by Sydney Addae
“Ooooo,” the child moaned again.
Without thinking, Jasmine sat, took his head, placed it in her lap and stroked him. “It’s going to be okay, sweetie. Just calm down and tell me who I should call to come get you.”
The child shook so hard, his lower body contorted and then spasmed. She continued whispering soothing words and stroking his head.
“Should I call 911?” She asked, more to herself than him. When he continued shaking, she dialed Tyrese.
“Mom?” He sounded out of breath.
“Rese?”
“Yeah.”
“Listen, I went for a walk and found this young boy lying in the forest. I’m not sure what happened to him, but he’s covered in some kind of fur and shaking real bad. Who should I contact?”
“Where are you?”
“I just told you, in the woods off the trail. Forget it, I’ll call emergency, he’s shaking real bad. I hope he wasn’t bit by something and having a reaction.” She looked around for bugs or worse, snakes. Her hand squeezed the phone as she realized the possibility of being bitten.
“You need to walk out of there just in case whatever bit him comes back.”
Fear choked her, but she couldn’t do what her son suggested. “I’m not going to leave him alone, something is seriously wrong with him. He could get worse.”
“I hear that stubborn note in your voice. I’ll call the administrator and we’ll come take care of it. You sure you’re okay?”
“I’ve had years of experience calming boys who’ve had accidents, although this one is weird. His legs…anyway, get him some help fast.” She clicked off and continued stroking the wet strands on top of the boy’s head. His breathing had slowed and he grew calmer each second.
“Help is on the way, you’ll be fine,” she told him.
His head moved in her lap and he looked up at her with dark brown eyes. “Thank you. What’s your name?”
She smiled. “Tell me yours first.”
“Callum.”
“Okay Callum, I’m Jasmine. How are you feeling?”
He closed his eyes and then opened them. “Bad, but not like before. I don’t think I’m dying anymore. Thanks for that.”
Surprised, she stared at him for a second and then smiled. Something inside clicked and she shook her head as a feeling of well-being flowed through her. She missed caring for her sons like this. There was no question, when you helped others, it came back to you in some way. But this was different, his gratitude touched a chord in her that she hadn’t felt in years. It was an indefinable something that banished the darkness of her depression and filled her with light. In that moment she wanted to sing, to dance with joy, and not for any particular reason other than it was a bright day.
“Who are your parents? Should I call them?”
He lifted his head and then returned it to her lap. “He knows and is on his way.”
True enough, a few moments later the quiet was interrupted with the arrival of Tyrone, Tyrese, Silas and Jayden.
“Mom, remain still,” Tyrese said, standing nearby.
“What?” She looked at him with a tilt of her head.
“Just stay still while his father takes him.”
“Callum?”
He looked up at her with warm eyes. “That rude young man who didn’t ask how you’re doing is my son, Tyrese. The one standing next to him is my other son, Tyrone. They’re twins. Please forgive their manners. You’re the one in pain, not me.”
He chuckled, and then grimaced. “It’s okay. Thanks for stabilizing me.” He looked around. “Dad?”
The man she knew as Jayden stepped behind her. “I need you to move so I can work on him.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just didn’t like seeing his head on the ground. Can you hold him?” She slid Callum’s head to his father and slid from beneath him. When she stood, Jayden’s head whipped around to stare at her.
Tyrone and Tyrese stepped closer to each side as she brushed the debris from her pants. Jayden’s eyes narrowed and he inhaled.
“Your son is in pain, if you can help him, please do it,” she said, pointing at the young boy.
Jayden’s forehead touched his son’s forehead. A moment later the fur was gone and a long-limbed teenager lay shivering on the ground.
“Give him your jacket, Tyrone,” she demanded. When he took it off, she took it from his fingers and handed it to Callum. “Put this on.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Jayden helped him put on the light-weight coat that reached to his mid thigh. He stood on shaky legs with the assistance of his father. Once standing, he looked at Jasmine and smiled. “Thank you, I owe you my life.”
Surprised, her mouth dropped. Once she processed his words, she gave him a few of her own. “Your life is yours to live. If you treat others with the same kindness I showed you, then the debt is repaid tenfold.”
He paused and then nodded.
Jayden looked at her, and then at Silas. They nodded and the four of them returned to the condo. She wasn’t surprised when Silas accompanied them inside. He’d been a frequent visitor since their arrival. After placing her MP3 player and cell phone on the table, she turned to look at the three silent men.
“What just happened?”
“Huh?” Tyrone asked without looking at her.
“Don’t ‘huh’ me? You were there. That boy’s legs were furry. At first I thought it was a blanket, but it wasn’t. His furry legs were bent funny, too.” Her voice hardened. “Start talking. Start by telling me how you were able to find me in the woods when I didn’t give you directions. Then explain why you told me not to move. Bring it up to the child losing his furry legs and walking away when he thought he was dying.” She eyed Tyrone and Tyrese. “Don’t bother lying to me, either. I think there’s been quite enough of that.” She looked at Silas, who stood near an open window. His silhouette reminded her of Renee’s comment a few days ago.
Her stomach clenched as a throb beat in her core.
The man flinched.
She dragged her attention back to her sons, crossed her arms, and tapped her feet. “Start at the beginning.
Two hours later, heart in her throat, tears running down her face, she stood. “You’ve been like this all this time and never told me?” She couldn’t believe they’d done that. “All those times I worried, it was for nothing?”
“Ma, we couldn’t—”
Heartbroken, she sniffed. “That’s right, you couldn’t tell me because of the promise you made to the man you hardly ever saw. The asshole who missed every minor and major event in your lives. The same one who only spent time with you when it was convenient for him. I understand your loyalty to that person instead of me.” She shrugged. Her heart had shattered at the staggering amount of lies and deception. She’d given up so much and to have them keep such a critical part of them locked away seemed like treason of the highest order.
“It’s wasn’t like that, we thought…we thought it’d freak you out having animals for sons,” Tyrone said.
Her brow dipped as she looked at him. “Unlike now, is that what you mean? Is this the face of a freaked out woman, or a woman who feels betrayed once again by those closest to her?”
“Ma, no.” Tyrese walked over, dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry. You’re right, we should have told you from the beginning. But he made it seem like…it doesn’t matter. I should’ve told you anyway. Please forgive me.
A bitter coldness filled her chest. Her family had taken so much from her. Or she’d given too much, either way all she felt was a detached numbness. She glanced at Silas, who’d remained silent through the telling.
“Can I leave this place?” she asked him.
“No, not yet. Hopefully soon.” His voice remained neutral.
She nodded, knowing she should be angry, sad, disappointed or some other emotion. Yet, there was nothing. With a gentle push, she moved Tyrese, stood and walked to her room. Silas breathed easier once Jasmine left
the room. Her pheromones were off the charts and he’d had a hard time controlling his wolf. Even Jayden had been affected and he was mated. He’d read the surprise and fear in the Alpha’s eyes when she’d stood from holding Callum. He doubted her sons recognized the mating scent, but they’d reacted to the Alpha’s response and stepped up beside her.
“She’s hurt,” Tyrese said in a hoarse voice.
Tyrone sat in the chair with his head in his hands. “She put us in the same category as my old man. I never wanted her to see me when she thought of him. Lord, I fucked up. I can’t believe I hurt her like that.”
“We both did.”
“No, you wanted to tell her. I convinced you dad was right. If I hadn’t… I’ve never seen her look so…so broken. I never want to see that look again.”
“I know. That’s the first time ever that she didn’t accept an apology.” Tyrese inhaled and blinked fast. “What if this is too much? Not the wolf thing, but she’s hurt because of the lies. The years of lying about where we were and what we were doing.” He covered his eyes and breathed hard.
“I don’t know what to do.”
Silas closed the window now that her fragrance dissipated. “Let her sleep. Tomorrow, or whenever she’s ready to talk, talk. But don’t push things. She has to deal with this and you in her own way.”
Tyrone nodded.
“I know. There’s not much else we can do,” Tyrese said as he stood.
“There’s another problem,” Silas said.
Both of them looked at him.
“Another?” Tyrone asked with a bit of skepticism.
“But we’re not done with this one yet,” Tyrese said.
Silas had grown fond of the twins. They both possessed Alpha qualities and had taken to the training and studies with ease. He’d been impressed with their honesty and how well they meshed with Jayden’s pack.
That brought him back to their new challenge. He sat on the sofa next to Tyrone and spoke through their link. “Something happened while your mom was helping Callum through his first change.”
“That was awesome, wasn’t it? I thought I’d be fighting a changeling, but she was treating him like a normal kid,” Tyrone said.
“What do you mean, something happened to her?” Tyrese asked, meeting Silas’ eyes.
“She’s releasing some serious pheromones.” When the twins still looked clueless, he continued. “It’s a mating call. Even Jayden picked up on it and he’s mated.”
Tyrese dropped his head into his hands.
Tyrone’s mouth dropped open. “My mom? What’re you talking about?”
Silas pinched the bridge of his nose. “She is releasing a scent that will call wolves to her in droves. I cannot explain why or what brought this on. She’s human and this is not supposed to happen.”
“What exactly do you mean her scent will call wolves? I didn’t pick up anything,” Tyrone said, frowning.
“That’s a good thing, asshole. She’s our mother,” Tyrese snapped as he stood, placed his hands on the top of his head. “What about the bitches? How will they deal with this… this threat to their mates?”
“Oh shit!” Tyrone said as it dawned on him.
“They’ll kill her,” Silas said implacably. “For a mated male to be affected by another, it tears at the fabric of who we are. Mates do not share, period.”
“This is not her fault. She was born like this and I guarantee she’s not doing anything on purpose.” Tyrese looked panicked.
Silas sighed. This situation had all types of complications he’d rather not deal with. He looked at the scared young wolves and knew he’d eventually need to get involved. He wanted to curse to the heavens. “I know and understand. It simply means we have to keep her locked in this unit and continue our search for answers. I think a trip to Oklahoma to meet your father’s pack is in order.”
“You promised we could go with you when you did that,” Tyrone reminded him.
He nodded. “I know, but you can’t leave, and we need answers.”
“This mating thing, what exactly is that. My father had a mate, but I don’t think this is the same thing,” Tyrese asked.
Tyrone nodded. “Good point, Rese. How does she get this over this?”
“Sex. The mating call puts out an all points bulletin that she wants to be fucked hard and heavy. And the first time she steps out that door, the call will be answered. Their wolves will drive them to answer and it won’t matter that she’s human.”
“They could kill her.” Tyrone’s eyes widened with fear.
“Yes.”
Tyrese eyed him. “Is it because you’re the Patron that your beast isn’t driving you to do something?”
Silas chuckled without humor. “No. I stayed by an opened window to keep my beast calm. Otherwise…” he shrugged. “Take it from me, her call is strong. I have never experienced anything like it. Right now, I don’t know how to keep her safe.”
“Can you ward the doors so no one can enter?” Tyrese asked.
“Yes. But then no one could leave either. How will that work? And for how long?”
“I think we should tell her,” Tyrese said. “She should be aware of the danger and be a part of the solution. I am not down with doing anything that involves her ever again without her knowledge.”
Tyrone nodded. “When should we tell her? Does she have at least through the night?”
Silas inhaled. The scent had dimmed but his wolf was still on alert searching for the tantalizing aroma. “It’s better but she’s not stirring or anything.” He ran fingers through his hair. “I don’t have answers for you.” He looked at the two men he’d grown to respect. “We’ll think of something.”
Chapter 9
The next morning, Jasmine rolled over and decided not to get out of bed. With a lazy sprawl, she inhaled. The smell of bacon teased her nostrils.
“Now they cook,” she grumbled, and covered her head with a pillow. Her ex-husband had been a wolf or dual-natured shifter as they called themselves. Her sons were wolves. It still boggled her mind and she’d made them prove it. They’d changed right before her eyes into huge animals.
Even then she saw Tyrese and Tyrone through the sad eyes of the beasts they’d become. Her sons, she’d given birth to them, breastfed them, changed their diapers, and loved them unconditionally. Nothing had changed other than her feelings were hurt because they’d kept her out of the loop.
A knock hit her door. “Mama?”
“Hmmm?”
“Breakfast. You want it in there?”
“No.”
There were muffled sounds on the other side of the door.
She smiled, crossed her legs, and placed her arms beneath her head.
“Uh, no, you don’t want your breakfast in your room, or no, you don’t want anything to eat?”
She wasn’t hungry, but they were trying so hard to make amends. “I’ll eat at the table.”
“Oh…okay. I’ll put your plate on the table, then.” She chuckled at the disappointment in Tyrese’s voice. Obviously, they’d been hoping she’d let them in her room like she did when they were younger and wanted to apologize. Nope. They were grown and had made that argument one time too many. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stretched and headed for the shower. They could wait a little longer.
Ten minutes later she walked into the living area. Her sons jumped up and met her as she walked to the table.
“Morning, Mom.”
“Morning.” She sat without looking at them.
Tyrone placed a warm plate with cinnamon raisin toast, bacon, eggs and hash browns in front of her.
She bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. They were pulling out all of the stops. Hungry, she took a bite of toast and a sip of orange juice. The only sound in the room came from her.
Intent on eating her meal, she ignored Tyrese as he sat across from her. “Good?”
“Yes, thank you.”
He frowned.
Tyr
one took the other seat at the table. “Do you want us to move out?”
The fork froze. Curious, she looked at him. She hadn’t thought about that, but maybe it was time. “Do they have more rooms?”
Tyrone bit his lip and turned away, but not before she read the pain in his eyes. She placed the fork down.
“Mom, I…we are sorry for not telling you everything, it was wrong. But please don’t shut us out of your life. Not that.” Tyrese took her hand. His eyes filled as he tightened his hold. “I can’t lose you. Tell me how to make this right, how can I make it up to you?”
It was time to set a few things straight. It pissed her off that she wouldn’t be able to hold onto her anger any longer. They’d been wrong, but she couldn’t allow them to suffer like this.
“We don’t live together. We haven’t in a over a year. That’s the reason I asked. As far as what you did…it hurt. I mean it hurt buckets knowing I’ve been a part of your lives and didn’t know my own kids.” She shook her head, allowing the pain to pass through this time. “I still can’t believe how you pulled it off, but you did. I guess if I hadn’t stumbled across Callum, I still wouldn’t know.”
“The penalty for telling humans is death, Mom. Not just for the wolf, but for the human as well. We couldn’t risk you like that,” Tyrone said his voice low and filled with sorrow.
“Last night, you didn’t mention that.” She searched his face for the truth, and the fact that she now felt the need to do that pissed her off.
He looked surprised. “I didn’t. Sorry. But that’s the first thing dad taught us. Never let the humans discover who we are.”
She grimaced. “Yeah, that’s me. Just a human.” No matter how true that designation proved to be, she despised it for becoming a dividing line between her and her sons.
“Mom.”
“It’s not like that.”
Her head snapped up to look at Tyrone and then Tyrese. They looked away as she spoke. “It’s exactly like that. And it always will be.”
The quiet filled the room until Tyrese stood, took her plate and placed it in the sink. “If you want us to move out, if that’ll make you happy, we will. I don’t want to, but I want you happy.”
