Chapter 11

Jaz took several slow calming breathes. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Riley and babies, human or Were could pick up on a person's emotions. "Hey little man, let's see about getting you and your siblings out of the sun before it gets too hot."

While her mind was a whirl of what if's and what the hell! Jaz remained calm as she got to her feet wrapping her sarong around Riley so it would cover his head and most of his face. Approaching the side of the pool she called out the Riley's father, "Matt I'm thinking it's time you got the children out of the water."

The expression on Matt's face was not happy. "I think I can be the judge of when 'my' children have had enough of the water. If you don't want to hold Riley any more just say so and I'll..."

He didn't finish his sentence the anger on Jaz's face stopped him. "I'm not about to tell you how to bring up your children Matthew," she glance skyward before returning her eyes to him. "Considering the time of day and the heat of the sun, unless you want to be up all night with three children crying with sun related pain I'd suggest you do as I suggested."

The colour drained from Matt's face, he nodded and gathered to unwilling children. "Come on Jaz is right, you're both going to get sunburn and that will be painful for all of us."

Both Kody and Liam made a fuss not wanting to get out of the water, but followed their father towards the deck chair he'd left their towels on. Matt wiped each of them over quickly then wrapped their towel around them. He picked up their shoes tossing them into Riley's nappy bag before picking it up and shouldering it.

Jaz followed them but when he went to turn off to where he was staying he turned to Jaz holding out his arms for Riley. Jaz didn't immediately hand him over. Truth be told she didn't want to hand him over at all.

She took a breath, released it as she calmly handed Riley to him. Jaz hoped Matt wouldn't tell her to leave them alone, there were things she needed to ask him. Questions he seriously needed to answer.

"Matt when I introduced myself to you this morning, I neglected to inform you that I'm also a doctor. I have my medical bag in my suite with a salve that will help ease any discomfort the children might have."

"Why are you being so... nice?"

Jaz smiled softly. "Matt I'm not a threat to you or your children. I'll go shower and change. Then I'll come see how you're faring with the children. If that's all right with you?"

Matt sighed, "I'm really making a mess of things aren't I?" he shook his head indicating he didn't want her to answer. "I'll put the two big ones in the tub and get them cleaned up first. Then they can watch T.V while I get Riley cleaned up. We're in room 638."

Jaz nodded and made her way to her suite leaving Matt to deal with his three children. For the moment she had more than enough to think about. What she should do is call her brothers and let them know about Riley. How on earth a human ended up with a Were child... she sighed, decided not to think about anything until she was chlorine free and dressed in more than a bathing suit and a towel.

Ten minutes later showered and dressed she was sitting on the side of her bed wondering what the hell she was supposed to do. As a pack member she should contact her brothers to let them know about Riley and the situation; that being he was living with or so it seemed that somehow his father is human.

I need to talk to Matt. He needs to tell me what's going on, where is his wife, although I have an idea where she is. And possibly how and why he has a Were child.

Jaz put her elbows on her knees and held her head in her hands. He needs to trust me. Damn it I can't tell my brothers, not yet. Not until I know what's going on.

Coming to a decision Jaz got to her feet grabbed her medical bag handbag and keys before heading out to go to Matt's. His unit was placed in the middle of the complex so they had people all around them. Smart. If he's hiding or running from someone it would be more difficult to find him hidden in the midst of so many people and the scent of chlorine on everyone would also help.

Jaz knocked on the door, was surprised when Liam opened it. "Liam, where is your father?" The boy shrugged and ran back inside to sit in front of the television with his sister.

Jaz followed Liam closing and locking the door behind her. Looking around the living room she could see it was likely the most used room, there were toys scattered here and there as well as a few books and on the coffee table there were several colouring in books and a pencil case full of coloured pencils. She smiled remembering visiting the homes of many of the children at the Compound.

Moving further into the room Jaz notices the mess in the bedroom, clothes scattered everywhere. "Matt, it's Jaz I'm just going to check the children and see if they need me to put any of the salve I told you about on them."

Matt called out from what Jaz assumed what the bathroom. "Okay, I'll be out in a few minutes."

Jaz moved to the couch, placing her bag on the coffee table and opening it to get the salve out. Looking over at the children she called out to them. "Kody, Liam I need to take a look at you to see if you need me to put any cream on you okay." She smiles softly hoping they'd do as she asked. She was relieved when they nodded. "Okay who wants to go first?"

Liam got to his feet, "I will, dad says I should be brave and always look after Kody." He looked a little confused. "Is this looking after Kody?"

"Yes Liam it is. You putting yourself first to make sure there is no threat to your sister is definitely taking care of your sister." His face lit up and he had a smile from ear to ear, so did Kody.

After Matt had washed them he'd dressed both children in just their underwear making it easier for Jaz. She looked over Liam's arms, shoulders and back. They were a little red, not too bad but she didn't want to take any chances so gave him a light rub down with the salve to prevent any soreness.

Liam was well behaved, he stood still as she applied the salve. Jaz felt awkward... uncomfortable so started talking to the boy. "So tell me Liam how old are you?"

"I'm seven, but I'm almost eight. Are you nearly finished?"

"Nearly done. How about Kody. You're her big brother that must make you feel proud? How old is she four? Five?"

"She's five. She's my best friend... besides Adam and David and Peter." He shrugged "Kody's my best girl... friend. You know?"

Jaz smiled, "Yes I know. I have a friend like that too. His name is Jacob. He's my best friend, almost like my brother."

Liam nodded, "Yeah!" then smiled. They both knew about having that special kind of best friend that was either family or like family.

"Okay all done. Kody, it's your turn now."

Kody was slow getting to her feet so engrossed in the show they'd been watching on television. Jaz waited quietly and noticed that the little girl had burnt more than her brother. "Okay, it looks like you'll need a little more than Liam." She carefully rubbed the salve over Kody's shoulders and arms. Her back wasn't quite as bad, but she covered it as well just to be sure.

"How's that feel?"

"Feels nice and cool. Can you put some on my face too?"

"Of course. How about I put a little on both your faces, just to make sure you don't get sore later." She nodded and she saw Liam out the corner of her eye moving towards them.

"Are you gonna put that stuff on Riley too?" asked Kody.

"Yes. He's a baby so we need to make sure he's okay as well."

Matt came out from one of the bedrooms holding Riley wrapped in a towel. "I umm, wasn't sure if I should dress him or not?"

"I'm finished with Kody and Liam," she held out her arms and he gave Riley to her. "I'll spread the towel on one of the beds and check him over. He's so little, I'll put the salve on him just to make sure." She picked up the salve, closed her bag from curious eyes and moved towards the bedroom Matt had just came from.

"I'll fix a snack for the kids and see what we have for lunch while you're with Riley."

"Okay," Jaz called over her shoulder then moved quickly to place Riley on the bed. She opened the towel so she could give him a good look over, make sure he was in one piece which he was. Jaz then rubbed Riley's body with the salve, using it sparingly as a baby's skin is sensitive as she didn't want to aggravate it setting off a reaction.

There were clothes laid out on the bed, a disposable nappy, singlet and a tee-shirt and short set, but Jaz just put the nappy and singlet on him. Riley was all smiles, it appeared he liked all the handling he'd be having which was a good thing.

Jaz grabbed a rug sitting on the end of the bed as she picked up Riley and moved back to the living room. Jaz spread the rug on the floor near Riley's siblings, placing him on it while letting the children know to be careful of him.

She noticed Matt in the kitchenette area organising food, but went back through the bedroom and into the bathroom so she could wash her hands and collect the salve to put back in her medical bag.

When Jaz came back into the living room Kody and Liam each had a bowl with slices of fruit and Riley was laying back with a bottle of juice. "I've made coffee. It's instant I'm afraid."

"I'm sure it will be fine. Why don't we go sit on the back steps so we can talk? I locked the front door and I think the children will be fine watching that movie. No one should disturb us."

Matt seemed nervous, concerned even but nodded and moved to get their coffee bringing out to the back steps where Jaz waited for him. "The kids, are they okay?"

"Yes they're fine, but we need to talk and I need you to be honest with me. Matt I need you to trust me."

Matt didn't look too trusting, in fact he didn't look like he wanted to be sitting with Jaz at all. "What do you mean?"

"You have a lovely family Matt, but where's your wife, your children's mother?"

The colour drained from Matt's face, but he remained silent. "I can make a guess in regards to what happened to your wife. Did she die in childbirth?" Matt's eyes all but popped out of his head telling Jaz that she had.

"Matt was your wife attacked, raped?"

Matt's hand started shaking so badly Jaz took the coffee cup from him and placed it on the step beside him. "Matt I'm not your enemy, I swear I mean you and your family no harm but we need to discuss what happened."

He nodded. "Yes." He took a few calming breaths before he could continue, "she went out with a few friends. It had been ages since she'd gone out and left me or the kids. He... he was in the car park hassling a young girl. She was someone we knew."

Matt laughed, "It wouldn't have mattered if she hadn't known her she would have still tried to stop him. My Ellie told the bastard that the girl was too young, she was just a baby, so he let her go. As soon as she was out of sight..."

Jaz gave his arm a squeeze, offering him support. "Matt I'm sorry but I need to ask, this is important. The man who attacked your wife. Did you find out she was pregnant?"

"Why... why is this important? I mean, why do you need to know?"

Jaz turned so she held Matts gaze, kept hold of his arm not just to keep him steady but so she could keep an eye on his pulse and heart rate. "Like I told you, I'm a doctor. I've dealt with cases like this before. Your wife should have had expert help," she closed her eyes thinking back on Chrissy and her pregnancy.

Jaz knew she had to be honest with Matt if she was going to get him on side. "Your wife should have had someone like me to care for her. Your Ellie would have had a better chance of surviving. We could have made preparations so that she didn't die. If only we'd known."

"Jaz you're not making any sense?"

"When did your wife die?"

"What you mean is how old is my son!"

"Yes." She all but whispered.

Matt shook his head, his face full of pain. "Ellie went into labour early, too early, but the doctor said the baby was fine, she was more worried about my wife. God she was in so much pain and there was so much blood." Tears ran down his pain filled face, memories of loss all but tearing him apart.

"Matt, focus on what's here and now. Your children need you. When did this happen. How old is Riley."

"My Ellie passed on seven and a half months ago."

"Matt the man that attacked your wife, he isn't exactly human. He's a Were, a Shifter. And the fact that he attacked your wife tells me he was a Rogue." She saw the confusion on Matt's face and decided to keep going.

"Riley isn't your son. He doesn't look like you, doesn't have any of your familial traits, and yet I can see his siblings in him. They have a similar scent to you. Riley doesn't. He has his own distinct scent because he isn't yours. Riley is a Were and if the Rogue who fathered him finds out he exists he will come after him."

Matt turned away from her and that's when she knew; the fact that they were hiding out in the middle of a resort complex when there were much cheaper places to take a family and the way Liam was so protective of his sister.

"He knows doesn't he? And he's following you."

Matt gasped for breath panic beginning to set in. Jaz placed a hand on either side of his face looking into his eyes. "Matt stay with me. Look into my eyes and breathe. In. Out. In. Out. That's it, keep going."

Once he was calm Jaz moved her hands to his shoulders keeping her eyes locked with his. "Matt I need you to trust me. I am not your enemy, but if he knows about Riley none of you are safe. Do you understand?"

All the air escaped his body as it began to shake. He shook his head slowly from side to side, "I'm not sure. It's more of a feeling, like someone is close - watching us. It started a couple of weeks ago, I shook it off, but when I saw Kody talking to some stranger out the front of our house I about freaked. She told me he was asking about our new baby. I packed what I thought we'd need and as soon as I thought the coast was clear we left."

"How long have you been on the road?"

"Almost a week. I wanted to head for the city, but I don't know why... we ended up coming here. I figured it was as safe a place as any to lose ourselves for a while."

"Your right about losing yourselves for a while, but it won't stop him and if he has to go through every person here to get to his son, he will."

The anguish on his face told Jaz he was in no condition to make any decisions. "Matt we need to get you and your family to safety. Somewhere the Rogue can't touch any of you, but you need to trust me." Matt nodded.

Jaz felt her heart pick up a beat, if this was going to work she needed full disclosure. She only hoped what she was about to tell him didn't dissuade him from trusting her. "Matt I need to call my brothers, let them know what's going on. They'll send out Enforcers, men to help. We just need to sit tight until they get here."

"Enforcers, what do you mean?"

Jaz sent out a silent pray hoping he'd be receptive to what she was about to say. "Matt the man who attacked your wife was a Were, but he was what we call a Rogue - a criminal. The worst kind of person, bordering on animal. They are hunted down and killed, because that's all they know. Death, fear, torture and taking who and what they want for their own needs."

"Realisation started to creep onto Matt's face. "Jaz you speak as if you are one of them?"

"I am Matt. We are in part of my Packs territory. My brothers, one is the Pack Alpha the other is the Head of Security. The Head Enforcer."

"And your friend, the one you mentioned to Liam?"

"That would Jacob. He's my brother's second and yes he's as close as a brother to me. Sometimes closer."

"And you Jaz, what part do you play in the Pack? Did you know about me, about the Rogue or any of this?"

Jaz laughed to herself, giving her head a shake as she let go of Matt's arms. "I am or I was for many years the Pack Healer. I recently stood down from the position and came here to get away from my responsibilities and Pack life for a time. As for the Rogue." She sighed.

"There are Rogues from time to time and they are deal with as quickly possible, but we had no knowledge of you or your situation. If we had we wouldn't be sitting here now. Will you let me help you?"

"What do you suggest besides calling in the troops?"

Jaz was about to speak when Riley let out a wail! Matt immediately got to his feet to see what the problem was, Jaz a step behind him. It seemed Riley had finished his bottle and was bored, his sibling more interested in watching television than playing with him.

Matt picked him up which was usually enough to calm him, but the little boy turned towards Jaz reaching out to him. This surprised Matt but he let the boy go to her. As soon as Riley was in her arms he was all smiles.

"He likes you."

"He recognises what I am."

Matt still seemed sceptical so Jaz turned making sure the children couldn't see what she was doing and looked at Matt through her Wolf's eyes. Matt jumped back in fright; Riley giggled thinking it was funny bringing Matt back to himself.

"Now do you believe what I am saying?"

"I believed you. I just didn't want to..."

"It's okay Matt I know this is difficult. Now aside from contacting my brothers what do you want me to do?"

Matt moved over to the dining table and took a seat. Jaz joined him waiting for him to speak. "Okay, I'm guessing you have no option but to call your brothers or your Alpha or whatever?" Jazz nodded.

"Before you do, I want you to do something for me. I need a lawyer or someone legal to set down my will." He shook of a protest from Jaz. "I need to make sure things are in order just in case anything happens to me or the kids. I'm guessing you'll want us to stay with you because of Riley and that's fine with me. It's probably safer, but I need to know for my own peace of mind that the kids will be taken care of."

"I can do that. We have a team of lawyers working for us. I can have one draw up whatever you need. This is likely going to take a few phone calls. I'll call Braedon, the Alpha and get things moving." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Thank you for trusting me."

"I think I needed to trust someone Jaz, besides I think I was out of options."

"Matt until they arrive I'd suggest you remain inside. If the children get too much for you I can help and my suite is bigger. It might be safer if you move in with me. I can protect myself and your family." She smiled, "I have claws too."

He laughed. "Okay, but let's get the calls done first and see how we go."

Jaz pulled out her phone from her back pocket and dialled Braedon. He picked up on the fourth ring, "Jaz, where are you? Are you well? Please tell me you are safe?"

"Yes brother I'm safe. Are you angry that I left the way I did?"

"I was, until I realised you had good reason to do so. When you return we will talk and this time I promise to truly listen as will our other pigheaded brother."

Jaz smiled, "That sounds wonderful Brae, but we have a situation and I need you to get Nicolas, Jacob, Eli and Cade before we get into it."

"Jacob is here I'll put you on speak if that suits?"

"That's fine Braedon. Thank you for asking."

"Jaz my sweet, talk to me."

"Jacob I need you to contact our lawyers, have someone contact me," at that moment the baby started crying, Jaz took Matt's arm stopping him from leaving. "Jacob I'm going to put you on to a new friend, his name is Matthew Hogan. We're staying at the Opal Cove Resort I'll put him on so he can give you his mobile number to pass on to our lawyers. That way they can contact him directly. He can also let you know what room he and his family are in. I'll be right back." She glanced at Matt and he nodded.

Jaz picked Riley up and checked on the other two, they were starting to dose off so she hustled them into the bedroom and got them settled before changing Riley's nappy and making her way back to Matt.

"Is everyone else there yet?"

"Jaz!" called Nicolas, "Where the hell are you?"

She couldn't help but laugh, causing Riley to make murmuring sounds against her. "That," she turned towards Matt, "Is my other brother Nicolas." She sighed. "We have a Rogue problem. Thankfully it's just the one, but he's stalking Mr Hogan and his family."

"Jaz," cut in Nicolas. "Is that a baby I can hear and why would a Rogue be stalking a human family?"

Jaz waited hoping Matt would speak, thankfully he did. "Nicolas is it? My Wife, my... Ellie was attacked by this person. Raped. Not long after we found out she was pregnant. She died giving birth to our son. I may not be his biological father, but he's my son."

"He knows about the child?"

"Yes. I packed up and we left as soon as I thought it was safe to do so. Jaz said we would be safe with you."

"Yes. I want you to do exactly as Jaz tells you to do. For now you're fairly safe, but don't leave the complex and if possible don't move around the grounds too much. I'll have a group headed your way within the hour."

"Jaz suggested we move into her suite, I'm not sure if that's a good idea or not?"

"No stay put. Jaz you should probably start packing up so you're ready to leave when we get there. Matt you should do the same just don't pack the car. Have everything ready to go though. I don't want your scent or the scent of your family anywhere he might be able to track it.

He paused for a moment, "Jaz is there anything you need?"

"If Cade is there ask her to speak to the wind, see what answers she receives? And Nicolas, don't send Nate he..."

"Jaz enough!"

"Nicolas, this isn't about me. It's about Phia, she'll be stressed if he's away. She doesn't need that right now."

"Oh, course. I apologise. I need to go get the men organised I'll see you soon." And he was gone.

"Brae?"

"I'm here Jaz. Cade and Eli will be with you soon. She's doing as you asked and don't worry about the rest of your family they too are safe. Jacob is on another line speaking with our lawyers and is likely to travel with Nicolas when he leaves.

"Jaz I won't ask if you've come to a decision, I won't push. God only knows I've done enough of that where you're concerned. Right now we need to concentrate on getting you all home safely. Now tell me about Matt's family."

"Matt?"

"It's okay Jaz, your brother has a right to know what he's getting himself into."

She smiled and as if on que Riley started babbling as if wanting to have his say. They both laughed as did Braedon. "I'm guessing that's the child in questions?"

"Yes. That was Riley Matt's youngest, he's six months old. Matt also has a son Liam who's almost eight and very much protective of his younger sister Kody who's five. They are both wonderful children, although I'm sure I'm bias. I believe I fell in love with them as soon as I met them both. And Riley, well he seemed to recognise what I am and has taken a liking to me. They're a close knit family Brae and I promised we'd protect them."

"We will Jaz, but for now you and Matt need to take every care until you hear from Nicolas. Hold on Jacob is back."

"Jaz, Matt. I've organised for a Mr Randall Blake to contact you to discuss whatever legal issues you have. Matt I'm assuming it's to do with the safety of your family should anything happen to you."

"Yes. I have the house and some land that they'll be entitled to as well as a bit of money. So long as they'll be taken care of I'll do whatever is necessary to keep them safe."

"We need to keep you safe as well Matt. Your children need you and from what Jaz has said, you've already done a wonderful job in bringing them up."

"Okay Jaz," began Braedon. "I'll call you back in thirty minutes then every twenty after that. Go, start packing your things. Matt you should do the same. Remember don't start packing the car. You don't want to be seen and you don't want your scent outside. Stay safe and alert, both of you." He hung up and for a moment Jaz sat staring at the phone.

It was Matt that got her moving. "Jaz I was thinking we should maybe we should get started."

"When I've finished packing I'll bring a bag and stay here with you and the children." She handed off the baby, sent him a supportive smile then quickly left to get organised.

Matt held Riley close, running a finger over his soft silky blonde hair. He was his son maybe not by blood, but Riley was his and no one was going to take him away from him. He moved quietly to check on Liam and Kody. It wasn't like them to sleep during the day. He sighed, the stress had to be getting to them as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took Jaz a great deal longer than she's thought to finalise her packing. She brought a shoulder bag with a few articles of clothing, her medical bag and emptied the refrigerator bringing all the food she had including the chocolates with her.

As she walked towards Matt's a car made its way towards her parking close by. Two men and a woman got out of the car approached her. They were human, she could scent it. Jaz waited for them to introduce themselves and it wasn't until the man in the lead spoke that she felt relief course through her veins.

"Jaz, I'm Randall Blake." He held out his phone showing a photograph of her. "Jacob sent me a photograph of you so. He also said I should not call you and I quote 'my sweet'. He said that was his pet name for you." He held out his other hand and she took it.

"It's nice to meet you Mr..." he shook his head a smile on his face. "It's nice to meet you Randall."

Randall turned to his colleagues then back to Jaz, "This is my wife, Renee and my associate Gregory Parker. We're going to need witnesses to sign the documents so I thought it best to bring them with me. Mr Hogan agreed."

Jaz nodded, "I was just on me way to Matt's." She started walking and they followed.

Jaz introduced everyone to Matt then left him alone to sort out his legal matters. She put her bags down in the living room and took the food to the kitchen. The children she were still asleep giving them all a bit of breathing space.

Jaz went about sorting through the food in the kitchen seeing what she had in the way of ingredients to put together for a meal. The children would be hungry when they woke up and she was feeling peckish as it was. Matt on the other hand looked like he hadn't had a full meal in days.

By the time Jaz had put together individual plates of ham and cheese sandwiches and fruit for the Kody and Liam as well as something similar for Riley, the two older children had woken up. She helped them quietly wash their face and hands then settled them in the living room first with their sandwich and a cup of milk before checking on Riley.

Since Riley was still sleeping, Jaz sat with the children eating her own sandwich and drinking a cup of coffee. Tension was building, they were in unfamiliar territory with no backup. It would still be hours before anyone got them - realistically she was all that stood between a Rogue and safety.

An ice cold shudder ran down Jaz's spine and she did her best not to alert the children. She would do all in her power to protect them, the trouble was Were though she was; Jaz was a Healer not a fighter.

Jaz sipped her coffee, doing her best to hide her nervousness. The way she saw the situation at they were in, Matt and his family were hers to protect. Jaz didn't think Matt would appreciate her stating this fact, but it was the truth.

Her thoughts flitted back to her own child, she'd have done anything to save him. Jaz knew in her heart - in her soul that she would have gladly given her own life to save his. Could she do any less now?

When the children were finished eating she got them to settle around the coffee table with their colour in books and pencils. While she washed up their plates and cups she looked for anything that could be utilised as a weapon finding only a couple of fruit knives. She left them on the counter where they could be taken up quickly and turned to the bedroom after hearing movement from Riley.

He was all smiles when he saw her, reaching up wanting to be picked up. Jaz changed his nappy and brought him out to sit on the couch near Kody and Liam. He was all gurgles and baby talk wanting to be with his brother and sister, so Jaz place him on the floor near them both so she could get his food ready.

Jaz couldn't help but smile, all three children were good together, the older two looking out for Riley and not bothered that he was interrupting them at all. Looking at them, she couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to have her own family. Jaz pulled back from that thought, that way lay pain, loss and a life she was never meant to have.

Jaz had just finished feeding Riley when Matt and the others came out of his room. Randall gave her a nod and all three of them left. Matt looked over his children making sure they were safe then turned to Jaz. "I should see about getting them something to eat."

"I've already fed them Matt. Why don't you take a seat, I've fixed you a sandwich as well and there's a fresh pot of coffee." He nodded and made for the couch, quickly surrounded by his children.

Matt gave each of them a cuddle making sure they knew he was there for them and that they felt safe. He sat Riley on his lap until Jaz brought his food to him then she took the child from him. "Eat! You look like you haven't had a good meal in days."

Once he'd finished eating Jaz poured them both more coffee. All three children were on the floor playing quietly. Jaz knew at least the older two sensed something wasn't right, but thankfully didn't ask any questions.

"So," Jaz began. "You've gotten everything sorted?"

Matt looked into his coffee cup, "Yes. Everything is signed and in order. They've got a copy and so have I." He indicated the envelope on the table. "Now what do we do?"

"Now we wait for my people to arrive. They should be here in a few hours."