JADES RESCUE

VICTOR FINDS JADE

CHAPTER TWO

Saphira stepped forward and said, “I think I can shift for a short time, maybe long enough to get us to the border.

Are you? Asked Jade.

Uhm, Saphira shook her head.

I guess we can try agreed Jade.

Good girl smiled Jermaine. When I tell you to shift and run as if the devil himself is chasing you, can you do that?

“I think so,” answered Jade. But where am I going?

Head straight north and don’t stop until you see our men at the border.

Taking Jade by the hand, Jermaine made his way across the hall and down the stairs. They had almost reached the door when

Jermaine froze.

Are you ready to make a run for it? He asked Jade.

She shook her head in the affirmative.

Good! Now listen to me very carefully. I am about to open this door shift and jump through it. There will be men on the other side

but so far there are only three of them and they haven’t shifted yet. You should have the advantage, but it will only be a small one

and they will shift quickly. I will be able to finish two of them here, but I will have to catch the third one and I need to know you

have a good head start. Are you ready? He asked.

Just let me know when Jade answered.

On my account then, said Jermaine.

He placed his hand on the doorknob and counted one, two, three. Shift now, Jade!

Wasting no time, Saphira leaped to the front of Jades’ mind and took over. This shift was easier than the others had been. Not taking the time to dwell on it, Saphira landed on the ground and ran for her life.

Jermaine wasted no time ripping the throats out of two of the men. Catching them before they had time to shift had made the job

easier, but just as he predicted, the third one shifted and ran after Jade. Jermaine caught sight of the two of them just as they were

entering the forest. Wasting no time, he landed on the ground and gave chase. Now he only hoped he had reached them in time to

gave Jade.

Saphira ran into the deep forest and stopped. She couldn’t keep up this pace, so she called Jade.

I have to rest but that other wolf is right behind us. We may not have any choice but stop and fight, she told Jade.

But he’s so much bigger and stronger than you. “How can we stand a chance against him, especially since we haven’t had any formal

training in hand-to-hand combat, yet worried Jade.

I think I might know how we can outsmart him and buy us some time, said Saphira. If we hide in those bushes over there, they will

cover our scent just enough for us to make a surprise attack. He might pass right by us, but even if he doesn’t, it will give Jermaine

time to catch up and dispatch him. Suggested Saphira.

Looking around, Jade saw the wisdom of what Saphira suggested. Shaking her head, Jade quickly agreed with her and Saphira ran

into the bushes.

Crouching down, Saphira waited for the wolf to pass. To her surprise, he headed straight for her hiding spot and began to sniff.

You can’t hide from me little wolf, he taunted. I can smell you and your pup. You should come out and let me take you back quietly

and not make this hard on yourself. You can’t win against me, and I would hate to have to return you to my Alpha less than perfect.

He continued.

Saphira leaped from the bush and braced herself for a fight.

I will never allow myself to be taken alive! She snarled.

The bigger wolf laughed, and what kind of a chance do you think you stand against me little one? He asked.

I don’t think I have to try because I know he will defeat you! Saphira spat back at him.

He turned just in time to feel Jermaine strike him full in the chest. The wolf went down but not before Jermaine had a hold on his

throat. Standing over him, Jermaine tightened his hold on the wolf.

Showing no fear, the other wolf snarled. Get on with it then and kill me, because if I get the chance, I will kill you and that little

bitch over there.

Before Jermaine could complete his task, the other wolf twisted out of his grasp and sent Jermaine flying backwards. In an instant

Jermaine was back on his feet and closing the distance between himself and the other two wolves.

Saphira sidestepped the wolf's guard just as he made a flying leap for her.

Landing on his feet, he turned and made another pass at her.

Before she could react, she saw Jermaine flying through the air above her head. He lowered his head and hit the guard full in the side

knocking him to the ground. Once again, almost before he hit the ground, the guard was back up on his feet and charging. Jermaine

was ready for him and easily sidestepped the attack. The guard turned to face Jermaine and both wolves raised their heads to unleash

a war cry. Then, as if some unseen force had dropped a race flag, they each charged forward. Leaping to their back leg, each wolf

stood at his full height. The guard was a large wolf, but Jermaine towered over him, and watching the two of them, Jade noticed how

much bigger a wolf than Jermaine was. She began to wonder if the Prairie pack were just bigger wolves or did they all have some

Lycan blood? In an instant, both wolves were locked in mortal combat, knowing that to live he must win. Jermaine tore into the face

of the other with his fangs. Howling with pain, the guard bit deeply into Jermaine’s shoulder. Both wolves were battered and

bleeding badly when the guard made a small mistake. It was just enough to give Jermaine the opportunity he was looking for.

Making no sound, Jermaine bit through the throat of his adversary and held on until the other went limp, quickly stepping off of him

to shift, he walked over to where Saphira stood in shock and fear.

Sorry, I thought I would have more time to catch him before he could get to you. I wish you didn’t have to see that, he said.

Jade made the shift herself and looked at him. Until now she had not noticed how muscular Jermaine was. No wonder Victor had

chosen him as his Beta. Not to mention how capable he was in a fight.

So, what do we do now? She asked, looking away.

I think we had better put as much ground between us and the pack borders as we can, answered Jermaine. Can you shift back and run

any further or will you need me to carry you?

I think I can run but I won’t be able to keep up with you, she replied.

Jermaine looked at her confused.

Seeing that he had not yet made the correlation between his size and hers, Jade pointed it out. You are a much bigger wolf, and I am

running for two, so I’m a bit slower than normal.

Understanding crossed Jermaine’s face.

OK, I’ll shift back, and you can ride on my back, he suggested.

Jade took a step toward Jermaine; he stood perfectly still. Reaching out her hand, she touched his side where the other wolf had bitten him. It was almost healed.

How can that be? She asked.

Jermaine looked her in the eyes and said, Victor isn’t the only one with Lycan's blood, and we heal much faster than other wolves.

Does the whole pack have this Lycan blood? Asked Jade

Yes, answered Jermaine. Now we should probably get going. I can hear some of the other wolves coming our way.

He shifted back to his wolf form and told her to get on. Without another word, he leaped into the air and disappeared into the forest.

with Jade riding on his back.

Jermaine ran for what seemed like hours. He had felt Jade go slack and lay her head on his back some time ago. He knew she needed

to rest the run and shifting had taken a lot from her in her condition. He was starting to think that he would never find the border

when he heard the soft whinnying noise of his pack calling to him. They were leading him and his charge to safety as quietly as

possible. He knew that if he could hear them, so could the other pack, and for now it was just a matter of keeping up the pace until he

reached his pack.

Jermaine ran on through the dense forest. To distract himself, he thought about the woman sleeping on his back. She was so light her

weight did not affect him, and he carried her with the ease of carrying a child. He felt her soft legs stretched around his middle,

they were warm and soft. Her breath came in small bursts like the sunshine and smelled of honey and tea. He tried not to notice

her standing in front of him naked, normally it would have been no big deal. He had seen many of his fellow soldiers, both male and

female naked it came with the territory of shifting. But she had caused something to stir within him. He couldn’t explain it, but he

knew that even without his orders from Victor he would have given his life to protect this woman he barely knew. His mind

wondered at the sight of her as a wolf. Her coat was beautiful, it had a glow that he had never seen before. Was she a different kind

of Lycan? He would ask Victor about it when his Alpha was feeling better.

Thinking about his Alpha and friend Jermaine felt a pang of guilt. How could he think about Victor’s mate with such love and

affection?

He would have to make sure that the two of them were never placed in a position where they might act upon the chemistry he had

felt. Jade belonged to Victor, and she always would, so any thought of anything else could never be entertained. Speeding up,

Jermaine ran like the devil was chasing him but he knew it was the woman riding on his back that was a threat to his life.

He felt exhaustion beginning to take hold of his legs and back. He would have to find the border soon or try to hide them for the rest

of the night. He knew instinctively that spending the night here was not an option, so he ran on, willing his strength to keep him on

his feet and moving.

Sometime later, with the dawn breaking over the horizon, Jermaine caught sight of his pack. They were waiting for him and his

charge at the border of the pack lands. He felt a renewed burst of energy and ran for the border. Shifting just before he exited the

woods he came walking out with Jade in his arms. She was starting to stir, and he was aware of her breast pressing against his chest.

Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and he could feel her soft breath on his cheek. Closing the gap between himself and his

pack, he handed her off to the nearest guard. Find something to cover her and make sure she gets water and food as quickly as

possible she needs nourishment now! Barked Jermaine.

Yes Beta, the guard replied.

Jermaine stomped toward a van sitting on the roadside. Pulling a shirt and jeans out of a bag, he dressed and walked over to where

the most senior guards were gathered.

Do we have any information on Victor yet? He asked.

Three hours ago, Dr. Gaines called and said he was still unconscious. Answered James.

As soon as we get Jade settled, let’s get on the road. We have a long way to go, and those river wolves aren’t far behind. No sooner

had the words left his mouth, then Jermaine and the other wolves lifted their heads and sniffed the air.

It would appear, said Greg rather dryly, they have arrived.

I can see that, snapped Jermaine. Looking back in the direction he had just come, he saw a line of maybe twenty or more wolves

lined up. In the front stood the wolf Jermaine knew was Silas. Opening a link to him, Jermaine spoke in a deliberate and threatening

manner.

You may have the numbers, Silas, but we have the skill, and you know it, shouted Jermaine.

You are free to go without harassment by any of my wolves, but know this we will have Jade again and next time I won’t make the

mistake of playing with Victor. I’ll just kill him and be done with it! Answered Silas.

Make sure none of them moves, said Jermaine to James.

You got it, answered James.

Taking two of his best men, James shifted into his wolf form and closed the gap to stand in the middle of the road.

His men flanked him on either side. Each one of them was tense and ready for a fight if any of the wolves from the River pack

moved even one hair.

To the surprise of everyone, Silas was true to his word and allowed them to leave without any trouble.

Once they were safely away from the River pack lands, Jermaine called for the caravan to stop so that he could check on Jade.

They had placed her in the van with Dr. Gaines Nurse. Jermaine had felt that she might need more than just some water and food but

to his surprise, when he opened the door there sat Jade with a smile on her face.

Why are we stopping, she asked him.

For a moment, Jermaine was taken aback, but dealing with Victor had taught him to recover quickly.

Nothing is wrong, just wanted to check on you and see how you were feeling, he said.

I’m feeling much better, but I am worried about Victor and can’t wait to see him, replied Jade. I hope he’s up to some company. Do

you think it would be possible to go directly to the hospital and not home?

About that, said Jermaine, scratching his head. I spoke with Dr. Gaines right before we stopped, and he has informed me that Victor

hasn’t regained consciousness yet, so he suggested we take you home and get you settled. He wants to come by this evening and

check on you and the baby. He feels that seeing Victor in his current condition might be too much for you right now.

Jade moved more quickly than Jermaine had anticipated. She was in his face before he had the chance to take a step back.

Listen to me Jermaine, and listen well! She snapped. I don’t want to go home! I want to go to the hospital and see Victor! Do I make

myself clear?

“Yes, ma’am," stuttered Jermaine. He turned to the rest of the guards standing next to the van. You heard what our Luna said no

stopping until we reach the hospital and Victor.

Without another word, each man got back into the van he had exited and soon they were on the road again.

Three hours later, as the vans pulled into the hospital parking lot Jade barely waited for the van to stop before she ran for the

emergency room doors.

Trying his best to keep up with her, Jermaine shifted and ran beside her.

Once they were at the doors, he shifted back into his human form and stopped her.

Jade, please listen to me for just one minute, he pleaded. During the short time, Silas had Victor in the dungeon some terrible things

were done to him. He might not look like the Victor you have come to know, and you must prepare yourself for this. He reached out

his hand and took hers. Please, Jade, let me go with you for support, pleaded Jermaine.

It had never occurred to Jade that Victor might have undergone some changes to his appearance, but now that fact hit her like a slap

in her face. Withdrawing her hand from Jermaine’s, she did her best to maintain her composure.

Choosing her words carefully, she spoke directly to Jermaine, I understand how worried you must be about Victor. He’s not only

your alpha and your best friend. You have given your life to him and his well-being, so if you would like to accompany me, I would

consider it an honor. Now, if you don’t mind, I have waited long enough to see Victor, so please either come with me or get out of

my way. Jermaine smiled and motioned for her to step inside the door.

Looking around, he found a clean laundry cart with blue scrubs on it and grabbed a pair. Ducking inside one of the empty rooms he

quickly dressed and joined Jade just as she was about to enter Victors' room.

Jade drew in a sharp breath laying before on the bed was Victor. His head and face were bandaged and in some places the blood had

seeped through. His eyes were closed and there were tubes and wires coming from everywhere. For a moment she couldn’t move or

speak, all she could do was just stare at him.

Jade? Questioned Jermaine.

I’m fine, I just needed a moment to adjust. I didn’t think it would be such a shock seeing him like this, but you did warn me after all.

She walked to the bed and took his hand. His large frame seemed so fragile. He was nothing like the Victor who had shown up at her

door on her eighteenth birthday and told her that he was there to take her to her new life. He was nothing like the man who had paced

outside her bedroom door, so afraid that he had caused her harm by triggering her shift. No, this man was frail and so broken. She

wondered if he would ever be her

Victor again. A tear slid down her cheek and onto the back of his hand. As if sensing it was her, Victor opened his eyes and

whispered Jade, Is it really you or am I dreaming?

Oh! Victor cried, Jade. It’s really me. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.

A weak smile formed on his lips right before he lost consciousness and drifted back into the dark stillness of sleep.

Jermaine watched the interaction between the Alpha and his Luna. Never before had he ever seen such a look of love in Victor’s

eyes. He felt like an intrusion at that moment, no matter how brief. Taking a step back, he let himself out the door and quietly closed

it behind him.

There you are, said Dr. Gaines. I’ve been looking for you. I thought I gave you strict orders to take Jade home.

I tried, answered Jermaine. She refused and seeing as how she is my Luna, and you are just the doctor, I guess she outranks you.

I guess so too, said Dr. Gaines.

Looking toward the door, he asked, “Any change?

Victor did wake up long enough to ask Jade if she was real, replied Jermaine.

That’s a good sign at least he remembers her. I wasn’t sure how much he could remember. He took some pretty hard blows to his

face and head. It was as if they wanted to remove his memories before killing him. Even with his ability to heal, Victor has limits and I

would say he was taken right to the edge of them this time.

“Well, thank goodness he can remember her, because I don’t think Jade could survive it if he didn’t, said Jermaine. Now if you don’t

mind, I would like to go home and get a shower and maybe food. It’s been at least forty-eight hours since I have done either one

and I’m sure my wife would like to know that her husband is still alive.

Sure, sure go I’ll make arrangements for Jade after she’s had a few more minutes with Victor. I think it will do both of them so good

to spend time with each other. Said Dr. Gaines.

Thanks, doc said Jermaine. And will you tell Jade I’ll be over in the morning to take her to see Victor? Also, I’ll make arrangements

with the guards to have the house and hospital covered just in case Silas gets any funny ideas about harming either one of them. I

want to assign a guard for you to doc and don’t tell me it’s not necessary with Silas out there running around free none of us are

safe.

I’ll give Jade your message, but I don’t know if I can get her to leave. If not, I’ll let you know. As for the guard, I think it is a good

idea to protect both of them until Victor is stronger or Silas has been caught. Said Dr. Gaines as he clapped Jermaine on the back and

'opened the door to Victor’s room.

Jade turned when she heard the door open and smiled at Dr. Gaines.

Is he going to be, okay? She asked.

Dr. Gaines walked to the foot of the bed and looked at Victor. His words were measured and carefully chosen when he spoke. Jade, I

want you to understand that even though Victor is young and strong, he has taken a severe beating, and many of the bones in his face

were broken. He heals faster than most, but even he is having a tough fight this time around. I think he will make a full recovery but

it’s going to be a long and difficult road. I can’t give you a time frame as our first goal is for him to regain and maintain

consciousness for more than just a few moments. We won’t know anything until that happens.

“I understand,” said Jade. Is there anything I can do which might help? I don’t know anything about medicine, but I’m willing

learner and it seems I will have a lot of time on my hands until Victor is better again.

We may find something for you to do, but right now I’d like to ask you a few questions about how you’re feeling. Replied Dr.

Gaines.

It’s come to my attention that you are expecting, and this has been a very trying experience. I would like to have you stop by my

office tomorrow so that I can give you a thorough exam. Just to make sure that everything is going okay. I know that is going to be

one of the first questions Victor will ask when he regains consciousness.

Sure, how does tomorrow after lunch sound say around two o’clock? Asked Jade.

Now, if you will allow me to, I’d like to examine Victor and then we can both rest more easily. Suggested Dr. Gaines.

Jade stepped back from the bed but never took her eyes off either Dr. or Victor. She noticed that Dr. Gaines took out a small

light and shined it into Victor’s eyes. Next, he took out a tiny hammer and ran it along Victor’s arms and the bottom of his feet. She

noticed that when Dr. Gaines gently tapped Victor on the elbow with the tiny hammer. Victor’s arm jumped ever so slightly.

Don’t try to speak, Victor, we have a breathing tube inserted into your throat. I’ll call and we will get that removed right now.

Victor moved his head slowly up and down, acknowledging he had heard and understood what Dr. Gaines had said.

Taking a small device from his lab coat pocket, the doc called and in less than five minutes the room was filled with people attending

to Victor.

Jade began to feel lost in the crowd. She slipped quietly from the room. Victor saw her leave and as soon as the tube was removed

from his throat, he drew in a deep breath.

Out now! Barked Victor. And someone gets Jade back in this room right now!

Not sure why he was so agitated, everyone in the room just stopped and looked at him.

I might be in this hospital bed, but I’m still your Alpha! He growled. Now, someone please explain to me why all of you are standing

here and Jade isn’t.

A small nurse stepped forward and in a soft voice said," Alpha, we are trying to finish everything that must be done for you. It has

been almost a week since you opened your eyes.

Looking at her and how afraid she was and knowing how much courage it had taken for her to step forward, Victor softened his

voice when he spoke to her.

I realize you have things that must be done, but you need to understand I also have obligations, and making sure my mate is okay is

my top priority at this very moment. So, I’m going to ask all of you once more. Why are you still standing here, and Jade is not?

Sensing that the conversation was over, Dr. Gaines directed everyone out of the room. Next, he looked down the hallway to find Jade.

To his surprise, she was nowhere to be seen. Panic began to rise within him, and he was afraid that somehow Silas had gotten to her.

Just as he turned to go back and tell Victor he didn’t know where she was, Dr. Gaines saw them there on the bed together holding

each other a sleeping the sleep of peace and contentment. It was a sight so pure and loving he gently opened the door a crack and

turned off the light.

Turning to the guard, he said.

Make sure no one disturbs them until the morning.

Okay, doc said the big guard and took his seat outside the door.