Chapter 9

Jaz was worried Cord would want to come with her, that he wouldn't want her to be alone, but as always he was more mature than people gave him credit for. He realise that Jaz needed time to herself; he did however make her promise to call so he'd know she was safe and to come back as soon as she was ready to. Now all that was left was to decide where to go and when.

As soon as Cord had finished eating dinner he brought out the laptop he normally used for study, booting it up and pulling up a search engine before turning it towards Jaz. "We'll do the dishes, okay." He smiled softly at the only mother he'd known. "You can concentrate on finding somewhere nice to go to."

He paused, his face full of worry. "I know you need to go away Mum, but if you need me," then he swept a hand around the room to encompass his sister, Eli and Emma, "If you need any of us; you have to promise me you'll call. Cade can get Trace to take her to you pretty quick and if you tell us where you'll be, we can get to you as fast as Eli can drive us."

"Or if I get homesick for you my sweet, sweet boy," Jaz smiled, "I can just head back a little earlier."

Cord grinned, "Yeah, you could do that too." He gave Jaz a quick hug and made a start on helping Eli clear the table. Cade was already at the sink filling it with water.

A few minutes after her children had gotten into a rhythm with the dishes, Eli took a seat alongside of her. He remained silent the first few minutes hoping Jaz wouldn't think he was intruding on her thoughts. He knew he was considered family, but he had also been Nate's best friend. He took a calming breathe preparing to speak, he and Jaz had been friends as long as he could remember.

"Spit it out Eli."

Eli turned to Jaz and laughed, "You know me too well." He shook his head slightly, a smile on his face. He reached out, taking Jaz's hand giving it a squeeze. "I doubt you'll be telling your brothers where you are going. They are likely to send guards with you to make sure you are safe."

Her hands froze on the keyboard, she didn't speak there was no need. Eli was right, they would send guards to keep her safe. She wouldn't be able to go anywhere, do anything without them following her around. That would not be conducive to what she wanted i.e. time out from the Compound, time out from Pack life and everything it entailed.

Jaz turned looking Eli in the eye, "What do you have in mind?"

"You need to tell someone. That can't be me." He glanced at his mate and she nodded. "They can't force her to tell them anything. Cade is a Sacred Guardian, therefore she is above the Pack hierarchy." He shook his head a smile on his face. "I still can't believe Cade threw both your brothers out of the house. And they left without argument."

Jaz grinned, "I would have loved to have seen that."

"So, you tell Cade where you will be staying just in case we need to get to you. I'd also suggest you tell your brothers after you've left. Maybe even once you've arrived at your destination. That way they can't talk you out going or put an Enforcer on you to ensure you don't leave without them knowing."

"That's a good idea Eli. I know my brothers, they may not try to stop me going, but they'll make sure I have a safety detail when I leave which will be worse. I may as well stay here if that happens."

"So when you decide on where, let Cade know. Just make sure no one else is in hearing distance."

Cord sat with Jaz for a time going through a multitude of places online that he believed Jaz would enjoy. Jaz however wasn't so sure she'd enjoy the rides offered at several of the theme type places he suggested, but let him have his fun suggesting them.

After Cord had gone to bed Jaz settled in to find a place that suited her needs. What she needed was somewhere not too far away from the Compound, but far enough away from anything to do with Were's. A place where she could relax, not have to concern herself with the care of others and mayhap have others fuss over her for a change, even if it's just a massage or being served a meal.

Eventually she settled on the Opal Cove Resort. It was in still their territory, so she wouldn't be stepping on anyone else's toes or having to contact a local Alpha to let them know she'd be staying in their territory, which was a bonus.

Jaz would be in a resort, a somewhat closed area that from what she could see from the information on the webpage backed onto the beach. She'd be able to go for long quiet walks whenever she wanted.

Jaz looked over the information on the website again. It had everything she needed - gardens, outdoor swimming pools, sauna, bar and a la carte restaurant, room service, spa and wellness centre and she could book a beachfront suite giving her all the privacy she needed.

"Perfect!" Jaz finalised her booking and paid online. As soon as she got an email confirming her booking she forwarded it Cades email account. She'd tell Cade about it in the morning.

Jaz sat back in her chair closing her eyes. Seven day. I'll have seven days to myself to relax and come to a decision as to what I'm going to do. If I need more... then I'll extend my stay. She sighed. I wonder if I could send a message on the wind to Cade. Giving her head a shake Jaz couldn't help but wonder if it was possible.

Cade had gone for a walk with Eli after dinner, code for 'they needed some alone time'. Jaz smiled, Cade was more than mature enough to be with Eli. It had been almost two years since she'd been given her final Guardian mark and although Cade was close to twenty, Eli wasn't about to push his mate into mating.

Eli had already told her, "I've found my mate Jaz, it doesn't matter how long I have to wait for her now. Cade's here and I know she's not going anywhere." Then his face lit up and he grinned, a look of complete peace in his eyes.

Jaz closed down her computer before going to bed. She suddenly felt quite weary, her bed was calling. With hoped for a dreamless sleep Jaz readied herself for bed, crawled under the covers and prayed there were no more nightmares. She'd had far too many sleepless nights of late and didn't need dreams of loss and pain. Dreams of blood and ripped flesh or the god awful cries of a baby.

Thankfully Jaz slept the sleep of peace and quiet, she woke feeling rested and ready to take on the day whatever it brought. Even with a restful night memories of that nightmare were close. It was as if she needed to remember, that she couldn't afford to forget.

Showered, dressed and ready for the day Jaz got a start on breakfast. As soon as Cord headed out for training, she asked Cade to sit down and leave the breakfast dishes for the moment.

"Jaz what is it?"

"Last night I booked an ocean view suit at the Opal Cove Resort at Coffs Harbour. I booked for a week. That's seven whole days away from here." Jaz paused waiting for her words to sink in before continuing. "I've forwarded the confirmation email with all the details to you. You'll be the only person who'll know where I am. I'm telling you because I know you won't tell my brothers when they start asking questions."

"What about Eli and Cord?"

"I'm only letting you know. Cord will understand," she again. "Eli suggested I not tell him, that way he can honestly say he has no idea where I am."

Cade laughed. "Yeah, I can see Eli telling you that." She reached out, taking her mother's hand. Are you sure seven days will be enough?"

Jaz gave Cades hand a squeeze, "If it's not, I'll just extend my stay."

"Good!" Cade smiled and it seemed like her entire body relaxed.

Jaz got to her feet heading towards the computer. Looking over her shoulder she called out, "Do you want to see where I'll be staying?"

Cade was with her in seconds and they were soon going over the website for the Opal Cove Resort.

"So when do you leave?"

"Day after tomorrow. That way I'll have the weekend then the entire week before I'm supposed to return to the Compound. I don't check in until 2:00pm so I can take my time getting there. I can have a look around the area on the way, maybe have a leisurely lunch and by the time I do check in I'll hopefully be a whole lot less stressed."

"Sounds good," Cade smiled. "Makes me wish I could get away with you. Hey maybe we should sometime!"

"Yes," Jaz agreed, "mayhap we should."

Jaz spent most of the day getting organised to leave. Packing what she'd be taking with her as well as making sure there wasn't anything else that needed to be finalised around the house.

Once packed Jaz sat on her bed thinking long and hard about the box in her wardrobe with its precious contents. There was no way she could leave it here. There was no way she could risk Nate coming looking for it.

That settled Jaz got the box out and placed it on the chair near her bed. She'd have Eli bring her car up to the house so she could put her luggage in without anyone seeing. She'd have Eli put her precious box in the boot wrapped in a blanket.

Jaz had a quiet word with Emma letting her know what she was about to do and she promised to step in and take care of everyone until she returned. Emma, Jaz was finding was a godsend. She promised herself she wouldn't take her for granted. The rest of the day was taken up with the mundane things of her what she usually did, although she made a point of visiting with Maddock to see how he was settling in and if she could do anything for him. Thankfully he was doing just fine. Although he did was to chat.

"Jaz you're looking a whole lot better." He smiled in a knowing way. "If I didn't know better I'd say you've come to some kind of decision?"

Jaz laughed, "If that was you trying to pry Maddock you are not being very subtle about it."

"Jaz, I'm your friend. But if I ask you as a healer I can't tell anyone. Doctor patient privilege." He looked at her expectantly.

"Maddock, you've been a wonderful support to me over the years, even though it's only been online or on the phone. I don't want to put you in difficult position with my brothers, but I'm not going to be around for a few days."

Jaz smiled softly and said no more. Maddock's face lit up, he didn't just smile he grinned, gave Jaz a hug and whispered in her year, "Have fun my friend and don't rush back."

This put Jaz at ease knowing that Maddock was fine with her leaving, that he was happy for her to take time for herself.

That afternoon she had tea with both Kasey and Chrissy at the main house. Kasey had Gilbert organise things in the kitchen so he could be included as well. They sat and chatted of what was happening at the Compound, three old friends - sisters getting reacquainted, doing their best to be what they once were and trying not to say anything to upset what they were slowing getting back.

Gilbert saved the day! He stepped up to the table with a huge chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with a hint of peppermint. There was also a bowl of diced strawberries to have with it. All three women took one look at the cake and berries before turning to Gilbert and saying. "Ice-cream!"

Gilbert laughed, shook his head and headed for the freezer for the ice-cream. When he came back it not only with the ice-cream but with four spoons and bowls. He intended to sit and enjoy some time with three of his favourite ladies.

Not long after Phia appeared in the doorway coming in from the living area. Kasey beckoned her in Gilbert got an extra bowl and so she and served Phia up a slice of cake and some ice-cream as well.

When all had eaten their fill Jaz got to her feet, "I should get go. It's been a long day and I want to get an early night." She looked to Phia. "I was hoping you'd come with me? I'd like to give you a check over to make sure everything is okay."

"O... Okay. You don't think anything is wrong do you?"

"Of course not. I just want to make sure."

Jaz gave Kasey and Chrissy a hug. Then moved to Gilbert, "Thank you for the cake, it's my favourite." She gave him a hug and kissed him on the check. If her hug was a little tighter than the one she'd given Kasey or Chrissy, Gilbert didn't complain.

He Whispered softly in her ear, "Be well child. I'll be here if you need me." Then he pulled away, moving to clear the table.

Jaz put her arm out for Phia as she walked towards to doorway. Phia automatically moved to her leaning in, wrapping her own arm around Jaz's waist looking up at her, "Are you sure this is okay? I mean I'm not due for a check-up for..."

Jaz was relaxed, more so than she'd felt in some time, pulling Phia closer to her she smiled, "I'm sure it's okay. I've got time this afternoon and since you're here I thought it'd be a good time to catch up. Give you a check-up and answer any questions you might have. About anything."

Phia nodded and they Jacob was going to walk me home so..."

"So I wouldn't run into Nate." Jaz gave Phia a squeeze. "It's okay Phia, Nate and I are bound to run into each other. I'll have Eli or Cade walk you home when we're done. I don't want you wandering around on your own, especially without anyone knowing where you are okay?"

"Okay."

They headed straight to the back room off the kitchen that Jaz used as an emergency first aide room. If she stayed she'd need to decide if she intended to continue on as a healer and if so in what capacity. She looked around the room, her mind doing inventory as to what she'd need to do if she intended to work part-time.

Turning to Phia she took a deep cleansing breath ensuring her entire focus was on the young woman in front of her. "Come Phia, take a seat and let me know how you've been before I check you over."

Twenty minutes later Jaz was saying goodbye to Phia, Emma having put a bag of cookies into her had to take with her. "Promise me you'll take it easy and not let anything upset you. If you need to get away for a while or talk to someone Emma or Cade are both good listeners. Don't hold it in, okay."

Phia nodded, "Okay."

Cade and Cord were waiting at the bottom of the stairs for, Phia took Cords offered hand and they moved steadily off towards her home. Phia was feeling excited because so far everything was going well with the baby. All she needed to do was stay calm, watch her diet and not overdo it. Piece of cake!

As they got close to the house Cade cake to a halt, "Will Nate be home soon?"

"Yeah, he should be home soon. Umm, thanks for walking me..."

"It's fine Phia, any time." Said Cade.

"You okay Phia?" asked Cord. "I can wait with you if you like?"

Phia, ruffled Cords hair, "That's sweet of you Cord, but I'll be fine. Really. I need to get a start on dinner in any case. I'm actually thinking Chinese," she tried not to smile, waiting for Cord to catch on.

He laughed, "You'll have to go into town for that. Are you getting cravings?"

"Let's just say I've got a strong yearning for honey chicken and fried rice."

"Yum! Have some for me."

"Will do Cord." Phia waved as he ran off headed towards home. She turned to Cade, "Really I'll be fine, go home be with your own man." She smiled, pushing Cade away from her.

"Okay, but if you need me just call and you don't need to use your voice." She waited until Phia gave her a not then turned for home.

Nate arrived a few minutes later, could scent Jaz on his little mate. "Why were you with Jaz?"

"I had afternoon tea at the main house with Kasey, Chrissy and Jaz then I went with Jaz back to her home. She wanted to give me a check-up, to make sure everything's going well with the baby."

Nate turned from her looking out the window, his body tense. Phia waited for him to say something, afraid he was thinking of a time past. A time she had nothing to do with... could not help him with.

When he didn't speak she forced a smile, "Don't you want to know if our baby is okay or not?"

That broke the spell he seemed to be under. He pulled Phia to him kissing her gently, "Of course I want to know how our baby is doing, but I also need to know how you are doing as well."

Nate pulled his little mate onto the couch with him cuddling her into him, "Now my little Phia, tell me what did Jaz say?"

Phia smiled, the tenseness had left Nate and his focus was now on her. There was still something in his eyes, something like hurt or pain that he couldn't hide no matter how much he tried, but that was something they would both have to live with. Nate needed to deal with his past just as Jaz was trying to not only deal but cope with the grief of...

"Jaz told me our baby is doing just fine, growing well and the heartbeat is strong. Because I'm," she blushed pausing unable to say what she is.

"Submissive. There's nothing wrong with what you are Phia, in fact you are a rare and welcomed member to our Pack. Be proud of who and what you are."

Phia nodded, "Your right Nate. Because I'm a Submissive Wolf, I may not show traits of what sex our baby is." Nate looked confused.

"For most females if they are carrying a male, like when Chrissy was pregnant with Kyle. She had moments when she became really aggressive and strong. I believe she even punched someone out at some stage?"

Nate could help laughing, "Yeah, that would be Eli. I don't care what we have, so long as you and the baby is healthy."

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It was a quiet family dinner at Jaz's house. Everyone was just happy to be together, happy and relieved that Jaz was back to herself and that she was taking some time for herself. Jaz had everything packed, Eli would be up at the crack of dawn to bring her car up to the house so they could put her luggage in without anyone seeing what they were doing.

At around eight thirty or so Jaz would take Emma to the markets to pick up fresh fruits and spices. At nine o'clock Eli, Cade and Cord would also head towards town, picking up Emma and saying goodbye to Jaz for the week. They'd stay at the markets to buy what was needed, even spend a few more hours in town wandering around the shops to give Jaz more time before heading home and questions were asked as to where she was.

A little cloak and dagger perhaps, but necessary Jaz thought. If anything as Jaz drove down the highway it felt freeing! It was a beautiful clear day, the sky nothing but blue sky. There was a hint of salt on the wind and Jaz couldn't help the smile that didn't seem to leave her lips since driving away from her family. Finally for the next seven days at least she was on her own!