Missing Mate (O'Neil Pack Series)

by Roxanne Witherell

  “Umm…” Jessica isn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t planned on doing this while one child is sick and the other, a wolf.

  “Jessica, I can help.”

  She likes the way her name sounds coming from him. He is going to find out anyways. Why is it so hard to let him come in? Oh yeah, she thought, he doesn’t know they are his kids. She sure has made a mess of things. How mad is he going to be? She wonders. Better to do this now than later.

  “Okay, come on in.” She opened the door wider for him to enter. “Fair warning, it can be a madhouse around here.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine.” Alexander walks in just as Michael went behind the couch.

  “How’s life been treating you these last few years? Animals been giving you a hard time?” He went straight to the couch and sat down, placing one arm on the back of the couch while he waits on her answer.

  “It’s good,” she wonders what he meant. Does he know? “Animals?”

  “Yes, animals.” He answered draping his right hand behind the couch. “You became a vet, right?”

  “Oh, yes,” Jessica replied with a slight giggle.

  What in the world is wrong with her? Why is she so nervous? Jessica kept glancing from Alexander to his hand. She really hopes Michael doesn’t see his hand and bite it. Right at that moment Madison started heaving and with a sound like that Jessica automatically jumps into mom mode.

  “Excuse me.” She said running out the living room and down the hall to the bathroom.

  Her mind is only on Madison, at the moment. Jessica knew the sound of dry heaves when she hears it. Madison will have a sore throat and body pain when she is through. Once Madison seemed to be done, Jessica stripped her down and cleaned her up. She grabbed both of them a change of clothes and changed in the bathroom.

  “Come on, sweetie.” Jessica picked Madison up and took her into the bedroom.

  “Michael want me.” She sadly croaked when being set down.

  “I’ll bring him in here.”

  Tucking the blanket under her chin, Madison closed her eyes.

  “Who here, mommy?” She whispers not even opening her eyes.

  “You’ll find out in a little while.” Jessica tucked a strand of hair behind Madison’s ear. “Get some rest.”

  Kissing Madison’s forehead, Jessica checked her temperature. Satisfied with the result, she left the room to get Michael. Walking down the hall coming closer to the living room, Jessica could tell Michael isn’t behind the couch. At least Alexander is still sitting on the couch. Since the couch is facing opposite the hall, it’s easy for Jessica to slip behind without being noticed. Looking in the kitchen, she didn’t see Michael anywhere. Bending down looking under the table, she came to the conclusion that he must be in the living room.

  “Are you flipping kidding me?” She said to herself.

  Slowly she walked around the couch expecting to see Michael hiding under the table. She’s surprised when she sees him curled up sleeping on Alexander’s lap while being lightly scratched behind the ears.

  “He just jumped up here.” Alexander said pulling his hand away from Michael.

  “It’s okay.” Jessica picked Michael up. “I just need him to go back there for a little bit.”

  Jessica carried Michael into the bedroom and placed him on the bed next to Madison. Madison wrapped her arm around Michael and snuggled into him. Hoping that will be all she hears from them for a while as she went back into the living room. Now is the time for the conversation that she has been dreading.

  “I thought you would just give me a call first.” Jessica sat down in the recliner and faced him.

  “I don’t have your number.”

  “Oh, I gave it to the lady at the office this morning.” She informed him.

  “I haven’t been to the office. Logan told me you were asking for me when you made your reservation, so I decided to stop by.”

  This is much harder than she thought. Looking into Alexander’s eyes is like looking into Michael’s. They have the same cobalt blue eyes. Michael has a lot of Alexander’s features. Hell, you could stand them side to side and know without a doubt that’s father and son. Madison on the other hand is all momma. Her complexion is darker than Michaels. He had brown hair and Madison’s hair is black.

  “Well what brings you here?” He asks breaking her from her daze.

  “Alexander, I have to tell you something. This is probably the hardest thing for me to ever say. You’re probably going to be mad at me. I will understand if you do.” Jessica spoke fast she’s getting more nervous by the second.

  “Jessica, you’re rambling.” He smiled.

  “Sorry I do that when I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be nervous. It’s not like you had my child and planned on keeping it from me.” He gave her a look that’s hard for her to decipher. Is he being sarcastic? Does he know already? He raised an eyebrow waiting for her response.

  “I’m sorry, Alexander.” Jessica clasped her hands together. She felt worse than she had, now that they were face to face.

  “How did you find out?” She asked looking over at him.

  “I can tell what’s mine.” Is all Alexander said. Jessica isn’t sure what exactly he meant by that.

  “Are you mad?”

  “Truthfully, I’m not sure how I’m feeling right now.”

  A chill ran over Jessica, but before she could figure out why Michael came running into the room. He was going so fast that he made it up on the chair with Jessica in one jump. Michael began nibbling on her hands then jumped up and licked her face.

  “Alright that’s enough.” She said pulling him away from her face.

  Michael jumped down, and whined then took off back down the hall. Jessica stood up knowing she needed to check on Madison. Madison began crying as Jessica reached the hallway. Alexander must have heard it too because she could hear him coming down the hall behind her. Jessica reached the children’s room just in time to see Madison bend over the small trash can beside the end table. Jessica dropped down to her knees beside Madison and pulled her hair back for her.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Alexander asked standing in the doorway.

  “Yeah get a cold wet washcloth from the bathroom, please.”

  “Be right back.” Alexander rushed down the hall with Michael following close on his heels.

  “It’s okay, sweetie. This will pass.” Jessica tried to comfort Madison.

  Madison shook her head and started crying again. By the time Alexander came back in, Madison seemed to be done. She sat in Jessica’s lap as Alexander gave her the washcloth. Jessica wiped Madison’s face and held her close, slowly rocking her. When Madison started to drift off to sleep Jessica laid her back down on the bed and covered her up. Putting her pointer finger against her lips, Jessica motioned for them to quietly go back in the living room.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Alexander asked walking into the living room.

  “I don’t know that’s why I need your help.” Jessica sat back down in the chair.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with humans. That’s a doctor’s job.” Alexander looked confused.

  “So, you can’t tell me anything about your child? She needs help!” Jessica stood up. This was a mistake. She should have just dealt with this on her own.

  “You mean he. My child is the pup that’s running around.” Alexander started getting defensive.

  “There’s two you asshole!” Jessica is about two seconds from saying fuck it and telling him to leave. If he couldn’t help, what use is he? “They are twins. Every time Michael turns into a wolf Madison gets sick. I don’t know why. I’m not a shifter, you are.”

  Chapter 11

  Alexander

  Alexander is in complete shock. He knew the pup is his. He wasn’t expecting the little girl to be his too. To think yesterday he didn’t have any children and today he finds out that he has two. The little girl, Madison, looks so sick. Shifters, even half breeds, don
’t usually get sick. Definitely, not to this extreme. He didn’t know what could be causing this to happen to her. However, Jessica looks pissed and seems to be directing it at Alexander. He doesn’t blame her, he didn’t have the answers. He needs to turn this around or it’s going to go south real fast.

  “Calm down, we will figure this out.” He assures her. “How long has he been shifting?” Jessica looked up at him like he is throwing her a lifeline.

  “For the last two nights. Today is the first time he has shifted during the day.”

  “What happened? Did he get mad?”

  “I guess. He didn’t want to take a nap and he stormed off. Madison started getting sick and while I was with her, he snuck out.” She explained. Alexander found it a little funny the little tike escaped. He tightened his jaw so he wouldn’t laugh. That’s all he needs is for her to have another reason to be mad at him.

  “When a shifter is young their emotions can fuel their change. He may or may not have meant to do it.” Alexander can see his son will give them a run for their money.

  “How long has she been sick like that?” Alexander asks nodding towards the hall.

  “Madison got sick the first time, a few hours before Michael shifted his first time.” She informs him.

  “I should probably call Sebastian. He and Makenna will more than likely know what’s going on with them.” At least Alexander hopes they will.

  “No,” Jessica said sternly. “I’m not letting anyone find out about them.”

  “Well, I’m glad that’s the way you are with the children. However, Sebastian and Makenna are shifters too. Sebastian is the alpha of the O’Neil pack.” He tried to explain to her. “There isn’t a risk with them finding out, they won’t tell anyone.”

  “I don’t know, Alexander.” Jessica began to pace in front of him. “Do you trust them?” She stopped in front of him.

  “With my life.”

  “Do you trust them with your children’s life?” She asked putting her hands on her hips.

  “Jessica,” he took her hands in his. “I promise you, I won’t let anything happen to our children.”

  It felt strange for him to say, ‘our children’. The thought of having children hasn’t crossed his mind. He thought he would find his mate first. Who would have thought fate would give him both through a one night stand? Now he just needs to convince her to stay rather than run off again.

  “Okay as long as the children are always safe.” Jessica finally sat down. “They stay in my sight.” She warned.

  “No problem.” Alexander said pulling his phone from his pocket.

  “I’m going to check on the children.” Jessica got up and walked down the hall. She still looked worried.

  Alexander stepped outside so he could call Sebastian with no interruptions. Please have an answer, he silently prayed while the phone was ringing.

  “Alexander, I wasn’t expecting you to call this early. Did you find anything?” Sebastian asked right after answering.

  “I did but that’s not why I’m calling.”

  “Oh, do tell,” Sebastian sounds like he is ready for a long story.

  “I will try to keep it short.” Alexander wants to get to the point quickly. “The guest that checked into cabin three, well she has been trying to get in touch with me.”

  “Chloe called and said some woman came by for you.” Sebastian admitted. Jessica did say she went by the office.

  “I stopped by cabin three on my way back from the other mountain. I found out some interesting news.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I have a set of twins I didn’t know about.”

  “Chloe said she thought you have a child but she didn’t say anything about two.” Sebastian informed him.

  Chloe knew? Why the hell wouldn’t she warn him about this sooner? Instead he was blindsided. She probably thought she was being cute. It’s just like Chloe to try and play match maker. A warning would have been nice though. He could have thought all this through before coming over here. There’s nothing he could do about any of that now.

  “The thing is Michael can to shift, but Madison keeps getting sick. She looks rough, Sebastian.” Alexander admitted.

  “Bring them up here. Makenna can take a look at Madison.” Sebastian suggested.

  “Thanks, I will bring them up shortly.” Alexander hung up. Taking a deep breath, he went back inside to see his children and their mother.

  Chapter 12

  Jessica

  She has got to be crazy, Jessica thought. Why is she letting him tell people about the twins? For help, she reminded herself. She must get Madison some help before she gets any worse. Jessica is putting her trust in a man she doesn’t even know.

  Michael must have heard Alexander come back inside because he ran out of the room the moment the front door opened and closed. After getting Madison settled back in the bed Jessica left the room to join Alexander in the living room. Walking up the hall she heard a playful growl. Michael is chasing Alexander, biting at his pants leg, and growling.

  “Play time is important when their young.” Alexander says bending down and picking Michael up to stop him.

  “I got that when he ran around for hours last night.” Jessica walked over to Alexander and rubbed Michael on the head.

  “So, what did you find out about Madison?” Jessica walked over to the chair and sat down.

  “I agreed to bring the twins up to Sebastian’s cabin. Makenna should be able to help once we get there.” Alexander informed her then sat down on the couch, still holding Michael.

  “What?” Jessica didn’t want him taking the kids anywhere.

  “Makenna has all her stuff there. If she can help it will be easier that way.” He explained like that just made everything better.

  Trust, she reminds herself. She has to put trust in him for Madison's sake. After all, they are his children too. Jessica doesn’t see it that way though. She has been here for her children since day one. He has known them for thirty minutes. He doesn’t know a thing about them. Jessica had to remind herself that she was the reason he doesn’t know them. Had she told him from the get go; this may not even be happening to the children.

  “Alright, just give me time to pack a few things.” Jessica sighed.

  Even though the children were completely potty trained, Jessica still packed a bag every time they went somewhere. You never know when clothes get dirty or someone gets hungry. She tries to be prepared, with children something is always happening. Once she got a bag together, she put it by the front door. Jessica scoops Madison up as easily as she can so she doesn’t wake her. At least when Madison does go to sleep, she sleeps hard.

  “Okay, we’re ready now.” She told Alexander as she came into the living room with Madison in her arms.

  “Would you like me to carry her?”

  “No, I got her. Just make sure Michael doesn’t run off.” She nodded towards Michael who was already scratching at the door to get out.

  Bending down to pick Michael up, Alexander grabbed the bag beside the door and slung it over his shoulder. Jessica came out of the cabin and locked the door behind her. When she turned around she couldn’t help but laugh. Alexander is putting the bag in his small sports car.

  “What?” Alexander looked up.

  “You want us all to go in that?” She pointed and giggled again.

  “Yeah, what’s wrong with it?” He came up to her, looking confused.

  “Children are not neat, especially these two. Plus, what are you going to think if Madison pukes all over your back seat? Trust me your car won’t smell good for days afterwards.” She warned him.

  Alexander looked from his sports car to her Altima. He must have seen her point since he went back to his car and grabbed the bag from the passenger seat. He opened the driver’s side back door of her car so she can put Madison in.

  “I’m not sure what we should do with Michael. He won’t stay in his car seat while he’s like this.” Jessica adm
itted.

  “It will be fine, I’ll hold him. Unless you want me to drive, and you can hold him.”

  “Since you know where we are going, you can drive.” Jessica says taking Michael from his arms.

  Jessica watched her surroundings as they were heading up the mountain. She isn’t sure she will be able to get back here on her own, but she paid attention any way. Michael stood up in her lap most of the ride. He likes looking out over the mountains. He whined a few times when the lake came into view. He would push his nose up to the window and whine until the view was out of site.

  “He likes it here.” Alexander stated the obvious.

  “They haven’t seen anything like this. It was too dark when we came in last night.”

  “I should take y’all for a hike some time. The twins will love it even more.”

  “After running around trying to find Michael earlier, I think I have had enough hiking to last me a few weeks.”

  “Too bad, Michael would love it out there.” He glanced over at Michael then back at the road.

  Jessica wondered what is going through Alexander’s mind. To find out you have children must have been a complete shock for him. She still isn’t sure if he is mad about the whole situation. She would be furious if she was in his position. Jessica watched him from the corner of her eyes. He kept glancing in the back to where Madison is sitting, and then over to Michael. There’s no denying they are his. Once he sees Michael as a little boy, he will know they are his. Michael looks just like him. Jessica hadn’t realized that before. Now that Alexander is right beside her, she can see all the similarities between them. Michael has always been darker than Madison. It looks like he enjoys being in the sun compared to Madison’s lighter complexion. In a lot of ways Michael looked like Alexander, and Madison looks like Jessica.

  It took almost twenty minutes to weave around the mountain roads. Jessica is glad that she isn’t driving. The deer on the mountain seem to have no fear of vehicles and they just stand in the middle of the road, making Alexander swerve to go around them. When Michael noticed the deer, he barked as though he was actually going to get to chase them.