by Faith Gibson
Were any of the other males hurt?
No. We’re all fine. We’re Gargoyles.
Is the house completely gone?
No, but I’m not sure if it’s salvageable. We’ll build somewhere else if it isn’t, but for the time being, you’ll be safe with my parents. I’ll meet you there when this is all over, and we’ll decide what to do.
We still have my apartment, so it’s not like we don’t have somewhere to live. All that matters is you’re not hurt. You’re not, are you?
No. I got a few scratches in the blast, but they healed quickly.
I wish I was there to hold you.
Me, too, Sunshine. I could use a dose of your brand of love.
Any news on Kaya?
Not yet. We’re hopeful no news is good news. You get some sleep. I’m going to help guard Frey’s house tonight.
Okay. I love you.
I love you too.
Josie’s heart was crushed. She’d been looking forward to building a life with Kai there in that house, but they could build somewhere else. Or maybe they could tear down that house and rebuild there. She loved the property. Josie felt sorry for the others who also lost their homes. She hated knowing and not being able to tell them, but it was Kai’s wish, and she’d abide by it. Sleep was hard to come by after that, but she tried anyway. The long flight plus the time change were going to take their toll. She didn’t need to add lack of sleep on top of them.
At one point during the night, Tessa got up and went to the cockpit. When she returned, she looked at Josie with sadness. Tessa knew. Someone had informed the pilot, and in turn, told Tessa. Tessa squatted next to Josie and reached for her hand.
Josie took it and whispered, “You know about the others?”
Tessa frowned. “Yeah. Did Kai tell you?”
“Yes, but he asked me not to tell anyone.”
Tessa pushed Josie’s hair behind her ear. “I knew you were tough.”
“I just hate that our males are going through this without us.”
Tessa sighed. “Me too, but they’re warriors. If we were there, they’d be worried about keeping us safe. It really is better this way, although it might not feel like it.”
“I understand, and it could be worse. I could be eight months pregnant. I can’t imagine Sophia having to go through this now.”
“She’s tough too. And when we all get back to New Atlanta, you’ll see how we all band together for family. Sophia and Nik will want for nothing. More than likely, they’ll stay with Julian and Katherine until they can rebuild or decide if they’re even staying in New Atlanta.”
“Yeah, Kai told me about having to move around. Are you and Gregor moving?”
“Not for a while. He and Dante are really close, and where one is, the other is too. Dante and Isabelle aren’t ready to move, so neither will Gregor and I. So, you’re stuck with me a little while longer.”
Josie grinned. “I’m glad. We haven’t had a chance to get into trouble.”
Tessa winked. “You got that shit right.” Tessa pressed a kiss to Josie’s forehead then retook her seat. Before Josie closed her eyes, she looked around the cabin. Sophia was wiping tears from her eyes. Josie wanted to go to her, but the half-blood turned her back and pulled the blanket over her shoulder. Either Tessa had told her cousin the news, or Sophia had overheard their conversation. Either way, Josie felt sorry for her. And Trevor. The only good news was the males weren’t harmed. That had to count for something.
Rafael had been pacing the floor outside the operating room, sending his strength to his mate through their bond, but there was someone else who needed his strength as well. Rafe returned to the waiting room and took a crying Sebastian from Priscilla. It had been a long time since he communicated silently with his son. Not since before the child was born, but he had to try. Rafe knew Kaya was fighting.
Your momma is strong. She’s not going to leave us if she can help it.
Sebastian’s wailing calmed to stuttered snubbing. His watery, blue eyes stared at Rafael’s dark ones, so Rafe kept up the internal monologue. You know you have a sister coming in a few years. You named her Seven. Remember that? Your momma is going to pull through this so she can make sure Seven is with us too. Your momma loves us too much to leave us now. I love you both more than anything in this world or beyond.
Papa… Sebastian quieted, and his eyelids fluttered before closing. Rafael kissed his son’s soft hair and cradled him closer. The soft inhale and exhale of Sebastian’s breathing soothed Rafael’s beast. Priscilla held out her arms, offering to take the sleeping baby, but Rafe shook his head. “I need to hold him,” he whispered with a smile. He did sit next to the woman who also meant the world to him. He took her wrinkled hand, offering what comfort he could.
“We’re going to get through this. Kaya is going to pull through, and then we’re all going on a long vacation. How do you feel about a few months at the Italian villa?”
Priscilla wiped her eyes. “I wouldn’t mind seeing Penelope.”
Priscilla’s family had been looking after the Di Pietros through several generations. Rafael thought it would do good for his housekeeper to be around her own family for a while. It would do his own heart good to be near his parents’ bodies. He always planned to show Sebastian where he came from, he just didn’t plan on doing it so soon. His son wouldn’t be aware of the beauty surrounding the villa, but he could experience the peacefulness.
Rafael closed his eyes and sent up a prayer for those of his Clan who were fighting to save their homes. He prayed for the ones separated from their mates and children. He prayed for those who had left their homes to come fight on the Clan’s behalf. Drago might have the upper hand, but he didn’t have what the Stone Society did – family. Rafael was thankful Frey had taken the reins. There was no Goyle more capable of leading them through this battle. Frey would have made a better King, but he had been born to the wrong brother. Rafe trusted Frey to do whatever was necessary, and he told him as much before he left the hospital. He gave his cousin carte blanche in dealing with Drago. That left Rafael the freedom to focus on Kaya and Sebastian.
The door opened, and Jonas, disguised as Joseph Mooneyham, stepped into the room. His tired visage gave nothing away. Caroline pushed to her feet, going to her mate. Jonas pulled Caroline to him, inhaling her hair. When his eyes met Rafe’s, Rafael held his breath.
The night was long. Gargoyles didn’t require much sleep, but standing guard, waiting for something that may or may not happen, was exhausting. Kai’s home had already been destroyed, but Frey had the added strain of not knowing. Plus, the male was worrying about one of his brothers whose home had been targeted and the other who had a home and lab to stress over on top of trying to keep the Clan together while Rafael was at the hospital. At least Lachlan had managed to get some of the equipment out of the lab.
Julian had called Frey several times, asking his brother’s advice. Julian’s home was important to him and Katherine, but the lab was vital to the whole Clan. It wasn’t only computer equipment he used, but other devices like blood-testing equipment. Frey reminded Julian others like Isabelle and Jonas had the same equipment. In the end, Julian focused on safeguarding his home.
The Clan jet was somewhere over the Pacific, and by now, they were aware of whose homes had been hit. Kai asked Josie not to tell Trevor or Sophia, but Frey had shared the news with the pilot. Jasper and Nikolas both agreed their mates should know sooner rather than later. It would give them more time to come to terms with what they faced once they returned to New Atlanta. Frey trusted the other mates to help them through the trauma.
Kai and eight other males were spread around the perimeter of Frey’s property. They were confident the Unholy wouldn’t be able to get past them. While Julian stood guard at home, Lachlan worked to find Drago. He had managed to locate the Greek’s apartment, but when a team arrived to apprehend Drago, they found the place empty. Lachlan had broadened his search for any properties purchased over the la
st year by anyone related to Alistair or the Greeks who had entered the States. Frey didn’t feel Drago would leave the New Atlanta area, but he still had Lachlan scouring cameras around the city for evidence Drago was driving. He also checked the airlines and bus terminals.
Kai wasn’t a master of war. He had never gone up against anyone plotting a takeover of this magnitude, so it was hard for him to envision a plan of attack. Frey, on the other hand, had been born to it. He had been both a Marine and a soldier, and had fought in more than one human battle. The male suggested several scenarios he felt Drago might employ to take down their Clan. Instead of fighting Rafael for the throne, Drago was dividing them. Spreading their resources.
A phone rang in the distance, and soon after, Frey’s shout raised the hair on Kai’s arms. He remained at his post until Frey called them all to his side. Malakai and the others reached the front of Frey’s home to find him pacing in front of the porch.
“Drago has changed tactics. Several groups of Unholy have been turned loose in the city. I’m calling in more Clan from nearby states, but for now, we need to head out and do damage control. This” — Frey indicated his home — “is just a structure. It can be rebuilt. Human lives are more important. Paxton, you and Law stay here just in case. I’m leaving two Goyles at each home. Lachlan is monitoring the cameras, and he will call if he spots movement. If for some reason you’re outnumbered to the point of risking your safety, get the fuck out of here. I know you can handle Unholy, but Drago might send in his own Gargoyles if he finds out there are only two of you. The rest of us will spread out to the locations the Unholy have been spotted.”
Paxton fisted his chest. “We’ll do our best.”
“That’s all I can ask. Malakai, take Dominic and his crew and head to State Street. I’ll send Jasper and his team to meet you there. Lorenzo is on standby with transport, but with the numbers Dane called in, I don’t see keeping many Unholy alive. Do your best without phasing. Take your swords. Those will be easier to explain than our claws. We’ll worry about damage control once the threat is eliminated. After I make the necessary calls, I’ll meet you there.”
Malakai wasted no time heading to their vehicle. Dominic twirled the weapon, tip down, between his hands. “How often do the Unholy terrorize humans?” the pirate asked once they were on their way.
“Lately, not often. When I first moved here about a year ago, we would pick them up a couple times a week, mostly in small groups. They’re easily overpowered since they’re usually infighting. We have special restraints we take when patrolling the city, but I have a feeling those won’t be needed. We’ve always done our best to apprehend the monsters and toss them into the Pen. Rarely have we killed one just because we could.”
“Rarely? It has happened?”
“Yes. Sometimes the beast takes over and lets loose. Deep down, we know there’s a human underneath the monster. Most of those who were turned did it because they felt they had nothing to live for. They were promised a better life. They didn’t get it. It’s why Isabelle has been working hard on the antiserum.”
“Aye, I understand that. I met two of the Reborn. Sabrina’s brother and his friend are staying in Tessa’s house not far from where my home is. We’ve had a few chats about their experiences. I’m thankful those two were included in the first round of testing. I’d hate to think of one of our own being involved in what’s happening right now. It’s bad enough my Lilly’s brother was used to create the monsters.”
“It is, but Isabelle has high hopes Gabriel can be rehabilitated. I think it’s one reason she doesn’t want to leave New Atlanta.”
“For their family’s sake, I hope she’s right. They’ve endured more than anyone should this past year.”
Kai parked a couple blocks over from where the Unholy had been spotted. “Let’s go round up some Unholy and help put an end to this shit.”
Chapter Twenty
Rafael hugged Sebastian tighter, waiting on Jonas to deliver the news. When the doctor smiled, Rafe released his breath.
“The good news is Kaya is going to live. The bad news is she received multiple broken bones as well as extensive fractures in her face. I’ve called in a maxillofacial surgeon. We won’t know the extent of damage to her back and spine until the swelling goes down.”
Rafael choked back a sob. “Can I see her?”
“Not yet. She’s still in surgery. I wanted to give you an update because there’s nothing worse than not knowing. It’s going to be a long night, so if you want, Caroline can take Priscilla and Sebastian to our house for a bit. If you’re afraid Drago is going to come after me too, I can get a room set up with a crib where the little one can sleep.”
“I’m not ready to be away from him, so a crib would be perfect. Thank you.”
Jonas inclined his head. “I’ll see to that now. Nurse Davidson will come find you when it’s set up.” Jonas kissed Caroline’s forehead before leaving the room.
Soft crying from Priscilla reminded Rafael he wasn’t the only one worried about Kaya. His dear housekeeper was still struggling from losing her own love. Rafe took Sebastian and placed him in Priscilla’s arms. She blinked back the tears as she hugged the baby against her chest. Sebastian turned his face toward her neck and snuggled in.
Rafael walked to the window and looked out into the darkness. His mate, his beautiful wife, needed reconstructive surgery. Kaya wasn’t a vain woman, and her outer appearance didn’t matter to him, but he prayed her looks wouldn’t change drastically. For her sake. Rafe sent a quick group text to Frey, Dante, and Gregor, telling them of Kaya’s condition. They each responded with words of encouragement. What they didn’t say was how things were going outside the hospital. Rafe trusted his family to handle whatever Drago threw at them. He didn’t know if other homes had been lost. If one of his brothers or Clan was also now homeless. They all had plenty of money, so rebuilding wasn’t a problem. It was what they lost in their homes being taken. All the Sunday Family days at the manor. Him and Kaya setting up Sebastian’s nursery. Priscilla hiding cookies in all the places she knew he’d find them. Making love to Kaya in most rooms of their home. Even though parts of their home were still standing, he knew it was a total loss. All that was left were the memories.
We’ll make new ones.
We will. I’m not sure where though.
Italy is a good start.
For a vacation. I want Sebastian and his cousins to grow up together. You know what it’s like having a big family around all the time. I’m not taking that away from Sebastian.
Even to keep him safe?
There’s strength in numbers. Plus, Kaya’s going to need the other mates to help her through her recovery.
His mate was strong, and Rafael was going to ensure her happiness returned no matter what it took.
The only good thing about the Unholy causing chaos was the late hour, or early, as the case was. New Atlanta, like most big cities, got an early start, but there were a lot less people out at this time of morning than if it were the middle of the day. At least that’s what Malakai thought until he saw where the monsters were targeting.
The Unholy weren’t going after humans, but they were destroying businesses all along State Street. Windows were broken. Doors were hanging off their hinges. Dane had sent in police to keep those humans already downtown as far away from the chaos as possible. They had learned many years ago the Unholy weren’t afraid of guns. While their skin wasn’t as thick as a Gargoyles, it was tough enough to take a bullet and keep going. These males had no self-preservation, and the police were the ones who were harmed if they attempted to take on an Unholy. News crews were filming the destruction, so the Gargoyles had to keep from phasing, or they would put themselves front and center on the mid-morning newscast.
Malakai and the others went in swinging. When the Unholy had first been created, there were a few human activist groups who opposed killing the monsters. Their outcries lessened as more humans were harmed. In that moment, the
Gargoyles weren’t worried about anything other than stopping the destruction while keeping the secret of the Goyles safe. Never had Kai seen so many Unholy in one place. He realized their number had been greatly miscalculated. He and Dominic took down six males who were focused on a coffee shop. When they were able to get past the six, they focused on the ones who were ripping apart the café on the inside. An espresso machine flew through the air, barely missing Kai as he ducked out of the way. The male who had thrown the machine jumped over the counter with a roar. Kai gripped his sword tighter, ready to put the male down.
It wasn’t a fair fight, as the Goyles were armed with swords while the Unholy had only their claws and fangs. The Unholy launched itself, claws first, and Kai swung his weapon in an upward arc, splitting the male from his crotch to his sternum. The other Unholy stopped focusing on tearing down the building and fled toward the back of the structure. Kai and Dominic followed, chasing them out the back door into the alley. Like something out of a horror movie, several more Unholy dropped from the rooftop. With no thought to their own safety, the males used their own bodies as missiles with the Goyles their targets. Kai was crushed under the weight of a falling monster, his sword slipping from his grip. He had no choice but to release his claws as the male on top of him slashed at Kai’s face. The Unholy were strong, but they were no match for a full-blooded Goyle. Kai blocked the attack with one hand while ripping into his opponent’s neck with the other.
Other than the Unholy, Malakai had never taken a life, and this situation didn’t really leave him a choice. It was kill or be killed. He shoved the bleeding-out male off to the side and retrieved his sword. Dominic sliced through his own opponent, sending him to the ground next to his comrade.
When Dominic looked at Kai, the pirate was grinning from ear to ear. “It’s been a long time since I swung my sword in battle. Feels good.”
Malakai didn’t necessarily feel the same joy as Dom, but he couldn’t dispute the adrenaline rush. They had no time for discussion, though. There were too many Unholy to face. He was grateful they were fighting in the alley and not on the sidewalk where humans with cellphones and news reporters with cameras could bear witness to everything. As he and the other Goyles took down one Unholy after another, Kai got an uneasy feeling.
