“My Daddy and my man taught me how to defend myself so I wasn’t a victim,” Camilla said her arm around Tag’s waist. She glanced at a stone-faced Tag. “If you have any pull, I’d like my gun back.”
“I’ll make sure you get it.” Amber nodded, looked at Tag and sighed. “Lorenzo didn’t know any of this, neither did Justin. I made the decision to work outside of BMP and I’m happy. For all the mistakes I made and people I hurt, I’m sorry. Now that this assignment is over, I’m being reassigned overseas. Let Jackson know.”
“Tell him yourself,” Tag said.
Amber met his stare then shrugged. “Maybe I will, one day.” She turned and walked off. Ivory stopped her and they talked for a few minutes before he turned then reached them.
“The feds are claiming jurisdiction and taking over the investigation from here. She says she knows how to contact you if they need you.” He gave Camilla her gun then tipped his head toward Amber who stood with a few others as Jensen was cuffed and walked away. “Claims they don’t need it.”
“Thanks.” She smiled.
“You remind me of someone. I keep looking at you and can’t get over the feeling we’ve met before,” Ivory said, staring at her.
“Is that why you looked at me funny the first time we met?”
His cheeks reddened. “Thought I saw a ghost from my past. But it couldn’t be.” He moved off. “I already checked, you’re not from the Bahamas.”
“Wait.” Camilla said. She went to move forward but Tag held her in place.
Ivory looked over his shoulder at her.
“You lived in the Bahamas?”
“No…nothing like that. Went one year for spring break, met a lovely gal, breath-taking actually. Didn’t have the nerve to do more than dance and buy her dinner. Went back the next year and she had just gotten engaged. Missed opportunity.” He shook his head.
“What was her name?” Camilla asked. Tag squeezed her waist but she had to know. What if this was someone her mom dated when she was younger? Now would be a perfect time to get reacquainted.
“Sweet Marjorie. She went by Margie. Strange; I’ve been married twice and still remember her name.” He turned and walked away.
Camilla covered her mouth and hid a squeal. That man knew her mama!
Tag pulled her toward their car. “Whatever’s going on in that mind of yours, don’t meddle. Leave my mother-in-law alone.”
“That’s the problem, she’s alone. It’s just dinner, anyway.” Energized and ready to see the fireworks, she slid in the front seat.
“Home?” Tag asked.
Camilla ignored the hopefulness in his voice. “No, I need to see my friends. Jewel will probably move from the neighborhood. They need to see I’m okay. We’ll play it by ear after that.”
“They could come to the house, spend the rest of the weekend there,” Tag offered.
“I’ll ask them.” She paused. “I need to talk to Jackson.”
“Why?” She heard the resignation in his voice and appreciated him asking.
“I’m reconsidering the agent in the field thing. Might be an exciting career. We could be Mr. and Mrs. Smith, remember that movie we watched the other night?” She glanced at him to gauge his reaction.
“Not interested.”
She placed a kiss on his lips. “You promised to do whatever you could to make me happy…”
He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “Millions of humans in the world and I mate James Bond in a dress.”
Laughing she swatted his arm as the image of her dressed like one of Bond’s women blossomed, except she held a gun.
“Don’t even think about it… not without me,” Tag said and pressed the gas.
Chapter 33
“Baby, I’m so happy for you,” Camilla’s mom said hugging her tight. The soft gardenia fragrance her mom always wore, tickled her nose. She was dressed in a soft silk Kelly green blouse and snug-fitting white skirt that proved Margie Lopez had a lot of fire at 55. Soft curls framed her oval shaped face and made her large light brown eyes appear larger.
“Thanks Mama, I love him and he makes me feel like the queen that I am.”
Her mom gasped. Tears filled her eyes. “Finally, you understand. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. My biggest fear has always been that you wouldn’t see the phenomenal woman that you are.”
“Mama.” Camilla didn’t know what to say, she’d never seen this side of her mother.
“All you ever did was criticize yourself. Granted, you had that eye problem.”
“Eye problem? Mama I was going blind –”
“But you complained, too tall, too skinny, no hips, no breasts, freckles - you put yourself down all the time and never said anything positive. Honey, if we don’t love ourselves, how can we expect our men to love us?”
Unable to explain her relationship with Tag, Camilla nodded. “Society makes it hard to love yourself when you’re different but you’re right. Daddy always called you his queen and you never allowed anyone to disrespect you. Back then I didn’t understand but I do now.” She hugged her mom and looked across the room as Ivory walked into the restaurant. “So your chest pains, they’re all gone?”
Her mother smiled. “Passed my last exam with a clean bill of health. I’m fine and ready to get with Mrs. Brewer to help plan the wedding next year. I’ll make sure the bride’s culture is represented on the big day.” Her mom winked.
Camilla groaned. “We told you we wanted simple.”
“My only child and her only son? Nothing simple in that equation and the wedding’s in Florida.” She kissed Camilla on the cheek. “You’ve made me so proud and happy.”
“Good, keep that thought in mind.” Camilla pulled back and looked at a nervous Ivory standing a few feet away staring at her mom’s petite frame with a hunger in his eyes that surprised her.
“Detective Ivory, good to see you. This is my mom she came to help celebrate my engagement.” With a smile in place, her mom turned and froze.
“Arnie?”
Tag walked over and placed an arm around Camilla’s waist.
“Hello Margie. It’s been a long time but you’re as beautiful as ever. Can I have a moment of your time, to talk, catch up?”
Her mom looked at her and wagged her finger. “You have some explaining.” She accepted the detective’s hand and walked off.
Tag and Camilla returned to the table where his mom, Nicole, her boyfriend Chester and Tag’s sisters sat. Tiana would be remaining for her visit. But his mom and Chester would be leaving in the morning for their cruise. And Tiffani was going home to finish her courtship with Jared or Jeremy, Camilla couldn’t recall.
“So it worked?” His mom asked looking happy as if she planned the reunion between her mom and Ivory.
“Yes, they’re talking now.” Camilla sat in the chair Tag pulled out for her.
“Good, now she won’t be alone,” Tiana said. “Plus she may move up here, which would be nice when the cubs come.” She looked at her mom. “Maybe I’ll move here as well so I can help out.”
“Cubs?” Camilla said, placing her hand on her stomach.
Tiana smiled. “Not yet, in the future.”
“Well,” his mom said standing. “That’s when we’ll have that conversation, in the future. Until then you’ll remain at home and we’re calling it a night.”
Everyone laughed including Tiana.
Camilla and Tag left her mom with Ivory at the restaurant and went home. When they were alone, he kissed her.
“Would you mind your mom living here?”
“Not at all. She can watch the house when I go on missions.” She rolled out from beneath him. Jackson had been happy to accept her application and held a spot for her until she graduated.
“Don’t you mean when we go on missions? I only agreed if we do all the jobs together.”
Taking his hand, she threaded their fingers. “Yes, you, me and Grizzle.”
<<
Ple
ase continue reading for a preview of KnightForce Tres’ the next exciting book in La Patron’s KnightForce… things are getting hot!
If you enjoyed Bear with Me and haven’t read the La Patron Series by Sydney Addae, hold onto your hats and get ready for a wild ride!
Silas Knight is the Alpha of all the Alpha's on the continent. Each specially trained Alpha takes on his last name and wears his crest. He has the honor of communing with the Goddess and rules the wolf nation with a loving but tight fist. Over the years, he's focused on serving and protecting his growing nation, so when he discovers the human half breed in the hospital he's curious. Curiosity leads to him to unraveling a nefarious plot designed to change the shifter nation in a way that's an abomination.
Jasmine Bennett has just learned her son, Tyrone, died and was revived in Afghanistan. When she arrives in Maryland to be at his side, she enters a world that she had no idea existed. Her twin sons are not what she’d thought and neither was her deceased husband. Silas Knight offers her a solution to a problem she cannot handle on her own. And even though she knows he despises all that she is, she accepts and hopes for the best.
As the discovery of more half-breeds escalates, Silas must make decisions on how to treat the wolves who’re different. Do they live or die? Will they be allowed to mingle with the full bloods or set aside in their own packs? Most importantly, what are their inherent BirthRights?
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KNIGHTFORCE TRES’ – the next book in La Patron’s KnightForce Series by Sydney Addae is now available for preorders!
In KnightForce Tres, Renee meets Mélange, an assassin from BirthDate. Initially Mélange and her lover intend to use Renee to steal the chameleon bracelet, but things get complicated when Mélange discovers Renee is her mate. Mélange’s former lover, Elyria and Black Wolf, has some skills crafting bracelets and necklaces but lacks a few essential ingredients to make them perfect. Intent on taking what she wants, Elyria wreaks havoc against La Patron by pulling off a major coup and maintaining a secret that renders him almost useless against her.
Silas gives KnightForce three days to discover and track down his enemy of he’ll dismantle the group and start over with all new recruits and Captains. Asia, Angus and Tyrese, along with all 75 KnightForce trainees race against the clock to find the elusive villain with little success.
It will take Renee forgiving Mélange, and Mélange agreeing to help her enemies for Jasmine and Silas to learn enough information on Elyria to bring her down!
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Here’s a preview:
“Welcome to the compound and KnightForce,” Silas said looking at the 75 men who made the final list. “I’ve changed the dates to start this training for a variety of reasons but I needed to be sure you’d carry out my wishes and were qualified to wear my name and my crest. Congratulations, you made the first draft.” The men cheered as he looked over the bunch.
Much to Tyrese and Angus’ dismay, Silas required more in-depth investigations into the lives of the initial candidates to weed out anyone who had problems with half-breeds. After discovering three had made incendiary remarks about half-breeds in the past, Silas dismissed them from the program. Asia worked long hours finding suitable replacements for those three. Silas then required they expand the training and include physical training so the candidates had an opportunity to see what half-breeds could do. Tyrese and Tyrone both expressed a willingness to participate. This group was in for a nice surprise.
When the noise died down, he waved toward Jasmine. Smiling, she accepted his hand. Radiant in a rust short sleeve dress that fit her perfectly, he kissed her. When he finished, he gazed into her brown eyes, pleased to see that dazed, hungry look. “Soon, Sweet Bitch.” He stroked her long hair away from her face and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“As you know I’ve been around a long time. With the combining of our Nation, full-bloods and half-breeds, my task of leading the nation has grown harder. Millions more have been added to the ranks at a speed the Alphas simply can’t handle. I’ve created two new divisions to assist me and the Alphas. One is the Half-Breed registrar. You should’ve read about that in your packets this afternoon. And the other is KnightForce. Knight-Force’ main goal is to represent me and my presence in such a way the Alphas are comfortable releasing portion of their duties to an outside team. They’ve never been able to do that before.” He paused and looked at the earnest faces watching him.
“At the end of this week, you’ll either pass my final inspection and travel to your assigned area, or you’ll be sent home. If you’re sent home, you won’t be allowed to work as a beta for any of my Alphas. So my advice to you is to give it your all, so you can stay connected.”
“Yes, Sir,” they shouted.
“Loud aren’t they?” Jasmine smiled.
“Of course, they’re wolves.” He waved them back into their seats and they quieted. “Before I introduce you to the captains of KnightForce, stand on your feet and welcome my mate, Jasmine Knight, La Patroness.”
She squeezed his waist while smiling and waving. “And here I thought you wanted sex tonight.”
“Sex, no I’m going to love you so hard, they’ll hear you scream my name in the tunnels.”
She coughed. “Wolfie, you know that’s impossible, but I’ll let you try.”
“Just so you know,” he said in a somber tone. “Some things in the pack I overlook and forgive. But disrespect my mate, fuck over my pups, and I will kill you.”
No one moved or spoke for a few seconds.
“Well that certainly killed the mood. You should warn them that I pack a mean punch and will gut them like fishes if they mess with my kids.”
“Nope. That’s the only warning they get, if they cross the line gut their asses.”
“Mean, Wolfie. Sexy.” She pinched his waist.
“Now that you all have been warned, meet your captains. Tyrese, Asia and Angus. You will address them as Sir or Ma’am, they report directly to me and are my private Swords of vengeance and security. I trust each one implicitly.”
“Do you want to say anything?”
“Good luck, I hope you all make it, we’re counting on you!” Jasmine said to the crowd. They stood clapping as she and Silas left the room.
Asia, Angus, and Tyrese stood in front to the men and waited for them to settle down. Inhaling, Asia picked up on the testosterone, they’d need to knock them down a bit before they could really get started.
Angus stepped up. “At the end of the training, three awards will be given. The first will be awarded to the person we feel has been the most helpful to his fellow team members. Second will be for the person who wins the physical competition. Third will be the Frogs Memorial Award, our highest honor for the person who we feel embodies the spirit of Frogs. Everything you do is monitored so learn everything and absorb as much as you can in a short amount of time.”
Tyrese stepped forward and morphed to his hybrid. He watched the startled looks on the faces of the candidates. And then he morphed to his largest hybrid. They stared at him in awe. Whispers flew across the room, no one moved. Tyrese returned to human. “I’m Tyrese. I’m a half-breed.” Eyes widened all over the room. Asia agreed with Tyrese when he suggested shocking them with this display. Full-bloods assumed half-breeds were inferior and would die on the battle field with that type thinking.
“Training days will be long, and brutal. La Patron has laid our task before us and we,” Tyrese pointed to her and Angus, “don’t intend to fail. You fall behind on your studies and the physical challenge, your will be sent home early. We plan to spend our energies training KnightForce operatives not those who are cut out to make it.”
Asia stepped forward. “I’m Asia, mate of Hawke, mother of Damian and Sarita. And for the next week, I’m your living nightmare. Pass this training to La Patron’s satisfa
ction, and I’ll be your Captain.” She looked at her watch. “In 10 minutes it’ll be eight pm. At exactly eight, every one of you should be in the gym dressed in the uniforms that were assigned when you checked in. Dismissed.” She walked over to Tyrese and Angus. “Short and sweet, I like that.”
“Better to just show them,” Angus said as they walked toward the gym. A few candidates trailed behind them.
Asia wished she could communicate with Angus and Tyrese via their mental links but couldn’t. For some reason, known only to the Goddess, her links were limited to her mate and Jasmine. Times like these when they were surrounded by others she wished she could join in on the discussion Tyrese and Angus were having. Instead she waited for them to fill her in.
Tyrese waved over one of the candidates who had the foresight to wear his gold uniform beneath his clothes. He stopped stretching and walked over. Asia read his name tag, Ethan Mope, the former Marine with high military clearance, assigned to Alpha Jayden in Maryland. He and Tyrese shook hands.
“Read your file, impressive. I did a short tour oversees but cut it short,” Tyrese said.
La Patron chose Mope, a Native American full-blood from Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma to head the office in Maryland. Mopes had been a hunter unmatched in the Marines during his twenty-five years, given enough time he always found his prey. Similar in height to Tyrese around six foot three, just as wide across the chest, bronzed complexion, mahogany colored hair with a widows peak and dark eyes with specks of amber. Asia saw his ancestral pride in every step he took. Mope epitomized an old school warrior, possibly a chief of a tribe and would make a great Alpha one day.
“I heard about that, it created a ripple through the ranks. Is it true, you and your twin are connected to that degree?” Mope asked.
Asia wondered how Mope knew and then remembered his clearance level.
Tyrese nodded. “He’ll be here later, we’ll give a demonstration so there’s no surprises in the field.”
Bear with Me (Bear Mountain Patrol Series Book 1) Page 22
