KnightForce Tres (La Patron KnightForce Book 3) (21 page)

Chapter 35

Elyria jumped up from the dinner table where she and Sarita just finished eating. Calling Mélange had been risky, but it had been too long since she heard the sweet cadence of her lover’s voice. Neither mentioned the last time they saw each other in front of Renee’s house, which meant Mélange forgave her lapse in judgment. The timing had been wrong; it had been daylight.

She dissected the conversation a hundred ways and each time returned to the inescapable conclusion, Mélange was miserable in this forced relationship and wanted a way out so they could be together. Hadn’t she warned Elyria to be careful and refused to hear details of her great adventure in case that nosy mate tapped into her memories. Mélange still looked out for her just like before.

“I need to help her,” she said to Sarita, who blinked at the sound and then continued eating. “How can I go on to freedom and leave my love behind in chains. No, that will never do.” She tapped the tip of Sarita’s nose with her fingertips. “The Goddess has smiled on us and reminds us to be generous with others. I’ve only thought of myself and given little thought to the trap Mélange has fallen into. How selfish of me.”

She popped a piece of bread into her mouth and chewed slowly. “Whatever shall we do? That dreadful creature won’t go peacefully, she’s like her sister no doubt.” She glanced at the silent Sarita. “But we’ve outwitted them before and will prevail again, love and justice is on our side!”

Humming an odd tune, she pulled out her laptop and inserted the hotspot to check her messages. She smiled at the number of missives from Prokam and Lord Roderick. The communications started apologetically, as if they missed her, and grew demanding. The last one was an hour past from Lord Roderick calling her reckless and all manner of names. Smiling, she deleted the messages, and pulled the file Mélange had created when researching La Patron and the chameleon from the flash drive.

As always, the thorough report crossed every T and left Elyria breathless with a barrage of ideas she could employ to assist Mélange. Seeing the mention of KnightForce in the report, Elyria’s heart brightened. Mélange hadn’t betrayed or tried to ruin her plans. If Elyria had read the report a little further the first time, she would’ve known of the special soldiers. That created another problem, how to get around them?

She’d work something out, her best ideas came when she was under pressure. Turning, she watched Sarita watch TV and sighed. The child was no fun in her present condition and not worth the trouble she caused. Elyria had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but she had no choice.

Standing, she held out her hand. “Come with me.”

Sarita stood, took her hand, and they walked toward the cellar.

Chapter 36

30 hours remaining
…

“Where’s Asia and Hawke?” Jasmine asked Silas as she walked into his office wearing a reddish-orange, capped sleeve figure-hugging dress
[vii]
. Her matching high heels clicked on the floor as she moved with purpose to the desk, stealing his attention.

Hunger ripe in his gaze, Silas grabbed her around her waist and pulled her to him. He then rubbed her arms for a few minutes. “They’re talking to the border patrol for information on when Elyria crossed over. Wasted a lot of time getting the Canadians to cooperate.” He met her gaze. “No. I don’t want to involve the United States government in this. They’ll want information on the chameleon, and that’s something I’ll never share with them or any other government. I prefer we destroy them all. But it’s like guns, someone might have one and then you’re fucked.”

She pursed her lips sensing his frustration. “Didn’t help us this time.”

“No, it didn’t.” He shook his head and captured her hand. “Damned frustrating, that’s what it is. Why? Why take the child? It makes no sense to play this game of wolf bait.”

“Mélange hinted the woman was unstable, have you or Angus checked into your line to see if anyone had that problem?”

Silas glared at her.

She bit back a smile. He’d been so hard on human shortcomings; she had to remind him humans weren’t the only ones with wacky relatives.

“Nothing remotely close,” he snapped as he stood, capturing both her hands in his. Standing, he lifted her hands above her head and stared down in her eyes as he stepped closer. Nipples touching the hard plane of his chest, she inhaled his masculine scent and rocked forward, seeking more of his intoxicating scent.

“My Alphas would say the only one with unstable behavior in my line is me, when it comes to you. I changed my entire Nation for you. Accepted the unacceptable and would do it again over several lifetimes to have you next to me.”

Her breath caught as she glimpsed his wolf in his eyes. Damn, when he said things like that she had no defense. “Wolfie…I love you so much.”

His lips brushed against hers, and then he spun her around and pushed her shoulders so she bent forward slightly. The weight of his palm rubbing her ass sent goosebumps across her arms. Her nipples ached for his touch. Cool air brushed against her thighs as he rolled up her dress.

“Nice, matching lace. Is this for me?” His voice deepened while tracing the lines of the lace.

“Yes, baby,” she said in a breathy voice. Tingles of anticipation shot through her.

“Good answer.”

Jasmine jerked from the sting on her cheeks as Silas hit each one in rapid succession. “What?” She tried to move but he held her tight.

“Shhh, you don’t want anyone to hear us, right?”

“You…hit me,” she said, the last word ending on a moan as he rubbed and then kissed each cheek. The slight sting created a fiery inferno deep in her core. She pushed into his palm, wanting more.

Silas chuckled. “Sweet Bitch, you’re so greedy. I thought you wanted to talk about the case. Each time I’ve tried to taste this sweetness between your legs you’ve turned me away.” He smacked her ass cheeks again.

She moaned as the heat between her legs increased. He played with the moisture spilling forth, teasing but not giving her the relief she needed.

“I’m sorry, didn’t realize…so sorry. Please Silas…” She pushed against his hand trying to push it where she needed.

“Didn’t realize? When I come to you, what are you supposed to say?” he spanked her again and then dipped his fingers between her legs.

Jasmine moaned and then gasped as his fingers penetrated her. “Silas!” Her heartbeat increased as every thought chased the completion of the ecstasy he created.

“No, Sweet Bitch, you promised I could come to you and you’d take care of me and you’ve denied me.” He removed his fingers, straightened the lace and then rolled her dress down.

It took a moment for his actions to penetrate her lust-ladened mind. When she realized he no longer touched her, or held her hands, she straightened and turned. He sat on his desk with his arms, crossed staring at her.

“
Foul, that was just mean.”

“No. I’m your mate, you should never deny me. I understand delays, I can’t be balls deep inside you all the time, but it’s been since the kidnapping, that’s too long and you know it
.”

“
It didn’t seem right to enjoy sex while Sarita was missing
.” Saying it out loud sounded ridiculous and she wasn’t surprised Silas didn’t respond. He continued looking at her. She rubbed her thighs together for some relief, but nothing worked.

“
I’m sorry
.” She moved his arms from across his chest, stepped forward to stand between his legs and then placed his arms around her. Her man’s dick was hard as a steel rod. Rubbing against him she met his darkening gaze. “Really, I’m sorry. You know I love making love with you.”

“I know.”

But he still didn’t move to put out her fire. Instead, he continued to stare into her eyes.

“What?” She wanted relief.

“It bothers me that you can separate from me that long sexually and I thought I’d explode. Is that another human breeder thing? I know you’d survive my death, but you don’t burn for me like full-blood bitches do.”

“What do you mean, like they do?” She stepped back as a different type of fire engulfed her at the idea of him and someone else.

He took her hands. “Not now, we’re mated, I can’t get it up for anyone else, you know that. What disturbs me is how I want to be inside you all the time. I never get enough of you, but you’re not like that. I’ve watched you since the kidnapping. For the most part, you put me and everyone else on a separate burner while you focused on finding the child.”

His comments stung. “I spent most of my time with the children.”

“You were physically with them, but your thoughts were on the kidnapping, even the situation with Renee. If Mélange hadn’t been her lover, you would’ve handled her differently, and it’s possible we could’ve learned of Elyria earlier.”

The last bit of lust died beneath the weight of his criticism. “Mélange wore a necklace, Asia said she couldn’t be made to talk.”

Silas shrugged.

“So killing her outright is your answer?” She tried to back up but he didn’t release her hands.

“She would’ve been given a choice.”

Jasmine blinked and then shook her head. Sometimes she forgot her mate was indeed a hunter who saw things in black and white.

“No one hides their wolf from me and lives, have you forgotten that law?”

Another rule he’d broken for her. Would they be closer to finding Elyria if Renee and Mélange hadn’t been given a chance? Silas seemed to think so.

“No, I didn’t forget. But does that law make allowances for mates? I thought if a couple were mated, the laws bent for them.” She wasn’t sure, but that sounded like a sound argument.

“Sometimes, and that’s why Mélange lives. But the car Elyria drove into Canada is registered to Mélange Williamson. See? She’s involved in this, could be the relationship with Renee is the cause.” He shrugged.

“Elyria kidnaps someone totally unrelated to Renee out of anger over the fact Mélange is mated to my sister? That’s a stretch.” Jasmine snatched her hands from his and smoothed down her dress. There was a vibrator in her room somewhere with her name on it.

Silas’ eyes narrowed and she hoped he hadn’t heard that last thought.

“No toys, Mate. You’ll wait until I can scratch your itch, just as I’m waiting.” He grabbed her nipples and squeezed lightly.

Gasping from the pleasure, she slapped his hands and took another step back. “Stop playing with me. You made your point. Next time you’re in a bad mood, I’ll go in the opposite direction.”

“Now we’re both frustrated,” Silas said. “Wait, Hawke just received permission and assistance to start a search in the direction the car drove off. Fortunately, a security officer was leaving work as they crossed over and remembers their exit.”

“That’s the best news all day,” Jasmine said pointedly, and then walked out his office toward their rooms to change.

When she turned the corner she saw Renee in front of their door, knocking. “Hey,” Jasmine said. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“I did, no answer.” Renee pushed her hair behind her ear and stood to the side of the door.

Jasmine patted her pocket and realized she left the jacket to the dress in the room. “Oh, it’s in my pocket, in the room. Come in, want something to drink?” She glanced at Renee, not wanting to stare at her red-rimmed eyes. This was their first talk since her sister returned from the hotel earlier.

“Yeah, I’ll get some tea, want some?”

“Thanks, I need to change, be out in a bit.” Jasmine changed into another dress and fresh underclothes, her thoughts going over Silas’ comments and her sister. Maybe she had placed Renee’s needs over those of others, but she couldn’t imagine her sister missing the love of her life. No matter how she thought through everything, she knew she’d make the same decision. Now to make things right, find this Elyria person and bring Sarita home.

When she returned to the living room, Renee stood next to the window, looking out while holding a glass of tea. She turned when Jasmine entered, and held up her glass as if toasting. Jasmine picked up her glass and walked forward. Holding the glass up, she read the pain in Renee’s eyes.

“What are we toasting?”

Renee clicked Jasmine’s glass and then took a long swallow while Jasmine watched.

“My flight leaves in two hours, I’m going home. Mama’s pissed I’m leaving early, but she’ll get over it. She’s got four new lives to focus on instead of meddling in mine;” Renee murmured and then placed her empty glass on the table.”

Jasmine didn’t bother defending their mom. Victoria could be a bit much and these days she was more self-absorbed than usual. “Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it. Rese taking you to the airport?”

“No, Danielle. I didn’t want to bother him. I know everyone’s busy trying to find Sarita.” She inhaled and then released it slow. “I haven’t heard from Mélange since I left the hotel.”

Jasmine didn’t know what to say, so she remained quiet.

“So I guess it’s over before it started.” Renee stuffed her hands in her back pocket and rocked on the heels of her brown loafers. “About this wolf-thing, it explains the kids being so young, but looking older.” She chuckled. “I thought they were going to pre-school, kindergarten, but they mature differently, right?”

“Yeah, they do.”

Renee exhaled. “I understand why you never mentioned it. Normally mama can’t hold water, but she did good with that, which tells me it’s not something to be shared. Thanks for sharing a small part of your world with me. I…” She exhaled. “I appreciate your trust and swear I’ll never abuse it.”

Jasmine placed her drink on the table and wrapped her sister in her arms. “I’m so sorry you’re hurting like this, I wish I could do something to make the pain go away.”

Renee’s arms tightened for a few seconds and then lightened. “I know, I know you would.” She sniffed. “All our lives we’ve been there for each other, and you were here for me in this, couldn’t have made it this far without you. Can you tell me one thing?”

“Anything.” Jasmine leaned back and met Renee’s tortured gaze.

“Is this the mating thing? I hurt so bad, like my heart wants to jump from my chest and run to the hotel.”

Jasmine grabbed her close and fought down her own tears. “Sounds like the process already started, doesn’t take much it seems. Happened with us while I was mad at him.”

“I believe that. When will it stop? Will I ever stop wanting her like this? Like I can’t breathe without her?” Renee’s voice ended on a ragged whisper.

“Probably after the mating is complete. I couldn’t leave that man if I tried.” Jasmine thought of what just happened in the office. “He’s mine completely and worth every bit of aggravation.” She squeezed Renee tight and made a decision. “I called Mélange.”

Renee froze and then leaned back. “What? When? Why?”

“Several reasons, but I cursed her out for hurting you.”

Frowning Renee stared at her. “You…what?”

“Cursed her out and threatened to kick her ass for…” Jasmine took a deep breath. “For making you cry.”

“What? She knows I was crying?” Renee wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

Jasmine nodded.

Renee stared at her a few minutes and then her gaze slid away. “What’d she say?”

“Told me to mind my own business, you were her mate and the two of you would work out your own problems. She’s right, of course.”

“Yeah? What else did she say?”

Jasmine told her of the conversation, stressing the part about Renee remaining safe from Elyria and Mélange’s response.”

Renee turned and shook her head. “Why’d she do that? Act as though I was someone else? Wouldn’t she know her own mate?”

“Remember that Mission Impossible movie where the guy put on someone else’s face to get the woman to talk?” Jasmine couldn’t mention the chameleon, and hoped Mélange wouldn’t either. It would be information overload for her sister.