by Faith Gibson
Desirae tapped Ty on the shoulder and informed him, “You better set me down before Michael maims your playing fingers.” Tyson looked over her shoulder and dropped her to her feet. She turned to find Michael glaring. Desirae laughed and went to him, pulling his face down for a kiss. He melted into her, the beast tamed for the moment.
“Is he? He looks... Desi is that...” Zach was stuttering at the sight of Michael and Desi standing side by side.
“I’d like you to meet my father, Michael Gentry. He and my mom have the same annoying condition that keeps them young forever,” Desi explained. The three guys were speechless. “And this beauty, you’ve already met. Simone, you remember Tyson, Zach, and Brett?”
“I do, but it’s good to see you all again.” Simone waved from her spot across the room. She had learned from watching the other mates how the Gargoyles could become jealous when others got near.
“I’m going to make the rest of the introductions quick so we can get down to business. There’s much we have to discuss, and it’s going to take all day to do it,” Desi said. He went around the room, introducing the Gargoyles and their mates as family and the guys as his best friends and bandmates. Desirae was proud of the way her son was taking charge of the room. Then again, he took charge of thousands of people every time he took the stage.
It was a good thing the floor plan was an open one. The living area and kitchen were at full capacity. Dominic and Lilly had stayed in the guest house with Gregor and Tessa. Urijah hadn’t left since Banyan made his announcement about being of Original blood. Jasper and Trevor had taken one of the other guest bedrooms. Now, the three men she considered her other sons filled the rest of the space. Desirae wouldn’t have it any other way.
With Michael’s help, and sassiness thrown in by Tessa and Trevor, Desi told his three best friends the truth of the Gargoyles. He apologized for not telling the truth sooner, but as he admitted, he hadn’t known the truth. Desi’s friends went through the same stages of disbelief Desirae had upon seeing fangs, claws, and even wings. Desi had stepped outside long enough to remove his shirt and call forth his wings. When he came back inside, he stopped beside Simone and kissed her hard, whispering, “Later.”
Michael stressed how important their secret was, but he wanted them to know the dangers they faced as well. Desi gave them the choice of continuing on as a band. He even offered to step down as their lead singer, considering what he’d gone through the last week. When they all assured him the band was not breaking up, and there was no one else who could sing their songs, Michael assured them they would be getting extra security. By the end of the day, the women were working side by side in the kitchen, while the men were downstairs in the Goyle cave as Trevor called it. At one point, Trevor had requested Tessa be his partner at billiards. It took her less than three minutes to run the table before she was back upstairs sitting on the counter laughing. Desirae had never been happier in her life.
After supper, Desi and the guys in the band agreed to another two-week hiatus before going back on the road. They could understand Desi wanting a little time to recover from his ordeal as well as to spend time with Simone. When the guys left, the males excused themselves for a teleconference call in the office with Rafael. Clan business, and all that. Trevor helped the women clean the kitchen while he asked Simone a million questions about her job.
During a lull in the conversation, Tessa said, “We should all go to the beach tomorrow. I’d love to see you surf, Rae.”
Simone frowned. “It’s still a little chilly out. Besides, I don’t have a swimsuit.” Rae compared her body to that of the younger woman. There was no way Simone’s beautiful figure would fit into one of Rae’s small suits. If Rae went to the beach, she’d be wearing a wetsuit so she could get into the cold water.
“You can borrow one of mine,” Tessa told Simone.
“You brought two swimsuits with you?” Trevor asked. “You were supposed to come to help, not sunbathe,” he chastised.
“Look, nerd boy, just because you aren’t always prepared doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t. Who comes to California and doesn’t bring a swimsuit?” Tessa jabbed back.
“Uh, Simone obviously didn’t. Are you going to call her names?” he quipped.
“Nope. Beautiful girl here had a mate to rescue. She’s excused.”
Lilly hopped up on the counter, enjoying the banter. The pretty witch rarely spoke, but that might have been because Tessa and Trevor rarely shut up. Desirae was going to miss them all when they left. “Simone, are you okay with wearing one of Tessa’s suits? Because I’m thinking a day at the beach is what we all need.” She couldn’t wait to hit the water with her board. All the couples could enjoy the water in whatever way they wanted. Desi and Simone could have alone time together.
“I am. I have missed the ocean something fierce.”
“What are you going to do about your job?” Trevor asked. “Are you going to stay in New York and see the Dezman when he’s not on the road?”
“We’re trying to work something out. I can’t up and leave Josie with the apartment. That wouldn’t be fair. I don’t want to get in the way on the tour bus. I don’t think that’d be fair to the other guys.”
“Didn’t you and Josie live in California before? You both could move back here and stay with me and Michael while Desi’s on the road,” Rae offered. “The guest house will be open, and you’re free to move in there. Or, if Josie wants her privacy, she can live in the house down in New Lomita. You don’t have to decide now. Just know there are plenty of options.”
“Awesome! Now, who wants a beer?” Tessa said from inside the refrigerator. Rae laughed when Trevor pretended he was going to kick her.
“Try it, morgue man, and you’ll never win another pool game again,” she threatened. Trevor grinned when Tessa turned around.
“Trevor...” a deep voice called from behind them. Trevor straightened faster than Desirae could have imagined. Gregor laughed at the young man and pulled him in for a side hug. When the stocky male released him, Trevor hurried to the open arms of Jasper.
“We’re going to the beach tomorrow,” Tessa announced as she passed out beers to the hands reaching for one. Desirae poured wine for Lilly, Simone, and herself. Urijah and Dominic helped themselves to the rum. Yep, Desirae was going to miss them all when they left.
The weekly teleconference with Rafael went a bit longer than usual. There was much to discuss, with Alistair’s name being at the top of the list. Sixx was glad to have Gregor, Uri, and Jasper with him on the West Coast. He hadn’t realized he would get homesick for New Atlanta so quickly. Now that he had Rae in his life, they could travel back and forth between the two homes, and he could have the best of both worlds.
Rafael got their attention and began, “I had a conference call with Xavier and my mother. I suggested a meeting of the Council to discuss Alistair’s behavior, but X doesn’t know who we can trust. Carter is still off the grid until he can be sure his new identity won’t be compromised. Hunter still hasn’t reported in with news from his inside man, but he’s working on it. Athena has offered to go after Alistair herself, but we all know that’s a suicide mission. I’m having Sinclair transfer Crane to the Pen here so we can interrogate him on a daily basis. Julian is still searching for the other Goyle, Drago. Neither Kallisto nor Sergei are talking. Other than Kallisto, I’m not letting any of Alistair’s Clan see the light of day until we get the information we need to go after him. His letter stating he was ready for a truce was nothing but lip service.
“I’ve decided to go ahead with the internal transmitter and set Kallisto free. Between Jonas and Julian, they both promise the small device will pick up everything the female says and does,” Rafael stated.
“Who drew the short straw to listen in on that?” Jasper asked.
“Slade Ransom is moving to New Atlanta from Athens. He, Lorenzo, and Mason will be on twenty-four-hour rotation.”
“Speaking of Mason, how’s he holding up
with the Willow situation?” Sixx asked.
“Since I’m back in the office, he’s not around her as much. I have given him a week to decide if he wants to date her first, or tell her the truth first. Either way, this relationship is going to happen.”
“How’s Jonathan?” Jasper asked.
“Not well, I’m afraid. Jonas is working hard on synthesizing his blood to see if he can come up with something to help slow down the spread of the disease. As of now, it’s not looking good. Urijah, how is the armory? Did you and Banyan get that last piece of equipment in place?”
“Yes, Brother. The armory is complete. I will begin forging new swords tomorrow. With Desi missing, I wanted to be there for the search.”
“Understood. Thank you for your diligence. Between you and Banyan, you should be able to knock the project out in half the time.”
“I would prefer to work alone, Rafael. With your permission, of course.”
“Is there something I should know, Uri?”
Sixx didn’t look over at his friend, but he waited to see if Uri would tell the truth. “He and I have a past, and I don’t know him as well as I thought I once did. I don’t want the friction to cause a delay in the progress of the weapons.”
“Very well. I will speak to Sin about having Banyan moved to another location. In the meantime, if you can work out your differences between you, that would be preferable.”
“Yes, my King.”
“Desi, let me say it’s wonderful to see you above ground and looking just like your father. I apologize I couldn’t stay and help with the search, but my presence was needed here.”
“Thank you, Rafael. I look forward to meeting you in person,” Desi responded.
“Is there anything else?” Rafael asked. When nobody brought up any further business, he said, “Be well, my brothers.”
The males in the room all responded with, “And you as well.”
They left the office and found the females and Trevor in the kitchen laughing and cutting up. Trevor was giving Tessa a hard time, and Gregor growled at him. Sixx laughed at the sheepish look on Trevor’s face. He tucked tail and hurried into the waiting arms of a smiling Jasper.
When Tessa announced they were going to the beach, Sixx smiled inside and out. That sounded like the best plan he’d heard in a long time. His shifter could let go under water with the others there as lookouts. He and Rae could enjoy their boards without worrying about Desi’s whereabouts. The couples talked and chatted about going to the beach, but Urijah excused himself, stating he wanted to get busy at the armory.
Once Uri had left, Sixx asked Dominic, “What’s Banyan’s story? You obviously know the Norseman. Did you know he was from Original blood?”
Dominic downed the contents of his glass and poured another. “Aye, I know him. I know Urijah, as well. Sometimes, good people cross paths at the wrong time. I did not know of Banyan’s heritage, but in our dealings, it did not matter. He is a good and honorable Gargoyle. One of the best I know. Whatever happened... let’s just say some things are best left in the past. Either way, it’s not my story to tell, Brother.”
“Now that’s some shite,” Tessa said pointing her beer bottle at the pirate.
“Red,” Gregor warned, but Dominic grinned.
“Shite it is, lass. Still doesn’t change the fact it isn’t my shite to shovel.”
After several more drinks, everyone turned in for the night, excited to be going to the beach the next day. By the time Sixx made it to the bedroom, he was vibrating with need. Need for Rae – his mate. She didn’t leave any room for doubt that she needed him, too. She was waiting for him. Naked. One hand was between her legs and the other was torturing a hard nipple. Sixx ripped his clothes away and stood fisting his cock while taking in the sight spread out before him. Rae licked her lips as her eyes devoured his self-pleasure. When Rae’s fingers moved faster and her breathing became more erratic, Sixx crawled over her body. As erotic as it was to watch Rae get herself off, he needed to feel her lose control with his dick inside her slick heat.
Sixx took a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard enough for the pain to spread through her body. Rae arched her back, pushing into his mouth while he ran his tongue around the hard peak. He rocked his erection against her clit as he gave equal torture to the other breast. As hard as his cock was, and as much as his balls ached for release, Sixx continued punishing them both by withholding his cock from sliding home. Rae pushed at his shoulders, her indication she wanted to ride him. He had no problem with letting her take control for the moment. Take what she wanted. When he was on his back, Rae straddled him, sliding his cock underneath her wet pussy. Instead of working herself into a frenzy, she reached between her legs and grabbed his length, lining it up with her core. She eased her way down until she was sitting against his thighs. Her eyes were closed, her head tossed back. Rae was feeling him. Enjoying him. Relishing in their togetherness. Sixx knew this because it was what he was doing. Starting at her knees, he ran his hands up her thighs, over the contour of her hips, skimming her ribcage, ending up with her breasts underneath his palms.
He closed his eyes and used his other senses to hear. To smell. To feel. Rae’s breathing was interrupted by soft moans each time she bottomed out on his cock. A gasp left her lips each time she rubbed her clit against his skin. A hint of red wine left her mouth each time she exhaled. Her soft skin was a stark contrast to his calloused hands. Now, he wanted to taste. Gently, Sixx rolled Rae to her back and pulled out of her core.
“Michael...” she groaned.
“Shhh. You’ll get it back, but I need to taste you. I need your honey on my tongue.” Sixx slid down until his mouth was even with her pussy. He enjoyed the feel of her soft curls against his nose as he buried his face between her folds. Ahh, heaven. Rae’s legs fell apart, offering her body to him. He flattened his tongue and started close to her pucker, licking his way up to her clit. He did this a few more times, each causing Rae to push up into his face. He took her nub between his lips and sucked.
“Oh, god...” Rae moaned. “Please...”
Sixx wanted his mate to come apart on his tongue. He wanted to taste her juices as her orgasm overtook. Sucking harder on her clit, Sixx inserted a couple of fingers between her slick lips, finding that spot just inside that drove Rae crazy. He rubbed back and forth quickly, knowing if he didn’t stop at just the right time, both he and the bed would be doused. They had plenty of time for that later. Now, he wanted the creamy liquid that tasted oh so sweet. “Michael... I’m so close, Baby. Please, let me come,” she begged.
He took her to the edge with his fingers, her body writhing beneath him. Her hands found his hair, pulling his face closer to her core. Sixx flicked his tongue over her clit until he knew she was ready. He removed his fingers and focused solely on the little bundle of nerves that could set her on fire. Sixx sucked her clit hard, and Rae bucked into his face, screaming his name. He lapped at her opening, the evidence of her release coating his tongue. Satisfied, Sixx moved over her body, his hard cock entering her slick pussy while she was still pulsing. He covered her mouth with his, allowing her to taste herself. She sucked at his tongue. She bit at his lips. Urgency took over as she scraped her short nails down his back. Even though Gargoyle skin was virtually impenetrable, Sixx could feel every scratch his mate made down his flesh. It was almost as erotic as when she touched his wings.
The mere thought had his wings extending behind his back. Rae gasped into his mouth and wasted no time running her fingers down the leathery expanse. Sixx couldn’t hold back the roar that burst from his throat, rattling the windows, or the jets of creamy liquid that shot from his cock, mixing with his mate’s release from a few minutes before. Rae was wild beneath him, another orgasm coursing through her body. Sixx retracted his wings as he fell on her smaller body, sinking his teeth into the skin at her neck. It was Rae’s turn to roar, a sound so primal yet so beautiful, it rocked Sixx to his soul. After more than five hundred years, Michael Ge
ntry was finally alive.
Chapter Thirty
Achilles’ phone rang again, and he ignored it again. Not only did he not want to talk to Alistair, but there was no way he was having that conversation with his mate anywhere near. By near, he meant lying on top of him. Rarely did the other male spend the night, but last night had been an exception. They had made up for lost time, and by the time they had fucked each other senseless, Achilles was too worn out to care that his mate fell asleep draped over him.
“Are you going to get that?” his mate asked.
“No. The only one I want to talk to is in my bed,” Achilles stated as he ghosted his fingers down the tan skin of the most perfect male ever made. If he thought changing his wicked ways would offer even the slightest chance at having a future with the Goyle, he might consider it. Hell, he had considered it. He didn’t need to take any more jobs. He could live out the rest of his unnaturally long life with his mate by his side. “Stay with me. Stay right here with me on this boat, and let’s sail off into the sunset.”
His mate rolled off his chest, his brow wrinkled. “What did you say?”
“You heard me. Just you and me, and maybe a crew of about five or six, but let’s do it.” Achilles had never spoken of anything past one night when they were together, so asking his mate to go away with him had to be a shock.
“I can’t. I have responsibilities. There’s a war brewing, and I have to help stop it if I can. You should want to help, too. Do you have the information I asked you for?”
Achilles sat up and pushed the sheet down his body. His erection was deflating with talk of war. “Hector...”
“You know I hate that name,” his mate reminded him as he sat up behind Achilles, kissing him on the neck.
“Sue me if I’m old school. Now, are you going to sail around the world with me or not?” he asked as he searched those soulful eyes that always managed to unhinge him.
