BirthControl: La Patron, Birth Series, #2

BirthControl

Book 2 of

The Patron, the Alphas Alpha

When you’re the top wolf on the continent with the backing of the Goddess, how does an enemy topple your kingdom? By challenging you to a fight?  No. By changing the rules.

After three hundred years of fighting and service to the Goddess, Silas Knight is the Patron, Alpha to the Alphas on the North American continent. As the top wolf, he fears little and has seen most things. But when he discovers someone or something has been quietly disturbing the natural order of things, he’s surprised. Certain human women can birth fully functioning wolves, and that’s a major problem.

Jasmine Bennett has no idea her deceased husband was a wolf shifter or that her twin sons are shifters. Her life changes when she rushes to her son’s bedside after he’s wounded in Afghanistan and returned stateside. Now her life’s in danger because of her ability to give birth to a breed of beings she never knew existed.

After sending out a mating call which Silas answered, Jasmine’s pregnant and depressed. Her life has spiraled out of control. Silas is angry that his first litter of pups are half breeds. A group of human breeders offers her a chance to leave Silas, offering a strange brand of protection. When a human breeder enters the compound using a weapon the wolves are helpless against, Silas and Jasmine understand the true meaning of Birth Control.

This is the second book in the La Patron series. Book one is BirthRight and should be read first for a better understanding of this book.

Thanks

Sydney

Chapter 1

JASMINE BENNETT'S GAZE LOCKED on the five pregnancy tests littering her bathroom vanity in disbelief. Time slowed. Her mind blanked, refused to accept the visual, the proof of her multi-year sentence. She backed away until she hit the wall. Staring at the plastic sticks, she couldn't move, couldn't think, couldn't breathe.

Five tests. All wrong. All right.

Denial was a hollow holding cell built on baseless facts and misplaced hope. She'd hoped the first test had been wrong. The second test, another brand, another chance, another plus sign. The positive signs on tests three, four, and five loomed like red lights on the highway of her life, signaling the end of her freedom.

Goosebumps exploded across her arms and swam across her chest.

Suspicions confirmed, the grilled cheese sandwich from lunch took a dive. Nausea held her hostage, refusing to allow her to leave the small room without accepting her new fate. Leaning against the wall, she breathed in and out. In and out. In and... damn, she was pregnant.

She was going to West Virginia, not Paris.

She had a lover, but was not in love.

She was human, he was not.

The notion of giving birth to his...what did he call them? Pups. She cringed at the idea of birthing... a litter of puppies.

Groaning, she dropped her head into her hands. You've done it again... did she wear a sticker on her forehead that read, 'Men who don’t want to be fathers, apply here?'

Hell no.

She had lived without her former husband's assistance all those years before he died, and she wasn’t about to go through that again. If Silas expected her to lie down and roll over, he’d knocked up the wrong woman.

A double-tap on the front door startled her. It took her a moment to realize it had to be Callum, Alpha Jayden’s son, checking up on her again. He'd visited every day since her sons had left for Texas with Silas. Her gaze flicked over the result of her most exciting sexual escapade ever, and with one swipe she knocked the proof of her current predicament into the trash.

Reaching the entry, she peeked out and then opened the door. Hello, Callum, nice hat.

He snatched the blue baseball cap from his head. Thick dark brown hair lay in a perfectly symmetrical cut on his head, longer strands in the back brushed against his shoulders. Thank you, Ma’am. I’m just checking to see if you need anything. He was a few inches taller than her. Square jawed, with a large nose dominating his face, his somber chocolate-colored gaze touched hers.

Jasmine moved back, allowing him to enter. Ever since the day she had found him in the forest during what she'd discovered later was his first shape-shifter change; he’d become a fixture in her life. I’m fine, just clearing up a few things. She pushed away thoughts of her pregnancy; she would deal with those another time. Want something to drink?

Some sweet tea if you have it. He followed and sat at the breakfast bar in the kitchen.

I’m beginning to wonder if you come to see me or for the tea, she said, her voice light and airy needing some humor after her life-altering discovery.

He stood abruptly. No...no, I’m here to check on you. I don’t need anything else. Please don’t think I’m not grateful for everything, I am. I just...I just like the way you make the drink. Water would be fine.

It took her a moment to realize he thought she was serious. She burst out laughing.

His red face alerted her that he failed to see the humor.

I’m...I was just teasing you. I know you come to see me... it was a joke. She paused, watching him. A joke to make you laugh, which you aren’t doing, so I should stop laughing. His reaction had the effect of pouring cold water over her head. She sobered and touched his shoulder.

Honestly, it was a joke. I wasn’t laughing at you per se.

I understand. He looked away, his voice softened. And I know you were teasing. It took me a moment to figure it out, but by then I was embarrassed by my reaction. He twisted the cap tight. Father says I’m too serious. He says I need to relax, lighten up. That’s one of the reasons he never refuses my visits to you. He thinks you’re helping me learn not to take myself so seriously.

Eying the wrinkled cap, she remained quiet and poured them both glasses of tea.

Do you think I’m stiff? Or too serious?

Stiff? I don’t know. But you are very serious for someone so young. You’re only sixteen, right?

He nodded.

Most our conversations have been about your preparation for Alpha training, pack protocol, learning to cook, or running a den so you’ll be a better Alpha. Don’t get me wrong, preparing for your future is great, but I think you’re throwing away your childhood. Now’s the time to have adventures, make mistakes, get into trouble.

His jaw dropped.

Kids are allowed to get it wrong, they get a pass. Adults...not so much.

Get into trouble? Have adventures? What? Is that what Tyrone and Tyrese did? The eagerness in his voice made him sound much younger.

Jasmine hid a smile.

Is water wet? You better believe they did. When they get back I’ll have them tell you about some of their escapades. I had my hands full with those two. Seeing him torture the cap, she motioned for him to follow her to the living room. Obviously, there was more on his mind and she preferred to be comfortable if they were going to have a long conversation.

And now... he cleared his throat after she had taken her seat. You're breeding.

Her head whipped around and she stared at him. What? she asked in a horrified whisper. She had accepted her pregnancy minutes ago. How could Callum know?

Red-faced, his thumb wiped the moisture from the glass. You’re breeding. I can smell it. But the scent is a little different than some of the pack bitches.

Her throat tightened. Smell? She shook her head, certain she’d misheard him. Did you say you can smell my...a pregnancy?

His hand stilled. Pregnancy? If that’s breeding, then yes. The scent is stronger now, but it’s been changing since the day in the forest. He met her steady gaze. Is everything okay?

You’re referring to the day when I found you changing into your wolf? That day?

He nodded.

Her heart knocked her back and took flight. Right after finding him, she went into what her sons told her was a mating heat. Warmth rushed up her neck choking her. She’d been so horny she couldn’t think. Somehow her fired-up libido had sent out a 911 call to every wolf in the compound. Wolves fought to be the one who put out her flame and scratch her itch.

Being human, she could have been killed, or at least that’s what they had thought at the time. The more her sons learned about her ability to do what should be impossible, giving birth to shifters, the more they discovered her body’s amazing capabilities. According to her sons, women like her lived long lives, healed fast, were strong, and could take quite a bit of physical abuse.

Ma’am? his low voice filled with uncertainty, pulled her back.

Jasmine noticed the concerned look on Callum’s face and offered a small smile. She thought she had time to muddle through the idea of changing diapers, using bottles, and giving birth. She should have known better. No doubt Silas had smelled her condition before he left.

Just thinking about what you said, starting over, babies and the whole package deal. I hadn’t given it much thought. She twisted her neck from side to side to relieve the pressure. I need to start doing that. She sighed. Having more children was not what she’d meant when she’d decided to do something different with her life.

I guess a trip to my doctor is in order, she said, hoping she sounded, at the very least, neutral.

He shot up, grinning like he had won the lottery, and jammed the cap on his head. My mom’s doctor is in town. Much closer.

Brow raised, she stared him down. Silas hadn’t said she was a prisoner, but you never knew when dealing with the Top guy. How close? On the grounds or in town? she asked, her tone suspicious.

In town.

Her shoulders relaxed a fraction. Okay. I’ll call and make an appointment.

It’s already taken care of, he said, tripping over his words. The Patron took care of it. I’m supposed to tell you it’s in an hour.

Aggravation raced across her chest. They sent you? Instead of allowing me to set up my own damn... She threw up her hands.

I’m sorry. Red-faced, he took a step back.

Inhaling deeply, she reined in her temper. Good dick notwithstanding, Silas Knight was a pain in her ass. Then it hit her, Silas probably selected an expert for her special situation.

No. I’m sorry. I’m not angry, not at you. It’s just...it doesn’t matter. She stood and finger-combed her braids. I’m going to get dressed. She glanced at him, hoping he took the hint to leave.

He fidgeted a bit. I’d like to go with you, but if you don’t want me to, I understand. He spoke fast and stared at the floor. She didn’t want anyone with her when she spoke to the doctor.

Thanks for offering, but no. Let’s go for our walk later, around five instead of three. That’ll give me some time to get a few things taken care of. She needed to call Renee and her mother. Renee would freak, but she’d be happy. Jasmine wasn’t sure what her mom would say, after their last conversation regarding Jasmine's twin who died at birth, they hadn't talked much.

Subdued, Callum walked slowly to the door. The car will be here for you in forty minutes.

WATCHING DR. GRIMES walk into the room, Jasmine clutched the paper gown. The tall, muscular man walked forward tapping on the flat tablet. Uncertain of the extent of the testing, she held her breath hoping he would tell her she was not pregnant. There had been no urine sample, no weigh-in, no blood pressure check. She had no idea what Silas had told the doctor, he acted like a human impregnated by a wolf was perfectly normal.

He approached the table without looking directly at her. Hello, Ms. Bennett.

Hi. Her voice thin and shaky, a testament to her nervousness.

He placed his fingertips on her stomach and inhaled. It took a second to realize he smelled her and pushed.

Mystified, she watched him inhale a few more times and then step back.

You are in excellent health. I don’t see any problems with you carrying to term.

Term? How long is term? She asked, unsure if she was comfortable with his type of examination. She didn't want to blurt out her insecurities when Silas had made it clear her condition was an abomination.

He met her gaze, a question in his eyes. Seven months. You’ve carried a small litter before, how long did you carry them?

Seven months. But at the time I thought they were premature. I didn’t know that was the...the normal time.

He nodded and made notes on his pad. I see. He pulled out a small cellophane packet and handed it to her. Take these vitamins every day and I'll see you again in two weeks. You can call if you need anything before then or if there are any problems.

She took the packet without speaking. There had to be more to this exam.

The nurse will give you a packet with information and suggestions for your diet. He had moved to the door and pushed down on the handle to leave. Any other questions or concerns?

She had plenty, but feeling vulnerable in her undressed mental and physical state, she shook her head. No. I’m good for now. I may have some later, she rushed to add. There was no doubt that once the reality of her pregnancy settled in her mind, she would need more information.

Understood. He walked out the door and stuck his head back in before he closed it. It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Bennett.

She slid off the examination table. The cold floor sent a shock through her, reminding her of her semi-nakedness. She looked at her flat belly, shook her head, and then slipped on her clothes. Thirty-six, single, and pregnant. Those words took flight in her mind and would not settle. She had not made peace with her condition, the long walk to the nurse’s station gave her too much time to think and regret.

There were a few women in the reception area, she turned toward the desk wondering what type of diet was appropriate for carrying half-breed babies. Leaning forward, she cleared her throat, gaining the nurse's attention.

The nurse inhaled, brow raised, and then tilted her head without speaking. Hello... hello, Jasmine said into the silence. Doctor Grimes said you had something for me. She refused to look around, the nurse’s response was uncomfortable enough. No matter what Silas said she would not be returning.

Another nurse stepped to the counter, handed her a manila envelope, and then walked off without a backward glance. Several people stopped, took deep breaths, and stared in her direction like she was a zoo exhibit. One older woman actually stepped behind her, leaned forward, and sniffed. Would they stop with all the sniffing?

She turned to leave and then it occurred to her no one had mentioned payment for services rendered. Had Silas made arrangements? She wasn’t sure what the proper protocol was but didn’t want to get called out for not paying.

How much do I owe you? she asked just above a whisper anxious to leave. The gasps in the waiting room made a mockery of her attempt to be discreet. Even the nurse looked taken aback.

Face on fire, Jasmine explained. I’m new here, so I don’t know how things go,

Oh...there’s no charge. We don’t charge our people for health services, that’s barbaric. The bite in her tone made it clear what she thought of Jasmine’s offer to pay.

Jasmine bit back a sarcastic reply at the dig. Instead, she tipped her chin, clutched her purse, turned, and walked through the large waiting area, head held high. The snickers and whispers in the room, coupled with the heated stares, made her humiliation complete.

On the sidewalk, she bumped into a man and his companion. I’m sorry, excuse me, she said, bending to pick up some of the papers she’d knocked out of his hand.

No problem, don’t worry your pretty head about it. He turned to his companion. Robbie will pick those up. He handed her a flyer and bowed. Mitchell Robbins, magician extraordinaire at your service.

She glanced at the small poster and the round man wondering if he was serious. The twinkle in his eyes set off warning bells; she nodded and walked around him. Thanks.

The driver opened the car door. She slid into the cool interior, glad to end her starring role in the afternoon’s entertainment.

I understand a prescription needs to be filled? the driver said before closing the door.

Unable to face more sniff-the-pregnant-lady-dual-natured folks, Jasmine decided one of her sons could pick up the prescription when they returned. She had enough meds to last awhile.

Not today. I’ve got a headache. Please take me back to the condo.

He nodded and closed the door.

Leaning back on the soft leather seat, Jasmine wondered what the hell had happened to her life. A month ago, she had been collecting brochures for domestic and international travel. The world and all its glorious sights had beckoned. She had even played with the idea of returning to school for a degree. The snap, sizzle, and swoosh of her aborted dreams filled her mind and then ran down the drain. Once again she would put her life on hold. At thirty-six, she would be in her fifties by the time these babies graduated from high school. And then there would be college or trade school. She sighed. Her future lost its shine, and she had no one to blame. Time to step up and accept her fate.

Her cell beeped.

Rummaging through her purse, she pulled the device from her bag. It stopped ringing. Renee. She looked at the caller ID and debated whether or not she wanted to talk to her sister. She didn’t, not now. Everything was too fresh, her feelings too uncertain, her heart too tender.

Her cell beeped again. Resigned to get the conversation over with, she answered. I picked it up, but you’d hung up.

Really?

Jasmine’s eyes flew open at the deep voice. Silas?

Not who you were expecting? His voice had turned dark, silky.

She moistened her lips, held her head up, and pushed her resolve forward. No.

Where are you?

You don’t know? she asked, her tone flippant. Her hands curled into a tight fist, here was someone she could blame.

I wouldn’t have asked. He sounded peeved.

She relaxed her hand a bit, the allure of blaming him fading. I’m in a car headed back to my prison.

Where are you coming from? She wasn’t surprised he didn’t address her current living situation. They both knew he refused to allow her to leave the shifter complex.

The doctor.

Silence.

After a few beats, he spoke. And?

In seven months, I’ll be having babies. She tried to sound upbeat but knowing he didn’t want her half-breed children made that impossible. She gazed out the window, wishing things were different. Wishing she didn’t have to go through another pregnancy alone. Wishing he liked her more so she could like him.

We.

What? She reined in her musings and paid attention.

We’ll be having pups...babies. Same thing. Everything else okay?

His words surprised her, she didn't trust them. Not really. I’d like to go home.

He didn't respond.

I don’t understand why you’re being so difficult. You don’t want these children. She hated the whine in her voice, but if there was the slightest chance she could get him to change his mind, she’d do that and more.

"You