JADES RESCUE

THE LAKE

CHAPTER SIX

Jade had been unsettled by the encounter with Victor. She hated that he could make her feel so vulnerable. She wanted to hate him! It would make this so much easier if she did, but she didn’t. She found herself at the lake Victor had taken her to on her run with Saphira. Stripping off her clothes, she walked into the cool water and sank until her head was underwater. She sat for a minute and let the water cool her skin. It felt good after the run. With her back turned she didn’t see the lone figure that watched her from the opposite shore.

Victor retreated into the cover of the trees and watched as Jade removed her clothes and walked into the water. He saw her disappear below the water. When she came back to the surface, the moon shone on her beautiful face and he saw sadness there. It made him angry to think he had caused her so much pain, but it made him even more angry to think of Silas touching her perfect body! She was his and no other would ever touch her again. Suddenly, feeling he was intruding on a private moment, Victor turned to go.

Jade turned just in time to catch a glimpse of movement on the opposite side of the lake. Fear gripped her. What if it was Silas or one of his henchmen? She was naked and had never tried to make the shift in water before. Was it even possible, she wondered.

Saphira Said Jade.

Yes what is it, answered Saphira.

I saw something move on the opposite side of the lake. Could you tell who or what it is?

I might be able to if I were in control, but not with you in human form.

Okay, next question said Jade, is it possible for me to make the shift in the water?

It is possible, answered Saphira, but it would be difficult and I’m not sure you have the ability to do that yet.

Suddenly, Saphira gave a soft whine.

Is everything okay, asked Jade?

I feel our mate close, answered Saphira.

Do you think it could be him that I saw, asked Jade.

It is possible, said Saphira. I know that he is close by.

Jade sunk deeper into the water and tried to make out the figure she saw on the rise across the lake.

Suddenly, the figure shifted into a wolf and disappeared into the woods.

Jake had run for almost an hour when he finally stopped.

Victor, can I ask you a question, said Jake.

Of course, answered Victor.

Why did you not talk to Jade? “She is our mate and yet you seem to be afraid of her,” said Jake.

It’s not Jade, I’m afraid of Jake. It’s my own emotions. I’m not sure I will be able to control my passion being so close to her naked body. Answered Victor.

But is not that the reason to have a mate so that one can reproduce and raise your children together, reasoned Jake.

“That’s true, responded Victor, but right now Jade isn’t ready to accept us as her mate and I don’t want to make things more difficult.

Jake shook his head.

I don’t understand humans and how they seem to have a way of complicating things. Saphira knows that we are mates, and she doesn’t question it, said Jake.

Victor chuckled; it is true that humans love drama even when it hurts us. But it is who we are, and I don’t think it will change any time soon.

Now, my old friend, my human, needs a hot shower, food, and some sleep, so take us home.

I thought you would never ask,” answered Jake, and turned toward the pack mansion.

Jade swam further into the lake. She swam a few laps and then turned toward the shore. When she had reached the water's edge and was reaching for her clothes, she noticed a large blonde wolf standing along the edge of the woods. She knew it was Jermaine and relief washed over her. Maybe it was him she had seen on the ridge watching her.

The wolf made no move to approach her. He turned back into the woods, allowing her to dress.

When Jade had gotten dressed she headed in the direction the wolf had gone. She didn’t expect to see Jermaine sitting next to a large oak tree. He was leaning up against the tree with his eyes closed. He heard her approach and opened one eye.

What brings you out at this time of night, asked Jade, sitting down next to him.

I saw what happened between you and Victor, so I followed you just to make sure you were okay,” answered Jermaine.

I’ll be fine. “I just need some time to work things out with myself, answered Jade.

“I get it, said Jermaine. Oh, by the way, sorry I didn’t mean to intrude on your private time.

Jade looked at him, not really sure he meant what he said. She thought about asking him but instead, she decided to ask him if he was the one across the lake watching her.

Hey, can I ask you if you were across the lake earlier? She asked.

No, answered Jermaine. Why do you ask? Was someone watching you from over there?

It’s probably nothing, but I thought I saw someone standing on the rise, but before I could get a good look at him, he shifted and ran back over the hill. Said Jade.

Strange, mused Jermaine. Tell you what, after we get you safely back to the palace, I’ll go take a quick look around and see if I find anything.

It’s sweet of you, but I can find my own way back to the palace. You don’t need to trouble yourself, said Jade.

“It’s no trouble," said Jermaine. Besides, Victor would have my hide if I let you go back alone.

“Suite yourself," said Jade and stood up to leave.

Before she could move, Jermaine was standing in front of her. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer. His breath was ragged and soft when he spoke.

Jade, I have to say this before I lose my courage and you don’t have to respond, but I have to let you know how I feel about you. I love you, Jade. I know it’s wrong and you are mated to my best friend and Alpha, but I can’t help the way I feel. I don’t expect you to feel the same way, Jade.

Before she had time to react, Jermaine leaned forward and kissed her a warm and passionate kiss filled with longing and hope.

Jade pulled herself from his grip and slapped him hard across the face.

You forget yourself, Beta Jermaine! She snapped. I won’t tell your Alpha about this,

but I think it’s better if you keep your distance from me.

Without another word, she shifted into Saphira and allowed the white wolf to run for the land of the fae and safety.

Once she was a safe distance from Jermaine and the lake, she slowed to catch her breath.

Her heart was racing but she wasn’t sure if it was from running or the kiss. She didn’t feel that way about Jermaine, so why had that kiss affected her so badly? It had taken all of her willpower to keep from pulling him closer. She was mated to Victor and even if she decided to stay in the land of the fae she knew in her heart that she would never love another the way she loved him. Jermaine was out of line and should never have done what he did. He was Victor’s Beta, his most trusted soldier. If need be, Victor would trust him with his life.

What are we going to do, asked Saphira. If we tell Victor, he will kill Jermaine and it won’t be a quick death. If we don’t tell Victor we could put him in danger. If something happens to Victor, Jermaine becomes Alpha and is entitled to all of his possessions, including you Luna.

I’m not sure I need time to think, answered Jade. Let’s just go home and I’ll consider all our options before I make a decision. I don’t think Jermaine would let anything happen to Victor. He’s confused about his feelings for me and once he has time to think about things, he will see he’s confused.

I hope so, said Saphira. Because Victor will kill him best friend or not.

Jade sighed and slipped into the veil. She headed straight for the palace. Using the servants' door, she slipped past the guards and into her room. She hadn’t even stopped at the kitchen for her usual snack. Not tonight. She had too much on her mind to worry about her stomach. She went straight to the shower and washed the smell of Jermaine from her skin. She didn’t want to try sleeping with his scent on her. She suddenly wished that Victor was here with her. He would know just how to make things seem so much clearer. He always knew just how to ease her mind. She was afraid tonight would be another sleepless night, but when she returned to her bedroom she was met with the smell of Victor.

Stopping to make sure she wasn’t imagining things, Jade raised her head and sniffed the air. There was no mistaking his scent. Victor had been in her room, or he was still here.

Victor? Are you here, Jade asked.

Stepping from the shadows, Victor reached for her and Jade didn’t try to escape his grasp.

Drawing her closer, Victor drew the scent of her wet hair onto himself.

God’s how I’ve missed you. Luna he breathed.

Jade wanted to tell him she had missed him too, but her voice failed her and all she could do was melt into his chest.

Victor brought his lips down on hers in a kiss that was both demanding and questioning at the same time. When she didn’t pull away, he became bolder and picked her up into his arms, and strode over to the bed. Laying her down gently, he began to undress. When he stood totally naked before her. Jade’s breath caught in her throat. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. She ran her eyes down the length of his muscular body, stopping to take in the sight of his broad shoulders and strong arms. His washboard abs and flat stomach was bronzed from his time working in the sun. Her eyes traveled further down his body to his manhood. Her eyes grew wide with shock when she saw how truly large he was. She had never seen him when he was aroused, but this was not what she had expected to see. She didn’t really know what she had expected, but from listening to the girls at school she had assumed that all men weren’t as big as they believed themselves to be, but Victor was every bit as big as she had imagined after that first night. Jade tore her gaze away and looked back at his face.

Victor was smiling at her with a look that could only be described as lustful.

I trust you aren’t disappointed in your mate. He said.

Unable to find her voice, Jade only shook her head.

Letting a laugh escape, Victor reached out and tore the gown from her body.

Stepping back, he pulled her onto her feet and turned so that he sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes ran over her naked body and Jade blushed. Victor raised his hands and began to caress her body, starting with her face and moving down to her shoulders. His hands were gentle as he took his time feeling each blemish and muscle. He moved his hands slowly over her collarbones to the vee between her breasts. Making sure she was willing to allow him to explore further, Victor stopped and gave her a questioning look. Seeing that she wasn’t going to object, he cupped each breast. Drawing Jade closer, he began to kiss her right breast. His tongue snaked out and made small circles around the n****e.

His mouth closed over her right breast and Jade moaned as fire exploded inside her. Victor was gentle and gave each breast equal time and attention. Moving his hands further down her body, he ran his fingers across her flat tight belly and stopped at the place where his child should be growing inside her. For a split-second, anger flashed within him and he mentally swore once again to make Silas pay for this tragedy.

Jade felt the change in Victor when he touched her stomach, and she wondered if he was thinking of their lost child. Before she could ask him, Victor was once again exploring her body. His hands finally found her womanhood and his finger slipped inside her. Jade stood quiet as he began to move his finger slowly in and out of the opening. She felt herself becoming wet from wanting him. Victor felt it too. He shifted his position and was soon on the floor in front of Jade. Pushing her legs apart, he raised his face upward. He lifted himself up and his tongue found her soft wet flesh. Victor began to explore her with his tongue when he found her secret place. He ran his tongue over it, moving faster and faster until Jade thought she was going to explode.

Victor stood and picked her up. Laying her down on the bed, he positioned himself over her. He brought his mouth down on hers and Jade could taste herself on his lips. Victor kissed her this time long and deep with the passion of a man who loves his mate.

Jade moved her hips to entice him into making love to her. Victor smiled and thrust himself deep within his mate. They made love until the sun was cresting in the East. As they lay in each other’s arms spent Victor caressed Jade's arm.

Victor, can I ask you a question, asked Jade.

You are allowed to ask me anything in this world and I will answer it," said Victor.

Are you angry with me for losing the baby? Asked Jade.

She felt his arm tighten. When he spoke, she could tell he was careful to make sure his voice showed no anger.

I could never be angry with you Jade. I have never blamed you for what happened. How could you have known about a child? No, I blame myself and I blame Silas, but I will never blame you. Answered Victor.

Then why did you leave me at the hospital and not come back? Asked Jade.

My anger drove me to do some things I should not have done is the only defense I have for my actions. They were unfortunate and unforgivable, said Victor. I do regret what I did, and I would do anything to make it up to you if you would let me. Jade, I love you beyond measure, you are the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and I hate that I caused you such pain.

Jade withdrew from him and stood up to retrieve her robe from the chair.

Moving to the window, she watched as the sun came over the horizon. When she spoke, her words were filled with sadness.

I want to go home with you, Victor, but I just can’t right now. I have to work some things out for myself and being near you I will never be able to accomplish the tasks set before. I need to know who I am. Losing the baby put things into perspective for me. I realized that I knew nothing about myself. The loss of that child made it all to clear to me that I wasn’t ready to be a mother. How can I guide another being when I don’t even know where I’m going?

Her following words were like a dagger driven into Victor’s heart.

We are great in the bedroom together, but I need to know that we are great when we are not together too. I need to be able to heal myself when life hits hard. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, Victor, but this is what I need.

Victor left the bed and crossed the room to the window where Jade stood. Slipping his arms around her, he drew in the scent of her hair before he spoke.

You’re right Jade, that isn’t what I wanted to hear, but I thank you for being honest with me. I know that took a lot of courage to ask your Alpha for some time alone. It might surprise you to know that I understand and am willing to allow you the time you need as long as you agree to, at the end of summer at the pack gathering, either accept me as your mate and return home with me or reject me and break the mate bond forever, setting us both free. In return, you may stay here in the land of the Fae and take the time you need to discover who you are. These are the conditions by which I will leave you here.

Jade turned in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Although she tried to stop them, her tears began to flow, and she cried harder than she had all the time before. She wasn’t sure if it was gratitude for how much she appreciated Victor and his patience or if it was relief that he had not demanded she return with him to pack house.

Victor was confused by Jades’ tears. He hadn’t meant to make her cry. He hated it when she cried. He thought he had given her the time she needed to sort things out, but maybe he was wrong. Let her go. Victor took a step back and looked into her face.

Have I said something to upset you, Jade? He asked.

No sniffed Jade. I’m so touched by your loving gesture. No one besides my parents has ever been so kind to me. I’m really thankful to you for allowing me this time, Victor.

A smile lit up Victor’s face. So, would it be okay if we took things slower and maybe we could go on a few dates? He asked.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea said Jade, wiping her eyes.

Maybe we could have our first date today, said Victor hopefully. There is this great little place in the forest that I want to show you. I was thinking maybe we could have a picnic.

That would be a perfect first date, said Jade. I’ll call the cook and see if she can put together a small lunch. Will we be shifting into our wolves? I only ask because I need to know if I should pack a change of clothes also. Said Jade.

Maybe you should just be on the safe side. I don’t think Jake and Saphira are going to let us have all the fun," chuckled Victor. Now I had better get back to the pack land and direct the assignments for the day. I’ll need to shower and eat before returning, so I’ll pick you up at 2 o’clock. How does that sound? He asked.

2 o’clock sounds like just enough time for me to get some things taken care of here and a shower myself. Said Jade.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the mouth. Then turning she headed for the shower. Victor watched her as she stepped into the running water, but before he turned to leave he heard her singing and a smile escaped him. All of a sudden, it became clear that he would need to court his Luna if he wanted to win her heart completely.

When Jade emerged from the shower, Victor was gone. His scent hung in the air, and she felt that old familiar feeling of longing begin to rise within her.

You don’t have time for such things right now Jade. She abolished herself. You have a kingdom to oversee and your people to get to know, starting with the ones who work and live right here in the palace with you.

Picking up the phone, she called for her handmaiden to come and help her dress.

I really hate to ask this of you, said Jade.

Nonsense madam, it is my job to assist you in all of your daily activities and dressing happens to be one of them. Sabrina said.

I know and normally I wouldn’t ask, but I just can’t seem to get the hang of all the layers upon layers, laughed Jade.

May I ask what you would normally wear? Inquired Sabrina

Just a pair of jeans and maybe a nice shirt or a dress, but nothing this fancy, said Jade.

Then can I be so bold as to suggest that you dress how you normally would? Said Sabrina.

You mean I don’t have to wear all these layers, asked Jade, shocked.

Not at all, responded Sabrina. Mariah likes more formal attire but it’s not a requirement. Taking a step closer to Jade, Sabrina whispered in case you hadn’t noticed you’re the Fae queen, and dress however you please.

Jade giggled and put out her hand. I just had the most wonderful idea. Why don’t we both dress how we like today?

Sabrina lowered her head. When she spoke next her words were hard for Jade to hear.

I don’t have anything else to wear, madam.

Jade frowned at the thought of someone having only a set of clothes that had never occurred to her.

Well, let’s fix that, shall we, Jade said.

Reaching out, she took Sabrina’s hand and walked across the hall to her closet.

Stepping inside and pulling Sabrina with her, Jade said. Pick anything you want and it is yours.

Sabrina looked like someone had struck her.

I can’t do that, madam. These are for you. She said.

You’re right, they are mine, and because they belong to me, I am free to do with them as I please and it would please me for you to have some of them, stated Jade. Now go on and pick two of everything ordered Jade.

Taking hesitant steps, Sabrina walked around the room looking through all the clothes. Finally finding a pair of jeans and a shirt, she returned to where Jade was standing.

This will be more than enough, madam. Thank you so much! Whispered Sabrina.

That is not even close to what I told you to pick. Snapped Jade.

She immediately regretted her harsh words when she saw the fallen look on Sabrina’s face.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. Jade apologized. But I really wanted to share some of this with you and I’m a little disappointed that you don’t want any of it. Are they not to your liking? We can go into town and do some shopping.

No madam, these are perfect, answered Sabrina. It’s just that if the other girls see me wearing the queen's things they will turn me into Mariah, and I’ll get into trouble.

So how many girls work in the palace? asked Jade.

Counting myself six, answered Sabrina.

Okay, give me a few minutes. Said Jade.

Yes, Madam Sabrina said as she bowed and left the room.

Jade went back to her bedroom and picked up the phone. Saphira spoke up.

Why don’t you just link to him? It’s much faster and he will answer you. Jake says Victor sometimes gets so involved in work that he doesn’t answer the phone. Suggested Saphira.

Good idea! Exclaimed Jade.

Opening the link between Victor and herself, she reached out and spoke to him.

Victor?

Yes, love came the answer.

Am I bothering you? Asked Jade.

You, my love, are never a bother. What do you need? Said, Victor.

I was wondering if you could spare someone to drive me and six of my house girls into town today for a few hours of shopping. Jade said.

That sounds like fun. I can have Jermaine bring the van and get you answered Victor.

No! exclaimed Jade with more punctuation than she intended.

OK, so not Jermaine. How about Frank, then is he more to your liking? Asked Victor.

Frank will be fine, answered Jade. Next question. What card do you want me to use for our purchases?

Don’t worry about it, I’ll have my assistant call ahead and tell them to just create a tab and I’ll settle up later, came his reply.

But I’m not sure how many shops we are going to, said Jade.

It doesn't matter, said Victor. Just have fun, but don’t forget about our date at 2 o’clock.

About that, said Jade. Would it be alright to make it six instead?

Victor feigned disappointment but said six is perfect. I have a lot of things to do today and that will give me time to make sure they are done so that I can have the whole day tomorrow to spend with you.

Sounds perfect, laughed Jade.

Anything else I can do for you asked Victor.

No, this is more than enough. Answered Jade

Anything for you, my love. Now, if that’s all, I’ll have Frank come directly over. It should take him about an hour. He will need to fill the van with gas and drive around. Can you please make sure he is coming so that someone can lift the vale for him? Asked Victor.

Of course, I’ll have someone waiting for him, and thank you again. Now I have to go so I can get the girls dressed for the human world. I’m still not sure how I’m going to hide those wings, but I’ll figure it out. Laughed Jade.

Victor laughed too. Good luck with that project. I’m sure if anybody can figure out how to hide fairy wings it’s my Luna.

Jade closed the link and picked up the phone. She called Sabrina to bring all the girls to her dressing room.

Sabrina gathered up all the house girls and escorted them to Jade’s dressing room. She could tell by the looks on their faces they worried that they were in trouble.

It was Becky, the downstairs housekeeper, who found the courage to step forward and ask Sabrina if they were in trouble.

No. Was all Sabrina would say.

Jade quickly ushered the girls into the room.

OK, ladies. We don’t have a lot of time. Frank will be here in less than an hour and we need to be downstairs waiting when he gets here. Said Jade.

The girls looked at Jade with questioning glances.

Oh! That’s right. You don’t know Sabrina and I have a surprise for you. We have decided that everyone who works in the palace should be allowed to dress as they choose within reason, of course. No showing of lady bits and things like that. Said Jade. Today I am going to be taking you on a shopping trip into the human world. So let’s stop wasting time and see what we can do about hiding those beautiful wings of yours and getting you changed into some of my clothes for now.

We can retract our wings offered Becky.

“What do you mean retract your wings, asked Jade.

You know like you have yours now. Answered Becky.

“No, you’re mistaken, said Jade. I don’t have wings.” I didn’t inherit wings from my mother.

Yes, you did offered Becky all fae have wings. You have yours tucked into their pockets. May I approach you madam and show you where your wings are?

Jade shook her head in the affirmative.

Becky stepped next to Jade and reached into the small of her back. Like magic wings sprang from Jade's back.

Stepping in front of the mirror, Jade’s breath caught in her throat. It was her reflection looking back at her but from her back grew the most beautiful pair of wings she had ever seen. They were purest white with the purest gold trim. They were large and if she weren’t standing here she would have thought them too heavy for her to hold up, but they were exceptionally light.

She turned and looked at the girls in her dressing room. Each girl had a look of pure wonder on her face.

“Those are the most beautiful wings I’ve ever seen, said Sabrina.

Who knew I had these, asked Jade with a smile on her face. So how do I put them back? We need to get a move on. Frank is going to be here in less than thirty minutes and we still have to get all of you dressed.

I can help you while the other girls pick out something to wear, suggested Sabrina.

Girls get busy and find something to wear, preferably jeans and a top ordered Jade. Now, Sabrina, if you would be so kind as to help me put these back I would appreciate it.

Right away madam, said Sabrina.

In less time than she would expected the girls were all dressed and ready to go. It took a little more time for her to learn how to fold her wings back into their pockets but eventually, she got the hang of it and somehow they all managed to be waiting for Frank when he arrived twenty-five minutes later.

The girls were excited about going to the human world and the van was filled with happy chatter and teenage girl laughter.

“Are you going to show your wings to Victor, asked Saphira.