Jasmine Knight, wife and mate of Silas Knight, La Patron of the Wolf Nation, closed the door of their living quarters and leaned against it. “One, two, three,” she murmured and counted to 20 to bring her heart rate down. Pushing away from the door she strode into the kitchen and poured a glass of sweet tea. She placed the cold glass on her forehead, closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.

There was a tap on her front door. Had she locked it? She sent a prayer to the Goddess, begging her to lock the door if it wasn’t locked. It opened and Jasmine shook her head.

“Mom?” Jackie called and closed the door.

“Lock it,” Jasmine said, feeling better when she hear it click into place. She grabbed a plate of danishes from the counter that she’d baked last night and sat at the table. Jackie walked in, took a seat and grabbed a danish. They ate in silence. It was heaven.

“I’m going to kill her,” Jackie said.

“You can’t. I’m going to beat you to it,” Jasmine said and looked at her daughter. They both started laughing.

“Ma, she’s driving me crazy. Renee’s about to blow, you’re going to have to do something,” Jackie said as she grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

“What do you think I can do? She’s my mother. I can’t just... just tell her to leave, she lives here. She’s Renee’s grandmother, she just wants to help.” Jasmine couldn’t say that with a straight face. Her mother had been a growing headache ever since Renee announced the wedding. “I nor Renee had weddings, mama always wanted to give us one.” She eyed Jackie. “And no, I’m not having one at this point to placate her.”

“But she’s trying to live through me and Renee, and I’m not even having a wedding,” Jackie complained.

“Not yet, but you promised Renee you and Quinn would get married.” Jasmine waved her hand. “Have a wedding I mean.”

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Not if I have to go through this. Shyla and Uncle Angus’ wedding was nice, we showed up, sat down, listened, ate, danced... it was beautiful. No fuss. No mess. That’s what I want.”

Jasmine shook her head. “Shyla’s mom worked behind the scenes to make it like that. Renee’s going to do the same, with our help.” She looked at Jackie. “This is her dream, we’re going to help her with it.”

Jackie held out her hands. “I’m just sitting here with you taking a break behind a locked door.” She smiled and took another sip of water. “Aunt Renee and Mélange didn’t say no when Nana asked them about having a ceremony to renew their vows, maybe that’ll distract her. Honestly, she can’t make this into the wedding of her dreams, one she wanted to give you, this is Renee’s wedding and if you don’t talk to Nana, Renee’s going to say something and hurt her feelings.”

Jasmine sighed and nodded slowly. “With her kids away in college, mama’s got too much time on her hands. They come home one weekend a month but that’s not enough for her. I’m thinking of giving her a position somewhere but haven’t been able to think of anything. Jacques says she’s happy being at home but I think she’s bored.” And that was the rub. How do you help someone who doesn’t think they need help? Any offer could be misconstrued as pity or implying something that you aren’t. Her mother was more sensitive these days and easily took offense, driving everyone crazy. It had to stop. Jackie was right. Jasmine needed to talk to her, but she really didn’t want to.

They looked at each other when someone tapped on the front door. “Who is it?” Jasmine mouthed.

Jackie inhaled and stood. “David.” She walked to the door, opened it and locked it behind him.

“What’s going on?” he asked heading toward the kitchen. He grabbed a danish and poured a glass of milk before taking a seat. “Why’d you lock the door?” He looked at Jackie.

“Mama told me to,” she said and finished her bottle of water.

Jasmine met David’s gaze, read the question in his eyes and shrugged. “What’s going with you,” she asked rather than discuss locked doors.

“I’ve been thinking about going with Cain to check out Canada when he heads out next week. I’ve never been there. I’ve heard the mountains are beautiful, lots of places to run, get in touch with your beast.” He looked at her.

Jasmine tried to hear what he didn’t say. Out of all six of her kids, David was the hardest to read. “Okay.”

“What?” Jackie blurted. “No, be safe? It’s dangerous out there, be careful. Or ask more questions about this sudden trip? Is it because he’s a boy? When I wanted to move to Texas for work I got the tenth degree.”

David looked across the table at Jackie and didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “I’m not a boy.”

Jackie shook her head and sat back in her chair. “Whatever.”

“Have you ever known David to make quick decisions?” Jasmine asked Jackie. “As long as I’ve known him he thinks things through, researches and then decides, right?”

Jackie took a few moments to agree but eventually did. “That’s true.” She looked at David and offered a peacemaking smile. “You know I meant male, not boy.”

He nodded. “Yeah. But it made you stop and think for a moment.” He shrugged as if he had accomplished his mission to change the direction of her tirade.

Jasmine took another bite of pastry. David was the steady one. If he planned to go to Canada, he’d given it some thought. “You’ll need to be back in time for the wedding.” She looked at him. Renee would be hurt if any of her siblings were alive and not at her big day.

“Sarita’s coming,” David said as if that settled the matter. In a way, it did since Sarita and David had been childhood sweethearts. By the time they graduated from high school the mating heat hadn’t hit them and thinking they weren’t mates, something all of her children decided they wanted, Sarita left for college in Europe. Her grandfather, Barticus was Alpha for several European countries and sponsored her trip. The other five had found their mates, leaving David as the lone unmated wolf in her den. He pined for Sarita who hadn’t returned in several years.

“Good, I’ve missed her, can’t wait to see her,” Jasmine said, wondering why Asia, Sarita’s mother, and Jasmine’s best friend, hadn’t mentioned it.

“Me too,” Jackie said.

“Why is the door locked? Who are you hiding from?” His gaze slid from Jackie to his mom. “Nana? Or Renee?”

“Nana,” Jackie said frowning. “There’s nothing wrong with Renee. She’s planning a wedding. The first formal wedding in the family.” She looked at her mom. “Neither Tyrone or Tyrese had weddings, right?”

“No. I guess we’re due,” Jasmine said.

“Aunt Renee, Nana, Asia, Damian, Me, Adam, none of us had weddings,” Jackie ticked off her fingers. “This is a big deal.”

“When are you getting married?” David asked Jackie.

“I am married. We’re thinking of having a small reception later,” Jackie said.

David nodded. “I stand corrected.”

Jackie grinned at him and shook her head. “Be honest, getting away from all the wedding talk is the real reason you’re fleeing to another country next week.”

“If only. Cain thinks I need to learn more about leading and governing from the ground up. Even though this is just exploratory, he thinks it’ll be good for me, help me prepare for being an Alpha. Dad agrees and split the Knights in half. We’re taking a group and Abel’s taking the rest to Mexico. Same thing, an exploratory group to get an idea what’s going on to develop a plan to move forward.”

Last night Silas had told her about sending the Knights to Canada and Mexico but hadn’t mentioned David going. They’d need to talk about that. Jasmine took the last bite of pastry and wiped her hands on a napkin. “I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed in learning what’s necessary,” she told him.

David smiled. “When Cain discussed it with me last week, my first reaction was no. But the more I looked into it, the raw beauty and majesty of the place, it made sense. It’s exciting in a way. This is the first destination that’s called to me. Like I said, the land is wild and diverse and beautiful, I’m looking forward to running in the mountains.” He looked at her. “I asked daddy to let me tell you.”

Jasmine smiled and glanced at Jackie. David had thought about this for a week, just as she suspected. He’d make a great Alpha, she hoped he wouldn’t be in Canada, though.

###

SILAS SAT IN THE CONFERENCE room with Cain and Abel, the two men assigned to train his elite forces, the Knights. Recently, the Knights had been integrated with the U. S. military handling sensitive and the most difficult missions with a high level of success.

Proud of their work ethic and dedication, Silas took exception when he learned the military took advantage of five soldiers and ran experiments on them. For that breach of faith, he pulled the entire program, leaving the military to scramble to find others to handle high-risk jobs. He’d turned down numerous requests to renegotiate terms. Trust was gone. As Alpha, he would never allow his pack members to be toyed with in that manner again.

“What have you heard?” Silas asked Cain seated across from him. Both Cain and Abel had cobalt blue eyes and long white hair that always turned heads. Standing a couple inches beneath seven feet, they were impressive, almost unbeatable warriors who pledged their fealty to Silas.

“Rogues from the states have relocated to Canada and in Mexico where there’s no real pack structure. Packs roam the mountains, foraging for food and the basics. Some live nomadic lifestyles. The majority appears to want a national pack but it won’t be easy, they’ve been doing things their way for a long time.” He paused. “Are you sure this is the path you want to take? Expanding your territory like this?”

“It looks like a power grab, doesn’t it? Like I’m some power-hungry whore who can’t get enough,” Silas said through gritted teeth and shook his head. Going after Canada or Mexico still didn’t sit well with him. If full-bloods or half-breeds wanted the security of pack life, they could move here. Why invade another country and take over?

The Goddess hadn’t yet responded to his request for a meeting, which left Grandfather’s words, reminding him of his original quest, ringing in his ear.

“If you really think this is a good idea, I wouldn’t have asked,” Cain said. “But everything about you screams you’d rather have your tooth drilled raw. You’re my Alpha, I’ll do whatever you say, but you’re also my friend and I see you struggling which is unusual. Tell me how to help you.”

Silas wiped his face with the palm of his hand and stared at the table for a few seconds. “It’s just... the States is quite massive. Dealing with the challenges of so many Alphas and over 33 million people, that’s more than enough. Sure, I’ve got qualified people in place to handle a lot of the day to day stuff, but I have to manage all those people and it gets hectic, things fall through cracks.”

Abel whistled. “Didn’t know it was that many.”

“Tyrone says that’s a low number,” Silas said. “His department is still processing information on full-bloods and half-breeds. More come out of the shadows every day, which is a good thing. I’m not complaining, I just... this job takes all my time. The idea of a hostile take-over in another country, not being able to get to them quickly, or fail them because we don’t understand the land or customs... it’s a lot to take in.”

Abel placed his hand on Silas’ shoulder, drawing his attention. “One step and one day at a time. Break it up into bite-sized pieces. Deal with as much as you can and don’t rush unless there’s a reason to. We can start in the areas that want to be a part of the pack and work with them. We take it slow, handle as much as you can, that’s how we eat this bear.”

Silas smiled and released a long, whistling sigh. Cain and Abel had been with him when he first arrived in the country well over 200 years ago. The land had been rough, untamed and called to his soul. He’d gone through hundreds of Alpha challenges across the country while setting up the National pack and creating the hierarchy by personally training his Alphas.

They had to be the best.

Cain and Abel were warriors who fought alongside him but refused to lead. He had reconnected with them several years ago and they offered their services again.

“Thank you, my friends,” Silas said, looking at them both. “As you say, one day at a time. This trip is exploratory, try not to leave a lot of casualties. I don’t want those assholes in Washington to know what we’re doing.”

Cain grimaced. “They’d think you were preparing to take over the world or start a war.”

Silas said didn’t want to think about Washington right now. “Theron’s pack touches the Texas border. He’ll provide you with translators and guides. Be careful in Mexico, if someone has scented their land, avoid it.” He gave the two brothers hard looks so they understood he meant it.

“Got you, Boss,” Cain said stretching and looking at Silas. “This trip will be good for David, give him some international polish.”

Silas nodded. Jasmine hadn’t contacted him yet about David’s trip, he wondered if David told her yet.

“Want Adam to go to Mexico?” Abel asked.

“Adam’s returning overseas to finish his contract to play ball.” Silas glanced at Abel and then at the door when Angus, his brother, knocked.

“Come in,” Silas said. “How’s Shyla?”

“Feeling a little better. I think she’s just exhausted from all the back and forth with her mom and the boys. Rest is what she needs,” Angus said taking a seat after receiving fist bumps from Cain and Abel.

Silas brought Angus current on their plans and asked if he had anything to add.

“Next week, the twins and Cameron are going on vacation,” Angus said. “I thought this trip was scheduled for when they returned.” Angus looked at Cain. “Aren’t you covering for Cameron?”

Cain shook his head. “He asked, I said no. I don’t do the Alpha thing.”

Angus nodded slowly and looked at Silas with a raised brow. “Maybe I got it wrong.”

“Damian and Gem are coming to cover for Cameron. Asia and Hawke are excited, so am I, that’s why I suggested them after Cameron asked Asia and Hawke,” Silas said.

“Asia and Hawke? That would’ve been as interesting as me doing it,” Cain said grinning.

“Have you made any decisions regarding, Razor or Storm?” Angus asked.

Silas had given the matter a lot of thought.

In the end, Razor was the easiest to manage. He only wanted Trista to be happy. She was happy living on pack lands and working with Renee at the museum. They both petitioned him to join the pack and he had agreed.

Storm, on the other hand, wasn’t sure he wanted to join the pack, but Silas believed he was coming around.

“Not yet.” Silas looked at Cain and Abel. “Maybe when you return you can work with them, train them how to work with a team, neither has done that. Storm may have, but he wasn’t good at it,” he amended.

“Based on what I’ve seen and heard, those two may join the pack and serve you as their Alpha but they aren’t built for team-work.” Cain held up his hand to stop any protests. “In their cases, that’s not a bad thing. They move fast, in and out. Their skill-sets are different. I’d suggest you use them in jobs that require stealth and speed. No one can match them in either of those.”

“Perfect assassins,” Angus said nodding. “Fast, lethal and quiet.”

“Renee and Storm...” Silas stopped. His daughter had agreed to allow Storm to be himself, doing the only thing he felt qualified to do. However, she didn’t like the assassin label. They’d have to come up with another name eventually.

“Yeah, the wedding. He’s not going anywhere, neither is Razor. Trista wants the picket fence thing and he’s giving it her,” Angus said. “I sent Jarcee with them today to help navigate the area.”

Jarcee was good at what he did. If only he’d stop feeling guilty over that time when Sarita was kidnapped at the school all those years ago. Silas had told Jarcee several times nothing was his fault, he wasn’t to blame but every once in a while, he’d read it in Jarcee’s gaze, or pick it up in his mind.

“Good. I’d hate for some asshole to say the wrong thing to Trista and wind up dead,” Silas said.

They all grunted their agreement, stood and prepared to leave.

Angus stood next to Silas’ desk and looked down at him. “I’m worried.”

“Shyla?”

Angus nodded. “Why is she sick? She’s not pregnant, or human. Full-bloods don’t get sick, not really.”

“Gem would disagree with you,” Silas said recalling the time a witch poisoned several full-bloods. “Maybe it has something to do with her calling? Have you looked into that?”

Pensive, Angus shook his head slowly. “No. I didn’t think of that. I’ll check with her mother, she would know or know how to find out. If this is because of that, we’ll be moving back to her home.”

Silas nodded. “Understood.” He didn’t like it, Shyla’s home was in Maryland, not too far from the West Virginia state line. He’d grown accustomed to having Angus here, bouncing information off him, talking face to face. It would be a significant change having his Beta living in a different state but with mates, Angus had no choice. “Have Gem do a full check-up when she arrives. Let her know in advance so we have whatever she needs.”

“Great idea. I’ll contact her today,” Angus said, his face brightening. “I’m praying to the Goddess it’s not serious.”

“So am I.” Silas stood and slapped Angus on the back. “Whatever you need is yours, you know that.”

Angus nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do. Thanks, Alpha.” Angus left.

“Jasmine?” Silas walked around his desk and left his office headed toward their rooms.

“Silas?”

He smiled. “Your big, bad wolf is coming for you.”

“Hmm, really? When? Do I have time to get my red cape and basket?”

He laughed, a deep belly roaring sound. After all these years, she still aroused and delighted him. Rounding the corner he pressed the elevator button. “No time for that. Your wolf is ravenous and doesn’t want anything that could be in a basket.” He stepped inside and pushed the button as the door closed.

“Not even an apple or a cherry?” she said.

He laughed as the elevator stopped and the door opened. “Well maybe a cherry,” he drawled as his stride lengthened. He placed his hand on the doorknob and opened it.

“Your kids are visiting,” Jasmine said. “Aww, don’t look so sad. They don’t live here and will eventually go home.”

“Very funny,” he said adjusting his pants and looking around the room at David, Jackie, Adam, and Renee. “Where are Rone and Rese?”

“Working? I don’t know. Renee and Adam just arrived. Bella’s at the club practicing for a performance and Storm’s taking a nap.”

“Daddy,” Renee said standing to hug him. Jackie moved close for a hug as well. Adam did a one-armed hug and David hugged him last.

Silas went to the sofa, waved his hand for Adam to move over and sat next to Jasmine. Turning slightly, he pulled her close for a kiss. “I owe you for that.”

“I hope you do.”

“What did I miss? Why are they here?” he asked.

“Jackie was hiding from mama, David came to tell me about Canada, Renee wanted us to see something about the wedding and Adam came for food. Your pups.”

Filled with pride, Silas looked at the four; they weren’t talking but looking at something in a magazine. “They’re ignoring us; we can go into the room...” He looked at Jasmine and thanked the Goddess for bringing her into his life. She was just as beautiful and sexy to him now as she been the first time he took her over 20 years ago.

“Later big wolf. Something’s going on with them, we have to be patient.”