Second Chances (The Extinct Race Series)

by Michelle Farrell

  “Dinner will be in an hour so you have time to show the new ones where they will sleep. I am Mary, human and it is very nice to see you.” She said walking to Donny and Alex.

  “She is the best cook alive and not having her food for three days is killing me.” Zoe said kissing Mary on the cheek. “Thank you for watching my little one. I have missed her so much.”

  “And she you.” Mary said

  “It is nice to meet you too, my mother is the one making all the noise out here and should be in soon.” Donny said. “This is Alex, my soul mate. I kind of just found out this morning what that means so you know had to go save the girl of my dreams.”

  “Good for you. It is lovely to see you Alex, I can tell you these folks have been doing nothing but looking for you all and preparing for your arrival. So it is very good to see you all. Kaiden I know Mateo is itching to see you.” Mary said

  Zoe took the laughing giggly Lily into the house and the others followed. Everyone went their separate ways while Zoe took Donny and Alex to their suite.

  “Now we left this empty for you guys to decorate. There are beds and clothing in your closet and one room for your mother. Your room is at the end of the hall. This will always be your home, for you and your children. My twin brother Zach and his mate Halina live above you. The guys already put your bags in your room so you can feel free to do whatever for the next hour. We like to have dinner as one big family and tonight we plan on flying as one. You guys can ride on the back of others if you wish or you know...” Zoe told them

  “That sounds wonderful. And the baby is Lily right? She is absolutely lovely.” Alex said

  “She is quite the looker isn’t she? We have tons of other children in the house as well, so if you would like to have sleepovers with any of them, that is completely up to you.” Zoe told them.

  “I think I would like to get adjusted first and get to know Alex a little more before we have anyone we have to take care of.” Donny said

  “And we all understand that one. Your uncle and Ava live downstairs right now, but if you or your mother would like them closer we can have them move up here in the suite with you. That is completely up to you though. Now there are books of decorating ideas on the counter over there. When you have time just let us know what you would like to do in here and we will make it happen.” Zoe says

  “How old are you Zoe?” Alex asks

  “I am twenty two, Kaiden is also twenty two.” She says

  “I am eighteen, but you are so young to have so much responsibility.” Alex says

  “Honey we don’t age after we turn. So when you make the decision to turn, you will forever look how you did then.” Zoe tells her

  “That explains why my mother should be fifty, but looks no more than twenty five.” Donny says

  “Yes son, I turned right after I turned twenty six.” Cara said.

  “Hey mom, this is our suite. Home for us unless you choose to move out and live in your own place.” Donny says

  “I think I would like to stay with you two a bit longer, if you don’t mind. I think there is a lot that I need to tell you still and I would love to get to know my new daughter in law. We are going to be together a long time.” Cara says

  “What do you mean a long time? How long?” Alex asks

  “Like immortal Alex, you will never age again, but you can be killed obviously. So as long as we all stay safe we will live until we choose to die.” Cara says

  “I tried that once, nothing happened it was like I healed while doing it.” Alex says

  “WHAT?” Donny yelled

  “It was right after he hit me one time, before I even saw you Donny. My mom wasn’t stopping him and he broke my ankle. I couldn’t tell the cops because he would just come back and do it again. So I wear these to cover the scars.” Alex held up her wrists and pulled down the bracelets to show him the scars. The scars were no longer there though and she looked at her wrists in wonder.

  “They healed all of you honey. Every injury he gave you, they healed. I guess they went a little overboard too.” Cara smiled and pulled Alex into her arms to hug her.

  “Well I need to go change this little one, so I will see you all soon. Cara I think they said your room was the first door on the right. Donny and Alex end of the hall for you.” Zoe smiled and walked out of the room. When she got to her suite, Justine was sitting there with little Jacob waiting for her.

  “Hey sis how goes it?” Zoe asked

  “I missed you. Three days is the longest I think we have ever gone without seeing each other.” Justine replied.

  “Well let me grab a diaper and I will be right out to catch up with you. I missed you too by the way.” Zoe said as she walked back to the nursery to grab the things she needed. Zoe came back out to the sitting room to find Zach and Halina there as well. She told them all about Alex and her ability to turn off the pull. She told them about Donny and his show and then the big fight. She also told them about what was happening when they found Alex and how her step-father was in the process of killing her. Zoe gave them all the details she could remember and the conversation lasted a little past dinner time.

  At dinner Donny, Alex and Cara were introduced to everyone that was present, Brice was not at the table yet. Everyone that was at the table told the group that left what had happened while they were gone. The only thing that really happened was the children causing havoc on the house and everyone in it. Marcus and Iraina had moved into their home and Iraina was busy with decorating. As was Halina and Zach. Dinner was being brought to the table as Brice walked in.

  Brice walked right to his seat not really looking at anyone in particular. Cara had noticed him walk in and she sat there holding her breath.

  “Donny, Alex, and Cara this is Brice, he is also a Fire Dragon.” Kaiden said

  Brice looked up then and noticed the new arrivals. He smiled at each and then when his eyes landed on Cara he stood frozen staring at her. Donny looked confused and then noticed his mother staring at Brice.

  “So is this the second chance thing happening? Cause mom has never noticed another man before and she is holding her breath. What the hell mom breathe!” Donny said smacking his mother’s back. Everyone at the table let out a laugh as Cara choked and coughed to breathe again. Brice smiled then at Cara and walked over to her seat. He picked Cara up out of the chair and planted a kiss on her lips.

  Cara was a bit rigged in his arms. After a moment she fully relaxed and kissed him back. “Hot damn she is full of fire!” Brice said laughing.

  “Oh this is so exciting! I am so happy for you both.” Ava squealed

  The table erupted into laughing and congratulation’s flew around the table. Everyone ate and they all shared their stories with everyone. After dessert Donny did a little fire show for the bigger kids outside and then they all went on a flight once they put the smaller children to bed. Donny rode on Carmine’s back and Alex rode on Ava’s, Cara didn’t feel comfortable yet with carrying anyone.

  Zoe and Kaiden disappeared to their room after the flight. They were in much need of some alone time. Little Lily was fast asleep in her bassinet. Kaiden was running a bath for Zoe and Zoe was getting her pajamas ready to climb into after her bath. Kaiden had brought a movie up and they were going to watch it after she took her bath. Kaiden had added some lavender to the bath and the fragrance wafted throughout their bedroom. Zoe dropped her robe and climbed into the hot water. Kaiden was happy to just watch her relax in the tub, but Zoe had other plans.

  “Kaiden take your clothes off and get in here with me. I need to feel your skin against mine.”

  “No problem Angel.” Kaiden said as he started to undress. He climbed in the bath behind her pulling her body into his. They spent a good long time just sitting there in the bath and against each other until the water started to get cold. As they climbed out, they dried each other off and climbed into bed. Kaiden had already gotten the movie ready and all he had to do was press a button.

  Ale
x and Donny were sitting up in their bed talking about everything and just getting to know each other. Donny knew he couldn’t be his cocky self with her, so he just tried to be himself. He told her of all the things that his mother told him to scare him. Alex told him of her happy life until she was thirteen. She shared with him all the horror stories of her life after then and how she never had any friends. They both shared how they knew they were different, but never imagined they would be Dragons. They laughed and cried and talked until they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Cara had snuck down to Brice’s room when she thought Donny wasn’t paying attention. She and Brice did much the same thing as her son. She wanted to know all about Brice and his first soul mate. Cara shared with him everything she could remember about her first as well. Brice told her he had no children with his first, and then told her that they would be unable to have children because she had Donny. Brice was not bothered by this though. He didn’t think he was really made out to be a dad. Cara was a little upset at the fact, but there were future grandkids to think about and all the little ones in the house for her to play with.

  Mary had moved into Mateo’s room two days ago and they had decided not to keep it a secret anymore. Two of the ladies in the house found their mates and were going to ask to move in with them shortly. Mary was hoping that Kaiden might allow her and Mateo to move into a small house or the apartment with the ladies, as Mary found out she was pregnant last night. She and Mateo were planning to talk to Kaiden alone in the morning after breakfast to see what their options were. The only one who knew she was pregnant was Alexi. Mary had accidently burned her arm making dessert and Alexi came in to heal it. That is when Alexi dropped the bomb on her and told her she was barely four weeks along.

  Chapter 30

  Settling In

  Early in the morning Kaiden was woken up by a text. He grabs his cell off the nightstand and sees that there is a text from Hugh, the contractor, asking him to meet him outside ten minutes ago. Kaiden hops out of bed and quickly sent a text that he is on his way down. Kaiden gets dress quietly and meets Hugh on the porch.

  “Good morning Kaiden.” Hugh greets him

  “Good morning Hugh, how are you?”

  “I am good, how have you been? I heard you had quite a time getting the new ones here.” Hugh chuckled

  “Talk travels fast here I guess. Yes we did and I have been well.” Kaiden said

  “Good to hear. I have some things to go over with you as you now have even more people and more to come. Am I correct?” Hugh asked

  “Yes we know we definitely have at least four more to find, but there is always a chance more will come.” Kaiden answered

  “Well I have made some plans. Zoe has shown me on the map how far the border goes. I have been working with some of the Earth Dragons and they are a huge help getting things done faster. I have made plans here to build a couple condominiums for the half-bloods. Seeing as they are able to get mates now. They cannot live in the barracks with everyone else if they want privacy. I plan on building three sets and each will have eight, maybe ten condos on each building. That way they can have some privacy. Each condo will also have three bedrooms.” Hugh said

  “That sounds great Hugh. I am so glad you thought of that, because I have been a little brain dead.” Kaiden said

  “Well good I am glad you agree. I have spoken with a majority of them and they are happy with this idea also. Now, the Earth Dragons, I have begun to build five homes in the forest. They are all what the Earth Dragons told me would make them feel at home. They are small log cabins with three bedrooms. The Earth Dragons that have been helping me, have also created dirt roads and cleared the areas for the other houses I have planned. All the roads will lead to the training area and then the one road up to the house.” Hugh said

  “Sounds good to me, what else you got?” Kaiden asked impressed.

  “Well I have five houses planned for each race, except the Pearls. For now I have only made Marcus’s house. Only because I am not sure there will be anymore that comes. From what I have heard he killed the Kings and Queens first, or killed them trying to capture them. Anyway, the Earth are in the Forest. The Water have five cabanas that are on stilts over the water. They are a good distance apart for privacy, two are four bedrooms and three are three bedrooms. The Onyx have all chosen a spot that is surrounded by trees to offer a lot of shade. I am planning three fairly close together and two a little bit further off. But from what Rosa and Monica have explained the Onyx like to stay close together, so the other two houses won’t be far. We are also planning a tree house for Ben and a playhouse for Abby. I already took the liberty and ordered a couple large playgrounds that arrived this morning. So they will be put up all around the land near the homes and stuff.” Hugh said

  “Thanks for that I was going to do that myself when I had the time.” Kaiden mused

  “You are very welcome. For the Fury’s I am planning five homes around a huge sanded arena shaped area. I am also wondering if I should add more houses as right now you have three couples and more might come. We will get to that later though when it comes. For the Fire I noticed Cara hovering for a while near the rock face to the side of the mountain and decided to place five homes near there. They have a lot of rock and trees in the area and it is somewhat secluded from the others. Alexi and Gosha have stated that they would like to be sort of close to everyone. I am not sure how other Blood Dragons will feel so I am going to place five houses here and there around the land. Those are my plans for now. If there is anything else you think of please let me know. Also do you have anything you want to add to this?” Hugh asked

  “Excuse me gentlemen, but can I speak with you Kaiden?” Mary asked

  “Do you need to speak privately or is it ok if Hugh is here?” Kaiden asked

  “Well this will kind of involves him too if what I ask you approve of.” Mary said

  “Mary I will approve of anything you wish.” Kaiden said smiling at her

  “First I must say that I want to pay for it. You give me a generous salary and I already have so much I don’t know what to do with so this I am paying for it.” Mary demanded

  “I won’t argue how you wish to spend your money Mary.” Kaiden laughed

  “Ok then, I’m pregnant.” Mary blurted

  “Wow! Congrats Mary. I take it Mateo is a very happy man right now?” Kaiden asked

  “Yes he is and we are happy about this. Our only worry is the housing situation. You see I moved into his room a day or two ago and well we can’t have a baby in the bedroom. So I was wondering if I could have a home built or if we could move into the apartment as two of the girls have found their mate and are moving in with their men.” Mary asked nervously.

  “Mary there is absolutely no need for you to be nervous. You may have a home built, that apartment is not suited for a family. Now where would you like the house built?” Kaiden asked

  “Well I was hoping that I could have it right off to the back close to the garden I am making and the kitchen. I was kind of hoping to have it built into the mountain with stone steps going down into the garden, but not too many steps.” Mary asked

  “Well, we can ask Paulo to clear away some of the rock there, enough to place a small house on and then he can carve the steps to your liking. But, you will have to ask him to do that.” Kaiden said with a smile.

  “I can do that. Hugh will you have a problem with adding another home to that long list of yours?” Mary asked

  “First let me congratulate you on your good news, second it is no trouble at all and since yours has a bit of a rush on it, as soon as you get Paulo or another Earth Dragon to clear the spot you want, I will start having my men build a house. May I pick the floor plan though?” Hugh asked

  “I trust your judgment so yes you may.” Mary said. “Thank you so much Kaiden, this will take a lot of pressure off of Mateo.” Mary smiled and walked into the house to start breakfast.

  “Well I am happy wit
h everything you are planning Hugh, I don’t think I would change anything. May I just ask that you place a small playground over there, at the edge of the clearing here?” Kaiden asked

  “I know the perfect one. I will order it this morning. You have a good day Kaiden and I will contact you with anything else that comes up.” Hugh said reaching his hand out to shake Kaiden’s. They said their goodbyes and Kaiden went back upstairs to get ready for the day. He found Zoe on the floor with Lily, Lily was on her tummy and starting to lift herself up. Zoe was laughing and cooing at her, trying to encourage her to crawl. Kaiden knew that Zoe was going to be a very good mother when they had their own children. Right now little Lily was their first and she would always have a room in their suite, which was now quiet, as Marcus and Iraina moved into their home and Zach and Halina were in their own suite. One good thing that Hugh did in the main house was building very thick walls. They couldn’t hear anything from the new addition side of the house.

  Kaiden decided to keep Mary’s news to himself until she decided to share it with everyone else. He jumped in the shower real quick and then quickly got dressed. Zoe was already ready for the day and had Lily all dressed up too. As he dressed he told her about the additions Hugh has made to the original plans of more houses. Zoe loved the idea and was very excited as they made their way downstairs. Gabe and Justine were sitting in the fire pit area talking with Donny and Alex.

  “Good morning everyone, Donny, Alex how was your first night here?” Zoe asked

  “It was very good, thank you. So how do you plan on finding the missing ones?” Alex asked