Christmas in the Nation

Christmas in the Nation

Sydney Addae

Copyright December 2018 by Addae, Sydney

ISBN:  978-1-937334-96-3

First Edition Electronic December 2018

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.

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CHRISTMAS IN THE NATION

It’s Christmas and the country is experiencing extreme weather conditions that threaten the lives of Pack members in certain parts of the country. While preparing the Compound for a large holiday celebration, Silas and his team respond to the mounting death tolls of Pack by sending Knights and supplies to assist in search and rescue.  Jasmine’s joy of the holiday is dimmed by the late arrival of her kids and a strange desire to sleep. Concerned Silas seeks answers from the Goddess, whose answers send him down a trail he never wanted to go.

Christmas in the Nation brings home the kids and their mates and several more. It’s a heartwarming Christmas story depicting the love and joy of Christmas.

<<<<<<>>>>>>

Thanks to all my Den -mates, readers and Admins, Michelle and Vicky, you are all the best at keeping me laughing with new creative ideas. I heart you much.

A special shout out to Sally R., Karen M., and Michelle, I could not have presented this story without your help.

THANKS

Sydney

CHAPTER ONE

THE WIND ROARED LIKE a conquering lion as it whipped across the land piling up snow in drifts. The storm had come out of nowhere dropping several feet of blinding ice-white dust across the unprepared landscape. Large flakes continued to fall, adorning large pines and lowly park benches alike. The branches hung low with the weight of the snow giving the appearance of large angelic hosts guarding the area. The beauty of the snow held an underbelly of cruelty. No matter how pure it appeared, death danced in the coldness and sting of freezing snow and ferocious winds. There was nothing pleasant about the weather and no matter how warm the blood flowing in your veins, the possibility of freezing in this icy landscape ranked high.

Hank, Head Security for La Patron’s compound and Jarcee, La Patron Security strode quickly through the forest near the Compound. Their feet sank deep, marring the pristine white blanket as they moved deeper into the woods, searching. Hank looked up at the still dark sky and continued forward. The wind whipped through the trees pushing them back a step until they found their balance and pushed forward to the right.

Snowflakes clung to his goggles almost blinding him. Unsure how much further they could travel in knee-deep snow-drifts he inhaled deeply, hoping for clues. He held up his fist, stopping Jarcee who moved slowly behind him.

The distress signal had come from somewhere in this area. Whoever had reached out hadn’t been that far from the Compound. He wiped his goggles and peered through the falling snow for a sign of life or death. La Patron allowed them one hour in this search, at the end of that time they must return to the Compound, period.

Jarcee’s gloved hand touched his shoulder. "Over there, I think I see something."

Hank took the ski pole and tested the depth of the snow drifts. Despite Jarcee’s impressive seven feet height, Hank stood several inches shorter and had no interest in being rescued from falling down a ravine or something similar.

They moved slowly, picking their way around and down the slight path until the pole hit something hard. Jarcee moved around him, bent forward and brushed away the snow. A red-haired male and blonde female, both half-breeds, lay holding hands on the hard earth covered by a white blanket of snow. Their eyes closed as if asleep and in a way they were.

Hank cursed and looked around. Who were they? What were they doing out here? Why hadn’t a member of his team picked up their presence earlier?

Jarcee picked up the male, stepped back and placed his feet into his previous footsteps until he reached Hank. Hank used Jarcee’s steps to pick up the female. The wind continued to howl its displeasure as they moved slowly toward the Compound.

"Half-breeds?" La Patron asked after Hank updated him on their short mission.

"Yes, Sir."

Silas cursed. Take them to the lab, I’ll alert Matt and Hawke.

"Yes, Sir," Hank said and relayed the message to Jarcee.

Once they cleared the danger of the forest floor and entered the clearing leading to the Compound, both men ran toward the entrance and warmth of the Compound.

SILAS SAT IN THE LIVING room of his suite watching his mate, Jasmine. Christmas was 12 days away and she sat wrapping gifts in the midst of bright red and green ribbons everywhere. Large, fragrant pine wreaths decked the Compound halls, along with red, gold, green and silver tinsel, lots of candles and decorative Elves, this year’s theme. Blinking lights flashed on the huge tree in the corner of the room. His mate transformed their home into a Christmas wonderland, something everyone in the Compound looked forward to.

Since their very first Christmas celebration, she made it a tradition to give everyone, from the cooks to the Administrative Staff a gift during the holidays. She picked each gift personally and wrote notes for each person. Their pups copied her actions and gave personal gifts to those they interacted with inside the Compound as well. It became a truly festive occasion.

Almost done? he asked staring at the large pile of wrapped gifts.

Yes. Rubbing her forehead she looked around with a slight frown. Most of these were purchased in the fall and I wrapped them when they arrived, but we’ve hired a few new people.

Indeed we have. Tyrese, Asia, and Angus’ pups required additional security in school. Now that Jarcee had returned he managed that level of security for Silas. He would tell her about the dead bodies in the forest when Jarcee and Hank arrived, no need to bring down her cheerful mood now. Have you talked to Adam? Bella? Will they make Christmas this year? His son’s wife performed at various Pack venues across the country during the off-season from football and was in Houston with Alpha Theron.

Yes. They’ll arrive around the same time as David and Sarita. At least that’s the plan. No telling with those two, they stay so busy saving the world, she groused.

Silas chuckled.

Jasmine frowned at him and then smiled. I sound like a jealous shrew, don’t I?

Not at all. You miss your pups, that’s all. Perfectly understandable, he said extending his hand to her.

Smiling, she stood, moved closer, took it and sat on his lap. It’s just Isodora’s always got something for them to do. Some emergency that group of hers has in some remote part of the world as if David and Sarita were the only ones who can handle it. They need a break. It’s Christmas or almost, I want them home. She looked at Silas, leaned in as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Yeah, I miss them. Sarita’s one of mine, too. I want them home more.

Understandable. He kissed the top of her head. We both know and accept they have to follow their own paths wherever it takes them. David is a solid Alpha, it’s in him. One day he will lead a Pack, not now, but one day. He’s learning, evolving, preparing. Being mated to Sarita, a progeny of Salah comes with an inherent responsibility to save lives and make the lives of others better. She’s marked for great things too and they’re just getting started. He paused. Which may mean relocating somewhere else.

She jerked as she turned to stare up at him. They’re relocating? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t they tell me?

Silas squeezed her shoulder. I didn’t say they were, just that it’s a possibility you... we should prepare for, that’s all. With the exception of Renee, they’ve all left the nest, the museum keeps her here. He ran his fingertips up her arm. We can refill the nest if you’d like. I’d be willing to do that for you. He grinned at her flash of aggravation.

"For heaven’s sake, Silas. I don’t want to have more babies, I want to enjoy the six I have. I want them to have babies, more babies for me to love on, spoil and send back to their parents at the end of the day. How can that happen if they’re flying all over the world doing stuff?"

Saving lives, he said gently.

She deflated and dropped back against him. I know. Quinn’s a doctor, a good one too. He and Jacki are helping Pack in rural areas, easing tensions and making the world a better place, I get it. Really I do. Same thing with David and Sarita risking their lives to rescue abused and stolen pups. I’m proud of the responsible people they’ve become. It’s just... why can’t they do both?

As you did? he asked concerned. This wasn’t like Jasmine. Normally, this kind of thing rolled off her back, evaporating once it hit the ground.

Yes. She rubbed the spot between her eyebrows. No. I don’t know.

Growing more concerned, he rubbed her back. What’s the matter?

She leaned against him. Honestly? I don’t know. I love Christmas. This is my favorite time of the year but something’s off. I don’t know what it is but... something’s off.

Off? Experience taught him to pay attention when his mate had inklings, often she received warnings before anything arrived on the horizon.

She nodded, grabbed a fistful of his shirt and yawned. Tired, didn’t get enough sleep.

Considering how long he remained between her legs last night he wasn’t sure if he should apologize or beat his chest for causing her some discomfort. Can I get you something? Worried, he watched her eyelids droop.

She shook her head. I’m going to take a nap, that should help. She slipped off his lap, looked at the pile of gifts on the table and floor. Can you put those in that large bag over there? She pointed at a brightly decorated, huge plastic bag lying on the floor.

Yes. Standing, he frowned and followed her. Should I contact Matt?

She chuckled. Because I’m taking a nap?

The way she said it made his request sound ridiculous. Yes. It’s not something you do often, coupled with feeling off... I’d rather he check you out. I don’t like you feeling off.

Silas, she said and broke it off with another yawn as she waved away his concern. Maybe later if I’m still feeling that way, okay? Not now, I’m sleepy. She climbed into their custom king-sized bed, burrowed beneath the covers with a satisfied sigh and closed her eyes.

He stood in the doorway for a few moments listening to her breathe. Tired? Maybe that’s all it was. As good as last night’s sex had been, in the recent past they’d gone longer, done more and she hadn’t needed a nap the next day. Quite the opposite. Normally, she would be more energized.

Silas frowned and looked over his shoulder at the mound of presents. Had wrapping those gifts tired her? Perhaps. No. She’d done it for years and never reacted like this.

She’s getting older.

The thought bothered him. Matt had made tremendous strides in understanding half-breed physiology but no one knew much about human breeders other than they lived long, aged slowly, could have sex with a dual-natured person without damage and birth pups. So many breeders went crazy over the years they hadn’t been able to study them consistently or accurately. With the decree against birthing more breeders, interest waned.

Perhaps that had been a mistake.

Gently, he closed their bedroom door and moved to place the gifts in the bag.

"Sir, we are in medical with the deceased, Hank said. Matt is looking at them now. Hawke is on the way. What would you like me to do now, Sir?"

"How bad was it out there?" Silas asked as he placed the last of the gift-wrapped items in the bag.

"Worse than a frigid beast on the warpath. Must be at least 20 to 30 below. Never seen this much snow, almost five feet in some areas in the mountains and it’s still falling. This is a bad one, can’t believe they didn’t predict how bad it would really be. These two were caught in it without the proper gear. Even dressed appropriately, it was a struggle for me to move forward in that wind. It’s brutal," Hank said.

"Take the rest of the day off. Go and get warmed up, swing by the kitchen, have Cook make you something that’ll stick to your bones. If I need you, I’ll contact you," Silas told him.

Yes, Sir.

Jarcee?

Yes, Sir?

Go to your mate, drink something to warm you up. If I need you, I’ll contact you.

"Yes, Sir."

Jarcee’s mate Faye, a former military spy for the U.S. Government, probably had stew or something on the stove waiting for him. Both she and Jarcee were good cooks and enjoyed hosting meals on occasion. After a prolonged absence, Jarcee returned to work special security in the Compound while Faye assisted Jasmine with her national network of female spies. Silas and Jasmine were thrilled to have Jarcee back and were getting to know Faye better. She and Shyla hit it off immediately and spent a lot of time together making Angus and Jarcee happy.

Finished storing the gifts, Silas looked at the closed bedroom door again, debated whether to press the issue with Jasmine seeing Matt and decided to wait until she woke.

He left their suites and took the elevator down to the basement level which housed medical and the labs. Hawke approached the double doors from the opposite direction at the same time Silas did. He opened the door and waited for Silas to enter. Inside they strode toward the back where Matt and Dr. Passen examined the bodies.

Gentlemen, Silas said as he stopped near two long metal tables, each held a body. What can you tell me? An overhead beam of light emphasized the face of a female with long eyelashes and shoulder-length dark hair spread around her colorless face. She couldn’t have been more than 25, close to Jackie’s age. The male’s dark hair looked dull beneath the light. Tall, muscular, square jaw with some facial hair, similar in age to the female.

Matt picked up the female’s hand so he could get a better look. Frostbite, a bad case of it. Same for the toes. They’re thawing out but were frozen stiff when they arrived. Happened quickly too, the freezing part. Windchills and low temperatures are a dangerous combination especially with the way they were dressed. He pointed to a pair of fashion boots, coats, and thin sweaters. Can’t be from around here, not dressed like that this time of year. It’s winter and even though the weather’s been relatively mild the past week, they should’ve had on more than that. He waved at their clothes.

Silas agreed. Who are they?

Fingerprints came back as Lori Vine, a half-breed who lives in Gilson, Kentucky. He’s James Bevins, also from Gilson, Matt said.

Best let Earl know he’s lost two of his pack, Silas said.

Would you like me to contact Alpha Earl? Matt asked.

No, I’ll tell him, Silas said looking at the two. What were they doing out there? They sent a distress signal but the weather had been deteriorating for several hours. Why did they wait so long to reach out?

No one spoke.

I want answers, Silas said turning from the bodies and looking at Hawke. Is there a chance they reached out to us earlier and I missed it?

You heard the request the same time as Hank, Jarcee and me. However, that’s a possibility to look into. Over the past few years the weather has gotten progressively worst, let’s hope there aren’t more deaths.

Silas hadn’t thought about that and immediately checked on his six pups and his godson, Cameron, the Alpha of West Virginia. Everyone responded that they were safe.

Get me a report on the weather, it’s time to make arrangements to ensure Pack safety. I want you in that meeting with the other Alphas, so we can discuss this.

Yes, Sir. There’s been a lot of information regarding climate change, most of it I agree with, some I don’t. The reality is the weather is veering further away from previous norms. It’s never been this cold here before. I’m sure the human death toll is much higher than our two, Hawke said.

Two, as far as we know, Silas said.

True.

I’ll send an alert for Alphas to check for deaths so that I have a better idea of how to deal with this. He thought about contacting the Goddess and discarded the idea. They would do as much as they could on their own and reach out to Her as a last resort.

Matt if you discover anything about them that I need to know, contact me ASAP.

Yes, Sir.

Silas turned to leave, thought of his mate and called over his shoulder. Are you staying here until the storm lets up?

Yes. Davian and Tomas are coming in through the tunnels, we’re going to wait out the storm in my apartment here. Did you need me for something?

I don’t know yet. I didn’t want you out in this storm, Hank says it’s really bad. Silas left the area and headed to his office intent on contacting Alpha Earl first, and then he’d send an alert to all his Alphas requesting they send out queries on the welfare of their pack. Once he got the information from Hawke, they would work on preliminary measures to ensure everyone’s safety.

TWO HOURS LATER, SILAS sat in the conference room with his core team, Angus, Jacques, Tyrone, Tyrese, Jarcee, Storm, Hawke, and Asia. Jasmine was still asleep. Uneasy over her prolonged rest, Silas delayed the meeting until he spoke to Matt who suggested Jasmine be allowed to continue her nap.

You’ve all been briefed over what happened earlier. He tipped his head toward Jarcee who looked remarkably refreshed. Alpha Earl has been notified and will alert the families of the dead and arrange for the bodies to be transported back to Kentucky. He’ll find out what they were doing so close to the Compound and in the mountains. We’ll have answers soon.

The wind is still loud outside, Tyrone said. Can’t remember it being this bad before. Several inches shorter than Silas and not as wide across the shoulders, he and his twin were fair complexioned like Jasmine with intense light brown eyes that reminded Silas of his mate.

Neither can I, Silas said. Which is why we’re having this meeting with the Alphas in five minutes. There’s been more than two deaths in the Pack. At last tally, the count was 23 plus the two here. All of those deaths are limited to states across the top of the country near the Canadian border where temperatures dropped several degrees in double digits below zero with high chill factors with very little warning.

That’s a lot of bodies. How come this is the first we’re hearing of it? Angus, Pack Beta, and Silas’ brother asked. Thick dark brows furrowed across forest green eyes in a triangular shaped face. Like Silas, he wore his hair long and pulled back in a braid. Similar in height and size to Silas, he leaned back in his seat waiting for an answer.

Slow reports. When questions are asked, they’re answered, but not unless they’re asked first. He looked at Jacques. We’ll be sending truckloads of supplies and Knights to every Alpha on the Canadian border. They’re taking the most hits and it’s hard to reach Pack in remote locations. Order vehicles they can use in the snow to get to those places and provide supplies.

Yes, Sir. Jacques pushed aside his thick, wavy brown hair as he made notes and clicked on his tablet. At five-ten, he was the shortest person in the room, but the one Silas knew the longest. He had been running Pack business for over a century and Silas trusted him implicitly.

We send them additional supplies first and then provide support to any Alpha who requests it, Silas said watching the clock.

Jacques nodded. Got it.

Any questions before we start? Silas asked looking around the table.

Yeah, will this interfere with Mom’s Christmas party? Tyrone asked with a slight smile.

God, I hope not, Tyrese muttered as he scratched his head full of close-cropped waves.

Any questions pertaining to the national emergency at hand? Silas said frowning at an unrepentant Tyrone and Tyrese.

Asia dropped her head but not before he saw the smile curve her lips.

Angus and Jacques didn’t bother trying to hide their smiles.

No questions, Hawke said and re-stacked the neatly stacked papers in front of him.

Jacques, Silas said as the large wall mounted monitor flickered on.

Jacques handled roll call and once all 50 Alphas were accounted for Silas spoke. "In the past seven days,