by Faith Gibson
Rain’s giggles brought Remy back to the task at hand. He opened his phone and searched for local wineries. He found several in Georgia, and only one of those offered grape stomping. He sent an email requesting a private party where he could take Rain and possibly Amelia and Connor to enjoy a day out. He then sent a text to Frey and Dante telling them what he had in mind, stating it could be considered a field trip.
The event planner returned his call almost immediately. When she explained they didn’t offer grape stomping on such a small scale because of cost, Remy told the planner about his family-owned vineyards in France, so he was aware of what went into putting the day together. He offered to pay full price with twenty percent added on top of that if she would accommodate their small group. There were other activities which wouldn’t cost near what Remy was willing to pay, but this was part of Rain’s past. What good was having money if he couldn’t use it to give Rain a happy memory?
While he was on hold, Dante returned his text stating he, Isabelle, and Connor would love to accompany them and to add Gregor and Tessa to the list. Frey also texted, saying Abbi, Amelia, and Marigold were eager to take the trip too. Frey would send Lorenzo in his place to watch over his family since Frey needed to stay in New Atlanta. When the planner came back on the line, Remy told her the final count would be eleven, and she had gotten approval from the owners to set up their outing. They set the date for the following Saturday, and Remy paid her in advance. When he disconnected, Remy sent a text to Frey and Dante with the date and time of their outing.
Rain turned around and scooted onto his knees, propping his bony elbows on Remy’s thighs. “We get to smash grapes?”
“Yes, but we can’t go until next Saturday. Now, we have a whole day to do something else. Would you like to go see a movie? Or we could go to the Aquarium.”
“I’ve never been to an aquarium. Do they have lots of fish?” Rain’s accent was a combination of French and Australian. The more he was around Amelia, the less they came through.
“Thousands. They even have sharks.”
Rain’s eyes were huge. “Sharks? We have to go, Papa!”
Remy laughed and ran his hand over Rain’s hair. “You go brush your teeth and change out of your pajamas. I’ll clean up our dishes quickly, and then we’ll be on our way.”
Rain pushed off the floor using Remy’s legs as leverage and climbed onto his papa’s lap. Rain squished Remy’s cheeks together, making him look like a fish. It was a move Amelia did often to Frey, and the large Gargoyle lit up every single time. “You’re the best daddy ever.” Rain smacked a kiss on Remy’s fish lips, then hopped down and took off up the stairs. Okay, maybe Amelia wasn’t such a bad influence after all.
After their day at the aquarium, Remy and Rain returned to their normal days. Remy stayed away from Craven because the urge to kill the human was too strong. As he made his rounds, he observed Isabelle interact with Gabriel. From what Remy was told, the male had changed since being captured. Isabelle spent time with her brother, helping him remember who he had been before being kidnapped and used for his shifter blood. He was no longer Vincent Alexander, cold-blooded killer. Gabriel was aware of the bad things he’d done for the man who created the Unholy, and he quietly spent his days in the Pen as atonement. If Isabelle had her way, Gabriel would not be locked up, but more than once, Remy overheard their conversations. Gabriel stated he wouldn’t leave before he’d done his time, even if his sister were to somehow convince Gregor to let him out.
Isabelle and Dante continued to administer the antiserum to the Unholy, and so far, the treatment was working. Tessa hadn’t been lying when she told Craven he was no longer needed. Isabelle had Jonas Montague as a father, and the man was a genius. Isabelle had inherited her father’s smarts and was able to formulate her own antiserum. Tessa had inherited the male’s penchant for mischievousness, and Remy was always delighted when she spent her days at the Pen with Gregor. The redhead was feisty and funny, and she reminded Remy of Isla.
When she caught Remy deep in thought the Friday before their trip to the winery, Tessa asked him if he was okay.
“I’m good. Just thinking about going after Isla’s brother.”
“So you know where he is?”
“Yes. Henry found him in The Netherlands. He’s been working under an alias.”
Tessa clapped her hands together. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go get the bastard.”
“What kind of trouble are you getting into now, Red?” Gregor asked as he entered the office.
“The best kind – taking out the trash.” Gregor arched a brow, and she continued. “Remy found his dickhead brother-in-law.”
Gregor growled low in his throat. “What are you waiting for?” Gregor’s tone matched his mate’s.
“I’m supposed to be learning how to run the Pen, not traipsing across the world for revenge.”
“It’s a good thing I’m in charge of that project, isn’t it?” Gregor pulled Tessa’s back against his chest and looked at Remy over her shoulder. “Other than worrying about that, is there anything else holding you back?”
“Logistics. I hate leaving Rain again, but I can’t take him with me and go after Nash. I won’t put him through seeing the man who sold him to Drago.”
Tessa huffed and slashed her hand in the air as though Remy were being obtuse. “I can go with you and watch Rain while you go after Nash. I’ve been a lot of places but never The Netherlands.” Tessa turned her head and looked up at Gregor. “What do you say, Stone? Fancy a trip to tulip land? If you can’t go with us, I can ask Tamian. Lucy’s going to be busy with Jonas a while, and I know he’s always up for garbage disposal.”
“I’ll go. Deacon already offered to step in when and if Remy found Nash.”
“Then that’s settled. I’ll ask Tamian for his jet. Remy, just let me know when you want to go.” Tessa had a fire in her eyes Remy admired. She and Gregor were proving to be not only good Clan mates but good friends as well. He was lucky to know them.
“Find out when it’s best for Deacon. I hate taking him away from Sabrina.”
“Will do, Brother.”
Remy left the couple in the office while he made his rounds. He thought about calling Felix with his plan to go after Nash, but he didn’t want the male to tip his son off. Remy had no idea whether or not Felix was aware of where Nash was or that the male was using an alias. There was little Remy wouldn’t do for his own son, but kidnapping and possibly murder were two things he would have a hard time being okay with. He didn’t see his sweet child ever getting to a point in his life where he was that evil. Remy didn’t know Nash well. He only knew what Isla had told him about her brother, and none of it was good. According to her, he had always been spoiled and felt entitled. How the two siblings turned out so differently having been raised by the same parents was a mystery.
Saturday’s weather was perfect for their trip to the winery. The autumn air was crisp, and Halloween decorations were springing up everywhere he looked. Abbi and Frey were planning a party for the kids after taking them around to the Clan houses to trick-or-treat.
Rain chatted animatedly to his two little friends about stomping grapes. Connor, who was usually quiet and stoic like his father, was excited at the prospect of getting dirty. Amelia was dressed in her ever-present tutu, only this one was purple so it matched the color of the juice. Remy kept one eye on the road and the other on the kids in the back of the SUV. Lorenzo sat next to him in the passenger seat. He was used to the kids’ conversations, having watched over them often, and he still laughed at Amelia’s antics.
“You’re lucky, Brother,” Lor whispered at one point. “I can’t imagine what you went through when you thought you lost him and your mate, but you’ve been given a second chance. For that, I thank the gods.”
Lorenzo was an honorable male, helping the Clan wherever he could. He was one of the Goyles who had yet to meet his mate. “Don’t give up hope. There’s still plenty of time for you t
o find your own mate.”
“Hope is all I have. In the meantime, I will watch over the young ones as best I can. I am looking forward to the next generation taking over. Times are changing, and I want to assure our future leaders have the best possible chance at leading our Clan. If I cannot have my own children, I will gladly be a guardian for all the others.”
“Are we there yet?” the three children asked in unison, giggling when they did. Lorenzo grinned, and Remy rolled his eyes, but he was thrilled Rain had two friends to bring out the kid in him.
North Georgia was worlds away from New Atlanta. Sure they had suburbs, and the area where most of the Gargoyles lived was somewhat rural with lots of acreage, but the farther away they got, the more scenic the landscape became. Autumn in the south was different than in California, and Remy found himself feeling a bit homesick for his French vineyard home. When he lost his little family of two, Remy couldn’t remain, so he traveled to the States, hoping to function without memories beating him down every moment of every day. He had Rain back, but Remy didn’t think he could return to their home without Isla.
He was doing his best to be everything Rain needed, and most days he felt he succeeded. There were some days, though, his doubts crept in. He would never have another mate. Never love another female, but didn’t Rain deserve to have a mother figure guiding him as well? No! No. Remy would have to be enough. He couldn’t even think about bringing someone else into Rain’s life. Into his own life. He would have to be enough.
Everything about their outing was perfect. The weather. The location. The owner of the vineyard had introduced himself, and when Rain mentioned their vineyard in France, the human had taken time to speak with Remy about grapes and processes and bouquets and all the other things that went into a great bottle of wine. It was easy to get lost in the business aspect of having a vineyard. When the owner’s wife joined him, Remy excused himself to join the others in the reason they’d taken the trip. He rolled up his pants and stood barefoot alongside Rain. His son wasn’t much taller than the last time they’d shared a vat of plump, purple fruit. Rain had been held inside during his captivity, not getting the needed daily allotment of fresh air and sunshine. Remy tried not to dwell on the trauma his son had endured. Instead, he made the most of their time together.
After cleaning up, the adults sat around the table to enjoy the included lunch and wine tasting, while the kids alternated taking bites of food and playing in the cool sunshine. Amelia was always a ball of energy, and her constant need to move was enticing to Rain and Connor. All three children had been through more in their short lives than most adults, but with the Clan’s love, they were thriving. The females in New Atlanta had taken Rain into the fold, especially Abbi. Maybe it was because she, too, had endured being held captive. Remy had heard Abbi’s story. The mates never hesitated to share what they had gone through. They each had come out the other side better for finding their intended Gargoyle. Remy only wished Isla had her own happy ending.
Tessa, who was talking about one of her cousins, stopped mid-sentence just as Amelia yelled, “Izzy!”
Isabelle and Dante rushed to where Connor was standing frozen. Remy had never experienced one of the young boy’s visions. Amelia became another child altogether as she ran to her mom and sat quietly, watching her cousin. Abbi pulled Amelia onto her lap as they both waited. Rain hadn’t moved from Connor’s side. He stood silently as Dante and Isabelle knelt beside their son. When Connor came out of his trance, he placed his forehead against Dante’s. The two spoke silently for several long seconds, then like nothing happened, Connor returned to his former animated self.
Isabelle led both boys to the table and encouraged them to eat. “It’s getting late. Please finish your lunch.” Connor did as he was told, and Rain walked over to where Remy was sitting. Mimicking Amelia, Rain climbed onto Remy’s lap. He was quiet as he ate, and Remy wasn’t sure whether or not to be worried. As far as he knew, Rain had never witnessed Connor’s visions either. If he had, he hadn’t mentioned it to Remy.
“This was an excellent idea, Remy. Thank you for inviting us,” Dante said. The normally laid-back male had joined in the festivities, even laughing along with his son.
“Thanks for joining us. We’ll have to do it again soon.”
“Like now?” Amelia asked, her cheeks full of cold pasta.
“No, silly girl.” Abbi handed Amelia a napkin. “We have to make an appointment so they can gather more grapes. We have already stomped all they had today.”
“But there’s all them grapes out there.” Amelia pointed to the rows of vines.
“True, but those aren’t ready. Unless you want to pick enough for everyone? It would take a few days, but I think you could do it.”
“Days? I don’t have days, Mommy. I have dance class and school. And I’d miss Daddy.”
When Remy caught Connor staring at him, he tuned out Amelia’s chatter. The boy had always been polite whenever Remy was around, but the way he was focused on Remy was unnerving. Dante clasped Remy’s shoulder and whispered, “Later.” It wasn’t loud enough for the kids to hear, but all those with shifter hearing caught it.
On the drive home, the kids were less chatty. Even Amelia nodded off slumped against Connor. Remy had figured the boy would ride back with his parents, but he climbed into Remy’s SUV with the other kids. Dante and Isabelle didn’t look concerned, so Remy tried not to worry either.
Chapter Four
Remy parked in Dante’s driveway, eager to learn what had spooked Connor. The boy climbed out of the back row and wordlessly made his way inside. Isabelle walked with her son, while Dante remained outside. Tessa followed her cousin, but Gregor stood next to his brother. Lorenzo strode off to check the perimeter even though all Clan homes were being monitored by Henry back in the lab.
“As you’ve probably deduced, Connor had a vision. Usually when that happens, he has his art supplies handy and can draw a picture of what he saw. Since he didn’t, he shared it with me. Connor saw a woman with a young girl. He has gone upstairs to put his vision to paper. Until you see it, I am not going to speculate as to who the females are.”
“I need to get to Rain. If Connor shows him the drawing, I don’t want Rain to get upset if it happens to be his mother.”
“Isabelle won’t let that happen. Abbi and Marigold are keeping Amelia and Rain occupied. But let’s say the female is Isla. You should head to Amsterdam immediately.”
Remy dipped his chin and stared at his feet, trying to get his breathing under control. His beast wasn’t offering assistance. It was too focused on their mate being out in the world somewhere waiting on them.
Gregor stepped closer and clasped his hand on Remy’s neck, squeezing gently. “Tamian has his jet on standby, and Tessa and I are packed and ready to go whenever you say the word.”
The front door opened, and Remy raised his head. Isabelle held a piece of paper, and Remy sucked in a breath. He wanted to look at what Connor had drawn, but he didn’t. Isabelle’s face was impassive. Whatever Connor had drawn didn’t mean anything to the female considering she had never met Isla. Then again, neither had Connor. But somehow, the child was able to see future events. He could envision those he’d never met, the same way he had connected with Dante in the beginning. Isabelle stopped in front of Remy and held the page out to him.
“Fuck.” It was a perfect depiction of Isla and a little girl walking hand-in-hand between rows of grapes. Remy’s knees threatened to buckle. “This—” Remy cleared his throat, which was thick with excitement and regret. “This is our vineyard back in France. One of Isla and Rain’s favorite things to do together was take a walk if I had business to attend.”
“This is from the past?” Dante asked.
Remy had only glanced at the drawing. Inhaling deeply, he took a longer look. Studying his mate, Remy noticed subtle differences in her appearance. Isla was thinner, and her hair was a bit shorter.
“No. It’s…” Remy’s hand shook, an
d Dante grabbed hold, steadying him. “Isla’s hair was longer, and she wasn’t this thin. And I don’t recognize the girl. I… I can’t…” Remy closed his eyes against the tears threatening to fall. “I can’t let myself believe she could be alive.” His voice was barely more than a whisper. “I can’t lose her twice.”
Dante took the paper and handed it back to Isabelle. “Brother, you have no reason to believe me. To believe in Connor’s abilities, but he has never had a vision that wasn’t accurate.”
“What if this is the first time? What if he’s seeing something from the past? No, Isla doesn’t look like she did, but Connor’s never met her. What if he has her characteristics wrong because of that? I can’t let myself believe she’s out there, because if she is? Then I failed her like I failed my son. I’m the one who didn’t want to go visit her family. I’m the one who sent them to Australia without me to watch over them.”
Dante placed both hands on Remy’s shoulders. “Don’t do that, Brother. You had no reason to believe her own brother would betray her. Isla took Rain thinking they’d be safe. You don’t blame her, do you?”
“No! No, of course not.”
“Then don’t blame yourself. You both were under the impression Nash Hogan was a somewhat honorable male. This is on him. No one else. Now, instead of standing here wondering, get your ass on that jet and go find out the truth.”
