Second Chances (The Extinct Race Series)

by Michelle Farrell

  “Alright then, please have them in the field by the barracks in thirty minutes.” Kaiden turned to the other Pearls in the room. “So would any of you like to share in this biting with me? I know my jaw will be sore after fifty bites and well it would speed things up if there were six of us biting?” He asked and they all nodded in approval.

  “Well now that we have our belly’s full, how about we head upstairs and get some comfortable workout clothes on and then we all meet at the gym near the Barracks in thirty minutes?” Kaiden asked.

  Everyone got up and went to their rooms to change. While Zoe was changing and she had Kaiden alone she asked “Kaiden do you think you could have that designer or personal shopper person meet me at the house again? I think I would like to spoil my brother and his mate a little. They don’t seem to have ever had anything nice you know? I know I didn’t until I got it for myself, but I never thought my life was on the line you know? I just lived penny to penny and eventually got the room of my dreams, but Halina seems to have never had anything nice. And I would just like to share the love. Oh that reminds me, I need to add Zach to the bank too, or get him his own account and just transfer money over and let him have his own. I just have so many things flowing through my head on how I want to help them.” Zoe mused

  “Angel, one thing at a time, forever remember? Yes I will have her there again how does two sound? Take Iraina and Alexi with you too. I think you guys are going to make Marjorie’s year with all this shopping you have all done in two days.” He laughed and pulled her into his arms. Hugging her and kissing her forehead. “I love you Angel and would do anything to make you happy.”

  They finished changing and headed out to the field. Everyone decided to walk and it turned out to be all of them walking in small groups down the road. Justine was so excited she was skipping. Ben was laughing along with every skip she did and soon joined her. Zach came up behind Zoe and bumped her shoulder. “Race ya.” He said and took off running. Zoe didn’t even pause, but took off after him. It didn’t take long for her to catch up to him and then pass him. Zach had a look of shock on his face and pushed a little harder, but couldn’t catch up to Zoe. He soon slowed and let Halina and Kaiden catch up to him. “Well that is a first. No one has ever beaten me running.” Zach announced. Kaiden laughed and said “That’s my girl, she is very competitive although she doesn’t think she is.”

  The three of them laughed as Zoe ran back to them not even winded. “Race huh? You couldn’t even catch me and I took it easy on you.” She taunted.

  “Yes, well remind me to find something else I am good at that you aren’t so I can beat you at that. I was shocked you went so fast. Here I was all big headed thinking I was the fastest and then I get beat by my sister. Gah the humiliation!” Zach yelled

  They all laughed and kept on walking when they stepped off the road and onto the field. All the men and women were standing there and waiting for them. They all had robes on and stood relaxed with excited looks on their faces. When one of the men noticed them he took a knee and bowed. The rest shortly followed suit and they walked up to a kneeling crowd.

  “Please don’t do that. Please stand. I know we are Kings and Queens and all, but if you must bow or something please just a slight one, nothing fancy.” Zoe said.

  Kaiden just chuckled and said “You are all making her nervous, please rise.”

  “We are sorry we meant no offence, just respect.” A curly haired girl said

  “I know I am just not used to all this stuff. To me I am just a regular girl.” Zoe explained.

  “I think that is why we are so respectful of you Queen Zoe. You are learning as well as we are. We have only had Charles for the last seven years and as great as he is, he also needed the structure back.” The girl said

  “Glad to hear that, so if I make a mistake you all know that I am still new at this.” Zoe said

  “Alright then there are six of us and fifty of you. If you could give some of us a second to shift, and the others a minute or two. The miracle twins here can shift in a split second.” Kaiden laughed.

  “Twins? So it is true then?” A man asked he looked about twenty five with red hair.

  “Yep this is Zach my brother and his mate Halina. Also this is my father King Marcus and his new Queen, Iraina. And yes another miracle has happened and my father and Iraina have gotten a second chance as mates.”

  “That is wonderful news! Congratulations King Marcus and Queen Iraina!” The curly haired girl said

  “Thank you.” Marcus said

  The six Pearls walked to the trees and stripped their clothing. They stepped out backwards giving themselves plenty of space in between each other. Once again Zoe and Zach were the first to shift. Marcus and Iraina were next and Kaiden and Halina last. The six Dragons fanned out and the men and women came at them one at a time and bared their neck or an arm. When the last man was bitten the Pearls looked around. With fifty total bitten, they had fifteen Fury Dragons, ten Earth Dragons, five Water, ten Fire, five Blood and ten Onyx Dragons standing before them

  Kaiden roared his approval and they all took flight. Kaiden led them in a couple swoops and turns and then they all landed. Zoe, Halina and Iraina went into the trees and shifted first. The men then went next and they all headed to the gym to train.

  The first part of the training Kaiden had planned was the human side of it. Once they were all comfortable in the fighting side and it became routine, then he would mix in the Dragon training. They all split up into groups and began with stretching. Mateo had the advanced ones working with a partner and sparring with weapons. Charles has the newer ones doing basics and learning endurance. He had them doing laps around a track and then pushups and sit ups. He would then have them run again and then do an obstacle course.

  When it was all over they were all sore and tired. It was only one in the afternoon so Kaiden called for Kevin to drive Zoe, Halina and Iraina to the house to meet with Marjorie. The rest of them walked back up to the house. Kaiden and Zach both went to their suite and took showers then changed into clean clothes. Marcus went to his room and had one of the girls who worked in the house with him. Together they packed up Elizabeth’s clothing and had it moved to the storage area with the rest of his belongings. Once he was done he sought out Kaiden.

  Kaiden was sitting in the living room area of the suite chatting with Zach. Marcus stood there and Kaiden motioned for him to sit. “Is there something you want to ask me Marcus?” Kaiden asked

  “Yes actually, I was wondering if, well you mentioned that when we wanted, we would begin having houses built.” Marcus started

  “Yes I did. Are you asking if we could start on one for you? I do not want you to leave, but I also understand the circumstances.” Kaiden said

  “Yes well this is all new to me too and it might not be as strong and the first one, but it is still strong and well everything in my room is Elizabeth’s. I want to make Iraina happy and let her have her own things once again. So yes I am asking. While we were flying last night I found a perfect spot I would like to claim as ours. You know the small clearing overlooking the ocean to the north east of the house?” Marcus asked

  “Yes I know it well. I will order the lumber and have some men start working on it. Is there a specific floor plan you want?” Kaiden asked

  “No, actually in that you can surprise us. I would just like there to be maybe two bedrooms maybe three? Never know how many grandkids we are going to have one day.” He chuckled “I don’t mean to leave you guys, we are both still in this fight and will help any way we can. I just think that once it is all over I would like to take her home. In the meantime letting her pick out furniture and stuff will be a good distraction.” Marcus said

  “I think you are right in that and I think that we need to get a crew in here to build more than just the one house. I think I also need to add an extension onto this main house so that Zach here and Halina have a suite to themselves and their future family. I think I will start with
five houses and the addition to this house, before anymore begin.” Kaiden said

  “Wow you have the money to do all that?” Zach asked

  “Actually you do too now Zach. See your dear sister doesn’t know what to do with all the money your parents left her. She tried to give it all back to your dad here and he wouldn’t take it, so she is adding your name to her account along with your fathers. So you are now just as rich as I am. Although Zoe is richer than all of us, because she has my money and her money to play with.” Kaiden laughed

  “Wow she is a real gem isn’t she?” Zach teased

  “She is a pure Angel in our eyes.” Kaiden said

  The girls came barreling in the door at that moment hands full of bags and laughing. They stopped dead in their tracks once the saw their men sitting there staring at them. “I didn’t do it” Zoe said.

  “Oh yes you did.” Zach told her

  “Well then please tell me what I am in trouble for?”

  “No trouble Angel, we were just all in agreement on how much of an Angel you truly are.” Kaiden said as he grabbed some of the bags from her arms. Zoe giggled and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Marjorie had everything we ordered yesterday, except the handmade stuff she is working on. She went to the city and did some major shopping. She is going back tonight and will have everything these two lovely ladies ordered, so I need to take them to the house about four she said. I have to show you what I had her get for you. Oh there is more in the truck too. I had to make Kevin go get the larger truck for everything we got.” Zoe laughed

  “Goodness sakes woman. You are going to be a nightmare when we have children, aren’t you?” Zoe just giggled and shoved him down the hallway to their room.

  Zoe spent the next two hours putting away all the new clothes she got and Kaiden put the ones she got him away. Kaiden then ran a bath for Zoe in the large tub and made her take a long bath. He massaged her feet while she shared her shopping day with him. He in turn told her of the plans to call in a team to build some houses and Zoe loved the idea. She wanted her father to be happy after everything he went through. She also knew Justine would love to surprise her parents with a home of their own after so long. She would just have to get Justine alone now.

  Chapter 9

  Planning and Survivors

  Mary had once again out done herself for dinner. There must have been five roasts and three huge bowls of mashed potatoes. The table was set and full to almost over filling. Everyone was seated and helping themselves when Zoe wiggled her phone at Justine and Justine took the hint holding out her phone. Zoe sent her a text telling her that they needed to talk privately. Justine nodded and began to eat. Kaiden had made a call into the contractor that his parents used to build this house and the half-blood houses on the property. He told them what he wanted and the contactor would be here in the morning to go over some previous plans his parents had put into effect when they first designed the house.

  After dinner Zoe ducked out of the room and Justine followed.

  “So how would you like to meet with the contractor with us tomorrow morning and pick a house out for your parents? Completely hush hush. Now of course they will see it being built, but they won’t know it is for them.” Zoe whispered

  “I am in and you know it.” Justine squealed

  “Shhhh, now I want Gabe to come with you and pick one out for his parents. I want to give Christian a little more time getting to know his, before I have him pick one. Oh also grab Tia. I think she will love this idea too.”

  “I am all over it, what time?”

  “Earlier then we usually get up.” Zoe smirked

  “Ugg, like still dark outside early?” Justine moaned

  “Yep like five a.m. dear. The contractor that built this house still has the original plans Kaiden’s parents had so we are going to look at those and see if they work. And he is also a trusted human and knows all about us. So we won’t have to watch our words with him.”

  “That is good to know. I am getting so used to just talking to everyone here that I might slip around normal people, you know me I don’t think and speak at the same time.” Justine said

  “I know it’s why I am telling you now.” Zoe explained “I miss you too, I feel like we haven’t talked in forever. We need to get some more alone time together and go for walks or our runs, something.”

  “Yes we do, I miss you too. I am really happy though. Little Ben is a dream kid. He loves to read and just talk. He spends a lot of time with Gabe and me. We have also been really getting to know our parents and it feels really good to finally feel complete you know?”

  “I do, Kaiden is a dream come true and having my Dad is great. I spent some time with Iraina and Halina yesterday and they are great too. I still need to get to know my brother a little, but I do feel complete too. It is a good feeling to have.” Zoe agreed

  “We better get back before they notice we are gone. Plus, I don’t want to miss dessert and wine. A girl can get spoiled here with that alone.” Justine smiled and hugged Zoe. They walked back to the table together and took their seats just as pie was being placed in front of them.

  After dinner they all watched a movie on the big screen and just enjoyed their down time. Tomorrow and the coming weeks were going to be long and hard on some more than others.

  Tia and John stayed up for another movie, but everyone else went their own way. Justine and Gabe went to Ben’s room to play a game with him and their parents went to their rooms. Camilla and Sebastian went for a run along the ocean. Alexi and Gosha were talking with Vivi and Christian in a little sitting area off of the kitchen with coffee in all their hands. Marcus and Iraina went for a walk outside. Zoe and Kaiden went up to their suite and found Zach and Halina in the living room. They were snuggled up into each other and just looking out the window.

  “Hey bro care for some company?” Zoe asked

  “We would love some, as long as you don’t make us move. I quite enjoy having this one wrapped up in my arms.” Zach requested

  “I know the feeling.” Kaiden said as he took a seat on the smaller couch and pulled Zoe down into him and snuggled her close to his chest.

  “So how do you like it here so far? I know it is a bit overwhelming.” Zoe inquired

  “Honestly it feels like home to both of us. It feels like I was always meant to be right here.” Zach replied

  “Yes it does. Even when we would go to the ruins of my real home it never felt like this before. This feels like we are where we are supposed to be. Thank you for bringing us home Kaiden and Zoe.” Halina smiled.

  “I am so happy it feels like home to you guys too. This is your home as much as it is ours. Anything you need or want you just have to ask.” Kaiden informed them.

  “I don’t think you are leaving anything to ask for here Kaiden. You already gave us a home which we haven’t ever had, you got us clothing and you feed us, what more do we need?” Zach asked

  “You sound like Zoe. But there is always something you may not need, but have always wanted. Things like that are what I want to know. What do you like to do, what are your hobbies that I can help you continue to do. We all have something. Zoe she plays the guitar and she is stellar at it. I myself, well I don’t even know anymore. So I need to find a hobby myself. Right now my hobby is making sure everyone is found and happy.”

  “I do like to paint. Mainly I used charcoal, but I would love colors.” Halina blurted

  “There you go, so we need to get you some art supplies. Zach?” Kaiden asked

  “You really play guitar?” Zach asked Zoe

  “Yes I do, but really I have only played for Kaiden and Justine besides at the school. I am sort of shy when it comes to me playing.” Zoe mumbled

  “Well I don’t really know of anything that I like to do. I have been working in the fields most of my life from sun up to sundown. So I kind of need help to find something. I would really love to hear you play sometime though.” Zach said

  “
I think I can make that happen, but not tonight. I don’t think my fingers could take the beating like my arms and legs did today.” Zoe smiled at her brother.

  “Well I think that if I don’t move to our bed soon I am going to be falling asleep right here.” Halina blurted.

  “Well I am going to take my lovely Angel to bed. I will see you all in the morning for breakfast and training. Hope you sleep well and Good Night.” Kaiden said

  “Good Night.” Halina and Zach replied in unison

  Kaiden walked Zoe back to their bedroom and helped her into some new shorts and tee that she got to sleep in. He changed into some pajama pants and slid into bed next to her. Kaiden pulled her close and closed his eyes.

  “Zoe do you remember that cave I told you about? The one my parents took me too and I jumped into that huge pool? I would like to find it with you and take you there. I don’t remember exactly where it is, but I know it is on this mountain somewhere. Anyway I want to make some of our own memories there with you.” Kaiden said sleepily

  “I would love that Babe. I love you.”

  “I love you too, good night Angel.”

  “Good night Kaiden.”

  Meanwhile downstairs, everyone had gone to bed while Mary and Mateo sat in the kitchen and enjoyed a cup of tea together. This was their third night together sharing a night cap before bed. They have spent the last couple days getting to know what each other like and want out of a relationship. Mary was new at this. She was only sixteen when they asked her to take Gabe and she hadn’t really dated any men before then. She just wanted to take things slow and see where they went from there.

  Mateo was a good man. She found out that he loved dogs and would love to breed them. His favorite breed turned out to be the same as hers. She had always wanted a German Shepherd. She decided she was going to ask Kaiden if she could have one or two here at the house and maybe her and Mateo could start breeding them in the future. They also make great guard dogs and are very protective of their families. Mateo also loved gardening. He is somewhat of a health nut so he likes to grow his own. This was something that made her very happy because she loved and missed her garden. She knew she was going to have to stake a small plot of land so she could have her special herbs and vegetables here. Some of the ones she loved they had to buy at the store here and they just did not taste the same to her.