by Faith Gibson
“Someone who thinks they can boss me around. What are you doing here?” Achilles asked. His mate never showed up unannounced, but then again, Achilles was close to the harbor.
“I came to ask for your help. I need you to dig up all the dirt you can on Alistair Gianopoulos.”
And he thought his night couldn’t get any worse.
Sixx and Rae were waiting at the baggage area when Simone appeared on the escalator. They had discussed how the girl would react at seeing Desi’s parents looking so young, but they decided to start off with honesty. Rae approached the girl cautiously. “Simone?” Simone’s eyebrows rose when she got a look at Rae. She looked up at Sixx then back to Rae. “Hi, honey. I’m Desi’s mother, Desirae. This is his father, Michael Gentry. Let’s get your bags and get out of here.”
“I...” Simone didn’t move toward the carousel.
Sixx leaned in closer and whispered, “We have really good genes. I promise we’re older than we look. Please, Simone, we need you to help us find our son. He’s been missing too long now.” That spurred Simone into action. She continued to look at them both out of the corner of her eye. “Point out your bags, and I’ll get them for you,” Sixx instructed. When the luggage came around, Simone pointed to a single paisley-print suitcase. Sixx pulled it from the conveyor belt and motioned toward the door. Either the girl packed light, or she didn’t plan on staying long.
Rae stepped in beside Simone and said, “Thank you so much for agreeing to help us. I’m sure this is a little confusing for you, but I promise, everything will make sense after we tell you about Desi.”
When they reached the parking garage, Sixx placed Simone’s suitcase in the back before holding the door open for the girl. After everyone was situated, Rae turned in her seat and said, “Has Desi contacted you again?” Rae’s wistful tone tore at his heart.
“No, I haven’t been asleep since I talked to you on the phone.”
“Okay, that makes sense. Are you hungry? Did you get to eat on the plane?” Rae had planned on cooking for the girl, but Tessa and Gregor offered to do that so food would be ready when they got home.
“I’m not sure I can eat. This is all so surreal, I’m not even sure it happened. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve convinced myself it was a dream.”
“Simone, why don’t you tell us exactly what happened. And please remember, we won’t think you’re crazy. Most people don’t believe in psychic abilities, but there are many in our family who are able to communicate during dreams and meditation. It’s why Rae asked if Desi had contacted you again.”
“Oh, okay. Well, I had seen on the news that he was missing. I chalked what I thought was a dream up to seeing that. He was already on my mind before I went to sleep. In my dream, vision, whatever it was, Desi and I were walking through some tall grass by a river. It was so peaceful. He told me he was in trouble and that he was somewhere in California. He could hear the rivers and trees. I told him it was a great dream. That’s when he begged me to contact you, Ms. Rothchild.”
“Please, sweetheart, call me Desirae.”
“Desirae. That’s what Desi told me, to find you, and he said your name. I still thought it was a dream so I asked him to...” Simone cleared her throat and continued. “I asked him to kiss me. That’s when I woke up.”
“Is that all?” Sixx asked.
“No. After my roommate checked on me, I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I Googled your name, Desirae. I had never heard your name before, so I figured if your name was real, then I wasn’t crazy, and Desi really had been trying to contact me. I called the number on your website and left a voicemail. After a while, I finally went back to sleep. When I did, he reached out again. The only thing he said that time was that he was going to kiss me, just in case. It felt so real. I woke up right after that and called Cynthia. That’s all I know. I’m sorry.”
“No, sweetie, don’t apologize. You’ve given us renewed hope that we’ll find our son,” Rae said as she reached for Sixx’s hand. He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.
“I don’t know what else I can do to help.”
Sixx caught Simone’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “We’re hoping with a little instruction, we’ll be able to help you meditate so that Desi can reach out to you again.”
“Why me?” she asked.
Sixx knew what she was asking and why. “Before I answer that, how do you feel about Desi? Please forgive me for being invasive, but it’s important.”
“He’s... I only met him a couple of times, but he stuck with me. I mean, yeah, he’s a gorgeous, pompous-ass rock star, but it was something more. This is embarrassing since you’re his parents, but it’s like he calls to me, even when we’re not together. I look at other men, and they don’t even compare to Desi. I’ve canceled so many dates in the last year because I don’t want anyone else.”
Sixx smiled. “Thank you for your honesty. Like I told you on the phone, Desi is gifted. Most of our family is in one way or another. One way we are special is that we have one person we bond with on an intimate level. A soulmate, if you will. When we find that person, no one else will do. This may sound like bullshit, but it’s the truth. Desirae is my soulmate. I tried dating other women, but none of them compared to her. So I understand what you mean about not wanting anyone else. For Desi, he feels the same way about you, whether or not you’re around each other. You are bonded on a level so deep, you can connect to him telepathically.”
Simone stared out the window as they pulled into the driveway. Sixx rolled the window down and spoke into the security panels, “Desirae è il mio amore.” Sixx pulled into the garage, but left the door open so Simone wouldn’t feel locked in. “We have some of our family staying with us, helping to search for Desi. It’s probably going to be crazy and loud at times, but please let us know if you need anything, like some down time. While you are here, please think of this as your home, because whether you realize it or not, you are already considered part of our family.”
Rae put her arm around Simone’s shoulder and ushered her in the side door. Gregor and Tessa were on the patio and came inside to greet them when they reached the kitchen. They had agreed beforehand the males wouldn’t scare Simone away with the sacred vow. Tessa was first to reach her. “Hi, Simone. I’m Tessa, and this is my husband, Gregor. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you. This is all very... I feel like I’m in a crazy dream.” Simone glanced around the house, checking things out.
“Are you hungry? We weren’t sure what you liked, so we kind of threw together a smorgasbord,” Tessa told the girl, directing her toward the table.
“Yes, I am actually. And I’m not really a picky eater. Growing up poor, you learn to eat whatever’s available.” Simone blushed when she realized what she said.
Rae smiled and patted her on the arm. “When Desi was young, we did good to eat much more than peanut butter and honey sandwiches some nights. Where you come from makes you stronger.”
Simone looked from Rae to Sixx. The wheels were turning behind her honey-colored eyes. Here they stood, in a huge house in the New Malibu hills, and Rae just admitted to struggling to make ends meet. “Mine and Rae’s story hasn’t always been a happy one. We were separated before I knew she was pregnant with Desi. I’ve only recently been reunited with them both. Now, let’s dig in, because I for one am hungry.”
Rae asked, “Who wants wine?”
Simone replied that she did, while Tessa and the males preferred beer. The females put the food on the table, and Sixx and Gregor grabbed plates and cutlery. Once they were all seated, everyone began passing dishes around, scooping out whatever they wanted, whether it went with the other dish or not. Simone remained quiet while the others made small talk during dinner. When everyone was finished, Sixx told Simone, “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to show you a few meditation techniques. I don’t want you to feel like you have to concentrate on Desi all the time, but if he’s trying to reach yo
u and you aren’t asleep, this might allow you to be receptive to him.”
“Okay,” she agreed. Sixx led her to the patio with Rae following. They all took a seat around the table, and Tessa and Gregor remained in the kitchen to clean up.
“I brought you outside where there are a few noises. What I want you to do is close your eyes. Now, concentrate on everything around you. Think of your mind as a chest of drawers. I want you to separate the sounds you hear and put them away. Birds go in one drawer. The wind rustling in another. My voice goes in one as well. Distinguish between what is relevant and what isn’t. Even though he isn’t here, save the top drawer for Desi. When he reaches out for you, that’s where you will store the conversation he has with you.”
Sixx let her concentrate for a few minutes before instructing, “Try reaching out to him. If he’s contacted you, his mind is open.” Sixx stilled himself completely so he could observe Simone. Rae was following his instructions as well, and she was calmer than she’d been since he knocked on her door. Simone’s body was relaxed, her heart rate slow, and she seemed to truly be trying to open her mind. It was all Sixx could ask. He only hoped Desi would try to reach her again.
“I... I don’t hear anything. I’m sorry,” Simone spoke softly, opening her eyes to meet Sixx’s.
“No, it’s okay. As long as you’re receptive, I think he’ll contact you again when he’s ready. If he does contact you tonight, if you can, get as much information from him as possible. Tell him we are looking for him. Now, why don’t we show you to your room so you can get settled. It’s been a long day for all of us, and we need to get some rest. Just in case.” Sixx stood and motioned toward the door. Simone entered the house and stopped short at the sight of Urijah leaned against the wall talking to Gregor and Tessa.
“Ah, Uri, we’d like for you to meet Simone Campbell. She’s the young lady who Desi has been in contact with.”
“It is an honor, Simone,” Uri said, inclining his head ever so slightly.
“Tha... thank you,” she stuttered. Urijah had that effect on a lot of people. Put a sword in his hand and you’d swear Erik the Red was going to show up at any moment.
Rae slid in beside Simone and said, “Are you ready to see your room?”
“Yes, please.” Simone followed Rae up the stairs to the guest bedrooms, glancing over her shoulder at Urijah before he disappeared from view. Rae’s voice carried down the steps, and Sixx couldn’t help but smile at how his mate had immediately went into “mother” mode with Simone. Her maternal instincts were good ones, and he prayed he would get the opportunity to see her in action with their own children.
Sixx turned to the others. “She tried contacting Desi, but she wasn’t successful. Now, we wait and see if he comes to her during sleep tonight. If so, we need to be ready to move out first thing. Rae and I are turning in. Uri, you’ll be closest to Simone’s room. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, please let me know.”
“Will do, Brother. Go get some sleep.” Urijah appeared tired. He’d been working long hours on the armory. Even though Gargoyles could go days without sleep if they had to, eventually they needed to get some rest.
“Tessa and I will see you at first light, unless you need us before then,” Gregor said, pulling Tessa to her feet. They let themselves out the side door, and Uri turned to Sixx.
“What do you think of the girl?”
Sixx shrugged. “She’s nice, and she has a huge crush on Desi. Yes, she feels the mate bond, but she gets all starry-eyed when she talks of him. I think that’s the rock star effect he has on people. Desi is larger than life. Who wouldn’t be starstruck?”
“Truth. I felt a little of it myself when talking to him. He’s a great kid, Sixx. Now, I’m going to turn in, but I’ll be listening.” Uri pulled Sixx into a man hug. “We are going to find him,” he said as he held the embrace.
“Thank you, Uri. For everything.” Sixx clapped him on the back and released him. The Goyle was honorable and a good friend. Sixx was lucky to know him. Rae came down the stairs as Uri was going up. Sixx opened his arms, and his mate walked into them, wrapping her arms around his back. He felt the sigh against his shirt. She was such a strong female, and he couldn’t be more proud of his mate. “Let’s go to bed, Doll. I’ll meet you in the bedroom.” While Rae retreated to their room, Sixx locked up and turned off the lights.
When he got to their room, Rae was already in bed, propped up against the headboard. “I really like Simone,” she said. “She’ll be good for Desi. She’s in awe of the rock star, but she’ll be strong and won’t take his sass.”
Sixx slid into bed beside his mate. “His sass, huh? I wonder where he gets that.” he asked as he turned off the lamp on the bedside table. Sixx pulled her body into his and got comfortable. Rae didn’t bother with a comeback. Her breathing was already evening out. This ordeal was taking a toll on her, and all he could do was pray to the gods that Desi contacted Simone again.
Simone’s emotions were all over the place. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Was this really happening? Was she truly at the home of the man she had been infatuated with for over a year? Well, his parents’ home, but still. What if this was all one big insane dream and when she woke up, she found herself alone in her bedroom back in New York? Desi would be safe, and she’d be no closer to him than she’d been when she met him.
Her cell phone vibrated, and she knew it had to be Josie. Simone was supposed to have called her roommate when she landed, but everything happened so fast. Meeting Desi’s parents wasn’t anything like she expected. They were some of the nicest people she’d met in her life. Desirae treated her like a daughter, not some nut job looking to score with the woman’s son. And Michael? Whoa... He looked more like Desi’s brother than his father. If what they told her was the truth, and she and Desi were soulmates, she had no problem with Desi looking like his father when he got older. The others had been beautiful as well. And that Viking hottie? Holy shit!
Simone quickly read Josie’s text before calling her. “Hey, Jos. I’m fine... I know I said I’d call, but things got busy... Yes, they believe me... No, they don’t think I’m crazy. As a matter of fact, they think I’m the key to finding Desi... Yes, I called him Desi. That’s what they call him... Whatever. Listen, I need to try to get some sleep. Hopefully, I’ll have another dream like last night’s, and we can get a read on his location... I will... I will!... Okay, you too. Love you, too, Jos.”
Josie was like a mother hen, but Simone didn’t mind. It was nice to have someone care for her that way. Desirae told Simone to make herself at home. What a home it was. Her bedroom had its own bathroom attached. Since hot water always helped her to relax, she took a quick shower before lying down. Now, she was snuggled under the sheet with her eyes closed.
Simone took some deep breaths, doing her best to remember everything Michael taught her. She separated her thoughts, putting them in their respective drawers, leaving one empty for Desi. Desi, are you there? She did her best to relax her body even more and tried again. Desi? It’s Simone. I’m here to help you. Simone focused on his handsome face, and drifted off.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Wake up.
Desi, wake up!
WAKE THE FUCK UP!
Desi heard his shifter loud and clear. Really fucking loud. I’m trying. And he was. He’d been trying for a while now, but the longer he went without making contact with Simone, the harder it was to hang on to the light.
“Desi, are you there?”
Ahhh, now that’s a sweet sound. Just wish it was real. Can’t move. Can’t see. Can’t...feel...
“Desi, it’s me. Simone. Can you hear me?”
Mmm hmm. Sweetest voice on the planet. Simmmmooooooone.
“Desi what’s wrong? Please tell me where you are. I’m here with your parents. They’re really worried about you. I’m worried about you. Please, wake up. Help me, Desi. You promised me a real kiss, remember?”
Where are we? She’s back.
Help me tell her...
Tell her you’re underground. Buried. And tell her you’ve been poisoned and can’t move.
“Desi, who are you talking to?”
My other half. He said tell you I’m buried. In a box. I’ve been poisoned and can’t move. Just my eyes, and they don’t work right.
“Desi, stay with me. Your father taught me how to meditate. I’m not asleep, so I can find you in my mind. We’re coming to get you. Can you give me any more clues to where you are?”
We’re... Where are we? Oh, yeah... not far from where the rivers come together...
“That’s good, Desi. Hang on. I’m going to get your father. We’re coming to find you.”
Now I must be the one who’s dreaming. You’re too beautiful to be my mate. But I’m glad you are. Simone... Beautiful girl? You still there? She’s gone... Desi didn’t understand why he was getting weaker instead of stronger. He needed his Simone to come back. He needed to talk... to...
Uri’s footsteps alerted Sixx before his voice did. “The girl’s awake.” He took off jogging down the hall then out the door.
“What’s going on?” Rae asked, her eyes still closed.
“I need you to wake up, Doll. Simone is up.” Sixx didn’t wait on his mate to rise. She would find them when she righted herself. He pulled on his shorts and a t-shirt before hurrying to the kitchen. A frightened Simone was standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking around.
“Simone, are you okay? Did you speak to Desi?” Sixx asked softly.
She nodded, but peered around his shoulder. Uri had returned with Gregor and Tessa. Rae was up and entering the room. “I... it’s not good. Please, can I sit down?”
“Of course,” Rae offered. She went to the young woman and sat next to her, reaching for her hands. “Take your time, sweetheart. Tell us what happened.” Gregor and Uri remained standing while Tessa busied herself with the coffeemaker. Sixx sat on the other side of Rae, placing his hand gently around the back of her neck. Her strength was waning, and he needed to help keep her together.
