by Faith Gibson
Sixx grinned at his kid and signed the horns back. “Yes, it must. When you get back to the bus, you’ll have a Gargoyle with you at all times. He won’t ride the tour bus with you. Instead he’ll follow behind in an SUV. Once Sinclair gives me his information, I’ll text you with his name and picture. Remember, not all Gargoyles are on our side. If whoever is watching you needs to swap out with someone else, you will be notified beforehand. Do not trust anyone just because they say they’re one of us.”
“Got it. Anything else?”
Sixx had so much more he wanted to say, but it would have to wait until later. “I’m proud of you, Son. Proud of the son you’ve been to your mother and proud of the way you handled shifting with no one to help you.”
Desi’s eyes misted with tears, but he blinked them away. “Thank you. And Michael? I forgive you.” Desi didn’t wait for a response. He dropped his plate off in the dishwasher and disappeared upstairs. They both had said the words – I forgive you. Sixx had needed to hear the words for closure on that part of their lives. He was ready to start a new chapter.
“Let’s go to bed, Rae. I need to hold you. I promise I won’t do anything you’re not ready to do, but I need you in my arms. I’ve wasted too much fucking time without you.”
“I’m ready,” she stated. Her smile said she was ready, but her voice indicated she was nervous. Sixx would ease her mind once they were alone.
“Let me lock up. I’ll meet you in the bedroom.” He kissed her on the top of her head, and they made their way inside. While she went to get ready for bed, Sixx set the alarm and turned off most of the lights. When he reached his bedroom, Rae was going through her bags. He leaned against the doorframe as she pulled various articles of clothing out before stuffing them back in. She finally settled on a pair of sleep shorts and t-shirt. He would give her that, only because Desi was in the house. When they were alone, though, she would be naked. He wanted all of her skin on display for his viewing pleasure. He needed to check out any new ink she had. When she stood and turned, she gasped.
“I didn’t hear you come in. You always were stealthy. Now I know why.” Rae cocked her head to the side, studying him.
“Does it bother you?”
“That you’re stealthy?”
“No, that I’m a Gargoyle.”
Rae clutched her clothes to her chest. “I don’t think so. I haven’t really had time for it all to sink in. Not only do I have to accept that you’re a Gargoyle, but my son is, too, even if he’s only half. I never thought there might be something other than humans walking around. I think I need to meet some of the other women and hear their stories. Gain their perspective.”
Sixx was glad to hear that she wanted to interact with the other mates. In his opinion, it would make her acceptance of him easier. The mates were strong people with minds of their own. They had each been through a trial to get to where they were, but they’d all come out mostly unscathed. “Kaya should be here through the weekend. I’d love for you to meet her and Rafael before they head home. After that, we can fly to New Atlanta as soon as you’re ready.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to meet the King and Queen of the Gargoyles. What if they don’t like me?”
“They will absolutely love you, Doll. Everyone will. The fates only choose mates who are worthy. Besides, you’re family, and our Clan loves family.”
Rae thought about it for a moment before agreeing. “Okay, then. Let’s go see them tomorrow.” She disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Okay then.
Chapter Seventeen
Sixx didn’t sleep. At all. He spent the whole night fighting his shifter. He wanted nothing more than to rip Rae’s cotton t-shirt from her body so he could feel her soft skin against his hand. He wanted to slide her shorts down her toned legs and spread them with his knee so he had access to her sweet pussy. He wanted to take a fistful of her short brown hair and pull so that she arched her back just a little more. He needed to slide his aching dick in her slickness, not stopping until she screamed his name. He did none of these things. It was the most painful night in his existence. More excruciating than when he transitioned for the first time.
Her scent alone was enough to drive him crazy. Add to that the fact her body remembered his. Rae adjusted to having his large frame behind her smaller one by snuggling her ass into his groin. When they had been together years before, Sixx never spent all night with her until that last night. He stayed long enough for her to fall asleep, and then he’d watch over her. No matter which way she fell asleep, before he left, she would turn so her ass was as close to him as she could get it. It was at that point he would slip from the bed and go home, because it was at that point when he could no longer contain the beast.
Since he was already home, he slid from the bed and took a cold shower. While he was drying off, he stood in the doorway watching her sleep. He wanted to crawl back in bed, wake her up, and drive his cock home. So much for the cold shower. Even if the water had helped to abate his erection, the sight of his mate in his bed would have him ready to go again. Sighing, he quietly pulled on his shorts and made his way to the kitchen. Coffee was already made, and Uri was manning the stove.
“I thought you all might be hungry,” he explained as he flipped some bacon.
Sixx appreciated the fact his friend was trying to be thoughtful, but he had every intention of getting Rae naked as soon as Desi hit the road.
“Thanks, Brother. Have you seen Desi this morning?”
“Not yet, but the shower turned off a few minutes ago. I expect I’ll get to meet him momentarily.”
Sixx poured his coffee and leaned against the counter. “What do you have planned today?”
“We have training this morning, and then I’m going to spend the day at the armory. The last piece of equipment is supposed to arrive this afternoon, and I want to be there when they install it.”
Sixx opened his mouth to mention Banyan, but Desi came into the kitchen. “Good morning.”
“Good morning. Desi, I’d like you to meet Urijah Aldobrand. Uri, my son Desmond Rothchild.”
Uri stopped cooking long enough to shake the hand Desi was offering. “It’s a pleasure, Uri.”
“On my honor,” Uri vowed, bowing his head before returning to the stove. Desi looked at Sixx, eyebrows raised.
He had a lot more to teach his son about the ways of the Goyles. Instead of explaining the gesture, Sixx asked, “Coffee?”
“Hell, yes. I can’t function without at least four cups.”
Before Sixx could get to it, Uri pulled a mug from the cabinet and poured it full. He placed it on the counter and pointed to the sugar. “Sugar’s there. Milk’s in the fridge.” Sixx leaned back, enjoying the easy way Urijah was making himself at home.
While Desi fixed his coffee the way he liked it, Uri said, “I really enjoyed Holy Desolation, but Queen’s Blood is grittier. Did you intend for the sound to change that drastically, or was it a natural progression?”
Sixx really needed to listen to his son’s music so he could join in these conversations.
“Honestly? I wrote most of Queen’s Blood after I transitioned. I was scared, angry, pissed off, and pretty sure I was losing my mind. Imagine not knowing you had a shifter inside, then one day, Bam! You become this thing. When I started writing the lyrics, Tyson asked me if I’d stepped over to the dark side. The more the others listened, the more they liked the darker vibe. I’ve known the three guys in the band almost my whole life, yet I couldn’t tell them where the lyrics were coming from. I didn’t want them to think I was crazy. I already thought that enough for all of us.”
“Transitioned?” Uri asked, his eyebrows drawn down.
Sixx confirmed Desi’s words. “Yes. My son has been a half-blood for over a year now.”
“Holy gods. I can see where that would have been tough. I know your father is proud of you, but man, I want you to know how much I admire you. If you’ve transitioned, that mean
s you have a mate out there. Do you know who he or she is?” Uri asked, transferring the cooked bacon to a plate.
“She is a costume designer in New York. I think.” Desi explained the dreams and Rae drawing the likeness so Julian could do the search.
“Fuck, you were a busy bunch yesterday,” Uri joked.
Sixx poured another cup of coffee, adding a splash of milk. Rae had risen, and she was coming down the hallway. His eyes met hers when she entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Doll. Uri, I’d like you to meet my mate. Desirae, this is Urijah.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Uri. Sixx has told me absolutely nothing about you.”
Urijah laughed. “I’ve certainly heard about you, Desirae.” He fisted his heart and bowed. “On my honor.” Rae’s expression was the same as Desi’s had been.
Sixx handed Rae her coffee, already creamy, the way she used to drink it. “I guess I need to explain a little more about our family to you both. I told you yesterday how our Clan is one large family. Not all Gargoyle clans are the same. Rafael’s father was an honorable King. He treated each member fairly. As long as you were loyal, trustworthy, honest, and had each other’s back, you were family. When he was slain, Rafael stepped into the role of King, ruling much the same way his father had. Times have changed, and the Clan has adapted to those times, but we are basically one big family. Some closer than others, obviously. As a Gargoyle, we live to protect not only humans, but each other as well. Especially the mates and offspring of our Brothers and Sisters. It is on our honor that we vow our lives to the service of our family. Our Clan.”
“I’m certainly looking forward to having a large family, and I’m glad Mom’s going to have a support system with the other mates. She’s spent far too many years hiding out. She needs girlfriends.”
“I don’t know about friends, but I do welcome the support. They can fill me in on the things Michael won’t tell me,” Rae said as she pulled a paper towel off the roll. She folded it up and placed it on the table, using it as a coaster for her mug before taking a seat. Sixx had forgotten she did that. He was desperate to remember all her quirks and nuances.
Uri interrupted, “I’m making omelets. Anything in particular you do or don’t like?” Both Desi and Rae told him they’d eat it however he cooked it. Sixx was glad to see his family wasn’t too picky. It made things easier when it was his turn to cook. Before turning back to the stove, Uri said, “You know, you should take a selfie with Desi and send it to Trevor.”
Sixx smiled, thinking of Jasper’s mate and how he and Matthew had been the ones to recognize Desi. If it wasn’t for their love of Cyanide Sweetness, he might not have figured out he had a son. “Good idea. He and Matthew both will be jealous. Rae, will you take our picture?” Sixx got his phone ready and gave it to his mate. He put his arm around his son, and they smiled for the camera.
“Good heavens, you two look like twins,” she gushed as she studied the picture. “Especially with your hair sticking out everywhere.” Sixx smiled at the truth of her words. Their images side by side were startling, yet endearing. They did look more like brothers than father and son.
“Who is Matthew?” Desi asked as he peered around his father’s shoulder at the photo.
Rae interrupted, holding a finger up. “Hang on. Isn’t Matthew Abbi’s teenage brother that her husband beat up and then Trevor killed the husband, and her mate is... oh, crap... the guy with the gym...” She was trying to remember, but Sixx had thrown a lot of names her way.
“Yes. Abbi is Frey’s mate, and Matthew is her brother. Frey adopted Matthew and the little girl, Amelia.”
“Whoa there. Who killed who? And someone was married? This is sounding like a soap opera. Dammit, I wish I had more time to hang out this morning. I need details!” Desi waved his arm dramatically. He was a showman after all.
Sixx grinned at his son. “I had several hours with your mother yesterday, and she still doesn’t know everyone’s stories. I tell you what. I’ll sit down and make a list of the Goyles, who they are mated to, if they have kids, and a brief rundown of their story. I’ll email it to you, and you can study it in your down time.” Sixx didn’t want to scare either Desi or Rae, but they deserved to know what they were up against.
“That’ll work as long as there isn’t a quiz later.”
Uri put plates on the table for everyone, and they all sat down to eat together. Sixx sat back and listened while Desi and Uri discussed certain songs from the albums. Even Rae commented on her favorites. It took Desi longer to finish eating because he enjoyed sharing his love of music with such an avid fan.
While they were comparing musical styles of other bands to Cyanide Sweetness, Sinclair sent Sixx a text letting him know who was going to be on Desi watch. When Desi stopped talking long enough to take a bite, Sixx told him, “Thane Sommers is going to be your bodyguard. Here’s his picture.” Sixx showed the photo to Desi before forwarding the information to his phone. “He’s already in New Fresno waiting for you.”
“Excellent. I hate to eat and run, but I need to get back before sound check.” Desi left them in the kitchen to go pack his bag for the ride back. When he returned, he said, “Uri, thank you for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome. Maybe I’ll catch one of your shows soon.”
“Just let me know when. I’ll get you backstage.”
Sixx stood off to the side as Desi wrapped his mom in his arms. “I’ll text you as soon as I get there, Pretty Momma. I love you.”
“Love you, too, Dez. Drive safe.”
He kissed her on the temple before turning to Sixx. “Walk me to my car?” he asked his father. Sixx opened the back door and held it open, following Desi out to the rental. “It’s surreal standing here with you. I’ve waited my whole life to meet my father, and now that you’re here, it’s a little overwhelming. Not just you, but the whole Gargoyle business. Oh, and I’m sorry I hit you.” Desi dropped his eyes and blushed.
“I’m not sorry. It showed me how protective you are of your mother. I couldn’t ask anything more from you where she’s concerned. I will never be able to make it up to either of you for not being there, but I’ll never stop trying. I’m going to do my best to get Rae back to New Atlanta for a while so she can spend time with the other females. I also want to catch a few of your shows. Jasper and Trevor have been planning on seeing you for months. I’d like to be able to bring them backstage, if that’s okay.”
“Of course. I can’t wait to meet everyone, even if it is a few at a time at my shows.”
“Good. Now, go on, and drive safe.”
Desi used the key fob to open the locks and tossed his bag in the back seat. Before he slid into the front, he stood quietly like he wanted to say something. When he turned to open the door, Sixx grabbed his bicep and turned him around, pulling his son to his chest. “I’m so proud of you, Son,” he whispered into his hair. Desi returned the embrace, clinging to his father tightly.
Sixx finally turned Desi loose and cuffed his shoulder before stepping back. Desi wiped a stray tear from his cheek, his voice thick. “Fuck. Shifters probably shouldn’t cry, huh?”
“Tears aren’t a sign of weakness, Desi. They’re an indication you care. When it comes to family, we probably feel much more deeply than humans could ever fathom.” Desi inclined his head and offered his father a small smile before getting into the car. Sixx stood where he was until Desi was out of sight.
“I’m headed to the armory,” Uri said as he walked up behind Sixx. “You have a great family. I’m glad things worked out for you.” His voice was wistful. Sixx wanted Uri to find his happiness too, but decided the Norseman would have to figure that out on his own.
“Me, too. Listen, are you staying at Fin’s tonight?”
“Definitely. You have your little woman all to yourself. I don’t even want to be in the neighborhood tonight for that.”
“Tonight, hell. As soon as you’re down the hill, all bets are off.”
Uri laughed and shook his
head. “Go get her, tiger.”
Sixx didn’t watch Uri drive away. He was ready to get back to his mate. While he’d lain awake and stared at the ceiling, he’d come up with a plan for getting Rae entrenched into the world of the Clan. It started with lunch at Sin’s, where she could meet Kaya. Sixx felt the air stir when Rae stepped out onto the patio. Instead of going through the house, he called forth his shifter strength and scaled the rock wall. He hurtled over the metal railing, landing beside his mate. He wasn’t intentionally showing off for her. He only wanted to be by her side in the quickest way possible.
“Show off,” Rae teased. Her face was void of makeup, and she had never looked more beautiful than she did standing there, at his home, at their home, in the early morning sun.
He wanted her. Sixx wanted to throw her over his shoulder and stalk to the bedroom, taking what was his. Instead, he kept his distance. “Happy Birthday, Doll.”
“Thanks. I don’t feel any older, but then again, I don’t guess I ever will, will I?”
“Nope.” He held his hand out, and when she took it, he pulled her close. “I was thinking we could get you unpacked this morning before we go visit Rafael and Kaya. After that, we’ll do whatever you want.” Rae arched her right eyebrow. Rarely did she get frustrated with him in the past, but a lot of time had gone by. She might be easier to piss off now. “What?”
“We’re alone. After all this time, we’re back together, and you want to unpack?”
Sixx didn’t want to assume she was on the same page he was, so he made her say the words. “Did you have something else in mind?”
“Michael Gentry. Wait, what is your middle name?”
“What?” He thought they were talking about sex, but now she wanted to know his name? Squirrel! much?
“Your middle name. I can’t chastise you if I don’t know your middle name.”
