by Faith Gibson
Rafael closed the distance between them and pulled Julian to his feet. He wrapped his strong arms around his cousin and held him, offering as much strength as he could without saying anything that would cause two big Gargoyles to shed a few tears. When he pulled away, Rafael waited on Julian to type in a few codes.
“I’m calling Katherine when I leave here and telling her to keep you away from the computers at home. No work, Jules. I mean it.”
“I won’t, I promise.”
Once outside, Rafael slid into the seat of his Jag while Julian got in his Vette. As they both pulled away from the parking lot, Rafael dialed Gregor. It was time he got his head out of his ass and reminded his family he had their backs.
Lucy had flown in the GIA’s jets many times, but they were nothing compared to Tamian’s personal plane. That had a lot to do with her Gargoyle being there with her. Santiago only interrupted them long enough to come over the intercom with information about taking off and landing. Other than that, Lucy and Tamian had the cabin to themselves. It was impossible for her to keep her hands off Tamian, so she didn’t try. The only thing keeping her from stripping naked and giving herself over to him was Santiago. The pilot was also a Gargoyle, which meant he would hear everything they did or said. Plus, she wasn’t ready to have sex. Her body ached for him to touch her everywhere, but her brain reminded her there would be no going back once that happened.
Sitting on one of the leather sofas, turned so they faced one another, Tamian threaded his fingers through Lucy’s, stroking her skin while they talked about everything and nothing. As soon as they were in the air, he promised to take things as slow as she wanted, stating getting to know all the little things about each other would take time, and they had plenty of that.
At some point, Lucy nodded off. When she woke, she kept her eyes closed. Tamian held her in his arms, brushing her hair off her face and placing soft kisses to her temple and her hair. While she’d been sleeping, they had shifted so they were lying on the sofa. She couldn’t resist the sigh that escaped. She would be happy waking up to his sweetness every morning. When Lucy opened her eyes, the cabin was washed in subtle warmth with the sun shining through the windows. The flight was a long one, and Italy was seven hours ahead of New DC. “What time is it?” she asked, tracing a finger down Tamian’s stubbled jaw. She wondered how he would look with a beard. Stunning, no doubt.
Instead of checking a watch or his phone, Tamian looked out the window. “I’d say it’s right at seven.”
A bell dinged, and Santiago came over the intercom. “This is your captain speaking. We will be making our descent in approximately fifteen minutes. Please return your seats – or your bodies – into an upright position. The current time is six fifty-five, and the weather in Courmayeur is a balmy eight degrees Celsius. For those of you who are metrically challenged, such as myself, that equates to forty-six degrees Fahrenheit.” Lucy and Tamian laughed at the male’s antics. Lucy didn’t consider eight degrees balmy, but she wasn’t a full-blooded Gargoyle. Tamian shifted so Lucy was no longer lying on top of him and helped her sit up.
The landing was the smoothest one Lucy had ever encountered. Once they rolled to a stop, Tamian held out his hand and pulled Lucy to her feet, excitement coursing through her veins. She didn’t know how far the chalet was from the small airport, but she was one step closer to being alone with her Gargoyle. The thought of having a mate who was a shifter wasn’t a foreign concept, but having one who was so much different than her own was thrilling. More than once, Lucy had imagined calling on her eagle so she and Tamian could take to the skies. Hopefully, his chalet was secluded, for more reasons than one.
Santiago slid the cockpit door open and stretched out to his full height, twisting his body several times. His smile was as bright as the sun streaming through the small windows.
“What has you so happy?” Tamian asked.
“What? Can’t a guy smile for no reason?”
“Nope.”
Santiago shrugged. “Then, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He pushed down the lever and opened the door, then pushed the button which unfolded the stairs. “After you,” he gestured.
When Lucy and Tamian reached the tarmac, a gorgeous woman was waiting for them. “There you are,” she said, stepping into Tamian’s waiting arms.
“Hello, Mirabella. You didn’t have to meet us here. I have my car.”
The woman’s face blushed pink, and she lowered her eyes to her feet.
“She’s not here for you.” Santiago pushed past Tamian and swept Mirabella into his arms, swinging her around.
Laughing, she slapped the pilot on his arm. “Put me down, you overgrown beast.” The glint in her eyes hinted at much more than friendship.
“Wait. Why is she here for you?” Tamian asked, slipping his arm around Lucy’s waist. “Aren’t you coming with us to the chalet?”
“Not on your life. Well, okay, if your life was at risk, but I don’t think that’s something I have to worry about, is it?” Santiago winked at Lucy, causing her to blush as hotly as the other woman had.
Tamian barked out a laugh. “Mirabella, I’d like to introduce you to Lucia Ball – my mate.”
“The pleasure’s mine,” Mirabella said, offering her hand to Lucy. After they shook, Mirabella handed Lucy a jacket she’d been holding. “I took the liberty of bringing this for you. Your other clothes are waiting at the chalet.” Tamian had ordered clothes for Lucy, but she was surprised they’d arrived in such a short time. The difference in temperature between Italy and the States was significant, but not so much it truly bothered Lucy. Being a shifter, she could withstand the heat better than the cold, but forty-six wasn’t so bad. Still, she slid her arms into the jacket, thanking the other woman for her thoughtfulness.
“The chalet is fully stocked and ready for an extended stay. But if you need anything else, you know how to reach me,” she said to Tamian.
“You’re the best,” he replied, keeping Lucy close to his side. To Santiago, Tamian said, “We haven’t discussed whether or not we’ll remain here until the shitstorm blows over, but I’ll try to give you as much advance notice as possible before we’re ready to travel. If you need to leave the country for any reason, just let me know.”
Santiago smirked and glanced down at Mirabella. “I’m sure I can find something to occupy my time while you and Lucy get better acquainted.” He handed Tamian Lucy’s bag before taking Mirabella’s hand. “Shall we?” She nodded, her face still a pretty shade of pink.
Tamian didn’t move while the couple made their way onto the plane. He stared as the stairs folded up and disappeared inside the jet before the door closed.
“What the fuck just happened?” Tamian muttered.
“I take it you didn’t know about them?” Lucy asked, grinning at the way her male stood gaping.
“No, I didn’t. But a lot of things are making more sense.” Snapping out of his stupor, Tamian repeated Santiago’s words, “Shall we?”
“We shall.” When Tamian said his car was there, Lucy hadn’t given it much thought. When he led her to a sleek, yellow Lamborghini, the thrill-seeker in her squealed in delight.
“Would you like to drive?” Tamian asked when he caught the way she was eying his car.
“I would love to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. At least not yet.” Lucy had a sports car of her own back home in the garage, but it was nowhere near the caliber of the high-end vehicle waiting to be turned loose. It had been months since she’d had the chance to get it out on the road, and even though she knew there would be no comparison between the two, Lucy looked forward to seeing if Tamian’s Italian convertible lived up to its hype.
“Fair enough, but considering it’s yours...”
“Mine?” Lucy placed her hands on her hips. “Tamian, you can’t give me a car, much less an Aventador.” Her words betrayed the happy dance going on inside her head.
“I already told you, I’ll give you whatever your hea
rt desires. This” – he gestured to the Lambo – “is something my heart desires for you to have. Consider it a birthday gift.”
Lucy stepped up to Tamian and placed her hands on his face, pulling him down to meet her lips. Dropping her bag, he slid his hands around her waist to her butt, pulling her tight against him. Either he was happy to see her, or giving her such a present thrilled him. Tamian’s erection pressed into her stomach, and Lucy lost all sense of time and where they were. Wrapping her legs around his waist, Lucy wiggled against the bulge in his jeans, pulling at his T-shirt. She needed him to take her, right then and there, and make her his.
When Tamian settled her back on her feet, he held her at arm’s distance. Grinning, he said, “I want you too, Sweetheart, but not here. Not like this. Let’s get to the chalet, and you can have your wicked way with me.”
Lucy might have pouted, but he was right. If what he’d told her about the mate bond was true, they would need somewhere they could lose themselves in one another as the beasts took over. She couldn’t wait to see his wings again, so she straightened her clothes and nodded. “Okay, then. Let’s see what this baby is capable of,” she said as he opened the door for her. While waiting on Tamian to walk to the driver’s side, Lucy admired the interior. “Holy shit. I have a Lamborghini,” she said, giggling.
As she requested, Tamian showed her exactly what her new car could do.
Chapter Twenty-Five
I hate you.
Tamian ignored his beast as he took Lucy on the ride of her life. Well, the kind of ride he could give her while pushing the limits of gravity along the curvy roads at the base of Mont Blanc. From the way she climbed his body and rubbed against him at the airport, she’d be riding him as soon as they arrived at the chalet. He wanted to put her off a while longer to make sure she had no doubts about being mated to him for life, but he knew he wasn’t strong enough. He wanted her. Every part of her. Mind, body, and soul. Tamian was ready for the friendship and love that would come along with being life partners.
With every sharp curve the car hugged, Lucy either let out a loud “whoop” or laughed unabashedly. It was the best sound in the world. If the weather were warmer, he’d let the top down, but there were plenty of days in their future for that. As he neared the secret entrance leading to his property, Tamian slowed while he hit a button on the console. What looked like a large rock rolled back, exposing the drive only a handful of people knew about.
“You have a bat cave. Tell me you have a bat cave!” Lucy exclaimed.
“No, I have a Gargoyle cave,” Tamian deadpanned as he eased the car down the dark tunnel leading to the chalet nestled at the base of the mountain. Xavier had been borderline neurotic when it came to keeping Elizabeth safe. As soon as they were mated, he hired a team to install the secret passageway, and afterward, Tamian used his powers of persuasion to help them forget they were ever there. The original driveway leading to the chalet had been removed, and the tunnel was the only passable drive into the property. There was also a helipad for emergencies and quick exits. His father had spared no expense when it came to hiding his mother from Gordon Flanagan.
After the human had died during the helicopter fight with Frey, Xavier told Tamian the chalet was his to do with as he pleased, but Tamian had no desire to open up the possibility of the wrong sort finding their family home. Now he had his own mate to worry about. Maybe one day, in the distant future, things would be different, and they’d open their home to others of their kind.
Tamian pulled into the massive garage and parked next to a practical SUV. The winters could get rough, making the roadways dangerous. Before he knew what was happening. Lucy was trying to climb over the console into his lap. “Easy, tiger. Or should I say lioness.”
“That was amazing. Can we do it again?” Lucy’s face was flushed, and her eyes were shining with the rush of adrenaline.
“Absolutely. But first, I want to show you something. Come on,” Tamian urged, climbing out of the low seat. He walked around the car and helped Lucy out, taking her hand and leading her across the smooth, concrete floor of the garage. Instead of going through the door that opened into the side of the house, Tamian took her around front so he could share with her the view that was Mont Blanc. The chalet was situated so the mountains rose up in the distance in front of the home. Tamian stood behind Lucy, placing her back to his chest, and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Welcome home.”
Lucy’s breath hitched, and she pressed closer to him, if that was possible. “The wildflowers that cover the grounds in the spring are as spectacular as the snow-covered peaks in the winter. This is my favorite place in the world, and now it’s even better because I get to share it with you.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Lucy whispered.
Tamian kissed her temple. “You don’t have to say anything.” Tamian stood with his mate in his arms for several quiet minutes, letting her adjust to what would be part of her new life. When she moved her ass against his crotch, his dick took notice, and Tamian stepped back. “Come on. Let me show you the inside.” When they stepped up to the front door, Tamian spoke into the security box before looking into the retinal scanner. “We’ll get your identification entered into the scanner later.” When he opened the door, Tamian stepped aside, allowing Lucy to get her first look at her new home.
“Wow. This is... Are you sure this is where you live?” Lucy stepped into the middle of the large family room and turned in a circle.
“Yes, and so do you. For now. If at any point in the future you decide you’d like to be Queen of the Italian Gargoyles, just let me know. Or, we can just visit whenever we like.” Tamian had already told Lucy about Xavier wanting to hand over the throne. She’d listened without commenting, so he didn’t know her feelings on the subject. He was fine with whichever way she decided. If it was something that excited her, he’d step up and do what his father wanted. If not, he’d convince his dad to let Vitto have the crown.
“When you said you owned a chalet, I was thinking of a small A-frame, not this.” Tamian had kept the details of his home to himself just so he could see Lucy’s reaction. He wasn’t disappointed.
“When my grandfather built it, he had a large family in mind. Little did he know he and his mate would only have one child – my father. Dad never expected to find his own mate because it took so long. He was already seven hundred when he met her.”
“We talked about a lot of things on the plane, but one thing I’ve been meaning to ask is how long do the human mates live? I know Goyles have an extensive lifespan.”
“I’m not exactly sure. I do know the aging process stops, because my mom could pass for Tessa’s twin, and she’s closing in on sixty. My aunt is almost two-hundred and fifty. Jonas believes human mates can live as long as their Gargoyle does unless they succumb to human disease. Tessa’s a half-blood since Mom’s human and Dad is Gargoyle, so she is better equipped to fight off disease.”
“Do the females not have wings, or is that just because Tessa’s not full-blooded?”
“That’s a female thing. They get fangs and claws, speed, strength, and the exceptional eyesight and hearing, but that’s it. The males have wings and impenetrable skin.”
“So that’s why Monk’s talons didn’t rip you apart.” Lucy bit her bottom lip, and Tamian waited to see if she would freely say what was on her mind. “Can I ask you another personal question?”
“You can ask me anything. I have nothing to hide from you. You’re going to be my mate, and you have a right to know what you’re getting into.”
“If you’re Tessa’s clone, why don’t you look more alike? I mean, the resemblance is there, but the studies I did in college mentioned clones more closely resembling whoever their DNA came from.”
“That’s because Jonas is somewhat of a narcissist. I’m not only cloned from Tessa, but from Jonas as well. I’m more like a mutt than a pure breed. Don’t get me wrong. I love my uncle and have the highest respect for his genius, but
he knew he would succeed in the cloning process, and he wanted me to be closer to a full-blood than not. That’s something only our immediate family knows.”
“I won’t tell anyone. One more question, and then I promise I’ll hold off.”
“What is it?”
“Why do you go by St. Claire if your family’s name is Montagnon?”
“When Jonas mated with Caroline, he was ostracized from his clan for accepting a human. They went on the run, but that didn’t stop them from having offspring. Jonas thought it best to put their children up for adoption to keep them safe. When Caroline convinced Jonas to keep several of their children, things leveled off until one day, one of them, Gabriel, transitioned for the first time. He was out in public when it happened, and a couple of scientists who worked for my mother’s human husband found him. They took Gabriel to Gordon who thought he could use his DNA to create a super soldier. Sound familiar?” Lucy nodded, but waited for him to continue. “Those experiments went wrong, thus creating the Unholy.”
“Holy Zeus. You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was. It was after that Jonas refused to keep any more of their offspring. That is until Isabelle came along thirty years later. She’s their last child. With being ostracized, Jonas was convinced the half-bloods needed to keep their distance from all full-bloods. Two of their older offspring traveled the world watching over the ones who’d been put up for adoption. When Tessa – whose real name is Andrea – was old enough, she became a watcher. She took on aliases much the same way you did to keep her true identity hidden. Tessa always hated the name Andrea, so when she was old enough, she adopted one of her aliases, Tessa Blackmore, as her real name. I chose the last name St. Claire from a book I read when I was young.”
“Why do you still call her Andi if she prefers Tessa?”
“My middle name is Andrew, and at first, I guess it let me feel like we were still close. When Tessa traveled, I followed. She’s tough as nails, but she’s still my sister, and until she mated with Gregor, I felt it was my duty to look after her.”
