La Patron's Christmas Read online

  “According to mom, there’s a line for that privilege,” Tyrone said shaking his head. “I think she’d be right behind Asia.”

  Silas agreed. His mate loved Asia and thought of the young bitch as a daughter, despite the differences in their ages with Asia being seventy plus years elder.

  “Will Asia and Angus make it home for Christmas?” Tyrese asked. “Haven’t seen them since they saved my ass in Lyrill.”

  Since Silas hadn’t decided if he wanted his litter mate, Angus, to remain to assist Asia and Hawke to seek Asia’s mam and sire. Or to remain to help Alpha Radoff and his new mate, Maheegan, clean up the mess the Liege made, he didn’t give a direct answer. “I am not sure yet.”

  Tyrone reached into his pocket and pulled out a box and placed it on the table. Silas glanced at Jacques and then at the box again.

  “I am already mated,” Silas said in a dry tone breaking the silence.

  Tyrone wiped his palms before he opened it. “We didn’t have a wedding or anything, and she loves the ring I bought her, but I wanted to get something special for Christmas. This ring has our two birthstones and there is room for stones of our kids, as the Goddess blesses.” He passed the box around.

  With approving nods each of them looked at the ring in silence.

  “I can see Rose with this, son,” Jacques said in a low voice which meant he was touched.

  Tyrone looked at Silas in expectation.

  Since he agreed with Jacques, he kept his remarks simple. “It looks nice, I’m sure she’ll love it.”

  “Dani’s been wanting some special camera equipment that I got her. And I’m having a room on the same level of our suite turned into a dark room as a surprise,” Tyrese said leaning back in the chair with his hands behind his back and a large grin.

  “That’s a practical gift,” Silas said pleased Rese paid attention to the type of woman he mated. Dani wouldn’t like the jewelry as much as the dark room and camera equipment.

  “It’s Dani for sure,” Tyrone said giving his brother a fist bump.

  “Just told Silas I bought your grandmother a ring and a necklace for Christmas,” Jacques said drawing the twins’ attention.

  “I bet it’s big,” Rone said. “How many carats?”

  Silas smiled at Jacque’s pink cheeks. “Not many and that’s not important anyway.”

  Tyrese laughed. “That means it’s more than one or two. How many in the ring? Four, five? Six? And the necklace? Another two or three? More?”

  Smiling, Jacques shook his head. “Wait and see. I’m just putting this out there, I love my mate and there is not anything I wouldn’t do for her.”

  “So when I give Rose this carat, should I tell her I love her just as much as you love nana?” Tyrone asked with a raised brow. “Rese, remember how mom lets us open one gift the night before Christmas?”

  Laughing, Tyrese cleared his throat. “Yeah.”

  “I’mma start that tradition with Rose, let her open this in private so no comparisons can be made.”

  “Not until the next day when nana shows off her bling, and you know she will,” Tyrese said with a large grin.

  “Can’t help that. At least I would’ve gotten my proper thanks and ooo’s and ahhh’s out the way,” Tyrone said returning the box into his pocket. “When will Cameron get back?”

  Cameron had gone to check on a problem in the southeastern part of the state day before yesterday. Silas hadn’t spoken to his godson today and made a mental note to check on him once they were done.

  “He should be home later today,” Silas said going with his gut.

  “Good, we’re going to need more hands to work the festival thing mom and the women are planning. Did you see the mini-rides?”

  Silas nodded.

  “The company owner is sending a trainer tomorrow to teach us how to operate everything safely.” Tyrone shook his head. “She’s going all out this year.”

  “Not the first time,” Tyrese said and then laughed. “Remember that year we were stuck in Key West? No snow, no Santa, plus Aunt Renee couldn’t make it and nana was with her husband’s family.”

  Tyrone nodded. “We went to a carnival on Christmas eve, didn’t we? We were what? Four? Five?”

  “Yeah, the carnival wasn’t in Key West, though. The drive was long and then we spent the whole day. Stayed at a hotel that night and mom let us open one gift that night. I’d forgotten about that, she wanted it to be special for us and there wasn’t much we could do in Key West waiting for dad,” Tyrese said softly.

  No one spoke for a few moments.

  “What’d you buy mom?” Tyrone asked looking at Silas.

  Since he hadn’t purchased anything and wasn’t ready to share an idea he’d been harboring in the back of his mind, he shrugged.

  “Hold up, are you saying you haven’t got her Christmas gift yet?” Tyrone asked sounding confused.

  “Not yet.”

  “Why?” Jacques asked sitting forward.

  He had no answer. “I thought about it but can’t come up with anything. Any ideas?” Silas looked around the table at the men who knew his mate best, Damian, her ex-husband didn’t count.

  Tyrese sat back in his chair appearing just as confused as his twin. “I’m giving her a charm for her bracelet and replacing the slippers I gave her last year.”

  “You replace those every year,” Tyrone said in a peevish tone.

  “Exactly, it’s kinda like our thing. Just like you replace her favorite body lotion and spray supply. She never buys any during the year because she knows you’ve got it covered for Christmas, so don’t start pointing fingers,” Tyrese snapped.

  “Victoria had something personal made, a picture collage of the kids, and close family friends. I’ve seen it, and it’s beautiful,” Jacques said.

  “Mom will love that,” Tyrone said. “She’s all about family.”

  “Thanks for telling me what I cannot get my woman for Christmas,” Silas said. “Maybe a fur? Don’t women like those things?”

  “Not when it’s offensive to pack,” Tyrese said.

  “True. Maybe a trip somewhere?”

  “Would it be just the two of you? If the pups are included it’s not a personal gift, more like a family one,” Jacques said.

  Since they all knew Jasmine wouldn’t leave the kids for a few days at this stage he nixed that idea. His woman didn’t wear a lot of jewelry, had two closets full of clothes and one with shoes and accessories. Anything she wanted, she purchased, which worked well during the year, but not so much right now.

  “Okay, that’s out. What else? Perfume?”

  “She has a couple scents she likes, but she said they bothered you,” Tyrone said.

  Remembering the night Jasmine sprayed an annoying odor all over her body and his negative response, he knew purchasing fragrances was something they needed to do together.

  “This has been my dilemma, I don’t know what to get my bitch. If Renee was talking to me, I’d call and ask her.” He looked at Tyrese and then Tyrone, who laughed.

  “Uh, no. I won’t call and ask, she’d know it was for you since I’ve been buying mom the same thing for years. If Mandy’s mom wasn’t sick, they’d be hanging out with us for Christmas this year. I’m going to miss them,” Tyrone said.

  Silas looked at Tyrese, but didn’t think his answer would be any different than Tyrone’s. Especially since he was in the minority and was happy Renee would be absent at Christmas. The two of them never got along and butted heads constantly, but worked at civility for Jasmine’s sake. Each of them made it quite clear to the other they were not going anywhere and loved Jasmine.

  “Nah, can’t get involved in other peoples stuff. Promised my mate,” Tyrese said with a sly smile.

  Silas nodded and didn’t bother talking to Jacques. The man had done a three-sixty turn after finding his mate. There were times Silas missed his happy-go-lucky best friend who was always up for a new challenge. All that seemed to vanish once Jacques and Victor
ia mated. Now they were planning a den with pups. Although he was happy for his friend, he missed him.

  “Let me see what I can find out,” Jacques said, surprising him. “Can’t promise anything, but I’ll chat with my love and see what she knows.”

  Grateful, Silas nodded his thanks and stood. “My mate requests my presence.”

  Tyrese and Tyrone stood as well. “Mine too,” Tyrese said. “In the living room.”

  “Yeah, that’s where Rose wants me to meet her.”

  Jacques stood and stretched. “My sweet wants me to meet her and accompany her to the living room. Something’s afoot guys, be ready for anything.”

  Chapter 3

  Silas, Tyrese, and Tyrone approached the living room of the family quarters. Refusing to keep her waiting, he opened the door and wished he hadn’t. Half opened boxes were everywhere littering the floor. Ignoring the mess, he searched for his mate and scented her around the corner.

  He picked his way through the cartons until he stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her against him. Inhaling, he closed his eyes. His bitch smelled incredible and delicious. A soft growl escaped while nibbling her neck. “You called, Sweet Bitch?”

  She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, Wolfie.”

  He swatted her round ass and then squeezed. “Don’t tease me unless you want to play.”

  Jasmine smiled and brushed her lips against his. “We’re going to eat lunch and go over my Christmas plans. I want everyone to know what’s going on. You have time for lunch, right?”

  Although he’d rather clear his desk so he’d have free time for Christmas, he nodded. “Always for you.”

  “Not always, but since you’re so cute and sexy with that growling thing, I’ll let it pass.”

  He pulled her closer and kissed her, loving her softness and sweet taste.

  “See, sweetness I told you we hadn’t missed lunch, they aren’t at the table yet,” Jacques said from somewhere behind them. Silas groaned and it wasn’t in pleasure. He ached with need and knew he couldn’t do anything about it… yet. “After lunch, can we go to the room so I can care for you properly?” He asked Jasmine through their link.

  “I’ll think about it, there’s lots to be done, Christmas is next week.”

  Not liking her answer, he removed her arms from around his neck and held her hand while walking to the large dining table. Boxes were in this room as well, but the dining area had been left clear.

  “Don’t pout, Wolfie, it’s not sexy,” she teased.

  He pulled her chair out and then sat next to her, his palm covered her hand while everyone took their seats. “Everything about you is sexy to me. I always want you and you know it.” His gaze took in her glowing complexion, long hair, and red stained lips. “I like that red dress, is it for Christmas?” The dress clung to her curves, highlighting her high breasts, small waist and full round hips.

  “No, silly wolf, this dress is for you.”

  Jasmine smiled at the strained look on Silas’ face after her last remark. After all this time, the man still didn’t understand. Whenever she dressed or shopped or decided on a meal or made an appointment, it all revolved around him. Silas Knight, her lover, her heart, her mate. She knew he loved this color on her and made sure she had a lot of red undergarments when they made love to drive him crazy. Not that her wardrobe was one sided, but when she needed a little something extra, she wore red.

  Today, she needed something extra.

  “Glad you all could make lunch,” Jasmine said once the food was placed on the table. No need to wait for the servants to leave. Since they were all wolves and would hear her anyway. “I wanted to share the Christmas plans with you and ask for your help.”

  “Anything you need, Mom,” Tyrese said, earning a smile from his wife and a grin from Tyrone.

  “You know we’ll do what you want, just point us in the direction and it’s done,” Tyrone said. Rose leaned into his shoulder and he kissed her briefly.

  “Cameron’s not here, but you can count on us as well,” Lilly said with a slight smile.

  “Good.” Jasmine stood, walked to the buffet, picked up the folders with everyone’s assignments and passed them out. In between eating and reading each person was occupied.

  “What do you want me to do?” Silas asked.

  “Work the rides, make sure the kids have a good time on Christmas Eve.”

  “Christmas Eve or Christmas?”

  “We have a tradition where we each open one gift on Christmas Eve and sing carols, kind of ushering in the holiday. Normally we’d bake and cook, but the kitchen staff begged to be a part of the celebration and are getting a kick out of cooking Christmas dinner.”

  “What time is the class to learn to work the equipment, mom?” Tyrese asked.

  “It’s written down in my other folder, I’ll let you guys know. We’ll open a gift on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas morning. Renee and Mandy sent a huge box with gifts for everyone, so we can open those then with her on Skype.”

  “That sounds good. Aunt Renee gives the best gifts. Wonder what she gave the rug-rat?” Tyrone said.

  “Renee will have something artsy,” Rose said.

  “I was talking about you,” Tyrone said and laughed when his mate punched him in the arm.

  “She always gets Jackie a hard puzzle, remember the Rubik’s cube?” Tyrese asked looking around the table.

  “Yes, my sweetheart wouldn’t put it down until she mastered it either,” Jacques said looking proud of his namesake.

  “I had a hard time finding something for David,” Victoria said leaning forward. “Adam was easy.”

  “Yeah, he was,” Lilly said. “Cameron said to get him a video game or something, hope he likes it.”

  “David took a moment, because he could do puzzles, art or sports with Adam, I couldn’t figure what was his personal thing. The others are clear,” Danielle said looking at Jasmine.

  “Get them something you think they’d like, take a chance who knows it may be the thing that makes him open up and show his gift,” Jasmine said and then turned to Silas. “Did I really just say that about my child? I can’t believe I said that.”

  He covered her hand and squeezed. “Don’t worry about it. In some ways you’re right, we don’t really know what makes him tick, he adapts so well to everything.”

  Jasmine met his gaze and relaxed. “Thanks for loving me, Wolfie.”

  “I can do nothing else, you are my sun and my heart.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it while staring into her eyes.

  Jasmine swallowed hard at the banked fire in his gaze. His wolf was near the surface and it wouldn’t take much for him to flip her onto the table. Full-bloods had no qualms about public sex, being human, the idea of her sons and daughters or anyone seeing such an intimate moment filled her with terror. Silas understood, but it took its toll.

  She turned and faced everyone. “I know it looks chaotic in here now, but by the end of the day or tomorrow when you see the transformation of the place you’ll appreciate it. As a newly mated woman, I want to start Christmas traditions with my mate and our… den.”

  “You said it, Mom.” Tyrese laughed and clapped while her face burned.

  Tyrone, whistled and then clapped. “No choking, clear enunciation, you’re on a roll, Mom.”

  Silas brushed his lips against her forehead. “I am so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished in a short period of time. Do whatever you want for your celebration, all security will be run by me and I will increase it since we will be outside in the courtyard.”

  Jasmine’s belly warmed at his heartfelt words. She wished she could spend an hour or two with him in bed right now. She glanced at her watch and stood, pulling him with her. “Since no one has questions, we’ll see you later. I’ll be meeting with the household staff in an hour. If you want to help decorate the tree in the living room we’ll be doing that later today.”

  “Will the
pups be in here for that?” Lilly asked looking around.

  “Yes, but a lot of these boxes will be gone by then.” Silas stood as she stepped back.

  “Are you making time for me?” He asked.

  “Twenty minutes, that’s all I got.”

  He grabbed her hand and led her from the room. “That’s all I need.”

  Chapter 4

  Cameron, Alpha of West Virginia and godson to La Patron, looked at the dead men on the ground. Justice had been swift and deadly for those three who thought to travel across his pack lands with stolen pups. It had taken several hours to track and capture the renegade full-bloods who worked for the Liege. The idea of reporting failure to his Alpha had galvanized him and his small group into a relentless pursuit. He was pleased with the outcome.

  Chest heaving, Ralph pointed at the men. “Bastards thought we’d let them through just cause they’re full bloods. When I asked what they had in the bag, they refused to say like we couldn’t smell the pups. They put up a fight, but it wasn’t good enough.” Ralph spat in the direction of the dead.

  “They refused to tell you anything? Where they came from? Or where they were headed? That doesn’t make sense. They knew we’d stop them. Did they want to get caught?”

  “Or die?” Ralph added.

  A whimper from beneath the canvas grabbed his attention. Exhaling, Cameron sheathed his claws, and then nodded to the area leader, Ralph to uncover the pups. Cameron had no idea what to expect but seeing the two little boys scamper away from them tore at his heart. Both had long black hair, the larger one had gray eyes, the other dark brown.

  “What were they doing with them, Sir?” Ralph asked as they stood around the bag holding the cage looking at the pups.