The wolves' song sounded so beautiful, so full of emotion that it roused Teal'c from his meditation. He had never before heard such animals, nor had he seen them with his own eyes, except on the television. They were considered majestic animals living in a simple society all their own. A pack was essentially a family; all capable hunters, protectors of their young, always wary of man. It was a rarity for one to see them and it was ever more rare for Teal'c to see a wild, living creature on Earth. He was curious. He quietly moved to exit the tent, careful to not wake Daniel or Gabriel.

He caught a glimpse of a pack of gray wolves, with one black wolf and one white wolf, loping about before quickly darting for the shadows of the forest. From the darkness their eyes glowed in his direction. He found it fascinating that they did not fear his presence enough to have completely disappeared into the thick forest. But he didn't dare approach them. He had a great respect for such animals. Plus it was too dangerous to enter the forest at night and alone. This land was indeed very strange, as Gabriel had warned

Their journey along the deep muddied trail through the Fagaras Forest was long and tiring. Only Teal'c felt as if he could never let his guard down. It was the same with the others. The forest seemed to have a presence all its own, more so in the darkness than during the daylight. There were several times Teal'c felt as if an ominous presence was watching him. When he would turn, surely expecting to see something, there would be nothing.

Even now, Teal'c was certain he was being watched. But it wasn't from the wolves in the forest, who were now gone. The eerie feeling came from the direction of the castle. The horses themselves were fidgeting as if they could sense the evil emanating from beyond the open castle gate, from beyond its high towering turrets. Yes, he could definitely feel an evil presence within the dark silhouette of the castle. That feeling intensified when a thick blanket of fog suddenly appeared and slowly crept up from behind high walls of the castle. It appeared as if it was forming from within the castle itself.

"Gabriel! Daniel Jackson! Come quickly!" he shouted even as the fog gradually poured down the walls.

When the two men appeared by Teal'c's side, dense tendrils of mist had already extended along the drawbridge that crossed over the deep chasm where the Danube River flowed. All of them watched as the tendrils slowed, until the main body of fog reabsorbed them forming one solid cloud again that advanced onto the meadow.

"Teal'c, Daniel secure the horses, we must not lose them!" Gabriel ordered grabbing a thick branch from the fire.

The fog was now eighty yards away, continuing to creep along towards them. Teal'c reined in two horses and Daniel held tightly to the third. The fog was seventy yards away when Gabriel began speaking in a language Teal'c had never heard before.

Sixty yards.

Gabriel pulled a satchel from inside his jacket. Continuing his chant, he began pouring some kind of powder on the ground and he began moving around their small campsite.

The fog leapt to forty yards beginning to move more swiftly. It was as if it had an intelligence all its own and knew Gabriel was doing something against it.

Teal'c watched as Gabriel had completed half a ring around the camp. The horses began growing more agitated forcing Teal'c to tighten his hold; their urge to flee reaching a peak.

Twenty yards.

The circle was complete. Gabriel raised his voice, repeating the chant even as the mist reached ten yards. Then he was silent and lit the ring. The horses jumped, as did Teal'c and Daniel, as a fifteen foot blue ring flame burst up from the powder completely surrounding them. But it was a strange fire, no heat emanated from it.

The fog pressed against the flame but did not pass through. Instead it merely moved, encompassing the ring of blue flame. Teal'c was impressed; he had never seen such magic.

"My grandfather taught me that little incantation," Gabriel smiled proudly as he joined Teal'c and Daniel. "He bore each protective incantation onto my brain. That was the first time I ever had to use one!"

"How long will it last?" Teal'c asked gently stoking his horse's head now that it was much calmer, as were the others.

Looking at his watch, Gabriel answered, "Long enough. Sunrise is nearly two hours away."

"What about the fog?" Daniel asked.

"It is already beginning to recede," Teal'c observed.

"These kinds of fogs do not exist in the daylight, Daniel. We will be safe at sun up. I'm going to get some more rest. You should do the same."

"No thanks, I don't think I can sleep anymore tonight," Daniel said making Gabriel chuckle.

"I will keep you company Daniel," Teal'c said as he moved to tend their small campfire.

The Colonel looked through the small window of the door. He could see it sitting against the wall on its bed reading a book. It was in its human form and had been for most of the day. But the Colonel did witness it transform into that hideous monster just once. That one time had been enough for him.

It happened when the Colonel was bringing a late meal. The usual visitors were not available at two in the morning, so he volunteered. At the time he believed he was merely taking a late snack to General Carter, a good and trusted friend of General Hammond. There was a wild rumor going around the base that Carter was a werewolf. A rumor the Colonel quickly dismissed; werewolves do not exist.

A rumor that quickly became fact when the Colonel entered the room. He didn't even say anything to the man. The General merely took one look at him, a deep growl emanated from him and he transformed. The Colonel just about pissed his pants. His mind couldn't fathom the possibilities of such a creature existing. It went against reason that a man can physically transform in a beast. It went against everything he knew to be good and true. As a God fearing man, such abominations were not meant to exist in the eyes of the Lord.

Luckily Airman Jones, a good kid, managed to pull the Colonel out of the room before the creature advanced. But the kid thought it was kind of cool that General Carter could turn into a werewolf, just like in the movies. The Colonel wasn't impressed; he didn't believe in such fantasies of man changing into a beast and knew what he had to do.

Turning back he quickly checked the hallway one more time. He had nothing to fear standing outside the door. The guard at the video monitor was already sedated, as was the guard at the door who was now lying on the floor. They both had easily been incapacitated because they trusted him. He was a Colonel. With no one around it was all too easy.

Only it wasn't as easy as he first thought. His heart was racing, he was sweating, and his hands were now trembling. But he knew he was doing the right thing. Slowly he slid his key card to unlock the door, and then entered the room.

At Gabriel's insistence, they left the horses behind setting out on foot. It was a goo thing too. The horses would never have made it across the drawbridge. Much of it was so rotted that no one dare put his weight on it. The idea of falling down the deep chasm into the icy Danube River was a chilling thought. So, they used one of the side beams that the chain was attached to cross.

Once across, gaining access was easy with the massive gateway already open. The portcullis had been raised long ago, never to be lowered back down. The chains of the pulley system were so thickly covered in rust that Gabriel doubted the heavy iron grating could ever be lowered.

Within the keep they could see the thirty-foot thick defensive walls, flanked by the round turrets were in a state of ruin. Even the high gate towers had been eroded by the passage of time. Still, the castle was quite impressive. Leaving one to imagine, it must have been a magnificent fortress during its prime.

But there was no time to marvel in such wonders. Gabriel had a job to do and was grateful he didn't have to do it alone. He had to give both Daniel and Teal'c credit for sticking with him, even after that menacing fog. Gabriel was just glad he managed to say the incantation correctly and in time to protect them.

"There," he said pointing at two large wooden doors. "That's the main entrance. We'll try to get through there first."

"This castle is huge!" Daniel exclaimed craning his neck towards the highest tower. "It could take days to search it."

"It only appears that way on the outside. Once inside, you will see the main section of the castle is just a great hall, a large room for such festivities as weddings or huge feasts. The side doors over there are the entrance to the servants would use when bringing in the food. Such festivities usually meant large amounts of cooking."

"Do you know where Vikor might be?" Teal'c asked.

"No," Gabriel sighed as they came to a stop at the double doors. "Once inside, we will check out the great hall then proceed to the bowels of the castle. From there, we work our way up."

"Tell me again, what exactly can we expect?" Daniel asked nervously.

"A vampire of Viktor's strength has a powerful mind. He can create illusions to deceive your mind. You must be equally strong to resist them."

"I survived the blood of Sokar, I guess I can handle this," Daniel exclaimed.

Gabriel raised his eyebrows at Daniel.

"Long story."

"Another time then," Gabriel smiled. "Teal'c?"

"I am ready."

The large wooden double doors wouldn't budge as Gabriel pushed and pulled at them. He cursed to himself when the door handle broke off. Without saying anything, Daniel and Teal'c attempted to help. Still, the doors would not budge.

"Let's try the side doors," Gabriel said, not deterred in his quest to gain entry.

After the three of them descended the small steps, a long creek sounded behind. They looked at each other before slowly turning around. The doors were now wide open revealing a strange darkness within. Without hesitation, they turned on their flashlights and entered.

Once inside, they could see the great hall was deserted except for the dust covered stone floor and a few splintered wooden benches. Thin beams of light slipped through the high narrow windows. And a large stone staircase extending to the next level was to the left of them. And the walls reached into dark shadows high above making the room appear larger than it actually was.

"There, that door should lead below," Gabriel said shining the light on a door beneath the staircase.

"What's down there?" Daniel asked quietly as they moved slowly towards the door.

"I'm not sure, each castle is different, it could be the servants' chambers. Some have secret passageways below..."

"Dungeons?" Daniel added.

"Daniel you've been spending too much time in the sand with your pyramids," Gabriel mused. "That is a common misconception. Most prisoners were held in the highest tower. The word donjon, the French word for tower, had been altered over time through literature to the word dungeon. Often to embellish stories of famous prisoners throughout history."

"I suppose it's easier to see them suffering if they were in a dark and dank pit in a basement as opposed to a room with a view," Daniel smiled.

Suddenly the doors slammed shut and a loud thunk echoed through the castle. All humor quickly extinguished from their faces.

"Must have been the wind," Daniel suggested.

"Must have," Gabriel agreed.

"I agree," Teal'c said solemnly.

However, Gabriel drew out his gun. Daniel and Teal'c did the same. They moved more slowly towards the dark, damp door. It opened easily on the first try. Silently they proceeded through it.

"You!" Jacob exclaimed, jumping to his feet and dropping the book on the floor. "You better get the hell out of here!"

This guy, who Jacob learned was Colonel McBride, was terrified. Jacob could smell his fear. The scent was so tempting and it took a concerted effort to keep from changing. Also, there was just something about McBride that Jacob didn't like. He smelled it the other night, reacting on impulse and transforming. Jacob wasn't sure who was more startled by the transformation, him or the guy. It had just erupted from him without warning.

"Maybe you didn't hear me, Colonel! Get the fuck out of here!" Jacob growled, in his human voice.

McBride was speaking softly but not to Jacob. If Jacob didn't know any better he would swear the guy was praying.

"I…I must do what is right," he finally said to Jacob.

Jacob almost laughed when he saw the man pulled a revolver out from beneath his fatigue jacket. It wasn't the standard issue .45 all SGC personnel carried. Still, after the bullet incident in the briefing room Jacob felt invulnerable. But Jacob didn't like the look in the man's eyes and the man's hand was trembling.

"Just what do you think you're doing with that?" Jacob growled in his usual authoritative tone that lets one know they're dealing with a General. "Point that thing somewhere else! That's an order!"

"I can't," the man said then fired.

The first shot whizzed past Jacob's head, but he stood his ground confidant that he could still control this maniac. He could suddenly hear footsteps hurrying from down the hall. Footsteps that sounded very familiar!

A second shot fired, hitting Jacob a few inches below his right shoulder, causing him to stagger a couple of steps back. Clutching the wound, he turned and glared at his attacker. The change was there if he wanted it. He could feel his body was bursting to transform, and he was finding it harder to resist.

At that moment, Colonel O'Neill came charging into the room. Without hesitation, Jack tackled McBride just as a third shot echoed through the room. The bullet hit Jacob in his left thigh, nearly causing his leg to buckle beneath him.

This was not the first time Jacob had ever been shot. There had been one particular mission when he knocked George down and took a barrage of AK-47 bullets in the chest with a few bullets exiting his back. He had been coughing up blood, while George was trying desperately to keep pressure on as many of the bullet holes as he could until the medic arrived. The pain alone from the pressure was unbearable.

But nothing like what Jacob was experiencing now. The two wounds burned, like someone was pour hot acid and it was spreading. Thick blood oozed. Jacob roared angrily then reacted instinctively.

It was pointless, laying wide-awake in the dark. He couldn't take a nap. He was too wired from all the caffeine he had been drinking. So, Jack got up and put his combat boots on, then headed out to check on Jacob. He wished now that he had gone with Daniel; at least they were outside doing something. It was kind of boring running a kennel at the SGC for Carter's father.

At times, Jack felt like a zookeeper making arrangement so that Jacob got his meals on time. The man was grouchy if he didn't get his steak. One good thing though, at least Jacob didn't bark. However, he did growl…a lot. Especially each time he saw Jack. In fact, every time Jack showed up to check on Jacob, his eyes had that wild look like he was about to transform, in fact he had a few times. Still, Jack kept going to check on him. Maybe just too antagonized Jacob. Why not? It was something Jack was really good at, antagonizing his commanding officers.

Tuning the corner, Jack saw that Jacob's door was wide open. The SF assigned to guard the door lay on the ground just outside it. Jack hurried down the long tunnel towards the door. A gunshot sounded. He ran faster. A second shot was fired before he reached the door.

When Jack burst into the room he saw Colonel McBride with a revolver aimed at Jacob. Jack didn't hesitate and tackled McBride hard to the ground just as the gun fired again. As the two men struggled over the gun Jack heard Jacob scream in agony.

"What the hell were you doing?" Jack asked McBride.

The man laughed. His eyes looked even wilder than Jacob's did.

"Silver bullets…kill werewolves!"

Jack quickly looked to see Jacob still standing. At any moment he would be dead. That Van Helsing fellow told them silver can kill a werewolf be it a bullet or a blade, as long as it was silver.

'Shit! Carter will never forgive me for letting her father die on my watch!' Jack thought.

Only Jacob wasn't dying. Neither were his wounds healing. Instead, as Jacob cried in agony, his voice deepened and his cry changed into a growl as he transformed. The wounds still didn't heal themselves. And as Jack kept McBride pinned, he watched as Jacob tore out of the room in a black streak.

Daniel, Teal'c, and Gabriel had come flying out of the door, quickly slamming it shut behind them. On the other side loud squeaking noises could be heard as well as hideous scratching noises. A few bats actually made it out, quickly heading up high into the darkness.

"Definitely not down there!" Daniel exclaimed breathlessly.

All three of them were pressed against the wall looking as if they had just broken the record for the one hundred-yard dash. Daniel was surprised that Teal'c could run so fast for a big guy! He was right behind Daniel the whole way up the dark stairway. And Daniel knew if he fell, he would get steam rolled by his friend. So Daniel was well motivated to keep his leg moving as fast as humanly possible.

"Maybe we should try upstairs," Gabriel suggested straightening up having finally caught his breath.

"Yes, upstairs," Daniel huffed. "Then at least if we have to run, it would be downwards!"

When General Hammond heard Colonel O'Neill's voice over the speakers announcing that there was a wild dog named Jacob on the loose, he immediately grabbed the open bottle of aspirin already sitting on his desk top. It wasn't only Jack's jibes and antagonism towards Jacob giving him the headaches, but Jacob's condition created a new set of problems…and paperwork.

First of all, Jacob needed a steady supply of protein. The commissary had something that once was considered to be meat. So requisition orders had to be filled out, in order to get the steak and vegetables his diet required. Then George had to make sure, personally, that the chef cooked the steak to Jacob's liking. George was grateful Jacob still wanted his meat cooked; Hammond was afraid Jacob might start asking for it raw.

Secondly, the paperwork George had to fill out explaining why they needed to replace an infirmary bed, several queen-size guest beds, and other furniture items damaged during Jacob's outbursts. The General even threatened to take the next bed destroyed by Jacob out of Colonel O'Neill's salary because he was antagonizing Jacob…on purpose…repeatedly!

Thinking back, George thought it might actually be easier replacing one mouthy Colonel than another queen-size bed from the guest quarters. Jacob demolished three in the span of two hours. That thought alone made George wonder if should just let Jacob lose on O'Neill.

'Reason for replacement personnel: Eaten by Alien-Hybrid-Werewolf,' George thought bringing a smile to his face, only it still didn't help his headache.

George took out four aspirin knowing this was going to be a doozy of a headache and popped them in his mouth not even bothering to swallow them down with water. While he chewed on the aspirin, he ordered all personnel to vacate the tunnels level on level twenty-five, the same level as Jacob's quarters. After a quick phone conversation with Colonel O'Neill, Hammond ordered the personal to evacuate level twenty-eight as well. There was only one room big enough to trap Jacob in his current condition.

Heading down to the control room, Hammond had Major Carter working on closing certain doors, forcing Jacob to go where Hammond wanted him. He watched his plan working on the monitor as Jacob raced through the tunnels going through the open doors. In werewolf form, Jacob was so fast that George sometimes only saw a black streak on the monitor, and was amazed Major Carter was able to keep a step ahead of her father. However, Jacob came to a stop near the elevator and turned back around, only there was no where else for him to go. He was trapped with the elevator his only means of moving on.

"Keep the elevator doors open Major," he ordered watching Jacob turn a few circles as if he's trying to make up his mind about where to go.

Then Jacob tentatively entered the elevator.

"Bring him to level twenty-eight Major and lead him to the Gate Room," Hammond ordered.

"Sir?"

"He's injured. And there's nothing more dangerous than an injured animal! Your father was bad enough as a human when he when hurt. I can imagine he's at least ten times worse as a werewolf! The gate room should be big enough to trap him, but also give him enough room so he doesn't feel cornered."

Hammond watched as Jacob, still in werewolf form, limped out of the elevator. He weakly pushed at a closed door then moved on to the next. Looking at another monitor Hammond could see Dr. Fraiser waiting at an elevator on level fifteen. Hammond let a small sigh of relief escape his lungs. While the Major was safe in her father's company, it was the doctor who was the only one who could actually tame Jacob. Another monitor showed Colonel O'Neill heading towards the control room. Too bad, Hammond would have ordered the Major not to allow the Colonel out of an elevator knowing that the Colonel was the last person who should be near Jacob right now.

Looking back at the main monitor, Hammond watched Jacob try another door. His growl of frustration reverberated down the tunnel into the Gate Room. The growl seemed to give him renewed energy as he streaked down the tunnel toward the intended destination.

Gabriel tried the first door the came it wouldn't budge. He tried again pressing his entire weight against it, still nothing.

"Allow me," Teal'c offered handing Daniel his flashlight.

"By all means," Gabriel smiled.

Even with Teal'c's strength the door would not move. Silently the three pushed on down the long dark hall to the next door. All doors on the second level were sealed tight so they headed up to the next level. More of the same, not until they reached the fourth level did the see something.

It was at the far end of the hall, the master bedroom. The door was closed, but a light emanated through the thin crack at the bottom of the door.

Still trying to help her father, Sam hurried into the Gate Room not realizing Colonel O'Neill followed her from the control room. Even from across the room, she could see her dad's black fur was soaked with blood from two wounds. As usual, her father wasn't happy about it. He was snarling and snapping.

"Jacob, we really need to get a leash for you!" Jack snapped when he arrived beside her.

No wonder her dad was being snippy. He could probably smell the Colonel was nearby.

"Sir, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here," Sam suggested not wanting the Colonel to be ripped to shreds.

"Doc's going to be here any minute, she might need help. And I'm not leaving you alone with him," Jack insisted.

Sam watched as her father's lips curled slowly to reveal all of his pearly white teeth, especially his long pointed fangs.

"Jacob, have you been brushing? Your teeth look exceptionally big today!" the Colonel complimented. "And bright!"

Jacob's ears pushed to their sides in 'airplane ears' formation and the fur along his spine and on the back of his shoulders was raised.

"And your fur, it has a nice shine today! Is it natural or did you use a conditioner?" Colonel O'Neill asked with a playful smile.

After that comment her father's beady black eyes locked firmly on O'Neill and his lips curled into an evil grin. A soft growl filled rumbled in his throat.

"Dad! That's not very nice!"

"Maybe we should go," O'Neill said nervously when Jacob's growl began to grow in volume.

Sam felt the Colonel's sweaty hand grab hers with the intention of pulling her away with him. Her dad, who saw their hands together, immediately dropped to all fours hunched in a low stance. His muscles tensed, eyes narrowed, his snarl grew meaner, and his growl sounded deeper. As they took a step back, he moved forward. A step to the side and he matched it while still moving towards them never breaking eye contact with the Colonel. The Colonel even let go of her hand and moved away from her. But still her father was matching the Colonel's movements' step for step.

"Dad! Quit stalking him!" Sam snapped.

Another step back, by the Colonel, another step forward by her dad.

"JACOB SIT!" Jack yelled in his most authoritative voice ever while pointing to the ground.

Jacob paused then let loose a deep, bellowing guttural roar that echoed through the Gate Room, vibrated the Gate itself, and was certainly heard down the connecting tunnel. It made the hairs on the back of Sam's neck stand on end.

"Sir, you didn't think that would really work, did you?" Sam asked O'Neill.

"It was worth a try," he shrugged.

"I would suggest you don't try that again. He doesn't seem to like the dog jokes," she pointed out then quickly added. "Sir."

"You know, I'm beginning to wonder if your dad lost his sense of humor along with his humanity!" he retorted.

Jacob's advance continued. The claws on his right hand deliberately raked along the floor making Sam's ears tingle from the scraping sound. He paused to inspect his razor sharp claws. As he wiggled each finger slowly, an eager smile emerged on his face.

"Why did he do that?" Jack asked Sam as he quickly took a few steps back.

Her dad suddenly leapt, landing a mere two feet in front of the Colonel, then slowly stood up to his full height! Towering over an extremely nervous looking Colonel, her dad inhaled deeply, expanding his broad chest to it fullest capacity! If Sam didn't know better she could have sworn her dad was deliberately trying to scare the shit out of the Colonel!

The room may have once been a master bedroom. Now, it was filled with books stacked high on desks, and tables lined along three of the walls. Flickering candles in the high chandeliers helped to illuminate the room. The main light came from the huge fireplace. There a single vacant chair was seated a few feet in front of the roaring fire.

Daniel was a little disappointed. There was no coffin. No hounds of hell were guarding the room. There was no blood-sucking vampire. He had been expecting more doom and gloom like the rest of the castle, but instead walked into a cozy, warm looking…library. Even the chair by the fire looked extremely comfortable enough to take a nap in.

Perhaps it was all too cozy. Perhaps all of it was an illusion, like Gabriel suggested when confronting the vampire. At least if there was a coffin present Daniel would know exactly what to do. Here, his senses felt as if they were being led astray…or it could just really be a library.

"Really Daniel, were you expecting to see a monster?" a deep melodic voice said startling Daniel.

Each man turned around but could not pin point the location of the voice as it continued.

"Gabriel, you look so much like your great grandfather. His methods were reckless though. So reckless they eventually got him killed. It pleases me that the Van Helsings improved greatly with each new generation."

"You know of me and my family?" Gabriel asked as they were still looking for Viktor or who ever was talking with them.

"All vampires know of the Van Helsings. We make it our business to know our hunters. Teal'c…I have not seen one of you kind for many…many centuries."

"You know what he is?" Daniel asked eagerly.

"Of course."

"How could you?" Gabriel asked.

A mocking laughed resonated around them. Daniel could swear the laugh emanated from beside him, only nothing was there. Then the laugh would be across the room but still nothing was there.

"Gabriel, your Knights of the Holy Order do not know everything about me and my kind. I am much, much older than you realized."

"Did you witness the uprising against Ra?" Daniel couldn't resist asking.

Daniel's quest for knowledge temporarily suppressed his fear. He was actually excited to meet someone from that time. After all, such an opportunity was very rare.

"Yes," came the answer.

"Can you…"

"Enough!" the voice boomed. "I grow tired of your questions. My brides and I are hungry…it has been such a long time since anyone has ventured into my home."

The sound of young women giggling filled the room as the door slammed shut. Daniel's curiosity was gone replaced with his desire to get the hell out of there! Only when he turned to head for the door, two voluptuous women stood smiling at him. He was surprised to see them wearing modern evening gowns that seemed to float even though there was no breeze. He had been expecting them to wear clothing from the past perhaps from when they were originally made into vampires, whenever that was.

"He would make an excellent pet, master," the strawberry haired, wearing an emerald green low cut gown, one smiled.

"Mina, you know we are not allowed to have pets," the blonde retorted whose deep red gown was as equally low cut.

"It is not for you to decide, Lucy!" Mina snapped back. "Master, please, can I have him?"

"If he is to be anyone's his is to be mine!" Lucy insisted stepping in front of Mina.

On a normal day, if two women were arguing over him Daniel would have considered himself a very luck man. Of course on a normal day, the women wouldn't be openly wondering what his blood type might be...unless he was in Dr. Fraiser's infirmary with a couple of her female nurses. Today, he would give anything to have stayed back at the SGC. He was certain Jack would have come up with some witty remarks about being the object of two women's desire.

Lucy began moving towards him with her long fingers and arms reaching for him.

Yes, he definitely should have stayed at the SGC. Daniel was sure Jack was probably having a good old time baby…puppy…wolf sitting Sam's father.

Following Colonel O'Neill's orders to protect Daniel Jackson, Teal'c stepped in front of the women blocking their advance toward his friend. He had an understanding that they were a dangerous threat to all of them. But still wasn't entirely sure which of his strange new weapons he was to use.

He watched with curiosity when Gabriel quickly fired his gun at them. Mina and Lucy did not go down, like one normally does when shot at nearly point blank range. They grew angry and the bullet holes disappeared quickly. Long pointed fangs extended as they hissed at him with their mouths wide open. The whites of their eyes turned completely black. The blackness seemed more menacing with their extremely pail complexions. Their skin seemed entirely devoid of blood or life.

He didn't fully understand what exactly a vampire was. Gabriel described them as the undead, not dead but undead. Teal'c was quite sure what the difference was. All he knew was they sucked your blood until you were died. That's what these two looked as if they were about to do.

Yet, these were women. Teal'c was taught to never strike a woman. It didn't matter how angry you got with them. The only time he struck a woman was when he faced a female Jaffa warrior in the heat of battle. Mina and Lucy were not Jaffa warriors.

They hissed loudly at him as they drew closer.

Teal'c didn't hesitate; he struck at Lucy who advanced first.

Gabriel was quick to splash holy water on Mina before she advanced as well. She screamed in anger at him as the skin on her face quickly healed itself. Then when he held out his crucifix she hissed at it, making it burst into flames. He dropped it quickly before burning his hand.

"That cant' be good," Daniel said watching the object burn quickly into ashes.

"It most certainly is not!" Gabriel exclaimed.

Suddenly all hell broke loose in the room. Bullets were flying. Books exploding. Some even caught on fire when a few candles from above were knocked down by one of the vampires. Mina and Lucy were laughing. Each time when they were fired at they would vanish in a quick poof only to reappear in another part of the room. Gabriel thought he even heard Viktor's laugh but the vampire still hasn't made an appearance.

Then while he and Daniel tried to create a defensive position behind a desk the turned over, Teal'c was engaged in a wresting match with Lucy. The woman was his height but no where near his size in strength. Yet, she appeared to have the upper hand forcing Teal'c down to a knee while he was trying to avoid being bitten.

Gabriel took aim at Lucy, only didn't get a shot off. Mina swooped by knocking the gun from his hand. He watched its flight across the room then behind a stack of books. When he returned his gaze back to Teal'c and Lucy, Daniel was already helping. The man had the right idea using the stake; only his mark was too high in Lucy's back.

"The heart Daniel, aim lower!"

Daniel yanked the stake out, and then quickly thrust it in so hard that the point burst through Lucy's ribcage beneath her bosom. Gabriel watched Lucy suddenly stop struggling and released her hold on Teal'c. She gasped and cried. Gabriel dove for cover. Then her body quickly exploded into thick yellowish goo that splattered all over Teal'c and Daniel.

Teal'c gave Gabriel a glare as he slowly wiped of the disgusting mucous like substance from his neck and face. Daniel was doing the same wiping the thick sticky crap from his glasses.

"Thanks for the warning Gabriel," Daniel grumbled, attempting to fling the goo from his hands, then tried wiping it on the backside of his pants when it wouldn't come off. "Great…it smells too!"

"It is most revolting!" Teal'c said in disgust.

"Sorry, guys," Gabriel shrugged getting back to his feet.

Suddenly the candles above blew out and a loud wail filled their ears and vibrated their bones. Daniel and Teal'c's bodies were flung, goo and all, by a gust of wind onto a desk of books, collapsing it in a splintered heap beneath them. Gabriel felt the hot wind against him. It was as if a giant hand swatted his body across the room. The stone floor jarred every bone in his body when he landed. He didn't even have the chance to catch his breath when a hand grabbed him by the throat and lifted him high off the ground.

"You will pay for your insolence!" Viktor snarled.

"Viktor…wait!" Gabriel gagged finding it difficult to breath.

"Enough! Mina, quit playing and finish them!"

"Yes, master."

"Viktor…we…need…your help! The…survival…of this…world…depends…on…it!" Gabriel managed to choke out feeling Viktor's grip tightening slowly around his jugular.

There was no mistaking that roar or how pissed Jacob sounded. No doubt Colonel O'Neill was somehow involved. He was the one who called her, telling her to hightail it down to the Gate Room. Rushing in, Janet saw she was just in time!

Jacob had the Colonel pinned high in a corner with his left hand wrapped around the Colonel's neck. O'Neill was holding on, for dear life, to Jacob's thick and powerful forearm. It was probably the only thing keeping him from choking to death with his feet dangling above the ground. Sam had attempted to call her dad off but he snipped and growled at her a couple of times, much like the mother or father wolf would do to their young, putting her in her place.

"I'm sorry about the bowl! And the leash joke!" Jack pleaded while continuing to struggle. "I didn't mean to call you a dog! And I never touched your daughter! I don't even know where you got that idea! I swear! I have too much respect for her to even think of that!"

"Jacob put him down!" Janet ordered as Jacob roared…again.

From Jacob's latest deep fear inducing growl, Janet half-expected the Colonel to piss his pants. She found it was actually kind of comical seeing O'Neill reduced to a fraction of the man he normally was. Pale faced and groveling for his life. Only it wasn't funny when Jacob's right claw flexed mere inches away from the Colonel's face.

"Whoa! Jake! Buddy! You don't really want to do this!" Jack stammered quickly. "You'll regret it when you're human again! I know because you like me! Right, Carter, you said your dad liked me!"

"Right!" Sam said helpfully. "Dad, why don't you put him down!"

Jacob's roar rumbled with such force that Janet felt it deep within her bones. She actually could see the windows of the control room vibrating above.

"Well, you used to like me," Jack said weakly.

"JACOB!" Janet snapped more angrily. "PUT HIM DOWN…THIS INSTANT!"

In an instant Jacob relaxed. He quit showing his teeth when he looked towards her. Janet pointed at the Colonel then at the ground.

"Or else…" she threatened raising an eyebrow and putting her hands on her hips.

Jacob shrugged his shoulders. Then, instead of slowly lowering the Colonel to the ground, Jacob merely opened his left hand and dropped him. Janet heard a low intermittent sound from Jacob, with an amused look on his face and saw his shoulders moving up and down. The bastard was laughing. And despite the fact that Jacob had pointed ears, a long snout and black fur all over his face, Janet could swear he was extremely pleased with himself.

Then he had the gall to give her a look as if to say, 'you owe me lady.' Janet glared at him again, warning him that she was the alpha female and was not at all amused. And then he started whining clutching his shoulder.

"Oh my God! What happened?" she asked just now noticing his injuries.

"McBride shot him with silver bullets," O'Neill answered rubbing his neck while sliding along the wall away from Jacob.

"What?" the women asked at the same time.

"Shouldn't he be dead?" Sam exclaimed.

"Maybe the little snake makes Jacob immune," the Colonel suggested immediately hearing a growl from Jacob.

Janet looked at O'Neill, as did Sam. It never ceased to amaze her when he actually said something intelligent. Of course, Janet always knew he was smarter than he led people to believe. But it was still a surprise.

Jacob whined even louder adding an emphatic yip letting her know he was in a great deal of pain.

"Alright, let's go Jacob," she smiled signally him to follow her.

Jack opened his mouth as if to say something but Jacob shot him a menacing look and snarled so ferociously that thick drool spattered across the Colonel's chest.

"Jacob, just ignore him…like we all do," Janet insisted, ignoring Jack's hurt look, and moving towards Jacob. Deliberately grabbing his good arm, she asked with a wicked smile, "Now that you've scared the piss out of Jack, are you going to change back?"

O'Neill snapped his head up from examining the slobber on his uniform and protested, "Hey! The only body fluids flowing around here came from Jacob…he drooled on me!"

"Whatever, Jack," she said waving a hand at him while pulling Jacob along.

Jacob looked at Janet perking his ears up, with one ear turned forward and the other turned sideways. Then he suddenly began to sway. She could see the whites of his eyes when they rolled towards the back of his head. She watched helplessly as Jacob fell backwards landing with such a heavy thud that tiny dust particles puffed into the air around him. Then his body quickly transformed back into its human form.

Janet fearing the worst quickly checked his pulse. It was racing. His skin was extremely hot to the touch when she felt his forehead and cheeks. She had been expecting it to be above normal but this was too much.

Suddenly his eyes opened and the whites flashed.

"You must remove the bullets…they're killing us," Selmak weakly said then passed out.

"I need to get him to the infirmary now!" she ordered just as Jacob began seizing. "Colonel grab his upper body, Sam help me with his legs. Now! We can't wait for the gurney he's going to arrest!"

With Hammond and a gate technician helping O'Neill and Carter, they managed to get Jacob into the infirmary relatively fast. Hammond immediately ordered all non essential personnel out of the room. Probably in case Jacob decided to transform again. But Janet needed at least one of her nurses.

"Nurse Jennings, I need a line in him now!" Janet ordered while pulling the oxygen mask over Jacob's face. "Sam, Colonel…ice packs get them and put them under his neck and under his armpits. What's his temperature?"

"105!" Jennings replied.

"Get him a dose of antibiotics, now!" Janet ordered quickly grabbing the retractors, forceps, and a scalpel.

'At least I won't have to dig through your fur,' she thought to herself quickly slicing the swollen muscular tissue surrounding the bullet hole in Jacob's thigh. Thick blood began oozing.

"I need some suction here! I can't see a damn thing!"

Immediately Jennings had the blood cleared away enough for Janet to locate the bullet. It wasn't too deep. She was able to pull the soft muscle tissue back she and lifted the bullet out. Immediately blood began spurting.

"Shit! I need someone to keep pressure on it, now!" Janet ordered.

"Won't Selmak heal the injury?" Sam asked grabbing a gauze pad and quickly replaced Janet's hands on Jacob's leg.

"I don't know Sam," Janet said while moving around to the other side of the gurney. "If Selmak's sick or dying too, she might not be able to heal his injury at the moment."

"She?" O'Neill questioned.

"Not now Colonel! Out, you're in my way!" Janet snapped while cursing herself for letting that top-secret information slip. "Shit! The bullet's too deep!"

"He's temperature's 106! Blood pressures dropping!" Jennings announced.

"70 milligrams of dantraline!" Janet ordered seeing a surprised look on young nurse's face. "Just do it!"

Janet had no choice and no time. The scalpel quickly sliced deep. Jennings was quick to suction the free flowing blood away.

"Retractor!" she ordered setting down the scalpel.

Without looking to see who handed it to her, Janet snatched it, immediately using it to pull back some of Jacob's pectoral muscle. Picking up the scalpel. She sliced deeper into the muscular tissue.

"I see it! Forceps!" she snapped tossing the scalpel in a pan.

After what seemed like an eternity of digging into Jacob's muscle Janet finally yanked the bullet out. She watched for a long moment; his wound was not healing. Nor had the other one healed yet. In a fit of disgust, she dropped the bullet and forceps into the pan, then did the same with the retractor.

"His fevers not going down doctor," Jennings sadly informed Janet.

Her mind was frantic and her feelings on the verge of overwhelming her. Janet knew, if they didn't get Jacob's body temperature down he would soon die. Even though they had just recently expressed their feelings for each other, those feelings ran deep. The mere thought of losing him terrified her she couldn't imagine her life without him.

"Alright, strip him and pack on more ice! Get the ice on the groin and more around his neck!" she urgently ordered. "Let's flush the wounds to make sure we got everything out!"

Five agonizing minutes passed. His wounds were cleaned with no trace of bullet fragments. Jacob's body temperature peaked at 106 then dropped to 105.5. It wasn't much of at decline but at least it dropped.

"Why do you have to be so difficult?" she whispered resting her hand on his forehead.

"Janet, nothing is ever easy with my dad," Sam spoke softly resting a reassuring hand on Janet's shoulder.

"His fever's down to 104, Doctor," Jennings smiled. "Should I give him another dose of antibiotics?"

Janet nodded trying to fight her tears. She closed her eyes. One tear slowly rolled down her cheek as she let out a long sigh of relief. Suddenly a hand gently touched her face causing her to open her eyes.

"Don't cry doc. I don't mean to be such a pain in the ass," Jacob smiled weakly having already pulled the oxygen mask from his face.

Janet let her tears fall and she flashed that bright smile of hers at him while putting the mask back on.

"Yes you do."

"Yes, master," Mina hissed.

His forearm snapped like a twig when Mina had appeared out of thin air and kicked it. The gun went sliding across the floor towards where Viktor was holding Gabriel. But Daniel was in too much pain to go after it. Teal'c tried but he was sent flying backwards, slamming hard against the wall. When he landed on the ground he wasn't moving.

"Viktor…we…need…your help! The…survival…of this…world…depends…on…it!" Gabriel gagged and choked as Viktor gripped Gabriel's jugular.

"Viktor, he speaks the truth!" Daniel grimaced cradling his broken arm. "Our world could be destroyed if you don't help us. If this world is destroyed, that means you die as well."

Gabriel was losing the battle, his legs stopped kicking and his eyes were slowly closing.

"More like Ra will return!" Daniel shouted on a gut instinct.

Gabriel was quickly dropped hitting the floor hard, then was coughing and gasping for air. Daniel also noticed Teal'c was slowly getting back to his feet and shaking his head. Mina was perched high above the fireplace with an evil grin on her face, awaiting her masters next move. Viktor slowly turned towards Daniel.

Viktor definitely was not the vampire Daniel had been expecting. He looked like a modern, casual businessman wearing black slacks, a white-buttoned dress shirt and a long black leather coat. His black hair was slightly grayed on the sides and neatly trimmed. His movements were graceful and full of purpose. He was obviously a distinguished gentleman with infinite patience. But in the blink of an eye, Viktor was suddenly standing in front of Daniel, startling him into jumping backwards and knocking some books down.

"Viktor, hear us out. Then if you still want to kill us…by all means try," Gabriel said getting to his feet.

"Very well," he said narrowing his emerald green eyes at Daniel.

Viktor sat relaxed in his chair by the fire. He was a patient man. Living for an eternity teaches one not to rush into anything. Plus, he knew the trio was not the usual travelers to venture through the forbidden forest to his castle.

He was intrigued. Van Helsing was not here to kill him that much was obvious; the man was capable of so much more during a battle. The Jaffa, Teal'c, a warrior from a race Viktor thought had long since abandoned this world, along with their dangerous masters. And Daniel's claim that the Goa'uld could return to Earth was enough of a threat to put his revenge for Lucy on hold. Viktor despised the Goa'uld, his centuries of living had not dulled his distaste for them.

"Let me guess, you've managed to open the chapa'ai and, in typical human ignorance, caused a mess of galactic proportions?" Viktor asked.

"Well…no," Daniel replied. "We did open the Stargate…chapa'ai. We do explore other worlds to learn more about ourselves as a people. As well as find new technologies and medicines. We have managed to defend this planet from an attack by Apophis and have killed a few System Lords."

"Impressive. But what do you need my help for? As much as I despise the Goa'uld, I'm not one for going into battle against them."

"We've made a few Allies during our journeys," Daniel continued. "One is called the Tok'ra."

"Ah, the resistance group who fought against Ra and I presume, still are fighting against the other system lords!"

"Yes! A few years ago, one of the Tok'ra's oldest and wisest leaders blended with one of Earth's most trusted commanders. Our commander, General Jacob Carter is our liaison to the Tok'ra. If anything were to happen to either him or his symbiote while on Earth the alliance would fail."

"What happened to this Carter and his symbiote that sent you half way around to world looking for me?" Viktor questioned.

"Jacob has been bitten by a werewolf," Gabriel said. "Both he and his symbiote are infected."

"Oh," Viktor smiled. "And you came to me, seeking the wolf bane serum?"

"Yes." Daniel and Gabriel said.

"What do I get out of it?" Viktor asked getting to his feet. "After all, you killed my Lucy. She had been with me for nearly two hundred years. I loved her deeply. Plus, she and Mina were like sisters to each other. What is my compensation for helping you?"

"You get to live," Gabriel threatened moving towards Viktor.

"You would go against the Order's command that I not be harmed? Gabriel, that's not like you," Viktor smiled accepting Gabriel's obvious challenge.

"True, but the fate of the world outweighs anything you or I could possibly imagine," Gabriel countered taking on a more aggressive posture.

"Viktor, I am truly sorry," Daniel sincerely said quickly stepping between Viktor and Gabriel, literally holding them both at bay with his own hands. "You didn't give us much choice. We had to defend ourselves."

Viktor admired Daniel's courage. No one ever dared come so close to, let alone touch a vampire, unless they intended to kill it. He slightly bowed his head out of respect then returned to his chair.

"Has he chosen his mate?" Viktor asked.

"Yes," Gabriel sighed.

"Then you will need some for her too," Viktor replied.

"My friends are making sure she is safe," Daniel said.

"Daniel, when a man desires to be with a certain a woman, nothing on this earth will stop him. Especially a werewolf! I've worked with these creatures closely in the past. Trust me, she's already infected. A werewolf's desire to procreate has not dulled through the centuries even if they have been reduced to mere animals," Viktor insisted.

"Jacob is a different kind of werewolf, like none I've ever seen before," Gabriel added. "His symbiote appears to help him have some control of the change. Jacob even displays human mannerisms while in wolf form and shows his intelligence. Not to mention, he's the biggest werewolf I have ever laid eyes on."

"Interesting," Viktor mused gently rubbing his chin. "Still, it does not matter. The instinct to propagate the species in every werewolf is very strong, no matter how intelligent the man. He can't fight what's in his nature."

"He hasn't bitten her!" Daniel insisted.

"Daniel, Daniel…he doesn't necessarily have to bite her to infect her," Viktor scoffed.

"Oh!" Daniel exclaimed.

"O'Neill did inform us that General Carter was missing for nearly eight hours. Anything could have happened during that time," Teal'c added.

"I just can't imagine Janet lying to us," Daniel said to Teal'c.

"We often do foolish things when in love," Viktor smiled getting to his feet. "Come, tell me about Jacob. Is he a good man?"

"He's my friend, and the father of a very good friend of mine," Daniel said as they three men followed Viktor out of the room, immediately turning their flashlights on.

"General Carter is a capable warrior," Teal'c added.

"Such high praise from a Jaffa. What of the symbiote, are you certain the serum will work on the symbiote as well as its host?"

"Our doctors are more than capable of altering the serum to work on both Jacob and Selmak," Daniel answered.

"Selmak?" Viktor asked raising his eyebrows, literally stopping in his tracks.

"Jacob's symbiote," Gabriel stated.

Viktor started laughing causing the others to look at him curiously. He continued walking while still laughing.

"Do you know Selmak?" Daniel finally asked when they came to a door.

"One of the most stubborn, arrogant, opinionated, and passionate Tok'ra I ever met. Honestly, I am astounded that she allowed herself to be placed in a male host!"

Viktor waved his hand and the door opened to reveal a narrow stairwell.

"Selmak had no choice in the matter," Teal'c said as Viktor proceeded into the stairwell. "She would have died."

"Still, I am finding it hard to believe, knowing what I do of Selmak," Viktor continued.

"I'm curious, I thought the symbiote didn't care what their host was," Daniel said.

"Is that what the Tok'ra told you? Still arrogant and complacent as ever. Nice to know some things never change over time. It is true that the symbiote has no gender. However, they do have their preferences…and Selmak's was female. That General Carter must be one hell of a man to be able to put up with her!"

Viktor couldn't stop laughing. The more he thought about Selmak's situation the more he laughed. It had been centuries since he had a laugh like this and he was going to enjoy it.

"Can I ask how you know Selmak?" Daniel asked.

After a few moments, Viktor finally composed himself.

"Who do you think was responsible for the uprising against Ra," Viktor smiled as they reached to top of the tower.

Jacob opened his eyes blinking slowly as they adjusted to the bright ceiling lights above him. It took a few moments, but he soon realized the lights were moving, or actually, he was being moved through a tunnel. Only he was too weak to move his head in an attempt to see where he was being taken. A warm small hand gently squeezed his, then Janet's face appeared above him. She was smiling down at him only he didn't even have the energy to smile back.

"How are you feeling?" she asked resting a hand on his forehead.

"I've been better," he grimaced.

"Your body has been running a steady temperature of 102 for the past hour. We've been giving you the standard antibiotics to keep it from rising, as well as fluids to keep you from dehydrating. Selmak's working hard releasing the antibodies to fight of the infection from your bullet wounds. So, you're going to be sick a little while longer. Can you hang in there?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"No," she smiled devilishly at him.

Jacob suddenly felt his stomach doing flip-flops. While the gurney was moving straight, he felt as if it was spinning like a top. His face felt flushed, his palms sweaty and his whole body had that achy feeling. He could already taste the bile at the back of his throat. It had lurched forcefully upward from his stomach and into his throat. There was no use keeping it down, he was too weak to try. He began gagging and coughing.

"Get him on his side!" Janet ordered just as thick fluid came spewing out his mouth.

The gurney jerked to a halted. Suddenly several pairs of hands grabbed him rolling him over until he could see the floor. His stomach rose up again in waves over and over.

"Jacob, just let it out," she cooed to him as he kept vomiting.

Jacob didn't know how long he was puking. Only that he would not have been surprised if he had coughed up his stomach along with part of an intestine. He was only vaguely aware of someone wiping his face and that he was moving again. He could barely even hear Janet's voice issuing orders.

"Jacob, we're going to move you to your bed now, ok?" she asked looking down on him again.

After a slow nod, two SFs appeared and assisted the nurses in lifting Jacob off the gurney, gently setting him down on his bed. Everyone, except Janet, quickly vacated the room. She was pulling the covers up to his chest and making sure his IV drip was secure. Then she disappeared into his bathroom.

His stomach was feeling much better. Except it was replaced with a killer headache. Instantly he felt the pain subside, a hint that Selmak was working on healing him. Which also meant that he wouldn't be hearing from her for a little while longer. He didn't like not hearing her.

"Leave that alone!" Janet ordered when he made a feeble attempt to remove the IV line from his hand. "Here some water to rinse your mouth with."

"I'm thirsty," he sighed.

"Ok, just a sip. I don't need you vomiting again, I can't carry you to the toilet by myself," she said holding his head up. "And leave the IV alone, allow it to do its job…please."

"Yes, ma'am," he smiled weakly, feeling a tremor run though his body.

"You, General, are one luck man," she smiled getting up and injecting something into his IV line. "According to Gabriel's friend, Carl, you are the first ever werewolf to survive being shot with silver bullets."

"I don't feel lucky at the moment," his teeth chattered.

"The virus in your body is similar to the flu. It has to run its course until Selmak gets it completely under control."

"She's weak…I can't hear her," he frowned feeling his tremors subside.

"You worry about her as much as she worries about you," she smiled sitting on the bed beside him while her hand tenderly stroked his chest.

"She's in my head! I can't help but worry."

"No, I mean the mutual feelings you have for each other."

Jacob sighed, "The blending between a symbiote and the host is complex. Often our feelings get intermixed and its hard to tell who's feeling what."

"Oh."

"Janet," he smiled managing to move his hand onto of hers, while hers was still on his chest. "The feelings I have for you are mine! Selmak's presence only makes them…more intense. In fact, she was bitching at me about why it took me so long to tell you how felt towards you."

Janet laughed softly making him smile. His energy was slowly beginning to return just from her laughter. Or maybe it was from the injection she gave him. Whatever, he didn't care he was beginning to feel better. Looking down at her hand he noticed he was wearing a fresh set of clothes.

"I see you couldn't resist taking my clothes off, could you…doc?" he smiled.

"Sorry to bruise your ego Jacob, but I'm not always thinking of ripping your clothes off and having wild sex. You scared me to death in the infirmary! I thought I was going to lose you!"

"Sorry to hear that," he frowned.

"I can forgive you. You're alive, that's what matters."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that too but I was actually talking about the wild sex part!" he smiled wickedly.

"Jacob! You nearly die and all you can think about is sex?"

"Sorry doc! I swear it's not entirely me but the wolf inside me…it makes me horny almost every time you're around."

"Then maybe I better leave so you can get some rest."

"No," he quickly said, holding tightly to her hand. "Please…stay."

"As long as you promise to behave."

"Scouts honor!"

Janet laughed, "Somehow I can't imagine you were ever a Boy Scout Jacob!"

Her laugh again was heart lifting. Only it wasn't enough to brighten his spirits. Earlier, he wasn't really reading that book when McBride came in. He had been thinking, both him and Selmak were actually thinking. Being confined and alone left them with little choice. Without Janet's presence to distract him, Jacob dwelled on the all the things that might go wrong. He couldn't help it. Being a General, one had to accept the bad with the good. It was life.

"Jacob? What's wrong?" she asked seriously.

"Did Carl saying thing about Daniel and the others finding the serum yet?" Jacob questioned.

"No," she sighed. "Carl lost radio contact with them not long after they set out on their mission. He's only been able to track their GPS locators. The Colonel did manage to talk to Daniel before they left the hotel. But that was the last time anyone talked with Daniel."

"Janet…if…if they don't find the serum…"

She put her hand to his mouth, silencing him.

"You must not think that way," she smiled.

"Janet," he pressed on, taking her hand in his. "We have to consider the possibility that they might not find the cure."

"Jacob…"

"Please, hear me out," he said forcing himself to sit up.

His head immediately felt as if it was on a swivel. Janet quickly placed a few pillows behind him, helping him to lean back before he fell forward.

"Thanks," he swallowed.

Janet wasn't smiling anymore. She was too intelligent of a woman. But she was also the forever optimist. She had to be in her line of work. Quite the opposite of him. Jacob turned her face towards him to see into her lovely soft brown eyes.

"Janet, I love you. There's nothing I want more than to be with you to express that love. But if Selmak and I are not cured…you and I can never be together."

"Jacob, don't say that," she pleaded with tears streaming down her cheeks. "You said you and Selmak could control the transformation!"

Jacob quickly took her face in his hands, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

"Janet…it's getting harder to resist the change. When I'm a werewolf, I almost don't even hear Selmak's words within my mind. By the night of the full moon I won't respond to her at all. I'm afraid I might not even respond to you! If I were to hurt you…I couldn't live with myself!"

His own tears were now falling and he pulled her into his chest, clinging to her with all the strength he currently had.

"I love you…I love Sam…I would never subject either you or my family to keeping me locked away. I couldn't survive that way anyway. Neither could Selmak."

"What are you saying?"

Jacob squeezed his eyes shut and sighed deeply. His arms held onto her even tighter.

"Selmak and I both agree, if we are not cured, she can…she can end our lives by releasing a toxin into my bloodstream."

"Jacob no!" she gasped pulling back and looking into his eyes.

"Believe me Janet, I don't want to die. Neither does Selmak…but it may be the only way."

Her tears fell uncontrollably. Her body was trembling. All he could do was hold her tight, not caring his shirt was getting soaked. And he thought telling his daughter he had terminal cancer was hard. This was worse and he wasn't even done yet.

"Janet…I need you to do me a favor, please. I need a phone. I really need to talk with my son…before it's too late."

Janet tore out of his arms.

"JANET!" he called to her as she fled the room.

Jacob couldn't follow her; he could barely even sit up. His tears stung his eyes and blurred his vision but he didn't bother trying to wipe them away. He began wondering if Janet was even going to come back. It was heart wrenching, just laying there and not being able to go after to woman you love.

'Selmak! I need you!'

There was no reply. Jacob slid down and lay on his side, curling up beneath the covers.

'Selmak! Please!' he cried to her but still no response.

"God…help me," he wept and trembled.

The door beeped, indicating it was being unlocked. Jacob quickly sat back up hoping it was Janet. It was. She had a phone in her hand, but looked pissed even while she was still crying. When she was close enough, he yanked her onto his lap and held her tightly, kissing her face over and over.

"Please, don't ever do that to me again," he pleaded between his kisses.

"I'm sorry," she replied returning each of his kisses with her own.

His lips finally found hers. The kiss deepened, only in affection. In it he could taste the bitterness of the coffee she had been drinking. It excited his sense of taste causing him to probe deeper. But then Janet suddenly pulled away from him, leaving him panting for more.

"Now you listen to me, Jacob Carter!" she started taking his face in her hands.

Jacob gulped hard. She was really pissed at him!

"You better work harder at fighting this thing! I don't want to hear any more of your doom and gloom ideas! You got it mister! I love you too damn much and I have no intention of losing you! Understood?"

Before Jacob could reply, Janet kissed him, just as deeply and affectionate as before. Only this time he could feel her fingers digging into his back muscles. Her body pressed hard against him with a craving that ignited his own. Given the condition he was in, he was quite surprised when his own body began to respond. Only now wasn't the time.

'God I love her!' he thought, deliberately slowing down his affections.

He had to stop, not that he wanted to he just had to. It was with great reluctance that he gently coerced her to ease off. But Janet wasn't upset. There seemed to be an unspoken understanding between them. He could see it in her smile.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be…I'm not," he sighed, caressing her face with his fingertips.

"I'll plug the phone in for you," she smiled, slowly moving off of him.

A long sigh escaped him while he watched her plug the phone in.

"Stay with me? Please," he pleaded reaching for her hand.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded, then gently pulled her back onto the bed. With Janet snuggled in one arm beside him, his other arm reached for the phone. His hand trembled when he dialed the number but not because he was ill but because he was scared. Talking with Mark had always been difficult. With what Jacob had to say, this was going to be an extremely difficult conversation. Taking a deep breath, he listened to the line ring.

"Mark?"

"Dad? What's wrong? Is everything ok?"

Jacob sighed, "No…it's not ok."

"Dad…"

"Just listen son…I'm sorry, there is a strong chance I won't be there for Halloween like I promised my grandkids."

Jacob paused. This was more difficult than he realized. His eyes welled up and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. Janet's arm wrapped around his chest giving him a gently squeeze of encouragement.

"Dad?"

"I'm sorry for being such a screw up as a father," Jacob blurted out.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"I have treasured the past couple of years between us. But I know they don't make up for everything in the past. For that...I'm sorry."

"Dad, what the hell is going on?"

"I'm in trouble Mark…and I'm in over my head on this one..."

Silence.

"I love you son," Jacob's voice cracked. "I know I haven't been able to tell you that as often as I should but I love you…always have and I always will. And I'm proud of you…you're ten times the father I ever was…your mother would be proud too."

"Dad, I love you too! But you're scaring me. Dad, please, tell me what's wrong!"

"I can't boy…I…" Jacob exhaled then took the phone away from his mouth.

"Jacob, you're doing fine," Janet whispered to him after she sat up beside him and wiped his tears. "Say something."

"Are you there? Dad?"

"I'm here son," he sighed. "God I would give anything to be there with you. Just so I can hug you and my grandkids!"

"I wish you were here too dad," Jacob heard Mark sniffle.

Hearing his own son crying made Jacob's tears flow more freely. He still hated it when either of his kids cried.

"Do me a favor, give them a big hug and kiss for me. Tell them I'm sorry and that I love them very much."

"Ok dad…I'll tell them."

Jacob reached for Janet's hand and smiled.

"I can' t tell you what's going on…top secret shit…but if, by some miracle, I get out of this there's someone I want you to meet. Her name's Janet."

"Sam's friend?"

"You know her?"

"Dad, are you sure you know what you're getting into? I met her once…she's scary!"

Jacob laughed, "It's already too late, son! I'm in way too deep!"

"You love her that much?"

"Yes! I love her deeply."

"I'm happy for you dad! Just…take care of yourself. I will be expecting to hear from you very soon. I know that Carter stubbornness…you'll find a way to beat this thing…whatever it is."

"Thank you son, that means so much to me."

"Bye dad, see you soon."

"Bye son."

Janet took the phone from him and set it on the floor. Then she gently wiped his tears, which seemed to still be flowing nonstop.

"Will you stay with me?" he sobbed.

"Jacob, I'm not going anywhere," she smiled snuggling against his chest.