JADES RESCUE

BABY MAKES THREE

The sun was coming through the window when Jade opened her eyes. She rubbed the sleep away and looked at Victor’s sleeping

face. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep here with him, but he had been so instant that she lay down beside him. He was more at peace

with her close and she wondered if it was because he knew where she was or because he felt her presence had healing power for him.

She didn’t really care. All she cared about was that he was here and not dead. Jermaine had told her to expect that he looked bad, but

she could never have imagined just how bad he had looked. She touched his face where the bandages were the thickest. Victor stirred

and Jade drew back her hand.

Slowly Victor opened his eyes and smiled.

How did you sleep? he asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Fine, answered Jade. I guess the better question is, how did you sleep?

Better than I have for the last few weeks, answered Victor with a grin. Now if you can find Dr. Gaines we will see about getting out

of here and going home.

Are you sure that’s such a good idea? Worried Jade. I mean, after all, you were in a comma not eight hours ago. Maybe we should

talk this over with Dr. Gaines and see what he thinks before we make any plans.

Victor looked at Jade and frowned. I feel fine and I have a lot that needs to be done. Stated Victor. Besides, I missed my Luna

and I’m sure even an Alpha would get into trouble doing the things in a building full of sick people that I want to do to you.

Jade blushed and Victor laughed. Even after we are expecting our first child, you can still be modest. How refreshing! But really

Jade, I have missed you terribly and I don’t want to spend one more minute without you at my side.

I understand that Victor, I feel the same way, but we have to remember you have been through a very rough time. I thought I was

going to lose you. You took such a beating. A tear slid down Jades' face and she turned and ran out the door to keep Victor from

seeing the flood of tears that she had held in for too long and now she couldn’t stop.

Jade didn’t hear the door, but she felt strong arms take hold of her and turn her around. Looking up, she saw Victor.

Please, Jade, don’t cry. He begged. Everything will be fine. I’ve taken worse and I’m still here.

Yes, but I caused this! Sobbed Jade.

Suddenly, Victor became angry, and he shook Jade. Never let me hear you say that again! Do you understand? You had nothing to do

with this. It was all Silas. He didn’t want to have to face me in the arena, so he took the one thing he knew would drive me into his

territory.

You are mine Jade and no other man shall ever possess you and Silas knows I will kill or be killed, to get you back! The venom

Victor’s voice frightened Jade.

She had never heard him speak with so much hatred for another living thing. He wasn’t even mad about what Silas had done to him;

he was angry because Silas took what he considered his. Jade took a step back away from Victor and looked deep into his eyes. She

was stunned to see the fire burning there.

Victor, are you mad because he took someone you love or because he took someone you consider to belong to you? She asked.

She could have slapped his broken face and not caused him such pain.

Victor stepped back and looked at her. The fire was gone from his eyes now. It had been replaced by a look of deep pain.

Jade, I would never consider that you are my property. You belong to me, but no more than I belong to you. It isn’t a matter of

ownership it’s destiny pure and simple. We were fated to be together. It was written before either was born. Yes, he took something

that belonged to me but that I do not own.

The pain in his voice swept her anger away like the raging Kansas River during flood season.

I’m sorry Victor. I guess the last few days have made me kind of crazy. I shouldn’t have questioned your feelings like that.

You have nothing to apologize for Jade. What you have been through lately and in your condition your confusion is understandable.

Please don’t feel that you ever have to hide your feelings from me. If you thought I was angry because Silas took my property, I’m

Sorry, I gave you that impression. I would never want you to think I don’t love you. Victor smiled that wonderful warm smile of his

and said, “Now shall we see about finding Dr. Gaines and getting out of here?

Jade shook her head and reached for his hand. I think that’s a wonderful idea, she laughed.

They found Dr. Gaines sitting behind the big oak desk in his office. Victor knocked on the door and Dr. Gaines looked up.

Come in, he said. What can I do for the two of you?

I came to ask you to release me so that I can go home, answered Victor.

I would feel better if you would stay a few more days, said Dr. Gaines.

I can promise you till the end of the week, said Victor, but if you want anything more than that" we are both going to be

disappointed.

But that’s today, sighed Dr. Gaines.

Exactly! Laughed Victor.

But knowing you like I do nothing, I say will keep you here a moment longer than necessary, so if you want to call Jermaine and

have him bring you some decent clothes. I’ll start your paperwork, so we can get you home. But, Victor, you must promise me you

will take it easy for the next few weeks and allow yourself to heal completely. Pleaded Dr. Gaines.

OK, conceded Victor. I’ll rest at home with Jade for a week, but after that, I have some business to attend to.

Fair enough, sighed Dr. Gaines. But Victor, this isn’t a joke. You were hurt very badly, and your body heals fast, but it needs time to

finish the process.

I understand, said Victor, but you have to understand I cannot let this thing with Silas go for too long. He must learn that if he ever

he touched my Luna again, he would die!

Jade turned at the venom in his voice. There was the look on his face that sent a chill down her spine. She wouldn’t want to be Silas

when Victor finally found him. She didn’t even want to imagine the terrible things Victor had planned for him.

Laying her hand on his arm, she spoke softly to him. Victor, please don’t get upset. You are not strong enough to fight him right now

and I’m just grateful that both of us are together and safe. We have a baby to consider now, and it needs a father to be there.

His face softened at her words and Victor shook his head.

They turned to leave but Dr. Gaines stopped them.

Jade, do you think before you leave I might have a chance to examine you and make sure the baby has not suffered any ill effects

from your recent experience?

I’d forgotten all about that, answered Jade, but sure do you have some time now?

For you, Luna, I will always have time, smiled Dr. Gaines.

He stood and joined them at the door.

Now let’s get you in a room.

The nurse handed Jade a gown and said," Please take everything off and put this on with the opening in the back. The doctor will

be right in to see you.

Jade undressed and handed her clothes to Victor.

Now I do like that view! He said.

Jade blushed and quickly put on the flimsy hospital gown the nurse had given her.

She sat on the bed and waited for Dr. Gaines.

It was only a few minutes before he knocked on the door. He explained what the first pregnancy exam would consist of and asked

Jade if she would be more comfortable with Victor in or out of the room.

“It’s okay if he stays,” answered Jade. I would like to share the whole experience with him if that’s what he wants.

Of course! Said, Victor. I want to share it all with you!

OK, then let’s get started, shall we? Asked Dr. Gaines.

He asked Jade to lie on her back and place her feet in the stirrups. Once the internal exam had been completed, he excused himself

and soon came back with a machine.

Victor looked alarmed and asked. What is that machine for did you find something wrong?

No Victor, nothing is wrong, this machine will allow us to see the baby inside Jade’s womb.

With a look of wonder on Victor’s face, both Jade and Dr. Gaines laughed.

Do you mean that a machine will let me see my child before it is born? Victor asked in amazement.

That is exactly what I mean, laughed Dr. Gaines. The nurse will be in to get Jade ready and then I’ll come back, and we will take a

look at that baby of yours.

Once Dr. Gaines had left the room. Victor stepped up to the exam table and took Jades’ hand. Did this hurt? He asked. Because to me

what he did looked really painful.

No, answered Jade. It was a little uncomfortable, but it wasn’t painful.

Good, said Victor with an affirmative shake of his head.

OK, Luna, this next part should be fun. She said. We need to raise your gown a bit and place this gown over your lower half. Then

Dr.Gaines will come back and take this lotion and put some on your tummy. Then he’ll use this wand to see the inside of your body.

Victor looked at the nurse and asked, is this going to hurt Jade?

No, Alpha. She answered it does it by bouncing sound waves into the body. But you will have to wear these headphones.

Humans can’t hear the sound, but your wolf can, and it is hurtful to their ears. Said the Nurse.

She handed both of them a pair of headphones and asked them to put them on.

She gave them a thumbs-up sign and left.

Dr. Gaines entered the room wearing a set of headphones and mind linked that he was ready to start the exam and asked

Victor stepped up to the table.

He put some of the warm jelly lotion on Jade’s stomach and placed the wand over it. He spread it around and soon an image began to

appear on the small screen. He pushed a button and the image jumped to the big television screen on the wall at the foot of the table.

At first, it was hard for both Victor and Jade to see a baby at all. But Dr. Gaines explained to them where to look and soon the image

of a baby began to take shape.

Jade knew the minute Victor saw his child for the first time. His face filled with such love and his violet eyes shone brighter than she

had ever seen them before. He jumped from the stool and wrapped Dr. Gaines in a bear hug.

How many of these wonderful machines do we have? Asked Victor.

We have two, answered Dr. Gaines.

I want one in every room! Exclaimed Victor.

That’s not necessarily said Dr. Gaines they are mobile, and we can take them from room to room, but I appreciate your enthusiasm.

He turned his attention to Jade. I’d like to do another one in two weeks to see how much the baby has progressed. I know that wolf

babies develop faster than human babies, but I have no experience with the Fae. I’ll see if I can speak with the physician for the Fae

and maybe they can give me some pointers. Would it be possible for you to contact Mariah and ask her to have the physician call me

as I have no way to contact them?

“I will do that as soon as we have Victor home and settled, answered Jade.

Victor had been quiet the whole time. When Jade looked at him she saw he was staring intently at the tv.

Victor, what are you doing? Asked Jade.

I’m fine. I’m just looking at this miracle growing inside of you. Can you believe we have created a new life and it’s growing inside

of your body? He asked.

Jade watched as his eyes filled up with tears.

Dr. Gaines, thinking this would be a good time for his exit, said to Jade, you can get dressed now and I’ll meet both of you back at

Victor’s room in about ten minutes.

He rose from the stool and walked to the door. Just before leaving, he turned to them and said" Congratulations both of you, it looks

like you are on track to have a strong and healthy baby soon.

No sooner had the door closed behind him than Victor was sweeping Jade off of the bed. He hugged her so tight that she couldn’t

breathe.

Please, Victor, put me down so I can get dressed and we can meet with Dr. Gaines. The sooner we do that, the sooner we can go

home. Jade pleaded.

Sitting her on her feet, Victor kissed her a long and loving kiss before turning her loose.

A single tear slid from his long dark lashes and landed on Jades’ cheek.

Jade dressed and they made their way back to the room Victor had occupied for the last few days.

Dr. Gaines knocked on the door and entered the room.

Okay, Victor, here are your discharge papers. I know you are eager to return home and start plotting your revenge against Silas, but

Please remember you aren’t completely healed yet and need more time. Said Dr. Gaines.

I have much more than revenge to plan for Doc. Answered Victor. Thank you for taking such good care of Jade and me. We owe

you much. If you need anything, just let me know.

Well, now that you mention it before you go, could you ask one small favor? Asked Dr. Gaines.

I would like your permission to hire another physician. We have some very qualified candidates here in the pack and I am getting to

the age where some time off would be better for my own health.

Consider it done, said Victor. I will leave the decision in your hands and, oh! Phil, instead of hiring just one, why don’t you

make it three if we have that many in the pack.

Thank you, Alpha! Said Dr. Gaines and left the room.

Victor made a phone call and turned to Jade.

Jermaine will be here in just a few minutes with my clothes and then we will be on our way home.

That sounds wonderful, said Jade. I can’t wait to get home and find something to eat. I’m starving.

Victor lifted his phone and made another call. He looked at Jade and asked, “What would you like to eat when you get home?

Jade thought for a moment and then said, bacon, eggs, sausage gravy, biscuits, and fresh orange juice.

Wow! Said Victor, you are hungry.

Hey! I’m eating for two now and this child likes food already, laughed Jade.

Victor smiled a smile that reached across his whole face into his eyes. Jade loved the way his eyes shone when he smiled at her. She

was the only one who he looked at like that and it made her heart sing.

Without warning, Jade felt like a ball of fire slamming into her stomach. She doubled over with the pain and Victor had to catch her

before she fell on the floor.

Jade, what’s wrong? Asked Victor, his voice full of concern.

I don’t know, I just got a sharp hot pain in my stomach just now. I think it’s gone now and I’m okay.

We are not leaving here until Dr. Gaines checks you over. He stated.

He called for the guard and the door flew open. One look at both Victor and Jade on the floor and the guard turned and ran, calling

for help.

The charge nurse caught him and asked what was wrong.

Our Alpha is holding our Luna on the floor of his room, and she doesn’t look very good, panted the guard.

Go back and help him get her into bed and I’ll find Dr. Gaines. Said the nurse.

The guard shook his head and started back down the hall to Victor’s room.

Once inside the room, he easily lifted Jade onto the bed and asked Victor if there was anything else he could do.

No, sighed Victor," I don’t think there’s anything any of us can do until Dr. Gaines has a look at her.

Jade let out a cry of pain and rolled into a ball on the bed. Victor rushed to her side and provided as much comfort as he knew how.

Dr. Gaines rushed into the room and ordered everyone out, even Victor.

Next, he drew the curtain and ordered the nurse to get Jade out of her clothes and into a hospital gown. Once this was done, he began

his examination of Jade and when he was finished he shook his head.

What is it asked Jade.

I’m so sorry Jade, but I think you may be losing the baby. Answered Dr. Gaines.

No! screamed Jade.

Victor heard Jade scream and tried to enter the room but Jermaine, who had only just arrived, placed his arm in front of Victor.

You should not go in there until the doctor tells you it’s okay, he wisely advised Victor.

Remove your hand from my arm or I will remove it for you. Growled Victor.

My dear friend, you do not have the strength to remove my hand,” stated Jermaine.

I am your Alpha, growled Victor.

At this moment, you are more my friend, and your mate is in distress, and you are reacting, and as your friend I am trying to keep

you interfering with the doctor who is trying to save her. Answered Jermaine.

Victor slumped against Jermaine and said, Thank you, friend.

Victor paced up and down the hall for hours even though it was only another fifteen minutes. Finally, Dr. Gaines opened the

curtain and motioned for Victor to come into the room. Opening the door, Victor asked, Is Jade going to be okay?

“Why don’t you come into the room, and we can talk more privately”, said Dr. Gaines.

Victor walked through the door and closed it behind him.

Before I let you see Jade, I want you to understand something, Victor. Your mate has just been through a terrible time. She has lost

the baby and now must have your support and understanding. Can you do that? Victor, I need to know for sure that you aren’t going

to blame Jade for the loss of the baby. Stated Dr. Gaines.

I know who’s to blame and it isn’t Jade. Stated Victor.

Victor, Jade is very raw and vulnerable emotionally right now and she needs something besides anger from you or she will believe

that you are angry and nothing you say will change that. At this moment, put aside your anger, pleaded Dr. Gaines.

He stepped out the door. Taking one look back, he saw two people who had just lost their child.

Let’s just give them some time to themselves, he told Jermaine and the guard.

Both men nodded their heads and followed him down the hall.

Victor found Jade curled into a tight ball sobbing. His anger began to rise, and he had to step away from her. Jade felt more than saw

Victor and she felt it when he stepped away from the bed. How could he even stand to be in the same room with her after what had

just happened? She hated herself, so why shouldn’t he hate her too?

Jade curled into a tighter ball and cried harder. Victor felt her pain and his anger became too great for his control. He needed to run

just to release this pressure before it consumed both of them. Walking quickly to the door, he began to shift before he had even

reached the doors of the hospital. As soon as his feet hit the asphalt, Victor completed his shift and took off for the woods.

Jermaine watched his Alpha running across the parking lot and wondered if he should go after him. Silas and his men could be about.

No thought Jermaine, Silas, and his ilk could deal with whatever Victor dealt out if they were foolish to come onto pack grounds.

Turning away from the window, he motioned for the guard to follow Victor but said Jermaine (through the mind link)," Don’t let him

know you are there. Do not engage him unless his very life is in danger. Do you understand?

“Yes sir”, answered the guard.

One more thing said. Jermaine, take three more guards with you just in case.

On it! Came the reply, but the wolf was already heading down the hall.

Jermaine knocked on Jade's room door. When he received no answer, he gently opened it and peeked inside.

You can come in Jermaine, said Jade. Victor isn’t here. He can’t stand to be around me right now. I’ve done the most awful thing and

he can’t look at my face. I don’t blame him. I can’t stand to be around myself now either.

Jermaine walked to her bed and took her hand. I don’t think it’s you, Victor, who can’t be around right now. I think it’s Victor

can’t be around with anyone right now. Said, Jermaine.

Please Jade he lost his child too.

I know that! Snapped Jade. I know that all too well. I’m the one who lost his child. she sobbed.

Jermaine put his arms around Jade and let her cry out all of her hurt, frustration, and anger. He chose not to speak, deciding instead

to let her cleanse her system of all that had happened to her in the last few days.

Jade cried until she had no tears left. She lifted her head from Jermaine’s shoulder and looked into his face. Instead of seeing

judgment, as Victor had shown. She saw compassion and concern.

I’m sorry for the outburst. Sniffed Jade.

I wish I could do more for you, Luna, answered Jermaine.

You have done more than was required of you, Jermaine, and I cannot thank you enough, said Jade.

You do not need to thank me, Jade, it is my pleasure to help you in any way I can, answered Jermaine.

Looking into her eyes, Jermaine decided that no one,

Not even Victor was ever going to hurt her again. Even in her pain and despair, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Taking a step back before he did something he would later regret, Jermaine turned and left the room. Confused, Jade laid back

against the bed. This was the second time a man had gone running from her room. Maybe she was cursed in some way.

Victor ran until his lungs burned and his legs ached.

He wanted to turn around and run back to Jade and take her in his arms and tell her it was going to be okay. He wanted her to know

that he blamed her for none of this. She was kidnapped and held hostage by that lunatic Silas. Victor wanted her to know that they

would try again and more babies would follow but he didn’t turn and go back to Jade. Instead, he turned and ran straight toward the

River Pack’s land.

Victor knew in his heart that he could never look Jade in the eyes again until he had taken the life of the man who cost her the

the child she carried. He threw back his head and let loose a long and lonesome cry into the night.

Every wolf in both the Prairie and River packs heard Victor’s cry.

Jermaine ran and shifted in midair. He had never heard Victor sound like this before, it sent a chill down his spine. He knew it was

his Alpha and he was in pain. Before his feet hit the soft dirt of the forest, Jermaine looked to his right and saw twenty of the packs

best fighters running toward him.

We heard Victor’s cry. Said James, as they came to a halt.

Yes, he’s in a great deal of pain right now and we must reach him before he does something stupid like get himself caught by Silas

again. I don’t think he will be able to withstand another beating like the last one he just took. Sighed Jermaine.

Then let’s go! Snapped James.

All the wolves threw back their heads and let loose a long and angry call. They knew that their Alpha would hear it and know

reinforcements were on the way. They also knew the River Pack would hear their call and know that now was not the time to be

brave, but rather it was time to run! Wasting no more time, each wolf charged into the woods, running at top speed hoping to find

their Alpha before he got himself into trouble.