Two days later Maddock arrived at the Compound. Eli met him on the road and guided him in to where he'd be staying. He parked his bike in the parking area making sure it the gear it carried was still intact. Giving a nod to Eli he grabbing his bag so he could carried his up to the clinic where Jaz was waiting for him.

Eli looked the bike over, "Nice bike. It's what; a Suzuki Burgman 600cc?"

Maddock grinned, "Close, it's a 650. You know your bikes." He watched silently as Eli took a closer look.

"You've got the bike set up as a trauma bike. Why is that?"

"There are two Healers in my Pack. I'm for want of a better term, 'the junior' Healer." He laughed. "I tend to take care of the youth in our Pack, tag along on the long range training exercises. It pays to be prepared. I'm also a qualified paramedic so if I'm on the road and there's a problem I can step in and help."

Eli looked suitably impressed. "I can see how that'd come in handy. We should get moving, Jaz is waiting at the clinic for you."

Maddock caught the worry in Eli's eyes, assumed it was for Jaz, but remained silent. He'd wait until he met her, get a true sense of how she was. He was here to help and he'd do what he could without pushing too hard.

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

They'd never met in person before, Jaz never being granted permission to go off Compound for any length of time. As a Healer her time was rarely her own, it was the Packs. This and the fact that her brothers kept her close not wanting her to get any ideas of leaving. She was a Romanoff, she was also a Healer therefore she had an obligation to care for the Pack above all else. Unfortunately this meant she was rarely given leave to upgrade her qualifications and depended greatly on their Healer Pack forums.

Jaz was sitting on the front porch of the clinic, when she saw Eli and another man approach she came to her feet. Maddock wasn't as tall as Eli, but was stockier built. There was a great deal of strength in his arms, a good thing for a Healer who often had to carry or hold down fully grown Were's.

The man approaching her had soft brown hair, dark brown eyes and an easy smile. He wasn't overly handsome, but had a rough edge to him giving you a sense that he had seen more than most would have and still survived.

Jaz realised that though he was smiling at her, he was also assessing her with a Healers eye. Friend or not, she wasn't sure she liked what he was doing, or the possibility of what he might find.

Pulling those thought away Jaz moved down the steps to greet him, "It's nice to finally meet you Maddock. Welcome to the Compound." She smiled. "Once we get you settled Eli will take you to meet Braedon." She lowered her eyes for a moment before looking him in the eye. "He's likely to ask you what you think is wrong with me." She waited for a reply.

Maddock didn't stand of ceremony, considered Jaz a friend even if he hadn't met her in person before. He put him gear down, moved forward and pulled her into a hug. "It's nice to meet you too Jaz and as for your brother asking me about your health. Unless you come to me for an examination I can only speculate and speculation is no something Healers do." He looked at her all seriousness, but she could see a sparkly of mischief in his eyes.

"Thank you." She turned and showed him through the clinic, explaining where everything was. He seemed happy with his room and the fact that he had his own little kitchen. "As I told you on the phone, you're more than welcome to..."

"I'll need a few days to settle in, get used to the place. No sense in getting used to other peoples cooking. Although if I remember you once mentioned you like to bake?"

Jaz laughed, it was her first real laugh in some time and so unexpected it gave her a fright. "Emma has been helping out in the kitchen at the moment. Between her and my son Cord, you should have plenty of baked goods." She turned to Eli.

He laughed, "I'll have Emma put something together for him." He looked at Jaz as if asking if she felt safe enough to be left with the newcomer. When he got a slight nod he headed to the house to let Emma know about the baked goods before moving towards the training centre.

It was still fairly early and he wanted to catch Cords training session. He was young, but he'd had a great deal of training from his sister, so was well equipped to go up against someone a few years older than himself.

As he positioned himself to watch without being seen he saw Nate moving towards the front of the group. He wasn't sure how this was going to go, especially after he'd come to the house and yelled at Jaz. He caught sight of Cord's face and groaned. There was nothing for it, he'd have to wait and let this play out.

Nate made his way to the front of the group. He'd always like working with the younger boys they were so eager to learn. The fact that they looked up to the Enforcers helped and it gave his a senses of satisfaction that he helping ready a future generation of possible Enforcers. He spotted Cord, decided to focus on the group as a whole. At least that was what he intended.

Cord made his way to the front of the group. "I thought Marcus was in charge this morning?"

"He was. Now I am."

Cord deciding not to make an issue of it, turned around and started for the door. He got a dozen feet away when Nate called after him. "Where do you think you're going?"

Cord ignored him and kept walking. Nate frustration spiking, was not about to be made a fool of in front of everyone. "Cord, you're part of this group, get back here."

Eli looked Cord in the eye and knew there was going to be trouble. He moved to grab him but before he could the kid turned and faced off with Nate.

"I was part of this group. And I will be again when you apologise to my mother for the way you spoke to her. You hurt her feelings and made her cry."

He put his hand on his hips waited until Nate was about ready to scream at him before continuing. "So until then I'll train with somewhere else." He grinned. "In case you're wondering, I have a Sacred Guardian for a sister and I'm pretty sure she can train me a whole lot better than you can." That being said he turned on his heel and headed for home.

Nate started after him and that's when Eli stepped in. He standing between the two. "He has every right to be pissed off with you Nate. If you'd have spoken to my mother that way you'd have gotten a lot more than words from me."

Eli backed away a few steps before turning to catch up with the boy. "How about we go fishing? I'm sure Emma would like something different to cook and..."

"And we don't want to worry Jaz with me arguing with Nate." Cord's face showed the sadness he was feeling. He was worried about his mother, worried that the world he and his sister had come to love was crumbling around them.

"You're a smart kid Cord." Eli laughed, "Come on I've got lines in the car."

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

Jax was enjoying spending time with his girls, loved playing with Chrissy's children and was learning a great deal about Were's, so decided to stay a few days longer. Braedon knew he was visiting with Jaz each day and although Jax could see it was all but killing him, he didn't ask about his visits.

Jax didn't like the idea of Jaz being cooped up inside all day so coaxed her into taking him on walks each day. It got her out in the fresh air and for a short time at least she could forget the problems that rested heavy on her mind. They talked or remained silent according to how they felt. There was no tension, no stress, the two were comfortable with each other which was what they were both in need of.

Jaz introduced him to Maddock and the two men seemed to get along just fine. Both having lunch with Jaz and Emma a few times. For whatever reason Jaz was feeling settled within herself, she knew time was running out, and all too soon her brothers would be demanding she explain herself.

Jax was becoming a good friend, one who could still surprise her just as he did during their walk on the fourth day after Maddock arrived. "You know if you need to get away you can always come to Sydney. I've plenty of room if you'd like to visit."

She turned to him, "You're serious aren't you?" he nodded. "Thank you Jaxson. No one has ever asked me to visit their home before. Maybe one day I'll take you up on it." She smiled softly.

"Jaz you look like a rabbit getting ready to run. I meant what I said about my home, I'll even have a spare key made for you before I leave, just in case you decide to visit and arrive in the dead of night." He grinned. "Although if that's the case, I'd suggest you make enough noise to let me know you're there. It wouldn't do to have me sneaking down the stairs to shoot some..." he cleared his throat, "intruder."

Jaz laughed, "I promise if I decide to visit I'll call first with an approximation of the time I'll arrive."

Neither knew, but more than one Were watched from a distance hoping against hope that just maybe they would be a match. Jaz, though still closed off to the Pack was able to let both Jax and Maddock into her inner-circle.

Maddock came to her for advice in regards to a Pack member he might be dealing with, or to discuss issues around Healing. During this time he did his own covert assessment of Jaz, relaxing when if he noticed she was doing better.

Jaz was setting the table for lunch next day when she noticed how pale Emma looked. "Emma, what is it?"

"Nothing dear, you finish with the table."

"Emma I consider you my friend, please tell me..." her eyes widened, "Phia, what is it? Please Emma if she's not well..." realisation hit and she sat heavily into the nearest chair. Jaz had been so focused on her own problems that she'd neglected to consider how Phial would react to a male Healer. The last one she'd encountered had been somewhat rough with her and she'd already been attached by a man she'd thought cared for her.

"Will she see me? If she's no longer comfortable with that please let her know I can organise for her to see a female gynaecologist in town."

"I'll speak with her, but Jaz you may need to tell your family sooner than you thought. This situation is affecting Phia and she's worried about the baby."

"Do you think she'll come here so I can speak to her? I'd like to examine her as well, let her know that things are progressing well."

"The poor dear is sitting at home on her own, how about I drag her here for lunch?"

Jaz smiled, trying not to see Emma dragging Phia to her kitchen. "I'll finish the sandwiches, the kettles on for tea. Please go see if she's talk to me."

Fifteen minutes later a rather reluctant Phia entered the kitchen, Emma prodding her along. "Take a seat sweetie, I'll get you some tea." She looked at her watch, feigning surprise, "I'll have to leave two to yourselves for lunch. I'll be back in an hour or so." She picked up a container full of baked goods leaving the kitchen in a rush.

Phia stood quietly looking at her shoes. Jaz approached slowly not wanting to spook her. "Phia I'm not exactly sure what you over heard Jacob and I talking about, but whatever it was it had nothing to do with you. You are a dear sweet young woman and I truly care about you."

Jaz took her hand gently tugging her further into the kitchen. "Please sit down."

When they were both seated, Jaz poured a cup of tea for each of them. "Since Emma managed to get you here, the least we can do is take advantage of the time. Maddock is a good man, he's an excellent Healer."

Jaz noticed Phia's reaction at the mention of the Healer's name and reached out taking her hand. "I'm not sure how you feel about me Phia, but if you still want me to take care of you and your baby I will. If not I can organise a..."

"Emma told me what you said. I...I can't." she glanced up at Jaz.

"It's okay Phia. You don't have to see Maddock, I just wanted you to know that he is a good man one you can count on. You don't have to make a decision now, but please think about what you want. If you want me to see you through your pregnancy I will. Now how about we make an attempt at eating something. Then if you feel comfortable I'd like to check you over."

Phia looked up somewhat surprised. "But you aren't well and... and... you'd do that for me?"

Jaz smiled. "Yes."

Phia relaxed visibly, "Umm I don't suppose Emma made any chocolate cake?" she glance at Jaz under her eyelashes.

Jaz couldn't help laughing. "One sandwich each then we get cake, what do you say?" Phia nodded and they tucked in.

Thankfully everything was fine with Phia's pregnancy, they talked a little about her diet and making sure she ate enough protein, especially red meat. They sat in her small office off the kitchen talking, both more relaxed with each other than they had been earlier.

Jaz took a chance knowing she needed Phia to understand that no matter what she was not to blame for anything. "Phia, I told Braedon I'd explain myself to him as soon as I could. I've been trying to work through memories I had no choice but to hide from myself so I could survive. I'll be asking everyone to come here tomorrow afternoon, so I can tell them. I'd like you to be there Phia, you and Nate."

Phia got to her feet anger showing in her movements. "Phia this isn't about blame, it's about telling a secret. A secret that almost killed me at the time. If I'm going to move past this and get on with my life I can't keep it to myself any longer. You and Nate being together brought back bad memories.

"Your pregnancy," Jaz wiped at stray tears, "it triggered everything else, but that's not your fault. Perhaps I should have spoken up long ago, but had I done that, god only knows how things would have turned out. I'm hoping once you've heard the full story you'll understand."

Jaz pulled a tissue from her pocket wiping her eyes. "I don't expect us to be buddies, but I'd like us to at least get along."

"For now I'd like you to take care of me and my baby and if Nate doesn't like ... too bad for him. I'm glad you have Emma and I'm glad you have Cade and Cord and Eli. Do you want me to tell Nate about tomorrow?"

Jaz nodded at first too overwhelmed to speak. "I'll also send him a message, I want this to be official." Phia may well be a submissive, but she was most definitely not weak. She had a feeling Nate was only just discovering the kind of strength his mate had.

That evening over dinner Jaz told her family what she planned. "I had planned to explain things to you first before I spoke to my brothers and everyone else." She sighed, "I don't think I'm strong enough though. What I have to say will be difficult enough the first time. I don't know if could say it all again."

She expected Cade to speak but it was Eli, "Jaz I've known you since we were children, you've always done what was best, what was right for everyone else. Now it's time to do what's right for you. Cade, Cord and I are with you that's not going to change. Whatever you need, let us know."

Jaz looked at her family, Cade had unshed tears in her eyes, Cord wiped his away with the back of his hand doing his best to look as manly as Eli. Cord cleared his throat, "What Eli said."

She smiled at her family and they truly where hers. "Okay then and since you are all my family I want you all there." She made a point of looking at Cord. "You may not understand everything that's said, but you have a right to be there. You may not be my blood, but you are mine. Now come, lets finish dinner so we can spend some quiet time together just being a family."

"How bad do you think it will be tomorrow... after?" Cade didn't want to ask but needed to know.

"Phia knows some of it, she unfortunately overheard me speaking with Jacob."

"That's why she left Nate." Cade shook her head, "I hope she's okay."

"She is, so is the baby. I spoke with her earlier today. Now no more talk of tomorrow."

So all four relaxed in the living room either watching television or reading. Cord stayed close to his mother, happy that she seemed as back to herself as she had been in some time.

Later that night when everyone was in bed and the house was silent, Jaz grabbed a wrap and sat on the back porch looking up at the stars. Sending out a silent prayer hoping all would go at least a little better than she expected tomorrow she opened herself up first her sibling bond.

Nicolas, Braedon I know you are both anxious for an explanation in regards to my behaviour of late. I am now as ready as I'll ever be to do this. Please come to my home at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Bring your mates with you as well as Jaxson.

She didn't wait for a reply immediately cutting of the connection. Next she reached out to the one person she honest believed she'd never contact like this again. Nate, I'm assuming Phia has told you I would like you to both come to my home tomorrow afternoon. Rather than explain myself several times over, I've asked that everyone come at two o'clock in the afternoon. It's your choice to show up or not. But Nate, I will not tell my story a second time.

Once again she immediately cut off the connection. Emma would be there in the morning and she'd invite her personally. That left one more person. Jacob. It's time.

Jaz, my sweet Jazmina I'll be there. What time will the others arrive?

I've asked them to be here by two o'clock.

I'll be there early. In the meantime don't forget to breathe. And remember you are much loved. Oh and Jaz, I'll inform our co-conspirator as well.

Jaz sat quietly for some time enjoying the quiet before she finally went up to bed. Tomorrow would be a big day, a day many would not forget.