JADES RESCUE

THE DATE

CHAPTER SEVEN

Victor arrived promptly at six for his date with Jade. He had chosen to use a driver tonight so that he could put his full attention on Jade. He had spent most of the afternoon planning this evening. He wanted everything to be perfect. It was funny, he thought but he was as nervous as a schoolboy going on his first date. How did Jade manage to make him feel this way? He knew she was his mate, and he should be different about her, but not like that. Jade could make his whole world better with just a smile. Victor was lost deep in his thoughts when Frank interrupted him.

Frank said, “We have arrived, sir. Would you like for me to escort the young lady to the car, or will you be doing that yourself?

“No, I’ll escort her," answered Victor.

As you wish," answered Frank. He parked the car and walked around to open the door for Victor.

“Thank you, said Victor as he stepped out of the vehicle. Taking the steps two at a time, he closed the gap between himself and the front door of the palace in less than a minute.

A guard was waiting for him and escorted him into the grand hall to wait for Jade.

Sabrina knocked on Jade’s door. Madam, your date has arrived. Would you like to have him wait in the great hall or the formal sitting room? She asked.

“The hall is fine,” answered Jade. I’m almost ready. I won’t be long.

Looking at herself in the mirror one last time, Jade smoothed down her dress and smiled. She had chosen a teal-colored A-line dress for tonight with black heels. Sabrina had insisted on fixing her hair in an upswing with curls framing her face. She had picked a simple gold necklace with gold hoop earrings and a small gold bracelet for the finishing touch. She only had a small amount of lip gloss and mascara with the scent of flowers hanging in the air around her.

You look beautiful, said Sabrina.

Thank you, Sabrina, said Jade. I think I’m ready. Shall we go meet Victor?

Jade stood for a moment and watched Victor as he looked around the great hall. He was wearing a black suit jacket with black jeans. When he turned toward her, Jade noticed his hair wasn’t in its usual messy style but rather it was combed straight back, showing the widow’s peak as he turned his violet eyes locked with Jade’s emerald ones. He smiled, showing his approval as he ran his gaze up and down the length of her body. Jade felt a chill run through her. Her cheeks burned with fire and her pulse quickened.

You look beautiful. Said, Victor.

Thank you, replied Jade. You look dashing yourself.

Victor extended his arm and asked," Shall we?”

Jade took the last step like she was floating in the air and took his offered arm.

Victor opened the door for her, and they descended the steps to where the car and Frank were waiting.

Frank opened the car door for the pair of them. Once they were seated, he closed the door and moved to the driver’s seat.

Lowering the glass between the seats, he asked, “Where will you be dining this evening sir?

Red Door, please, answered Victor.

Very good, said Frank and closed the window, allowing Victor and Jade some privacy before dinner.

The pair rode in silence for a few minutes before Victor said, “You do look lovely tonight. That color brings out the green in your eyes.

Jade looked at her hands folded in her lap, “Thank you, she whispered. You look very dapper tonight. I’ve never seen you in anything but your jeans and tee shirt.

“Well, that’s not quite true," said Victor.

“No, I don’t think so, said Jade, at least not that I can remember.

“You’ve seen me in my birthday suit, said Victor, teasing her.

Jade blushed. I guess that’s true. She smiled.

Victor made a mental note to make her smile more often. It was a smile that reached her eyes, and he loved seeing her eyes shine.

Frank lowered the window and said," We have arrived, Sir.

Thank you, Frank. Answered Victor.

Without saying another word, Frank closed the window and waited for them to exit the car. He didn’t have long to wait, as no sooner had the window stopped than a youth of about sixteen appeared at the car door and opened it.

Good evening Alpha. How are you and our Luna this fine evening? He asked.

We are quite well, answered Victor. How has your father doing since the accident?

He is much better, answered the boy.

As he stepped from the car, Victor turned and offered Jade his hand. Jade took the offered hand. She was not used to wearing dresses and she was grateful for any help that allowed her to keep her dignity. Closing the car door, the boy ran ahead of them and opened the door for them to enter.

Wonderful smells accosted Jade's nose and she was suddenly famished.

Victor stopped at the door and turned to the boy. Jason, will you please tell your dad that I’ll be by at 11:00 tomorrow morning to speak with him?

Of course, Alpha is that all? Asked Jason.

Yes, that will be fine and thank you, said Victor.

Inside, the host asked Victor if he would like his usual table.

Not tonight, answered Victor. I think something a little more private would be nice.

Yes, of course, she said and turned to lead the way to a small table in the far corner of the dining room.

Victor pulled out the chair for Jade and as she sat down she noticed the wonderful view they had of the lake. The water shone with the lights of the homes and boats.

What a beautiful sight, she commented as Victor pulled out his chair and sat down.

“I had never noticed it before," said Victor. Usually, when I come here, I sit more in the open so people can approach me. It cuts down on the time spent with them in my office if they can stop by the table and say a few words.

Doesn’t that make it hard to enjoy your dinner? Asked Jade.

No, I usually enjoy talking with others. It helps keep me in touch with the pack and learn about the issues that are bothering them. They aren’t always so forthcoming when they speak with me in my office. I think it can be intimidating for them to come to the pack house.

I can understand that, said Jade. The first time I saw that house in the daylight I felt small.

Victor smiled. I guess because I grew up in the house I have never felt that.

Before he could say more, a serving girl appeared at their table to take their drink order.

I would like a whiskey sour neat, said Victor.

And for you, Luna asked the girl.

Jade looked at Victor. She wasn’t sure what she should order.

She will have a white wine to start with, said Victor.

Jade was surprised and said to Victor. I’m only eighteen and can’t drink yet.

Victor smiled. In the human world, you aren’t old enough, but in the land of the Wolf, at eighteen, you are old enough to do whatever you wish. Human laws have no authority here. Now have you decided what you would like to eat this evening?

I don’t know why everything on the menu sounds so delicious. Do you have a favorite? Asked Jade. Then why don't you order for both of us? I’m sure you will like it, so will I said Jade.

Are you sure you want me to order for you? Asked Victor.

Jade shook her head in the affirmative.

When the girl returned, she asked if they had decided what they would like to order.

The Luna and I would like the house special with a bottle of your best red wine and, for dessert, we will have a piece of the chef's wonderful lemon cheesecake. Said, Victor.

Very good Alpha. “I’ll bring that right out to you, said the girl.

Take your time tonight. We are not in a hurry. Answered Victor.

After the girl had collected the menus and left, Victor turned his attention back to Jade.

Would you like to know the history of the pack? He asked.

I would love to know some of the history. “My whole life is a big puzzle I’ve been trying to piece together, answered Jade.

The river pack was formed over two hundred years ago. It was my ancestor who came to Kansas and found this land. The Native peoples both feared and worshiped him. They believed him to be a Wendigo or shapeshifter. They considered him to be an evil spirit. They soon began to fear him as their people began to disappear. They formed a war party to kill him and his family in retaliation for the injuries they had incurred. But my ancestor was smart, and he knew it was a bear who had been doing the killings. He sat out to find and kill the bear and bring him back as proof he was innocent.

After many days, he finally tracked the bear to his den about fifty miles away. Shifting into his wolf form, my ancestor crept quietly into the cave and leaped on the sleeping bear. Wasting no time, he bit down into the bear's neck and tore his throat open. As the bear lay dying, my ancestor became a man again and cut off the bear's head.

Taking the head back to the Native people, he gave it to the chief and explained that it was the bear, not he, that had done the killings.

Grateful the people gave my ancestor this land and promised that he and all of his descendants could live here in peace for all time to come. Since that time, we have lived on this land and welcomed those who have lost their homes due to human expansion or invasion.

What an incredible story! Exclaimed Jade. Thank you, Victor.

What for asked Victor.

Before Jade could answer, three servers arrived at the table carrying two large plates loaded with food, a tray of food for them to share, and two glasses with a bottle of red wine.

When the boy with the wine had finished pouring both glasses, he turned to Victor and asked, Will you need anything else, Alpha?

No, we are fine. Answered Victor.

Very good Sir” said the boy, and lifted the covers from both dishes.

This smells wonderful! Said Jade. Her eyes widened when she saw the size of the steak on her plate. Next to it was one of the largest baked potatoes she had ever seen and finishing off the plate was a heaping mound of broccoli and cauliflower.

The look of surprise on her face caused Victor to laugh.

Several people in the restaurant heard him and smiled. It was good to hear their Alpha laugh, especially after the last few years when he had been so serious.

The rest of dinner passed with easy conversation and many laughs. Victor found that he was fascinated by Jade's quick mind and knowledge of history. Jade found she liked Victor's sense of humor and sharp wit.

When dessert arrived, Victor asked the server to place it in a to-go container with two forks, a bottle of champagne, and two glasses. After he had paid the check, he asked Jade if she was ready for a little adventure. Taking his arm, her eyes lit up when she said an enthusiastic yes!

Frank was waiting for them and opened the car door. As he began to close, Victor said to him," Take us to my favorite place on the lake, please Frank.

Yes Alpha, said Frank and closed the door.

As the car started forward, Victor asked Jade if she had enjoyed the evening. Jade looked at him and, for the first time, she saw not someone who had taken her from her home and then deserted her, but a man trying his best to make her happy.

I’ve had a wonderful evening so far, Victor. Said Jade.

I’m glad, said Victor. You deserve wonderful evenings every evening. I’m glad we decided to go on this date. It’s been fun. I haven’t laughed so much in a very long time.

Before Victor could say more, the car came to a stop and Frank opened the door. We’re here, Alpha, he announced.

Thank you, Frank. Said, Victor. Shall we finish off our evening with some dessert and champagne looking at the stars? He asked Jade.

That sounds like a splendid idea, Jade answered.

When they reached the beach area of the lake, Victor spread a blanket down for them to sit on. Jade found the sound of the lapping water soothing. She had been unsure when this evening had started but now she was starting to see Victor in a different light. Away from the pressures of being Alpha, he was more relaxed and funnier. She liked this side of him and hoped she would get to see more of it.

For his part, Victor had worried that he was going to mess something up this evening. He knew how badly he had handled things with Jade and the loss of the baby. He also knew much hung on how this evening would turn out. To his surprise, Jade brought out the softer, funnier side of himself. She made it easy for him to smile. Her intelligence had surprised him. Not because he thought he was stupid, but because he had always assumed the human world was somehow lacking in their education of the young. He would have to speak with Jade at another time about the education she had received in the human world.

But tonight was about easing the tensions between Jade and himself. He wanted her to know that she could trust him to always be there for her. His actions of the past had shown her something, but not that he was trustworthy. He looked over at her and saw a sight that took his breath away.

What? Asked Jade.

Wide-eyed Victor pointed to her back. Jade looked over her shoulder and gasped.

Victor, please don’t hate me! I was going to tell you when the time was right, but I only just found out today that I had inherited wings from my mother.

Jade reached out her hand to him, but Victor pulled back. Seeing his reaction, Jade started to cry.

Victor regretted his reaction immediately. Seeing Jade cry tore at his heart. He reached out and took her hand in his much larger one.

Jade, please look at me. I’m sorry for pulling away. I can’t imagine what you must be thinking, but please don’t think I’m angry with you. Your wings are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. But I must admit I hadn’t even considered you might inherit wings from your mother. If I’m truthful, I didn’t think about her having wings for you to inherit.

So, you’re not upset? Asked Jade.

Not at all. Answered Victor. My Luna has wings. How cool is that? No other Alpha can make that claim. He laughed and Jades’ fear vanished.

Can you fly? Asked Victor.

I don’t know. Answered Jade. I’m not sure what I can do. I only just found out about them this afternoon when I was getting the girls ready to go shopping. Sabrina showed me how to fold them into place on my back. I haven’t tried them out yet and I didn’t plan on you finding out like this.

No, don’t apologize, said Victor. I’m glad I found out. I was just surprised, that’s all. What makes them glow like that? He asked.

I don’t know. Answered Jade. Sabrina said something about them glowing because of my royal status.

That would make sense. Said, Victor.

Before he could say more, Frank burst through the trees ready to protect his Alpha and Luna. When he saw Jade, Frank slid to a stop. His hands dropped to his sides, and he stared at her for a full minute.

Victor and Jade looked at each other and laughed.

“I’m sorry, said Jade, but the look on your face is priceless, Frank.

Forgive me for staring at you Luna, said Frank. When I saw the glow I grew concerned that something was wrong. I could never have imagined I would find you standing here with wings.

About that, said Victor. I think it might be best to keep it between the three of us for now. I’m not sure how the rest of the pack would react to the news that their Luna has wings that glow.

Agreed said Frank and Jade at the same time.

With nothing left to say, the three of them sat on the edge of the lake and watched the stars. The breeze blew through Jade’s wings, creating a soft, soothing song of love, loss, and forgiveness.

Slowly they closed their eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Each dreamed of different places and people. Frank saw his beloved wife as she was before she had become ill. He smiled as he watched her running through the woods with their daughter on her back. She had been the most beautiful red wolf he had ever seen. In the years since her death, he had spent many days alone in the forest searching for a connection to her. She turned and smiled at him. Her eyes shone with love, and it was at that moment Frank knew she was happy and at peace.

Victor sat in a room filled with his ancestors. Each looked just as they had in life. He sat in the center and as his chair turned toward each one they spoke of their lives and the wonder of being who they were. Finally, he faced his grandfather. Looking directly at Victor, Alpha Roman cleared his throat. When he spoke, his voice was strong and commanding.

My dear grandson, if time allowed me, there are many things I would tell you. However, time is a cruel master. I have only time to tell you this,

Love your mate like no other. Share with her the innermost workings of your heart and soul. Keep nothing from her. In doing so, you will find your greatest ally and source of comfort. Before Victor answered his grandfather, he found himself alone in a dark room.

Jade walked through a field of sunflowers. Their large yellow flowers blowing gently in the breeze. Standing alone, looking across the blue sky, she saw her mother. Jade heard her voice in the wind. She spoke of her love for Jade and how proud she was of the woman Jade was becoming. She told Jade about her fae heritage and encouraged her to seek a path to her mate. As Jade listened to the advice her mother imparted, tears filled her eyes. She had longed for this time with her beloved mother her whole life never hoping it would happen now here she was. There were so many things she wanted to ask her but the one question she found most important was the one she asked.

What was your name? Jade asked her mother.

Smiling softly, she said. Of all the questions you could have asked, you want to know my name. Thank you, my lovely daughter. My name was Amelia.

Before more could be said, Amelia blew a kiss to Jade and floated away with the clouds. Jade sat up. Her heart felt like it was going to beat from her chest.

Are you alright? Asked Victor.

Yes, fine," answered Jade. Just a little shaken, I had the strangest dream.

Can you two talk about it later, asked Frank. We need to get back before they send out a search party.

Of course, said Jade. Do you feel well enough to drive?

Are you kidding, said Frank," That’s the best sleep I’ve had in years. I feel like a pup again. Funny though the pain in my leg is gone like it never was.

Strange, mused Victor. Silently, he made a mental note to see if Jade had some special ability to heal. But you’re right, we need to get back before they think I’ve kidnapped their queen. He said with a smile.

Once the car was ready, Frank opened the door for Victor and Jade. They had barely settled into their seats when Frank put the car in drive and gunned it down the road.

Lowering the dividing window, Victor asked Frank to take them to Jades' palace and then please wait.

You got it Alpha" answered Frank.

The rest of the drive was spent in silence as everyone was lost in their thoughts about what had happened the night before.

Back at the palace, Victor asked Jade about the dream she had.

Jade told him about the conversation with her mother. She explained that they had only gotten to speak for a few minutes before her mother floated away with the clouds.

I asked her what her name was, and she said it was Amelia. Said Jade.

Like my sister asked Victor with surprise.

I hadn’t thought of that, said Jade. Do you think she could have been named for my mother?

It’s possible, answered Victor. I remember our mother saying she had named my sister after a dear friend. She said this woman was like a sister to her.

That would explain a few things, said Jade. Like why I was brought to your parents on the night I was born.

“I would like to do some investigation into this matter, said Victor. But until I find out some more, I suggest we keep this just between the two of us.

I agree Jade said. Your sister already hates me enough. I don’t want to add the fact that she’s named after my mother.

Alright then I guess I should get back to the pack and take care of some business, said Victor. Can we meet for dinner tonight or do you have other plans?

I have a welcome dinner for the babies born over the last month, but I would like for you to accompany me if you don’t mind. It’s okay if you don’t want to considering our circumstances. I will understand, said Jade.

No, it’s okay. I would be honored to accompany you," said Victor.

I’ll see you at 7 p.m then in the great hall, said Jade. She opened the door and waited for him to exit. Victor reached down and gently kissed Jade on the cheek. Reaching the car, Victor decided it was a good morning for a run. He began to strip off his clothes when Frank suggested it might be less intimidating for the fae if he waited until they had crossed the vale to shift. Seeing the logic in his suggestion, Victor slipped into the car and waited.

Once outside the vale, Frank stopped the car. Victor (who had already shed his clothes) leaped from the open door and ran through the woods toward home and his pack.

Frank was waiting for him when he arrived. Victor shifted and took the clothes Frank offered. The run had given Victor time to think about what Jade had told him about her dream. He didn’t find it strange that her mother would come to her, but what he did find strange was the cryptic message she left for Jade.

When he entered the mansion, Victor found his sister waiting for him.

What are you doing here, he asked her.

I would like to know if your Luna is going to live here or with the fae snapped Amelia.

Does it matter, asked Victor.

For some of us, yes it does. Said Amelia. I want to know if I will still be welcome at my brother's home or if I should make other arrangements when I need to speak to you.

Please, Ammy, just give Jade a chance. I know the two of you could be great friends. Pleaded Victor.

That is not going to happen! She is a fae and we can never be friends with them. Ground out, Amelia.

“Are you so sure about that, asked Victor?

What do you think after what they did to our parents and our pack? They can’t be trusted. They have proven that! Yelled Amelia.

Calm down, snapped Victor. All I’m saying is just because of a few bad apples on both sides and some well-placed suspensions, a war happened, and it should not have. That doesn’t make all wolves wrong, neither does it make all fae bad. Maybe you should speak with our parents before you just assume you know how they feel about the fae.

Humph! That was all Amelia said before she turned and stormed out the door.

Victor frowned. He knew that he would have to deal with his sister, but today was about pack business. He had been gone for too long and many issues needed his attention. He linked to Jermaine and told his beta to meet in his office in ten minutes. Next, Victor linked to Frank and set up a meeting for that afternoon. He was anxious to find out what Frank had learned. Having set his appointments for the day, he made his way to the kitchen for some coffee. Miss Hardy was already hard at work preparing his lunch and dinner when Victor stopped her.

I won’t be here for dinner, but since I’ve gone without breakfast and dinner last night was a long time ago, I would appreciate a little extra at lunch. Said Victor.

As you wish, my sweet boy. Cooed Mrs. Hardy.

He couldn’t remember Mrs. Hardy not being the cook for the pack house. She had taken the position before he was born and, even though she must be a hundred years old, she still insisted on preparing each meal for the family. Victor leaned over and kissed her cheek. Picking up a cherry tart and popping it into his mouth, Victor left the kitchen and headed for the stairs.

He stopped at the bedroom door and thought of Jade. He missed her presence in the house. She had brought a joy to him that he had never known. Now that she was gone, the house seemed dark and lonely. He hated this room that he had once loved so much. When he entered he could still smell her scent. Not her perfume but the one that only he could smell, the one that told him she was his mate. He saw her lying on the bed waiting for him. He could see her lithe body moving with his in the throes of passion. Taking a deep breath, he turned the knob and stepped inside.

Victor was waiting in his office when Jermaine arrived at the mansion. He didn’t wait for Victor to ask him to be seated. They had been friends for too many years for such formality. Victor looked up and smiled. He was glad to see his old friend. Things between them had been strained in the last few weeks and he suspected it had something to do with Jade.

I asked you here because there are many pressing issues with the pack we must discuss, said Victor.

I agree, replied Jermaine. I wanted to discuss some of the boundary issues we have been having with the Kansas pack.

“I wasn’t aware of any issues with them," said Victor. When did we develop these issues?

It all started when the Silas debacle happened. They saw what happened as a sign of weakness on our part. They now think they can encroach on our borders, and nothing will come of it. Answered Jermaine. I think we should act swiftly and without mercy so that other packs will know what was given to Silas was a consideration for his years of being Alpha, but this will not be the case with all. They need to see that our alpha is still strong and capable.

“I agree,” said Victor. Take fifteen of our best fighters and raid the Kansas pack. Make sure to harm no innocent wolves, but bring the alpha to me. Place him in the dungeon and I will deal with him when I return tomorrow.

“As you wish,” said Jermaine, and rose to leave. Oh, and Victor, there is one more thing I would like to discuss with you, but it’s on a more personal note.

Sure, do you want to talk about it now or can it wait until we have time to have a drink? Asked Victor.

It can wait, answered Jermaine. He turned then and left the room.

Victor returned to the papers on his desk and began to read the one on the top of the pile. He read it again and again, but still, the words on the page made no sense to him. His best friend and beta had submitted a request to leave the pack. Victor looked at the request in disbelief. Why would Jermaine want to leave the pack? That would make him a rogue, but why would he want to become a rouge? This made no sense at all. Before he could call Jermaine back to ask him about the request, Frank knocked on his office door.