by Sydney Addae
Ethan waved his hand. “Vanessa is carrying my pups, which makes her a member of my clan. That’s not the challenge.” He paused. “Traditionally, the father does not attend the birth of their children.”
“Whoa,” Tyrese said.
“Ouch,” Tyrone chimed in.
“Lilly would bust my balls if I wasn’t there,” Cameron said shaking his head.
“Will your wolf allow you to be away from your mate while she is birthing your pups? I could not leave Jasmine while she gave birth. It took all of my control to lock down my wolf during that process,” Silas stated.
Jacques agreed. “I could not leave Victoria’s side. I didn’t do anything but I had to be there in case she needed me. It was hard to stand by seeing her in pain.”
“Silas, ask him if Vanessa wants him to be present for the births. Whatever she wants should settle the matter after he explains his customs to her. He may have to break tradition if she wants him there. Call me if you need me. Love you baby.” Love and confidence ran through their link, causing his beast to preen and then settle down.
“Despite your traditions, your mate is human and the choice to stand with her at the time of birth is something the two of you will need to decide,” Silas asked.
“Exactly.” Tyrese said. “What if she wants you there? Are you going to tell her no?”
Ethan shook his head slowly as if trying to figure it out. “I can’t leave her if she needs me.” He looked around the room. “My heart and my beast will never allow it.”
“Are there other traditions that your Clan has that may cause conflict with your mate?” Hawke asked.
Ethan took a swig of water and said “Possibly. We have a tradition that the father takes the newborn child or children outside to greet the first light. He holds each child up facing the seven points of the wheel starting in the east, then to the south, next to the west, and finally turning to the north. He continues by raising them up towards the fifth point, Father Sky, then lowers them to the sixth point, Mother Earth. The seventh point is when the father brings the child into his chest which signifies Spirit. This ceremony introduces them to the oneness and harmony with all forms of life. While he is doing all of this, the father is also saying prayers to the Creator to bless his seed and to make them one with their brothers and sisters from all forms of life.”
“That is a beautiful ceremony my friend and it is in keeping with your being pack. Teaching them from the beginning to be one with their wolf.” Jacques said in the quiet that followed Ethan’s explanation.
“La Patron, there is one other tradition but I need to speak with Vanessa first and then we would appreciate being able to speak with you and La Patroness in private.” Ethan said bowing his head.
“Talk to Vanessa, explain your customs and traditions,” Silas suggested. “In the end the two of you may create new traditions for your den which will be a combination of both of you. Believe me, it makes for a peaceful den. Once you have come to an agreement, Jasmine and I will gladly meet with you and your mate.”
The others chimed in their agreement.
Chapter 6
“Happy New Year,” Jasmine said to Renee. This was their first conversation since the holiday.
“Happy New Year,” Renee said. “I talked to the kids this morning. What are you going to do with Adam? He’s such a card. First, he thanked me for his Christmas gift, then he asked what I gave him.”
Jasmine laughed. That sounded just like him.
“After I reminded him about the games I sent, he thanked me again and asked for some kind of ball. It had a funny name in front of it.”
“A sliotar.”
“Yeah that’s it. I’ve never heard of it before,” Renee said.
“It’s the ball they use in hurling. He’s been watching it on YouTube and has decided he wants to learn the sport. For the past week, he’s been on a hurling kick,” Jasmine said accustomed to Adam’s fascinations with new games. Typically, with a few exceptions, he got excited for a couple weeks and moved on to the next thing.
“Hmm, never heard of it. Should I look it up and send it to him?”
“No. If he’s still interested in a month we’ll consider it more. Adam loves all kinds of sports even those not played here in the States. We just listen to his excited chatter but don’t do much about it unless he becomes obsessed like he was with football, soccer, basketball and recently baseball. He’s been on teams for all of those,” Jasmine said.
Renee chuckled. “He’s such a character. I love him. Renee asked if I got the picture she drew me. I told her Mélange and I loved it. She’s such a sweetie. Talented too. I’m biased but she’s really good.”
Jasmine nodded. “Yeah. She drew Silas and me a picture of flowers in a vase and placed names on each flower, my six and grand kids. It was lovely.”
“Just six? I thought Silas and Cameron…”
“Silas was his guardian.” Jasmine paused. Cameron and Silas decided to keep the lines of paternity clear after Cameron adopted all those kids. Cameron didn’t want anyone thinking his den could be used as leverage against Silas if they thought he was Silas’ son. “She drew Cameron and Lilly a picture too.”
“That’s sweet. How’s Lilly doing? Heard she’s on bed rest.”
Jasmine assumed Rose told Renee since those two were close. “Doing good last I heard. Bored more than anything else. But she’s confined to bed with everyone in that house loving on her. I think she’ll be fine.”
“Any idea how many she’s carrying?” Renee asked.
“No, I haven’t heard a number yet. How’s Mélange?” Jasmine asked to change the conversation.
“Working hard but she’s good. Security had to return to the college early. I start working in a couple of days. I talked to Mama, she said the Compound got hit with a virus - everybody’s pregnant,” Renee said.
Jasmine smiled. “Yeah, seems that way. I haven’t talked to you since Christmas. You guys spent New Year’s Eve on a cruise. How was it?” She didn’t want to discuss what was happening at the Compound. She wanted to hear new and interesting stuff.
“So much fun!” Renee said in a high-pitched voice. Over the next 15 minutes she talked non-stop about her holiday. Jasmine enjoyed Renee’s excitement while wishing she could spend time on a cruise with Silas. She’d love to walk the deck with him in the moonlight like Renee and Mélange did. Or dance in the club, watch movies beneath the stars, order room service and stay in bed with the sliding door open listening to the water. It sounded so romantic.
“What are you doing?” Silas asked through their link.
“Talking to Renee.” She half-listened to Renee while debating if she should share her feelings about wanting to go on a cruise.
“Tell her hello for me. I’ll speak with you when you’re done.”
Jasmine passed along Silas’ message to Renee. “Did he like the blue sweater we gave him? It matched the color of his eyes.”
Since Silas had already thanked Renee for the gift, Jasmine wasn’t sure what more Renee wanted. “Yes, it does and he really likes it. He wore it the other day. Looked good on him.”
Renee squealed.
Jasmine pulled the phone from her ear.
“Mélange owes me! I won! She didn’t think he’d wear it because… well because of what happened when we almost left him and Angus behind. I knew he’d wear it.”
Curious, Jasmine asked. “Why were you so certain?”
“Because you forgave us. Silas is a wolf, he didn’t care as much as you did. When it comes to family, he follows your lead,” Renee answered.
Surprised by her sister’s logic, Jasmine hesitated before responding.
“Jazz?”
“I’m here, just thinking about what you said.”
“Uh oh. Did I get it wrong again?” Renee asked sounding confused.
“Not sure. I’ll need to think a little more on that. Anyway, did Rose tell you about Rese and Dani?” Silas didn’t care about Renee and Méla
nge leaving. In fact, he thought Mélange did the right thing by getting her mate out of harm’s way. He also agreed that pack should never be left behind. The stubborn man just didn’t see him or Angus as the pack members in that predicament. He claimed the Goddess would never have left him there so technically he wasn’t left behind. They’d discussed it to the point they agreed to stop discussing it.
“Dani called and told me right before we left for the cruise. Tyrese sounded happy. Can’t believe he’s settling so well. It must be this mating thing. Otherwise, I doubt he would’ve ever married. You?”
Jasmine wasn’t so sure. Both boys loved her, she knew that. But Rese spent more time watching out for her when the boys were growing up. Tyrone would go hang out with their friends, which they didn’t do that often, but Tyrese would only do it once a week. She hadn’t noticed until Tyrone asked her about it.
“I always hoped he’d meet the right woman who’d challenge and love him despite his bossy ways,” Jasmine answered.
“He got that honestly,” Renee said.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Jasmine paused, she enjoyed these conversations with Renee. When she was married to Davian and he was away, they talked two to three times a week and at least once on the weekends. She missed those.
A chirping sound from the wall clock reminded her it was nearing the children’s lunch time. “I’m going to put the kids down after they eat lunch. Tell Mélange I said hi. I’m really glad you guys had fun on the cruise.” She tried to keep the wistfulness out of her voice.
“Ask Silas to take you on one. You’ve got plenty of people who can watch the kids. Take a week for just the two of you. After everything you guys have been through, running the nation, standing in the line of fire, raising kids, a cruise or vacation for just the two of you sounds like a good thing.”
The idea of Silas all to herself for a week sounded heavenly. Could they manage it? She’d run it by Silas and get his opinion.
“Good idea. I’ll work on it.” Jasmine headed toward the kid’s room.
“Great! Let me know how it goes. Love you,” Renee said.
“Will do and love you too.” Jasmine disconnected and tucked the phone in her pocket as she reached the nursery. Inside, all five sat at a table eating lunch. Seeing Sarita reminded Jasmine to find out if Asia had seen Matt yet.
“Smells good in here,” Jasmine said looking at their plates filled with baked chicken, mac and cheese with a small salad.
Adam nodded. “It tastes good too.”
“Don’t talk with food in your mouth,” Jasmine admonished him. Moving to their sleeping area, she checked to see if they had made up their beds. They had.
“Asia?” Jasmine called through their mental link.
“Mistress, I must leave. Amynta lost her pups.”
Chapter 7
Jasmine, Asia and Rose sat in Asia’s living room. Damian and Gem had left an hour before. Asia hadn’t told them the news about her mam. Jasmine reached out and covered Asia’s hand. Their gazes met. Jasmine read fear, confusion and concern in Asia’s eyes. With Rose in the room it would be rude to engage in mind-speak and Jasmine wouldn’t discuss Asia’s personal business in front of anyone.
“Your mam is strong. She’ll be okay,” Jasmine said. Since Asia informed Jasmine of Amynta’s miscarriage, Barticus had sent word that although devastated, physically Amynta was fine. Asia seemed relieved her mam was okay. Jasmine sensed Asia hadn’t wanted to leave the Compound and travel so far.
“I know. But she was in a lot of pain and there was … blood. I sensed her guilt and despair. It was … painful,” Asia said frowning as she tried to put her feelings into words. She looked at Jasmine. “As her daughter, I should be there with her. Right? I mean isn’t that what family does?”
“Family supports each other but she told you not to come just yet. Right?”
Asia nodded slowly as her teeth worried her lower lip. “I’m not sure how I should feel or what I’m supposed to do.”
“You’re doing fine,” Rose said. “Amynta knows you’re concerned and honoring her request is the best way to help.”
Jasmine patted Asia’s hand and wondered if Silas had learned anything new. He had reached out to Barticus inviting the couple to come here. Without explaining Asia’s situation, Jasmine made it clear she thought it a good idea for Amynta to be with Asia and Sarita for a bit.
There was a tap on the door. Rose opened it to allow Danielle, Shyla, Victoria and Vanessa to come inside. Each woman embraced Asia, offering words of support before taking seats.
“Any word?” Victoria asked looking at Jasmine.
“Physically, Amynta is fine,” Jasmine said aware of the sympathetic gazes at Asia.
“Bless the Goddess,” Danielle said, her palm resting on her stomach.
Victoria hugged Danielle. “Yes, that’s a blessing.”
Vanessa and Shyla sat on the love seat next to each other. “Do you know what happened?” Vanessa asked.
Jasmine looked at her family and friends, most of them pregnant, one trying to get pregnant and one who’d made it clear she wanted no more and sensed their concern as well as their fear.
Damn.
“Not yet. We’re waiting to hear more information,” Asia said in a low tone.
Vanessa frowned. “I’m new to your world, so if my questions are out of line I apologize but does this happen often? I thought Ethan was almost indestructible.”
Jasmine didn’t have the answer and looked at Shyla. “You’re the keeper of records. Does it happen often?”
A frown marred Shyla’s forehead for a few moments. “It happens. Not that often, but it can.”
Vanessa looked at Shyla. “Since it happened to Amynta, we know it can. Dig into your mental reference books and give us more insight. Is there something different that causes a miscarriage for full-bloods? I’d like to know the circumstances too.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” Shyla teased as she saluted her friend.
Vanessa laughed breaking the tension in the room. “You know what I mean.” She looked at Jasmine and then Asia. “Shyla has a memory like a trap. She never forgets anything. Never play Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy with her.”
Jasmine and the others smiled. “Yes, she does.”
Shyla met Jasmine’s gaze and nodded. They shared a unique bond after Jasmine merged with the full-blood earlier this year to save Silas and Angus from Nicromja, a rogue god bent on making their lives miserable.
“I’ll see what I can find out,” Shyla said and sat back.
For several moments, no one said anything but Jasmine sensed they all had concerns. “Breeders don’t miscarry.” Victoria said. “We control our bodies with our minds but once the seed takes root, it’s a done deal.”
Jasmine side-eyed her mom wondering why she thought that information pertinent now.
Victoria shrugged. “Just thought I’d add to the conversation. Everybody’s thinking about it anyway. Who wouldn’t?”
“I did wonder if there was a possibility of me losing my pups,” Danielle said her gaze slid past Asia and locked with Jasmine. “Took Rese and me a while to get to this point. I didn’t know full-blood’s lost pups this way. If it was happening, no one talked about it.”
“I never heard of it before either,” Asia said and then looked around. “Would anyone like something to drink?”
“No, I’m good,” Vanessa and Danielle murmured. Rose stood, left the room and later returned with a tray holding several bottles of water and some cheesy snacks. As soon as she placed them on the table, everyone grabbed a bottle. The atmosphere took on a funeral quality.
“Silas, are Barticus and Amynta coming to recuperate here?”
“Yes, they should arrive this evening. Sorry I didn’t get back with you. How’s Asia?”
“Hurting but not sure how to express it. Hopefully she and Amynta can work through it together. Where’s Hawke?”
“Working with Matt and Dr. Passen. You need him?”
&nb
sp; “No. All the pregnant women are here and they’re scared. Should they be?”
“Not that I know of. Miscarriages are rare for us. Barticus didn’t go into details but I think there’s more to it. We will need to keep their spirits up.” he said.
“Who’s going to keep mine up?” She asked.
“Me. That’s in my job description.”
“Nobody does it better, Wolfie.”
Shyla cleared her throat, took a long pull of water and looked at Jasmine. “There aren’t many recorded cases of full-bloods miscarrying. From what I gathered, our beasts make sure to keep the fetus safe and will destroy the human side before allowing harm to the pup. Miscarriages in the manner of humans is rare.” She rubbed her belly as she talked and smiled at Vanessa when she was done.
“So, nothing. I mean the chances of losing my pups are slim, based on history I mean,” Danielle asked.
“Based on my research, very few full-bloods miscarry. In fact, there was no record of it happening.” A collective sigh weaved through the room.
Danielle looked at Asia. “Sorry. I don’t mean to make this so personal. I’m really hurt over what happened to Amynta. She’s a nice person. No one should lose a child.”
“It’s fine. I would wonder about that too, if… well I understand why you’d think like that.” She waved down Dani’s concerns.
“Asia, Silas said your parents are returning here to rest and heal. Do you want to stay at their home during their visit?”
“Hawke told me they’re coming. I’m not sure if we will stay with Mam or stay home and drive over to see her. Maybe I’ll let her decide.”
“Good idea. If you need anything let me know.”
“Thank you, Mistress.”
Conversation flowed around them. With the knowledge that their babies were safe, the air of gloom lifted.
“Mistress, Nicromja and his priests...could they have cursed and/or damaged Amynta? That priest hated her for taking me away and messing up their plans. Nicromja threw her around like a rag doll. He may have broken something.”
“All of that is possible. That high priest is dead so it’s not probable that his Sect is seeking revenge rather than finding money to keep their doors open.”