Chapter 12

The children were getting restless, were tired of being cooped up inside and Jaz couldn't blame them, but there wasn't much she could do about it. They needed to stay inside, all of them.

Her mobile rang at intervals, her brother checking in making sure she was safe and to let her know their progress. Braedon it seemed pulled rank, was with Nicolas on the road headed their way, leaving Jacob in charge of the Compound.

Jazz too was feeling restless in need of air, her nerves were on edge and she needed to make sure they weren't in any danger. "Matt I'm going to go for a short walk to see what I can discover." She gave him a knowing look and when he nodded she got to her feet and headed towards the door with two tag-a-long's hanging off her.

Matt had to drag them off her. They were crying, wanting to go outside and play, wanting to go swimming, just wanting to be outside. Their crying set off Riley and by the time Jaz was out the door all three were in Matt's arms crying.

Jaz closed the door behind her and took a deep calming breath. She'd never done perimeter work like the men did at home but she felt the need to do something similar now. Maybe not the perimeter of the complex itself, but at least several metres around where they were housed.

Talking a stroll so as not to bring notice to herself from others, Jaz moved in a wide circle making her way in with each complete turn. It was when she got to the beach on the third turn that Jaz's senses came alive and not in a good way.

Pulling her phone out of the back pocket of her jeans she called Matt, "Matt, I think it best if you start packing the car. I'll be there shortly. Keep the children inside until the car is ready to go."

"Jaz..." she hung up. "Shit!" Matt tried not to panic. That Jaz wanted him to pack right now meant that something wasn't right, that maybe 'he' was out there and he had to be ready to leave, to get his kids to safety. So that's what he'd do.

Not worrying about the pencils and colouring books in the living room Matt went about packing up everything else that needed to be put into a bag before putting it all into the car. Sweat running down his back and face, Matt could feel himself shaking in fear. Not for himself but for his children.

Panic was slowly taking over, he looked at his children for strength – looked away because the sight of them made him want to take them and run. Breathe, just breath and try and calm down. Matt walked slowly to where his children waited for him then sat with them pulling them all into his lap.

Comfort, love and the urge to protect were all there. This was his family. His beloved wife trusted him to do what was best for them and he'd do whatever he had to; even if it meant putting his own life in danger. Tears came, so unmanly but he didn't care, these were his kids and he didn't give a stuff if he showed his emotions.

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

A light breeze brought the scent with it, a scent that almost froze the blood in her veins. Rogue! Jaz hung up her call to Matt and dialled Nicolas. "How long?"

"Jaz, what's happened?"

"The Rogue. He's close by, I just caught his scent. How long until you arrive?"

"We'll be there in forty minutes." He put his foot to the floor, "Make that twenty, hold tight Jaz. And Jaz, do whatever you need to, to survive." The line went dead.

Jaz started moving back towards Matt and the children, was brought up short when she saw the door wide open and Matt's car gone. "Shit!"

Doing a quick check to make sure the children weren't still inside and knowing as she did so that they wouldn't be, Jaz's mind was working ahead of itself as to what she should do. Grabbing her few belongings that she'd brought with her she ran, picking up speed as only a Were could making it to her car in no time.

Thankfully she'd already packed her belongings, so tossed the rest of her things in the back seat before getting in and starting the ignition. As quickly as possible Jaz made her way to the exit stopping only long enough to decide which way to go.

Traffic was light so Jaz was able to pick up on their scent, but that wouldn't last, not when they were travelling by car. Driving until she came to a cross-roads Jaz had no other option but to pull onto the side of the road unsure of which way to go. Jaz knew which way she'd have gone, but that was her, she had no way of knowing what Matt would have done.

Considering her position Jaz pulled out her mobile and called Cade. Thankfully her daughter picked up on the second ring. "Mum! What's wrong?"

"Who's with you?"

"Eli and the guys?"

Jaz breathed a sigh of relief. "Honey I need you to try something for me. I have no idea if it will work, but I need you to try."

"Sure mum whatever you need."

"You said you could hear things, whispers on the wind. Have you ever tried sending messages that way?"

"No, but there's always a first time. What do you need?"

Jaz smiled, "I love you Cade. You do know that right?"

"Yeah I know, now tell me."

"I scented the Rogue and told Matt to pack up the car. He panicked and took off before I got back to him. I'm following, but at a cross-road and have no idea which way he might have gone. Cade I've got a feeling the Rogue has gone after them. He's got three little ones with him. I couldn't bare if they were hurt, not any of them."

"I'll see what I can do. Stay pull okay, I'll hand you over to Leith."

Jaz could hear her daughter speaking to the others, "Eli can you pull over. Leith you talk to my mother for a few minutes."

"Why me?"

She took a breath, Because Nicolas is going to pull up and demand to know why we stopped and you can't lie straight in bed. Taylor can." Taylor had the good grace to look embarrassed.

Cade grinned at Leith, "You're more of a people person. So while you make sure my mum's okay Taylor's going to get out of the car, run ahead to tell him what needs to be said. Got it?"

"Got it." Leith sighed, took a breath then took the phone. "Hi Jaz, how you doing?" Jaz burst out laughing, so did Leith.

Cade turned to Taylor, "I got this. I'll let him know you're going to try and see if the wind can tell you anything."

Cade gave him a nod in thanks and got out of the car. She watched as Taylor ran towards Nicolas to explain what was going on then turned to find somewhere a little further off the road where she would have a bit more privacy from anyone driving by.

Cade had no idea if this would work or not, but she had faith in her abilities and the Elders or whoever the beings were that had watched over her and Cord all these years. Finding a patch of soft grass she sat cross-legged, hand resting lightly on her knees, eyes closed with her face lifted to the sky.

Softly Cade spoke hoping her message would be received. "Elders, Watchers please listen to my request. My mother Jazmina Romanoff is in need of your help. She's at a cross-roads and unsure which road to follow. There are children involved and a father desperate to save them from a Rogue."

A light breeze brushed against Cades face, she remained still hoping her request for help would be met. She waited, as the breeze slowly grew, engulfed her. Cade felt as if she were in a cocoon; she opened her eyes to see a familiar figure. Cade smiled at the woman before bowing her head in respect.

The woman approached placing one hand on her shoulder the other on her cheek. "You are growing strong young Guardian. Soon you will show your worth to all but there is time yet for youthful thoughts and perhaps even love." She smiled and indicated over Cades shoulder.

Cade blushed but remained silent. "This is the first time you have called upon us." She smiled, "It is good that you have done so." She moved the hand that was on Cades shoulder and rested it over her heart then moved the other over Cades temple. Giving a nod they both closed their eyes and knowledge was passed from one to the other.

When she was done and removed her hands Cade looked up at her in awe. "Thank you." The woman stepped back starting to fade when Cade called out to her, "Please, what is your name?"

"You need only look at your memories to discover my name child I have already given it to you. Hurry now, your mother needs your guidance." Then she was gone.

Cade turned to find Eli waiting for her just in case he was needed. He could tell from the grin on her face what she'd done had worked. "We need to tell them something."

"Oh. Umm. Can we tell them it didn't work?" she looked so hopeful, Eli shook his head, we need to tell them something. We all saw you surrounded by a wall of... I have no idea what that was?"

"Umm... well..." she sighed.

Taylor cut in, "How about we tell them the truth. You connected with the Spirit People or whatever they are, but couldn't get any answers as to where Jaz is?"

Eli turned to his brother, "Sometimes I believe I truly underestimate you little brother." He turned to Cade, "I'll speak to Nicolas and Braedon, your look a little light headed. I'm thinking perhaps you should sit down."

Eli led his mate back to the car opening the back door where Leith was sitting and waited until she was seated. He kissed her softly on the lips, "I'll be right back. Talk to you mother."

"Thank you Eli."

As he turned to walk away Leith handed her the phone. "Mum I have news, please listen carefully because these aren't my words. Turn left and follow the road until you find what you are looking for. Be careful, there will be danger there and must be willing to fight to protect what will be soon be yours. Once you have what is yours to protect a guide will appear to take you to a safe haven. You will recognise the guide and know that you will be safe."

Cade paused for a moment. "Mum there's one more thing I'm supposed to tell you. Again, not my words. You will not be able to make contact with anyone for the time you need to be isolated. Know that will you be safe and cared for during this time. When it is time to leave you will set in motion the ability for those who love you to be make contact with you once more. And all will be as it once was."

Jaz ran a hand over her hair, "Thank you Cade I wasn't sure this would even work."

"Me either, but it did. Be careful and don't worry, I'll we're telling your brothers we couldn't get an answer as to where you are. I'm guessing this is the last time we'll speak for a while, so Mum, please be careful and call me as soon as you can. I love y..." the phone went dead.

Jaz looked down at her phone, she should have had service, was smart enough to realise that whatever was at play it was perhaps in her favour. She hoped? Jaz turned right and followed the road until far ahead she could see what looked like a shiny mess in the middle of the road.

Heart pounding she drove on stopping as close to the wreckage as possible. With a shaky hand Jaz opened the door and ran to the driver's side peering in the windows hoping to see that the children were in one piece. What she saw almost tore her heart in two.

As she pulled the driver's side door away Matt called out to her, "The children, are they alive?" she nodded unable to voice what she'd seen of them.

Jaz looked Matt over, realised he was barely holding on, then she saw the gun in his hand. Her eyes came up to rest on his face, but he was looking over her shoulder, fear, anger and also a little hope there. He looked from the place over his shoulder to Jaz then to the gun then over his shoulder. All in the space of seconds. Seconds that seemed like minutes.

Jaz gave Matt a slight nod, reached as if to pat him on the shoulder and took his gun. "It'll be fine Matt, you don't look that bad." She pulled back from the car with the gun in her right hand held against her side. Never had she been so grateful to have chosen to have worn a full skirt as it hid the gun.

As she turned, she feinted surprise at seeing someone else, a man almost six feet tall, solid built with brown hair and eyes. He was nice looking, not what you'd call handsome, but there was something off about him. Anger came off him, seemed to surround him and the sneer on his face didn't help.

"Are you here to help?" Jaz asked.

The man growled. "I'm here to take what is mine!"

"Yours? Are you aware of whose territory you are on? Does the local Alpha even know you are roaming his lands?"

"Well now if you're gonna get all technical on me. No. he don't know. And he isn't gonna know." He smiled. "You're pretty. I might just keep you for a while."

Jaz did her best not to grimace. "In that case I best introduce myself." She tilted her head a moment, when he nodded she straightened to her full height. "My name is Jazmina Romanoff, sister of Braedon Romanoff Pack Alpha of this Territory. My brother Nicolas is also our Head of Security and in charge of our Pack Enforcers."

The Rogue lost some of his cockiness so Jaz continued. "I am also the Pack Healer and this family is under my protection which in turn means they are under the protection of the Alpha. Touch them and you're a dead man."

He growled low and deep, "I only want what's mine then I'll leave." He moved towards her and Jaz knew, she saw it in his eyes there was no way this man was going to leave any of them alive.

The Rogue took another step and all Jaz could see was the blood on the three little ones in the back of the car. She didn't think she reacted, her right hand moved unwittingly and before she knew what had happened she heard – BANG! BANG! BANG!

When Jaz could see enough to realise what she had done she saw a bullet hole dead centre in his forehead and two in his heart. Were's could come back from a great deal, but not from this. The Rogue was dead. He would never harm this family again.

Quickly moving back to Matt and putting herself into Healer mode she evaluated his injuries. When she looked at him he smiled softly. "It's okay Jaz, I know it's bad. The children, take care of the children."

Jaz looked over the children, Riley would be fine, he would heal, but she wasn't sure about the other two. Mayhap if she had access to a hospital or at least her small surgery and its equipment. When she turned back to Matt he could read it on her face.

"Jaz when I first met you I saw the way you looked at my kids, especially Riley. You know loss. I saw how good you are with them and they responded to you so quickly. I know Riley will need more than I can give him, you can see he gets that. Jaz you might not be able to fix Kody and Liam, but you can save them. Can't you?"

"Matt do you know what you're asking me to do?"

He laughed. "Yeah Jaz I do. And this way all three of 'our' kids will be the same. I know I haven't got long. Please, I don't want to go until I know they are all yours."

"Matt I..." she moved into the back of the car with the children pulling first Liam into her arms baring his neck and bit down. The child screamed and passed out. Tears ran down Jaz's face as she gently placed the child back down on the seat and moved to Kody to do the same.

After checking all three children was safe Jaz returned to Matt. "It's done."

Matt smiled softly. "You are a wonderful mother Jaz. Take care of them for me." When he saw the confusion on her face he shook his head. "The lawyers. It's sorted. In your bag." He sighed. "So tired Jaz... tell them... tell... them."

"Shh," she soothed. "I swear to you I will take the greatest care with them. They will be as my own and no one man or Were will take them from me." Tears were streaming down her face, but she reached out to stroke his wanting to give comfort.

"Jaz, you need to leave this place. Take everything that you need for the children and leave. I don't know what you need to do for them now, but I'm guessing you need some time. Please go."

"We have a bit of time Matt, not need to rush just yet." He visibly relaxed at that and she smoothed the hair of his face and spoke softly about the Compound and what she believed life would be like for his children hoping this would bring him some peace as he left this world. It didn't take long, Jaz spared another precious minute giving thanks that at least three had survived before making a move.

This was one of the times that Jaz was thankful that she was a Were with Were strength and endurance. She repacked her car to ensure she had all the bags that belonged to the children, thankful that she'd packed light herself. She somehow organised the car-seat for Riley and strapped Kody and Liam into their boosters as well. There were a couple of pillows too which came in handy as she was able to push then in between the window and the booster to prevent the children banging their heads.

Just as she had finished and climbed into the driver's seat a bright light appeared a few yards in front of her. "A Min Min light. A guide I'd recognise." Jaz smiled, gave the light a nod and slowly began to follow as it moved off.

The followed the road for several for about an hour then turned off onto a dirt road that looked like it was headed to nowhere. Jaz followed, faith in her guide. They'd kept watch over Cade and Cord as best they could over the years even though they weren't supposed to interfere, but not it seemed they were either meant to help or going ahead and doing it anyway. Either way she would be forever grateful.

Part way down this road they made another turn passing what looked like an Aboriginal Mission. There were several houses and a number of people wondering about. It was now late afternoon and lights were being turned on. Jaz realised she was hungry, but pushed the feeling aside and focused on the task at hand.

Yet another turn away from the Mission and the people. Out of the corner of her eye Jaz saw a bonfire and wondered what the occasion was. Giving her head a shake she pushed forward, she was tired as well as hungry, but there was still a great deal to accomplish before she could rest tonight.

After what felt like hours of following the light Jaz found herself pulling into the driveway of an old ranch style home where the light slowly faded until it disappeared. "I guess we're here then." Jaz sent out a silent prayer of thanks.

The house was old but seemed to be well kept. The first order of business was to see if there was anyone at home. As Jaz got out of the car the front door opened and light shone behind a young woman of about twenty five or so, but Jaz could have sworn even from this distance that there was somehow something ageless about her.

Her skin was the colour of coffee, rich and somehow earthy, her scent was also of the earth, fresh and inviting. Jaz sensed no danger only openness and a need to help. "Welcome, I have been expecting you. Come bring the children in, we can worry about everything else once they are settled and you are rested."

Jaz found herself trusting this woman and doing as she asked. First they brought in Riley and the bag with his nappies and formal. There were a series of mattresses' on the living room floor made up ready, one was lower than the others in case Riley rolled onto the floor. Next Jaz brought in Kody then Liam settling them on top of their beds.

The woman had placed towels on the beds and readied warm water and clothes so Jaz could clean them up. "I have food warming on the stove. I thought you would rather see to your children yourself. I'll prepare something for you to eat and also drink. The baby will also need nourishment. I can prepare his food and feed him while you eat, if you are agreeable?"

Jaz stopped what she was doing looking up at the woman. "I'm so sorry for imposing on you like this. I haven't even asked you your name."

"No imposition really. We can talk over dinner, now would you like me to prepare something for your son?"

My son? This was not something Jaz had thought about, but yes Riley was her son now as was Liam and Kody was her daughter. A smile crept onto her lips and the woman smiled back.

"I'm sure they will be fine." Then she left to go to the kitchen and see to dinner.

Jaz washed all three children over. They all had blood on them and even Riley had bumps and bruises. He might be a baby Were, but he had to grow into his powers and strengths.

Once they were all cleaned and dressed Jaz put all their bloodied clothes together to dispose of. She looked around for a garbage, but the woman took them from her. I'll see these are taken care of. Why don't you bring the baby to the dining room, I've put your meal there, I'll be right back and take him off your hands while you eat.

Jaz was so exhausted she just nodded and did was she was told like a child. There was a large bowl of beef and vegetable stew on the table with some crusty bread and pitcher of water.

Her stomach growled just as the woman entered to room. "Good, good. Now sit and enjoy." She held out her arms and without a thought Jaz handed over Riley. They were in a safe haven. They were all safe here.

The first mouthful was heaven. Jaz ate two bowls and several pieces of bread. When she finished the woman spoke softly. "My name is Kiah, it means from the beautiful place or a new beginning." She smiled, "As you can guess I was expecting you. I was asked to help you while you and your new family were in isolation. This is a safe haven Jaz, a place that exists for those in need. I promise I will help in any way possible."

"Thank you. I need to check on the children." She got to her feet needing to make sure Kody and Liam were okay – still breathing. Still hers.

"Jaz," Kiah came up behind her. "The children are fine. You're exhausted, why don't you have a shower then rest while I watch over them. There's room here with the children, or you can use one of the bedrooms. It's up to you."

Jaz felt sweaty and dirty, she could use a shower and a short rest. "Sounds like a plan, but if they wake or there are any changes..."

"I'll wake you." She smiled, "Everything you need is in the bathroom. She patted Jaz on the arm and moved to the couch with Riley.

Jaz made her way to the car to grab a bag with some of her clothes in it then headed for the bathroom. The feel of the hot water was heaven and eased some of the tension in her muscles. She even washed her hair not worried at how long it was likely to take to dry, she wanted to was everything to do with the day off her.

Dried and dressed, towelling her hair dry Jaz made her way into the kitchen when she placed the towel over the back of one of the chairs to dry. Then looking for her handbag Jaz rummaged through it looking for her brush. Pulling her brush out Jaz also found what Matt hand mentioned, he'd placed an envelope in her bag from his lawyers. She was fairly certain it was his copy of his Will.

Not ready to go there yet Jaz put the envelope back deciding she'd deal with its contents when she had the strength to do so. Jaz watched Kiah with Riley as she brushed her hair. They were getting along fine, Riley was receptive and in fact he hadn't made a fuss since they'd arrived.

At the moment he was having a bottle which meant he'd be soon going to bed. Jaz hated to admit it but she was glad of it. She was exhausted and his siblings would need her to watch over them. The next few days would be critical.

"Jaz, I've got this really. Please rest, I'll watch over your family this night. Soon they will need you and your strength." Kiah looked at her pleading and Jaz finally caved. She didn't have the strength to fight her on it in any case.

"I'll put Riley with you when he's ready for sleep if that suits?"

"Thank you Kiah, I'd like that. I'll probably settle more if he's near." Jaz had barely put her head down when she drifted off.

So much had happened in so short a space of time. She'd left her home to sort out the rest of her life and now she was to be responsible for three children. Two of which she had turned. Both her brothers would be angry with what she'd done, but it was the only way to save them. Jaz just prayed they survived the transition.