Spectrum (Stone Society Book 14)

by Faith Gibson

  Isabelle, along with her father, had recently perfected the formula for changing the Unholy back to their former human selves, so not only was Remy learning the administrative portion of running the prison, he was also helping administer the serum. Changing the creatures back was time consuming. They had to be monitored closely, but they also had to be moved to the upper levels away from those who had yet to be changed. Frey and Gregor were in the process of converting one of the Clan’s many warehouses into a holding facility. It was going to be a different type of prison. One where the males could get counseling while being evaluated as to their state of mind. Most of the ones who became Unholy in the first place had been former soldiers coming back from overseas without the means to return to civilian life. Men like Sabrina’s baby brother. They had been promised a place in Gordon Flanagan’s army not knowing the serum they were being given would turn them into nothing more than killing machines. Although it was Flanagan who created the Unholy, it was the Stone Society who were taking it upon themselves to undo the damage. They had the money, and now they had the antiserum.

  Remy was checking the monitors for each floor when Aldredge came in carrying a paper sack. “Good morning, Brother.” Aldredge set the white carry-out bag on the desk, and Remy smiled.

  “Morning, and thank you.” Remy pulled out one of the pastries and took a bite, moaning at the sugary goodness. Aldredge’s mate owned a bakery, so every morning after dropping his mate off, Aldredge brought Remy a different treat. The bakery had been in Jessica’s family for several generations, and the female had taken over when her parents decided it was time to relocate.

  Aldredge didn’t check the security feeds in the office. He trusted Remy to tell him if something was amiss. Although they had access to the cameras, Caleb manned the control room during the days. He had come on shift an hour earlier, and the male was more than capable of doing his job. There were few humans who worked in the Pen. Those who did were unaware of The Basement. The last human – a doctor – who had access to the lowest level had been killed when he went below without backup. Even Isabelle, knowing about the Unholy, wasn’t given access. Not because Gregor didn’t trust her. He did. But there was no way the male would allow his brother’s mate to be harmed accidentally. Dante also didn’t allow Isabelle to administer any type of medical assistance to the Reborn nor the human inmates without a Gargoyle present. Her safety was of utmost importance.

  The computer beeped, and Remy tapped a few keys. It was an incoming video conference. Aldredge rounded the desk and stood behind Remy. Frey, along with several others, was already logged on. Frey didn’t waste time getting to the point. “Henry has located Craven. He’s in south Mississippi. Remy, I know you want answers, so I’ll leave it up to you whether you go after him or not. Rain is welcome to stay with Abbi and me.”

  “I’m in. I need to do this, Frey.” Aldredge squeezed Remy’s shoulder, offering encouragement.

  “Tamian will be going with you. Gregor and Dominic are in New Orleans. They’re going to leave right after the call and head that way. After we’re finished here, Tamian will get with Gregor and decide where to meet. Santiago is getting Tamian’s jet fueled, so you can leave as soon as you’re ready. I assume you want to spend a little time with Rain before you leave?”

  “Yes. I need to know he’s okay with me being away from him for a few days.”

  “I figured as much. If something happens and you decide to stay in town, Lorenzo will go in your place. If you do go, Deacon has offered to cover your shift at the Pen while you’re gone.”

  “Thank you, Deacon.”

  Deacon inclined his head. “If I didn’t have my mate to watch over, I’d take the trip with you. I want this piece of shit taken down for what he did to Sabrina’s brother.”

  “No. Helping cover at the Pen is more than enough.” Remy was grateful for such a good Clan. It was like being with his own family back in France.

  “Okay. Henry has coordinated with Tamian, so he will take lead. Remy, I know you want to kill the bastard, but we need answers first.” Frey’s tone was stern. He was a fine leader, and Remy respected the hell out of the large male.

  “Understood.”

  “After you see Rain, meet Tamian at his place. He’ll drive you to the airport.”

  “I’ll text you my address,” Tamian said. He was a half-blood and a clone, but he had Original blood flowing through his veins. He had extraordinary powers, and Remy was more than happy to let the male lead their mission.

  “I’ll see you soon.” Remy disconnected and dropped his head into his hands.

  Aldredge squeezed his shoulders again. The two had become good friends in the short time they’d worked together. “Go, Brother. Go see Rain, then get this bastard. We’ll hold down the fort until you return.”

  Remy raised his head and blew out a breath. “Thanks. I know Rain will be fine with Frey and Abbi, but I worry about leaving him so soon after I got him back.”

  “Your boy’s tough. I can check in after my shift if you’d like.”

  “Thank you. I doubt that’ll be necessary, but I’m glad to know the offer’s there.” Remy didn’t hang around. There was no need considering he was a trainee. He drove the few miles to get to his boy, keeping just above the speed limit. The front door of Frey’s home opened before Remy was on the porch.

  “Daddy!” Rain rushed him, and Remy picked his son up. Remy internally frowned at the moniker, but his boy had been through a traumatic experience. Rain could call Remy whatever he wished. He had a feeling Rain was mimicking Amelia. Speaking of the whirlwind, she was dancing in circles right inside the door while she waited on Rain to return. Remy placed Rain on his feet but kept hold of his little hand.

  “Did you come to eat lunch with me?” Rain asked.

  “It’s a little early for lunch, but I came to hang out. Plus, I want to talk to you about something.”

  Marigold was standing in the doorway. “Do you want me to take Amelia in the other room?”

  “Thank you, but that’s not necessary.”

  “I’ll go get a snack together.” The young female smiled adoringly at both kids before leaving them alone. Abbi had done well when choosing a tutor.

  Remy sat on the sofa and pulled Rain down on his lap. “How would you feel about having a sleepover with Amelia for a few nights? Papa needs to go out of town. It shouldn’t take more than a couple days if that, but it might be longer. If you don’t want me to leave you, I won’t.”

  “Where are you going?”

  Remy had already decided to be honest. “To find Dr. Craven and put him in jail where he belongs.”

  “He’s scary.” Rain’s whispered words wobbled as did his bottom lip.

  “Not as scary as me.” Remy vowed to himself the doctor would never hurt another child, or anyone else, again.

  Amelia had stopped twirling as she listened intently. Frey didn’t hide much from his daughter. She was aware of the Gargoyles but had never once uttered their secret. It was why Remy felt comfortable talking in front of her. She plopped down beside them and took Rain’s hand in hers.

  “Your daddy is strong like mine.”

  Rain stared at his friend, chewing his bottom lip. When he turned his watery eyes back to Remy, he gave a small smile. “You can go.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I want you to capture the bad man.”

  Remy hugged his son tightly to his chest, resting his cheek against Rain’s hair. The three of them sat quietly until Marigold brought in some sliced veggies and fruit. Remy stayed at Frey’s for a couple hours. When he was certain Rain was truly okay with him leaving, he left his son with his little friend, their tutor, and Lorenzo watching over them all. He drove home and packed the necessities, then met Tamian at his home. They drove in companionable silence to the small airfield where Santiago was waiting.

  Gregor pressed a kiss to Tessa’s hair while they waited for Dominic to unlock the door. He enjoyed hanging out with the pirate
immensely. Dominic was like Tessa – his own person. The male dressed and spoke however he wanted with no qualms whether anyone liked him or not. And Lilly, Dom’s mate and Tessa’s cousin, was a breath of fresh air. The pretty witch was a stark contrast to his own mate, but she complimented Dominic perfectly. Gregor never hesitated when Tessa wanted to spend time at her place in New Orleans. He considered it their second home as much as she did.

  Just as they passed the threshold, Gregor’s phone rang. When he saw it was Frey, he answered immediately. Things were still shaky back in New Atlanta with the unknown hacker on the loose. “Frey? Everything okay?”

  “Henry located Craven. He tracked him to the DeSoto Forest just north of New Biloxi. He’s not alone. Craven’s traveling with four others, and you can assume they’re Gargoyles, Unholy, or Reborn. I thought since you were close, you might want in on the hunt.”

  “Fuck yeah, I do.”

  Dominic, who had been headed toward the parlor, stopped and gave Gregor his full attention. Gregor put the phone on speaker, even though the other male didn’t need him to do so. Having Dom as backup would be nice. Frey relayed everything Henry had found, and Dominic nodded, pulling out his own phone and stepping out of the room.

  “I’m going to give Remy the option of joining you considering what Craven did to Rain. Tamian has already agreed to fly him down there. If Remy stays here, I’ll send Lor.”

  “Dominic and I will head out soon. Tell Tamian to call me with a location, and we’ll pick them up when they land.”

  “Thanks, Brother. I want this bastard alive. Once we have some information, I’ll turn Remy loose on him.”

  “Understood. How’s everything else going?” Gregor had felt guilty for leaving his cousin behind to watch over the Clan, but Frey was the strongest of them all. He was the perfect male to take over while Rafael tended to Kaya.

  “Things are quiet. Dante and Isabelle have been administering the antiserum to the Unholy, and so far, it’s been successful. Construction on the warehouse is going as planned, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before we have somewhere to put the Reborn.”

  “That’s great news. As soon as we catch Craven, Tessa and I will be back to help.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. Stay safe, Cousin.”

  “Always.” Gregor disconnected and held his arm out for his mate.

  Tessa clapped her hands together. “Let’s get this bastard.”

  Gregor rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

  Lilly frowned at Tessa. “Wait. You’re going with them? I know you’re a half-blood, but…”

  “She thinks she’s Lara Croft,” Gregor muttered.

  Tessa gave him a middle finger. “I’ve been doing this cloak-and-dagger stuff for years. Besides, I figure while the males are going against the baddies, I can concentrate on the good doctor. He won’t get away this time. No offense to Paxton.”

  Gregor pulled Tessa to him so her back was to his front. “Yeah, well, don’t let him hear you say that. He’s still beating himself up over it.”

  “I’ll be taking some of my crew with me,” Dominic said. “Tessa, you can stay here, Lass.”

  “And you can stuff your parrot,” she replied.

  Dominic winked at her, but Lilly said, “He’s right. You don’t need to go.”

  “Yes, I really do. Lilly, this bastard used a small boy as a fucking pin cushion. Took his blood. Kept him in a dark tunnel.”

  Lilly’s demeanor went from worried to pissed. “I want in on this.”

  Dominic stepped behind his mate and wrapped his arms around her, settling his hands on her round belly. “Oh, no. You, my little witch, will stay here and protect my girls.”

  Lilly looked up at Dom over her shoulder and melted against him. “Okay,” she whispered before he pressed their lips together. Gregor caught Tessa staring at the couple. He knew she felt guilty for not being pregnant already, but he had assured her more than once it would happen if it were meant to.

  Chapter Two

  The flight to New Mobile, Alabama, was quick. When they touched down, Gregor, Tessa, and several males were waiting. Tamian had explained Dominic Dubois was the leader of their Clan in the southern portion of the States. If Tamian hadn’t already told Remy about the male’s penchant for dressing as a pirate, he would probably have laughed. But the look truly fit the roguish male instead of making him look like a character out of an old black-and-white film. Remy wasn’t surprised to see Tessa standing alongside Gregor. He had met the female several times and had heard her story. Not only did she have Gregor as a mate, but Tamian was her clone, and there was no female on the planet more guarded in that moment. It didn’t hurt that she was a badass in her own right.

  Dominic stepped forward and introduced himself and the two males with him. Sully and Fallon were dressed in black military pants and boots. Unlike their leader, they appeared ready for battle. Remy didn’t let Dom’s clothing fool him. The male was a Gargoyle, so his appearance had no bearing on his ability to fight. They piled into two vehicles. One was a large SUV, and the other was a transport van.

  Tamian had loaded several of the Clan’s specially coated swords, including a smaller one for his sister. Remy grinned to himself, thinking Dominic probably had more experience with a sword than any of them. He had been a real pirate many years ago, so a sword was necessary for his swashbuckling days. Then again, Remy had been a soldier in The Napoleonic Wars, so maybe not.

  Henry wasn’t certain who was with Craven, but they all decided he would be surrounded by both Gargoyles and Unholy. Surprisingly, Tamian handed Tessa a holster and two powerful-looking black handguns. When she caught him looking, Tessa explained they weren’t taking any chances. Yep, badass.

  Henry didn’t say how exactly he found Craven, and Remy didn’t want to know, especially if it was somehow illegal. All that mattered was getting the human off the streets. Upon reaching the forest, they parked well away from where Craven was supposed to be. Tamian handed out communication devices to everyone. Julian had perfected the small earpieces, and they transmitted from a few miles away. Tamian was leading one team, which included Dominic and his males. Gregor led the other. He, Tessa, and Remy were coming in from the south, while Tamian’s team came in from the north. After they went over the plan once more, Tamian and his team took off their shirts so they could shift. The De Soto Forest had been abandoned for the most part, as had most of the smaller parks around the country. If there were humans in the area, they wouldn’t be in the dense portion where Craven was hiding out.

  Since Tessa couldn’t fly, their team remained on the ground. The female surprised Remy with her stealth. Her normal chatty self was replaced by a determined warrior. Remy had been surprised to see her with the others. If that had been Isla, he would never have allowed his mate on such a mission, but seeing Tessa in action proved this wasn’t her first time doing something dangerous.

  “We have visual,” Tamian said half an hour later through the comms. “There are two Gargoyles and four Unholy we can see. Craven must be inside the cabin. We’re going to take the guards out.”

  “Craven is mine,” Remy reminded them.

  “Copy that.”

  No longer worried about being quiet, Remy picked up the pace. Gregor and Tessa easily kept up with him. By the time they reached the cabin, both Gargoyles had been taken down. The Unholy were bound and secured against four trees with Dominic’s males and Tamian standing guard. They had agreed to leave them alive if at all possible. Tamian pointed to the door, and Remy turned to see Dominic pushing a shaking Craven outside.

  Remy shook with anger, but he reined it in. He needed answers. “How did you come by the boy?”

  “I can’t tell you. Drago will kill me.” Craven didn’t appear afraid, but Remy could smell the fear pouring from the human.

  “Drago is dead, and if you don’t tell me everything I want to know, you’ll end up like your comrades over there.” Remy pointed with his sword.

  The doc
tor swallowed audibly and closed his eyes. When he opened them, his shoulders slumped. “Drago found the boy. Him and his mother.” Remy called on his shifter to keep himself from showing any type of emotion. “When he first approached me about the antiserum, he had vials of blood. For whatever reason, he couldn’t get more blood shipped, and soon after, the boy showed up.”

  “And you thought it was okay to use a child in such a way?” Remy growled. He sensed the presence of the others at his back. They no doubt sensed he was struggling to control his shifter.

  “I didn’t hurt the kid.”

  “You took him away from his mother! You stole his fucking blood! Kept him locked alone in a dark tunnel beneath a church! He’s only seven for the gods’ sake.” Remy’s voice was barely a whisper when he finished railing.

  “I didn’t kidnap him; his uncle did. So take that up with him,” Craven had the nerve to say.

  “Do you know where the uncle is?” Tessa asked.

  Craven snarled, “Hello, Andrea. Might have known you’d have your nose stuck in my business. It’s a shame your father couldn’t find you.”

  Tessa pulled both pistols faster than Remy could blink. The sound of her cocking the weapons was loud in the woods. Craven’s eyes widened, his snarl turning into a grimace.

  “The name’s Tessa, and Flanagan wasn’t my father. Anyone who threatens or harms my Clan is my business. Now answer the godsdamned question.”

  “No, I don’t know where he is. I never met the male. That was all Drago’s doing.”

  It was hard to get a read on the scientist considering he had two pistols pointed at him and six Gargoyles holding swords. Tamian stepped up next to his sister and whispered the man was telling the truth. Remy wasn’t aware of all Tamian’s abilities, but if he said the human was being truthful, Remy had no reason to doubt him.