by Sydney Addae
His face colored more as he fumbled. “That’s right…it's just you never come alone, so it threw me for a loop. Sorry…sorry about that. I’ll make a note.” He stepped away but didn’t move too far off. Jarcee, her security guard, stood near the door watching like a ghost. He walked with her to Asia’s room, and then stopped outside the door. This was the tricky part. Silas did not want her alone with Asia; he had been very clear about that. She knew Jarcee was aware of this restriction.
“Stand near the door.”
“I will stand inside so I can protect you if there is a threat.”
Shock that he'd countered her directions raced through her. She thought of defying him, but then he would call Silas. With all her mate had on his plate, she would not add to them. She nodded. “Okay
They entered the darkened room. Asia lay curled in a ball on her bed. Her head rose slightly as she inhaled. One moment she was on the bed, the next she was on the floor on her knees, head bowed. “Madam.”
Jasmine shook her head at the speed in which Asia moved. Even blind, there were no wasted movements. Plus, didn’t that hurt falling onto her knees from the height of the bed? “Please return to your bed, I want to talk about something that’s bothering me. I think you can help me think it through.” She took the only upholstered chair in the room while Asia moved back to the bed.
“I am honored that you would discuss your concerns with me. If I can help, I will.”
Jasmine repeated her conversation with Merriweather and then the situation with Jennings. She figured she had another thirty minutes before the kids woke and then another hour after that before her mom and Mark arrived. Hopefully she and Asia could work through the Merriweather puzzle to give Silas new information for his offensive. The idea of being more helpful brightened her day.
“La Patron and I talked earlier. We both agree there are two groups at work here; their goals are diametrically opposed to each other although they are using similar tactics. One group wants to preserve the breeds; I’d say that was Merriweather and his people. Why they destroyed Detective Jennings, who was a breed, is a mystery. The other group, the one that sent me, doesn’t do bombs. Too much collateral damage and it draws attention from the outside. They also want to manipulate La Patron, not kill him, so they can control the wolf nation.”
Jasmine mulled over what she’d been told. “So Merriweather’s group is the one who wants to get rid of Silas. He was communicating with Jennings when it went off.”
“He must’ve been the trigger.”
“What?” Jasmine looked at Asia. “How? Silas was in the compound, Jennings at the police station.”
“Which means this was a test of sorts to see if the trigger would work through a telepathic connection. Someone, somewhere, watched and documented everything that happened.” Asia sounded so sure, that Jasmine agreed.
“They will do this again, won’t they?”
“I’m sure they will,” Asia said softly. Jasmine heard the sadness in the younger woman’s voice.
Suddenly nauseous, Jasmine placed her hand on her stomach and closed her eyes. Instead of finding something to help Silas, she discovered things were worse than they thought. “This whole thing sucks. I don’t know why Merriweather is fixated on breeders, we’re not wolves, just people like everyone else.”
“No, not quite. The ability to give birth to another species is unique. The original group was certain they had a God-given assignment to merge the races, if I recall. It’s been so long since I had any interaction with them.” Asia paused, her face scrunched. “They were evangelistic in that regard, telling anyone who would listen that the new world order was not the way the Bible or Koran predicted. Yeah, they are fanatical in their beliefs, you cannot reason with them.”
“He sounded weird on the phone –”
Asia snapped her fingers. “Another thing. I had forgotten about them it’s been so long. But they intend to take the breeds public. That was a big difference between the old group and the new. The newer group thrives off secrecy. They do not want the world to know or believe in wolves.”
“Take them public…whoa. They can’t…that’s just crazy,” Jasmine said, her gaze swinging from Asia to Jarcee and back to Asia. “Why?”
“Because they believe humans and wolves are supposed to co-exist on earth, as one large race. Eventually, the breeds will out-number the full-bloods and humans.” Asia paused. “They have always believed that was their mandate.”
Goosebumps prickled across Jasmine’s arm followed by a tremor that raced through her. This was not the information she'd expected to hear. Later tonight, she and Silas would have a long discussion regarding this situation. But first, she needed to get through dinner with her mom and her new husband. “You've given me a lot to think about, thanks, Asia. Do you have everything you need?” She stood in preparation to leave.
“Yes, Ma’am. They're taking good care of me. How’s… how’s Tyrese?”
Jasmine’s eyes slid to Jarcee ,who faced the opposite wall. “He’s good, no lasting effects.”
“Good. But tell him not to be so sure about the effects. When you think it’s all clear, something weird happens. I told Dr. Passen and I think he plans to have him come in for quarterly tests as a precaution.”
Jasmine’s heart jumped against her chest at the thought of Tyrese having additional side effects but she refused to react in a manner that would offend the young woman. “Thanks, I appreciate that.” Swallowing down her fear, she walked to the door and looked over her shoulder. Asia remained seated on the bed, legs crossed beneath her, mask locked in place across her eyes, and her long braids draped across her shoulder. Jasmine marveled at the sense of alertness in Asia’s erect posture and the irony that she was the one person, though blinded, who could actually see what was happening around them.
Stepping through the doorway, Jasmine glanced at the clock. The discussion, while fruitful, had taken longer than she anticipated. She had about thirty minutes to prepare. “We’re going to stop by Rone and Rose’s and then the nursery,” she told Jarcee as they headed for the elevators.
Chapter 13
Jasmine, Tyrone, and Rose stood in the hallway leading to the west wing. Although her mom and sister would be staying in the north wing during their visit, dinner and socializing would take place here. Jasmine had taken her meds and felt more in charge of her emotions. One of the reasons she detested taking the meds was the few occasions when she felt nothing. It was as if her emotions left for the Himalayas on holiday. Tonight wouldn’t be too bad, but she would need to work on keeping her anger in check. She had noticed a recent penchant to become upset over things that never bothered her before, and she didn’t like that.
Earlier she had changed, and now wore a v-neck pale yellow dress with cap sleeves that fell mid-thigh, along with black and yellow low-heeled sandals. Since the removal of her braids, she wore her hair down or up in a pony tail. Today, she had it pulled back from her face with a yellow and black polka dot band which allowed it to fall down her back.
She glanced up at Tyrone. He was dressed in fitted jeans and a nice printed short-sleeve cotton shirt. His hair had grown out a bit and curled against his collar. His caramel-colored complexion glowed, which was a dramatic change from the other day. “You look much better, Rone.” She smiled at Rose as a feeling of genuine warmth surged through her for the young woman. “You take great care of him.”
Rose’s face reddened. “He’s a big baby, but I’m glad he’s doing better.” Tyrone gazed at his wife before placing a kiss on her forehead. The top of her head reached her mate’s chest.
“Thanks, Ma. I feel better.” He paused. “Rese says they just cleared security and are on the way up. He sent their luggage to their rooms. He wanted to know if Silas was here yet, I told him no.” He gazed at her for confirmation.
Jasmine nodded and turned toward the elevator. Silas had not returned, but then she hadn’t expected him. Today had been the worst day for a surprise visit f
rom her mother. She still couldn’t understand how they had gotten the days mixed up.
“Jasmine,” her mother said, moving quickly toward her with outstretched arms. Jasmine met the smaller woman midway and they embraced. The smell of lavender and something else tickled her nose. Soft strands of reddish brown hair brushed against her cheek. The strength and length of her mother’s embrace surprised her. Eventually, Jasmine pulled back and met her mother’s dark gaze. Perhaps it was the knowledge of breeding wolves or living with Silas, but she recognized uncertainty, fear and yes, secrets, in her mother’s stare.
“I’m so glad you could make it, Mom,” Jasmine said when the silence stretched a bit long.
“Oh, I’m glad to be here.” Her mom looked over Jasmine’s shoulder. “Oh…Rone. My baby, look at you. How are you feeling? Better I can tell.” She moved past Jasmine and took Tyrone in her arms. Seeing her mother rise on tip-toes to cuddle her grandson brought a smile to Jasmine’s face.
“This is my wife, Rose,” Tyrone said, a large grin on his face as he introduced his mate.
“Wife? I missed the wedding?” Her warm tone changed into one of surprise.
“No, we just went to the courthouse. No wedding,” he said, still smiling.
“Oh… I’ve done that a few times myself.” She hugged Rose. “Welcome to the family, call me Nana like my boys do. I’m happy to have another granddaughter.” She turned and waved toward the handsome tanned male who stood near Tyrese. He appeared to be Indian or someone with Middle East ties with his olive complexion, dark hair and eyes. Right now, his eyes were focused on her mom. Jasmine’s spirits lightened as her mom accepted the tight embrace and kiss from her man.
“I want you all to meet Mark, he and I will be getting married next month in Aruba.”
Jasmine hid her surprise. She thought her mom had already tied the knot with this one. “Hi Mark.” Jasmine shook his outstretched hand, keeping her distance.
“Hello Jasmine, I have heard great things about you and Renee. Victoria is the best thing to happen to me. She’s the light of my life.” His gaze left her mother and met hers. “I’m honored to be a part of your family’s event.” His warm smile lit up his face, making him appear more handsome. Jasmine understood why her mom claimed he was the one. Then she remembered her mom had made that pronouncement a few times before. She hoped for her mom’s sake that Mark would be the last man in her life for a while.
Jasmine nodded and stepped back so Tyrone and Rose could greet him. She caught her mother’s eye. Was she gloating? The look seemed a bit off. Her mother’s smile grew wider as Mark returned to her side.
“Come on inside, let’s talk, catch up. Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes,” Jasmine said, still puzzled by her mom’s attitude. Granted, Mark was handsome with hazel eyes, she put him around forty-five years of age, much younger than her mom’s sixty. The scar on his chin made his face interesting. He wore a thin gold necklace, but no other jewelry. Jasmine liked a man who toned down on accessories. He was shorter than both her sons, so that would put him under six feet with what appeared to be a nice firm body. For some reason, her mother acted as though she had hit the jackpot, and that was a surprise. Normally her mother took her lovers in stride, like you’d take a bus. If you miss one, there would be another shortly.
“Good. I’d like a glass of chardonnay if you have it,” her mother said, holding onto Mark’s arm as they moved into the living room.
Jasmine glanced at Rose and smiled. Tyrone and Tyrese exchanged glances as they followed behind her mom and Mark.
“How was Florida?” Jasmine asked after they all took seats in the living area. She went to the mini refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Chardonnay, as well as a Moscato for herself.
“It was hot, humid, and lovely,” her mother said, patting her face with a handkerchief. “I had a great time. We’re thinking of relocating there.” Her gaze slid from Jasmine to Mark with predatory intent.
“I want to go to Orlando, see Disney,” Rose said, breaking the silence. Jasmine handed her mom and Mark each a glass of wine.
He raised his hand. “No thank you. Water or a soft drink for me, please.” Heat exploded in Jasmine’s cheeks as she realized she hadn’t asked him what he wanted. Instead she had assumed he wanted what her mother did.
“Okay. Rese could you get him a bottle of water please?” She placed the wineglass on the table and took a seat across from her mom.
“Where is your… boyfriend?”
Jasmine choked and started coughing at the idea of Silas being called a boy or anything in that arena. Heat flared in her cheeks and she tamped down the snappy comment that rose to her lips.
Rose and Tyrone snickered.
Tyrese shook his head and looked away.
Once Jasmine got her breathing under control, she eyed her mother to see if that had been a deliberate dig. The pleasant smile plastered on the older woman’s face left Jasmine unsure, but she needed to correct this now before Silas arrived.
“My fiancé is working a little late. He’ll be here for dinner. And Mama…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever call him a boy. There is nothing remotely boyish about Silas.”
Her mother blinked repeatedly but didn’t speak.
“Victoria didn’t—”
“Seriously.” Jasmine cut Mark off, her gaze still on her mother. “This is his home and I will not allow you to disrespect him, not even as a joke.” This time she sharpened her words so that everyone in the room knew she was not teasing.
“I didn’t mean it as disrespect. I’d forgotten he was your fiancé. Sorry about that.”
Jasmine held onto her mother’s gaze a moment longer, reading her sincerity. “Okay.” How her mother could have forgotten was beyond her. She had told Renee and her mother a few weeks ago that she and Silas were engaged. It was the best cover she could come up with to explain her current living situation without getting too deep. The conversation had veered into a possible engagement party, and then a wedding at the christening, both which Jasmine promptly vetoed.
As La Patron, a formal mating was a huge deal which would take months to prepare. She and Silas planned to have that ceremony once the threats were neutralized.
“Where are the babies?” her mother asked as she looked around the room.
“In the nursery, we'll see them after dinner,” Jasmine said, using her no-nonsense voice again. Silas had been adamant that he scan Mark before the man was allowed near his children and she would honor that.
“Nana, Rose and I are thinking of buying a vacation house in Colorado, have you spent much time near the Rockies?” Tyrone asked, drawing his grandmother’s attention.
Mark glanced at Jasmine before turning his interest to Tyrone. He continued rubbing her mother’s back, something he had been doing since they sat on the loveseat together. Jasmine’s opinion of him rose a notch.
Silas had finally arrived at the compound. Butterflies filled her belly as she sat still on the long sofa, pretending the discussion on vacation homes was of interest.
“Hello beautiful.” His voice had taken on a dark, wicked cadence that had her creaming in her panties. It didn’t make sense that he could still do this to her, from a distance no less.
“Wolfie,” she purred through their link, making sure he heard her desire for him. After dealing with his duties at the police station she felt his sharp need for her. It was a pulsating live wire through their link.
He chuckled. The intimate husky sound was refined fire. Her hand flew to her throat. Her breath hitched as molten heat raced through her.
“You okay?” her mother asked, causing the conversation in the room to stop and all eyes to fall on her.
Jasmine cleared her throat. “Yeah…um hmm, I’m fine.”
“That’s true,” Silas said smugly.
Jasmine didn’t know what happened to change Silas’ attitude from earlier today, but she was glad. He hadn’t teased her like this in… month
s, now that she thought about it.
Silas stepped into the room and immediately met Jasmine’s gaze. She was gorgeous in that dress. He wanted to peel it off and sent her an image of him doing exactly that. The scent of her lust punched him in the gut. Sitting on the chair, with her hands folded in her lap, she presented a prim picture while sizzling decadent thoughts danced through her mind. Some centered on sexual aerobics which made him hot and hard. She wanted him and it didn’t matter who knew.
“Hello there.”
The loud spoken words reminded him that there was mixed company in the room. After another glance at his mate, he strode forward, nodding at the twins and Rose. He stopped next to Jasmine, his hand unerringly touching her back before cupping the back of her head. Their gazes merged and he bent down to accept the invitation of her kiss. Soft sweetness assailed him as the kiss deepened.
His wolf growled.
The sound rolled from his throat as he pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her waist. The day had been long and brutal. Returning to her had been the one thing that kept it from being a total loss. Heat poured from him as he fed from the love she freely gave, allowing it to strengthen and renew him.
“Mom?”
Silas felt Jasmine push against him and tightened his hold. Neither he nor his wolf was ready for her to move. His wolf howled, demanding to be one with his mate.
“Silas,” Jasmine whispered, her voice sending sparks of need through him. He sought her mouth again as his skin prickled. His gums itched and he knew his eyes had changed colors. Reminders of the blood and loss of life he'd witnessed earlier flew across his mind. It was her calm, her beauty, that kept his wolf leashed all day, and now being so close to her, his beast refused to be denied.
“Silas.” She turned her face aside. His lips grazed her jaw as he fought to bring his wolf under control. This was one part of living with humans he didn’t understand. In a den, loving your mate was seen as a natural, beautiful occurrence. It showed love and commitment to the pack as well as his pups. Jasmine had been horrified at the idea of him loving her wherever. When he realized it was a real problem for her, he had relented. But damn, he didn’t like it. Her hand rubbed his back in understanding. “We have company,” she reminded him through their link.
