Second Chances (The Extinct Race Series)

by Michelle Farrell

  As the jet was still climbing in altitude they all took seats and buckled in. Kaiden and Zoe sat next to each other and Charles and Marcus sat across from them. Tia and John sat across the aisle from them and Camilla and Sebastian sat across from their daughter. Mateo and Gabe sat behind them and were talking quietly to themselves. Once the jet was in the air and headed home they all began to relax.

  Marcus sat there and just stared at Zoe. She was very quiet staring back at him wondering if she should drop the bomb on him or wait until he was fed and well rested. He seemed to sense her dilemma.

  “Baby girl what is bothering you?”

  “I am just shocked really. I would like to talk to you about everything, but I want you to rest and once we land get you cleaned up and fed. Then I would like to talk about everything.” Zoe told him

  “I think I would like that very much.” Marcus took her hand gave her a kiss and sat back closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

  “Kaiden can you have our stuff delivered before we land?” she asked

  “I can try my Angel. I will call and have them meet one of our guys with a truck. John can you arrange some of the guys to meet them?” Kaiden asked John

  “As soon as you know when and where I will make it happen.” John replied

  Kaiden pulled his phone out and made the call. He then looked to John “They are already near the land, so they can be there in twenty minutes.”

  “I will have some men there. I actually have four men that live within the border, but closer to the town and they have a large truck. I will make sure that they are there.” John told them.

  “Thank you.” Zoe kissed Kaiden and nodded at John. She leaned into Kaiden and was slowly falling asleep herself. The adrenaline for the day had worn off and now she was exhausted.

  Ten minutes later Marcus and his daughter Zoe were fast asleep.

  Justine and the rest of the group landed safely in Ireland. Justine was in awe of the land, but more so worried about the others. She knew that Gabe was a force to be reckoned with, but he was also her man. She paced the field and soon her little brother Ben was with her. He didn’t say a word. He fell in step next to her and was quiet the whole time. Then Rosa and Mary were there and following behind Justine. This is the spot their jet had landed and she knew the other jet would also land here. She was not going to go inside until she had Gabe in her arms again.

  “I can still feel them both Justine. They are fine.” Rosa told her

  “I know. I just ……I just found him I don’t want to lose him so soon.” Justine responded with worry in her eyes.

  “Hey Justine.” Ben felt it safe to ask a question and try and distract her.

  “Yeah Benny?” Justine asked

  “Do you think I have a soul mate out there? Do you think she is alive? Mom always told me that we are not born unless our soul mate is going to be born.”

  “Really? Is the true Rosa?” Justine asked

  “Yes that is true. Children are not conceived unless their soul mate is born or going to be born. And usually since the males are born first we have always believed that we are not the only Onyx besides your parents that got to safety. We know that Ben’s soul mate is out there.” Rosa looked to Ben with love and patience beaming from her.

  “I knew that, I just wanted to see what she thought too.” Ben said shyly

  “Are you trying to distract me little man?” Justine asked

  “Would it be wrong if I was?” Ben asked afraid of what might be her answer.

  Justine looked at him in wonder. This little man, her little brother had such a hard life, not like hers, but in a different sort of way. He grew up in hiding, always fearing for his life and his parents, her parents too. He has never had any friends and yet he has the compassion she has always lacked. She knew already that she wanted to give him the world and show him everything that he has missed.

  “No it is not wrong and frankly I am glad that you are. How about we go to the barracks and the homes we were told about and see if we can’t find some kids your age for you to get to know?” Justine asked Ben

  “Actually I would like to stay here and wait with you. I want to make sure the King and Queen are safe.” Ben said somberly.

  “You are much older than just ten years you know that?” Justine laughed and pulled him into a hug.

  “I get told that a lot.” Ben says

  They continued to pace and chat for a while longer. About an hour into the pacing their parents, Monica and Brad, join the pacing. Monica brought a basket of sandwiches and fruit with her and Brad had a blanket and cooler of drinks in his arms. Brad laid the blanket out and they all sat and ate. Ben was beaming with happiness now that he had his family intact.

  “Michael called in over the radio. They should be here in an hour or two.” Monica told Justine.

  “How long ago was that?” Justine asked

  “About an hour ago.” Brad told her

  Right at that moment they all heard the low buzzing of the aircraft in the distance. They all jumped up and looked to the sky.

  Michael set the radio down and called Charles into the pilot’s cabin. He couldn’t wait to see his wife again. They haven’t been apart this long in forever and it made him nervous. And the fact that he could just barely feel her made him nervous.

  “We are an hour out I think now would be a good time for you to wake Marcus and have him swear fealty.’ Michael told Charles

  “Right, I kind of forgot about that part with him being a king himself.” Charles said

  “It wouldn’t hurt.” Michael said

  Charles walked back into the cabin and gently shook Kaiden and Zoe awake. He felt bad about doing this, but it was something that needed to be done before they got within range of the border.

  “Kaiden I need to wake Marcus and have him swear fealty to you and Zoe. That is the only way any Dragon, even another king, is allowed within our borders.” Charles told Kaiden

  “We understand.” Zoe said sleepily. “I will wake him.”

  Zoe got up and slipped in to Charles’s seat that was next to her father. She opened her mind to his and gently called to him in his sleep.

  Daddy I need you to wake up

  Zoe baby what is it

  Just something we need you to do before we get to Ireland and Kaiden’s home

  So then there is magic there?

  Yes Daddy there is. I need you to wake and swear fealty to Kaiden and me

  Anything to stay with you baby girl

  Marcus opened his eyes and looked to her with love and pride in his eyes. He was so proud of his little girl and was still shocked at how much she looked like her mother. “What do I need to say?”

  Charles took the lead and had Marcus stand and then kneel on one knee facing Kaiden. Zoe slipped back in her seat next to Kaiden and Charles asked Marcus “Do you swear your life and loyalty to Kaiden and Zoe as King and Queen?”

  “I do.” Marcus said with pride.

  “I need you to say the words aloud King Marcus.” Charles said

  “I, King Marcus Devonshire, do hereby swear my life and loyalty and everything that I have left within me to my daughter and her soul mate Kaiden, King and Queen of the Ireland Sect.”

  Power rippled through the plane and Zoe gasped. “Wow” was all she could say. Then they passed through the border and she gasped again. “I felt that did you guys?”

  “I did too.” Kaiden told her.

  The rest were looking confused and shaking their heads. Charles laughed and said “You two are the only ones that can feel the spell. Because it has your names tied into the spell. The rest of us are oblivious to it. But if he had not sworn fealty I do not know what would have happened with us being in a plane. I know on the ground it is like facing an invisible wall that causes confusion if you run into it.”

  “Very glad you woke me then, I would hate to think of what would have happened being all the way up here.” Marcus chuckled.

  “Yes I am ve
ry glad we didn’t have to find out.” Zoe breathed a sigh of relief.

  Zoe looked out the window and the scene took her breath away. What she saw was a beautiful mountain and rock and trees, there was a cliff not far off and she could see the ocean beyond. She could also make out the border far out into the ocean it had a pink haze to it. Then on the other side of the mountain was rolling hills and deep forests. She could see crops were planted to one side the building and houses that must be the half-blood homes and barracks. She could also spot the other jet and six figures near it. She knew that one of them was Justine as she could now feel the familiar pull of her lifelong friend.

  Michael landed the jet with ease and when they stepped out of the plane Justine threw herself at Gabe. Rosa did the same with Michael. In the distance Jeeps were headed their way.

  “I am so glad you made it safe and sound.” Justine gushed looking Gabe over from head to toe and feeling for any tears in his clothing.

  “I didn’t even get touched my love.” Gabe assured her. He grabbed her hand and they turned to the rest of the crowd. The Jeeps had made their way to them and six drivers got out. Without a word the men all came up to Kaiden and Zoe and went down on their knee. Before either of them could utter a word, the men were speaking, swearing their fealty. Kaiden of course recognized the men and let them do what they came to do.

  “Thank you Kevin, Micah, Paul, Steve, Seamus, and Marc. I would like you all to meet Zoe, your Queen.” As Kaiden said their names he pointed to each one so Zoe would know who was who. Seamus had red hair and green eyes and stepped forward.

  “I am very pleased to meet you, My Queen.” Seamus had a very thick Irish accent, but Zoe understood what he said.

  “It is very good to meet all of you too. I am glad we are finally all here and we are all safe.” Zoe beamed “Also Seamus and everyone else, this is my father, King Marcus.”

  Everyone said their hellos and introduced themselves to one another. Zoe could tell she was going to have a hard time remembering everyone’s names. Kaiden could feel her worry and chuckled “Take your time Angel we have forever.” She breathed a sigh of relief that she had Kaiden to remind her.

  “Well would you all like to go to the house and get settled in? I know some of you haven’t even left this spot.” Kevin said.

  “That would be me.” Justine confessed

  “Thank you for waiting for me my love, but you know you could have gone to the house.” Gabe told her

  “I know. I just wanted to do it with you, besides little man here kept me company. And I think your mom was just as worried about you and your dad as I was.” Justine looked over to Rosa and Michael who were locked in each other’s arms.

  Charles was off to the side on his cell phone speaking quietly to someone. Kaiden glanced to him and Charles took notice. He hung up the phone and slid it back into his pocket. “Zoe and Marcus?” Charles nodded to them.

  “Yes Charles?” Zoe asked

  “All of your things have been delivered and are waiting on the top floor of the house. We kind of all assumed that you would be taking Kaiden’s parents suite and that you would want your father near you in one of the rooms. Kaiden we have packed all of your parents clothing and it is in the storage area of the suite. Everything else we left for you to decide what to do with. The fourth floor suite has been cleaned and set for the Onyx’s. There is a master bedroom and three other large bedrooms. The third floor has a similar setup and is all set for the Fury’s. The second floor suites have been set up for Vivi and Christian in the master bedroom with Mary and Mateo in two of the bedrooms on the same floor. If you are all set the house is ready for all of us.” Charles informed them all.

  “Thank you Charles, I think we are all ready to have a shower and get settled in for the night.” Kaiden told Charles. The others all nodded in agreement.

  “Charles, please just point me to the kitchen and if I could get some help I will have a meal ready for you all in an hour or two.” Mary said

  “Well Mary you are in luck there. Three of our best cooks are already preparing a meal and they all have been informed that you will take the place of head of household and are in charge of the menus and such. You will also have three other girls that will help with the cleaning and such when you need them.” Kaiden told her

  “Golly I think I will love it here.” Mary blushed and jumped in the back of one of the jeeps. Everyone else piled in the Jeeps and they set off for the house.

  Chapter 3

  Welcome Home

  The drive up to the edge of the mountain only took about fifteen minutes. After all it was just a straight shot through the big open field. At the base of the mountain there was a small road that was so hidden even Justine would have missed it with her eyesight. The road was gravel and was lined with huge boulders and trees. There looked to be only enough room for one vehicle at a time up or down this road. It didn’t take long and soon the jeeps were leveling out and moving toward the biggest home Zoe had ever seen.

  The home itself was wood and rock. The roof and frame of the house were huge pieces of wood and the siding of the house was beautiful colored stones. There was a huge deck with lots of chairs and loungers. There was also a huge outdoor dining table set off to the side and the biggest outdoor kitchen she had ever seen. Everyone piled out of the jeep and just sort of stood there.

  “It feels so good to finally be home.” Kaiden breathed out

  “I can’t believe this is your home, our home now.” Zoe said

  “Well I just want to see the kitchen in a home like this.” Mary said and took off into the house.

  “She loves to cook for people who like to eat. Plus she has to remain busy or she gets all worried that she is missing something.” Gabe laughed

  Justine looked down at Ben and a grin crept up her face. She then looked to Charles and asked “the fourth floor right?” Charles noticed her eyes going from himself to her little brother and just nodded his head up and down. “Race ya little man!” Justine teased and then she took off.

  “No Fair!” Ben squealed and took off after her. Gabe ran after both of them laughing.

  “Well dear I think that means we need to follow, because knowing that boy of ours he is going to take the best room and leave us in the kid room.” Brad said to his wife

  “Yep he is just like his father.” Monica replied and took off before Brad knew what happened.

  “That means we get what is left honey.” Rosa told Michael

  “That is fine by me. I am just glad we can all finally breathe and that we have a roof over out head and a bed to sleep in. Kaiden I can never thank you enough for bringing us all together again. I have missed my boy and it is so heartwarming to see him smile and laugh.” Michael nodded to Kaiden.

  “Well Michael this was always my dream and you have helped fulfill it. Now we just need to find the others. But first I think we need to concentrate on the youngest of our family. His mate could be as young as five years old and I think we need to focus on her the most. I don’t want any more of the children in this family to have bad childhoods. I want this house filled with laughter like it once was.” Kaiden took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “Sorry that has just been on my mind since I am home and hear the silence in the air.”

  “Should I call our friend and see if he can come up with anything” Zoe asked

  “I think we all need a shower and a meal and a plan before we start anything. And I would kind of like to keep this a secret. I don’t want to get Ben’s hopes up.” Kaiden told them.

  “We won’t say a thing to any of them.” Rosa said her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Right now Kaiden, you are proving yourself a wonderful King.” Rosa took Michaels hand and they walked slowly up the stairs. Vivi and Christian followed them with a nod of their heads. Tia and John were right behind them and pulling her parents along with them. Smiles lit up their faces and soon only Mateo was left standing there with them.

  “Mateo why don’t you go clean u
p and unpack and then after we eat I will have Charles show you the barracks and introduce you to everyone. I think tomorrow after we have had a good night sleep, we will all meet in the war room and come up with a plan for everything.”

  “Sounds good to me, second floor correct?” Mateo asked

  “Yes Sir.” Charles said. “I am going to go clean up myself at home. I will see you all for dinner.” He bowed slightly and took off around the house.

  “Well it’s just us now. Daddy you ready to see your room and get a shower and clean clothes on?” Zoe asked, she looked to her father and noticed him sort of swaying in place.

  ZOE I NEED TO SHIFT, NOW!! Marcus screamed in her head

  “Kaiden step back! He is going to shift and he is in a lot of pain.” Zoe screamed her fright very evident in her words.

  “I am so sorry I forgot Blake said he hasn’t had a real shift in over twenty years.” Kaiden grabbed Zoe and turned her so she couldn’t see the pain on her father’s face. Marcus was ripping at his clothing and screaming in agony. Kaiden continued backing up while Marcus was also taking steps backwards. The guys had taken the jeeps back with them after everyone had gotten off and now Marcus had the whole clearing to shift in. Kaiden had backed Zoe up to the edge of the stairs leading to the house. A loud roar broke through instead of the screaming and everyone came pouring out of the house onto the porch.

  Marcus had shifted and was now standing there staring at them in his Dragon form. He looked to Zoe with sorrow in his eyes.

  I am so sorry baby girl. I needed to let him free. That was the most painful shift I have ever had.

  It’s okay Daddy. Do you need to fly or anything to make you feel better??

  I should, just a couple laps around the mountain should be good. It has been so long. I hope I didn’t forget how. He chuckled

  The laughter Zoe heard in her head felt so good to hear that she had gotten loose of Kaiden’s hold and was running to the edge of the house. Kaiden was quick on her heals. As soon as she couldn’t see anyone she tore her clothing off and jumped. Her shift was so quick Kaiden stood there in shock.