by Faith Gibson
Josie giggled. “It’s going to take me a while to get used to the fact that you all look around the same age. That I’m going to look like I do the rest of my life.”
“For us, here on the island, it’s no problem. I can’t imagine living among so many humans and having to worry about it.”
“We have a workaround for that.” Sophia explained the prosthetics Jonas had designed. “They’re so realistic. We can become anyone else when we need to.”
Nikolas laughed. “Yes, Beatrice, you can.”
Sophia grinned. “I was in Egypt looking for my parents. I was wearing a disguise I called Beatrice. She was an older woman, and by older, I mean late sixties. I may or may not have kissed Nikolas in front of the gods and everyone on an Egyptian sidewalk dressed as a grandmother.”
Tessa joined them, and as she and Sophia talked about some of their disguises, Kai’s family gathered around to listen. Connor and Amelia were playing with the younger kids, and Kai almost forgot the reason they were there. That is, until Sefina cursed a blue streak.
“What’s going on?” Henry asked.
“Pono is in distress,” Sefina growled, looking ready to kill someone.
“Do you think the same person is trying to hijack his plane?” Henry asked Kai.
“Honestly? Yes. That was the reason Pono flew the decoy.”
“Come with me,” Henry said before he took off running. “Nikolas, you come too,” Henry called over his shoulder.
“I’ll be right back,” Kai told Josie.
He and Nikolas caught up to Henry as he entered his home. What Kai saw brought him up short. “What the hell?” he muttered.
“Holy shit. You have as much stuff as Julian.”
Henry waved them off. “I need some information. Like where was Pono headed. When did he leave?”
Nikolas told him what he asked for, and Henry typed madly at a flat keyboard. There was no sound of skin against plastic. There was only the muted tapping as Henry’s fingers made contact with what looked like a rubber mat.
“Oh, this fucker’s good. Too bad I’m better.”
Kai and Nikolas looked at each other then back to Henry. Kai had no idea his nephew was computer savvy much less capable of going head-to-head with a computer genius like Lachlan. If it was Lachlan.
“That’s one,” Henry muttered. Sefina and Kili ran into the room.
“Kili, I need your help.”
Henry’s mate pulled out the spare chair and sat next to Henry. “Sefina, tell Pono to change frequencies to forty-seven megahertz. Kili, I need you to watch the algorithm I’m sending you and make sure it doesn’t glitch. If it does, restart it.”
“Hirini?” Pono’s voice came through a surround-sound speaker. It was like he was in the room with them.
“Pono, I’m here. I’ve locked onto the bastard trying to take you down. The engines are going to stop and restart alternatively, but it’ll be enough for you to land.”
“I’m forty kilometers from the coast—”
“I’m charting your trajectory. There’s an airport in New North Bend, Oregon. Get on the horn and issue your PAN-PAN.”
“You mean MAYDAY. Henry, I’m too far away.”
“I’ve got you, Pono. Trust me. You won’t need a MAYDAY.”
“What’s the difference?” Kai asked.
“Simply stated, PAN-PAN means he’s alerting them to a problem and needs to make an emergency landing. He would issue a MAYDAY if he were going to crash,” Sefina explained. To her mate, she said, “Do it, Pono. We’ve got your back.”
“Yes, my Teuila.”
Everyone stayed quiet so Henry could concentrate. Kai had no idea how Henry could manipulate the engines from his computer. It didn’t give him the warm-and-fuzzies about flying if anyone could hack in and take down a plane.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. Not even from Julian,” Nik whispered.
“There’s someone else in the system, but it looks like they’re working with us,” Kili said. “Henry, the other system went offline. I can’t see it.”
“Yeah, they stopped fucking with the engines. Do you think Julian is helping?” Henry asked Nikolas.
“I’d bet on it.”
After waiting twenty minutes to make sure the engines weren’t going to malfunction again, Pono checked in. “Hirini? Thank you. Thank all of you. Sefina, I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
“I’ll be waiting,” Sefina returned.
Nikolas clapped Henry on the shoulder. “Nice work.”
Henry stood and stretched. “Thanks, but I had help.”
“You and Kili make a good team.”
“I was talking about Julian, but yeah.” Henry grabbed his mate’s hand. “Yeah, we do. And we would be honored to move to New Atlanta if you’re serious about the job.”
“I was definitely serious, and after seeing what you’re capable of? I’d probably kidnap you and take you anyway if you turned my offer down.” Nikolas clapped his hands together. “While you go tell your family the good news, I need to call mine and tell them what happened.”
Kai exited Henry’s home in search of his mate. Now that they knew Lachlan was behind the issue with the plane, Gregor would throw the male back behind bars. Or worse.
Julian cursed into his empty house. With several males guarding the outside, he was able to focus his attention on his computer. The same system Lachlan was using to sabotage another plane. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise. That would be someone else not only countering his every move but also restarting the engines as soon as Lachlan disabled them. Whoever it was didn’t need his help, so Julian focused on shutting down the system Lachlan was using.
He pressed a few buttons in the keyboard to call Gregor, then went back to the task at hand.
“Jules?”
“Can you get to the Pen? Lachlan is behind the plane going down.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m watching him trying to do it again.”
“Shit. The decoy worked.”
“Decoy?”
“Yes. We had Deacon tell Lachlan the mates were headed to Italy instead of Samoa. Malakai’s brother is flying the plane.”
“Why didn’t someone fill me in?”
“We would have if you’d answered your phone.” Gregor’s surly tone wasn’t unexpected.
“Yeah, I… I’m sorry. But it looks like I’m not needed. Someone else is attacking the system. They’re countering every move Lachlan makes.” Julian didn’t have time to figure out who.
“I’m hanging up and calling Remy now.” Gregor disconnected without saying goodbye. Julian knew he’d fucked up in more ways than one, and he had a lot to apologize for. But first, he had to destroy part of his system so Lachlan couldn’t do any more damage. It had taken Julian a decade to build his network, but he would gladly spend another ten years rebuilding it if it meant saving Kai’s brother’s life.
When Kai and the others returned to where everyone was waiting, Kai had his arm wrapped around Henry’s neck. “It’s over. Henry saved Pono. He’s a hero!”
Shouts went up, and the massive Palamo Clan rushed the younger Goyle. Josie, who had been chatting with a couple of Kai’s sisters-in-law, made her way to where Katherine was sitting with Tessa and Trevor. She sank down in a chair and blew out a breath, but she was smiling as she watched Kai and his large family. Through their bond, Malakai had told her what was happening.
“This calls for a celebration!” Ariki shouted above all the excitement.
“That’s not all there is to celebrate,” Tessa said, looking at Katherine.
“Yeah? What else is there?” Josie asked.
“Lani read my aura. She figured out I’m pregnant.” Katherine rubbed her flat stomach.
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations.” Josie noticed Katherine wasn’t smiling. “Isn’t it?”
“I mean, yeah, I’m happy, but…”
“You haven’t told Julian?” Josie asked.
“Yes, he knows, but I’m worried about him. He’s not been himself lately, and this mess with Lachlan and Drago and the Unholy… I know my mate. He’s going to blame himself for all of it. And now Henry has saved the day.” Katherine’s eyes filled with tears. “That should make Julian happy, that Lachlan failed in taking down another plane, but it’s going to be another hit to his ego.”
Josie clasped Katherine’s hand. “Julian helped. Henry said someone was helping him, and that could only have been Julian. You can’t give up hope. Maybe the baby will give Julian something positive focus on.”
“She’s right, Katherine. The Goyles are hardwired to put their mates and children first. You have to keep trying to reach out to him. Remind him he’s going to be a father, and his whole mindset will change for the better. You’ll see.” Tessa’s smile was wistful, and Josie wondered if Tessa was hiding her own secret.
Kai joined them. “The fiafia has been moved up to tonight. Will you be okay if I help with the preparations?”
“Of course. Do you need any help?”
Kai squatted next to her and kissed her temple. “No, but thank you, Sunshine. My brothers’ mates will have you all busy getting ready.”
“Getting ready?” Trevor frowned. “They can’t be getting us ready as virginal sacrifices because not virgins,” he said, motioning to the four of them.
Kai laughed, the sound filling Josie with happiness. “No, but they are going to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. I’m stealing Nikolas, and Trevor you’re welcome to come with us.”
“Nah. You go do badass stuff with the other badasses. I’ll guard the women.” He pushed to his feet and flexed his muscles, causing everyone to laugh.
Tessa rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “I’ll take you at my back anytime, Nerd Boy.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Josie was looking forward to the celebration. She wanted to taste the Samoan cuisine, watch the males dance, and celebrate Pono’s safety. “We’ll be fine,” Josie said, cupping Kai’s cheek. Kai kissed her softly just as Kili walked up.
“Come on then. Lavalava for everyone. And while we’re getting dressed, maybe you can tell me all about New Atlanta. Henry and I are excited about joining you there. I’m going to wait about finding a job. Let Henry get settled first. Maybe I’ll find a little house to fix up so I’m not bored. Do they have little houses in the big city?”
Josie couldn’t help but smile at Kili’s excitement. It was Trevor who latched on to the conversation. “I think we might know the perfect place for you. My brother, Travis, moved into our Queen’s house when she got together with Rafael, but he’s probably going to move in with his girlfriend soon, and it’s not that small, but it is smaller than the other homes most of us live in. Two bedrooms so plenty of room for now, and if you and Henry decide to have kids, there’s room for that.”
Kili stumbled at Trevor’s words, and Tessa caught her.
“You okay?”
Kili nodded then shook her head. “Yeah, no. It’s…” She brushed a tear from her cheek. “This should get easier, but…” Kili whooshed out a breath, and it was Isi that came to her rescue. All the Stone Society mates along with Kai’s brothers’ mates were gathered around.
“Kili and Hirini have tried to have children, but the gods, for whatever reason, haven’t seen fit to allow it. Kili has lost three babies.”
Kili pasted a smile to her face. “Instead of trying for one of our own, we’ve decided to adopt. It’s another reason we’re excited about moving. We figured there’d be more children in the States who need loving parents ready to give them a good home. So, two bedrooms sounds perfect. Now, let’s get changed. I can’t wait to see the males dance.”
“If you’re all here, who’s doing the cooking?” Sophia asked.
“The males,” Tamah answered. “It’s tradition. For everyday cooking, we take turns, but for the fiafia the females get to sit back and enjoy it.”
They spent the next couple hours laughing and talking. Fetu had called it when he said his mate would latch onto Trevor. Tamah kept Trevor talking, and the both of them laughed as they shared a little of their lives with each other. It didn’t take that long to get changed out of their clothes and into the gorgeous sarongs, but as Kili requested, they told her about New Atlanta and other cities in the States. Kai’s family listened intently, and Kili wasn’t the only one with questions. Josie tried to imagine living on the small island for hundreds of years without seeing tall buildings and streets crowded with cars at all hours. When Kili mentioned she would need to learn how to drive, Tessa offered to teach her. Katherine offered to help her fix up whatever house she and Henry bought, and Willow and Marley promised to spend time with her, showing her around the city.
When Kili learned that some of their homes had been destroyed, she cried for them, then she offered to help find Drago and kick his ass. Isa was worried about her son and his mate heading into a war, but she knew if anyone could help find Drago, it was Henry. Josie glanced around at everyone, admiring how they each looked dressed alike yet different. When she realized all the lavalava were bright colors except for hers, she asked, “Not that I’m complaining because promise I’m not, but is there a reason my lavalava is different?” While the others were bright pink, orange, turquois, yellow, and green floral, hers was dark red with golden flames.
Tamah stepped up to Josie and placed her hands on Josie’s bare arms. “Tonight is a celebration. Manaia has claimed his mate, so the fiafia is a special one. It’s a ceremony to welcome you to our family. Like the tartans of the Scottish, our Clan has our own family color, and you are wearing it.”
Josie was honored. In the span of a week, she’d gone from having no one other than her mother who cared for her to having two large families.
Lani joined them, and the room got quiet. Kai’s mama was wearing the same red as Josie, but where Josie’s wrap was imprinted with golden flames, Lani’s had dark green leaves. Lani’s long, dark hair was hidden by a headpiece, which Josie assumed was her crown. In Lani’s hand was a smaller headpiece.
“If I may?” Lani asked Josie.
Isa motioned to the chair Josie had sat in while the female had worked Josie’s hair into a gorgeous updo. Now she understood why. Lani stepped behind Josie and placed the headpiece atop Josie’s curls. When Lani was satisfied with the way it fit, Josie stared at herself in the mirror.
“Oh, my goodness,” she muttered. She looked like an island princess. Josie caught Lani’s eyes in the mirror. Eyes wet with tears. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you, Josie. Now, before Manaia comes storming in wondering why his mate is crying, it’s time.”
“Uh, not to ruin the mood or anything, but where’s the rest of my lavalava?” Trevor asked, looking down at his bare chest. If Josie was self-conscious of her curves, Trevor had to feel the same about his pale skin. The younger man was cute and funny. He had some muscle mass but nothing like that of the Gargoyles.
Tessa threw an arm across his shoulder. “I have a feeling all eyes will be elsewhere tonight, but just so you know, you look great. As a matter of fact” — Tessa handed him her phone — “don’t take my word for it.”
Trevor’s cheeks turned cherry red at whatever was on her phone. “I can’t believe you sent a picture to Jasper. Well, yes, I can. He, uh…” Trevor cleared his throat when he realized how many women were grinning at him. “Never mind. Is there drink at this function? Because I need one. Or seven.”
“If you will all follow me?” Lani took Josie’s hand and led the group down a pathway through the trees. Night had fallen, but torches had been lit to illuminate their way. When the pathway opened, Josie gasped at the sight before her. They were on a beach. More torches had been placed all around. A buffet was waiting off to the side, but it was the line of males standing in front of her that Josie couldn’t look away from. Seven gorgeous Samoan Gargoyles stood still. Six were dressed in solid red lavalava. They had some type of green leaves wrapped
around their necks with the same greenery circling their legs just below their knees. But it was Kai Josie’s eyes came back to. His cloth matched hers, but where his brothers wore greenery, Kai was adorned in golden leaves.
Lani led Josie to be seated front and center with Lani on one side and Ariki on the other. Behind Kai and his brothers were six more of his family standing behind drums, their arms poised in the air, waiting to begin. Ariki clapped his hands once, and in unison, their arms came down, their mallets striking the drum skins. Kai and his brothers began moving as one unit. Their feet stomped the packed sand. Their voices chanted and grunted. Malakai’s eyes only left hers when he turned left or right. She was entranced by the words she didn’t understand. The clapping. The slapping of chests. The pumping of fists. The way Kai’s thigh muscles bunched and shifted as he crouched low, swiveled to one side, then the other. Her cheeks flushed thinking of what was underneath the short lavalava encircling his waist, then she remembered who she was sitting between.
Josie had no idea how long the dance lasted. She could have watched her mate dance all night, but with one last shout, the men stopped moving and the drums were silent. Josie’s face hurt from smiling, and her hands hurt from clapping along to the beat. When Kai strode toward her, she froze. His face was serious. His gaze heated. Shit! What was he going to do to her? Throw her over his shoulder and stomp off into the woods?
Kai stopped several feet away and knelt with his head bowed, one strong arm resting on his thigh with his hand fisted. Ariki rose and helped Josie to her feet. He led Josie to where Kai waited and stood between them. With their backs to the water, Josie faced the group gathered to witness the ceremony.
With one hand on Malakai’s shoulder and the other holding Josie’s, Ariki spoke.