Jade's pov
Curled up in a ball I continued to cry but soon it was too painful to continue due to my body aches. Blinking my eyes I attempted to sit up and gauge exactly where they had dumped me. My best guess was I was on an old logging road used by humans and knew I had to get somewhere safer. Standing on my wobbly legs I shuffled myself down the road after kicking off my high heels. “At least I wasn't raped, only pawed and beaten,” I hissed feeling pain in my chest certain that a few ribs had been broken. My once-white dress was torn, dirt-stained, and bloody from my broken nose that was dripping down my front. Doubting that I would be seen by anyone I was shocked when a truck hauling a trailer full of goods slowed past me and parked along the side of the road blocking my way. Holding my sides I took a cautious step around the trailer to continue my journey and paused seeing the door open on the truck. What appeared to be an older tan-skinned woman stepped out and told me to hold up. Her eyes fell on the sight of me and she gasped. “Oh my Goddess you poor thing,” she cried and I was startled by her use of the word Goddess. As she approached me my arm hairs rose and I instinctively lowered my head as a form of respect. She was a Lycan and way more powerful than a mere werewolf. “You don't have to do that, dear. I'm not royalty. Now tell me who did that to you so I can kick their butts,” she said with a feisty grin. Still leery about her I shook my head and began to weep again as thoughts of what had occurred filled my head Oh crap, I hate seeing young pups cry,” she said softly and attempted to wipe off my cheeks with her fine silk handkerchief. Breathing in through my mouth I moved away from her afraid she was going to strike me. She straightened up and sighed. “Listen little one, my name is Monica Rex and I'm a Lycan. I am employed by the Noatak River Pack and can help you if you'll allow me,” she said firmly. In embarrassment, I pinched my mouth closed and lowered my eyes from hers. “I'm Jade Pinkerton…well just Jade now. I'm a wolf-less female who has been banished from my father's pack, beaten severely, and discarded like trash on the side of the road. I didn't do anything wrong!” I was stressed emotionally and I watched her nodding. “That's fine, let's get you to my place to heal and get cleaned up. I give you my word that nothing nefarious will happen to you. I got your back, young she-wolf,” she asserted and I shook my head vigorously. “I don't have a wolf nor any means to pay you, Monica,” I growled, causing her to chuckle. “Let's just work on getting you healed, you look like you've been run over by a logging truck carrying a full load,” she chided again while leading me to the passenger side of her vehicle. Once we were both seated she glanced over at me. “It's a miracle that I drove down this specific road. I normally take another obscure way when I volunteer to pick up monthly supplies. Someone must be looking out for you Jade,” she proclaimed, making me shake my head. “No one is looking out for me, not that I don't appreciate the help but I'm far past believing in anything being a miracle in my life.” Pffting at me she snorted, “And here I thought Lycans were the cynical species.” “They are, You're the top of the wolf chain and full of pent-up aggression,” I relayed verbatim what I had been taught all my life. Shaking her red curly hair Monica started the truck and pulled back onto the road. “Guess you will learn once we return to my pack,” she declared and I grew withdrawn as I watched the forest and my past rolling by but I knew that the road would end soon. Glancing over at Monica I chewed on the inside of my lip. “How are you going to transport your cargo because no roads lead up to the river,” I mumbled. Gasping in mock horror Monica giggled as she side-eyed me. “Surely you have heard of ATVs and snowmobiles? Plus our pack owns a plane and helicopter when needed.” “Your pack is much more wealthy than my father's,” I muttered and she nodded. Grabbing a thick flannel shirt from the back of her seat she handed it to me and said, “It's cold where we are headed so bundle yourself up. I'm sorry about your exposed legs since I don't have any extra pants but you can cover yourself with the blankets on the sled that'll be pulled behind the ATV.” Taking the worn work shirt I thanked her as I winced and struggled to put it on. She watched me with a concerned brow. “When we get there I want you to stay in my room and heal,” she asserted then added, “I will deal with any suspicion that may arise.” “I don't want you to be in trouble on my account,” I said softly, causing her to laugh lightly. “There won't be any trouble, miss, just think of me as your fairy Lycan Grandma,” she laughed and my busted lip curled. I liked this female and she gave me a great vibe. “I will work off any costs I may accumulate. Smiling, Monica nodded and said, “That seems fair but getting healthy is the first goal and that won't cost you anything. Now be a dear and rest your pretty eyes, get rest before I get to the meeting point with the others. Swallowing nervously I asked, “What other's?” “Not to worry, dear. No harm will come to you as long as you're with me.” Too weak and hurt to make a fuss I sighed, laid my head back against the seat, and drifted off into a fitful sleep. I would trust the Lycan because my wolf senses told me that I could.Jade's pov “Jade, dear you must awaken so I can get you hidden in the trailer,” Monica beseeched. Cracking open my swollen eyes I felt like crap. “I'm sort of awake and feeling awful,” I murmured. Feeling her hand on my forehead she exhaled sharply and said, “You have a fever. I have medicine that will help but first I need you in the trailer.” Deliriously, I nodded and when I opened the door I tumbled to the ground. My injuries screamed painfully. “Do you need me to carry you,” Monica asked me as she hung out of the passenger side. Shaking my head I told her that I was fine and just needed to get my bearings. Getting to my feet I stood there with my hand braced against the side of the truck. Monica came around to my side and suggested that I allow her to lift me into the open trailer. “Sit down in the middle so I can cover you with the items. Go ahead and get some sleep, it's going to take several hours to get there,” she instructed. Not having the strength to q
Jade's pov I'd been taught by my pack and parents that Lycans were a breed apart from us but we both followed the Moon Goddess and her council so perhaps my old pack was wrong I thought as I listened to Monica explaining to me about her ensuite. She was telling me which bedroom I would use, where the bathroom was, and the necessities for a bath or shower. “Thank you, I don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't driven past me,” I said sincerely, causing her to laugh. Coming toward me she sighed. “I may have had ulterior motives, don't hate me Jade but I love my son and since his father's passing I worry about him and his future,” she said reluctantly. “Finding you is an answer to a prayer I've made to the Goddess, for several decades,” she added. Raising my brow I exhaled deeply and said, “I am the last person that you would want to have for your son. First, you know nothing about me and secondly, I was raised to be untrusting of others, especially men. Not to ment
Conri Rex’s pov Taking my mom directly to my office to avoid any interruptions when we arrived I was shocked to see her looking worried. “What is going on and why do you look distressed,” I asked her as she sat down and rubbed her eyes. “I'm worried about that young lady. She was injured more than I had realized yet refuses to drink the medicine I offered,” she muttered softly. Shaking my head I pulled up a chair to sit beside her and watched her wipe away a tear that had fallen from her eyes. She had always been a caring person and had been all my life. “I should have gotten her before the incident,” she groaned sadly. Confused about what she was talking about I asked, “What is going on Mother? Did you get another one of your visions or has the Goddess herself been putting ideas in your head?” Giving me a glare my mom pffted at me. “She was beaten by her father and his guards and then tossed onto a secluded gravel road, that is terrible!” “Why did they do that? If y
Jade’s pov Watching Monica and Conri returning to the dining room I kept a close eye on Monica in hopes she would spill what was discussed. After they took their seats the king mumbled softly and announced that he was excusing himself. I watched him stand and leave abruptly in concern. Turning to Monica I asked her what that was about. “I have no clue, dear,” she said honestly and I chewed on my last bite of food in worry. “Why am I concerned about Conri? I mean I'm certain that he can take care of himself. He was a Lycan king after all, I mused then grinned slightly to myself. Glancing over at Monica I asked her what her son's tattoos were about causing her to chuckle. “You're going to ask him about what they all mean,” she replied and I shook my head timidly. ‘’I couldn't do that! He is the king and I am not even a Lycan or have a wolf for that matter,” I muttered sourly. “Well, dear since we're finished with the meal, how about you and I take a walk around this hu
Jade’s pov Awakened by Monica holding a cup out at me with a grin on her face I sat up yawning and stretching. “Wake yourself and drink this. It will perk you up and make you feel like a million bucks,” she insisted. Taking it from her fingers I asked her if it was coffee and she made a goofy facial expression and told me no. Sniffing the contents it smelled alright so I took a sip and quickly drained it all. Smacking my lips I thanked her and handed the cup back. “Get up dear, we have a lot to get accomplished today,” she said in encouragement. Feeling a warmth starting to spread throughout my body I narrowed my eyes as my cheeks flushed. ‘“I feel hot and very exhausted. I just want to sleep,” I muttered as she quickly felt my forehead. “You're burning up, crap,” she cursed and quickly rushed out of the room. Closing my eyes I fell into a dream-like state and was aware of Monica rushing back in biting her nails nervously with Gabby thumbing through an ancient spell book. I
Jade’s pov “Jade, wait up,” I heard Monica shout as I reached the entrance of the establishment. Rushing to my side she said, “It's technically not open yet but they will allow you in when accompanying Conri or me,” she explained as she reached out past me and rapped on the door. The door opened and an old man spied Monica and grinned. “Hey sweetie, are you coming for breakfast?” “You Betcha Derek, you are the only man I know that can cook like a Michelin star chef,” she chuckled then introduced me to her friend, explaining how I wished to work. His kind eyes looked at me as he nodded. “She's pretty and will earn much if she can waitress,” he said firmly. Nodding I told him that I had experience and could easily carry a tray full of drinks. “Great, come on in and Monica go to your table and I will whip up a nice morning feast for you both,” Derek said with a wink to my dear friend. Putting her arm around my shoulders she led me inside and told the man that Conri w
Jade’s pov Seeing Monica sitting in her living room area of our shared suite she grinned up at me. “Did he ask you to go see the flowers?” Nodding, I told her he said that it was just a friendly outing when I asked him if it was a date,” I murmured, causing her to roll her eyes. “He doesn't know how to behave around females that don't fling themselves at him. Jade, don't make it easy for the fool. Let him work for it,” she asserted and I chuckled. “I'm not sure what you expect me to do Monica. I'm not an expert with men and I may not go with him,” I stated disparagingly. “Oh dear, the king is interested in you, whether he is my son or not you can't refuse the king!” Side-eyeing her I huffed as I sat beside her on the couch. “Will he be aggressive with me if I thwart his advances? I'm not sure if I am ready for that,” I explained my concern. Days before I told her that my heartbeat increased and my arm hair raised in Conri's presence. She had encouraged me to pursue h
Jade’s pov Once Monica was finished with my hair she beamed at how lovely I looked. “You're going to knock his socks off,” she laughed and as I looked at myself in her full-length mirror I blinked at the site. “I look different,” I mumbled softly as I turned to see my profile. “You look like you, Jade, just more refined,” Monica giggled. The door opened to her room and I heard Conri say, “Holy crap, you're stunning!” Seeing him wearing gray sweatpants and an oversized flannel with a t-shirt underneath I glanced down at myself with a frown. Side-eyeing Monica, I huffed. ‘“I'm overdressed,” I growled. She hurried toward her son and shooed him off telling him to change. “Dress up, you silly boy!” I covered my chuckle with my closed fist. “Monica, we are just going out to look at flower fields, it's not a formal situation,” I giggled. Shaking her head she sighed. “Still, you deserve more than his casual attire,” she stated firmly and I nodded slightly. Inha