by Faith Gibson
“Okay, but do that from the lab. I want you all to take your mates home so they can begin packing. I don’t like us being in one place. By the time you get the video set up, Kai can call his parents and I can get Bryce to get the jet ready.” Rafael bowed his head. His gut told him he was doing the right thing, but he also had a bad feeling it wasn’t going to be enough.
Chapter Sixteen
Josie didn’t want to leave Malakai, but she was new to his world. The other mates were in agreement it was best for them to do as Rafael wished. Even Tessa had changed her attitude. She and Isabelle were relaying the conversation the males were having. Kaya had handed Sebastian over to Abbi. She explained she didn’t want him feeling her anxiety. Josie didn’t know the women well, but Abbi was a mom who was also pregnant. Maybe that helped her remain calm. Josie did her best to portray a levelheadedness she didn’t feel. She would be meeting Kai’s parents for the first time, and she’d be doing it without him. What if they didn’t like her or feel she was good enough for their son?
Tessa clapped her hands together. “Okay, Ladies. We’re doing this. The males are ready to move out. Pack enough for a couple weeks. I don’t see it taking that long, but we want to be prepared. Abbi, Gregor and I will take Molly with us. We’ll meet you after I pack to help with her things. I don’t want her to be left unattended while our males focus on taking down Drago.”
When the others got up to go to the game room, Josie stopped Tessa. “What about Connor’s drawing? It showed me and Drago together.”
“Let’s pray his vision will not come to pass since we’re changing how we go about our daily lives. I’m not going to promise it won’t happen, but you’ll be surrounded by Kai’s family. Now, come on. We need to get moving.”
The mood in the other room was somber. Couples were holding each other instead of heading toward the door. Josie took Kai’s hand. “Let’s go.” Kai allowed her to lead him to the car.
“I’m sorry, Sunshine.”
“No. No apologies. Get in the car and take me home. You need to call your parents, and then you’re going to take me to bed. If I’m not going to see you for weeks, I need you to make love to me before I go.”
“I will gladly make love to you. When I call my parents, I’d like to introduce you to them. I know they’re going to love you as much as I do, but this way you won’t be meeting them for the first time in person.”
“You love me?” Josie understood they were mated, and her affection for Malakai ran deep. Was it love? If she were honest, it felt deeper than she ever imagined being in love would be.
“I don’t think there’s another way to describe my feelings, although there should be some other term for what mates encounter. Our bond is something I don’t believe two humans could ever comprehend. You and I have a connection that can’t be severed, not even in death. We will never tire of one another. We will never have thoughts of divorce or betrayal. The fates choose our perfect partner to ensure we always grow in our emotions. If anything, we will only grow stronger. You’ll see this when you meet my parents. They’ve been together hundreds of years, and they’re more in love than when they first bonded.”
“Speaking of parents, I need to tell my mother I’m leaving town. If I don’t, she’ll expect me to meet her for lunch at some point.”
“You can tell her the truth, that I’m taking you to meet my family. She just won’t know you’re going without me.”
“That should work. She’ll be upset, but it’ll appease her for the time being.”
“Why will she be upset?”
Josie sighed. “She’s used to me being around any time she calls. Like me, she doesn’t have friends. Instead, she plays the doting housewife because that’s what my father wants, but at least she does volunteer at the hospital.”
“I would think she’d be happy for you considering how close you are.”
“You have to realize she was a wife first. As much as she loves me, she loves my father more. He’s not happy right now, and that makes her unhappy. They may not be bonded like we are or your parents are, but she still loves him fiercely. Dad’s different with my mother. She balances him out when they’re together.”
“I’m sorry, Sunshine. I know the timing sucks, but by the time you and the others return, this mess with Drago will be over. We’ll still have the Unholy to contend with, but we can do that with the mates home. Maybe I can fly out and spend a few days with you and my family before you come home.”
Kai’s phone beeped. “The conference call starts in thirty minutes. Let’s call my parents. Afterward, you can call your mom while you pack. Then we’ll spend the rest of our time in bed until the jet is ready.”
“Is it sunny and warm in Samoa this time of year?”
“Warm yes, but it’s cloudy a lot of the time. It’s typically in the eighties during the day, dipping into the seventies at night, but it’s pleasant.”
“At least you aren’t from somewhere like Mongolia. I don’t think I could handle two weeks of cold weather right now. Although I do like their brand of metal music.”
“Then you should enjoy the music my family listens to. It’s not metal, but it has the same rhythmic drumming. I bet my mother has you all dancing before the two weeks is up.”
“What if it takes you longer than two weeks?”
“I don’t see that happening, but if it does, you will remain there until it’s safe to return. Now, let’s get you inside.”
Josie wasn’t happy about leaving Kai when she’d just found him, but she understood. The other mates had assured her the males would never send them all away if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. Especially Abbi and Sophia, who were both pregnant, not to mention Sophia was due within the next four weeks.
Kai led Josie to the living room where he placed his laptop on the coffee table. He called his mom from his phone first, telling her he needed to speak with both her and his father. A few minutes later, two faces who looked like Kai filled the screen. It amazed Josie that these two were Gargoyles and they didn’t look much older than Kai.
“I had hoped do this in person,” Kai said after he introduced them. “But we have a situation, and I need a favor.” Kai explained the trouble with the Greek.
Lani listened intently as Kai spoke, and when he was finished, she was smiling. “We’ll get the houses ready. How many mates and children can we expect?”
“Ten mates at least but possibly thirteen, two kids, Rafael’s housekeeper, and a black Lab.”
“A dog?” Ariki asked.
“Yes. One of the half-bloods has the ability to communicate with animals. Molly is accepting of our kind. The owner is away in Norway, and the ones watching her don’t want her to be alone while we are going after Drago.”
“This is so exciting. Not the part where you’re going after this Greek bastard but getting to meet Josie and the others. I need to go get everything ready. As soon as you have a better timeframe of their arrival, please send me a text. I need to make some calls.”
Josie couldn’t help but smile. Kai’s mother acted as though she were being given a gift instead of having to host a slew of strangers. “Josie, welcome to the family. I can’t wait to meet you in person.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Palamo. I feel the same.”
“Please, call me Lani.”
“Okay, Lani,” Josie said, smiling. She could feel the love from Kai’s mother coming over the computer.
“Thanks, Mama. I’ll see you when this is over.”
They all said their goodbyes, and when Kai disconnected from the video, Josie turned to him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” Kai grabbed Josie and settled her on his lap.
She played with the hair at his nape. “I don’t mean this as disrespectful, but why did you ask your mom and not your dad about us visiting? I mean here, it seems like the males are in charge, and the females go along with their decisions.”
“It depends on the situation. With my parents, Mama wil
l coordinate getting the houses ready, but I assure you my dad is already on the phone with my brothers talking about security. While it’s highly unlikely Drago or his followers will know where you are, my father understands what’s at stake. If the situation were reversed, Kaya would prepare their home for guests, while Rafael saw to safekeeping their visitors. The males here made the decision we thought best for our families. Your well-being is of utmost importance. If my father thought for one second my mother would be put in harm’s way, he would have refused my request. At the same time, he would have come up with another solution because you’re my mate, and therefore family.”
“Where would we have gone if your family was here in the States?”
“Possibly Norway. Banyan, one of our Clan, is also the Gargoyle King of Norway. He and Urijah are both Goyles of this Clan, but Banyan has a large estate there. They’re building a new, smaller home. Trevor’s brother, Travis, is an architect, and he’s gone with them to design their new home. Travis is also mate to Banyan’s sister, Brynna, although Travis doesn’t know that yet. At least he didn’t before they left. Travis lost his girlfriend when Trevor and Jasper were getting together, and Brynna is giving Travis time to properly grieve.” Kai patted Josie’s leg. “Now, it’s almost time for the video conference. As much as I love holding you, I need you to go pack so I can focus on the call.”
Josie understood. When she was this close to Kai, she wanted to get lost in his arms and mouth. Before she stood, she kissed him, carding her fingers through his hair. Kai groaned, his erection plumping beneath her bottom.
“Sunshine,” Kai moaned against her mouth.
“I’m going.” Josie reluctantly got up and left the room. It was going to be a long two weeks.
Malakai was thankful the others couldn’t see his hard-on. His computer screen was filled with several stoic faces. He did his best not to wonder how many of the others were in the same predicament. Being separated from Josie was going to be difficult. They were newly mated and in their honeymoon phase. Kai didn’t imagine it was easier on those who had been mated a while, especially those with pregnant mates and kids.
Rafael didn’t have to get everyone’s attention. All the males were silent as they waited on their King to speak. “Malakai, have you spoken to your parents?”
“Yes. They’re preparing for the mates’ arrival.”
“Excellent. Bryce is readying the jet. I told him unless he heard otherwise to plan on flying to Samoa. Trevor has agreed to go, but Sabrina is adamant about staying in New Atlanta for her pa— Kaya? What… Get away from the window! Godsdamnit! Where’s Sebas—”
The sound of an explosion was loud through Kai’s computer, and the feed from Rafael’s end went blank. All the males on the call called to their King. Kai couldn’t make out what was said by the multiple panicking voices.
“Enough!” Frey yelled. “Get your mates ready to move now. Jasper, you, Dante, and Mason pick up the mates closest to you. I’ll take Abbi and Amelia to Nikolas’s house. Gregor, drop Tessa off at Jasper’s, then meet me at the manor. Dane, take Marley to the lab, and Malakai will pick her up there. Deacon, get as many guards you can spare from the Pen on their way to the manor, then take Lachlan to the lab. Dante, call Lorenzo. Have him close the gym then get to the armory and gather our swords. I’ll call Hunter and get him on his way here. Julian, find fucking Drago. After the rest of you get your mates safely to the airport, meet me at the manor. I’ll call Bryce. Now, move.”
“Josie,” Kai called out as he ran to their bedroom. “Hurry, Sunshine. Shit just got real. There was an explosion at Rafael’s. We’ve got to help gather the other mates and get you to the airport.”
“Kaya? Sebastian?”
“I don’t know, Baby, but we have to get the rest of you to safety.”
Josie’s eyes filled with tears, but she rushed around throwing things in her bag. Kai went into the bathroom and gathered her toiletries for her. Neither of them spoke as they loaded her things in the Jeep and headed to the lab. Kai held Josie’s hand on his lap, careful not to squeeze too tightly. He prayed Rafael’s family was alive. It was possible Drago had used the explosion to weaken Rafael enough to try and take his head. But Kaya, Sebastian, and Priscilla… If they didn’t make it through, Rafael might as well be dead.
Malakai heard Julian losing his shit as soon as he parked outside the lab. He didn’t want Josie in harm’s way, but he couldn’t leave her unprotected outside either.
“When we get inside, stay away from Julian. His beast is not stable right now. There’s a bedroom down the hall to the left. Go in there and stay until I come get you.”
Julian was fully phased, his wings threatening to destroy the computers.
“Julian, Brother. Rafael needs you. We all do, now stand down!”
Julian roared, and Kai phased, his shirt ripping as his wings unfurled. “I know you’re upset, but come on, Jules. Your King needs you. Sebastian needs you.”
At Sebastian’s name, Julian lowered his head. His wings retracted, but his fangs and claws were still out. “That’s it, Jules. You can do this.”
“This is all my fault,” Julian cried. Tears streamed down his face. “I should have built better security. I should’ve…” Julian slumped to the floor. Kai phased back and knelt beside the other Goyle.
“None of that matters now. You have a job to do. Frey told you to find Drago, and that’s what you need to do.”
“You saw it. We all did. There’s no way Kaya and Sebastian lived through an explosion.” Julian lifted his head, and the torment on his face ripped Kai’s heart in two.
Kai wasn’t unaffected, but he had to get Julian moving. If Kaya, Sebastian, and Priscilla had perished, there was nothing they could do about that except find Drago and take him down. Also, there were others who needed protecting. “You don’t know that. The manor is large enough they could have been out of the blast zone. But if Drago managed to hit Rafael’s home, it’s possible he’s got males ready to hit other homes. Get your ass off the floor and do your job.”
Julian slowly climbed to his feet and went to the computers. Dane and Marley came in, and Kai told Marley, “Josie is in the bedroom. Do you know where it is?”
“I’ll show her,” Dane answered for his mate. He returned a minute later, and the two females were with him. Kai opened his arms, needing to hold Josie. Dane was wrapped around Marley as well. Kai remained silent, giving the Chief time to say goodbye to his mate. Deacon arrived a few minutes later with a male Kai had never met but he assumed was Lachlan. Kai had heard all about how the male standing before them had originally worked with Alistair.
“Julian, tell me what you need,” Lachlan said.
Julian stopped typing and stood, getting in the male’s face.
“Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t trust you, but right now, I have no choice. I need you to help me find Drago Costas. He brought in Hagen Rossum.”
“The kid Kallisto hired?”
“Yes. Hagen managed to bypass the security boxes on the gates. I’m scanning all the cameras now, but so far, it looks like the manor was the only place they hit. Help me find him. Help me find Drago.”
Lachlan inclined his head, took a seat, and got busy. Kai hated leaving Julian alone with the traitor, but he had to get Josie and Marley to the airport.
“We better get going,” Kai said.
“I’ll walk you out.” Dane laced his and Marley’s fingers, but Julian stopped them.
“I’m really sorry about all this.” His eyes pled for forgiveness.
It was Josie who responded. “Don’t be. Bad things happen to good people every day, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do about it. What you can do is find Drago and make sure nothing like this happens again.” Julian nodded once, then returned his focus to the computer screen in front of him.
Kai walked to Dane’s car and helped with Marley’s bags. He and Josie got in the Jeep, giving the other couple a moment of privacy.
�
��How long of a plane ride is it to Samoa?” Josie asked.
“About twenty-seven hours, give or take. You’ll land at Apia, where my family will pick you up. It’s about an hour drive to the boat dock and then about twenty minutes to Manono.”
“My butt’s going to be tired by the time we get there.”
“You’re all going to be tired. I don’t see you all getting much sleep as small as the jet is. There’s a bedroom aboard, so at least the kids will be able to rest.”
“I’m going to miss you,” Josie whispered.
Kai kissed Josie’s knuckles. “I’ll miss you too, Sunshine. I’ll call you or text as often as I can to let you know what’s going on.”
“Please promise you’ll be safe. I’d hate to lose you when I just found you.” Tears welled in her eyes, and Kai leaned over the console and pulled her head to his shoulder.
Kissing her hair, he promised, “You’re not going to lose me. I have too much to live for.”
Dane opened the back door and helped Marley in. “Kai, I’ll see you at the manor.”
“I’ll be there.” Kai drove to the airport with the sounds of Marley crying filling the vehicle.
Chapter Seventeen
Rafael was in his office on the video conference when Kaya yelled, “Rafe! Oh my god. They’re Unholy everywhere!”
“Kaya? What…?” He jumped from his seat and ran to the living room where she was looking outside. “Get away from the window! Godsdamnit! Where’s Sebas—?”
An explosion tore through the house, sending Rafael and Kaya flying through the air. Rafael didn’t have time to phase and protect his mate. He might be Gargoyle, but he still felt pain from falling stone, wood, and glass. “Kaya!” Using his shifter strength, Rafe shoved debris off his body. “Kaya, Baby! Talk to me!”
You have to find her.
“Oh, gods. Sebastian,” Rafael cried. His beautiful mate, his precious son, and his beloved housekeeper… Rafael sat up an looked around the room, or what was left of it. He didn’t see Kaya anywhere. Panic set in, but his shifter took over.
