Alana moved toward her sister, hesitantly placing her arms around her shoulders. She felt her bones through her skin and it pained her at how desperately thin her sister had become. Alana pulled Emilia closer to her and felt Emilia’s arms wrap around her waist. They stood there holding each other tightly as their emotions swept through them. Alana loved her sister and was glad that she was safe. Only time would now decide how their future paths would entwine. Hopefully it would be always.
Chapter 25
“One fucking little job, that was all you had to do was to make sure she stayed in the vehicle!” Jonah spat. He was still livid about the fact that Alana had gotten free and had made a run for the Headquarters. Even though he’d worked out his issues with Alana, he still had Luca to deal with.
“I’m sorry, Jonah. She took me by surprise. She’d scaled the fence before I had a chance to get to her. She may be small, but she’s superfast.”
“You’re faster. And you landed on top of her. She could have been hurt!”
“I’ll have to get you flying lessons, the way you flew through the air!” Jenson couldn’t help it. Thinking about it now, it had been hysterical seeing Luca soar completely off the ground in her direction.
Jonah growled loudly. His female could have been hurt and all Jenson could do was make a mockery of how Luca had looked as he’d taken flight and landed on top of her.
“That’s not helping Jonah’s mood, Jenson,” Elijah warned.
Jenson shrugged, sniggering at the vision in his head.
Luca stared at the fearsome sight of Jonah towering over him. He was much broader and taller than Luca, and he’d always seemed a bit daunting to look at. Angry, he looked even worse.
“I only wanted to take her down so she couldn’t get any closer. I made sure I didn’t crush her.”
“He did help heal her, Jonah. That’s got to count for something. Remember, magic hands and all that.” Jenson waved his hands up in front of Jonah.
He was unreal. Even when the situation was serious, Jenson still never took anything seriously. Jonah glared at Jenson. If it had been his female, would he be so jovial about it?
Elijah walked over to his second-in-command and placed his hand on his shoulder. “Luca is an asset to The Order. He never meant for her to be in any danger and would lay his life down for her. He would for all of us. Remember what he did to save both Jasmine and Alana. We owe him our gratitude. Our lives would not be anything without his gift. We would not have our mates with us and our lives would be empty. He made an error in judgment, but he did it with the best intentions to keep her safe. Find it in your heart to let it go. We need each other. We are brothers and Lords together.”
Jonah stared at Elijah.
“Luca. Our mates are everything to us and one day you will know the intensity of our protection for them. Jonah knows that it was not your intention to put his mate at risk. It was not your decision for her to leave the vehicle to try and help The Order, and he also knows what you have done to save the ones we love. Please forgive him for his anger. Our love blinds us to the truth sometimes.”
“Of course. I hold no grudge against his fury toward the danger I allowed his mate to be in. It is my burden to bare, but I would always lay my life on the line for everyone in this house. You were there for me when I first came here and I care for each and every one of you. You are my brothers.” Luca stared at Jonah, hoping his sincerity was understood.
Jonah nodded. “I’m sorry, Luca. Elijah is right. I know it was not you’re doing. My mate is stubborn and strong.”
“Perfect match for you then, Jonah!” Jenson winked at Luca.
“Jenson, cut it out, quit taunting Jonah,” Elijah warned.
Jenson jumped off the kitchen counter where he’d been sitting, enjoying the show of male testosterone, and walked casually out through the door. Jonah was way too easy to wind up and it was one of his favorite pastimes. He’d found a mate that was perfect for him and would challenge him, which was going to be immensely fun to watch. Jonah’s perfectly controlled life was going to be put to the test, and Jenson couldn’t wait to see how he’d handle a female in full-defiant mode. Life had just gotten a whole lot more interesting.
* * * *
One month later
Alana woke to hear the rain lashing against the window. The constant pattering pounded at her head as she kept her eyes closed. The spring was heading its way toward them and the ground had warmed slightly, making the inside of hers and Jonah’s quarters feel like a furnace. She felt the sheen of sweat that covered her entire body.
She’d tossed and turned all night, unable to get comfortable and had even kicked off the covers to try and cool the raging fire she felt lighting her from inside. Jonah had been concerned that she was running a fever and had gotten up in the middle of the night to get her a glass of iced water. Alana had only managed to take a few sips before laying back down, feeling awful. She wasn’t feeling any better now the dawn had broken.
Jonah had gotten up early and had left her resting. Alana had finally fallen asleep and had not even felt him climb from the bed and take a shower before heading downstairs to check on the security. The bed had felt cooler once he’d left and Alana had been able to drift in and out of sleep. She still felt awful and decided that staying in bed for the day would be her only option.
As she lay there, she felt nausea sweep through her as her stomach rolled. She knew she was going to throw up. She pulled the covers back and darted to the bathroom, only just making it in time before heaving up the very little amount she had in her stomach. Breathing in and out rapidly, she leaned forward over the sink and heaved again. She hated being ill. It was the worst feeling when your stomach churned and your body felt like it was going to give up holding you vertical.
Alana washed her mouth out with some water and stared at herself in the mirror. She looked like a ghost, pale, and her tired eyes did nothing to make her feel better. She regretted looking at herself as she ran her fingers through her long hair. At least she hadn’t been sick over her hair. She was exhausted and the last thing she needed to do was have a take a shower. Sitting on the edge of the bath, she felt drained. She would have to return to bed but needed to take a moment to draw up some energy to get her across the room.
A knock at her door made her jump. Dragging herself up from the bath, she pulled her long T-shirt down over her thighs and walked across the room. It still felt like one hundred degrees inside and she really wasn’t up for any company. Opening the door she rested her shoulder against the frame and attempted to smile as Jasmine stood in the hallway.
“God, are you okay?” Jasmine saw the gaunt look in Alana’s eyes and moved forward to help her back to bed. Closing the door she walked to the dresser and picked up the glass of water that Jonah had left for her.
“I feel awful. I’ve been awake most of the night, tossing and turning. I just couldn’t get comfortable. It’s just so hot in here, don’t you think?” Alana rested her head back on the pillow and placed her arm over her forehead.
Jasmine looked at Alana confused. It was a little warmer, but not enough to not have the need for a sweater. “Let me take your temperature. You may have a cold virus or something.”
Jasmine walked into the bathroom and opened the cabinet. On the top shelf there was a thermometer. All the quarters had been supplied with basic items and Jasmine pulled off the lid and walked back inside to Alana. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she placed the thermometer in Alana’s mouth and pressed the on button. Jasmine felt Alana’s skin while she waited for it to beep, but admitted to herself that Alana didn’t really feel too hot. Once the thermometer beeped, Jasmine took it out of her mouth and checked the reading. It was the perfect temperature.
“No fever. Maybe we should get Luca up here to take a look at you. He should be able to fight whatever it is that making you ill.”
Alana’s stomach rolled again as she jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom. Leaning over the
toilet, she retched as Jasmine came in and held her hair back. Jasmine rubbed Alana’s back, soothing her until she stood and leaned on the sink.
“God, I hate being ill!” Alana rinsed out her mouth again and allowed Jasmine to help her back to bed.
“How long have you been feeling unwell, Alana?” Jasmine’s mind began to drift in another direction.
“A few days. The sickness has only just happened today though. Do you think I need Luca here?” Alana was getting more tired each day.
“How do you feel as the day goes on?” Jasmine asked.
“It gets a bit better. By the afternoon I never feel as bad.” Alana sat up quickly, making white spots appear before her eyes. It dawned on her where Jasmine was going with this conversation and her heart started to pound.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Jasmine stood and walked toward the door. Opening it, she walked through and pulled it to, but didn’t quite shut it. She didn’t want Alana to have to get up and open it again. A minute later, she returned and handed Alana a rectangular box.
“Oh, god! Jasmine, what if it’s positive? Jonah might not want children yet. What if he gets angry?” Alana felt fear grip at her.
“If it is, then he’ll just have to get used to the idea. Go and do the test. Do you want me to help you to the bathroom? You’re quite weak.”
Alana nodded as she climbed out from under the covers as Jasmine placed her arm around her waist. Once at the bathroom, Jasmine turned and walked back to the bed giving Alana some privacy. Jasmine had the testing kit ready as she and Elijah had decided to start trying for a family. It was early still, but Jasmine was hopeful that it wouldn’t take long before she would be able to share some good news. Staring at the bathroom door she hoped that Alana was okay. She and Jonah had been mated for about a month and Jonah loved her dearly.
As Alana walked from the bathroom, Jasmine stood but Alana held up her hand to let her know she would be okay getting back into bed. Holding the long white testing tube in her hand, Alana climbed onto the bed and waited.
Jasmine smiled as she saw the worried look on Alana’s face. She’d only been at Genesis for a short time but they had become great friends. They spent hours watching television and going for swims in the beautiful pool that the members of The Order had just built. It hadn’t taken long, and Alana and Jasmine had decided that swimming each day would be a fantastic way to keep fit.
Alana watched the little blue line appear in the window to tell her she was pregnant. She sat back against the pillow and stared into Jasmine’s anxious gaze.
“It’s positive. I’m pregnant!” Alana sat there stunned. She’d said she wanted children with Jonah and they’d talked about it, but she’d not expected it to be quite so soon. What if Jonah wasn’t happy about it?
It had been hard enough for him to allow her into his life and he’d suffered so much. They’d both kept themselves shut off to caring for anyone for so long and had only just found each other. It scared her to think that he would struggle to allow more love into his heart. Talking about having children was a lot different that actually having one and Alana worried that Jonah would be less enthusiastic now it had become a reality.
Alana knew in her heart that she wanted this more than anything. Her heart filled with joy at the thought of having Jonah’s child and tears filled her eyes. A large smile spread across her face.
Jasmine smiled with Alana. “I take it you’re happy.”
“More than anything. I just don’t know if Jonah will be.” Alana stared at her stomach. She’d have to tell him. She just hoped more than anything he would be as happy as she felt at that precise moment. She just hoped it didn’t destroy everything she had finally found with her mate.
Chapter 26
“Happy about what?”
Jonah’s deep voice made Alana jump as she turned and stared at her huge mate that took up the entire doorway. The tight fitting T-shirt he wore showed every inch of his muscular frame and she always loved the way he fitted a pair of jeans perfectly. His blond hair hung gently to his shoulders and those amazingly piercing eyes of his were so damn hot. She loved every inch of his glorious body. Her insides pulsed at the mere sight of him.
“My Queen. Is everything okay?” Jonah asked.
“I’ll leave you two alone. Alana, if you need me I’ll just be down the hall.”
“Jasmine, thank you.” Alana was eternally grateful for her friend’s care and for being there just at the right time.
As Jasmine closed the door, Jonah turned and stared at Alana. She still looked immensely pale and he’d worried about her all night. She’d been so hot and he’d not wanted to make it worse for her by holding her against his body as he loved to do. Instead he’d gotten her cool flannels to hold against her skin as she’d drifted aimlessly in and out of sleep. He’d had to get up and check on security and had hated to leave her.
When he’d heard her breathing slow into a soft rhythm, he’d realized she’d finally fallen into a deep sleep. He’d gotten out of bed and showered. Closing the door quietly, he’d walked down the stairs and into the security room. Tobias had been in there and saw the concerned look on his face. Jonah had spoken to him about Alana and he’d suggested getting Luca to see her.
Jonah had left shortly after checking that the perimeter of Genesis was secure and had found Luca in the gym. Luca had been working out daily since the encounter at the Headquarters. Jonah suspected that the male still felt guilty and wanted to improve his skills. Jonah understood Luca’s anguish.
Luca had agreed to come and see Alana once he’d showered and would be there shortly.
Jonah walked over to the side of the bed. Sitting down gently, he leaned over and kissed Alana on the forehead. She didn’t feel as hot as she’d felt during the night and Jonah hoped that whatever it was that was making her unwell was starting to pass.
“How you feeling, beautiful?” Even poorly, Alana was still the most beautiful female he’d ever seen. His heart responded with a jolt as she smiled at him.
“A little better. I wasn’t too well a short while ago. I’ve been sick a few times but that seems to have settled a bit.” Alana looked anxiously at her hands. She’d placed the pregnancy test under the covers, unsure of Jonah’s reaction if he saw it. Her ruffled hair fell around her face as she continued to stare at her hands.
“Don’t do that.” Jonah placed his finger under her chin and gently lifted it until she stared into his eyes. He hated it when she hid her face from him. It had been something that she’d done often when they’d first met and it upset him to see her do it now. She had no reason to ever hide from him. She was his mate and could share everything with him, no matter whether it was good or bad. He frowned as he stared into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Tell me what’s wrong. I’m going insane here worrying about what it is.”
Alana didn’t know how to tell him she was carrying his child. What if he wasn’t ready to accept more into his heart? If he reacted badly, she knew her heart would shatter and she so desperately wanted him to be as elated as she felt. The distress at his reaction must have been obvious in her eyes. Jonah hadn’t taken his gaze away from hers as she inhaled. He was so caring and had loved her more than anyone could ever wish for. She didn’t want to alter the perfect life that she’d found with him.
As Jonah rubbed the back of her hand, Alana stared deep into his eyes. “I’m not ill, Jonah.”
“What’s wrong then? How can I help you?”
Alana smiled nervously. “It’s not something you can exactly help or fix, Jonah.” Alana gently pulled her hand away from his grasp and placed both of her hands on her abdomen.
Jonah watched as she moved. Shock spread across his face as he realized what it was she was telling him without words. She was pregnant with his child. That was why she had been sick.
Jonah sat unmoving as he continued to stare at her. His mate was carrying his child and his heart welled with such love, he thought it would explo
de. Every nerve in his body fired with happiness that they’d created a life that would forever be a part of them both. Alana had given his a reason to exist and had now given a gift greater than he’d ever believed he was worthy of having. Tears formed in his eyes.
He had lost his family and had always believed that the risk of being close to anyone was a danger he could never face. Meeting Alana had changed all that and now he knew that his heart was capable to love again. She had saved him over and over from the pain and desolation that had consumed him. He had something now that he’d never dared wished for.
“Are you angry that it’s happened so quickly? I really want to have your child, Jonah. I love you more than my own life, and for us to share this amazing gift has added to the completeness of my life.” Alana stared at Jonah. His silence was scaring her.
Jonah shifted off the bed and pulled Alana toward him until she sat with her legs resting over the edge. He shifted her legs apart and placed himself between her thighs. Bending down he placed his face against her stomach, wrapping his arms around her back.
“I could never be angry, Alana. This is the most precious thing you could ever have honored me with. Our child is the miracle that we never believed either of us would ever have. Thank you, Alana, for everything you are and everything you’ve given me. You and our child are my life, and I will love and protect you both forever.” Jonah felt nothing but pure joy.
A sharp knock at the door brought Jonah’s head up until he was eye to eye with Alana. Alana frowned as he cursed.
“Shit! I forgot I’d asked Luca to pop in and see what he could do to make you feel better.”
Jonah's Salvation [The Order of the Mist 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 21
