Spectrum (Stone Society Book 14)

by Faith Gibson

  Caroline wiped a tear off her cheek. “If it would be okay with everyone, I would like to name her Gabriella. Not after me, but after your brother.”

  Tabitha was the first to say anything. She had claimed the name upon learning it was Caroline’s first name, but now, Isabelle’s niece ran up to Caroline and hugged her. “I think it’s perfect, Grandma. In fact, I think you should name her Rebekah Gabriella.”

  Isabelle thought the same thing. It was the perfect way to honor the male, the brother and son, who had been through more than anyone should have to endure. It would also honor the female who brought light into an otherwise dark world. Both Gabriel and Rebekah would live on in their hearts, and this new baby would carry their names to honor their memories.

  RAFAEL & KAYA

  Chapter One

  Rafael thanked Frey for the update, then disconnected and went to check on Sebastian while Kaya was in the shower. His cousin was doing a wonderful job in Rafe’s absence. It was one reason he was in no hurry to return. Another reason… that was more complicated.

  When Rafael entered the room, his son gave him a toothless smile. Bas was standing in his crib, holding onto the edge and wiggling front to back. “Baba.” Rafe insisted Bas was saying papa, but he could be trying to say momma since he babbled the word no matter who was around. Kaya interpreted it to mean bottle.

  Rafe changed his son’s diaper, then took him to the kitchen where Priscilla was cooking breakfast. She paused long enough to hand over a ready-made bottle so Bas could have his breakfast before the rest of them ate. Priscilla had been prickly as of late, as had Kaya. His mate wanted to go home, but Rafael wasn’t ready. Before the explosion, Priscilla had always been loyal to Rafe, but having spent the last couple months in Italy, it seemed she had moved that loyalty to Kaya. She wasn’t rude to Rafael, but she didn’t go out of her way to appease him as she usually did. Rafe really missed his cookies.

  After Bas finished his bottle, Rafe placed his son on his shoulder to burp him, patting his back while dancing around the kitchen. Bas loved when Rafael sang to him, so he obliged his son every morning. It was a routine they’d gotten into while Kaya was in the hospital and one Rafael continued once they were in Italy.

  As soon as Kaya had been strong enough, Rafe hired a doctor to travel with them on the Clan’s jet, and he brought his little family to the villa. He told himself it was to give Kaya her best chance at healing. He loved his Clan, but her room at the hospital had been a revolving door of mates. In truth, Rafael couldn’t look them in the eye knowing he failed at keeping them safe. Houses had been destroyed and couples displaced.

  While Rafael kept his family in Italy, the others were busy rebuilding their homes. They used the original drawings he had designed to put their houses back the way they had been before Drago fucking destroyed them. Gregor had been the one to inform Rafe they were taking care of the manor in his absence. His brother asked if he wanted anything changed, and Rafe told Gregor he didn’t care. Rafe couldn’t bring himself to take Kaya back to where she’d almost lost her life. He didn’t want her living somewhere that could possibly trigger a reaction, causing more trauma. She assured him she was fine. When he reached out mentally, he didn’t sense any stress when talking about the manor, but he didn’t want to risk it.

  Rafe avoided a lot of phone conversations with his family while Kaya talked to the other mates often. She and the others chatted over video conferences, sometimes one-on-one, and other times there would be four of five of them laughing together. Kaya wanted to return so they could see the new additions to the Clan. Sophia had given birth to Lydia, and Jasper and Trevor had returned from their honeymoon with Jasper’s baby sister, a full-blooded female named Cailín. The Clan was putting their lives back together the way they should after a tragedy by helping one another. Rafael didn’t feel as though he had any right to be part of the rebuilding, yet guilt was eating him alive that they were trying to get the manor ready for a homecoming he wasn’t sure would ever happen.

  Kaya didn’t understand the guilt, nor did she blame Rafe for what happened to her. She blamed Drago. If Rafael had taken the threat more seriously, if he had moved against Drago as soon as the male showed up in New Atlanta, things would have turned out differently. None of their homes would have been destroyed. The mates’ plane wouldn’t have been targeted. Kaya wouldn’t need a cane to help her walk, and her face would be the same one she’d had since birth.

  Not going home was putting a strain on all of them, but Rafael felt it was for the best. At least for the time being. Speaking of strains, Kaya ambled into the kitchen, and Rafael danced over to her. When Sebastian reached for his mother, Rafael pulled him back. She wasn’t strong enough to hold their child and walk, but the look Kaya gave him said she felt differently.

  After sitting at the table, Kaya held out her arms. “Give me,” she insisted, and Rafe handed the baby over, but he sat down next to her in case she needed him.

  Kaya leaned heavily against the bathroom counter and stared at her reflection. The woman looking back was different yet the same. The surgeons had done an amazing job putting her face back together, and scarring was minimal. It was just strange not to look exactly like she always had. Kaya wasn’t vain, and she knew she was lucky. It could have been so much worse. She could have died in the explosion. Sebastian would more than likely have been killed if Priscilla hadn’t chosen to take him to the garden. They were all alive, and their home could be rebuilt. It was being rebuilt. The Clan back home had bonded together to get the destroyed houses put back to rights, starting with Nik’s since he and Sophia had a new baby girl.

  After brushing her teeth and pulling her hair back in a ponytail, Kaya grabbed her cane and made her way to the kitchen. She paused at the doorway to enjoy the sight of her mate dancing with their son while Priscilla cooked breakfast. Rafael was singing in Italian, and Bas was patting his papa’s face, cooing along. At six months, Bas had Kaya’s bright blue eyes and Rafe’s darker hair. He was happy and healthy, both more important than his features. If she could only say the same about her mate, all would be right in her world. Rafe was healthy, but he wasn’t happy. He put on a good front, but Kaya knew her male. Knew how he hid his worries from her. Knew he blamed himself for what happened.

  “Look, Bas. There’s your pretty momma.” Rafael danced over to where she was standing. Sebastian reached out for her, but Rafe pulled him back. That was another thing that needed to change. Kaya could manage without her cane, and damnit, she could hold her son.

  She shuffled over to the table and sat down, holding out her arms. “Give me,” she ordered. Rafael placed Bas in her arms, then sat down next to her. Kaya loved her mate more than anything in the world except maybe Sebastian. She loved her child in equal measure, just differently. She appreciated how well Rafael had taken care of her during her rehabilitation. How he continued to be there for her every step of the way, but in doing so, he had abandoned his other responsibilities. Frey, according to Rafe, was doing a fine job of leading the Clan, but Kaya reminded him often it wasn’t Frey’s duty. Rafael was still the King.

  Kaya missed their Clan. Missed being around the other mates. Their Italian villa was a glorious sanctuary, but the longer they remained, the more it felt like a prison. She was ready to go home even if it meant staying with Frey and Abbi for a while. Kaya could use a dose of Amelia’s brand of happiness. Going home meant convincing Rafael she was well enough and he was good enough.

  Priscilla placed Kaya’s plate in front of her. “You’re looking spry this morning,” Priscilla said with a wink.

  Kaya hid her smile behind Sebastian’s head. “Thank you. I feel spry. As a matter of fact, after we eat, I want to take a walk to the cliffs.”

  “Kaya,” Rafael started to object.

  “You heard the doctor. As long as I have my cane, I can walk as much as I want. He recommended getting more exercise, and I need the fresh air.”

  “I don’t want you to overdo it.” Rafe reac
hed for Sebastian, but Kaya pushed his hand away.

  “I’ve got him.” Kaya settled the baby in her left arm, then began eating. Her arm had healed nicely, and she had gotten the cast removed a couple weeks ago. It was entertaining trying to get the food to her mouth with little grabby hands making for the fork, but Kaya managed. More than once Rafael reached out to help, and every time, Kaya glared at her mate.

  Finally, Priscilla slapped Rafe’s shoulder. “Your food is getting cold.” Their beloved housekeeper had gotten bolder with her interference, and she was on Kaya’s side. Both women were ready to go home. Priscilla loved their little family, but she missed the others more than Kaya did. She had been taking care of the Clan a long time, and they were her adopted sons and daughters. To her, Sebastian was her grandchild, but so were Connor and Amelia. Sophia had given birth to Lydia, and Priscilla was anxious to see the baby girl, as was Kaya.

  Priscilla joined them at the table. That was something else that had changed. Before coming to Italy, the woman had always waited until they finished eating to feed herself. Kaya insisted she join them, and Priscilla, after very little fussing, did so. She waited until Rafe had a mouthful of food to drop her bomb.

  “I have prepared several meals and put them in the freezer. Penelope will be coming back to stay with you for a while.” Priscilla’s sister and her family watched over the villa when it wasn’t occupied.

  Rafe swallowed his food and wiped his mouth. “Why is Penelope coming? We have you.”

  “I’m going home. Kaya is doing well, and I have a grandbaby to meet.”

  “But we need you here.”

  “And Sophia needs me there. Penelope can take care of feeding you in my absence.”

  “It’s not about the food.” Rafe slapped his hand on the table, startling Sebastian. His little face scrunched, and Kaya set her fork down so she could cradle him against her shoulder.

  Patting Bas’s back, Kaya glared at her mate. Again. “We’ll be fine with Penelope. Have you already talked to Bryce?” she asked Priscilla. The Clan’s pilot had remained with them at the villa instead of traveling back to the States.

  “I’m flying commercial. I didn’t want to leave you without the jet.”

  “Nonsense. It’s not like Rafael’s going to take me anywhere, so you might as well fly in comfort.”

  “Now wait a second. Last time I looked, I was King.” Rafael pushed his chair back and stood.

  Kaya didn’t miss the opportunity to snap back. “And I’m still Queen. Although hiding out halfway across the world really isn’t affording me the opportunity to be there for my Clan.” The words had the intended effect. Rafe’s face went from mutinous to hurt, but Kaya was tired of the pity party for one. He tossed his napkin onto his unfinished breakfast and strode from the room, slamming the back door on the way outside.

  “That went well,” Priscilla deadpanned before sipping her coffee.

  “If I thought I could get away with it, I’d pack my bags and go with you. I’ve tried talking to him. Reasoning with him. I’m tired of being used as his scapegoat.” Kaya kissed Sebastian’s temple before placing him on her lap. “What are we going to do with your papa?” she whispered to her son.

  Priscilla’s face softened. “I would say give him time, but…”

  “As long as Frey is taking care of the Clan, he has no reason to go home. Is it horrible I wish something would happen so Rafe had to return? I love my mate, but I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”

  Rafael didn’t go far. He never strayed too far away from Kaya. Rarely did he invade her privacy, but he couldn’t help but listen in as his mate and housekeeper talked about him. Kaya had asked more than once to return to the States, and he refused every time, claiming she wasn’t ready. In truth, he wasn’t ready. He had failed his family. Failed his Clan. He wasn’t fit to be King, but Kaya didn’t see it that way. Kaya was right that Frey was doing a wonderful job in his absence. More than once he considered turning the crown over to his cousin. Frey was a born leader. He had military experience. If only Roberto had been the eldest brother, Frey would have been the rightful heir to the throne.

  Kaya was also right that he was using her as an excuse to stay away, but hearing her desperation was breaking his heart. When the back door opened a few minutes later, he didn’t have to look to know it was her. Kaya was as much a part of him as his Goyle.

  “Walk with me?” she requested. The hesitation in her voice was a kick to the nuts. Kaya should never have to doubt him, but lately, he had given her no reason not to.

  “Of course.” Rafael wanted to pick his mate up and carry her to the cliffs. It wasn’t a short walk, but she needed this. Needed to not only get exercise as the doctor suggested, but to also feel capable. Kaya was a strong woman. Determined. It was one reason she was on her way to a full recovery so quickly. She had been moving about the villa without using her cane as often, but when she did, it was more for his benefit than hers. Or maybe she kept it handy so she could beat him over the head with it. He wouldn’t blame her if she did.

  When they arrived at the edge of their land, Kaya stood silently, gazing out over the water. She had remained quiet during the walk, but he sensed her thoughts were as tumultuous as the sea below. The wind coming off the vast expanse of dark water whipped at the tendrils of hair that had escaped her ponytail, but Kaya ignored it. When she finally spoke, she kept her eyes on the horizon.

  “One day in the not-so-distant future, Sebastian will be King. Everything important he learns will come from you. Frey will teach him to fight. Julian or Henry will teach him about technology. I will do my best to teach him how to love. But the most important things about being a good leader will come from you.” Kaya turned her face toward him. “Before we know it, he will learn to walk. He’s going to fall down. Are you going to scoop him up and carry him or pick him up and encourage him to try again? He’s going to face adversity. There will be those who try to take him down the same way Alistair and Drago did with you. Will you teach him to trust in the Clan, in our family, to stick together? Or will you tell him to run when things get tough?” Kaya searched his eyes before turning her gaze back to the sea.

  “I don’t know what it’s like to lead a Clan,” she continued. “But I do know about being in charge. As Chief of Police, I had to make hard decisions. I had to delegate responsibilities to my officers and detectives. I had to trust that those who were under my direction would do their best to keep our city safe. It didn’t always work. Crime didn’t cease. People still died. Was that my fault? Could I have done more to ensure the evil in the world suddenly became good? Stopped killing, stopped selling drugs, stopped robbing and causing chaos? I became a cop because of my father. I wanted to follow in his footsteps to try and make a difference. I’m not sure I succeeded, but at least I tried. That is the lesson I want our son to learn. To try his best. To lean on those around him to help. To know that when he fails – because he will – that he has a Clan surrounding him who won’t blame him for failing, but will be there to pick him up, dust off his backside, and push him forward. I want Bas to know it’s okay to not have all the answers all the time. I want him to be the best King for our future Clan. Are you going to teach him how? Or are we going to stay hidden away while his cousins learn those lessons from their parents?”

  Rafael touched Kaya’s chin and turned her face toward him. “Please forgive me. For trying to shelter you too long. For not listening when you asked to go home.” Rafe leaned down and pressed their foreheads together. “I’m not sorry for bringing you here to recuperate, but I am sorry for making you stay after you requested we return. I have been feeling sorry for myself. I failed to keep the Clan safe, but more than that, I failed to keep you safe. I thought by bringing you here I could shelter you and Sebastian from further attacks. I thought I could outrun the guilt, or at least hide from it if I wasn’t around to see the destruction. But while I’ve been here having a pity party, our family has been hard at work rebuilding
our homes. I should have been there for them. I helped rebuild New Atlanta after the world fell, but when my family needed me most, I let them down. Not because we were attacked, but because I ran.

  “You are absolutely right in everything you said, and that’s why you are the perfect Queen. It is your place to keep me in line and tell me when I’m fucking up. It is my place to teach our son, and I’m not setting a good example by staying here while the world continues to spin. So again, please forgive me.”

  Kaya cupped his cheek with her free hand and kissed him softly. “You’re forgiven,” she mouthed against his lips.

  “Let’s go home.”

  Epilogue

  New Atlanta 2053

  Family day was in full swing at the manor, and Rafael smiled at the chaos. Coming back from Italy had been the right decision. When they first returned, Rafael drove straight to Frey and Abbi’s. After a couple weeks, Frey encouraged Rafe to take his family home, but Rafael used Kaya’s trauma as an excuse for not doing so. The mates kept Kaya busy, visiting almost daily. Sophia brought Lydia over for play dates even though the baby couldn’t do more than lie on a blanket next to Sebastian.

  They had been back in the States for almost a month when Frey informed Rafael it was time to not only return home but to also return to being King. His cousin had done an amazing job leading their Clan in Rafael’s absence, but the responsibility wasn’t Frey’s, so Frey took Rafael for a short road trip. When they pulled up at the manor, Rafael cursed his cousin until he noticed all the cars parked in front of the garage. The males of their family had gathered to not only show Rafael the reconstructed house, but to also have an intervention. Before they all lit into him like family and not Clan, Frey gave him a tour. Once they finished going over all the upgrades, the males ganged up on him. Frey told Rafe to get his head out of his ass and be the leader they had followed for two hundred years. Julian had a large part in convincing Rafael he wasn’t to blame for the bombings when he asked Rafe if he blamed Julian for all the trouble with the unknown hacker.