by Sydney Addae
La Patron’s 2nd Christmas
By:
Sydney Addae
La Patron’s 2nd Christmas
By
Sydney Addae
La Patron’s 2nd Christmas by Sydney Addae
An Alpha’s job is never done, Silas juggles the Joint Chiefs, his den, rebels and KnightForce before Jasmine puts her foot down, reminding him of the season. It’s Christmas and for some, the first family Christmas ever. Jasmine and Silas prepare to host Asia’s parents, Barticus and Amynta for the holiday. Everyone returns to the compound for a warm and loving holiday in La Patron’s 2nd Christmas.
****
This book may be read alone, however, it is a continuation of the La Patron, Alphas Alpha series. To understand the depth of the relationships between Jasmine, Silas, Asia, Angus and Hawke, I suggest you read the following books. BirthRight, book one, is a free read and sets the tone for the series.
Book one is BirthRight,
Book two is BirthControl
Book three is BirthMark
Book four is BirthStone
Book five is BirthDate
Book six is BirthSign
Sword of Inquest
Sword of Mercy
Sword of Justice
KnightForce 1
KnightForce Deuces
KnightForce Tre
LaPatron Christmas
Thanks to all my Den-mates and admins, Michelle and Vicky, you are all the best at keeping me laughing with new creative ideas. I heart you much. A special shout out to Reyna, Sally, Karen, Kim, Michelle, and Vicky Z. I could not have presented this story without your help in the past, or present.
Thanks
Sydney
Chapter 1
Asia, KnightForce Captain and Jasmine, La Patroness, walked down the hall toward Asia’s apartment in the back of the wing. They’d just finished a large lunch with staff members and wanted privacy to catch up before things got hectic with the kids returning from their last day of school before the Christmas break.
Their footsteps were muffled by the hunter green and white Persian runner lining the flagstone floor. Neither paid attention to the brightly colored abstract artwork gracing the walls, instead their discussion centered on their upcoming holiday guests and activities.
“Is Hawke meeting your parents at the airport?” Jasmine asked regarding Asia’s mate. Her gaze swept the hall to ensure the staff placed the holiday decorations according to her instructions. Everything looked perfect, and not over the top.
“No, Barticus… I mean my father, is renting a car, they’ll drive from the airport later today. Hawke gave him the coordinates,” Asia said, her hands moving constantly.
Jasmine wanted to grab the flying appendages and hold them steady but Asia, one of the most composed people Jasmine knew, earned the right to be nervous. After years of abuse at the hands of the Liege, an evil organization who experimented on full-blooded wolves, this year Asia would celebrate her first Christmas. Earlier this year she’d reunited with her parents after being separated for decades found her mate, Hawke, and gained two children through Hawke, all of which made this Christmas special.
“That’s great, I can’t wait to meet them.” Jasmine stopped in front of the double doors leading into Asia and Hawke’s apartment.
Asia opened the door. They headed toward the en-suite spare bedroom where Asia’s parents would stay.
“They can’t wait to meet you too. Just be prepared for a lot of hugging and thank-yous from my Mom and Dad.” Asia froze and looked down at Jasmine. “That sounded good and weird at the same time, does that make sense?”
Jasmine nodded and squeezed Asia’s shoulder. “In time it’ll sound and feel normal. Your mama and daddy are coming to stay with you for the holidays!” Jasmine laughed at Asia’ sheepish grin.
“Mama… Daddy that sounds…” Asia rubbed the back of her neck and grinned. “Sounds better than mom and dad, more…” She snapped her fingers. “What’s the word?”
Jasmine walked out the room into the family area. “Personal, intimate?” She called over her shoulder. A large decorated tree sat prominently in the corner near the fireplace. Several wrapped boxes were pushed beneath low hanging branches. The earthy scent of pine filled the air. A vase filled with poinsettias surrounded by a wreath of holly graced the sofa table and provided a subtle blend of Christmas decor.
“Yes, that’s it.” She joined Jasmine on the sofa, her whisky colored eyes darkened as she leaned forward a bit. “Why does this feel so awkward? I mean… shouldn’t I feel more comfortable by now with the idea of parents, two people who created me? When does this odd feeling that I need to say everything right, and not disappoint them pass? Does it ever pass?” Confusion filled her gaze as she stared at Jasmine.
“The disappointment thing… evolves. You don’t want to disappoint anyone you love, but life’s about choices and sometimes we hurt, even disappoint those we don’t want to. The other stuff, feeling awkward, I think is normal to an extent. Once you spend more quality time with your parents things will fall into place. The only way to really know someone is to spend time with them, that’s why I’m glad they’ll be here a month,” Jasmine said.
Asia shook her head. “No, they’ll be in the country a month, not here at the compound, at least Bart… my dad has business in a few other places he has to deal with at some point. I’m not sure about mama.” She smiled at Jasmine. “I said it.” Asia clapped her hands and bounced on the seat. “It felt normal that time.” She paused. “Mama might stay here with me and Sarita.” Her eyes glowed as she met Jasmine’s gaze.
“That would be great, we can all do something together, maybe my mama can leave the babies with Jacques and we go into town for lunch, just the four of us. Maybe do some shopping. What do you think?”
“As long as we go to that place with the big margaritas, I love the food there,” Asia said and then winked.
“That’s even better, I’ll let mama know we’re thinking about going so she can make arrangements,” Jasmine said liking the idea. At the age of 60, her mom met Jacques, her mate. The man spoiled Victoria and a year later her mom gave birth to quadruplets. Jacques wasn’t as old as Silas, but both started their dens within two years of each other. Her mom hadn’t left the compound in months and would probably jump at the chance to do some shopping and spending time with other female adults.
“Have you heard from Renee? Is she coming for Christmas?” Asia asked.
“Not this year,” Jasmine said thinking of her sister. “She and Mélange are going to Colorado, they have another home there. They plan to remain through the New Year. This is the first Christmas we haven’t spent together in years.”
Asia nodded but didn’t say anything. Considering she’d once tried to kill Renee’s mate in the past, her silence wasn’t surprising. Mélange and Asia weren’t enemies any longer, but they’d never be friends.
“Will Damian make it home for Christmas? I know he wants to see his grandparents.” Damian, Asia’s son and KnightForce officer was recently assigned to South Florida. Since his mom was also his Captain, Jasmine thought he might get the day off at least.
“He mentioned it, but there’s been a lot of rebel activity in the Everglades of all places. Why would full-bloods hide in the swamp?” Asia shook her head. “Hawke’s buying him the airboat he needs to patrol the area and some other supplies for Christmas.”
“Swamps? Everglades?” Jasmine chuckled. “I remember him bragging to the other KnightForce trainees how he’d be on the beaches patrolling the ladies. I guess that didn’t pan out.”
Asia laughed. “No. Eugene and Russell, two other KnightForce officers, work the north and middle of the state. Damian’s hir
ed a few betas to staff those offices but the real problems for Alpha Bartholomew are in the Everglades right now. So that’s where Damian is spending most of his time. I don’t think he’s been to the beach once.”
Jasmine smiled thinking of Damian. Tall, handsome with a strong sense of honor and humor. Born and raised in one of the Liege’s labs, he’d endured several operations and had been trained as an assassin. Even though Hawke had no idea he’d fathered him, once they recognized each other, their bond became absolute. Damian treated Asia and Sarita, another child of Hawke’s raised in a lab, like queens, reminding Jasmine of her older sons, Tyrone and Tyrese.
“I’m sure he’ll make up for it as soon as he has time,” Jasmine said in a dry tone. “That one draws women to him in droves.” Silas had told Jasmine about a few arguments Matt and Dr. Passen settled between a few technicians over Damian.
Asia nodded. “Yes, things were becoming heated between him and a few females who wanted more than he is ready to give. Leaving for Florida happened at the perfect time.”
“Well I hope his boss will pull some strings so he can make it home this year,” Jasmine said and then winked.
“Understood, I will tell him to report here on Christmas morning.” Asia paused. “After Sarita’s kidnapping, Mama’s wanted to hire a full time security to watch over her. Turns out Elyria wanted to leave the country to enter Europe but no one wanted to go against Daddy and they all refused her sanctuary. Mama thinks Elyria took Sarita in retaliation.”
“What?” Jasmine hadn’t heard this before.
Asia nodded. “He told La Patron about it. Mama thinks Daddy’s enemies are targeting his family in retaliation to get back at him for stuff he’s done in the past.”
Jasmine blinked a few times as what Asia said settled. Then she burst out laughing.
Asia frowned. “Ma’am?”
Unable to stop laughing, Jasmine raised her finger and pointed at Asia. “You… you, Hawke… Damian…”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Jasmine inhaled and tried to stop the images of someone attacking Asia, or Hawke or Damian in retaliation for anything. In her mind’s eye she saw Asia stomp the mess out of her opponent without breaking a sweat. Jasmine waved her hand and wiped the moisture from her eye.
“I cannot imagine anyone stupid enough to go against you or Damian. Both of you have metal arms and legs. And Hawke is a genius, no question, but he’s lethal as hell. I’ve seen him morph to his largest size, that’s just… monster scary.” She inhaled, seeing the sparkle return to Asia’s eye as she relaxed.
“That kidnapping thing,” Jasmine sobered as she recalled the terror she’d felt when she realized Sarita had been taken. She prayed never to experience that again. “That was bad and I understand your mom’s concerns. If that’s what you want to do, I’m sure Silas will clear it.”
“There’s already a guard watching her, no need for more. Good thing Sarita has no memory of that time.” Asia eyed Jasmine. “David and the others still okay?”
David had taken Sarita’s disappearance harder than her other three. He’d refused to talk or do much of anything else until she returned to the nursery. Seeing the light in his eyes once Sarita ran inside wanting to play made Jasmine wonder if David and Sarita were mates. She’d talked to Silas about it and he didn’t think so. He believed they’d probably work together or be involved with something later in life. But he didn’t think mates were assigned this early but he didn’t know for sure. It surprised Jasmine that Silas hadn’t noticed the strong bond between Sarita and David. Rose and Lilly had mentioned it to her.
“Yes they seem okay now that she’s back. David’s still the same un-social one in the bunch.”
David was Asia’s favorite, even though she tried to hide it so when she didn’t immediately defend him this time, Jasmine was surprised.
“He’s strong,” Asia said a few moments later.
There was no need to ask who she referred to. Somehow David, the runt of the group, commanded the respect of his brother and sisters, they followed his instruction. Silas explained David’s natural, innate leadership ability is noticed by others and not something you put on or take off.
“Yes, he is. So is Sarita. She constantly amazes me with her ability to bounce back from everything,” Jasmine said, ready to end the discussion on the kidnapping and the children.
“She is. Mama wants to take Sarita to someplace in Florida, a theme park she called it. There’s a big mouse and other animals that come on TV. It’s a fun place for kids I heard. Hawke looked it up and gave permission for them to take her before school restarts.”
Jasmine smiled but didn’t say anything. If Sarita took a trip to the sunny beaches of Florida or Disney during Christmas break, there’d be rumbling in the nursery. Her four, Adam, Renee, Jackie and David, wouldn’t understand Sarita leaving to go have fun when they couldn’t. She needed to warn Silas in advance of that pending storm.
Asia stood, walked into the kitchen and returned with two large glasses of iced tea. She sat, took a sip and then looked at Jasmine. “Thanks for having these things put up, they look really nice.” Her gaze swept over the tree and decorations. “You know… me, Hawke and Damian never celebrated the holidays…Christmas before this year,” Asia said,
“I know. It’s Christmas, we’re going to have a lot of fun with the kids, eat a lot of good food and open presents,” Jasmine said, her thoughts on the coupon book she made Silas for his surprise gift.
“Presents! I don’t have any idea what to buy Hawke. His head is in the clouds most of the time, pity I can’t get him one of those,” she said, paused and then looked at Jasmine. “Can I?”
Jasmine laughed. “I don’t know, Google it and see if that’s possible.”
Asia wore a pensive look and nodded slowly. “I will. I have something for everyone else, even Cameron’s full house, Tyrone’s twins and your mom’s four. That’s all the children, right?”
“Yes, that sounds right. Last year we exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve and opened one gift, we’ll do that again this year,” Jasmine said.
“Are you doing the play?” Asia asked, her eyes lit with anticipation.
“Yes, several people have asked and we agreed. Tyrone and Rose have been practicing. Haven’t you seen it before?” Although Jasmine suspected Asia hadn’t been exposed to Christian anything during her servitude with the Liege, she assumed Asia saw decorations during her assignments.
“Just bits and pieces, never the whole thing.”
“This year you will, I promise. If you have any questions, we’ll find the answers together if I don’t know them.” Jasmine picked up her glass in a toast.
Asia picked up her glass and tapped Jasmine’s.
“To Christmas and family,” Jasmine said.
Asia smiled. It was a real one that reached her eyes and brightened her face. “To family and Christmas.”
Chapter 2
Silas Knight, La Patron and Leader of the Wolf Nation sat in the conference room with Hawke, scientist and Jacques, his administrative assistant while listening to Generals Crall and Miller. Both were full-blood wolves serving in the human military and served as liaisons for Silas.
“The Joint Chiefs are willing to accept your terms, Sir. The President made it clear he wants to re-establish their relationship with you at all cost,” Crall said.
Silas glanced at Hawke. “You’ve been involved with overseeing their handling of the drugs created from the blood of full-blood wolves, and other special projects, what do you think?”
If the military intended to create drugs or weapons against wolves, Silas wanted to know in advance so he could counter. Every four or eight years in the human world the person in position of power changed which meant nothing was ever permanent when dealing with their government.
“I think with both of these men as your eyes and ears with the Joint Chiefs you’ll learn a lot more about what’s not said. Miller in particular is more wolf than man, whereas Crall h
as cultivated his human side and appears more urbane. Before, you were told things only when the Joint Chiefs decided to share, this way, your presence will be in every meeting. You’ll be in a better position to react to threats.”
“Yes but the price for that is to allow full-bloods and half-breeds to form tactical groups to handle special missions. I’ve never allowed that before,” Silas argued, unsure if he wanted the additional exposure.
“Sir, fighting behind enemy lines… taking out threats and healing fast to continue in battle, that’s what we do. Those who join any group like that will be led by full-bloods or half-breeds, a pack within military to keep our secrets. They’ve agreed to that as well. No humans will be allowed to join these groups, they will be invisible.”
“Like the operation that stole my son,” Silas snapped thinking of the time Tyrese had been taken. “That’s the reason I stopped dealing with the Joint Chiefs, they lied and abused my trust. Why should I believe them now?”
“You will have two men between you and them. The Joint Chiefs will never contact you directly again, Sir,” Hawke said.
Silas knew the terms, he’d set them in place. Why couldn’t humans be more steadfast, honest without the threat of tremendous loss?
“Thank you.” Silas nodded to Crall and Miller. “Which one of you will sit at the table with the Joint Chiefs?”
“I will, Sir,” Miller said which pleased and surprised Silas. He took the pen and signed the agreement that would allow these men to be his voice and liaison with the Joint Chiefs and re-establish their connection. Jacques left the room after telling Crall and Miller they’d have the documents before the end of the day.
Silas looked at Crall. “You’re supervising the drug testing?”
“Yes, Sir. Also I’ve been tagged to create the elite force from this agreement, do you have a name preference?”
