to her room. She quietly opened the door and

walked into the dark room and shut the door behind her. Making her way to the bed, she threw herself on it face first and began to

weep.

She cried about her happy carefree days at home with her parents. She cried for the child who would never walk upon this earth. She

cried for the friend she lost today, but mostly she cried because she loved Victor, and he didn’t love her back.

Jade didn’t know how long she cried but eventually, the tears stopped flowing and only the sobs remained. A soft knock on her door

drew her back to the present. Jade sat up on the bed and wiped her face the best she could with the gown sleeve.

Come in, said Jade.

A shy little girl pushed open the door.

Please forgive the intrusion, your Grace, but I wanted to know if you would require anything else before I leave for the night. I

noticed you didn’t have anything to eat, would you like me to ask the cook to prepare you something? Asked the girl.

No, that isn’t necessary. I stopped by the kitchen and got myself a snack. But thank you for asking. I don’t need anything else, go and

enjoy your evening. Said Jade with a smile.

The girl curtsied and left the room.

Jade made a mental note to be more committed to knowing the names of her staff. After all, this was going to be her home now, and

it was just good manners to know the people who worked for you. She would ask Mariah to provide her with a list of the servants'

names and positions.

Collecting her clothes, Jade made her way to the shower. After letting Saphira run, her human body smelled. Saphira said she

couldn’t smell anything, but Jade sure did, and it was awful! Stepping into the hot shower, Jade stood for a minute and let the water

run over her. She closed her eyes and pictured Victor stepping into the shower behind her. His muscled body pressed

tightly into her back.

She could feel him grow hard as he kissed that spot right behind her ear. He would tell her how beautiful she was and how much he

wanted her as he lifted her onto himself. They would move together as the water fell around them and when neither could hold back

any longer Victor would thrust himself fast and hard into her, sending an explosion of pain and pleasure into her body and soul. She

would feel his essence spilling into her and both would collapse against the shower wall spent and sated.

Jade opened her eyes and felt the warmth between her legs. Gods how she missed Victor! His scent, the feel of his body and the

essence of him. She turned her back to the water and cried. She had let him down and she would spend her life in this palace with

only the memory of him to warm her nights and fill her days. She finished her shower and dressed for bed. Climbing into the big

four-poster bed Jade turned off the light and prayed for the rest that had evaded her.

Sometime during the late-night hours, Saphira caught the familiar scent of Jake. It grew stronger and soon she could have sworn she

could feel his presence. Before she had a chance to wake Jade, Jake spoke to her.

Saphira, are you there? He asked.

Yes, Jake, I’m here! I’m so happy to hear your voice. Are you doing okay? Asked Saphira.

I’m fine but I cannot say the same for Victor. He grows more sullen and unhappy with each passing day. I fear for those around him.

His temper has become volatile and his mood unpredictable. We must find a way to get Victor and Jade to speak. Stated Jake.

I agree, said Saphira. My Jade is very unhappy. She misses Victor with all her heart, but she is convinced that he blames her for the

loss of the baby. She doesn’t want him to stay with her out of a sense of duty. But she will not believe that Victor still loved her and

does not blame her. I have tried talking to her, but she will not listen to my words, her heart is too full of pain. When Victor left Jade

didn’t see it as his pain driving him. She thought he was running from her. Now nothing I say has any effect on her. Jake gave a soft

whimper; I will try to make Victor understand what his leaving did.

Saphira shook her head. I keep trying to get through to Jade, but I don’t hold out much hope of her listening to me.

Keep trying, said Jake, this is very important to everyone, and we must make these two understand this has to happen. I have to go

for now, but I’ll be back tomorrow to check on your progress and give you an update on mine.

Without another word, he closed the link and was gone.

Saphira felt such an emptiness when he left. She knew he was her true mate, just like Victor was Jade’s. She had to make Jade

understand Victor never meant to hurt her, he was only wrapped in his own pain. She drew a deep breath and curled into a tight ball.

It was going to be another sleepless night for Jade.

Jade felt Jake’s presence, but she never opened the link to speak with him. She wouldn’t forbid Saphira from contact with Jake, but it

was painful each time they spoke. It made the rift between Victor and herself painfully clear. She wanted to tell Jake that she missed

Victor wanted him to come get her and take her home. Something always stopped her, and she left the link unopened.

Victor knew when Jake opened the link to Saphira. He felt the joy they had seeing each other, and he wouldn’t be the one to take that

away from Jake. He had found his true mate and even if Victor could not have Jade he would do everything in his power to ensure

that Jake and Saphira were allowed to keep the mate bond. They deserved these small moments of happiness. They had done nothing

to feel the sting of lost love. Victor knew this was his doing and he refused to let others suffer because of his mistakes.

After a few hours of sleepiness, Jade got dressed and made her way to the kitchen for some coffee. While it was brewing, she searched for some cookies to take with her to the office. Pouring the coffee and taking the cookies, she found Jade made her way to her office. She looked at the stack of paperwork on her desk and sighed.

Well, no use in putting off for later what she could be doing now. Taking the folder on top of the pile, she opened it and munched on

a cookie while reading the complaint.

Victor made his way to his office and opened the door. He had spent hours lying in bed only to find that sleep once again eluded

him. He hated this big house and all the emptiness he suddenly found within its walls. He had not noticed any of this until Jade

entered his life. It was as if she had filled the house with love and happiness. She had made it a home and not just a place to work

and sleep.

After a few hours of work, Jade felt the need to let Saphira run. Slipping out the window to avoid the guard stationed at her door,

Jade landed quietly on the ground and shifted.

Saphira shook off the confines of sleep. She had no trouble sleeping but understood Jade’s need to run. Without another moment of

hesitation, she ran across the lawn and into the deep forest. She loved the forest. It smelled of pine needles and flowers. She would

forget human life and live here if Jade agreed. Stopping for a minute to get her bearings, Saphira suddenly lunged in the

direction of the veil opening.

Jade, aware of the shift in her presence, asked Saphira where she was going.

Mate came Saphira’s short answer.

No! screamed Jade. We can’t go there. Victor will be with him, and I can’t see Victor right now.

Of course, Victor will be with him snickered Saphira. It’s impossible for Jake to go anywhere without Victor.

You know what I mean, snapped Jade.

Choosing to ignore her, Saphira closed the link and continued on her course.

Running through the veil, she came to a sudden stop. Standing before her was the most beautiful black wolf she had ever seen.

Jade’s breath caught in her throat. Jake was an impressive wolf. He was the animal version of his human master. Before she could

stop her, Saphira ran across the field to Jake.

Opening the link, she nuzzled his snout and cooed," I’ve missed you so very much!

Jake returned her affection and snuggled closer to her. My beautiful mate, how I have longed for this moment.

Before the two wolves could take the reunion any further, Jade broke into the reunion.

If you two don’t mind, there are others here. She said.

I’m aware came back the answer from Jake. I understand that you want nothing to do with your mate, but I have missed mine terribly

and I intend to spend some time with her. If it makes you uncomfortable, you are free to look the other way.

You can’t speak to me like that, snapped Jade.

I believe I just did came back, Jake’s answer.

Frustrated, Jade called for Victor.

After several minutes of silence, a husky male voice answered.

I’m here Jade. Can I help you with something? Asked Victor.

His voice made Jade’s heart skip a beat, but choosing to ignore the feeling in her chest, she simply said, Jake has been very

disrespectful, and I want to know what you intend to do about it.

I don’t intend to do anything," came back Victor’s answer.

Why not? Demanded Jade. He has informed me that he intends to spend some, shall we say quality, time with Saphira. I prefer that

he allow us to continue on our run with his interference.

Victor smiled to himself but said to Jake, Is Jade correct in your intentions to interrupt her run with Saphira so that the two of you

may spend some, as she says, “quality time together”?

Jade noticed the humor in Victors' voice and her nerves became even more frayed.

Turning her full fury on both Victor and Jake, she said. If you do not allow us to pass without interruption, I will be forced to shift

back into my human form.

I wouldn’t do that if I were you, suggested Victor.

Why not? Snapped Jade.

Because Jake is set on spending time with his mate and if you deny him that, he will turn into something that even I cannot control.

When a wolf wants time with their mate, nothing on this earth or the next will stop them. It’s better to let them have their time and

just find a happy safe place in your mind to retreat to, soothed Victor.

Sensing that she had lost this battle, Jade decided to let Saphira and Jake have a few minutes alone.

Not wanting to spend more time with Victor, Jade withdrew into her mind and thought about her life before all of this. Before her

eighteenth birthday, before Victor came to claim her as his mate. Before she knew it, she was part wolf, fairy, and human. When all

she had to do was decide what outfit to wear for the homecoming dance.

Victor felt Jade withdraw and sighed. He had thought for a moment they might be able to talk a little longer, but she had made it

clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. He felt a heaviness in his chest. This was a pain such as he had never felt before.

Suddenly growing angry, he ordered Jake to end his time with Saphira.

I must go for now, my love, said Jake, but I will talk with you soon.

Feeling the sting of their separation already, Saphira lowered her head and shed a tear.

Without a word, Jake turned and ran back into the forest.

Victor’s anger only grew as he ran through the timber. He just didn’t know what it was going to take to get through to Jade. But

seeing Jake and Saphira tonight made it all too clear that he was in need of some physical affection. Once he reached the village, he

turned and headed toward the home of one of his favorite single females. Shelia was always ready to share his bed and tonight he

damn well didn’t intend to sleep alone!

Changing back into his human form, Victor knocked on her door. Shelia answered and looked surprised.

Alpha, to what do I owe this pleasure? Or should I say are you here for some pleasure? Purred Sheila.

I’m here to have some fun, growled Victor.

Let me pack a few things for the morning and we can leave. Said Shelia.

Victor stepped through the door, not tonight, tonight we stay here, he said.

With that, he shut the door and ordered Shelia to take off her clothes.

Victor took his frustration out on Shelia. He unleashed his primal animal and took pleasure in the pain it caused her. Shelia cried out

as he thrust himself into her with such intensity he was certain he would split her into pieces. The more Shelia cried out in pain the

angrier Victor became. Finally, his anger spent Victor gave one final thrust and spilled his seed into Shelia.

Feeling a physical release but still stinging from Jade’s rejection, Victor left the bed and dressed. He hated Shelia for always being

available, but he hated himself more for taking advantage of how eager she was. Without looking at her, Victor threw a hundred

dollars on the bed and walked out the door.

Stepping into the cool night air, Victor caught a whiff of himself. God he stank! He smelled like s*x and bad perfume. Suddenly, he

needed a hard run and a good bath, and he knew just where to find both.

Shifting, he allowed Jake to take the lead and run wild. Without hesitation, Jake turned toward the lake at the edge of the property and began to run at full speed.