Part 8

"Hey gorgeous," Dave said bringing in a huge vase of various colored roses along with balloons that said get well soon. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," JJ said. "Still in a considerable amount of pain, but that's to be expected. Thank you for the flowers and the balloons, they're gorgeous."

Dave set the vase down and tied the balloons to the headboard of the bed. "You're more than welcome," Dave said, as he kissed JJ's cheek. "I should have thought about it before, but I guess I was just to worried about you."

"You had every right to be," JJ said. "So how did your meeting go with Carolyn?"

"It went fine, she knows that if she comes anywhere near me, you or any of our family that I won't show her any mercy," Dave said calmly. "Of course, she might not survive her term in prison as that's the likely possibility, but she's surprised me before, so I thought that I had better make sure she knew what would happen to her if she dared showed her face once she is released, just in case."

JJ could guess very well what Dave had said, as she know how Alphas reacted to a deliberate attack on their family, in principle anyway. She didn't need to know the exact threats that Dave had delivered with that menacing attitude an Alpha could get when their family was threatened or one of them had been seriously hurt.

"Well, at least that situation is taken care of," JJ said. "Unless she's a complete idiot she won't ever bother us again if she does happen to survive her stint in prison."

Dave smiled at her pleased that Jennifer wasn't asking for details, as there was no way he would give them to her, because it would likely give her nightmares and she didn't need those on top of everything else. Jennifer likely knew the general gist of the threats he had delivered, but she didn't need the imagery of them in her head.

"So you should be able to get out of here in a few days," Dave said changing the subject.

"I can hardly wait as I miss my children so much," Jennifer sighed. "I know I won't be up to holding them like I normally would, but still just seeing them would make me feel much better. Seeing Henry and Michael when mom brought them by lifted my spirits a lot, but still I miss all the others."

"Of course, you do as that's only natural," Dave said, tenderly stroking JJ's hair. "Normally, you'd be home with them at this time of day, preparing lunch. Almost all of our species spend a ton of time with their children, probably more than most parents actually depending on their schedules and their job, particularly the females. You decided that you'd rather be a stay-at-home mom instead of getting the job like you were originally planning to and I supported your decision because it's what you wanted and we didn't need the paycheck you would bring home."

"I just knew I would miss my kids too much if I worked all day," JJ said. "I sure did miss Henry and Michael when I was still working and they were being looked after by a neighbor. If we needed the money to help support our family I would have found a job, but we don't. I know very well that most parents work, just like humans do, both of them not just one, because they tend to have a lot of children, which in turn takes a lot of money. Since you already had that in abundance due to your own innate business sense and the fact that you come from a wealthy family I didn't see the point."

"Very logical and remember I agreed with your decision at the time," Dave said kissing her nose, causing JJ to giggle a little, which stopped immediately when a wave of pain went through her. "You wanted to stay at home with your children and I supported that decision because it's what you wanted and I understood it. Before you wanted to work, because you didn't like the thought of not being able to support your family yourself or at least help with that support, but that was the way you had been raised, so again I understood where you were coming from.

"After the triplets were born though, you made the decision not to try to get a job, because you felt a great need to be there for their every moment, to be there when they said their first word, took their first step and so forth. I understood that being there for these events is not the same as hearing about it from someone else.

"I think it also had to do with the fact that we were getting closer and you begin to understand that I meant what I said about me giving you anything you wanted or needed and you started not to feel guilty about using my money, because it finally got through to you that my money is now your money. You begin to understand that when we mated everything I had became yours legally and vice versa," Dave said. "Most times our kind date for awhile just like humans do before they decide to get mated so that trust is already formed, but with us we knew we were meant to be together from the first time we saw each other so we mated immediately. Since we did it took a little while for you to truly trust me."

"I think you're right," JJ said thinking about it. "I begin to truly trust you before the triplets got here. Yes, I knew we were mated, but even though we may have mated right away it still took time for me to trust you and you to trust me."

"It was mostly you," Dave said. "You just needed time to learn what you could and could not do so you weren't seriously punished, which is why you were so cautious with me at first. Different Alphas have different expectations which is why once you learned what I expected of you and how I expected you to behave in public you begin to truly trust that I had your best interest at heart. I'm very well aware that different Alphas have different ideas of how their Omega is supposed to act and some can take offense at every little thing. You learned that it takes a lot to really get me upset as I'm usually pretty easygoing, so you lost that cautiousness around me."

"Yeah, that's true," JJ said thoughtfully. "Once we had worked out our dynamics I was able to relax, because I knew what was expected of me and how I was expected to behave, particularly in public. You're a lot more easygoing as you said then a lot of Alphas I've met over the years or at least heard stories about and you certainly don't take offense as easy as I've heard some of them do."

"Some Alphas expect you to obey their every command immediately no matter what you're doing at the time," Dave snorted his contempt obvious for that attitude. "A lot of them expect you to spend every minute with them when they're home, waiting on them hand and foot because they are too lazy to do things for themselves. They figure they are the breadwinner and that's all they need to do. A lot of them don't care if their mate is pregnant at the time or if they need to feed, change the children, put them to bed or just pay them some attention so they know that they're loved. Those kind Alphas are inpatient and often punish their Omegas for the slightest preconceived error. Really those types don't need to get mated or have children, because running a family as large as ours requires cooperation and patience from both mates as everybody has a role to play.

"You can't get upset if your mate is busy with one of the children or if they are fixing dinner for their large family, but a lot of them do get that way if their Omega doesn't obey their command immediately. To me that says they are not as confident as they want to appear, because otherwise they wouldn't be bullies. Alphas who are confident in themselves and their abilities aren't like what I just described, even if personalities vary. Those type of Alphas know what they're doing and know that there mate loves them, so they don't have to keep ordering them around like some kind of slave or servant. A lot of them never explain their expectations to their Omega once they mate, like I did for you so that you understood how you were to behave outside the home, not even the basic rules that we went over that all Omegas need to hear from their Alpha, so they know what's expected of them. Those kind of Alphas don't like their Omega to go anywhere without them, not grocery shopping, to the mall or to the salon and their often suspicious of any time their mate spends not in their presence."

"Well, I'm certainly glad you're not like that," JJ said, shuddering. "It would be hell to be mated to someone like that."

"Yes, I agree it would be," Dave said taking JJ's hand in his and rubbing his thumb over the back of her knuckles tenderly. "Those Alphas don't know how to tell if their mate has actually done anything wrong. In a way, it's just like some human men who are sure they're wife, girlfriend or fiancée are cheating on them, even when they are not and have done nothing to make their spouse suspicious, just acted normally."

"Well, we do share some of the same traits with humans," JJ said. "Jealousy and suspicion are part of both our species."

"Yes, another trait we share is believing the worst of someone because of rumors or someone told you something bad. What people say is often shaded by their own feelings, jealousy, anger or hate for example, so that whoever they're talking to gets a negative impression right off before they even meet that person. If you're smart you take what people say about others with a pinch of salt until you have a chance to evaluate that person for yourself, form your own opinion," Dave said.

The two chatted cordially for a few more minutes before Dave brought up the subject that was on his mind.

"I was thinking that we could name Penny the godmother to the children you're carrying," Dave said. "We both know she probably saved your life by calling out like she did. That deserves to be rewarded in someway and there's no way she would ever accept a cash reward, as she's to much like you and likes to make her own way. Someone else might've called the cops, but at the same time those cops might've been too late to save you or the children."

"That sounds like a fine idea, as I like her a lot," JJ said. "I'm sure we'll be friends for many years."

"I know you will be, as I've noticed many of the traits that you possess in the short time I've known her," Dave said smiling, pleased at JJ's easy acceptations of his suggestion. "She's tenderhearted, kind, intelligent and obviously cares about others. She did the right thing automatically without having to think about her actions like many would, and we know that many would ignore your situation entirely not wanting to get involved. I admit though that's not likely to happen in our neighborhood as we live in a place that people care about their neighbors, but it certainly would elsewhere. I'll even admit that if we hadn't met she would've been someone that I would've happily dated and perhaps, the two of us would have mated and perhaps not, but I know she always would have remained a friend if we hadn't."

"Yes, she is very nice, I agree with that," JJ said. "As for your comment about dating her let's just say I'm glad you met me first. If the two of you had mated I would've hated to hurt her, because she certainly seems nicer then Carolyn, though perhaps, I shouldn't say that since I've never actually met your former mate."

"I'm glad I did too," Dave said. "As for your comment about Carolyn you have every right to think she's not very nice considering what she did both back when we were mated and also just a few days ago. When I first met her she was very nice, but something changed along the way, not that that matters anymore since she'll be in prison for the next 10 years at least and only if she doesn't commit suicide. Let's just forget about Carolyn completely, she won't cause us anymore trouble, as she knows what will happen if she does," Dave said. "Now for my next idea."

"Oh, what's that?" JJ asked curiously. "Your last one was certainly a good one, though I admit I hadn't thought that far ahead, but I probably would've come up with the idea all on my own at some point if you hadn't thought of it first."

"I was thinking that we could try to play matchmaker," Dave said.

JJ caught on immediately. "You want to try to find a mate for Penny."

"You know she has this desire to settle down, have some children, but she's never found anyone to do that with. I was just thinking that we could arrange a gathering, invite all my friends and acquaintances. You could also invite your girlfriends, including Penny. I was just thinking that it's possible she might find someone that she at least wants to date. I know a lot of males that are unmated and some of them have never been mated before while others have, but are currently free to pursue a new relationship if they so desire. I know there's no guarantees that anyone you or I know, will be suitable for our new friend, but there's no harm in trying to set her up. I guarantee you, if I consider an Alpha a friend they will be polite and honorable and not like one of those Alphas we were just discussing, as I wouldn't be friends with them otherwise."

"Perhaps, we could have a cookout," JJ murmured deep in thought, "after I'm all healed up. We could do it in the backyard, which is quite large, certainly large enough for say 50 people. The ones with children could bring them and we could set up some games to distract them with."

"I know more than 50 people both male and female though," Dave said.

"I'm sure you do, but I don't think our backyard will hold more than 50," JJ said. "If we plan anything formal Penny might be suspicious, wondering why she was invited. We need to keep it very casual, make it seem like we planned it all along before I was hurt, but didn't have time to get our plans off the ground before I was attacked."

"That's probably a very good idea," Dave decided. "We really don't know Penny that well yet, so something more formal might work in a year or two once we've gotten to know each other better. It just seems like we've known her forever or at least it does to me."

"Yeah it does and I think that's because we're all kindred spirits," JJ said. "You know that might be a clue as to who Penny will fall for. Someone similar to you in personality, who is patient and kind, someone authoritative, but that doesn't use that authority to bludgeon other Omegas or even other Alphas with weaker personalities into submission. I was just thinking that you felt close to her and did from the first moment you met that she might respond to someone that has similar traits."

"I hadn't noticed that, but you're right I did feel really close to her from the minute I introduced myself," Dave said thoughtfully. "I do know at least 10 Alphas that I can think of off the top of my head that have similar traits to my own. Ones that are easygoing, compassionate, authoritative when necessary, kind and passionate. The one I'm thinking of in particular has several children of his own but he unmated with Haley like I did with Carolyn, about three years ago so he should be ready for another relationship."

"So this Haley betrayed him then just like Carolyn did you," JJ said and Dave nodded.

"Yes, and they were mated longer than I was with Carolyn," Dave said. "His name is Aaron Hotchner and he has four children two of each sex, two sets of twins."

"So they must've mated, what three years?" JJ estimated knowing how easily most females of their race got pregnant

"About five actually," Dave said. "And yes, I know what you're thinking and that's Aaron ought to have more children if they were mated five years, but from the way I understand it he and Haley argued all the time, especially after the first couple of years, so that not much mating took place. You're probably wondering why Aaron didn't discipline her."

"I was actually as it sounded like she would have deserved to have her back and rear end torn to pieces. When an Alpha disciplines their Omega they're not able to sit down without pain for at least a week and it's usually at least two," JJ said. "Or at least that's what mom told me, not that it ever happened to her, because she loved dad who was a lot like you and very reasonable."

"Stories get passed down," Dave said nodded in understanding. "You're right Aaron should've handled the situation better than he did, but on the other side of the coin, Haley never acted out in public and appeared to be the perfect Omega on the surface. I don't ever punish you for what you do at home and I won't unless it's something really major, because you should be free to completely be yourself in the privacy of the home we've made together. The rules change if there is another Alpha male around that isn't mated as you know though. What I'm trying to say is that Aaron's the same way in fact most Alphas I know are."

"So basically she behaved when in a public venue but then acted out at home, causing tension and discord," JJ said and Dave nodded. "I can see why Aaron didn't discipline Haley then."

"I can to, but I wouldn't have put up with her behavior for as long as he did, though I suppose it helped that he worked long hours, as he's an attorney. Actually, I think he worked long hours on purpose, just so he didn't have to go home as I know he was miserable. Finally he caught Haley in bed with another Alpha just like I did with Carolyn and did the same thing I did. I believe seeing her cheating on him made him see that his relationship had gone toxic. Luckily, the children weren't in the house when it happened, as they were staying with some friends, so that's something anyway. When Aaron did sever the link with Haley though he inevitably severed the parental link that she had with her children as well," Dave said.

JJ winced at that, as being able to feel where their children were or if they needed her without having to get up and check made it much easier to be a parent, especially if you had a lot of children. Forming a link with any children you had was another special trait of their race, something that humans didn't possess. Dave had already formed a link with Henry and Michael, as well as his own children and so had she.

"Yeah, I know it's always a sad thing when that happens," Dave sighed understanding what JJ was thinking. "It makes me glad that Carolyn and I couldn't have children, because that would've happened to them when I basically disowned her."

"So you think this Aaron would be a good match for Penny then," JJ said.

"I don't know for sure of course," Dave said looking contemplative. "I was just saying that he shares many of my personality traits. He's honest, has integrity, is calm, intelligent, kind, compassionate and has a very strong Alpha personality, but doesn't use it to browbeat others into submission. I've never seen him be tender except with his own children, but that's not a trait displayed in public very much, especially not an Alpha. We know each other pretty well and one of the reasons we became such good friends is he treats his children the same way I treat mine with patience and understanding, instead of fussing or yelling at them for every little mistake, which was something I appreciated, even if we met before the two of us did."

"He does sound very similar to you," JJ said. "Who knows Aaron and Penny might hit it off if they were to meet."

"We can't let Aaron know or Penny either that we are trying to matchmake as Aaron at least wouldn't respond very well, as he's a pretty private individual just like I am," Dave said.

"We'll just have to be subtle about it then," JJ said already beginning to plot. "It'll be about a month before I'm all healed up, so we have plenty of time to plan out how we're going to do it between us. I think it's a good idea to ensure that Penny meets more than Aaron. I say we casually show her around and introduce her to everybody at the cookout and that way she's not likely to suspect that we're trying to matchmake. Of course, eventually we'll work around to introducing her to Aaron, but before that she'll probably meet several dozen people and have conversations with them since it's going to be a casual event. All the Alphas of course, will know that she's unmated, and if she happens to be interested in one of them then we must let her make that decision."

"Just because I think Aaron would be a good match for her doesn't necessarily mean that they'll click," Dave said following JJ's thought easily.

"Exactly," JJ said, glad that Dave was so intelligent and knew her so well. "Just because you think they would be a good match doesn't mean that their biology will agree."

"Well, anybody at the cookout will treat her well if they do start dating, so it doesn't really matter who she ends up with and that's only if she ends up with anyone. I'm not friends with anybody that's going to mistreat a child or an Omega or anybody, so she'll be safe and happy if she ends up with any of my friends or acquaintances," Dave said.

"I would say just invite the ones that are most like you in personality along with a few others so it doesn't look like we're matchmaking," JJ said.

"Sounds like a plan but that's going to have to wait until you're fully healed," said Dave.

"I know," JJ agreed. "I don't need to be on my feet hardly at all considering my broken leg, so I'm either going to be in bed most of the time or laying on the couch. I would vote for the couch because at least I can watch TV to keep myself entertained. Also if she doesn't click with anyone at the party we can always have another one and invite at least some different people."

"I think that can be arranged," Dave said. "I can easily carry you to and from the couch to our bed and help you use the toilet. At least on the couch the children can see that you're basically alright."

"I'm sure the doctor will give me some crutches to use," JJ said, "so that I can at least get to the toilet on my own."

"I've heard those things are rather uncomfortable on the armpits, so I will happily carry you everywhere you need to go so long as I'm home. If the doctor does give you crutches I suggest you only use them if I'm not around, because believe me you're not too heavy for me to lift and carry, since our kind are unnaturally strong."

"Alright then, sounds like a plan," JJ agreed without arguing. "I'd rather be in your arms anyway then using a pair of crutches to move around."

"And I'm always happy to have you there, bella," Dave said his voice tender and loving. "I'm going to go home now, so that the children can see me and not feel as if they've been abandoned. You should get some sleep."

"I'll see you tomorrow," JJ said, as the two of them kissed gently.

"I'll be here as soon as visiting hours start for the day," Dave promised before he made his exit, shutting the door gently behind him.

~~~Healed Hearts~~~

"Welcome home, sweetie," Sandy greeted her daughter as Dave carried her inside.

"Thank you mom," JJ said smiling a little, even as she snuggled in Dave's arms.

"All your children have missed you including Henry and Michael," Sandy added watching as Dave gently carried JJ and settled her on the couch in the den. "It's been rather chaotic here trying to run the household and look after the children at the same time."

"I missed them too," JJ said. "It's great to be home. At least here I can see them, even if I can't hold them for awhile."

"I have dinner ready and the children have already been fed," Sandy said.

"Thank you," Dave told Sandy who nodded.

"You just take care of our girl and that will be thanks enough," Sandy said. "I don't ever want to be so scared again, when you contacted me just a few days ago. Hearing that my little girl had been seriously hurt was the worst thing for a mother to hear. I know Carolyn's been taken care of, but I want to go rip her a new one myself and normally, I'm not violent at all."

"I definitely know how you feel," Dave said fervently. "I should have killed her when she betrayed me years ago, but betrayal or not I don't like doing that to females and I admit I still felt a little affection for her. Not anymore though and she knows that if she dares attack my family again I won't be so merciful, as I described exactly what I was going to do to her so I believe that she's out of our lives permanently, as she knows what will happen if any of us ever sees her face again. She'll go to prison for at least 10 years, perhaps more, and that's no light sentence as our kind hate being caged, especially Omegas, because the animal part of us hates not being able to run free. You know what prison's like for humans and since she's a female someone of either sex will probably use her for sex toy, as she's a beautiful woman. She might get sent to prison for all women and not one of those that have both sexes, but still the same thing is likely to happen. There're plenty of rough men and women in prison that will make her every waking minute a miserable hell and deep down Carolyn was aware that this was a likely possibility when she decided to hire those thugs to attack Jennifer. If she survives her stint she'll be a changed woman when she is released."

"Good, it's exactly what she deserves," JJ said firmly.

"I have to agree," Sandy said. "And normally, I wouldn't agree that she deserves what's coming to her, because I would consider it to inhumane, but in this case she's the one that committed the crime and I'm sure she knew the consequences if she was caught. Actually, I don't believe that anybody could be stupid enough to think that the Alpha they betrayed wouldn't remember that betrayal and almost immediately think of who could possibly be behind such a vicious personal attack."

"Especially if that Alpha doesn't have a lot of enemies and most of them don't," Dave said. "There are some that rack up enemies like you would poker chips, but most of them don't have any true enemies. I won't say that's some Alphas can't be offensive, but not enough for that person to want to kill somebody close to them. Really, there're are a lot of people in the world that can be offensive, but that doesn't mean they have any true enemies, just people that heartily dislike, even hate them."

"Let's change the subject and forget about Carolyn," JJ suggested gently. "Mom, let me tell you about the woman that saved my life if Dave hasn't already mentioned her."

"Oh, he has. I believe the name is Penelope Garcia?" Sandy said.

"That's right," Dave agreed. "She reminds me a lot of Jennifer in many ways in personality anyway, although not in the way she looks."

Jennifer and Dave took turns describing their new friend.

"I really want to meet her now," Sandy said smiling.

"You will, as she's going to be part of our lives for many years to come," JJ said. "Dave and I agreed that she's going to be named the godmother of the triplets I'm carrying now and it was actually his idea."

"I think that's a fine idea," Sandy said.

"So do we, which is why I suggested it, although we haven't told her yet," Dave said smiling. "We thought we'd wait a few months until we get to know each other better, but I just know we're going to be friends for many years."

"Oh, by the way, mom, Dave and I want to play matchmaker for her. She's admitted she's dated a lot but never found someone she would want to settle down with so we came up with this idea," JJ said and then began to tell her mother all about the idea that she and Dave had come up with.

"Well, I'll help out in anyway I can," Sandy said smiling. "I think it's very good idea actually, because she sounds like someone who's been looking for happiness but unlike you two hasn't had any luck finding it. She sounds like she's really ready to settle down and have some children but she doesn't want to do so unless she is in a permanent relationship, which personally, I think is sensible."

"If she doesn't find someone soon she probably won't be able to have any as she's several years older than Jennifer," Dave said. "I would guess that she's around 34 or 35 and while she still plenty young enough to have a dozen children or more that won't be true for more than another 10 years or so."

"Possibly 15 but no more than that," Jennifer said and Dave nodded.

"So she has maybe 15 years to have some children and I'm sure she would've settled down probably at least three or four years ago if she found anyone she wanted to do that with," Sandy said.

"Exactly and I have numerous acquaintances that are unmated. Now, nothing might come from our matchmaking, but at least it's a chance for her to meet numerous Alphas in a safe environment. Who knows she might meet someone that she clicks with and vice versa."

"Also Dave was telling me any Alpha he knows and considers a friend will not mistreat an Omega or anybody or he doesn't remain friends with them very long, so if she does find somebody at the cookout we're planning on throwing after I'm healed up then she'll be treated well if she does hook up with one."

"We're hoping that she'll find someone at the cookout that she'll want to settle down with, because just from having a conversation with her I know she desperately wants a few children and she's getting to the point in her life that if she doesn't do that sometime in the next two or three years or at least the next five or so then she might not be able to have a many children as she wants."

"Well then, I'll definitely help out anyway I can because it certainly sounds like a worthy goal," Sandy said. "Besides, it will give me a chance to thank her for saving my daughter's life, personally."

"We've already discussed about keeping it extremely casual and I don't think it's a good idea to inform our targets that we're looking for a mate for one of our friends, because they'd resist the idea. Not many people like it when others interfere in them finding somebody. If one of my friends happens to meet her and both of them are mutually attracted they never have to know that they were set up," Dave said.

"Well, at least we have plenty of time to plan, since JJ's not going to be able to throw a cookout like that for at least the next 3 to 4 weeks," Sandy said.

"We know mom, we were already planning on waiting until after I'm all healed up and have these casts removed, because you're right I'm not up to a major event like that right now," JJ said. "In a month or so though, it will be the middle of summer and the perfect time for a casual summer cookout."

"I'll bring our dinner in here," Sandy said. "We can discuss it more as we eat."

"That sounds like a very good idea," Dave said. "I for one am as hungry as a wolf."

"I am too it will be good to have a homecooked meal, as the hospital food isn't exactly stellar," JJ said.

"That's what I've heard anyway, as I've never had to go to the hospital," Sandy said. "I've always been grateful that our species is usually absurdly healthy, as it made it easier to know how much money you had to spend if you didn't have to save any for medical causes just in case. Of course, that's not to say that we can't get broken bones, which does happen sometimes, but still we can't get most illnesses."

Sandy left the den to get the food and Dave kissed JJ on the cheek before following, so he could help Sandy with all the dishes.

JJ watched them go smiling softly thinking that she was indeed incredibly lucky.

~~~Healed Hearts~~~