1200 HOURS, OCTOBER 23, EIGHT DAYS UNTIL A FULL MOON
Sam watched from the observation booth of the isolation room as Janet administered a sedative to Jacob. It had been half an hour and he still hadn't regained consciousness. Sam was beginning to wonder if it had all been a bad dream that she had yet to wake from. Only this was no dream like she ever had or imagined before.
Her dad, a werewolf. It was unimaginable. She couldn't even listen as Daniel's friend Gabriel explained all the abilities a werewolf possesses and so on. She still couldn't get past the fact that her father transformed into this mythical creature before her very eyes. Such a creature had no place in her world of mathematical equations and theories. A world her father himself believed in and was a part of.
Yet, he did change. And now he lay strapped tightly to the bed. Dr. Fraiser protested furiously with General Hammond for even suggesting Sam's father be placed in restraints. It was with great reluctances that the good doctor did as she was ordered. She, and Sam knew, that if the General's order were disobeyed, Janet wouldn't be able to help Jacob at all.
Sam let a small smile slip. Her father and Janet. What a surprise to all of them expect Sam. Janet was her best friend. She knew exactly what kind of woman Janet was. She was an intimidating woman to most men, despite her size. She had spirit much like Sam's mother, precisely the kind of woman who could handle a man like Jacob. The kind of woman he saw as his equal. No wonder he was attracted to her.
Her father's eyes slowly opened and he lifted his head. He didn't look happy about the restraints. Sam giggled quietly to herself when he easily broke free. No one else noticed that he was now wide-awake and walking about.
Only his steps did not have that usual macho Jacob Carter swagger. His confidence had been shaken and his pride bruised something Sam thought was impossible until today. The man in the room was filled with uncertainty in each of his movements. And she could see it in his eyes when they locked onto hers for a brief moment before he quickly turned away, he was afraid.
Then he suddenly fell to his hands and knees grimacing in pain. A bestial roar reverberated through the isolation room capturing everyone's attention. They turned to join Sam and watched Jacob struggling to keep his humanity.
"I can't believe he's awake!" Janet gasped. "I gave him enough to knock out a couple of elephants."
"Seems wolfman Jake's getting a little help from his snake," Jack snorted.
Sam glared at him, as did everyone else. They turned back in time to see Jacob grab the hospital bed then toss it high against the far wall. It came crashing to the floor in a heap.
Parts of him were struggling to change but somehow were being held in check. Jacob screamed even louder until his voice sounded human again. Then he curled up onto his side in a tight ball, repeating his name, rank and serial number over and over.
"Fascinating!" Gabriel said and Sam realized he was standing beside her. "I have never seen..."
Sam was aghast. Who the hell did this guy think he was with his proper British accent and mannerisms? Van Helsing may have been Daniel's friend but he was no friend of hers and definitely not the Colonel's. It didn't matter how handsome Gabriel looked in his black slacks, charcoal gray sweater, and black leather jacket with his neatly trimmed brown hair. He was already the bearer of bad news then had the nerve to stand there gawking at her father like he was some kind of freak show. Sam was pissed!
"That's my father!" Sam growled grabbing him by the flaps of his jacket. "He's name is Jacob Carter! He is not some animal put on display for your amusement!"
After shoving Gabriel hard against the glass Sam stormed out of the booth. No one dared stop her. She wouldn't let them if they tried. All she could think about was that her father needed help. As his daughter, it was her duty to help him. She loved him. She would do anything for him.
When she reached the door to the isolation room she quit trying to fight the tears that desperately were trying fall down her cheeks. And going in, she ignored any danger even the protest from General Hammond. Her father hadn't reacted to her presence. He was still hugging himself while continuing his chant. Quickly and quietly she moved around him gathering up the blanket in her arms. Then she knelt beside him and gently covered him.
"I'm here dad," she sniffled quietly, quickly wiping her tears.
Her hand tentatively reached to touch the back of his head. Jacob quickly sat up, surprised to see Sam so close to him.
"Please go Sam! I don't want to hurt you!" he pleaded with such sadness in his face.
"Dad, I want to help you," she sobbed reaching for his hand but he slid back away from her before she could grab hold.
"I might hurt you!" he said as tears streamed down his face.
"Dad..."
"I'M AFRAID!" he shouted as he voice began to change. "SAM! GO!"
Sam froze. She was torn between running for her life and wanting desperately to help him. She watched helpless as he writhed on the floor until the change just erupted from him. Within a minute he was already getting to his feet and towering over her.
His mouth moved and strange yipping noises came out as if he was trying to tell her something. Then he bolted. Ramming headfirst into the hard concrete wall beneath the observation windows knocking himself unconscious in the process.
A strong hand grabbed Sam by one arm, a different hand her other arm. It was Teal'c and the Colonel gently trying to pull her towards the door as Jacob changed back into his human form.
Sam saw Dr. Fraiser hurry by before the Colonel could grab her. Always the good doctor no matter who, or what, the patient was.
"She's a...formidable woman," Gabriel said when Sam was finally at the door.
"You have no idea," the Colonel said. "Is she safe?"
"I suspect she's safer than you or I."
"And the Major?" Jack asked.
"I'm not sure," Gabriel sighed when Sam looked to him for an answer.
Gabriel had to admire Dr. Fraiser for how she took control of the situation in the briefing room. The complete disregard she had for her own danger was not reckless when she had hurried to Jacob's side. It was her job, a job she did rather well judging by how everyone listened to her orders, even him. She even had the strength and conviction to challenge General Hammond's orders to put Jacob in restraints, stating her opinion before relenting reluctantly. A woman deserved of being an alpha.
But Gabriel agreed with General Hammond about restraining and sedating Jacob. The General had kept his resolve during such bizarre circumstances. Extremely bizarre for the SGC that is. It was a tribute the man's character. A man Gabriel expected to be in command of a place like this. A man who was now demanding an explanation for what had just happened to one of his best friends.
"Have there been any noticeable changes?" Gabriel first asked.
"Yeah, I'll say...a big one!" Jack scoffed making Gabriel sigh wondering if this guy was really that dense or if it was all an act.
"I mean before today. Has anyone noticed anything different about him? Emotionally, physically."
"His scar," Samantha said sadly. "This morning I noticed the scar on his forehead was gone. And his hair, there was less gray in it."
"That is not unusual," Gabriel sighed. "Werewolves have regenerative powers which enable them to heal injuries."
"Much like a symbiote," Teal'c stated.
"From what I understand, yes. These powers can also cause old scars to heal and in some cases a more youthful appearance."
"He has been acting slightly out of character," Hammond volunteered. "I didn't think anything of it because he was acting much like he did when he was younger."
"Again, that's normal. The change in the body's chemistry, usually adrenaline or endorphin levels are high making the individual feel good and often invulnerable. What about his appetite?" Gabriel asked as Janet returned.
Everyone chimed in a yes on that one. Everyone except Samantha who Gabriel noticed was now staring out the window. She had been very quiet. Too quiet from what he read in her profile. Perhaps it was because she was a woman of science, no room in her world for fantasy. But such fantasies were his facts.
"His metabolism is adjusting. You see a werewolf is a shape shifter. In order for to survive its first full transformation the body requires a lot of fuel. I have seen a few die during the change because their body did not have the necessary nutrients to sustain it. Eventually the body becomes accustomed to the process then it merely requires a regular supply protein to help keep the muscles and tissue ready for each transformation."
The windows vibrated catching Gabriel's attention. He quickly moved near Samantha as the others lined up at the window. Gabriel was amazed as he witnessed a man fighting desperately to keep the wolf inside him at bay.
"I can't believe he's awake!" Janet gasped. "I gave him enough to knock out a couple of elephants."
"Seems wolfman Jake's getting a little help from his snake," Jack snorted.
Gabriel was surprised at how insensitive Jack was. The man had a jibe for anything. He didn't even appear surprised the way everyone was glaring at him. He was a puzzle. A leader, true but still Gabriel couldn't figure out the intelligence of the man. However, Gabriel was more interested in watching the werewolf resist changing. He wasn't in total control but just partial control was a miracle.
"Fascinating! I have never seen..."
"That's my father!" Samantha snapped startling him when she grabbed the flaps of his jacket. "He's name is Jacob Carter! He is not some animal put on display for your amusement!"
For a brief moment Gabriel thought she was going to push him through the glass window. And he believed everyone in the room would have let her do it, especially Jack who was sniggering. Daniel nodded at Gabriel to not say anything so he kept quiet as she quickly released him and bolted from the room. It was safe to assume she was going to her father. Teal'c and Jack followed while the others remained to watch. She entered the room ignoring Hammond's request for her to leave immediately.
"I'm here dad."
"Please go Sam! I don't want to hurt you!"
"Dad, I want to help you."
"I might hurt you!"
"Dad..."
"I'M AFRAID! SAM! GO!"
Gabriel's mouth fell open as Jacob changed. That was the fastest transformation...ever. This werewolf was nothing like anything Gabriel had ever encountered. His mind pondered why this werewolf was so special and came to a conclusion rather quickly.
There was only one explanation, the symbiote. Gabriel didn't know enough about how the symbiote effected a human body but the effects on a werewolf were astonishing. It could explain why this werewolf was so much larger, why his regenerative ability was faster. He was even more powerful. Maybe part of the reason why the werewolf...why Jacob could partially control the change. It could even explain why the werewolf was able to change before the night of its first full moon.
The windows vibrated again when Jacob's head impacted against the wall below them. Janet immediately started running out and Gabriel quickly went after her, catching her in the hallway. He knew exactly where she was going too.
"Janet, it may not be safe! I cannot let you go near him."
"It's Dr. Fraiser and Jacob is my patient!" she growled yanking her arm from his grip.
Janet was just praying Jacob didn't break his neck. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him lay motionless, in his human form, face down on the floor. She finally let out a sigh of relief when she felt the strong pulse on his neck.
"Doctor, how is he?" Hammond asked over the intercom.
"He's alive. Breathing...normal. Pulse is strong and steady."
"Perhaps you should leave now."
"With all due respect, sir. I can't. Not until his injury is healed," she insisted looking at the rather large lump on his forehead.
"Very well," Hammond sighed. "In the meantime, I think we should clean up the mess. Leave the mattress, pillow and blanket."
"Teal'c and I can take care of it, sir!" Jack offered.
"Bring the mattress and blanket over here," Janet said and watched as the two men hesitated. "Colonel!"
"He's not going to bite is he?" Jack asked picking up the pillow.
"Colonel just do it!" Hammond yelled over the intercom making the Colonel wince.
The Colonel, even Teal'c quickly pulled the mattress next to Jacob's unconscious body then abruptly left, leaving Janet alone. She wasn't a lone for long. Daniel's friend came over and offered his assistance. Together they lifted Jacob onto the mattress.
"I want to apologize for my behavior, Dr. Fraiser," he said. "I meant no offense."
"Shouldn't you be apologizing to Sam! This is her father," Janet snapped as they covered Jacob with the blanket.
"I already apologized to her. Now I'm apologizing to you," he smiled sincerely.
Janet sighed and hung her head, "I'm sorry, this has been a bizarre and exhausting morning."
"No apology necessary doctor."
"Janet?" Jacob spoke softly and slowly opened his eyes.
"Yes, Jacob," she said motioning for Gabriel to leave which he quickly did.
"Who was that?"
"A friend of Daniel's," she smiled gently touching his face.
"Janet, please don't let Sam in here again. I'm afraid I might hurt her...I could never...if anything ever happened to her!" he jabbered.
"Shh, I'll tell her."
"You shouldn't be in here either. I don't want to hurt you either."
"I'm afraid you're stuck with me," she smiled. "I am your doctor and I'm not going anywhere."
"So, doc, do you want to tell me what's going on?"
"Dr. Fraiser can you come up to the booth," Hammond ordered.
Both Janet and Jacob sighed.
"You better go," Jacob smiled taking hold of her hand. "I don't want you to get on George's bad side. He can be an animal too!"
"Is there anything I can get you? Water, something to eat?"
"I am very thirsty."
"I'll bring you some water as soon as I can," she smiled touching his face again.
Jack was sure of it. He didn't like Daniel's friend. The man was too proper, too neat and clean cut. Too pompous. And his accent, Jack couldn't get over it. He had a hard enough understand the actual words that were coming out of the man's mouth and the accent only made it worse. Yep, Jack was sure of it, he didn't like Gabriel.
"So, now what?" Daniel asked after Dr. Fraiser finally arrived.
"I require a sample of his blood and I need to understand exactly how the symbiote affects his body," Van Helsing said.
"I can't believe you told him about that little snake," Jack whispered to Daniel then saw Major Carter's eyes narrow at him.
"I had to," Daniel shrugged.
"Why do you need his blood?" Dr. Fraiser asked.
"Because this wer...," Van Helsing started to say then glanced at Major Carter. "Because Jacob is unique. I need to understand why. His blood contains the wolf's venom, the disease that causes him to transform. I need to examine it for any changes."
"Wolf's venom?" Jack asked.
"The moment Jacob was bitten his blood was infected."
"But the symbiote usually takes care of any foreign agents in a hosts body," Janet countered.
"Maybe Selmak's been infected too," Daniel suggested.
"I don't know enough about a symbiote but I do know what happens to the human body when it changes. And Jacob is different. There are many different kinds of werewolves but with Jacob...well I have never seen a werewolf grow so much in size. And he seems to retain some of his human characteristics. I have never seen that before in a werewolf, they usually act like wild animals."
"And you think it has to do with the symbiote," Daniel stated making Gabriel shrug his shoulders.
It was all to mind boggling for Jack. All he knew was that Major Carter's dad could grow fur with very sharp looking teeth and claws. An ability many of his previous commanding officers would have loved to have when Jack was being a pain in the ass. He definitely knew Hammond was jealous of Jacob because of that new growl!
"Someone needs to tell him," Major Carter sighed sadly.
Poor Carter. Jack could see this was a strain on her. He couldn't possible imagine what the psychological effect it had on her seeing her father transform into that wolf. Jack about shit his pants when Jacob the wolf started snarling and snapping at him. Jack swore it was the last time he would ever piss Jacob off.
"Samantha, there is a cure," Gabriel spoke softly taking her hand in his. "I have a friend, in London, who is trying to locate it as we speak."
Damn. This man was perspective too. He saw how tense Sam was. Jack only knew because she had that little crease in her forehead she would get when worried. Jack was pissed at himself for not saying anything to her. But then he never could say much to Carter, she was his second in command. There was an emotional detachment that was required because they were in the Air Force. Still, he wished he said something she was a member of his team and the team was like a family.
"There's a cure?" Hammond asked.
"We didn't want to say anything because we didn't know where it was yet," Daniel said.
"We need to tell my father. He has a right to know what's happening to him and that we can help him."
"I don't think it should be you Samantha," Gabriel said.
"Why not? She is his daughter for crying out loud!" Jack insisted.
"Precisely why she should not be the one. You saw what happened, the strain was too much for Jacob."
Jack knew Gabriel was right. Carter did too because Jack saw her shoulders sag. He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder for comfort.
"Jacob asked that you not go in there Sam," Janet said sadly. "He's afraid he might harm you."
"Then who?" Jack asked but for once he already knew the answer.
Everyone knew the answer and looked at Janet. No wonder Jacob fell for her. She was a tough lady and didn't shirk from her duty as Jacob's doctor. Of course Jack also had a feeling she was probably the only one who was safe with Jacob judging from what happened in the briefing room earlier.
They all went to the window and watched as Dr. Fraiser took some of Jacob's blood. The man seemed much calmer now as he sat quietly. It was probably Janet's presence. Jacob's hand gently touched hers. Yep, Jack knew it was because of Janet's presence that Jacob was less of an animal. He even let out a hearty laugh when she told him of his condition.
"At least he's taking the news rather well," Jack said trying to be optimistic and was rewarded by a small smile from the Major.
A werewolf! And not just any kind of werewolf, Jacob was a symbiote-enhanced mutant of a werewolf. No other werewolf was like him. He couldn't believe his ears. If it had been anyone but Janet telling him he would have thought they were pulling his leg.
At least now he knew he wasn't going crazy. Not too long ago he thought he was losing his mind. The transformation scared the hell out of him. Jacob was a man who prided himself on being in control and he couldn't control what his own body was doing.
Suddenly he wasn't afraid anymore. Or maybe it was Janet's perfume still lingering in his nose that was keeping him calm. He wouldn't want to be tested if O'Neill walked in. Jacob might rip the man to shreds, he knew George wanted to from time to time.
'Selmak, you've been very quiet. Are you ok?'
'Yes, Jacob'
'Why are you sad?'
She didn't reply. That wasn't like her, not at all. The old gal always had something sarcastic to say. She even managed to joke about his hairline when he was changing.
'What's wrong?'
'I don't want to be cured! I like these new abilities!'
Jacob chuckled and shook his head. Selmak sounded like a child with a new toy. And now that toy was being taken from her.
'What if we learn to control it?' she asked excitedly making him laugh out loud again.
'What if we can't? If we're not cured we stay in this room. What about Sam? Our friends? What about Janet? Think of the strain that would be on them if we're not cured.'
Selmak was quiet again. Most of the time when she was quiet, she usually was thinking deeply. Only this time she was depressed.
'Cheer up girl! Next time Janet comes round, I'll have her bring us some chocolate cake.'
'Cake! I like cake!'
'I know.'
'That's her now!' she said excitedly when the door unlocked.
Jacob rolled his eyes at his symbiote telling her to calm down as he got to his feet. Sure enough in came Janet with her arms full of pillows and an extra blanket.
"I thought you could use some extra pillows and blankets since you're forced to sleep on the floor," she smiled then noticed folded T-shirt on the floor and asked, "Why didn't you put it on?"
"Why bother? If I change, I'm just going to rip it off anyway,'" he smiled taking some of the load from her.
They were quiet as she helped him make up his bed. His mind had wondered to what transpired between the two of them earlier in the infirmary.
"I'm sorry I won't get to take you out to dinner," he spoke softly when they were done.
"I'll take a rain check," Janet smiled.
Jacob sat down and let out a heavy sigh.
"What's going on? I haven't seen you or anyone for a while."
"A lot happened after we examined your blood. It seems the naquadah fused with the wolf venom causing it to mutate," she answered sitting beside him.
"So that's why I'm a big bad wolf," Jacob smiled wickedly.
Janet laughed, "It's good to see you back to your cocky self."
Jacob felt her hand slip under his and he gently interlaced his fingers between hers.
"Daniel left with his friend an hour ago. Teal'c went with them, the Colonel insisted saying Daniel wasn't going anywhere unless a member of SG-1 was with him."
"Jack's a good man...as long as he stays away from what's mine."
"That was your fault!"
"What?"
"If you hadn't given me this," she said showing him the mark on her neck. "The Colonel was acting a little squirrelly and I was hoping he hadn't seen it. But then he leaned over and you growled at him."
"I'm sorry," he laughed touching her neck with his fingertips.
He leaned in closer to her but hesitated for a moment afraid she might not want him to because of what he is. Only she didn't back away, so he kissed her lips. Then he quickly pulled away.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
"Why...I'm not," she cooed caressing his face.
"You're not afraid of me?"
"You, you're a puppy dog," she smiled.
Jacob laughed wrapping his arms around her and held onto her tight. He felt a gentle nudge from Selmak reminding him about the cake he promised. When he started to speak, Janet was trying to say something too at the same time.
"You first," he sighed sitting back so he could look at her lovely face.
"I have a parent teacher conference at Cassie's school tonight."
"You should go then."
"I can reschedule."
"Janet, she's your daughter. She should come first. I'll be alright. I'm not going anywhere."
"I've already arranged for her to stay at a school friend's house until Halloween night."
"Confident, I'll be cured by the deadline? And you say I'm cocky," he smiled making her laugh.
"After tonight, I'll remain here at the SGC until you're cured."
"You don't..."
Her hand touched his mouth silencing him.
"I want to."
"Do me a favor before you leave? I promised Selmak some chocolate cake. The SF who brought me my dinner had eaten some, I could smell it."
"Sure, no problem. I'll be back in a few minutes."
As promised, Janet returned with two pieces of cake, one for Jacob and the other for Selmak. Then she was gone. But her presence was still with him as he sat quietly on his bed resting his arms on his knees. He remained that way for hours.
'What are you thinking?' Selmak finally asked.
Jacob looked up towards the high ceiling. There was a vent just below the ceiling.
'I'm thinking I can make that jump,' Jacob answered.
'The cameras have been turned off but there's still a guard in the observation booth.'
'It's only one guard. He's young. I am a General, I can easily intimidate him into bring me some water. After he brings it, we can escape before he's back in his seat.'
'And we'll have the bed made to look like you're sleeping in it!'
'The lights are already dim so unless they walk over to the bed...'
'Which they won't because they're afraid you'll bite them!' Selmak giggled.
'They won't know we're gone.'
All was quiet. It was 2300 hours when Jack returned to the SGC. He felt he wasn't disobeying Hammond's order by going home then coming back. After all Hammond said to go home, he didn't say anything about staying home.
First thing Jack did was check on Jacob. The SF guarding him said he had given General Carter some water an hour ago. And that he had been sleeping ever since. Satisfied Jack went to get a few hours of sleep in one of the guest quarters on this level. The whole time no one realized that Jacob was long gone.
'STOP!' Selmak shouted in Jacob's mind.
She was getting used to his werewolf form and she could feel he was beginning to enjoy it. They were so free as they ran through the forest faster than any creature inhabiting it. Sometimes running on two legs, sometimes on all four, depending on the terrain. They had been running for nearly an hour when she had suddenly made him stop. Jacob came to a sliding halt on all fours ripping up someone's lovely green grass in the process.
'What?' he asked.
'There, the flowers! You wanted to bring her flowers, remember?'
'Right! Thanks Sel!'
Jacob with his big black clawed hand gently plucked some of the roses.
'Ouch!'
'What is it Jacob?'
'A thorn poked my tongue!'
Selmak roared in laughter thinking what a thorn her host has been in so many people's sides.
The moment he was out in the cold fresh air, Jacob's senses were bombarded with the life of the forest. It was completely different than being inside the stale dry tunnels underground. Outside his senses were so much more alive. The smell of the trees, the grass, even the dirt filled his nose. He could hear the small animals scurry away when he approached. And he could see! Wow, he could see everything in the shadows and see them clearly.
Exhilarated Jacob took off running welcoming the change when it happened. Then he senses were further enhanced. It was all so exciting. He was so much more agile and could move so quickly across the mountain terrain. He had a strong urge to howl at the moon but refrained because he didn't want to be discovered. So he pushed on at a heart-pumping pace.
A soft thud woke Janet. She had always been a light sleeper. Quickly she turned the lamp on to illuminate the room so she could investigate.
"Jacob!"
"Please...don't be angry!" he said moving away from the wide-open window.
Janet noticed that wild look in his eyes again. But it seemed to fade away quickly replaced by tenderness. She also noticed he was trembling and sweating. The shorts he was wearing were slightly torn along the seams. And his hands were filthy and his bare feet were covered with mud that was tracked on her clean cream colored carpet.
"Jacob! Look at the mess! I just had the carpet shampooed," she said getting up, pulling her robe on over her nightgown and quickly shoving him into her bathroom.
"I'm sorry. I'll pay to have it cleaned again."
"You better!"
"I just had to see you again."
"Don't tell me you escaped!"
"I did," he smiled proudly. "I had to bring you these!"
Janet smiled taking the bundle of roses from his hand.
"I'm afraid I might have slobbered on them a little," he smiled sheepishly. "I was going to leave them on your pillow then go back to the SGC."
"You came all this way just to give me flowers?" she asked surprised.
"Well, I felt really bad about not being able to keep our date."
"I wasn't holding it against you Jacob."
"Janet, I've screwed up in my past by being late or not being there. I don't want that to happen again...not with you."
Janet blushed. The she laughed at him. It was hard not to. He looked so adorable with a dopey grin on his face. Now only if he was a little cleaner.
"Thank you," she smiled after composing herself. "Why don't you shower while I'll clean up some of the mess. Then I will take you back to the SGC."
"You're welcome," he whispered kissing her cheek.
In fifteen minutes, her floor was vacuumed but the dirt stains were permanent until the rug was cleaned, again. Thankfully Cassandra was already at her friend's house and wasn't around for all the commotion. Janet was making enough noise rummaging around in her bedroom closet trying to find the box with some clothes that should fit Jacob.
"Need any help?"
Janet didn't even hear his approach and jumped at the sound of his voice.
"I'm sorry," he smiled standing there with a towel wrapped snuggly around his waist.
"I was trying to find some clothes for you."
"No luck?"
"No," she sighed. "I'm curious, how did you escape?"
"A vent. It took me to a ladder that runs all the way up to the surface."
"And my window?" she asked moving to the window and pulling it down leaving it open a few inches. "This is the second floor, there's no way unless you had a ladder."
"Or werewolf abilities, I jumped," he shrugged. "It was easy, just like the vent."
"You, are just full of surprises!" she said poking his rib.
"Janet!"
"That's right, you're ticklish!" she smiled poking his other side making him retreat.
Janet had Jacob flustered. He was trying not to laugh but wasn't doing a good job at. Nor was he defending himself well against her as she continued to tickle him. She harassed him until they toppled onto the bed with her falling on top of him. Both were laughing uncontrollable for a few moments until both were silently gazing into each other's eyes. Janet kissed his forehead, then the tip of his nose. Then she kissed him on the lips...hard. He returned her kiss rolling over on top of her.
Hitting the Indiglo button on his watch, Jack saw it was almost four thirty in the morning. Good enough time to get up and within fifteen minutes he was enroute to the commissary, cleaned and shaved. Ready for a cup of coffee. When he arrived, he was not at all surprise to see Major Carter working on her cup with an empty plate in front of her.
"Good morning Major," he said filling a cup with hot coffee. "Check on dad yet?"
"An hour ago, he was still sleeping."
"An hour? Did you go home last night, Hammond ordered us."
"I went home. I just came back an hour after I left."
"I waited two hours. Let's go check on dad," he said then took a sip of his coffee.
Sam smiled grabbing her cup. Together they walked silently though the tunnels until they reach isolation room one. The same SF was still on duty.
"He still hasn't moved sir," the man said.
"May be we should wake him up," Jack smiled turning the lights up.
"I don't know sir. Dad gets grouchy in the morning."
"He's already grouchy with me, so what's the difference," Jack said pushing the intercom button. "Rise and shine sleepy head."
Sam smiled then drank the last of her coffee tilting her head back.
"Oh shit!"
"Major Carter!" Jack exclaimed.
"Dad, please don't tell me..." she started saying and ran out of the room.
Curious, Jack quickly followed her.
"Whoa! Hold on! Janet's not around to tame him!"
"Sir, I don't think my dad's in there!" she said swiping her card to open the door.
A moment later.
"What?"
Sam didn't answer him but Jack followed her in. To protect her from dad, of course. Both cautiously approached the bed.
"Oh Crap!" Jack exclaimed seeing that Jacob was not in his bed.
"Up there sir."
"Damn! Seems wolfman Jake has some new abilities he didn't share with us."
Sam glared at him.
"Sorry Carter. Well, I can think of only one little alpha female he's probably huffing and puffing to get too."
Jack quickly left before the Major gave him shit about what just came out of his mouth. She followed him back to the observation booth where Jack made a phone call.
"Good morning Janet, did I wake you?...Sorry. Listen, Jacob's escaped...I was wondering if you had seen him or maybe heard him howling at the moon nearby?....No...You'll call if you do? Ok, see you later."
Jack believed her. He had no reason not to believe Janet.
"Carter, why don't we take a few teams a search the grounds," he ordered. "Let's hope he out looking for the three little pigs and not little miss red riding hood!"
Jacob inhaled deeply filling his nose with her sweet scent. Then he sighed snuggling closer to Janet, cupping her body with his under disheveled the sheet covers. Opening his eyes he saw it was almost five in the morning. Time he should be going. Only he didn't want to leave her. But he knew he had to, he didn't want her to get in trouble. Yet he couldn't leave. He affectionately kissed her bare shoulder that was close and tempting him.
"Jacob, we've only been asleep for an hour," she whispered.
"I'm refreshed!" he whispered kissing her neck.
"You animal!" she joked turning in his arms to face him.
Jacob chuckled, "That's funny, you weren't complaining earlier when I growled!"
"Jacob!" she exclaimed making him laugh harder.
He kissed her deeply on the lips while feeling her arms pull his body tight against hers. Then the phone by the bed rang. They ignored it. Another ring. Jacob reluctantly lifted his head and growled at it. It rang again oblivious of his protest.
"It's probably about you," she smiled touching his face.
"You should answer it then," he said sadly then nestled his head on her chest.
"Hello...Yes Colonel!...Escaped...No, I haven't seen him...Ill call if I see him. Bye."
"Why did you say that?" Jacob asked looking up surprised.
"Because you're not a threat to me. And I plan on taking you back to the SGC myself."
"I can't let you take me back."
"Why not, I'm your doctor!"
"Janet, I don't want you to get in trouble. What happens if they find out I was here all night? I can make it back. It's still dark outside and no one will see me if I leave now."
"Bu..."
He quickly kissed her, silencing her in the protest.
"God help me I'm in love you Janet Fraiser," he whispered in her ear, kissed her tenderly on the lips then quickly got out of bed.
Her hearted fluttered. Janet wasn't expecting him to say those words to her. But he did and now he had to leave. She stood there in the bathroom, speechless, watching Jacob put his torn shorts back on. He told her that he loved her and she didn't know what to say.
Janet began to tremble and hugged herself. Only she wasn't cold in her thick robe. She was overwhelmed by his words. His arms wrapped around her holding her tight. And suddenly she didn't want him to leave.
"It's better this way," he sighed resting his head on top of hers. "This way I'm the only one who gets in trouble."
She clung to him tightly.
"Promise me you'll be careful," she managed to say.
"I promise," he said kissing her forehead. "Will I see you later?"
"I have to be on duty by eight," she sighed looking up at him.
"Sorry, you won't get much sleep."
"You're are not sorry!" she smiled devilishly at him.
"Well...actually you started it. I was just here to deliver some flowers!"
"Jacob, I am a lady," she said pretending to be astonished.
"Right!" he said then hugged and kissed her for the last time before leaving.
"Jacob!" she shouted grabbing his arm when he stuck his leg out her window.
"Janet, don't worry. I won't hurt myself," he smiled kissing her hand. "See you in a little while."
With that he dropped down from the second story window and landed gracefully with a soft thud on his feet. Looking down she saw he was smiling up at her. She returned the smile even as he was transforming. His nose sniffed the air searching then started to go.
"JACOB!" she yelled quietly.
He quickly stopped and looked back.
"I love you too!"
Jacob's howl was deep and soulful but it still made her laugh. She laughed even harder when every dog in the neighborhood started howling too.
"Better go Jacob!" she whispered.
Then Jacob was gone and she was alone. Janet smiled pulling the window back down to where she had it before. She didn't feel alone. His presence was still with her, evident by his footprints on the rug and by the blanket and pillows on the floor. Her smiled widened. Somehow one pillow managed to stay on the bed during their lovemaking. They had shared it when they finally fell into an exhausted sleep.
Falling onto the bed, Janet clung to that pillow nuzzling her head on it. She was wide-awake. No way she was going to fall asleep now. All she could think about was Jacob. And hoped he would make it back to the SGC safely.
"You know, by the time they actually show up here I can still be long gone!"
Janet didn't even have a chance to be shocked because Jacob was already kissing her and removing her robe.