The Omega

CH.11 Jack

I turn back to Rose, or well Sonya, who was tearing into another rabbit. As I watched her my eyes would focus on the bald spots of her fur. Like if I stared hard enough they would tell me who had done this. Instead all it did was make my heart sink. I can understand now how she lost the connection. Our wolves are our greatest form of protection. Sonya had to suffer as much as Rose did, because she wouldn’t let her out. It became too much for Sonya so the link was severed. 

Lulu came down with a pair of black sweatpants and a gray t-shirt. I thanked her and changed into them. They were so much more comfortable sitting on the concrete floor. Rather than my jeans. As I sat and watched Sonya finish off the last rabbit. She surprised me, when she was done she came and sat in front of me. No growling, she just sat there looking back at me. “Hi there beautiful.” Her head tipped to the side at the sound of my voice. “You probably don’t know this, but I am your mate.” I waited for a response, but she didn’t move. I know she could understand what I was saying. She was just like Rose in the alley when I first told her. She didn’t believe me either. She had called it a sick joke. “I swear to you, and Rose, I will give my life before I let someone hurt you.” The wolf whined then looked at the tray of meat that was next to me. It gave me an idea. 

Picking up one piece I held it out to her. As I held it out I moved closer. I was able crawl two paces towards her, before she stepped back and growled. “Okay I will stay right here. It’s okay I won’t hurt you.” I told her, sitting back on my ass and tossed the meat inside. 

I sat quietly once again until she came back and sat in front of me. “You know Rose misses you like crazy.” Sonya growled but I ignored her. “I know you miss her too.” She quit growling and looked at me curiously. “You need to understand that she was afraid to defend herself. In fear that you both would be punished by Alpha.” Sonya whimpered now bowing her head. “Just like she needs to understand that it is okay for you to protect her.” I grabbed another piece of meat and held it out to her. I moved myself all the way to the bars and she didn’t growl. Slowly I reached for her through the bars. Hand flat, palm down, fingers spread apart. Sonya sniffed my hand. Feeling her warmth at my fingertips sent shivers down my arm. I wanted to feel her, but I refused to touch her. If she wanted to be touched she was going to have to touch me first. 

I set the steak in front of me on the inside of the door. Once again I didn’t move the entire time she ate. When she was done she sat back and stared at me. “Baby girl, I am a very patient man. I will not pressure you into anything. I will wait as long as you need. I know in the end the wait will be worth it.” I told her with a smile. 

I sat there, arms slung through the bars watching her. After a while she inched forward. Finally her soft fur was beneath my hand. She let me run my fingers through her fur. When I would come to a bald spot she would growl or whimper. I would apologize and move on. “You don’t know how much I want to hold you right now.” My words caused her to stiffen beneath my touch. “Don’t worry baby. We will save that for another time.” I reassured her, feeling her relax. As I laid down outside the door I whispered to her. “I love you baby girl.” I felt exhausted from the past few days. I haven't slept much in fear that as soon as I relaxed something would go wrong. I refused all attempts that Lulu and Doc made to get me to rest. How could I rest knowing my mate was clinging to life. I was lucky I got to her when I did. Any longer and the chain would have burned straight through her neck. 

I shook off that train of thought. I couldn’t go down that road again. I can’t get lost in what if’s. All that matters is that she is okay. She is healing well and Doc hasn’t found any permanent damage. Seeing her up, eating, moving around. It all put me at ease knowing that she was okay and safe. As I laid there drifting between sleep and awake a question came to mind. For how long will she be safe? It is true I will protect her with my life. But by my side as Luna she will always be in danger. People will know that she is my weakness that I would die for her without a second thought. I would be putting a bright red bullseye on her back. ‘Is she really safer with me?’ I asked myself, yes, yes she is. Because even the thought of losing her, of never being able to touch her, felt as though my heart was being ripped from my chest. ‘I will just lock her away so nobody, not even me, can hurt her.’ Before I drifted off to sleep I made sure to slip the rest of the meat tray into the cell for her. 

Rose POV

I woke up on the cold concrete floor. It was dim in the basement but as I looked around I could make out a lump outside my cell door. Instantly I wanted to scream. ‘Goddess please no, please tell me I didn’t.’ I quickly got to my feet and ran towards the body. My heart stopped when I was able to tell who it was, Jack. I was sobbing by the time I reached my hand through the bars. I touched his arm and he moaned rolling over facing me. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding. His sleepy blue eyes peeked up at me. He smiled up at me until he took in my face. When he realized that I had been crying he shot up crouching in front of me. Cupping my face in his large hands he called for Doc. “Hey baby you are okay. Doc’s coming and you will be out of there soon.” He tried to sooth me as Doc, Lulu, and Ryan came down the stairs. Jack let go of me and stepped aside long enough for doc to open the door. As soon as the door was open Jack rushed in. He scooped me up into his arms holding me close to his chest. 

“I…I thought I hurt you.” I tried to explain around my tears. 

“Shh, no baby, I’m okay. You didn’t hurt anyone. You were a very good girl.” Jack whispered into my ear. He carried me out of the cell and Lulu slung a blanket over my naked body. 

“Come on, you look like you could use a nice hot bath and some warm clothes.” She said, pushing some of my hair back and out of my face. Still caring me Jack followed Lulu up the stairs. We went through the kitchen and down a short halfway to the bathroom. Jack sat on the toilet with me in his lap as Lulu started the bath water. 

“So I didn’t hurt anyone?” I asked, I had to be sure. Seeing Jack laying on the floor stirred up the memories from that night. 

“No baby girl, you didn’t hurt anyone, I promise.” Jack said kissing the top of my head. I don’t know why or how but I felt different. At least there sitting in Jack's lap I did. I didn’t feel scared anymore. The hollow feeling I have had since I lost my connection with Sonya suddenly doesn't feel so empty.