How long would it take before one of them noticed her? Has it really been so long? Is it possible they had forgotten her? Questions kept running through her mind with each passing day as she watched them from her little corner table. That didn't seem to stop her because she would return and sit by the window, hoping just one of them would notice her. Each time she ensured herself it was impossible for them to have forgotten her. Their love for each other had been too strong to be forgettable. She couldn't be the only one living with the memories of them. She couldn't be the only one living in the love they shared. They had made some pretty memorable moments together. If anything they could not have forgotten the last day they fought with one another. She had shifted in front of them for the first time into a giant wolf that scared their entire village. The people were convinced she was the bringer to the end of the world and she would swallow the sun. She had no relation to Fenrir, son of the Nordic God Loki, but they insisted she was the very wolf that would kill Odin and bring upon Ragnarok. Her lovers, however, they still loved her regardless of the fact she turned into a giant beast and could kill them with no hesitation. Or she thought they had anyway. And if that wasn't enough, she saved them from death, saved their village, and in the end she lost herself. Leaving was probably what was best at the time, but she couldn't believe they just forgot her.
She was coming to the end of her patients after losing count of the days of watching them at the bar. Nikolas picking up whatever piece of ass he could snag and Alexander trying to act like he wasn't wanting one of his own. He would drown himself in whiskey and scotch with a depressed look on his face. One she knew all too well from him. He was missing someone. Perhaps she was wrong and he hadn't forgotten her just moved on. No, it wasn't possible. He swore never to love anyone but her even if she hadn't chosen him as her lover. She couldn't figure out how they could just forget those nights? Forget the love shared? How did Nik forget the woman that gave him his first everything? How could he push aside the only woman to calm that animal inside him? She was done with the agony waiting for those heads to turn, even a glance in her direction. The risk of Marcus figuring her out every time she stepped foot in the city was starting to become all too real. No, she needed a new plan. A new strategy.
She couldn't stick around hoping they would notice her. Marcus had started to move on her pack while she was away and when she wasn't there they were in danger. So much for keeping them safe, she seemed to be failing at it with every turn. No one would have known the benefit and the curse of linking them to her. It meant feeling everything that went down and seeing it through their eyes. She had felt the silver pierce the heart of one of her wolves just as she left and it affected her more than she had thought it would. She felt all the energy she gave him flow right back to her and watched every moment of his death threw his own eyes. It was like watching a movie but feeling every emotion from the main character like it was you playing the role. It was killing her inside and she just didn't feel like waiting around for them today. The pack had an early morning burial, but she was too upset to stick around. One thing was on her mind, showing Marcus who was boss.
She left, allowing them to mourn him and not be influenced by her anger. Her intentions this morning were to meet with Marcus and make good on her promises. If he so much as injured another one if her pack, next time they would meet, would be his own death. It seemed Marcus knew she would be coming and had taken off early leaving her with only a few options, go back to the pack and come back or wait for night to fall and corner him. Going back wasn't an option. The pack would be looking for answers she didn't have or a solution to the problem he was causing. None of which she had the answer to. Though sitting and watching the two men she once loved in a bar wasn't a good answer either. With each passing moment, her irritation grew and her whole plan to stick it out and wait for them seemed to be on the back of her mind. The night was slowly approaching and she had to go talk to Marcus who was sure to have returned by now. What had pushed her, however, was seeing Nik with a petite blonde girl that was of all things human. He was going to settle for a human? With her increasing bad mood and the anger over the fact neither one seemed to notice her, she came to a breaking point.
Jade stood from her small table, left cash for her drinks and walked straight past them. Usually she made it crucial to walk on the other side of the bar and avoid any risk of contact. Before today she didn't want to make the first approach. She wanted to force them to come to her. Maybe it would make it easier for all parties to handle if she wasn't the one trying to make amends. Perhaps it was the jealousy that made her walk past them, but she didn't think twice. Not on this day. In fact, she even made sure to flip her hair back to send a wave of her natural scent at them. She walked around the tables and escaped the small bar regretting almost instantly what she had done. It was too late, all she could do now was try to run before they caught sight of her.
Alex was first to turn his head into the sweet smell of vanilla and honey nearly falling from his chair having turned around too quickly. However, it was not quick enough. From the corner of his eye he caught sight of a chestnut brunette exiting the bar doors. He caught a glimpse of her face, but he couldn't get up from his chair. He was refusing to get his hopes up. It wasn't her, it couldn't be. Jade paused at the bay window and watched him turn back around to his drink. Her heart sank. Walking away she didn't catch Nik whipping around to bask in the scent he knew all too well. He looked around quickly pushing the waitress from his lap onto the floor. She scuffed, standing up to dust off her knees before walking away rather pissed off for being dismissed. Nik slapped Alex on the arm trying to get him to pay attention, but Alex brushed it off. Waving the bartender over, Alex rose from his barstool to excuse himself. He didn't care to follow false accusations that would lead only to heartbreak. It happened far too often in the past every time he would think he had found her. He simply wished to fall upon his favorite place and let it comfort him, taking away memories of her. Nik however, had no intention of letting this familiarity run away from him, not again. Leaving a rather large sum of cash for both his and Alex's drinks, he nearly bolted out the door before it hit the counter. He paused outside of the bar to try and track the scent, but the longer he stood around trying to find it the quicker it seemed to fade.
Catching the scent once more his eyes widened, rushing down the street leading into the middle of New Orleans. Pushing past this person and that person, he didn't care who got hurt in the process. She was here and he wasn't about to lose that. Alex may believe it is all in his head, but only one woman could drive him this insane. No other woman had this scent that just lured you in. She was here and he could feel it. Rounding the last corner he came to a stop across the street from an all too familiar building. Sadly, the scent was leading him to enemy territories. He cursed his brother's name under his breath and took a deep breath. He didn't want to cause a problem for himself by making a scene, it would hinder his chances of capturing the city. However, he had to see if it was indeed his Jade. Rushing up to the glass doors he managed to avoid the wolves patrolling the grounds, only for Marcus' watch dogs to stop him at the glass doors he was trying to enter. Nik growled and glared, eyeing those keeping him from the woman he loved. She was near and he wouldn't have Marcus trying to take her this time. To say a much-unneeded massacre occurred right outside Marcus' business, was an understatement.
Jade had spotted Marcus' car returning as she approached her truck. He didn't seem to notice her which meant she had the advantage. Starting the truck she followed behind his limo, pulling up to the curb moments after he got inside. With everything going on this was just the tip of the iceberg, he thought he could escape her. Her heart was filled with a rage she couldn't quite put to words. Not only from his murdering hunters, but from his brother's stupidity to realize she was indeed there. Exiting the truck she made her way up to the glass building. Guards tried to stop her, declaring she was trespassing and would be put down if she moved any further as if they could stop her. Growling she gave a glare with eyes of pure red. Instantly every wolf in the vicinity was down on their knees unable to move. The mortal guards were all too afraid to even reach for their weapons, letting her pass through the doors. She paused to watch the sweat drip off their brows and hear their hearts beat like an unsteady drum, before making her way inside.
The secretary stood the moment she saw her, but Jade didn't catch what she was saying. All she knew was she was in her way trying to keep her from going up the stairs where his voice was coming from. With no hesitation she grabbed the secretary and was trying to explain how Mr. Rhodes was busy and could not see her. Jade didn't waste time on this one. Her hand shot through her chest and wrapped around her heart. The little redhead gave a sequel, a moment of begging was seen in her eyes before Jade pulled the still-beating heart from her chest. She took a moment to watch the light fade and to feed on her soul before making her way up the stairs. Her hand still holding the heart as a gift for him. She didn't care about allowing the still remaining blood to drip on his pure glass steps. The woman at the bottom of the staircase would leave a far more extensive puddle of blood, and all she could think was how pissed it would make the man that was fucking with her new family. Marcus wasn't like his siblings. He wasn't a vampire or a werewolf. He got none of that glory and his venom was deadly to most. Most except for herself and Jade wished this would stir up a fight between the two. His venom would make her weak, but it would run from her system in a day and even in a weakened state she was still stronger than he was and right now she wanted to prove who was stronger.
Of course, Marcus would know better than to try and fight her. Little to nothing could kill her. The only thing known to harm her severely was black ash from Myanmar's tree. The last that she had brought with her was with his brothers and even that would only keep her weak. Her soul was not stuck to one body which meant if he cut off her vessel head she would just return in another. No fire could do her harm, her heart was not pierceable by most blades and he had already once tried to drown her. She knew what could kill her and only a few knew what that was. Then again a battle between two creatures that could not be killed by one another, was the last thing New Orleans needed. Jade shook the thoughts from her head and pushed open the door leading into the conference room his voice was echoing out of. Heads turned towards the sound of the door slamming shut making the room go silent.
The shock on Marcus' face when Jade stormed into his meeting was priceless. She made note of every person in the room trying to decide who and why they were there. Leaders from the dark witch covens, the city wolf pack leader, and several vampire dens all sat around the oval-like table with pens and papers spread out like they were planning something. Her eyes narrowed, catching sight of a few vampires who claimed that they would rally underneath her when she needed it. It was there deal. She would provide them a healthy supply of mortals to drain and they would collect their souls so she could stock up for the months when tourism was low. Each one was quick to hide their faces hoping she wouldn't recognize them. She could feel each one's fear rising like they knew she would be after them once she was done with Marcus. She did a lot of things, and let a lot of things go, but the one thing she could not stand was betrayal. Drawing away from her anger towards them, she was here on business first and foremost with the man threatening her pack.
Letting the door shut she paused opposite of Marcus at the end of the table. He went to speak but he was silenced when she lifted the heart in her hands for the room to see. Giving it a toss it jumped across the table for a moment leaving blood splatters here and there before coming to a halt in front of him. The others in the room all whispered to one another, but she was focused on the glare in the eyes of the man she had come to tear apart without touching him. Lifting her hand to her mouth she licked the blood clean with a smirk on her face. He eyed her as she seemed to do this in a teasing manner, maybe hoping to arouse him in some way to get her point across. Clearing his throat he tried to hold sophistication in his voice, some sign that she wasn't already getting to him. However, his eyes told a whole nother story. She could tell he wanted to rip her across the table, and not give two damns if the people in the room were watching while he attempted to satisfy her while satisfying his own craving. Clearing his throat he tried to gather himself enough to speak with confidence.
"Ms. Levi. To what do we owe the pleasure?" They wouldn't catch it, but his voice shook at her name. She made him weak, which was something he didn't want the room to know. He could put up a good front when they were surrounded, but alone he would be trembling. He was struggling to keep a regular heartbeat, keep the room from thinking she struck fear in him, but Jade could hear the beats skipping trying to regulate to a normal pace. Jade took a moment to enjoy what she was doing to him before walking around the table touching the shoulder of each vampire nest leader until she was but a few feet from him. Each vampire shuttered at her touch, knowing they were next on her list. Their fear filled the already heated room from Marcus' arousal, putting a smirk on her lips. It was such a sweet taste. Coming to a full halt at the edge of the table her emerald greens watched Marcus try to keep a normal color. Nervously, Marcus turned to face her with a smile. Physically he could match her, but Marcus had secretly loved her since Alex and Nikkolas brought her home. She never noticed him that way. She saw him as nothing more than the snake he was. She had tried at one time to befriend him, but he had other plans. Then the moment he touched her the wrong way, she broke his arm. He tried once more and lost his arm. It grew back, but by then she was gone. None knew this, none except them. A secret the two shared, but that was the only thing she shared with the slithery beast he was. It wasn't something she wished to get out to Erik. He would likely kill his brother for even trying to force her into something. If Erik did kill him she wanted it to be for something other then her, especially when she could handle herself.
Smirking she watched Marcus' squirm inside before she finally spoke aloud. "It seems you don't know how to listen, Marcus. I do believe we have had this conversation once before, but I guess I can give one more warning. See, the first time I didn't act on it because I wanted you to have a chance to prove my instincts wrong. For you to prove to me for once that you aren't the slimy bastard you prove to be. The second time, I was hoping you would see I was serious when I ordered my pack members to kill yours on sight. Now? Now I am going to put my money where my mouth is. I told you the first time we met if you killed my wolves or even stepped foot on my lands I would bring hell to this city and so thanks to you the real war has begun. At first, I was going to do some murder. The plan was for every dead pack member I would kill a mortal in this city. Eventually, it will get out that a wolf is killing the city people and any hold you have will vanish. So they will turn to your brother, but I can't have that. So this is what I plan to do now. I am going to take over the city. Starting with the remaining wolves in the city." Her glare darted to the man sitting at the table who scuffed. The leader to the pack, or one of them anyway. Directing her words towards him directly she hoped he had better hearing than the man she was standing in front of him. "This is my final warning. My property is mine. It is clearly marked, and my wolves remain only on my lands. If you so much as cross the property line, or injure one of my wolves, our next meeting will be your last. I already told Marcus my land is a sanctuary and any who do not wish to live under you, are free to remain on my lands. Anywho wish to not follow the laws you make is free to roam them as long as they keep the peace. Kill another from my pack again, any of you, and I will not hesitate to show you my wrath." Her eyes darted to the side, eyeing the vampires harshly forcing them swallow their stomachs back down. Her eyes held disappointment and anger, something they knew to avoid.
"You have no right to…." One of the dark witches rose to lash at her but Marcus held up his hand. She growled sitting back down, but Jade's focus was back on Marcus who seemed to stand there mocking her.
"Besides Marcus," Turning on her heels she made her way back towards the door as she spoke. "You're running out of secretaries. Pretty soon no one will want to work here. After all, three murders in the last six months? That doesn't look very good for a businessman such as yourself, and just to be clear...that killing spree I promised, it starts now." Putting a little attitude, and seductive slur on the last few words, she knew he would be trapped under her foot. "Good day Marcus." Facing him once more with hand on the door she caught his gaze. She could hear his heart failing to keep control fluttering around his chest to its own beat. Smirking she gave herself a pat on the back.
"Good day Ms. Levi," Marcus spoke through his teeth watching her turn back towards the door. It was all he managed to get out while trying to keep the wild fantasies to himself.
"I nearly forgot, my little vampire spies." Her eyes flashed red as she turned only her head to eye the vampires that were scurrying away from the table to escape her. Marcus gave her a glare which she simply returned with a wink. Her hand at her side clenched causing a fire to rapidly burn through their vampire bodies and turn them to ash. Marcus began to curse at her, but when he looked up she was gone. The door slammed behind her, making everyone inside the room release their breath. She paused to listen as Marcus tried to calm the room over the screams of those that remained. Humming to a pleasing tone in her mind, she walked down the steps and over the dead girl's lifeless body. She intended to use the wolves outside as her first victims, but when her ears picked up a fight already going down she didn't want to get involved. Someone was massacring his dogs before she had the chance, was rather upsetting, but she could let it go for the time being. Slipping out the back she found another exit to leave the building, and headed back to her truck, not noticing the man massacring those outside.
Nik watched as the last guard dropped, and intended to go inside, but the smell caught him again. She had walked straight past him and he didn't notice. It was already too far faded to follow, but Marcus would know where she lived. If she came here, it meant he knew. Above all things they were brothers, how could he keep this from him? Covered in an array of bloodstains and splatters, Nik made his way inside the all to quiet building. He caught two men carrying off a young redheaded girl that had left behind a mass puddle of blood. He took note that she had no heart, and from the look in the dead eyes, no soul. Jade had definitely been here. He could hear the commotion that seemed to come from above. Marcus seemed to be fighting with a small group of people about something. Something about getting Jade to their side, and how he was failing. It was good news to know his heart wasn't lying, but now he had to make sure Marcus' could never have her. Racing up the stairs he busted through the conference door. Once again the room went silent but more in annoyance.
Nik's nose caught the smell of burning flesh. His lips curled into a smirk catching sight of the piles of ashes scattered across the floor. "First the young girl downstairs and then this? It seems our girl still has a touch to her killing. It's too bad about the redhead. Heart ripped out and soulless? I feel for her." Marcus glared watching his brother push further into the room. Nik was the youngest of the five older siblings, and yet remained equal in Marcus' strength. Neither brother ever really got along even as kids. Marcus gave a growl curing under his breath. Nik knew Jade was back which meant he had no way of getting into Jade's head for her heart once. It wouldn't be too long before they got back together.
"I'm not sure who you speak of. I killed them. The vampires were spies and I grew tired of Stacy. She became such a bore." Marcus was never a good liar, and Nik knew that well. His lie might have worked if he hadn't named the mortal woman killed downstairs. Marcus and his fascination with human women.
"See that is where you are wrong. You say you killed her, but if that was the case you wouldn't know her name. Both you and I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be. Now you know I can just pull it from your brain, which will hurt like a bitch, or you can just give it up the easy way. I for one hope you give it up to me the hard way. I would enjoy picking at your brain, brother." Nik walked around the table to his brother who seemed a bit shaken, but not by him. Jade's smell lingering just enough to get them both in the right mood. Jade always had an effect on Marcus that left him weak, but if Nik didn't keep his head on, it left them both vulnerable.
"I'm surprised you haven't noticed she was here. I felt her the second she entered the territory, months ago. Of course, I was trying to buy the same property she now owns, her stench always lingered on the realtor. Still, her cabin, it is so close to your mansion I would assume you felt her by now. Unless of course, she doesn't want you to know she is here." Marcus smirked a bit trying to antagonize his brother which seemed to be working. Nik gave a glare to Marcus' words and his fists clenched. By now those in the meeting were getting up to leave. A bloodbath between the two brothers wasn't something they wanted to be a part of.
"Tell me where she is Marcus…" Nik's voice quickly turned to something dark and malicious. Marcus was trying to bait him, make him start the fight that would end in a family fifty/fifty split. Hearing the sounds of feet making their way to the door Nik knew he had an advantage. Before Marcus could blink Nik was in front of the door locking him in. A hand wrapped around the beta to his wolf pack, and while he didn't move, Marcus showed fear in his eyes. "I will kill them all Marcus and let you take the blame. What do you think will happen to your standing if the leaders to your allies are dead? Who will they believe? Certainly, they won't blame me or a sweet brunette for this. Do you dare to test me? Tell me where she is!"
"Kill them...I can win the packs and coven back. I refuse to let you have her, again." Marcus remained in his position trying to avoid the daggers thrown at him by the witch leaders and another form the wolf pack. Was he really ready to sacrifice all of them for Jade?
"Have it your way brother." Nikolas drug the extended claws across the throat of the wolf. Blood shot out across the room hitting the face of everyone that remained inside it. A few screams filled the room watching the beta fall first to his knees holding what was left of his throat before falling to the ground.
More afraid of losing his followers than gaining Jade, Marcus rushed to shove Nik from the remainder of his people before Nik could reach them. He hadn't expected his brother to be serious about killing them. He just wanted to call his bluff. Keeping Nik at a distance he growled. "Fine! Fine! Follow the road until it meets the wood. Follow the smell of wolves down the path leading towards the bayou! There are signs marked with a symbol. You'll know which one it is. Her cabin lay within it, but she has a pack herself and they have her strength. You won't likely get close enough before they have you mangled."
Nik could not deny he was pleased with himself. Marcus always caved faster than any of his siblings. "You were always the weakest of us all Marcus. Trust me big brother, physical strength is not all it has panned out to be." Nik gave a smirk. Like Jade had he licked the blood off his fingers leaving the room and Marcus to the massacre. Seconds after his departure, the room roared in chaos. Typically, Marcus was left to deal with the repercussions of Nick's actions.
Nik made a quick stop at the local gym, sneaking in unseen to shower off the blood and change his clothes. By now Jade was probably snuggled up in her bed sleeping away from the events of the night, but he couldn't help but think about her. Snagging someone's clothes from an unlocked locker he slipped into them and headed back out to the city. Coming to Marcus' building he smirked watching the police taping it off as a crime scene. Marcus didn't notice Nik, but Nik watched Marcus fight with a detective as to what happened, but he didn't seem to have any backup. Too bad for Marcus, he didn't keep cameras for his safety and that of others. A way to keep from exposing the truth of his "guests." Unable to fully enjoy the sweet revenge on his brother, Nik made his way down the road as Marcus had instructed. Coming to a halt a few miles into the woods he was almost shocked. Marcus was telling the truth for once.
His eyes caught sight of the symbol marked on every tree in his line of sight. Typical Jade, Norse markings. From the corner of his eye, Nik spotted four large wolves patrolling the border. They were twice the size of the typical werewolf and three times that of natural wolves. The amount of energy they gave off screamed Jade. He had to get to her, yet he knew she never did anything half-ass. It wasn't going to be easy stepping foot on the territory, let alone getting close enough for Jade to recognize him. He hoped the mark carved on the trees could be honored for anyone. He could remember back in the old days that whoever had the mark on their door, was not allowed to be touched, and anyone within the cottage falling under the same protection. Jade wouldn't have chosen the symbol if it wasn't meant to be kept but then came some other arising problems.
Nik wasn't exactly liked among these wolves, and he recognized a few. One was the wife of a wolf he murdered in cold blood to prove a point he had to make. Another was a wolf he nearly killed in a fight and another a pup that he had kidnapped years ago for ransom, who was now a full-grown and an orphan. Knowing all this he was probably killed on sight for this pack. If he didn't go in guns blazing, perhaps the rule of peace still applied? He gave it some thought, hell he almost did exactly that. Deciding against it knowing even going in peacefully would not be enough, not with this lot and the beef they had against him. His eyes were set on what could possibly be at the end of the forest. It wasn't like he was able to be killed, but he wasn't invincible. Not risking the chances of having to heal several severe injuries, he waited for a clearing. When all four wolves had their backs turned, he made a run for it. He probably had a ten-second head start before he heard the sound of heavy pounding against the ground behind him. He heard at least two sets of paws, running at a full speed and the others seemed to be headed in another direction. They were quick, and closing in. Truly he had underestimated them and the sudden power Jade had given them.
Nik had no clue where he was going and simply could not use his instincts to find an opening out of the forest. Trying to focus on her and her alone, was like trying to pick out a single face in the middle of a thousand faces. What helped was her smell, as he got deeper into the woods dodging trees and their roots, the smell grew stronger. Then again the woods all seemed to smell like her, the scent that was so faded before was now drawing him in closer. He came to an abrupt stop at the end of the woods eyeing a cabin that had just come into view. It was just over the rather steep ledge he was now standing on top of. A smile pulled at his lips, her scent like a hand slapping him in the face. If he jumped he would land just fine and be at her moments later, but he never got the chance. Hearing something growling behind him, the hairs on his neck went up. The feeling of breathing traveling down his neck made him far too uncomfortable. He turned quickly ready to fight, only to be tackled by a blonde mass of fur. The amount of force slamming against him, causing both to tumble down the ledge. Nik tried to keep from being mauled by sharp teeth and slashing claws as both rolled simultaneously down the rocky side. Even his strength could not stop the attempts made to connect to his flesh. The fall alone broke several of his ribs, and cut him up pretty bad, wounds by a wolf weren't something he desired to add. His final land caused his arm to snap in three places, bringing a scream of pain past his lips. With some effort, he rolled off it. Not as if it mattered. Teeth sunk into his shoulder bringing out a cry for help. It almost felt like he was on his knees in front of his enemy crying out for help.
A path of his blood was left behind as the wolf drug him to the bank just below the cabin porch. It seemed the wolf had no intention of letting him be even after releasing him. Its jaws latched onto his shoulder unclenched shaking blood from its mouth. Appearing over him a paw landed on his chest pressing it's full strength into him to hold him down. The weight made him gasp for breath from his broken ribs now pressing into his lungs shredding at the muscle. Gasping for words some blood spilled from his lips, coughing slightly but it only erupted more pain from his chest. His eyes were drawn to the side to the sound of thumping footsteps approaching them. Then came her voice. That sweet, honey-filled voice.
Jade was on the back porch drinking a beer with Andrew, when something drew her attention from their discussions. They were discussing ways to keep Marcus and his people out of their lands when screams interrupted what was mostly a peaceful afternoon. A few pack members had joined the conversation with ideas and making their own plans to help her out. Heads all turned as they heard the screams, standing at attention to defend their alpha. Jade knew that scream, or more the screams. Fear filled her heart, as she rose from her chair. The remaining wolves stood up chasing after her almost in perfect sync. Truly this was a family she could not be more proud of. Those willing to stand up for her like she would for them. However, catching sight of the blonde mass covered in blood being drugged by one of her wolves was breaking her heart. Even threw the heavy copper smell filling the air she smelt it, smelt him. Rushing at a full pace she flared her arms about trying to get the wolf off of him. She had let go but was now standing on top of his broken body. Eyes opened wide the closer she became as her suspicions became truth, it was the man she loved all those years ago.
"Jessica! Jessica! Stop it! Get off him!" Jade rushed over shoving the wolf as she ordered her off Nik. The second he was released, Jade fell to her knees beside him. Immediately her mind reverted back to when she was a nurse in WWII and began to assess his injuries. Most of it would have been superficial if not for the poisonous bite. Curse that damn poison she gave them. Frustrated she gave a glare to Jessica and tried to keep a clam to her voice as she lashed out orders. "Go back to the border and finish your patrol. I have him." The wolves sat there backing off her for what she could only assume was a red in her eye. "Now!" Screaming Jessica rushed off with a few others hoping to avoid her wrath.
"You're really here?" Nik's voice drew her away from her own anger. Focusing on him once more she gave a soft smile, but he was trying to lift his hand to touch her. It only made her a bit more irritated. Jade tried to shush him, reserve his strength, but he was a stubborn man. Before he could speak anymore she put her fingers to his lips and waved over the two men on the porch.
"Bring him inside and be sure not to damage him anymore then he already is." The wolves approached quickly lifting him up but as careful as possible. Seeing how angry she got with Jessica, they were not about to piss her off by refusing. A hand resting on his broken arm to hold it in place Jade stood with them so it wouldn't fall and damage anymore. Releasing his arm slowly she was going to get everything set up, but before she could run off he grabbed her with his good hand. Looking at him she sighed in annoyance as he used the last bit of his strength forcing her to remain at his side. She knew why he was doing this, fear. A fear she understood. Holding her free hand up for the men to pause, she gave a squeeze to his hand. "I'm just going to get what I need to help you, Nikolas. No worries I won't run off. Not this time. Now you have to let me go." Tugging on her hand she saw resistance in his eye. Nik didn't want to let her go, in fact his grip tightened the harder she tried to pull away. Sighing softly she knew her word would not mean anything. To insure him, she would indeed be in the house when he got there, she landed a kiss on his blood stained lips. It was enough for him to at least loosen his grip and let her hand slip away from him. Nodding to the wolves to keep moving she rushed inside leaving the backdoor open for them.
Not wasting time she rushed into the living room trying to gather some essentials. Rather more vicious than she wanted it to sound like, she ordered Andrew who was sitting on the couch to get spare clothes, and towels from the bathroom. He scrambled to his feet trying to follow her around and gather the items asked of him. Even with her blood, he was going to take a long time to heal and that meant he would be staying with her. It was not something her wolves were going to like, then again, maybe Jess should not have bitten him. She knew how deadly the poison was and that it was only meant to be used with extreme caution. Did this wolf just not listen to a thing Jade said? Luckily for Nikolas, he was not one that could be killed by some poison, not even her own. He would just be weak, and his healing factor would not work like it should, who knew how long he would be here for. Rushing out as she heard the two men come up the stairs she waved them in trying to step aside so they could enter. Pointing down the hall where the spare room was she grabbed a few extra rags from under the sink. Rushing to follow them, they entered the room first standing on one side of the bed while she took place on the other side. Nodding to each of them, they set him on the bed softly, though it didn't stop his cries of pain. Andrew came in after them with a bowl of warm water, towels, and spare clothes.
Waving for him to put them down, she grabbed the water before it dropped and looked to her wolves. "Thank you, now go. I'll be fine." The wolves glared at Nikolas on the bed making her sigh in annoyance. Andrew wasn't too keen on the idea of leaving her alone with the second most hated man in New Orleans, but she was alpha. Shoving the other two men out of the room they left the house, but not the property. Both men took place at the front door, while Andrew paced outside. Jade could hear him groaning and huffing about. Shaking her head she tried to keep a smile on her face. Setting the water beside the bed and sighed softly. She became a monster around the Rhodes brothers and would have to apologize to the wolves later. Looking at him her smile faded unable to keep up the facade. What Jessica did was unforgivable. No one should be treated like this. Not even Nikolas. What if it had just been some scared wolf afraid of those patrolling and wanting to go straight for her. He never showed a sign of aggression, she knew his anger and if he had lashed out Jessica would not be alive right now.
Looking over his wounds once more she let out a frustrated sigh. Sitting on the bed, it bent under her weight, making him groan slightly as his body shifted. "I'm so sorry. They know I hate violence but we have been having so many issues with Marcus and his wolves. I am sure Jessica meant you no harm, but that makes no difference…"
"Jade, Jade… It's okay...It's okay." Nik tried to speak over her but she wasn't listening. Taking her hand he gave it a squeeze shutting her up almost instantly. He still couldn't believe he was touching her. It kind of felt like a dream he would wake from any second now, and she would be gone. "I knew what I was asking for. It was not like they would have let me pass in peace. I'm not well-liked among those in or out of the city." Nik let off a soft chuckle causing him to wince in pain from the broken ribs. Jade rolled her eyes, removing her hand from his and stood back up.
"I know Nikolas, and once I am done I will get the full story. Did you not see the symbol? Don't tell me it means nothing to you? Now be quiet because I'm gonna fix you and you're probably not going to like me very much after I am done." Nik gave a smile, but she was already turned away grabbing hold of a hand rag. Dipping it into the water she let it soak for a moment before turning back around. Ripping his shirt open to expose his flesh beneath she winced at the sight. The wolf bite was sizzling from the poison entering his system. She knew the second she touched it he was going to scream, and buck against her attempts to clean it. Maybe a syringe could wash it out better then her rags? Running a hand over her forehead to clear the sweat away, she found the words to speak. "Once I start this Nik. That smile is going to fade and I am not going to stop. Do not hate me and please don't fight me." She didn't have the means to hold him down, but she had to clean it out and stop the poison from seeping deeper. He went to speak, but she cut him off. "Just, try to stay still and feel free to scream."
He simply nodded his head sucking in a sharp breath preparing himself as she picked up the towel. As lightly as she could she laid the steaming hot cloth on his flesh and started to apply pressure. As suspected his body jolted in rejection. Her face cringed feeling the pain ripple through him. It was clear he was bleeding internally from the broken ribs cutting into his lungs. He wasn't helping with all the moving around. Jade pulled the towel away and pushed him back down to the bed with all her strength, her hand firm on his good shoulder. "You really can't jump around! I know touching it hurts, but if I don't flush it out an infection is going to set in."
"Tell that to the damn pain" Nik growled out the words jerking his shoulder from her. Taking a moment, she let him try and relax again. Jade stood, put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. She wasn't about to let him growl when she was trying to help him. He was severely injured and wasn't going to heal as quickly as he would if he had just taken a fall. The poison was designed from her very own blood. It was by nature harder to fight.
"Well, I can always let it run through your body and leave you bedridden for longer than a few days. Is that what you want?" Nik glared at her, making her smirk on the inside. Keeping her head about her she dropped her hands from her side and grabbed the towel "That's what I thought. Now sit still." Dipping the towel back into the bowl of water the blood turns the water a red color tint. Looking at him as she pulled the towel from the water and held a hand on his chest ready to push him down when he started to jump about. She would not be able to keep him down, but at least he would be held down enough for her to clean his wounds. She pressed the towel repetitively over the wound using her whole strength to try and keep him from jerking. It wasn't easy, she had not fully recovered from the night before when she did yet another power bestowing. Reaching into the bottom of the side table drawer she grabbed a syringe. "I'll be right back. I need to get some clean water. Letting him go completely she went to get some freshwater. With the wound being clean on the outside she had to flush it out best she could.
Walking into the bathroom she filled the syringe with clean warm water. Looking up into the mirror she almost questioned what in the hell she was doing. This was Nikolas after all. Trying to shake off the uneasy feeling with him in the other room. Coming back into the room he had seemed to fall into some sort of sleep in her short time away from him. He wouldn't be asleep for so long. Approaching the bed she grabbed a clean towel tucking it under his shoulder so it could catch the blood stained water, she pushed the plunger letting water spray into the wound. He growled at her, eyes of pure white as the wolf demon hybrid came out. It was likely more from the pain than any kind of anger. He jolted up as she tried to hold him down as best she could until the last bit of water left the syringe. Shaking it she placed the towel on the side of the bed, using the same towel now soaked in watered down blood, she patted it dry making him growl slightly.
"Oh, stop being a baby. The worst is over. There is nothing I can do about the internal wounds, that is something your body is going to have to do. Now I have to re-break your arm and brace it. That way when your arm heals it heals correctly. You may be immortal and it won't take eight weeks to heal, but your body is still made like a human for the most part." Jade grabbed one of the wash clothes and rolled it up. Holding it to his mouth he refused at first, but she gave him a look that told him she wasn't kidding. He opened his mouth and snatched the towel from her fingers with his good hand. Shoving it into his mouth he bit down bracing himself for the rebreak. He really could be a child. With no warning, she snapped his arm back in place once, twice and three times. She heard him scream at each snap and she tried to keep from smirking just a little. "Big baby." Jade rolled her eyes snatching the towel from his mouth and moved around the bed to the closet. Finding something to hold his arm in place over his chest she laughed to herself.. It was like he was feeling the torture she felt being apart from him, all at once.
"Your wolf is the one that did this to me. You don't get to call me a baby." His words made her look up from the sheets for the spare room. She couldn't tell if he was trying to be funny, or just an ass but either way it made her roll her eyes. Walking over to his good arm, she sat back on the bed. Tearing the sheet she had grabbed so it would be long enough to wrap around his neck she tried to keep her composure.
"She was protecting her pack and her alpha. I can't say she had a reason not to Nik. I've heard the stories…" As she spoke she leaned over him wrapping the piece of the sheet around his neck. Pulling it up slowly until it was in place, she tied it off. Once it was secure she bent down into the bedside table where a small dagger was held before looking at him with a sigh. "Now I need you to drink my blood. Your body will reject it at first because of the poison. It will try to fight against it, but you have to take it. It's the only thing capable of fighting off the poison. Keep drinking until I tell you to stop."
"Well, only cause you insist…" Nik seemed to get a bit cocky, but that was him. Even hurt like he was he could still be such an ass. She couldn't help but giggle at him. His voice holding that charming tone she loved, and that cocky smirk making her heart race.
Turning from him she tried to keep it from affecting her. Taking a deep breath to calm herself she pulled the blade from its holster. Using the dagger she had pulled from the drawer she slid it across her wrist drawing a dark crimson color from the wound. Holding it to his lips she could already see him wanting to reject it, just by the smell. Jade gave him a look as he tried to turn it away. After a few minutes, he gave a growl. He sat up using his good elbow for support. Two sets of fangs sprung from his gums, he bit down into the already bleeding wound. His fangs forced her flesh apart even further getting down into the vain. He gagged causing blood to trickle down the sides of his mouth, but as she ordered he didn't pull away forcing him to drink the blood. It took a few minutes, but he was soon taking to her blood with ease. She let him feed until her body was almost at its weakest point. Pulling her arm from his mouth, she gave a heavy sigh of relief watching his small superficial wounds heal. Jade pushed him back onto the bed and could feel his inner wounds healing as well. She stood up attempting not to show any weakness she herself felt. Nik went to speak but she was beating him to words while she cleaned up the blood from his blood stained lips.
"Just rest now. You won't be able to stand or anything until probably the morning. Where are you staying? I have to go tell Alexander where you are and find someone for you to feed on." He sighed in annoyance. He was rather enjoying her long awaited attention. He didn't want her to run off to his brother, but his siblings would have a search party if he didn't return to them or tell them where he was. He could not have any more bad on his name, not now anyway. Not with Jade here. He would have called but his phone was among the missing. "Nikolas, hello?"
"Sorry, lost in thought. Yes, we live in a mansion, not far from here, but you don't need to go right now, Jade." Jade smiled, she knew he wanted time alone with her, but they would have a few days together. Shaking her head she gave him that look, the one that ensured she got her way. He caved almost instantly giving her a smile. "Damn you. You know that look is my weakness. Just follow the road until you see a mansion with gold gates and a white brick wall surrounding it. A cursive R is smack in the middle of the gates. Tell the guards I sent you. A valet will take your car from the driveway and our butler will let you in. Em is likely in the living room to the left planning her wedding…"
"She's engaged? Wait, she's here?" Jade's face ran straight with shock, he couldn't be sure if it was because Em was engaged or that she was here. It amused him. Truly she had been gone far too long from the family and then again she had given up on ever reconnecting with them. Nik simply nodded and gave a groan of pain. Questions rose but she could see he needed to rest and well anything she needed answered Emily could tell her. "Okay, you need to rest and I will be back shortly."
He went to speak again, but she was already leaned over the bed planting a kiss to his lips. Of course, he returned it, but she could tell he was rather unsatisfied when she pulled away too soon for his liking. Rolling her eyes, she stood straight and left the room. Closing the door behind her she leaned against it for a moment she let out a heavy sigh. What the hell was she doing? Looking down at herself, she realized she was a mess. Her clothes were covered in his blood, hair as well, making it tangled and knotted in clumps. Dirt was caked on her face from the sweat and well she felt dirty on the inside as well. Her thoughts hadn't been entierily clean since seeing him, let alone physically touching him. Groaning, she couldn't very well go see them looking like a axe murder. Not to mention she did not want their first impression of the new and improved Jade to be one where she was a complete mess.
Entering the master room she pulled out a pair of jeans, and a red flannel shirt. She didn't have time for a long shower but damn did she want to at least rinse off and clean up. Jumping in while the water was still heating up she got to scrubbing down. By the time it was actually hot she was already shutting it off. Not bothering to try to extensively dry off, she threw up her hair and got dressed. Grabbing her truck keys, she slipped into some boots and checked in on Nik. He was dead asleep, which at least meant she could leave him and the property in peace. Locking the door behind her she didn't think it would be smart to let the wolves have access inside while their second most hated monster was staying in her home. Ordering Andrew to keep the house safe without much else as she got into the truck and pulled out of the driveway.