by Faith Gibson
Listen, godsdamnit.
Rafael did as the beast said and opened his senses. It was faint, but he heard a heartbeat close to where he sat amidst the detritus. He followed the sound and began moving debris out of the way. The heartbeat became louder, but it wasn’t stronger. “Hang on, my love. I’m going to get your out of here.” Rafe was torn between pulling Kaya out of the wreckage and going in search of his son.
Can you feel Sebastian?
Yes. It’s faint, but he’s alive.
And Priscilla?”
She is alive as well, but she’s panicking.
Fuck! What about the Unholy? Or Drago? Can you detect them?
They are no longer here.
At least he didn’t have to worry about fighting while he searched for Kaya. Rafael knew his family would be on their way. He’d let Dane worry about what to tell the news crew he had no doubt would be right behind the police. One by one, Rafe moved pieces of stone and wood until he saw a bloodied hand. He continued working until he got his mate uncovered. Kaya’s beautiful face was badly cut, and bruises were already forming under the skin. He wanted to gather her in his arms, but he was afraid to move her.
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he pushed her dirty hair off her face. “Oh, my love. My love,” he muttered over and over. “I don’t want to leave you, but I need to find Sebastian. I promise I’ll be right back.” Rafael placed a kiss on his mate’s cut lips, tears dripping onto her face.
“Rafael!” Priscilla yelled from somewhere outside, and then the most glorious sound in the world followed – Sebastian crying. Rafael moved as swiftly as possible over the fallen structure. The middle of the house where the gathering rooms were located was decimated as was the kitchen. The walls surrounding Sebastian’s nursery were standing, but the roof was partially missing. It would have been quicker to phase and fly to where Priscilla was still calling for him, but he didn’t know how long he had until emergency personnel showed.
“Priscilla, I’m here,” he called out as soon as he was close enough for the older human to hear. When he made it to the patio, he ran to where she was holding his son. Priscilla handed Sebastian over, and Rafe cradled his son to his chest. “Shh, Papa’s here. Everything’s going to be okay.” Rafael twisted back and forth slowly, doing his best to quiet his baby boy.
“Where’s Kaya?” Priscilla asked, looking behind Rafael.
“She’s still in the house. She’s alive, but she’s badly injured.” Sirens sounded in the distance. “Help is on the way. Where were you?”
“In the garden. I took Sebastian for a walk to tell Jonathan what was going on before we left for Samoa.”
“And I thank the gods you still talk to your love. I’d hate to think…” Rafael choked back a sob. Priscilla stepped closer and placed her hand on Rafe’s cheek. Her emotions were there in her watery eyes. She’d been with his family long enough to know how their world worked.
The sadness on her face morphed into anger. “You find that bastard, Rafael. And when you do, I want his head. Nobody comes after our family and lives. You hear me?”
“Loud and clear. I’ll tear this city apart until I find Drago Costas.” When the sirens got closer, Rafael handed Sebastian back to his beloved housekeeper. “I need to go open the gate. The threat is gone, so you wait here with Bas until I get back.”
“Go. We’ll be fine.”
Rafael took off running, using his shifter speed to get to the gate in seconds. When he approached the gate, it didn’t automatically open, so he climbed over and punched in the numerical code. Thankfully, that worked, and Rafael sped back toward the house. Firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars sped down the long driveway, stopping well away from the house.
“Help me, please. My wife is alive, but she’s been hurt badly.” Rafael led a team of first responders through to what used to be the living room. “She’s over here,” he said, climbing over the debris he’d moved from Kaya’s body.
“Sir, you need to step back and let us assess your wife.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Mr. Stone, please—”
“Rafael!” Frey yelled. It wasn’t necessary, but Frey was frantic.
Rafael waited until the EMTs reached his mate before turning to his cousin. “Kaya’s alive, but I don’t know the extent of the damages.”
When Rafael started back toward Kaya, Frey grabbed his arm. “You have to let them do their job, Brother. This is what they’re trained for.”
Rafael knew his cousin was right, but leaving Kaya in the care of someone else was close to impossible. “What about the others?” he asked as he kept an eye on the EMTs.
Frey moved them farther away where they could talk privately and still keep an eye on Kaya. “No one has reported anything. I’ve sent the other mates on to the airport. Do you want me to send Priscilla and Sebastian with them?”
“No, I… Fuck. I should, but damnit, I don’t want to let Sebastian out of my sight.”
“I understand. But if he remains here, you won’t be able to go after Drago.”
“My first priority is Kaya. As much as I want the Greek’s head, I need to be with my mate more. Frey… I need to do this.” Rafael gestured toward his mate.
“I know, Brother, but you have to let them do their job. You did your part already in digging her out from beneath the rubble. We don’t need humans questioning that.”
Rafe knew his cousin was right. He shouldn’t have been able to move all the rubble Kaya was lying beneath so quickly. Thank the gods Dane was in charge. Speaking of the chief, Dane’s face was pale as he took in the scene.
“Kaya,” Dane whispered. Rafael often forgot that Kaya and Dane worked together for years before he met them. “Is she…?”
“She’s alive. Dane…” Rafael couldn’t explain what happened there to the police or the news crew he had no doubt was already parked outside the gate.
“Don’t worry, Rafael. I’ll handle it.”
The three of them stood silently as the EMTs worked diligently to get Kaya safely loaded on a board, which was difficult working on and around the rubble. Rafael followed the responders until they got to the ambulance. While they loaded Kaya, he searched for his son. Priscilla was still holding Sebastian, but the woman looked like she was seconds from falling apart. When he looked back at his home, he took in the destruction. The wing housing Priscilla’s room was still standing, as was his and Kaya’s room. It was the middle part that had been targeted. Rafael was torn. He needed to go with Kaya, but he needed to see to Sebastian too.
“Sir, if you’re riding with us, we need to go.”
“Go, Brother. I’ll take care of Sebastian,” Frey said. “I’ll bring him to the hospital as soon as I get everyone situated here.”
Rafael inclined his head. “Thank you.” Rafe climbed into the ambulance and reached for Kaya’s hand, but at the last second, he didn’t take it. He didn’t know the extent of her injuries and didn’t want to cause her any undue pain. So, he sat next to her and inventoried ever scrape, cut, bruise. He would inflict the same on Drago Costas before taking his head.
Drago was less excited than he should be as he watched the news report. Hagen was grinning as the woman on the screen reported about the explosion at Rafael Stone’s home. Drago thought he would be elated, but for some reason, he felt numb. Kidnapping a mate or child was one thing, but outright killing them? When had he lost his nerve? Lost his lust for doing whatever it took to ensure the throne was his? Taking a throne was ruthless business, and if he couldn’t feel elated about Rafael’s home being destroyed, about his mate and child – the child who would one day have become King – being taken out of the equation—
“Our plan… I mean your plan is working. You have them all running scared.” Hagen turned from the TV back to his computer. The young man had managed to breach the security at the Clan members’ gates. Drago never realized how tenacious the human was, but Hagen had worked almost around-the-clock until he figured out ho
w to bypass Julian Stone’s design. “The bad news is, it looks like they’re moving the other mates and kids.”
“Moving them where?” Drago had planned to use the families as distractions. He needed the males focused on those they loved so he could move in more easily when they went up against the Clan. Drago thought starting with Rafael had been the wisest move. Sure, it made the King vulnerable as he grieved his family, but it also made him that much more dangerous. Drago remembered his own rage when Audrey had been taken from him, and they had yet to complete the bond. They also didn’t have a new baby. Now, Rafael would stop at nothing until he had Drago’s head.
“At first, it looked like they were putting them together so they aren’t as spread out, but…” Hagen’s fingers flew across the keyboard. Drago’s dining room had morphed from a place where they enjoyed their meals together into a command center. Multiple screens lined up in front of his human. Hagen continued to impress Drago with the way he learned something new every day. Drago didn’t ask where Hagen was learning his new skills. All he knew was the guy had taken it upon himself to do whatever it took for Drago to succeed.
“Shit. What the…?”
“Problem?” Drago asked, turning his attention from the news report.
“I’m not sure. Damnit. Julian is trying to hack my system.”
“Can you keep him out?”
“Yes…” Hagen didn’t sound sure though.
“Maybe Julian should have been the first one I targeted,” Drago said more to himself than Hagen.
“I’m not so sure this is Julian. The moves seem different. Like…” Hagen paused, staring intently at the screen. “I think he has help.”
“Can you pinpoint his location?” Drago had other groups of Unholy lined up to strike. It had been Hagen’s idea to bomb Rafael’s home. Drago hadn’t asked where the kid got his hands on so much fire power or how quickly.
“No. Not his computers, but…” Hagen leaned back, staring at the ceiling. After a few seconds, he returned to his keyboard, determination clear on his handsome face. Drago remained silent, not wanting to disturb the young man’s concentration. “Yes!” Hagen pumped a fist in the air. “Got you, you bastard.” When Hagen smiled up at Drago, it was all Drago could do not to grab the young man and kiss him. “Ready for phase two?”
Drago returned Hagen’s smile, and with it, his enthusiasm for their plan returned.
“Julian, if you were going to take out a Clan, how would you do it?” Lachlan asked.
“What?” Julian stopped typing and looked at the other male. “I don’t know. Why are you asking?”
“Working for Alistair taught me to think like him. And if I learned from him, I’m betting Drago did too. Alistair didn’t come after your Clan with an army all at once. He bided his time, whittling away at each of you individually.”
“And you think that’s what Drago is planning to do?”
“It makes sense. He targeted Rafael. Now, the King’s focus is on his mate and child. Sure, he’s ready to go after Drago, but Rafael won’t leave Kaya’s side until he knows she’s going to be okay. If Drago isn’t aware your mates are all on a plane headed West, he will set his sights on one of you next.”
“You think the rest of us are going to be targeted? Fuck! That makes sense. But how are we supposed to know who he’ll hit next?”
“By following the little rabbit’s movements. Hagen was trying to get your location, but I countered his keystrokes. The kid has learned a lot in the past year. He’s better than I gave him credit for.”
“If he figures out where I am—”
“He can take out your computer system. I think we need to move.”
Julian stood so quickly his chair rolled across the room. “Fuck!” He grabbed his phone and called Frey.
“Julian? What’s wrong?” Frey asked instead of saying hello. Julian could tell his brother was driving by the road noise in the background. Frey had already texted him about Kaya being taken to the hospital, and Julian had berated him for it. Julian couldn’t be sure Hagen hadn’t somehow hacked their phones, yet here he was calling to tell Frey his suspicions.
“Lachlan thinks Drago is coming after me next. If he blows up the lab—”
“Shit! I’ll send a crew there now.”
“We need a crew at each of our homes. There are enough Unholy to target each of our houses at the same time. At least those of us whose gates were compromised.”
“Do you think he’ll come after the lab or your home? You have equipment both places.” The sound of a baby crying came through the phone.
“Why isn’t Sebastian on the plane?”
“If Katherine were fighting for her life, would you let your child out of your sight? Rafael insisted he be the one to watch over his son. I’m taking Bas and Priscilla to the hospital now. But back to you… You need to choose, Little Brother. You can only protect either the lab or your home.”
“Can you send a crew both places? Do we have enough males to help guard all our homes?”
“Yes to both questions. Hunter is on his way there, and Dominic and twenty others arrived at Rafael’s right before I left. He’s on standby with our males. Patch me through on a conference call to everyone who was on the video conference this morning.”
Lachlan cursed and stood quickly. “What’s wrong?” Julian asked.
“My mate’s here.” Lachlan turned toward the door just as Hunter strode in, his twin, Carter, right behind.
“We got here as quick as we could. What’s going on?” Hunter asked without looking at Lachlan.
“Lachlan, please explain everything to them while I patch everyone through,” Julian said. He felt marginally better now that Lachlan’s mate was there to keep an eye on him. Julian rang the other Clan members and listened while Frey instructed them to take teams to each of their homes. Lorenzo had gathered spare swords from the armory for those whose weapons were at home.
“I’ll head home now that Hunter and Carter are here to help Lachlan. Have Lor stop here so they have weapons in case Drago sends Goyles with the Unholy.” They all had their directives, and Julian prayed they would be able to stop the Unholy from blowing up any more of their homes.
When Julian disconnected, Lachlan asked, “Should we try to move your equipment before they get here?”
“We’re in an SUV, if that helps,” Carter said.
“Move it where?” Julian ran a hand through his hair. His genius brain was failing him. Again.
“How about the Pen?” Lachlan suggested. “I doubt Drago would think about attacking such a secure structure.”
“Yes. That’s perfect. Lachlan, you know the important pieces. Take only the necessary equipment and get the hell out of here. I’ll call Remy and tell him to expect you.”
“Go. We’ve got this,” Hunter said.
“Thank you.” Julian had no choice but to trust these three to safeguard his world.
Katherine is our world. As long as she’s safe, nothing else matters. You can always rebuild a computer.
His beast was right. Julian ran to his Corvette and sped home. He prayed to the gods he got there in time to save it.
Chapter Eighteen
Josie had flown several times in her younger days, but she’d never been on a luxury jet. It was crowded with so many of them, but she was thankful they weren’t stuck on a commercial plane. Especially since Tessa was pacing the middle of the cabin. Frey had called Abbi right before take-off and told her about Kaya. Each of their mates had called or texted with one last message before the plane lifted off. Now, all they could do was wait. Bryce, the pilot, was a Gargoyle. He and his brother, Karson, had loaded all their bags while the females and kids got situated. Molly had sniffed the cabin before hiding out in the jet’s bedroom. Connor and Amelia were also in the small room, with Abbi keeping them occupied. Karson wasn’t a pilot, but he sat in the cockpit with his brother to give the women and Trevor their privacy.
Josie didn’t know Kaya well. Not like ev
eryone else did, but her heart still hurt thinking of the kind woman lying in the hospital. Probably fighting for her life. What could have been a quasi-vacation had turned into a somber affair. With the exception of Tessa, everyone was sitting quietly.
Trevor, who had been tracking Tessa’s steps, said, “You’re making me nauseous, and I’m not pregnant.”
Tessa disappeared into the galley and came back with a bottle of clear liquor. Karson had food brought in before they took off, but no one besides the kids had felt like eating. Abbi, Sophia, and Katherine had managed to eat a little, but Josie figured it was because two of them were pregnant.
“Shots, anyone?” Tessa asked, holding up a bottle of what Josie could now see was tequila.
Isabelle, Marley, Trevor, and Willow raised their hands. There was no salt or lime slices to chase the liquor. The women took turns sipping from the bottle. When it was Tessa’s turn, she took more than a sip. The half-blood didn’t wince at what Josie knew was a fiery path down her throat. Tessa held the bottle out to Josie. She shrugged and took a sip, hissing through the burn.
“Kat, your turn,” Tessa said, offering the expensive tequila to the other redhead.
Katherine shook her head. “I better not.” She rubbed her stomach. “I don’t feel very good.”
Tessa didn’t pressure the former newscaster. Katherine Fox had made her own headlines when she’d been arrested for treason. That reminded Josie, each of the other mates had a story to tell. It might help pass the time and take their minds off Kaya for a bit.
“I can’t believe I have my own Gargoyle. It’s weird hearing the two separate voices in my head.”
Trevor narrowed his eyes. “How much tequila did you drink?”
Josie winked at the cute guy. “What, you can’t talk to Jasper’s beast?”
“No. Can you?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“No, but I can talk to Kai’s.” And that statement was enough to turn their attention away from what they were leaving behind for a while.