by Faith Gibson
“Where is the rest of the serum?” Tamian asked, but Craven kept his eyes on Tessa.
“There isn’t any. I was waiting on Drago to send me the money he owed before I made more.”
Tessa stepped up to the doctor and placed the end of one gun against his forehead. “Where is the rest of the serum?”
Craven flinched. “Th-there isn’t any. I sw-swear.”
Tessa took a step back and shot the man in his right kneecap. He howled out in pain, dropping to the ground. “You bitch!” When she pointed at the other leg, Craven held his bound hands up. “Stop! I’m sorry. Don’t kill me.”
“Oh, I’m not going to kill you. We’re going to take you to the Pen and put you in the Basement with the Unholy you created. We’ll let them take care of you.” Tessa tucked her pistols in the holster and moved away from the man.
“No! I can help you. I have money. Please!” Snot and tears ran down the man’s face as he begged for his life, no longer the self-assured doctor he first presented.
“We don’t need your money nor your help. Since you have no useful information, there is nothing you have left to bargain with.” Tessa joined Gregor who grinned at his mate. Obviously, he had no issue with her shooting the human.
Tamian pulled the keys out of his pocket and tossed them to Sully. “Please go get the vehicles and bring them here.” Sully and Fallon phased to fly back to where both SUVs were parked.
Dominic sheathed his sword. “What are you going to do about those two?” he asked, pointing at the decapitated Gargoyles.
“Santiago’s brothers are on standby. They will retrieve the bodies and dispose of them in the swamp.”
“Aye, that’s effective.” Dominic not only looked like a pirate but sounded like one as well. Remy liked the Goyle. If things were different, Remy could see himself hanging out with the male.
While they were waiting on their transport, Gregor approached the Unholy. He pulled several vials out of his cargos pocket and administered the antiserum. Dominic offered for Sully and Fallon to drive back with Tamian to watch over the Unholy. Remy, Gregor, and Tessa would fly Dr. Craven back on Tamian’s jet. Remy wasn’t sure he could be around the human without taking his head, but he wanted to get back home to Rain.
When the vehicles arrived, Gregor dug around in the back for a black case. He returned with it, and after placing a tourniquet around Craven’s leg where the doctor was still lying on the ground moaning, Gregor gave him a shot of some type. Remy would have preferred to let the human suffer. He had to concede they didn’t need to explain a pool of blood to the car rental company. Once everyone was loaded, they took off for the airport. About ten minutes into the drive, Craven passed out. Remy sat in the passenger seat far enough away from the human he wasn’t tempted to let his beast loose. Tamian had already called Santiago to tell him they were on their way as well as to give the pilot’s brothers the coordinates to where the dead Gargoyles were.
After getting Craven loaded and secured on the jet, Dominic shook their hands. Everyone except Tessa. “It was a pleasure as always, Lass. Lilly and I will pack your belongings and bring them to New Atlanta.”
“But she’s about ready to pop,” Tessa countered.
“She has a couple months yet, but my Lillian wants to be with family when the girls arrive.”
“That’s great. You can stay with us,” the redhead offered without conferring with Gregor. The smile on the male’s face assured Remy he was okay with Tessa’s offer.
“That won’t be necessary. We were going to surprise you, but I’ll go ahead and tell you I have recently purchased a home not far from yours. New Orleans will always be our home, but there are few mated Goyles in our area, and she wants the twins to have cousins to grow up with.”
The badass female sniffed quietly. “That’ll be perfect. We’ll see you soon.” Tessa strode to the plane and climbed the steps. Remy was missing an important piece to the puzzle. Outwardly, Tessa seemed pleased her cousin was moving closer, but her sadness said otherwise.
“You’ll get pregnant when the time comes, Brother. Don’t give up hope,” Dominic whispered to Gregor. Now Tessa’s mood made sense. Kaya had recently given birth to the Clan’s Prince, and several other mates were pregnant. If Tessa and Gregor had been trying a while, it had to hurt to see others succeeding. Remy remembered how excited he and Isla had been when they found out Rain was on the way. He sent up a prayer to the gods that the couple got their wish. Dominic and Gregor embraced, slapping each other’s back. Dominic then grasped Remy’s hand. “I hope you find the answers you need.” Dom inclined his head, then strolled to the SUV. He was going to return the vehicle to the local rental company in New Orleans.
When Remy and Gregor boarded the jet, Tessa was cutting up with the pilot. It was good to see her sadness had dissipated, at least for the moment.
“Would you like to sit in the cockpit?” Santiago asked Remy.
“I would, thank you.” Remy figured Tessa had explained what Craven had done to Rain. It would be better to sit as far away from the human as possible.
He had flown many times in his life, but Remy had never given much thought to the specifics of flying or being a pilot. Santiago went through the motions of getting the jet fired up and moving while telling Remy each aspect. It was educational as well as entertaining. When they were rolling down the runway gathering speed, Remy couldn’t help but grin. Santiago kept Remy’s thoughts off Craven for the most part by talking about his own life and what it was like working with Tamian. When they landed at a small, private airfield, Remy was relaxed. As he went to stand, Santiago grabbed his arm.
“Why don’t you wait here with me while they get the doctor on his way to the Pen?”
Remy agreed and remained seated until Gregor gave them the all-clear. Remy joined Gregor outside the jet, and his boss held out a set of keys. “Go home to Rain. Tessa and I will come by later to get the car. I’ll see to getting Craven locked up. He’s not going anywhere.”
“Thanks, Brother. I’ll be back to work tomorrow. I want a recorded confession from the human I can send to Isla’s parents. They won’t take my word against their own son.”
“Have you considered letting Rain tell them his uncle was the one responsible?”
“Yes, but they’ll think I coerced him into lying. They never liked me. I wasn’t rich enough.”
“I thought your family owned vineyards and hotels?” Gregor released Remy’s shoulder and shoved his hands in his pockets.
“We do, and we have plenty of money, but it’s nowhere near what Isla’s family has.”
“Crazy. Like I said, he’s not going anywhere, so take all the time you need.” Gregor strode over to join Tessa at the transport van. Remy was lucky having someone like Gregor for a boss and a friend. After losing Isla and Rain, Remy had become depressed and pushed everyone away. When Rain was returned to him, Remy called his parents, and they were planning on visiting soon. If only Isla would be returned just as miraculously, his life would be perfect again.
On the drive to Frey’s, Remy called ahead to let them know he was on his way. He went ahead and filled Frey in on what had transpired so they wouldn’t have to talk about it in front of Abbi or the children. Rain met him at the front door, wrapping his little arms around Remy’s legs. Remy picked him up and entered the door Frey was holding for him.
“Are you hungry?” Abbi said by way of greeting. “It won’t take long to plate some leftovers.” Remy readily accepted. He was a decent cook, but he never turned down a great meal. Isla had been wonderful in the kitchen, watching videos and trying new dishes every night. Remy had learned from watching her. When she was alive, he’d never been far from his mate. The ache in his chest remembering his female had eased, but now that Rain was back in his life, Remy wanted their family back together more than ever. Rain needed his mum.
He hated to eat and run, but it was late, and Remy was ready to get Rain home. Frey and Abbi walked him to the door. “I can’t th
ank you enough for watching Rain.” Remy waited by the door as Rain and Amelia said their own goodbyes.
“It’s our pleasure. He’s really coming out of his shell,” Abbi said.
“He’s a great kid,” Frey added just as Remy’s phone pinged with an incoming text.
When he saw it was a message from Gregor with an attachment, he turned the volume down so the kids wouldn’t hear it. The video was of Craven. Remy glanced over at Rain.
Frey kissed Abbi on the temple. “Remy and I are going to step outside for a moment.”
“I’ll keep the kids in here.”
Once outside, Remy turned the volume up and replayed the video. Craven’s confession was much more detailed than what he’d given Remy back in the forest. He named Nash Hogan as the man responsible for sending his sister’s blood as well as the kidnapping of Rain. Remy’s heart was torn in two as Craven described exactly what the human had done to Rain and how he’d placed him in the tunnel beneath the church with the expectation Drago would find the boy. Remy already knew this, but the tears still fell, and Frey placed his hands on Remy’s shoulders, pulling Remy back against his solid chest. As soon as the video ended, Remy wiped his eyes and let out a harsh breath.
“If you find Nash Hogan, let me know. I’ll send someone with you to take the bastard down.”
When Frey took a step back, Remy turned to him. “Thank you. It probably won’t matter, but I’m sending this video to Isla’s father. He needs to know what his son is capable of.” Remy opened an email and attached the video, not waiting another second to send it to Felix. If his calculation was correct, it was around three in the afternoon in the eastern portion of Australia, so it wouldn’t take long for Felix to see evidence of what Nash had done even if he were in a meeting. Whether or not Felix believed Craven was another matter. Frey put his hand on the doorknob and waited until Remy nodded. He was ready to be home with Rain. Before they made it to the car, Remy’s phone rang. When he saw who it was, he closed his eyes. He didn’t want to have the conversation with Felix in front of Rain.
“Now’s not a good time,” Remy said when he answered.
“You send this… this fucking bomb, and it’s not a good time? Make the godsdamned time!”
Remy placed the phone on his chest. “Rain, can you go back inside? Papa needs to take this phone call.”
“Come on, Rain. I’ll get you and Amelia some cookies,” Abbi offered from the porch where she, Frey, and Amelia were standing.
“Can I have cookies, Papa?” Rain asked.
“Yes. Now go with Miss Abbi.” Remy waited for Rain to disappear back inside before putting the phone to his ear again.
“Rain? Rain’s alive? Remy, what the fuck is going on?” Felix asked.
“It’s just like the man in the video said. We found Rain in a church tunnel, scared out of his mind. Whatever Nash told you happened is a lie. He told Rain they were going to get ice cream and instead handed him over to the Greek who had been using Isla’s blood because she’s from an Original bloodline. If you want the rest of the truth, I suggest you ask Nash.”
“But I don’t understand. The ashes… If Rain’s alive, then…” Felix cleared his throat. Remy had never heard the man anything less than put together, but with proof of what his son was capable of, the male was distressed. “I need to go.” The line disconnected, and Remy fell to his knees. Had Felix come to the same conclusion Remy had? Since Rain was alive, it was possible Isla was as well. No. He wouldn’t allow himself to believe it. He had already mourned her once. To do so again would kill him, and he needed to be strong for his son.
Chapter Three
Rain was worn out from playing with Amelia. Remy carried his son into the house they were renting and didn’t bother waking him for a bath. He pulled down the covers and lay him on the bed. After taking Rain’s sneakers off, Remy pulled the covers over the boy and sat down beside him. Staring at the product of his and Isla’s love, Remy sucked in a breath, trying to keep the tears at bay. Wouldn’t he know if Isla weren’t still alive? He always thought with their bond he would have felt her cross over. Remy figured that was what happened when Nash called and said she was dead. What if it was natural grief and not the severing of their bond? The not knowing was killing him all over again. Remy kicked off his shoes and settled against his son’s small body, relishing the feel of his heartbeat.
Whimpering woke Remy several hours later. Rain was shaking his head. Remy pulled the boy tighter against his chest. “Shh. Papa’s here. You’re safe, Rainier. I’ve got you.” Remy continued muttering until Rain settled. The Gargoyle psychiatrist Rain was seeing had informed Remy it would take time for Rain to get over the trauma of being taken, but she assured him with lots of love and patience, it would happen. If there was one thing he could give his son, it was love. There was no one more precious to Remy. Even when Isla had been alive, Remy had loved their child in equal measure. They had planned on having a houseful of kids, but Isla had been taken from him before that could happen. Remy was glad to have Rain. One child was better than none.
He admired Frey and Abbi for adopting Amelia. Abbi was a strong female, taking in the child of her cheating husband. Now they were expecting their first child together, and Remy couldn’t be happier for the couple. Children truly did make life better when they were created out of love.
When Remy woke the next morning, he was alone. Low voices came from the living room, and he smiled knowing Rain felt comfortable enough to turn on cartoons while letting his papa sleep. After running through the shower, Remy padded barefoot into the living room. Rain was curled up under a blanket on the sofa, giggling at the silliness of the animated characters.
“Bonjour, mon fils.”
“Morning, Papa.” Rain raised his head. “Can we have crepes for breakfast?”
“Strawberry or hazelnut?” Remy already knew the answer, but he offered a choice anyway.
“Hazelnut. Duh.” Rain giggled when Remy gasped at the boy.
“Duh? Is that anyway to speak to your papa?” It was refreshing every time Rain joked with him, and his laughter was the best sound in the world. “I think Amelia is a bad influence. Non?”
“No, Papa. She’s funny.” Rain’s eyes were bright as he spoke of his best friend.
“That she is.” Remy winked before heading to the kitchen to make their breakfast. After loading their plates with bacon and crepes, Remy took them into the living room and placed them on the coffee table. They sat on the floor and devoured their food while watching cartoons together.
“Are you going to work today?” Rain asked after drinking the last of his milk.
“I thought we’d spend the day together.”
“But what about school?” Rain frowned.
“If you’d rather study than spend the day with me, I’ll drive you over to Frey’s.”
His son’s eyebrows dipped as he decided. It was cute watching Rain contemplate studying or playing hooky. “Well,” Rain drawled, exaggerating the L, “I guess one day won’t hurt.”
Remy chuckled. “You’re a smart boy, and Marigold will catch you up tomorrow, I’m sure. What would you like to do?”
“Do we have any grapes?”
“Grapes? No, but we can get some at the store. Are you still hungry?”
“No, I want to smash them.”
“You remember doing that?” The Durands now had machines which did the job on certain types of their wines, but some varieties were still mashed with feet. Rain had joined his parents several times in “smashing.”
“Yeah. That was fun.” Rain hadn’t had a lot of fun in his life lately, but the more time he spent with Amelia and Connor, the better his little life was becoming.
“I don’t know of any local wineries, but I’ll check around.” Remy stood and went to his bedroom for his phone. He’d plugged it up to charge while in the shower. He had a missed call from Henry as well as a voicemail. Remy tapped the screen to listen.
“Remy, this is Henry. I fou
nd Nash Hogan. He’s been living in Amsterdam for the last year under the name of Nash Visser. With his family’s fortune, he was able to create a new identity. I’m sending you his address in an email. Please let me know if I can help further.” Remy shook with a mixture of rage and excitement. He was going to make his mate’s brother pay for what he did to Rain. But before he did that, he would find out exactly what happened to Isla.
Remembering the reason he had gone to retrieve his phone, Remy calmed himself, then went back downstairs. He sat down on the sofa, his leg resting against Rain’s shoulder where he sat on the floor. The boy ached for his father’s touch, and Remy never failed to give it to him often, even in simple ways. Rain needed stability, something Remy wasn’t capable of giving his son at the moment. Remy was supposed to return to California in a few months, taking Rain away from his new friends. Remy wasn’t as close to the Gargoyles out west. None of the ones he hung around with had small children. That didn’t mean there weren’t any.
Remy’s home in California was just as bland and unwelcoming as the one he was currently renting. The houses were nice enough, but Remy had yet to add any personal touches to either. Rain’s bedroom had been set up by some of the mates, and it was filled with all types of things a kid could want. All their family photos were packed away. When Remy moved from France, he didn’t bother taking the reminders of Isla and Rain out of their boxes. The memories hurt bad enough without staring at their shining smiles day after day. In the months since his rescue, Rain had yet to mention his mum. The psychiatrist said he would when the time was right, and Remy didn’t want to push, especially when he didn’t have all the answers as to what happened to Isla.
As badly as he wanted to hop a plane to The Netherlands, Remy didn’t want to leave Rain again so soon after having gone after Craven. That had only taken one day whereas going to confront Nash would take much longer. Remy could take Rain with him, but only if he had others to go with him and watch over the boy. He could ask Gregor and Tessa, but he didn’t want to ask Deacon to fill in for him again. If Tamian’s mate wasn’t working with Jonas on a project, Remy would love to have the couple accompany him. Tamian was a strong Goyle, and Lucy was a Gryphon. That wasn’t common knowledge, but Tamian had confided in Remy on the flight to New Mobile. It was fascinating learning about another type of shifter, especially ones who could transform into both their Lion and Eagle separately. When Tamian described the massive Gryphon he’d fought when he rescued Lucy, Remy was curious to see one for himself.
