Her chest tightened at the love she saw in her mate’s eyes as he turned to Tyrone, extended a hand. Tyrone took it and was pulled into a tight hug and then Silas kissed him on the cheek. He bent and kissed Rose on the cheek. He took a few steps and placed a hand on Cameron’s shoulder. The younger man stood and embraced him. Their embrace lasted a few moments longer and it was understandable since Silas had raised Cameron from a pup. When they broke apart, Cameron’s glassy eyes met hers. She smiled as Silas kissed his handsome godson on the cheek and then kissed Lilly’s cheek. The young woman looked beautiful in a cream colored vee neck gown that hugged her curves and complemented her lightly tanned complexion.
He walked to Angus, who appeared as Tyrese, extended his hand, pulled him up and kissed him on the cheek. Renee tried to grab her daddy again, but he kissed her hand and then he turned to look down at her.
Jasmine’s heart raced at the love and pride shining from his eyes. Asia had taken Adam and placed him in his chair allowing Jasmine to stand. Silas took her hand, and amidst thunderous applauds, they walked toward the podium.
Silas waited a second until the noise quieted, but it would take much longer for her thoughts to calm. She had written and rehearsed what she wanted to say to her phenomenal mate and his…no their people, but her mind blanked. Trembling, she squeezed Silas’ hand.
“It’s okay, sweet bitch. This is just a formality; you have owned my heart from the beginning.”
“The beginning? That’s funny.” She shot back relaxing a bit as he tried to quiet the crowd; they were still standing and clapping.
“Yes, but I couldn’t tell you. You did not feel the same.”
She leaned into him, reveling in his closeness. “I love you so much it scares me sometimes,” she said looking up at him. It took her a moment to realize she had spoken the words aloud…near the microphone. The crowd went silent as Silas turned to her. His eyes glowed and she fell deeper into his gaze.
“You are the most amazing man I have ever met. You always try to help everyone, you worry over your people…wanting them to have the best opportunities, best schools, best environments to thrive.” She licked her lips as the words poured from her heart. “You have been alone so long, working so hard and then… then we met. In a hospital of all places.”
He smiled.
There was some snickering from the audience, but she ignored them and focused on her audience of one. “I was attracted to you from the first but we had challenges to overcome. I’m human. And you’re…La Patron, Alpha to all wolves. As much as we fought the mating call…” She laughed in remembrance and he smiled. “I cannot imagine being with anyone else in this life or the life to come. You are my sun and I love you more than I can ever say. You have shown me parts of myself that I never knew existed. I am a better woman today because of your love and faith in me.” Her voice cracked. Through watery eyes, she met his gaze. “I love you baby and am honored to be your mate.”
Silas pulled her close and held her tight. She ignored the ahs and applauds. All she needed was right here. He pulled away a bit, turned to the crowd. “My mate, my woman, my heart…Jasmine Knight.”
Everyone stood to their feet and clapped. She straightened, although she continued holding his hand and waved with her free hand. She met Silas gaze, saw the twinkle in his eyes and prepared herself.
“My mate is my Sweet Bitch.” The crowd went crazy while her cheeks burned. She balled her fist and shook it at him before laughing. Silas’ happiness sang through their link. These were his people and he was comfortable talking to them.
“For those of you who think she takes it easy on me or the staff because she’s human there are some people here who would tell you differently. As long as you don’t mess with one of hers, she is sweet and nice. But…never cross a line or she will kick your ass. Full-blood, half-blood, or human…makes no difference. She is not biased. Notice I said she would kick your ass…if I find out, I will kill you.”
The Alphas in the room started the applauds, the rest of the audience slowly joined in but it was not the same level of exuberance as before.
Silas looked at the audience once again before turning to Jasmine. “Sweet bitch, you came into my life like a storm, weeding out dry places and nurturing others. I had a house. You turned it into my den, filled with the voices of my pups and gave me two more that I claim as my own. You stand by my side and fight as if you had claws.” He smiled. “I thank the Goddess for sending me to your room that day, seeing you set off a domino effect in my world, most of all I met you…my mate. To say I love you barely scrapes the strength of what I feel for you. Know this, you are mine and I am yours, inseparable for all eternity. I am honored you accept me as your mate.”
He pulled her close and kissed her. She couldn’t breathe. His words struck deep in her heart and took root. She watered them with hope that all would be well and that they grew old together.
They broke apart; the loud cheering was back and then some. Obviously this crowd liked the physical stuff. She hoped she was done. Silas held her around her waist a little longer, showing her off to the crowd.
Alpha Theron, walked to the microphone. A waiter walked across the stage with a tray filled with filled glasses.
“I drew the straw and will offer the first toast to La Patron and his sweet bitch, Mistress Jasmine.”
She and Silas took a glass of champagne and waited.
“Never has there been an Alpha as great as La Patron. One pack, one Alpha, many packs, many Alphas. They said it could not be done, but with the help of the Goddess our Alpha achieved what many said was impossible. I personally owe him my life. He has my heart, my pack, and my allegiance.” He raised his glass. “Long life and a fruitful den to La Patron and Mistress Jasmine.”
Everyone lifted their glasses and drank. Jayden walked to the microphone. Jasmine placed the empty glass on the tray and took another.
“Silas, do we stand here through all of the toasts?”
“Yes, every Alpha will toast and pledge their loyalty to us. It is important. I will keep you from getting drunk.”
Smile pasted in place, she barely heard the words as toast after toast was offered. Silas sent her a little energy to keep her standing. But the alcohol took its toll. “How many more?”
“Twenty…you don’t look good.”
She stiffened. “I’m drunk. How should I look?”
He laughed. Warmth spiraled around her through their link. Closing her eyes, she basked in his heat and relaxed as tendrils of energy cocooned her. “Mmmm, you’re good at that.”
“Jasmine…”
Eyes closed, she enjoyed the warmth flooding her. “Hmm?”
“You are…moving…in a manner that is calling my wolf. If you don’t want me to spread you out on this stage and fuck you until you cannot walk, do not tease him.”
Her eyes snapped open. Silas and the toasting Alpha both stared at her. Obviously the alcohol had gone straight to her head, because the next words that came out of her mouth could not have been her.
“I am horny for my mate, how much longer do I have to wait?”
Chapter 8
“I want him. He is magnificent, you should have seen him in action, father. Leona will tell you. He will be our champion, our protector, our prince…”
Tyrese struggled to hear more but the drugs they administered tightened its hold like a fist, and hauled into the darkness.
“They said he was not one of the warriors competing. You need to choose another.”
“I want no other; he is the one, father. Make them understand how much we need this one, he is our hope.”
“Who?” he whispered, the sound echoed in his mind unable to reach his lips.
Firm hands pushed his shoulder. “Wake up, we need to discuss matters with you and do not have much time.” The hands pushed him again.
One eye opened and then closed quickly against the sunlight streaming through the window. Mind foggy, he rolled onto his side and gently
rose on his elbow. Sawdust or a close cousin filled his mouth; a sour taste coated his tongue. “Water.”
A cool bottle was placed in his hand. He eyed it before twisting off the cap, upturning it and emptying the liter. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked to the edge of the bed where a young woman with reddish-brown hair sat staring at him. Recognition slammed into him. She had been one of the hostages. He had been shot and drugged. Had she brought him here? Where was here? Opening his senses, he greeted his wolf who howled in delight at the reconnection.
“I need to talk to you; actually I need to hire you. It’s important. Are you alright? Did they put too much punch into the drug?”
Tyrese stared at the female. She was human with delicate features, but there was a calculating coldness about her that put to rest the idea of any weakness. “Who drugged me?” he asked in what he hoped was a conversational tone.
She waved down his question like a pesky fly. “I need to acquire your services and will pay your fees. But we must decide quickly before father comes.”
Not happening. “Who drugged me?” he met her aggravated stare without a hint of compromise. This conversation would start with that bit of information, or confirmation since there were only three other people in the area.
“I don’t know their names.”
He continued to stare at her, waiting.
“Oh… your people I suppose you call them. But that’s not important. We need to go over the details of the ceremony…”
“Ceremony?” he stood, realized he was naked and looked around for his clothes. Or his bag. There was nothing. A kernel of dread fell into the pit of his stomach, taking root as he took a good look at the room he was in. Although it was draped in silk and satin, the small, high windows were covered with ornate metal making it impossible to access the outside.
“Yes the crowning ceremony,” she said in a rush. “Every ten years, we crown a ruling couple, it’s more for show actually since father rules everything but it allows everyone an opportunity to be king and queen for a short period of time. Have you ever wanted to be a king?”
“No.” He walked around the circular room checking the architecture, solid brick walls, crystal light fixtures, marble on the floor…where the hell was he?
She jerked backward and blinked a few times. “No? Did you say…no?”
He turned, meeting her gaze. “I am not interested. I came on this mission to do a job. It’s completed. I have things back home I need to do.”
“Actually the mission is not completed.” She stood and crossed her arms.
“Are you home?”
She nodded slowly.
“My mission is complete. No thanks needed. I would appreciate a pair of pants and shoes but if that is not possible just open the door so I can get back to my life before the military asked me to do this job.”
“You are not in the military?”
“The pants?”
“Look in that trunk in the corner, there should be something that fits you. Can you at least hear me out?”
He opened the large wicker trunk. Inside were multi-colored fabric garments that reminded him of a carnival. She couldn’t be serious. He rifled through the contents pulling piece after piece out for inspection.
“Lately our country has come under attack by insidious characters who would disrupt our way of living. I have a plan to route these villains and protect our people. But I need help. I need someone to stand guardian while I put the plan in action.”
Tyrese looked at the soft gold colored tee shirt and the algae green drawstring pants. He would kill the Captain for this BS alone. He stepped into the pants, glad they were long enough and tied the string. The satin felt cool against his skin.
“Are you listening to me?”
Tyrese looked over his shoulder. “You sound like you’re reading a press release.”
Her face reddened.
He changed his tone. “Listen, I was in the middle of my mother’s wedding when they asked me to do this, I need to get back. So if you would just open the door, we’ll call this even and I’ll be on my way.”
Her face softened and gradually hardened. Her chin took on a stubborn tilt, and a fire made her otherwise blasé green eyes, sparkle. “I am sorry, but that is no longer possible. I am trying to explain why, but you mock me and refuse to listen.”
“What?” his wolf rose but he smelled no fear. Quite the opposite, he picked up steel encrusted determination from her.
She uncrossed her arms and met his narrowed gaze. “I cannot allow you to leave, not now. Not until after the ceremony. That is the best I can do.” With that confusing proclamation she turned and walked out the room.
Tyrese stared at the closed door for another second waiting for her return, or for someone to tell him this was a joke. That he had not been sucker-punched by his country, and was now a prisoner. He ran his hand over his head and looked around the room. There was a platter of tempting fruits and other food-stuffs on a table near the window. His stomach rolled at the idea of eating anything. Especially after being drugged. Drugged! By his own team and handed over to foreigners like a side of beef.
“Semper Fi,” he muttered, disgusted and disheartened by their actions. “What the hell happened to that? Always loyal my ass.” He slammed the chest closed, and threw the shirt on top of it. “Damn,” he yelled struggling to keep his wolf at bay. How the hell had this happened? Silas talked to the Pentagon…they set him up? He shook his head. No, they would know Silas would eventually get involved and there would be one mean black wolf on a rampage. He exhaled and strode to the bed.
He wasn’t out of options, not yet. If they refused to release him, he would make them kill him. That was drastic but Rone and Silas would know something was wrong and find him. Little red thought they had problems? By keeping him against his will she just downloaded a virus and had no idea. He grinned thinking of Silas’ reaction when he got the news. The guy in the Pentagon would be gutted for this BS. His grin faded thinking of the repercussions. All shit flowed to the bottom of the drain. A small war could easily detonate within the US borders between shifters and the military. Blood would definitely flow behind this infraction, the question was how much.
The tap on the door pulled him from his brooding. Sitting up, he watched as two men entered the room, one tall and thin, the other short and round. Behind them five uniformed men stood at attention. The shorter male dressed in the latest GQ fashion, all spit and polished. He offered Tyrese a fake smile and a cheap handshake meant to put him at ease. Tyrese looked at the hand and then at the man.
“You are?” he asked instead of taking his hand.
“Ambassador Prinkston. I represent the president and our country’s interests in this area.” He kept his hand extended. Tyrese shook it once and released.
“I am being held against my will, can you do anything about that?”
The Ambassador’s brows shot up and he glanced at the tall, silent male standing next to him. “Prime Minister Bensud is this correct? I was told he had been wounded and you were waiting for word from his next of kin.”
The taller man nodded. “Yes, but that was before we discovered he killed three of my soldiers who were protecting my daughter and her cousin. We can no longer simply release him without impunity. Taking a life of a security guard is a serious offense in our country, the penalty is death. We are awaiting word from the military so that we know how to proceed.”
The Ambassador’ false look of shock, and the step he took back would make a thespian cry it was so badly done. “I had no idea all of that happened. Young man, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“First, the least the two of you could have done was rehearsed a bit how you’d play this out. In case you didn’t know, I can smell a lie.” He sniffed. “And both of you stink so bad from the lies you’re telling there’s not enough water in this town to clean you. Second, every day you hold me without my permission, the worse you make it for yourselve
s. In order for me to be in this charade, the chief joints of staff had to ask my boss for permission, they negotiated terms and length of stay. There is nowhere on this planet that he cannot find me and if I am not where I am supposed to be by a certain date… the problems this small country had won’t matter.”
The Ambassador’s face had blanched the moment he mentioned the joint chief of staff. He hadn’t stopped rubbing his fingers together since.
The Prime Minister appeared a little more stoic but fear leaked from his pores. He cleared his throat. “What do you mean? Are you threatening us with more harm? More attacks?”
Tyrese frowned. “You’ve been attacked? By who?”
A variety of emotions chased across the Prime Minister’s face, fear, anger, anxiety and then fear. “We are not sure. My daughter said she told you, but you refused to listen.”
“That’s because I have problems of my own. I came here as a favor to the Pentagon to clean up what they called a sticky situation. I did what I was told to do, now you tell me those were your daughter’s bodyguards or some shit.” He shook his head at the enormity of the betrayal. “She never said a word about that.”
No one spoke.
“There may be a way we can fix all of this, make it go-away,” the Ambassador said tentatively, keeping his distance.
Tyrese snorted.
“You should listen to what I have to say, it could save time and lives.”
“I am tired of saving everyone else’s life when no one gives a damn about mine. Work out your own damn problems. I’ll just wait.”
“We could execute you for crimes committed,” the Prime Minister said.
Tyrese grinned, that would interrupt the mating ceremony, but his mom wouldn’t mind. Not to get him out of this. Hell, if Silas allowed it she’d come herself… he chuckled. They did not want to deal with his mama. “Please do.” He placed his hands behind his back. “The sooner the better…for me that is.”
The Prime Minister frowned. “What is wrong with you? You are loco…you want to die?”
BirthSign (La Patron, The Alpha's Alpha) Page 8
