For a moment, there was silence where there shouldn’t have been. Jessica chanced a glance behind her. One brown wolf laid lifeless and bloody on the pavement. The victor turned towards Jessica. She couldn’t risk moving for fear of losing her grip on the artery between her fingers.
“That’s Alexander!” Logan called out running up to her, and Liam.
“Are you sure?” She questioned.
Taking his word for it, she turned her focus to Liam. Blood had already soaked through the shirt. She needed more, if she even has a chance to save him.
“I need something. Anything!” She told Logan as he got down on his knees in front of them. He stripped off his shirt, and handed it to her.
“More! His carotid artery is split, but it’s not severed. I need towels, needles, thread, anything.”
“Chloe makes everyone carry a medic bag in vehicles.” He began to explain, but there isn’t time.
“Just go!” She doesn’t care where he got what he just needs to get it now.
Everything seemed to be in slow motion. She knew Logan is running his ass off, but it doesn’t look like it. Alexander went over to Madison, and the bag Michael is in. It appeared easy for him to rip the bag with his teeth. She held her breath, and didn’t release it until she saw Michael’s little furry body. Madison, started jumping on Michael, but he didn’t react. Michael just laid there not moving at all. Jessica can’t get up to go to him. She can’t move her hand at all.
“Alexander, bring him to me.”
Alexander picked him up by the scruff of his neck, and carried him over to her. Madison followed behind him, whining. Alexander laid Michael beside her so she can reach him easily. He licked Jessica’s face before running back into the warehouse. Taking her hand off the shirt, she wiped her hand on her jeans before checking Michael’s pulse. Physically, he looks fine. His vitals are strong, and that’s a good sign.
Logan pulled the SUV up beside her. Jumping out he ran around to the back and opened the hatch. When he came back around to her, he was carrying a huge red medical bag. Placing the bag beside her, he opened it so she could peer inside.
“What do you need?” Logan asked, ready to grab what she needs.
“A light?”
“Can you fix the artery?” Asks Logan as he’s going through the bag. She heard the clicking sound before she even saw the flashlight.
“I don’t know. There’s a lot of damage.” She is thankful that Liam already passed out.
“If you can fix the artery, his wolf will heal the rest.” He informed her.
That may be the miracle they need. She rambled off what she needed that was in sight, along with a few things for him to find. All she can do is her best. She just prays that it’s enough.
Chapter 30
Alexander
Now that everyone is safe from any further harm, Alexander went back into the warehouse. He had promised the woman, he would come back for them. Jessica and Logan are tending to Liam. The twins are safe. Michael may be knocked out, but Alexander can hear his strong heartbeat.
Entering the warehouse, he went straight to the cell that contained the woman. Standing up, she smiled at him. Alexander began looking for keys to the cell doors, but none were in sight.
“His pocket.” The woman pointed to the bloody mess of a man that laid in front of her cell.
It took some digging, but he was able to get the keys out without shifting. He’ll grab some clothes before they leave. Bringing the keys to the woman, she reached through to take them from his mouth. She fumbled through the keys before picking one for the lock. It came open on the first try.
“You wouldn’t believe how many times I have tried to steal those keys.” She commented as she came out of the cell. Looking down at the lifeless man, she gave him a hard kick. “Been wanting to do that, too.”
“I’m Nadine.” She introduced herself as she hobbled over to the only other occupied cell. “Max, get up.” She bent down over the man, nudging his shoulder. The man groaned, and grunted as he tried to move.
“I can’t carry him.” She told him when she tried to pull Max up.
Alexander looked around for something to cover up with. The sheet that is in the woman’s cell will have to do. He went to her cell, and shifted. He didn’t really care if he was nude or not, but he imagines it would make Jessica uncomfortable. Adjusting the sheet, he fixed it around his waist, and tied it on the side.
“Thank you for saving us.” She stuck her hand out to shake his.
“No problem. I’m Alexander.” He shook her hand. “You met my son, Michael.”
“I never really met him. He stayed as his wolf the whole time. It was probably for the best.” She informed him.
“Hold on, Max” Alexander said as he put the man’s arm around his neck, and lifted him so that he’s standing.
Max tried to help, but Alexander ended up carrying most of his weight. Nadine offered to help, but he insisted that she just take it easy. Walking out of the warehouse, Nadine stopped. Alexander stopped to make sure she was okay. She stood with her face up to the sky, and her hands stretched out to her sides. She looked like an inmate who has just been released from prison.
“How long have you been here?” Alexander asked.
“Maybe two months, could have been longer.” She put her arms down. “You kind of lose track of time after a while.”
“You’re free now.” He started walking again.
“Yes, and thank you again.”
Alexander was glad Logan had thought to bring the SUV closer to the warehouse. He walked Max to the back of the vehicle and placed him in the second-row seat. Nadine got in beside Max. Before he shut the door, Alexander grabbed a pair of shorts from the bag that Liam brought with them. He pulled them on before going around to check on the others.
“How’s he doing?” He asked trying not to get in the way of the light Logan was shining down onto Liam.
“It’s not the best of environments.” She answered.
Alexander didn’t want to bother her anymore. She needs to concentrate. Michael still hasn’t awoken. Madison was laying her head on Michael’s back as he was sleeping. Not wanting them to be around the mess to see what was happening, Alexander scooped up both pups, and brought them to the back of the SUV.
“You stay here and keep an eye out on Michael, okay?” He said to Madison hoping she wouldn’t try to jump out.
He closed the hatch, and went around to the back seat. Opening the back door, he asked Nadine if she would keep an eye on the twins so he could run back in the warehouse. Once she agreed, he ran back inside.
He went straight to the office loft where the man had come out with Michael. The rest of the warehouse was bare other than the cells filling the entire floor plan. On the way to the stairs he noticed a rack that had towels and other linens on it. On his way back, he plans on grabbing what he can for them to use on Liam.
Entering the office, he looked around the room. There isn’t much to the place. A couch was up against the wall, and other than a desk it’s the only furniture in the room. A syringe was left on the desk top. It must be the one that was used on Michael. He started looking through the desk drawers. He found two small boxes, and a case of syringes. Placing it all on the desk, he opened one of the small boxes. It’s filled with vials with blue caps. Some were empty, and some unused. Closing the box, he picked up the next one, and opened it. It was the same as the first box except these had red caps.
Alexander decided to take both boxes with him. Even though there aren’t any labels to tell what they are, they may come in handy. Loading the boxes in his arms, Alexander left the office, and headed down the stairs. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he grabbed a pillow case off the top rack. He placed the boxes inside then started filling the rest of the pillow case with towels for Jessica to use. There were a few sheets on the rack, along with a blanket. He grabbed as much as he could carry, and headed outside.
Jessica and Logan were still
working on Liam. Alexander took everything to the vehicle, and put it in the passenger seat. He handed Nadine some sheets for her, and Max. Then took the blanket to the back to put down for Liam when he was finished. After closing the back, he grabbed a few more towels from the front, and went around to see if he could do anything to help Jessica.
Jessica had just started wrapping gauze around Liam when Alexander walked up. The pavement was a bloody mess. He doesn’t see how Liam has made it this long. Liam was still passed out when Jessica was done with the wrappings. Logan put things back into the medical bag then got up to put it in the back with the twins.
“Well?” Alexander questioned when Jessica stood up.
“I’ve done everything I can. The rest is up to him and his wolf.” She wiped her bloody hands onto her jeans. “If what Logan said is true about his wolf healing him, then he may have a chance.”
“Can we move him to the back?” Alexander pointed towards the open hatch.
“I really don’t think he should be traveling right now.”
“We don’t have much of a choice. We need to leave.” He told her.
He didn’t want to be here any longer than they needed to be. After reluctantly agreeing, Jessica called Logan over to help carry Liam.
“This needs to be a smooth transfer.” Jessica informed them before she let anyone lay hands on Liam. “I will get his head. Keep him as flat as possible.” She instructed.
The transition went smoothly. Once Liam was loaded into the back, Jessica climbed in with him.
“I’ll ride back here with him in case he starts to bleed again.” She positioned herself for the ride. “Here, let them ride with you.”
Jessica picked up the twins and handed them to Alexander. He put them in the front passenger seat with him so Logan could drive. Not wanting to jolt Liam around, Logan pulled off easily. Alexander has never been so glad to get away from a place as he was this place.
On the way out of the lot, Alexander made introductions for everyone. Jessica was glad to meet the woman that protected her son. She thanked Nadine countless times on the way back to West Virginia.
Chapter 31
Jessica
Keeping a close watch on Liam, Jessica looked through the medical bag Logan had. Chloe had done a great job thinking of everything to go in. Jessica found a bottle of painkillers. However, Liam can’t swallow them while he is unconscious. She passed the bottle to Nadine.
“Here, give two of these to Max. There’s juice in the purple bag on the floor if he needs it.” She instructed then went back to digging through the bag.
“Thanks,” Max muttered. His hands were shaking as he held the juice box.
“How often did they do this?” Jessica nodded over to Max.
“While Ryan was around, it was all little games.” She started but then her expression went dark. “But while Ryan was gone, there was no one to stop Kyle.”
“I’m sorry to say this, but I’m glad you were there.” Jessica’s eyes stung with tears. “Who knows what they would have done if you weren’t there to help Michael.”
“Don’t think about that.” Nadine said, and placed her hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “The important thing is he’s safe now.”
“And they won’t be able to do this to anyone else.” Jessica added.
“Someone else will come in and take their place.” Nadine said sadly.
“Why do you say that?” Alexander asked from the front.
“That warehouse is like a stop on a train track.” Nadine said looking at Max. “They kept shifters there, until they were ready to go to a lab.”
“For what?” Jessica asked in disbelief. Why would people do this? Why would they do any of this?
“I don’t know.” Nadine looked down at her lap. “Some type of experiments. They kept us drugged on something that weakened our animals. I’m glad they’re dead. I just wish I was able to dish out the judgment on Kyle.”
“You did have a part in it.” Alexander commented.
“Your animals?” Jessica questioned. “What type of animal are you?” Jessica didn’t even think to ask if that was a rude question, like asking a woman her weight.
“Me? I’m a bobcat. Max is a wolf.”
It fascinates Jessica as to the different types of shifters are out there. She had never thought it possible, and now she is slap dab in the middle of it all. She checked on Liam, wiping the sweat from his face. His fever is spiking, and his face scrunched in pain. Digging through the medical bag again, she grabbed two of the cool packs from a side pocket. After activating them, she placed them under Liam’s armpits. This is going to be a long ride, she thought.
Alexander called Sebastian to tell him they were on their way back with a couple extras. It will take them longer to get back since Liam is in critical condition. Jessica is glad most of the bleeding has stopped. Logan said Liam can heal himself but Jessica still stitched him up to the best of her ability. As long as he doesn’t go into shock or gets an infection, Jessica has high hopes that he will recover. However, the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours are critical.
Three hours later, light whimpers came from one of the twins. A second later, another set of whimpers joined in.
“Look who’s up!” Alexander exclaims, lifting Michael up face level.
A huge weight was lifted off her chest when she saw her little boys eyes open. Even though she knew he was okay, she still worried.
“Oh, pass him here.” Jessica couldn’t wait to get her hands on her baby.
She held her hands out when Alexander passed Michael to her. She hugged him to her. She held him tight to her chest, not wanting to let go of him.
“You are such a brave boy.” She kissed his head.
Michael licked her cheek over, and over again. She was so happy to have him back; she let him give her all the kisses he wants. When Michael had enough kisses, he tried to climb back up front. Jessica passed him back to Alexander. Michael started playing with Madison the second Alexander put him down.
Logan drove them to the cabin Jessica has been staying in. The lower elevation will be better for Liam until he heals a little more. When they pulled up to the cabin, they were greeted by the rest of the pack. Alexander made introduction before opening the back hatch.
“Thank the heavens you were there, Jessica.” Makenna said hugging Jessica.
Jayden and Caleb helped Alexander and Logan get Liam out of the back. They put him in Madison’s bed for the night. Nadine helped Max into the cabin. He’s already looking better than the first time Jessica had seen him. Max told her, he would be better by the morning. With all the talk about shifters healing fast, Jessica decides to just take their word for it. Makenna showed Nadine where to put Max. It’s best just to have him in the same room as Liam, so they both can rest.
Makenna and Chloe took over watching Liam. Jessica was ready for this day to be over. Madison and Michael both stayed right by Jessica’s feet. It will probably be awhile before Michael runs off like that again. Jessica is feeling the weight of the day, and feels like she is about to drop. All she wants to do is go to bed. Alexander was in the dining room talking with Sebastian, and the others. She didn’t want to interrupt them but she didn’t want the children out of their sight.
“Hey, I’m going to go shower. Will you keep an eye on them?” She politely asked Alexander.
“Of course, go get comfortable.” Alexander said placing a kiss on the top of her head.
It seemed natural, like he did it out of habit. Smiling, Jessica went to her room to get a shower. She washed quickly, not wanting to be away from the twins for long. When she opened the bedroom door to come out, Alexander was standing in front of the door holding the twins in his arms.
“I think they could use a quick bath.” He said. Their little pups squirmed in his arms at the word bath. “Want to tag team it?”
“That will be great.” Jessica says petting Madison on her head. “The faster you two let us do this, the quicker you ca
n get out.”
It only took a few minutes to get the little wolves washed up. Jessica was surprised that Michael stayed so calm. He must have wanted to get out as soon as possible. When they got the twins out of the tub, they tried to dry them off but the twins had other ideas. They shook their entire bodies, slinging water all over the bathroom.
“Oh, come on guys!” Jessica held the towel in front of her.
Alexander laughed as he caught Michael, and started drying him off. Once the twins were close enough to being dry, Jessica dropped the towel on the floor, and picked up a fresh one. She left the bathroom, and went over to the bed. She spread the towel out in the middle of the bed as the twins tried to jump onto the bed themselves.
“Would it be alright if I stayed the night with them?” Alexander asked.
“Yeah,” Jessica replied. She knows how he feels. He probably doesn’t want them out of his sight either.
“I’ll get a shower first.” He turned towards to bedroom door, but stopped just before opening it.
“Thank you, Jessica.” He said then left the room.
Jessica put the twins on the towel in the middle of the bed, and climbed in. Getting settled under the covers, she pulled her pups closer to her. They weren’t rambunctious tonight. Instead they curled up next to each other and closed their eyes.
Alexander knocked before coming in the room with some clothes in his hand. He went to the bathroom to shower. Only gone about ten minutes, he came back out in nothing but a pair of jean shorts. Jessica could tell he was going commando. His shorts sat low on his hips, showing a trail of dark hair that led from his stomach to below the waist of his shorts. The sight alone had Jessica gulping. God, he is sheer perfection, she thought. He climbed in the bed on the opposite side of the twins. They both watched the twins peacefully sleep.
“I never thought I could be so scared.” Alexander broke the silence.
“Children have that effect on their parents.” Jessica replied. “I think I had a couple of heart attacks myself.
Missing Mate (O'Neil Pack Series) Page 19