The flight had been long from Denver to London. But it had given Daniel the chance to catch up on the sleep he desperately needed. After a brief layover at Heathrow it was off to Burcharerst, the capitol of Romania. Carl, Gabriel's trusted friend, had already reached Burcharerst ahead of them in order to make preparations for their arrival with a local contact of the Order.
When they met Carl at the airport Daniel immediately liked him. He was a friendly fellow, a computer genius but not the adventurous type. Rulers were important to him but loyalty to his friends was greater. Still, it didn't stop him from complaining to Gabriel, at length, about how the Order would not approve of their actions. In fact he and Gabriel debated the entire two hour drive from Burcharerst to the small town of Cimpina located in the foothills of the Transyvanian Alps, the starting point of their journey to find the cure for Jacob.
There wasn't much to see during the late night hours in Cimpina when they finally arrived at the lodge. From what Gabriel told Daniel it was a summer resort town. A major petroleum center connected by the oil pipeline with Ploiesti and with the port of Constanta on the Black Sea. Currently, only the locals and four strangers on a quest occupied the town.
The town itself was nestled in the towering shadow of the Transylvanian Alps. Even at night they were majestic rising up so high they appeared as if their crystalline snow covered peaks might touch the moon. Daniel would have found the sight breath taking if it wasn't for the chill that ran up and down his spine.
For as impressive as they were, the mountains were equally as menacing. Their dark shadows hiding an ominous presence. An eerie presence that could be felt even at this distance as if it were reaching out to Daniel and letting him know that he was expected, a foreboding of an evil that awaited them.
"This isn't going to be anything like Egypt is it?" Daniel asked finally following Teal'c and Gabriel into the local tavern.
"No. There is an ancient evil that dwells on the farside of the Fagaras Forest."
"I'm afraid to ask, what kind of ancient evil?"
Gabriel didn't answer right away. He quickly ordered them their dinner with drinks and waited for the hostess to leave. When he spoke he lean forward and lowered his voice so only Daniel and Teal'c could here him.
"His name is Viktor, one of the oldest living vampires. A noble born around 400 BC. It is said that he is the closest the Order has ever come to locating the original vampire. Which is why he is still alive. The Order hopes that by keeping him alive, one day we would find his maker."
"He is from..." Gabriel stopped as their hostess brought them their drinks. "He is from a time when werewolves used to be the protectors of vampires. An in return for their services the werewolves were provided with wealth, food, or whatever each desired. They were two great societies coexisting together in a secret world within our own."
"You said werewolves used to be the protectors of vampires, what happened?" Daniel asked sniffing his ail before taking a sip.
"The entire story is not known, but something transpired around the birth of Christ. And Great War was fought between werewolves and vampires lasting nearly a century. Both sides were equally decimated until the vampires developed a vaccine that neutralized the wolf and turning the tide of the war. When a wolf is returned to his human form his is vulnerable and is as easy to prey upon as you or I."
"Obviously not all werewolves had been neutralized," Teal'c said just as their dinner arrived.
"No, they're true numbers are not known. However, over the centuries their blood had been tainted, each generation growing weaker. A genetic degeneration, reducing them to the mere animals that I hunt in today's times. A far cry from their magnificence as a vampire's equal yet still deadly enough to kill if a vampire were caught unawares."
"But there are few vampires left from that time, what the Order calls pure bloods, all created by the original vampire. Unlike a werewolf, a vampire's blood is not tainted. Even a vampire who is not of pure blood is still equally as powerful as its master. And werewolves live only as long as the average man, a mere fraction of a vampire. Vampires live for as long as they are able sustain their life by drinking the blood of their prey, living perhaps centuries or at least until I ram a stake through their heart and lop of their head."
Daniel noticed Teal'c raised his eye brows at Gabriel's last comment. No doubt he considered Gabriel's methods barbaric. Actually, Daniel did too. There was nothing like mowing down a few Jaffa with a P90 or a staff weapon. Not that Daniel ever really enjoyed killing it was a necessity. But Gabriel stated it as a matter of fact because Daniel knew Gabriel didn't enjoy killing either.
"Eat, Daniel. You need your strength. We all do. Tomorrow morning at dawn we leave traveling by the protection of the daylight. Oh, by the way, have you been keeping up with your horse riding skills?"
"Horse riding!" Daniel exclaimed almost choking on his food.
"I guess that means no," Gabriel joked to Daniel.
"Why horses, why not drive?"
"There are no roads where we're going. Horses will be the only way. It will take most of the daylight to reach the Bucegi Ridge, which lies beyond the forbidden forest, a place no one dares every venture into. At the ridge we will camp and wait until dawn the next day before entering Viktor's castle."
"That would only give us one day to actually find the cure for General Carter," Teal'c said.
"Yes, I am aware," Gabriel sighed. "I understand you are both anxious to help Jacob. But you must trust my judgement and pay heed to my warnings. The land we are venturing into is untamed and unnatural. Follow my lead, have faith and together we will find the wolfbane serum needed to cure your friend."
"I only hope that when we get the serum to Dr. Fraiser she can modify it to cure Jacob," Daniel sighed.
"I have every confidence in Dr. Fraiser's abilities," Teal'c said.
"Your friend is right Daniel. Dr. Fraiser is a capable woman. And love is the purest and strongest of motivations."
Daniel chuckled to himself. Indeed, Dr. Fraiser was well motivated and obviously cared deeply for Jacob and he for her. Janet and Jacob. Daniel never saw that one coming. No one did. Not even General Hammond. Only Sam was the one not surprised. But Daniel couldn't tell if Sam was happy about the couple or not.
Currently Sam was more concerned about her father's condition. Daniel saw how hard it was for her not being able to help. Especially knowing that with each passing day until the full moon, Jacob would find it harder to resist the change. By Halloween Jacob might not be able to resist at all. And if he is not cured by midnight on Halloween he will live the rest of his life as a man and beast.
Daniel wasn't going to allow that to happen. Jacob was his friend as were Sam and Janet. He knew he must not fail them. And he was determined, no matter what strange encounters he knew were ahead of him, that he would do whatever it takes.
It was still somewhat dark for six thirty in the morning with the sun taking its time rising to the east. As he drove, George wondered if he was actually going to see the sun today because he hadn't seen it since Jacob arrived three days ago.
What a night that had been with Jacob getting attacked. Followed by the misfortune of SG-1's capture and then their miracle escape this time with help from Jacob and Bra'tac. Then if all that hadn't been enough for George, his good friend Jake turned into a monster, a real honest to God monster with claws, fangs, and fur! And Dr. Jackson broke protocol by telling his friend, Gabriel, about the Stargate program and the Tok'ra.
Just thinking about all that paperwork gave George a headache. Or may be he just needed a cup of coffee. Actually he needed a vacation. A few days off after Jacob gets cured sounded like a great idea. In fact, that was his first order of business for this morning put a requisition in for a few days vacation.
"What the hell!" George shouted slamming on the brakes and swerving when an animal tore across the road and disappeared into the trees.
George didn't quite get a good look. All he saw was a huge black streak flash in front of his car. But when he started thinking about what he saw his headache started getting worse.
"Jacob, you better still be in the isolation room," he said to himself pressing down on the accelerator a little harder.
By the time George reached the SGC he had a migraine. The more he thought of that animal being Jacob the more it made sense. If he needed more proof, he could see it in Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter's faces as they stood waiting for him at his parking spot. His jaw clenched and his grip tightened on the steering wheel so hard the whites of his knuckles were showing as the car slowly came to a stop.
"Before you say anything, we did go home sir," Colonel O'Neill said quickly as he opened George's door.
"Don't tell me he escaped," George stated, not carrying if either of them went home or not.
"Ok, I won't tell you, sir."
Hammond sighed, "How long as he been gone?"
"At least eight hours, sir," Major Carter answered.
"Did you call Dr. Fraiser?" he asked as they headed into the complex.
"She hadn't seen him, sir but I sent a couple of guys to her house just in case. I also have three teams still searching the premises. They haven't turned up anything yet," O'Neill said.
"Do we at least know how he escaped?" Hammond asked pushing the elevator call button, the doors opening instantly.
"The vent in the isolation room. Apparently he could reach it," Carter answered as they stepped in.
"And no one noticed he was gone for eight hours?"
"The SF on duty gave him some water, leaving his post for only a moment. He said he handed it personally to Jacob and assumed he was asleep when he returned to his post. The bed had been made to look like someone was sleeping in it. Carter was the one who noticed the vent's cover was gone."
"I believe my father will come back sir. He wants to be cured."
"Yes, I know he does. But is he totally in control of all his faculties? Who knows what kind of stress this is having on him," Hammond said.
'Shit, that was George!' Selmak exclaimed as Jacob zigzag through the trees.
'No kidding Selmak! He almost hit us!'
'Do you think he recognized you?'
'I would assume he did. How many big black werewolves are there on Cheyenne Mountain?'
'He never would have seen us if you had not gone back to see Janet for one more passionate moment!'
'Selmak! Janet said she loved me. I couldn't leave her hanging like that.'
'But you said it first.'
'Yeah, I know I did.'
'It's about time! I was getting tired of you dancing around the feelings you had for her!'
'What do you want...a medal for being right?'
'That would be great! Do I get to pick the color?'
'Smart ass!'
'Proud of it!'
Jacob came to a sliding stop leaving a dust cloud behind him when they finally reached the hatch they escaped through last night. Selmak watched as Jacob's big hands opened it.
'Jacob, aren't you forgetting something?'
'Like what?'
'You need to change back. You'll never fit in the vent.'
'Oh...right. Thanks Sel.'
Selmak quickly scrunched back up tightly around his spinal cord knowing it was going to get cramped within Jacob's head again. Once comfortable she listened for the bone popping. She actually liked it when he changed, the sensation tickled her and she looked forward to each transformation. Only this time she was still waiting.
'Jacob!'
'Sel...I'm beginning to like it this way. It's so much more fun!'
'Yes, Jacob I completely understand. I like it this way too. But remember Sam and your family. You won't ever get to see your grandkids again. You might not ever get to make love with Janet again.'
'Oh crap! I wouldn't want that to happen!'
'What, not seeing the grandkids or making love to Janet?' Selmak teased him.
'Both!'
'Good answer, now hurry up. I'm sure George is ready to blow a gasket.'
The morning had been busy with the search for her father and showed no signs of slowing down when General Hammond arrived. He seemed calm, except his face was slightly flushed. This meant he was keeping his anger in check, not the first time Sam witnessed that. She knew the moment her father returned from his frolicking, that anger was going to be released.
Sam just happened to be with General Hammond and Colonel O'Neill in the observation booth calmly discussing what was to been done with her father when he decided to drop in. He literally dropped from the vent landing on his feet like the twenty foot drop was nothing. The General and Colonel's backs were to the window so they didn't see her father and Sam was hesitant to say he was there. First of all, General Hammond was silently fuming. Not a good sign. But for once he wasn't mad at Colonel O'Neill. Second, her father was absolutely filthy, which wasn't going to help his current disposition of being...well being in the doghouse.
"Sir," Sam said timidly preparing to hear the yelling.
Both Sam and the Colonel winced. But it wasn't so much the volume of his voice, which was booming, it was what he said that made them wince. Neither of them ever heard such a long string of obscenities come out of General Hammond's mouth before. And they hoped to never hear them again!
On the other hand, her father must have heard such words before because he didn't seem phased by what Hammond was saying. Or he didn't care. The way he had been acting lately it was hard to tell. He just stood there with that smirk of his and waited until Hammond was through.
"Jacob, what the hell were you thinking? I almost ran you over with my own car?" Hammond asked calmly.
"Before I answer your question, there's something I have to say," Jacob started softly but Sam had seen him like that before all too often in her life. He would start of in a nice pleasant voice, then with each spoken work she could hear the volume increase and the veins slowly beginning to extend because he was super pissed. This was no different.
"First of all, you strap to a bed like I'm some fucking lunatic! Try to put me a coma with that sedative! Then you leave me in this cage where everyone comes to look at me like I'm a new exhibit at a zoo! I have no privacy! I can't take a pee without someone watching me! I'm sleeping and eating on the floor! Then to top it all off, COLONEL O'NEILL BRINGS ME WATER..."
'What was so bad about that?' Sam thought to herself.
"...IN A BOWL!!"
Sam and Hammond shot the General a surprised look.
The Colonel shrank in his spot and merely shrugged his shoulders saying, "It was a joke."
"I WAS NOT AMUSED! I'M STILL A TWO STAR GENEREAL...GEORGE! I EXPECT TO BE TREATED LIKE ONE! DON'T FORGET I'M A TOK'RA, NOT ONLY ARE YOU INSULTING ME BUT YOU'RE INSULTING SELMAK!"
Her father paused to compose himself before continuing in a more civilized tone.
"To answer your question, I need some fresh air! And I was hungry!"
Finished with his tantrum, Sam watched her father quickly go to his bed and sit down. She couldn't see his face any more but judging by how he was using the blanket to rub some of the mud off he was still pissed.
"General, we can put him in one of the isolation quarters. They are more comfortable and at least have a bathroom. We'll just need to remove the nonessential furniture."
"Sounds like a good idea Major, take care of it," Hammond sighed rubbing his temples.
"Yes, sir," she said and started to leave.
"Jack...a bowl of water?" Hammond questioned the Colonel before she was out of earshot.
Sam quickly made the arrangements to clear the isolation quarters on level 25 of all the furniture except for the bed and a small table with a couple of chairs. Hopefully her father will be calmer now and maybe take a shower too. Afterwards, she was hoping to talk with him to let him know how she felt about his relationship with her best friend, Janet.
Teal'c listened intently as Daniel and his friend, Gabriel, conversed at length during breakfast. The two friends had not scene each other in a long time that much was evident. And as they talked Teal'c discovered that both men were similar. Both were intelligent and fully capable of handling any hostile situation. They even shared many of the same beliefs. So Teal'c instinctively knew he could trust Gabriel despite Colonel O'Neill's notion of the man being a 'pompous' ass.
Yet, while Teal'c did trust Gabriel he was concerned about the weapons Carl was handing out to them. He wasn't exactly sure how stakes, crucifixes, garlic and water would be of any use. Only that those are the weapons one uses when fighting vampires. For a brief moment he did wish that General Hammond had allowed him to bring his staff weapon. Thankfully Gabriel had a selection of hand guns for them to arm themselves with.
"Why do you not come with us?" Teal'c asked Carl.
"Carl's not a field man!" Gabriel playfully smiled loading his saddle's pouches.
"I'm not a field man," Carl repeated in a more serious tone.
"You are most knowledgeable in such creatures and weaponry."
"Yes, I am. Precisely why I am not a field man. My expertise is required elsewhere."
"Carl is a genius," Gabriel smiled throwing his arm around Carl's shoulders. "I would have been dead long ago if not for Carl with his computers and inventions."
"Yes, well try not to get yourself killed. The Order does not know where we are. I went to great lengths to cover our tracks and you would ruin everything if you died."
"I'll do my best! Come Teal'c we must leave if we're to reach the small mountain village of Bran by noon. Don't worry about Carl. We need him here in case your friends at the SGC call. They will not be able to reach us. Cell phones will not work where we are going. Carl can forward any messages to us with these."
"Will radios even work in these mountains?" Daniel asked.
Carl gasped as if he were insulted, "I've modified them with GPS locators so I can monitor your progress and I've boosted their signal strength. They'll be able to work even if you were on the other side of these mountains!"
With that said, and everything loaded they set out. The journey was difficult at first, only because Teal'c had never ridden a horse before. But he was a quick learner and paid close attention to Daniel's instructions. Soon he was able to observe his surroundings.
They started at the Danube Plain with its dense forest and meadows used for sheep grazing and farming. From there they climbed up and over the Bucegi Ridge into Alpine Valley. The valley was long and deep set between two glacial ridges. In the distance Teal'c could see the large waterfall near the Dragusului Ridge. Their destination lay just beyond that at Portita Vistei Peak and the small village of Bran.
There, Teal'c found the locals to be very hospitable. He and Daniel had a chance to stretch their legs after the long morning trek. One of the locals told them of a vantage point worthy of a look so both men headed for it. The view was breathtaking, even for Teal'c. Below was the Alpine Valley they travel through. Beyond the right ridge of the valley was a glacial lake in the niche of a peak.
"That's Galaseseu Peak and Galaseseu Lake," Gabriel said after joining both men.
"I did not know this world had such sights," Teal'c said.
"There are many more."
"Teal'c isn't allowed to far from the SGC unless there's a good reason," Daniel said. "It's more for his protection."
"I'm sure Teal'c has seen many sights on other worlds, have you not?"
"Indeed," Teal'c said but would not elaborate while Daniel may have broken protocol he would not.
"So, where do we go from here?" Daniel asked.
"There, through Fararas Forest, the densest forest of the Transyvanian Alpines. A forest of beech and pine, wolves...and the supernatural. It is said that the forest is haunted by an unnatural presence. The forest leads us all the way to the base of Moldoveanu Peak, the highest peak of the Alps. There we will find Sinaia Castle. There is a meadow before the Castle we will camp there then set out at dawn. But we had better go. I do not wish to travel through the forest at night, it is too dangerous."
Today, of all days, had to be one of the busiest mornings at the SGC for Dr. Fraiser. SG-3 had returned from a mission with multiple injuries before she even arrived giving her no time to drop by and visit Jacob. Janet had been anxious to see him. Partly, to ensure that he did return safely. Mainly, because she just really needed to see him.
Two SFs had arrived at her house, courtesy of one Colonel Jack O'Neill, forcing Jacob to leave in such a rush that he and Janet didn't get to say goodbye to each other. Of course their first good bye should have been enough to satisfy her and it did, until he returned. Then she couldn't get her fill of him. During that last time they made love he whispered his affections for her in her ear. She loved hearing such words. And then he had to leave before she told him again that she loved him.
Before heading into surgery Janet thought of asking Sam to give Jacob a message but Janet wasn't sure how Sam felt about the obvious relationship. After, all it's not everyday you fall for your best friend's father. Instead, Nurse Jennings volunteered to check on Jacob and report back to Janet as quickly as possible.
No until after a long four hours in surgery and another hour making her rounds was Janet finally able to look in on Jacob. She learned that he bore the full wrath of General Hammond for his escape, keeping his word and revealing nothing of the visit to her home. Then Jacob had gone on a tirade of his own. He managed to plead a convincing case because his reward was better living conditions. However, despite Jacob's assurances that he would not escape again, Hammond required the camera in the isolation quarters be on at all times.
When Janet entered the room she found Jacob sitting on the foot of his bed. He was only wearing a pair of shorts. The man seemed to have no modesty lately. Not that Janet was complaining. Being a werewolf did have its advantages one obvious one was that Jacob's physique was much more defined than before. A fact she didn't notice until last night when he was in her arms.
At the moment she also saw his right arm was covered in that black fur of his. The long claws fully extended from his fingertips. His hand slowly flexed and stretched. And his eyes had that wild look when he looked at her then faded quickly as his arm returned to its normal state.
"I find it takes the edge off if I allow part of the change to happen," he smiled to her flexing his human hand. "I think I understand how it works now. Both Selmak and I have been working together to control it."
Jacob got to his feet quickly moving to her. Janet moved into his arms even though she too felt the prying eyes at the video monitor in another room watching his every move.
"What about the camera?" she asked.
"I can't hide my feelings, no matter who's watching Janet," he smiled caressing her face. "Besides, they can only see us, they can't hear a word we're saying to each other."
Janet smiled nuzzling her head against his chest.
"Where have you been?" he asked softly.
"Surgery, all morning. Ruptured spleen, internal bleeding," she sighed feeling his hands moving slowly up and down her back.
"No time to change back into your uniform?"
"All I could think about was seeing you."
"Come here," he smiled taking her hand in his.
"Jacob..." she began to protest as he led her to the bed.
"Janet, you're exhausted, I'm only asking you to sit down," he insisted and wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer from the look he was giving her.
Jacob quickly propped up a few pillows for Janet and instructed her to sit leaning against them. She had to admit it did feel good just to finally get off her feet. Then he slowly pulled of her shoes and socks and began to slowly massage the bottom of one of her feet.
"That feels good," she groaned closing her eyes and relaxing into the pillows.
"As it was intended," he said as his hands slid beneath her scrub bottoms and massaged her calf. "I'm truly sorry for not letting you get any sleep last night."
"Don't be sorry, I'm not. Besides, as a doctor, I'm used to being up all night every now and then. That's what God made coffee for."
"Don't remind me," he snorted.
"I'm curious. Why doesn't Selmak allow you to have coffee?" she inquired opening her eyes.
"She doesn't like it," he commented moving his hands to other foot.
"She?"
"Oops! I can't believe I let that slip!" he chuckled.
Janet saw his eyes get that far away look which usually meant he was talking with his symbiote. He even stopped massaging her foot. But it was only for a moment.
"Sorry," he smiled. "Selmak says I should tell you."
"Come here and tell me everything," she smiled pulling him so his head rested on her chest.
"Please, don't repeat what I'm about to tell you," he whispered as she held his head close. "The only other person who knows is Sam."
"I am a doctor and you are my patient. I couldn't tell anyone if I wanted to."
"Do you know anything about Selmak's previous host?"
"Nothing, only that the host was dying and that the symbiote needed a new host."
"Her name was Saroosh. She was a nice lady. Selmak loved her very much and mourned her loss deeply."
"Is that why you refer to Selmak as a she, because of her previous host?"
"No," he smiled. "You are aware that symbiotes don't really have a gender, correct?"
"Yes."
"What the Tok'ra never mention is that the symbiotes do have preferences, whether it be male or female. I am Selmak's first male host."
Janet was trying not to laugh. She could see how serious he was about the conversation. Looking at his face when he sat up she couldn't help but imagine the shock Jacob's mind must have gone through having a female personality imposed upon it. She burst out into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. And was laughing so hard the tears were rolling down her face.
"I'm sorry..." she laughed as she attempted to compose herself.
"Are you done?" he asked in a playful tone.
"I'm sorry Jacob. It's just that I know what kind of man you are. The thought of you having a female symbiote..."
"Glad you find it so amusing," he smiled as she laughed at him some more.
"I can understand why you don't tell anyone," she smiled finally gaining control of her laughs.
"I will tell you this," he said lowering his voice and moving his face closer. "It comes in handy having that female's insight. Especially for situations like this."
Jacob kissed her deeply and she felt his hand slide beneath her top.
"How's dad doing in his new kennel?" Jack asked Major Carter who was sitting in front of a monitor reading a book.
"Sir!"
"Sorry, Carter," Jack sighed. "How is he enjoying his new room?"
"He's tolerating it. Dad was never one for being cooped up. He constantly grumbles about the Tok'ra tunnels."
"Well, looks like he's going to be a little happier for the moment," Jack smiled pulling up a chair and looking at the monitor. "I still can't believe it, our little Janet with your dad."
"I wasn't surprised. It's about time he had a serious relationship. I don't think he's had one since mom died."
"What about that Themis lady?"
"I said serious, sir!"
"He seemed to know her pretty well!"
The Major gave him a glare which meant to drop it or else. Jack didn't want to contemplate about the what else at the moment.
"Have you talked with dad about Janet?"
"No," Carter said sadly as they watched Janet laughing uncontrollably.
"I wonder what he said," Jack mentioned then noticed what Jacob's hand was doing. "We better get her out of there."
Carter shot him a puzzled look.
"Trust me...it's a guy thing," Jack said still looking at the screen. "Besides, we don't need your dad giving the doc a little love bite. One werewolf running around here is enough. Plus I don't think Hammond wants anymore paperwork piling up on his desk."
"Agreed, sir. But you can't just walk in there."
"Yeah, dad would get pissed and probably rip me to shreds!"
Jack's way of thinking was it didn't matter what they did. Being a man himself, Jack already knew exactly how Jacob was going to react. He was going to be pissed as any man would be when interrupted with his woman.
"Have one of the nurses page Janet," Carter suggested.
"Good, idea," Jack replied reaching for the phone. "I hope it works too. Otherwise we might to drag a fire hose to cool those two down!"
Jacob heard the page but chose to ignore it. Only Janet heard it too and she couldn't ignore it. Her hands were gently pushing against him until he finally, with great reluctance, removed his lips from hers.
"I have to go," she whispered breathlessly.
"I know," he sighed resting his forehead against hers.
The page sounded again. Jacob groaned loudly and slowly rolled off Janet. He was silently fuming as he glared at the ceiling.
"Don't be angry," she smiled down at him resting her hand on his chest.
"I'm not angry, I'm frustrated with this whole situation. I've never been claustrophobic before but lately...I can't stand being cooped up!"
"But you're in here for your safety as well as others."
"I know," he sighed sitting up and taking her hands into his. "Then there's us...and Sam. I don't even know what she thinks about us. If she approves or disapproves."
"Why don't you try telling her."
"I'm afraid. I don't want to hurt her."
"But you said you and Selmak are learning to control what's happening to you. Just try. This has been hard on her too."
"Ok. Will I see you again today?"
"Have a talk with Sam. If everything's ok, send her to get me. I would love to come back to take a nap with you."
"A nap only?" he asked with a wicked smile on his face.
"Take a cold shower...I need to get some sleep today," she smiled.
"Is that an order doctor?"
"Do I need to make it one?"
"No, ma'am!" he saluted her making her laugh.
"May I make a suggestion," she started to say when he took her hand in his and started walking her to the door. "Put some clothes on. While your lack of modesty doesn't bother me, I'm sure Sam would appreciate it if you weren't almost naked while talking with her."
"Yes, ma'am," Jacob smiled pulling Janet close, taking in her sweet fragrance. "I love you Dr. Fraiser."
"I love you too, General, now talk with Sam. Selmak, if you're listening, make sure he behaves," she whispered in his ear.
Jacob smiled, "She always does her best but sometimes I'm a bad influence on her."
Janet laughed. Her laugh was intoxicating to him. Everything about her was captivating when they were together. But reluctantly Jacob let her go, instantly feeling alone. Even Selmak was unusually quiet. No doubt his symbiote was feeling what he was.
'The sooner you talk with your daughter, the sooner Janet will return,' Selmak gently reminded him.
Jacob silently agreed, slowly removing the sweats and T-shirt off the table. While he was eager for Janet to return, he was afraid of Sam's reaction. He had never been serious about a woman since her mother. There had been a few women in his life after Allison's death but none he was ready to make a full commitment to. And all he kept secret from his children, thinking they would disapprove of his relationship with a woman that was not their mother. Perhaps that's why he never could make a commitment. Perhaps it was guilt. Right now, all he knew was that he deeply loved his children and he deeply loved Janet. And he was scared. He didn't want to lose any of them.
Once dressed, Jacob called through the door for the SF to get Major Carter and that it was urgent he speak with her. It only took a few minutes for her to show up and she eagerly entered the room hugging him before he could respond.
"Sorry, dad, I've just been so worried about you."
"I know kid," he sighed hugging her back. "I'm the one who should be apologizing, not you. I should have realized that I could never intentionally harm you."
"So, what did you want to talk about?" she asked flashing a mischievous smile at him.
Jacob pulled a chair out for her at the table then sat down in the other one. First there was this awkward silence between them. Then he would open his mouth starting to say something but didn't know exactly how to say it. How do you tell your own daughter you're in love with her best friend?
"You really love her, don't you?" she asked smiling.
"Yes...I do," he sighed secretly grateful Sam spoke first.
"It's about time you found someone dad!"
"You're not angry?" he asked in disbelief.
"Dad, I'm happy for you...for both of you. Janet's the only woman I know who could keep you in line," she said making him laugh.
"Thanks Sam!" he smiled taking her hands in his. "That means a lot to me. And Janet means so much to me. I never thought I would fall so deeply in love again."
"She's waiting down the hall, should I send her back in?"
"I thought..."
"The Colonel created the diversion to get her out of here. He didn't want you doing something you shouldn't be doing."
"I would never bite her! I might bite Jack out of spite but I would never burden Janet with this...curse. All though, it is hard resisting her."
"Dad!"
"Sorry...I promise, I'll be on my best behavior. Besides, with the camera on, I can't do anything anyway."
"I love you dad," she smiled getting to her feet.
"I love you too kid," he said hugging her.
As Jacob watched his daughter leave he was beginning to think that becoming a werewolf was the best thing that ever happened to him, other than Selmak of course. And when Janet came back, he knew for certain that it was a good thing. Selmak gave him his family back and being a werewolf brought Janet into his life. She was one of the best things to happen to him. Jacob felt it deep within himself as they snuggled close together in a lover's embrace. He was content enough to just have her sleep in his arms and watched her breathing deeply for a long time until finally falling asleep himself. And when he dreamed, he dreamed about Janet, about his family, and about the moon. And in his dream the wolf inside him was free.