Table of Contents

  La Patron’s New Year

  La Patron’s New Year

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  LA PATRONS’ NEW YEAR

  Sydney Addae, Catherine Marsh, Leigh West

  La Patron’s New Year

  Sydney Addae, Catherine Marsh, Leigh West

  Copyright 2017 by Addae, Sydney, Marsh, Catherine, West, Leigh

  ISBN: 978-1-937334-76-5

  First Edition Electronic January 2017

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, businesses, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. The publisher does not have any control over or assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their contents.

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright

  Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Sydney Addae.

  ABOUT THE E-BOOK VERSION: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to one LEGAL copy for your own personal use. It is ILLEGAL to send your copy to someone who did not pay for it. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in Federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  La Patron’s New Year

  By: Sydney Addae, Catherine Marsh, Leigh West

  It’s a New Year and the Nation is celebrating. The family is all present and accounted for. It’s a time of new beginnings and shared experiences. Join Silas and Jasmine along with the pups and the whole extended family as they handle the ups and downs of life in La Patron’s world.

  “Does this mean you’ll remove that mutt from my nursery to yours?” Silas asked his brother.

  “If I can pry him away then yes.” Angus’s smile softened and then disappeared. “I’ve walked this world for over 300 years and in that time, I hadn’t mated. Truthfully, I never thought I would have a mate or a den,” Angus said meeting Silas’ gaze. “Connecting with you, Jasmine... my life was full once again. Then I met my nieces and nephews and my heart overflowed. But, this... nothing prepared me for siring my own litter. Life is crazy good. I can’t sleep. I can’t stop thanking the Goddess. I can’t stop worrying something will happen. It’s like this crazy emotional train that goes up and down.” He shook his head and looked at Silas. “Crazy, right?”

  Change continues to come to the Wolf Nation. The joy of new pups is felt all over the Compound. Who else has the Goddess blessed with new life and the heralding of a new era? Find out in La Patron’s New Year!

  This novella is a cooperative effort and many thanks to the authors, Catherine and Leigh, who worked hard to bring this story to life. A big shout out to our Den-mates, you are the wind in our sails, thanks for your continued support and encouragement!

  Chapter 1

  Jasmine and Silas stood near the fireplace in their great room watching everyone eat, drink, dance and have a good time. Arms wrapped around her waist, Silas tugged her closer, and rested his chin on the top of her head. “How much longer before I get you alone?” he asked through their mental link.

  She met his cobalt blue gaze and pushed several strands of his shoulder length, wavy black hair behind his ears. “Won’t happen until next year, Wolfie.” Seeing his eyes darken, she returned to her spot against his chest with a smile.

  Rubbing his chin on her head, he growled, a deep rumbling sound deep in his chest. “Unfortunately, that’s two hours away.”

  “I know. So be patient, we can sleep in late tomorrow.” She leaned back, stood on tiptoes, brushed her lips against his and then looked around the ballroom. Her fingers brushed against his fine white linen shirt before taking his hand. This was their second New Year’s Eve party and so far, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

  “Sleeping is not what we’ll be doing.” He patted her hips and stole another heated kiss, stealing her breath.

  “No sleep, got it,” she murmured against his lips.

  “Silas! Jasmine!” Victoria, Jasmine’s mother called as she, her mate, Jacques, and their four children crossed the room.

  Jasmine’s smile widened as she watched her younger siblings rub their eyes, yawn and stretch. “Thanks for the party but we’re going to put them to bed and call it a night,” Jacques said clapping Silas on the shoulder. Those two shared a history that went back over one hundred years.

  “Glad you could make it, Mama,” Jasmine said, kissing the older woman on the cheek.

  “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Victoria turned and looked at the crowded room. “Look at Damian and Gem,” she whispered, eyes shining.

  Jasmine nodded. “Pregnancy looks good on her.” Her gaze slid to Danielle and Tyrese dancing close. “And on Shyla, Danielle and Vanessa also.” She tipped her head to her friend seated on the other end of the room with her mate, Ethan. Angus, Silas’ brother and his mate Shyla sat next to Vanessa, laughing.

  “It’s like a baby explosion in here,” Victoria said with a huge grin.

  Jasmine agreed. “With Shyla and Angus expecting and Cameron and Lilly, it’s almost a full house.” Cameron, Lilly and their seven kids had left an hour ago, which brought the noise factor down significantly.

  She met her mother’s amused glance. “No, I’m not joining the baby party. My hands are full with our four and the grands. Someone has to help all the new moms. That’s my contribution.”

  “Are you saying you aren’t giving Silas more pups?” Victoria said.

  “Not right now,” Jasmine said in a firm tone, aware of listening ears around the room. Silas squeezed her hand and brushed a kiss against her forehead.

  “Me neither,” Victoria said, looking at Jacques. He raised his hands and headed toward the door. “Good night, Silas, Jasmine,” Victoria said walking behind Jacques.

  “Night, Mama.”

  “Happy New Year,” Victoria yelled to the room as she left. A chorus of “Happy New Year” responded.

  “Looks like our pups are fading.” Silas pointed to Adam lying across Tyrone’s lap asleep. Jackie and Renee both lay on the floor in the corner with a few other children, also appeared asleep. David and Sarita sat quietly looking at the screen on one of their tablets. “I’ll take them to bed.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Jasmine watched appreciatively as he strode across the floor in charcoal gray pants that fit him perfectly. He looked damn good.

  Silas turned and winked at her. “You make me burn,” he said.

  “Good to know it’s mutual,” she said as he shared memories of them together in bed, on the sofa, against the wall, in the bathroom, and this evening in the kitchen. Her man was insatiable and so was she.

  “I’ll be back,” he said walking out of the room holding Adam, Renee and Jackie, while David ran across the room to her.

  “Good night, Mama,” he said.

  Jasmine bent forward, accepted his hug and kiss, before giving him one of her own. “Good night, love. See you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

  David nodded, turned and ran to catch up with Silas.

  Asia and Hawke sat next to Damian and Gem. Sarita had moved and now lay on her father’s lap listening. There was something going on there with that picture, but Jasmine wasn’t sure what.

  “Is everything alright?” She asked Asia through their mental link.

  “Yes, I just got word from Amynta, I mean mam…. She’s pregnant.”

  “That’s great. I bet Barticus is excited.” Barticus was the European equivalent to what Silas was in the States. He and his mate, Amynta, had a rocky beginning. They’d recently reconnected and both wanted to expand their den since Asia was their only child.

  “Yes, I believe so. I haven’t talked to him yet.”

  Jasmine looked at Asia. She appeared to be a part of the conversation with Gem and Damian but she wasn’t. Jasmine walked toward the small group. “Excuse me. Asia, I need to show you something.”

  Damian stood along with Asia. Gem began to rise and Hawke was in the process of rearranging Sarita so he too could stand when Jasmine waved them back down.

  “Gem, Hawke, don’t move. Sorry to interrupt, we’ll be back in a bit.” They left the ballroom and walked into the library, closing the door behind them. Jasmine turned and looked at A

sia.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Chapter 2

  Asia’s emotional distress leaked through their link, but Jasmine was unsure what upset her friend. She waited a moment and then asked again. “Asia, look at me.” She waited until their gazes met. “Why are you upset?”

  Asia looked away and said. “It’s nothing Mistress.”

  Doubtful, Jasmine took Asia’s hand and walked over to the couch where they both sat. She turned slightly so that she faced her friend. “Asia, I think of you like a sister and can tell something is going on with you. It hurts to see you upset. If you’d like to share, I’d like to help.”

  Asia looked at their joined hands. “I’m so happy for everyone, Mistress. Most of the females at the party are expecting litters.” She paused, licked her lips. “That’s good for the Nation.”

  “You’re happy for everyone.” Jasmine took in Asia’s sad demeanor. “But you don’t look happy.”

  “Amynta,” Asia shook her head. “I mean Mam’s also having a litter. I’m going to have sisters and brothers.” She tried to inject excitement in her voice and failed.

  Jasmine raised one eyebrow. It wasn’t like Asia to beat around the bush. She tested their link for answers but couldn’t get a read. “Enough. What’s really going on?”

  Asia looked at Jasmine for the first time since they had come into the Library. With tears in her eyes she whispered. “What’s wrong with me?”

  Alarmed at the tears in Asia’s eyes, Jasmine slid closer as Asia’s words hit her. “What?” she asked forgetting to use their link.

  “Why can’t I get pregnant?”

  Pregnant? Is that what this was about? She had no idea Asia wanted more pups. The last time Jasmine teased her about having pups, Asia had been against the idea. For Asia to be this upset, something major must have happened. Jasmine put her arm around her friend, pulling her close.

  Asia continued. “I can tell Hawke would like more pups.” She met Jasmine’s gaze as if looking for confirmation.

  Jasmine rubbed her arm to encourage her to keep going.

  “The past few months I’ve been trying so hard to get pregnant but with no success.”

  Jasmine remained silent and let Asia take her time to get it all out.

  “You know that I love Sarita and Damian.”

  “I do know that,” Jasmine said in a soothing voice.

  Asia hesitated, swallowed hard and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “You also know that I didn’t want to birth pups before.”

  Jasmine nodded and wondered what had happened. What made Asia change her mind?

  “But now I want to feel life growing inside of me. To feel Hawke’s pups inside of me.” Asia ducked her head and looked away for a few minutes. Inhaling deeply, she cleared her throat and stared straight ahead. “It hurts. It hurts so much that I can’t do this for him. For us. It seems so easy for some females to have that experience with their mates. But not me. Why?”

  Jasmine had no answers and it bothered her to see Asia, who never cried and rarely showed any emotion, so emotional. “I don’t know but I’ll help you find the answers. I promise.”

  Asia sat up from Jasmine’s arms and turned to look at her: “Was it the Liege? What if…what if all the surgeries they put me through not only made me stronger and faster but also made it so that I would not be able to conceive?”

  That possibility had entered Jasmine’s mind but she would never give voice to it. Seeing Asia’s face crumple, Jasmine knew Hawke could feel his mate’s distress and would come to find them soon. Had Asia and Hawke discussed this? Did he know how much giving him pups meant to Asia? Jasmine doubted Hawke cared if Asia gave him a litter or not. But Asia cared, and that was the important issue at hand.

  “Sweet Goddess! I really am just half a woman!” Asia covered her face with her hands and cried.

  Jasmine placed her hands on both of Asia’s shoulders and shook her slightly. “Calm down before Hawke breaks down the door to get in here. Do you want him to see you like this?”

  Asia shook her head. “No. I don’t. I’ve let him know that I am still with you and am alright.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks.

  Jasmine continued. “Have you spoken to Hawke about your concerns?”

  “No, not yet. I’ve blocked most of our link so he doesn’t know.” Asia sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

  Jasmine took Asia’s hands in hers. “This is what we’re going to do. First thing tomorrow, Matt will examine you and run some tests. I’m not sure what you’ve done so far...” She waited for Asia to respond.

  “Sex, lots of sex and wishing for pups.” Asia shrugged.

  That’s how human breeders got pregnant. Jasmine wasn’t sure that worked for full-bloods. But with Asia’s changed physiology, Nicromja and everything, there was no telling what worked for her. “The best thing is to get Matt’s opinion. As a doctor, he might be able to tell you what’s going on. We’ll get you some answers.”

  “Answers? I’ve got titanium in both my legs and my right arm. I’ve had camera’s embedded in my eyes, was buried alive, died, reborn and have the seed of a god in my system. How can Matt give me answers? I’m a freak of nature. Unique.” Asia shook her head. “As good as Matt is, I doubt that he can help me.”

  “Matt’s the best and if he can’t help you, we’ll take it to the next level. But start with Matt. Get his opinion. He’s been working in the field a long time and probably has tests that’ll give answers pretty quickly.”

  Asia’s face went from ecstatic to a frown. “Hawke will never allow any man to touch me without him being in the room. I’ll have to tell him before I go in for tests.”

  Jasmine tilted her head to the side. “Yes, you should talk to him about all of this. Especially your feelings. Shutting him out is not the answer. One of the biggest benefits of being mated is sharing.” She took Asia’s hand. “Sharing everything, even the things that hurt.”

  Asia’s nodded slowly. Jasmine was happy to see her friend returning to her old self. “Will you come with me Mistress?”

  “Of course, I will. I’ll be right by your side.”

  Asia hugged Jasmine. “Thank you, Mistress. Thank you.”

  Both Jasmine and Asia stood and headed for the door. “Better?”

  “Yes. Maybe I just needed to talk about it. Get it out of my head.”

  Jasmine played with the idea of asking Asia what had happened to make her change her mind about having pups. Was it because of all the pregnancies? No. Asia wasn’t a “me too” person. So, what was it? It was close to midnight and they needed to get back to the party. Maybe tomorrow she’d ask.

  “Good, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Ready to go back inside? It’s almost time to welcome in the new year,” Jasmine asked.

  Asia nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.” She squeezed Jasmine hand and they rejoined the party.

  “Sweet Bitch? Is everything alright? I can feel your disquiet. Do you need me to come to you?”

  “It will be alright Wolfie. I just needed to talk with Asia for a few minutes. We’re on our way back now.”

  Silas met Jasmine at the door and took her hand. Hawke was right behind him and pulled Asia into his arms. Jasmine looked over her shoulder and caught a flash of sadness in Asia’s eyes which vanished quickly when she looked up at Hawke.

  “Two, one,” Tyrese yelled the countdown as everyone embraced and prepared to welcome the New Year.

  “Happy New Year,” Silas whispered as he claimed a kiss.

  Chapter 3

  “So how far along are you?’’ Vanessa asked as she and Shyla sat in the Compound’s library relaxing by the fire.

  Shyla smiled. “Six weeks. Angus can’t wait until the pups are born. You?”

  “Six weeks? Me too!! How cool is that?” Vanessa squealed. “We’ll experience everything together.” She squeezed her best friend’s hand and sighed. “Ethan’s enjoying this, me being pregnant. He’s always asking if I want anything or if I’m comfortable.” Vanessa chuckled remembering him offering to run out to buy her snacks yesterday, forgetting he’d just bought some the day before.

  “Angus has been like a kid. He keeps asking La Patron all types of questions and then telling me what he learned as if I hadn’t run a library or been in charge of the Nation’s secrets for years. He keeps asking if I’ve asked Jasmine questions.”