Chapter Six

They stood in front of Sally’s house at seven a.m.

Max opened the door and smiled when he saw them. “Good. I hope you two slept well.”

“Yes, sir,” said Catherine as they entered the house.

“Jacques, have you spoken to your doctor?”

“Yes, sir. She has cleared her schedule for you.”

“Thank you.” Max led them into the kitchen. Sally stood at her stove, cooking everyone breakfast. “Your father contacted me, and he wants to move forward with your pack joining us.”

“That’s great news,” said Jacques as he pulled down five cups and poured a cup of coffee for everyone. “Father was against it in the beginning.”

“Most alphas are. They think I want to take over the pack, which isn’t true. I have a pack to run, not to mention a conglomerate that gets larger by the day.” Max took the cup he offered him. “My goal is to strengthen all our packs. Create a support system our kind has never had.”

“You are a very unique man. The alphas I’ve known fight when they see each other. Hoping to defeat the other so they could have the resources of the other pack.”

“You get it.” Max smiled. “Why can’t we use each other’s resources without having to fight? The world is changing so fast. The old way doesn’t work anymore. We have to change with the times, or the world will know werewolves do exist and they will hunt us until every last one of us is dead.”

***

Max sat in front of the doctor’s desk. This became a lot easier since Jacques’ father had decided to move forward.

The doctor played with a pen, which showed she was nervous. Why was the question.

“Your alpha should have made you aware that your pack is going to join with us. I try to make sure we share as much information with each other as possible. Catherine will be collecting the history of your pack and I will be sending in our head doctor to learn about your techniques and how you treat members of your pack. We want to share ideas and remedies that have worked. You know we can’t go to human doctors so we need to learn from each other.”

She nodded.

“We’ll need copies of all your files.”

“All of them?” She looked at the cabinets filled with the pack’s records. “They go back hundreds of years.”

“I expected that. I’m going to send people down who will copy everything for you. I would like to take a few files with me. I would like your alpha’s files, little Everett’s files, Alfred and Jacques’ files as well.”

“Oh.” She placed her hands on her desk. “Of course.”

Max watched her as she stood.

“That includes any X-rays, ultrasounds, etcetera that you have on the four I asked for.”

She nodded as she went over to the file cabinet.

Max walked out with everything about fifteen minutes later. Alicia met him at the door.

“It’s time.” She looked at him with bright eyes.

“Time for what?”

“My brother is having a baby!” Catherine’s voice came out of the house. “Oh my God, I’m going to be an aunt.”

“Never mind.” Max entered the house to see Catherine chattering away on the phone. This would be the perfect time for Everett to come to Charlotte. He could come back with Catherine. That way he wouldn’t be away from his family too long.

“Jacques, that offer still stands. This would be the perfect time. Catherine has to come back with us for a few days and I’m going to invite Everett to join us as well. You could make it a little less scary for Everett and you can see what goes on firsthand. Your father would trust you a lot more than me right now.” Max didn’t want to push too hard. “You three will be back in a few days.”

“I’m not sure if Catherine would want me to be there for such a private thing.”

“What private thing?” she asked as she joined them.

“I have invited Jacques and Everett to come with us.”

“You’re going to show Everett some of your hiding places, aren’t you?”

“You know me well.” Max gave her one of his megawatt smiles.

She took Jacques’ hand and led him away from Max so she could talk to him privately.

***

“I know Max can be hard to say no to, but don’t let him pressure you into something you don’t want to do.”

“I don’t want to interfere with your family event.”

“Interfere?” A confused look filled her face for a moment. “You’re afraid that I don’t want you to intrude on my old life. Let me clear this up. I’d love to have you come with us. I’ve seen your world, let me show you mine.”

“Are you sure?”

“If you stay behind you won’t be able to get any of this.” She gestured to her body. “Until I come back. If you go with us…”

“When you put it that way, cher.” He gave her a smile that she felt to her toes. It was sexy and beautiful and made her heart do a little flip.

“Good. Let’s go tell Max.”

***

Everett tried to stand still but excitement made it impossible. His mom must have put the fear in him because although he swung his arms and kept turning around he hadn’t moved from his spot since he arrived. Max had to smile. Poor thing. He wanted to run around and burn off the nervous energy filling him.

“Everett?”

“Yes, sir?” He looked at Max, trying to stand nice and straight.

“My mate is in the kitchen with Sally. Do you think you could get her?”

He nodded. “I mean, yes, sir.”

“Thank you.” He signaled Catherine and Jacques over. “Have you made a decision?”

“Yes, sir. I’d love to take you up on that offer.”

“Perfect. I’ll expect you back here in an hour with your bags packed.” He looked at Catherine. “You can place them in the back of the truck when you get back here.”

“Yes, sir.” Catherine turned on her heel and headed out the door.

“Did he look at you to basically say no fooling around?”

“Pretty much. He used to do that to my brother all the time. I think this is the first time he’s done it to me.”

“Why do you need to pack?”

“You haven’t traveled with women. I need my makeup, my jewelry, anything I might need in Charlotte. You’ll probably have everything packed in five minutes.”

“What are you implying? That I don’t have to worry about my makeup or jewelry? I’ll have you know it takes a lot of work to look like this.”

Catherine laughed as she entered the spare room. She packed what she needed and made sure she brought her notes and Jacques’ files as well. She had her overnight bag packed quickly and brought it into the living room.

“You know we do have a few minutes,” Jacques said when he came into the living room with his bag.

“And Max will know what we did the moment we get within smelling distance.”

“True.” He held his hand out for her bag. “And it would be better if we came off professional.”

“It would also be better if my brother doesn’t pick up a whiff of your scent on me that is fresh. He is a little protective of me.”

“Great.”

***

The flight was quick and Jacques saw a different world the moment he stepped off the plane. The very first thing he noticed was how everyone bowed to Max. Here they understood what he was trying to do and loved him for it.

He had people giving him information on what had happened while he was gone. Some had papers he needed to sign as they walked across the tarmac. Others handed him tablets with data he needed. It was crazy. Max smiled and talked to the people swarming around him as he handed the tablets to Catherine.

She deftly took the tablets. Downloaded something to each tablet then moved those files he needed to one tablet. She was amazing to watch. Once she finished with one, she handed it back and moved on to the next.

“Don’t let it overwhelm you,” she said quietly. “It’s not always this way.”

“I’m actually awed. Max handled this with such grace. So did you. I would have wanted a moment to regain my footing.”

“And when Max needs that they will give him what he needs. He hadn’t planned on staying away overnight so he allowed the swarm, as I call them, so everything can start moving again. Tomorrow will be a bit busy though.”

Jacques followed them to a huge Hummer. One of the older models not the new one they had just brought back. Max climbed into the driver’s seat with a grin on his face.

“You’ve missed this stupid thing, haven’t you?” asked Alicia.

“You know this is my baby.” He made sure everyone had their seatbelt on before he fired it up and pulled out of the parking spot.

Jacques stared at the Charlotte skyline as they passed it on eighty-five. They headed up into the mountains. All he knew was bayous and woods. There was one mountain in Louisiana that he had visited once but it didn’t hold a candle to this. The mountain range spread out in front of him. It was beautiful to behold. The Hummer finally stopped in front of a large building.

The doors opened before they could climb out.

“It’s about time you got here.” A handsome man who resembled Catherine approached the vehicle. He nodded to the men who opened the doors for the four of them. “I was afraid you’d miss the birth.”

“I promised you I wouldn’t,” said Catherine. She stepped out of the Hummer and adjusted her clothes. “You worry too much.”

“I do not.”

Patrick hugged his sister as Jacques climbed out and helped Alicia exit the vehicle as well.

“My mate has been asking for you two.” Patrick gave Max and Alicia a quick bow. “Please go and make her happy.”

“What did you do?” Catherine headed for the door.

“Nothing. It’s just there have been tears, anger, happiness. I don’t know how to handle it and I need you.” Catherine had already entered the building, so he looked at Alicia for support.

“You men are useless at times.” She headed in right behind Catherine.

“Was she referring to all men?” asked Jacques. He turned and helped Everett out of the SUV.

“Right now I think so, but she was looking at Patrick in particular,” said Max. “Patrick, this is Jacques, Jacques this is Patrick.”

“So you’re the sheriff,” said Patrick as he looked him up and down.

“And you’re the brother,” replied Jacques. He kept eye contact. There was no way he was going to back down to him.

“Ha!” he barked. He slapped him on the back the way Max did. “I like him! Come on in, join the madness.”

There were women everywhere. Several had food and water standing by for Stacey if she needed it. Alicia had one hand and Catherine had the other. There was a woman standing behind the birthing chair pressing cold compresses to her forehead and neck. Another woman, who Jacques figured was the mid-wife, crouched in front of her.

The rest were staying out of the way but watching.

The door opened behind them.

“I’ll be right back,” said Max. He headed to the man who had just walked in the door. Two women accompanied him. They headed over to Stacey while the man stayed behind with Max. He carried a small black bag that signaled he was a doctor.

The women spoke to Stacey and the mid-wife. They started checking her vitals and prepping her for the birth.

Jacques didn’t expect this to be a whole production, but Catherine did tell him her brother was the alpha of his own pack. That’s why the women of the pack were there. They were to witness the birth of the heir. Is this what his mother went through when he was born?

“You will never touch me again, Patrick!”

“Darling, you don’t mean that,” said Patrick.

“Let’s trade places then. I want to stand there and watch while you try to pass a bowling ball through your penis!”

The woman behind her made a clicking sound.

“I love you,” he returned.

“Asshole!”

The woman clicked again.

“Mother if you don’t stop that damn clicking noise I will have you removed. You might not like the swearing or graphic words but I’m the one in labor so I don’t give a damn what you think right now.”

Alicia and Catherine laughed.

“What do you two find so funny?” She glared at them.

“You. The sweet quiet Stacey is gone. Wait till you see this later. You will be mortified.”

“Who told you to record this?”

“Why you did,” said Alicia. She gave her a toothy smile. “If you remember I tried to talk you out of it but no. You wanted me to make sure all of this is saved.”

“Doctor?” Patrick went to the doctor as he approached Stacey. “What is wrong with her? My mate has never talked like this before.”

“Patrick, I explained the different stages to you two. This will pass but right now she’s in pain and is going to say whatever she wants.” The doctor put a hand on his shoulder. “You have to suck it up and deal with it.”

“Look at it this way,” said Max. “The baby is worth all of this. And when you hold your child for the very first time you’ll forget everything but that beautiful baby.”

“I’m going to remember this when your mate is giving birth,” Patrick retorted.

“Stop flapping your gums and come hold your mate’s hand,” snapped his sister. “We’re supposed to be rotating, not have you stand there lamenting about your mate’s potty mouth.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He went to his sister and took the seat she vacated.

Catherine came over to Jacques’ side. “I know this isn’t the most exciting thing for you to see. I don’t know how long this will take. Did you want to rest? I’m sure one of the families will give you a place to relax.”

“I’m fine.” He brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. “And Everett went off with a few of the kids here so he’s great.”

“If you’re sure.” She looked at him with those beautiful green eyes. “The food the ladies have over there is for any of us so feel free to get something when you get hungry.”

“I will.” He pressed his hand against her cheek. “I believe it’s your turn in the rotation again.”

She turned to see Alicia gesturing at her. Catherine gave him a bright smile before replacing Alicia.

***

Stacey was caught in a wave of pain from her contraction. Alicia stood when Catherine approached but had to wait for it to pass before she could get her hand back.

“This one has a good grip. Be careful or she’ll crush your hand.”

“I’m not that bad,” said Stacey as she released the tight hold she had.

“She’s probably squeezing my brother’s hand more.” Catherine took her hand and took the chair Alicia vacated. “How are you doing, Stacey? Ready to kill my brother yet?”

“I’m not talking to him right now.” She looked at Catherine. “So, that’s the sheriff? He’s cute.”

“Is he?” She looked at him and smiled. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Bullshit.”

At that Catherine laughed.

“What?” Stacey leaned back against the birthing chair. Her mother wiped her brow.

“You are going to be so mortified when you hear this back.”

“Just tell me about your sheriff.” She placed her hand on her mother’s, stopping her from wiping and sat up. “Help me take my mind off this.”

“All right.” Catherine shifted in her seat so she could look directly at Stacey. “What would you like to know?”

“Any siblings?” Stacey relaxed a little when she found herself between contractions.

“Yes, he has a younger brother.”

“Just as cute?”

“Not to me.” Catherine couldn’t help but look over at Jacques.

“Ah, ha.” Stacey grinned. “Then there’s something between you two.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.” She gave Stacey’s hand a little squeeze. “He is the sheriff of their town. They need him. I’m Max’s second.”

“True, but that is only temporary.”

“I still have my job at the college, and my job to protect Alicia when you’re not with her.” Catherine gave Stacey a sad smile. “It wouldn’t work.”

“Have you asked him?”

“I don’t need to.”

“You…” Stacey clenched her teeth as another contraction racked her body. “…want to explain that?”

“Not without his permission.” Catherine looked at him. “It’s his story to tell.”

“You got it bad.” Stacey thought she’d get a little reprieve but felt another contraction too quickly. “They’re getting closer. It’s time.”

The mid-wife agreed because she started getting everything ready. She barked orders to the doctor’s assistants who did everything she requested. She knelt next to Catherine’s sister-in-law. “Stacey, it’s time to push.”

Catherine looked at her brother. Fear and joy filled his face. She offered him her hand which he grabbed like a lifeline. No matter how much he pretended he had it all under control the thought of being a father humbled him. He was scared, but she knew if he wasn’t scared he didn’t care so he was doing fine.

Stacey screamed as she bore down.

“Stacey, breathe.” Alicia had joined them and she was the voice of reason. “Focus on my voice. Remember your breathing.”

Stacey nodded and started short shallow breaths that would help her move past the pain. Alicia spoke to her and she breathed. Time seemed to move in slow motion as they waited.

Catherine watched as the mid-wife smiled and helped the baby come into the world. Its strong cry filled the air as it took its first breath and expelled it. The ladies moved quickly, cleaning the baby then allowing the doctor to check and make sure the baby was healthy.

“Stacey and Patrick, are you ready to meet your son?”

“It’s a boy?” Patrick’s voice cracked. A single tear slipped down his cheek.

The mid-wife brought the baby to Stacey and placed him in her arms. Patrick had this dopey look on his face as he offered his finger to his son who wrapped his tiny fingers around his larger one.

“He’s beautiful.” Tears filled Stacey’s eyes. She gently brushed her fingers across a soft cheek. “Do you want to hold him, Daddy?”

“Wow, I’m a father.” Patrick smiled, still in shock. The moment Stacey placed their son in his arms he feared he would break him.

“Sweetheart, breathe. He’s our son not a porcelain doll.” Stacey had such a sparkle in her eyes as she relaxed back against the pillows.

Catherine had to laugh. The stunned look on her brother’s face was priceless.

“What’s so funny, Aunt Catherine?” Patrick walked over to where she sat and shifted his son so she could hold him. “Your turn.”

She was happy to hold her nephew. “Welcome to the world, little one. I’ll be the one to teach you what you need to know.”

“Hey!” said her brother.

“Your mom and dad will teach you many wonderful things, but because I’ll be your favorite, I know you’ll come to me for all the big questions.” She stood and walked slowly while she looked down at his little cherub face. “I promise to spoil you to distraction. I’ll be the one to give you that favorite toy. That’s my job as your favorite aunt. It will be a joy to watch you grow into a strong alpha and I know you’re going to be a good one. After all you are my brother’s son.” Catherine kissed him on the top of his head. “You are special.”

She walked over to Stacey’s mom who was next to hold him. Stacey’s father had joined them at this point and the two of them looked at the wonderful baby with awe.

Catherine felt a soft tap on her leg. When she looked down there stood Everett. “What’s up, little man?”

“Is that baby yours?”

“That is my nephew.” Catherine smiled as she crouched down beside him. “The baby is my brother’s. Have you met Patrick yet?”

Everett shook his head.

“Come on. Let me introduce you.”

***

Jacques watched Catherine with her nephew. The joy that filled her face was beautiful. He felt his heart do a little flip when he wondered what type of mother she would be. He knew she’d be great.

Max came up beside him. “Hope this isn’t too boring for you.”

“Nope.” He looked at Max. “I’m humbled to be included in this. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Max slapped him on the back again. This time a loud metal sounding crack filled the air.

Jacques felt something shift in his back. He moved his shoulders to alleviate the pain building in his neck. When that didn’t work, he rubbed the spot bothering him.

“You okay?” asked Max.

Jacques looked at Max. He tried to answer him, but the words wouldn’t leave his mouth. He fell to one knee then he fell back.