by Faith Gibson
Chapter Seven
Isla wanted to call her mom since it had been a full day since she spoke to her, but she also didn’t want to give Felix a heads up he was going to have company. Isla didn’t want the male to call in reinforcements.
The castle her parents called home was located in a quaint neighborhood. Isla always wondered how Felix and her mum got away with living there hundreds of years with no one asking why they weren’t aging. Per Isla’s wishes, Lorenzo drove right up to the house. The four males exited the rental and flanked Isla as she strode up to the front door. When she tried the knob, it was unlocked, and they silently made their way inside.
Isla wanted desperately to call out to her mum, but they had a plan. One she had decided on, so she had to keep her mouth closed and her ears opened. Her mum’s laughter rang out from farther in the house. Isla froze. If her mum was laughing, either Felix wasn’t home, or Imogen had lied about knowing of his plans. The males surrounded her, and Isla stood on tiptoe to see why. Her mum had entered the hallway, accompanied by a male Isla didn’t know.
“Isla!” Her mum broke into a run toward Isla. Remy and the others remained where they were, guarding her.
“It’s okay, Remy. Stand down.” Remy allowed Isla to move forward just as her mother reached her and strangled her in a tight embrace. The stranger remained where he was, hands in his pockets. The smile on his face as he watched Imogen and Isla embrace was kind.
“Mum.” Isla hugged her mother just as tightly while keeping an eye on the male.
“Oh, my baby! What are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you, but shouldn’t you be with Rain?”
“Mum, you hung up on me. I was worried about you. Where’s Felix, and who is this?”
Imogen released Isla and slid her arm around Isla’s waist while grinning at Remy and the other males. “Hello, Remy. It’s so good to see you, Son. It appears you brought a small army, but there really was no need. I have my own bodyguard.” Imogen held out her free hand, and the stranger strolled to her as though Isla wasn’t about to have a heart attack.
“Mum, where is Felix?”
“I’m getting to that. Isla, I’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Ward. Ben is my true mate.”
“Say what?” Isla eyed the handsome male as he fisted his heart and bowed his head.
“On my honor.” When Ben straightened, he turned to Remy with his hand out. “Remy, it’s a pleasure. Imogen has told me so much about you and your vineyard. I hope she and I will be allowed to see it soon.”
“Mum, what the hell is going on? And where the hell is Felix? I have something I want to say to him before he—”
“Ben took care of him yesterday.”
“What?” Isla’s head was spinning. “What do you mean took care of him?”
Ben rocked back on his heals, smiling. “He’s currently fish food in the Coral Sea. I pretended to be a businessman who made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. If there’s one thing Felix Hogan was, it was greedy. I took him out for a business lunch on my yacht. He was there to swindle me out of millions. I was there to take his head. I won.”
Isla was trying to comprehend all she was hearing. “But I just talked to you yesterday. How did you manage this in less than a day?”
“Do you want the truth?” Imogen asked.
“Yes. I’m sick of lies and manipulation.”
“Ben has been planning on taking Felix out of the picture for a while. He and I met when we were young. His family worked for mine, and I’m sad to admit, my parents’ thoughts on the whole Original bloodlines remaining pure were the same as Felix’s. Ben and I knew we were mates, but my parents sent me away to live with my aunt in Western Australia. Ben’s family was released from their duties, and they moved south. Once enough time passed my parents thought I’d forget my foolish notions, as they called wanting my true mate, they brought me home and introduced me to Felix.”
Ben stepped up to Imogen and wrapped an arm around her waist. “I spent my life watching over your mum. I also kept tabs on Felix and all his dealings. Our family wasn’t poor, just not from an Original bloodline. I mirrored Felix’s business dealings, remaining a few steps behind on purpose. When I was able, I approached your mum. I let her know I was there for her in case she ever needed me.”
Imogen caressed Ben’s face. “Ben and I have loved each other from afar for quite a while now, but when you called and told me what Felix plotted, I was done being the good and faithful mate. So I called Ben and told him it was time.”
“And I was just waiting for her call. Have been for years. I had plenty of time to come up with different scenarios on getting rid of Felix Hogan. If that makes me a bad Gargoyle, then so be it. I’ve waited eight centuries to be with my fated mate, and I won’t apologize for getting Felix out of the picture. Especially now I know what he tried to do to you and Rain. If you tell me where Nash is, I’ll take care of him as well.”
“He’s been handled.” Isla shook her head and laughed. “Damn, Mum. This is all… I don’t know what this is.”
“It’s the start of the rest of my life. Ben has offered to manage the business unless you want to come back and run it. If not, he’ll take care of everything so it will be waiting for Rain or any other children you have.”
“My life is with Remy and Rain in America for now. Ben, if you would manage the company, I’d appreciate it.”
“No problem. I have an excellent team ready to step in. Your mum has already asked that you and Rain be listed as the new owners. The paperwork has been completed. I happen to have a wonderful computer specialist on my payroll.”
Isla knew he meant a hacker, but she didn’t care. “And you’ve managed this in the last twenty-four hours? What if Nash were still alive?”
“Like I said, I’ve been planning this for quite a while. If Nash were alive, he wouldn’t be for long considering what he did to you and your son. I know I’m not your father, and we’ve never met before today, but I feel as though I know you already. Your mum has told me all about you and your family. I hope we get the opportunity to get better acquainted in the future.”
Isla studied her mother’s face. She wore a countenance of adoration, happiness, and contentment. It was something Isla had never seen before. Then again, being with your true mate was the only thing that mattered to a Gargoyle. That and the family you had with them.
“While we’re putting your name on documents, do you want to own this place?” Imogen waved her arm around.
“You don’t want it?” Isla didn’t want to hurt her mum’s feelings, but the castle was the worst place Isla could imagine living. Felix had purchased it after Isla and Remy were mated. When her mum wrinkled her nose, Isla snickered. “Uh, no thank you.”
Imogene winked at Isla. “Me neither. This is the gaudiest piece of property I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some doozies over the years. Okay, I’ll sell it and put the money in Rainier’s trust fund. Now, how about you introduce me to the males who accompanied you?”
Remy made the introductions since Isla had been mostly out of it from the moment they all stormed into her life. Afterward, she and her mum enjoyed some alone time while the males took a tour of the castle. They talked about Rain and what he and Isla both had been through. Imogen gushed about Ben and how she finally had the male she was meant to be with. Isla’s heart hurt for her mother having been denied a life with Ben for over eight centuries. They still had at least two hundred years to be together, if not more, so better late than not at all.
After visiting for a couple hours, Isla said goodbye to her mother and Ben, who promised to visit the States soon so they could love on Rain. Isla was looking forward to it. Between the drive back to the airport and the flight to America, it was almost another twenty-four hours before Isla was reunited with her son. She had wanted to call, but Remy advised against it. Their boy would be a bundle of happy nerves, and Remy didn’t want Abbi and Frey to have to deal with a million questions about how much longe
r.
Remy did call Frey once they landed to give them a heads up. When they pulled down the long driveway nestled in the woods, Isla grabbed Remy’s hand, squeezing until her knuckles were white.
“Relax. You have nothing to be nervous about.”
Isla wasn’t so sure. Her son had been through a traumatic ordeal, and he was so young. Isla knew it was Nash’s fault, but she still blamed herself. It was what parents did when their child was hurt. Tamian had gone to see his mate, but Lorenzo was still single, so he offered to drive them. Lorenzo explained how he watched over the kids while Abbi and Frey were at the gym. Isla didn’t miss the wistful longing in his voice as the male talked about Rain, Amelia, and Connor. After hearing stories during the long flight, Isla felt as though she already knew the children.
Isla shouldn’t have been surprised to see several adults and three children standing on the front porch when the car stopped. From everything Remy told her about his new Clan, they were wonderful, caring beings. Rain was already running down the steps before Remy got the door opened.
“Papa! Is it really Mum?”
“See for yourself.” Remy stepped back, and Rain’s precious face filled the opening.
“Mum!” Rain climbed into the SUV as fast as his little legs allowed and dove into Isla’s arms. They spent several minutes clutching each other, both crying happy tears. Remy urged them to get out of the vehicle, and Rain held both his parents’ hands as they walked to where everyone was still waiting.
“Look! It’s my Mum!” Rain shouted.
Amelia ran down the steps, her hair bouncing around her shoulders. Dark, mischievous eyes smiled as the little girl spun in circles. “This is a happy day!” She grabbed Rain’s hands and spun him with her. Both kids were stumbling from the spinning dizziness, but they were laughing, and that was the best sound in the world to Isla. Well, maybe not the best, because Remy’s sexy voice in her ear when they were alone was at the top of the list.
Introductions were made, and Abbi offered to feed everyone. Isla’s stomach wasn’t happy, but she chalked that up to all the traveling and lack of routine over the last couple days. She wasn’t used to eating when she wanted. Her meals had been structured. The Webers only fed her nutritious items which were supposed to be optimum for pregnant women or those hoping to be pregnant. Isla had too much chocolate mixed with red wine on the flight back, two things she hadn’t been allowed in too many months. Now, she was paying for it.
Isla could see why Remy wanted to remain in the States. The Stone Clan welcomed Isla and treated her as one of their own immediately. Abbi and Isabelle told her abbreviated versions of how they met their mates. Abbi said that once Isla got settled, she would be introduced to the others and hear their encounters. It was an initiation of sorts, but one that bonded the mates.
Remy had already filled her in on the bombings, so she didn’t expect the females – and Trevor – to be in a hurry to have a get together. They were getting their homes and lives back in order. Plus, she had a son and mate of her own to get reacquainted with. Still, it felt good to be part of such a large, welcoming family.
Remy stood in the doorway leading from the kitchen into the living room. Isla and Rain were huddled together on the sofa. Rain was chatting away about Amelia and Connor while Isla smiled at their son, taking in every word. She brushed his hair off his forehead, ran her knuckles down his cheek, pressed kisses to the top of his head. She constantly touched him in some way, much the same way Remy had done when he first got Rain back. When it was time for Rain to go to bed, Isla looked to Remy for direction. His heart broke for his mate. In her absence, Remy continued with their normal ritual of getting Rain settled for the night. Bath first, then story time.
“All right. Bath time, then a couple chapters,” Remy said more for Isla’s benefit than Rain’s.
“Mum, will you read to me? Papa tries, but you make all the voices.”
Isla laughed, her eyes bright with tears. “What are we reading?”
“Percy Jackson! His papa is a god.” Rain jumped up and ran down the hallway into the bathroom. Remy didn’t trust the boy to bathe properly when he was this excited.
“You go help with his bath, and I’ll lock up the house.” Remy pulled Isla to her feet. “Nothing’s changed, Sweetheart. I’ve kept the same routines, and I know he’d rather have you take care of him now that you’re home.” Isla tipped her face up, and Remy gave her the kiss she was silently asking for. “There are other routines that need to continue, if you get my drift.”
Isla slid her hands around to Remy’s backside and squeezed his ass. “I get your drift. I’ve missed you, Mate.”
“As I’ve missed you.” Remy kissed her again before stepping back. “Go,” he urged because if they stood there any longer, he would take her on the floor. That was not how he wanted their reunion to be. He planned on making love to his mate all night. In bed. Remy locked up the house, then he grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and leaned against the island. He took his time sipping instead of chugging to give Isla and Rain much-needed time alone. They had been apart for years, but as he listened in, he smiled at their laughter.
Remy enjoyed three bottles of his favorite ale before joining his little family. Rain was in his pajamas sitting against his pillows with Isla seated beside him holding the latest Percy Jackson book. The stories were for older kids, but Remy read the series before introducing them to his son. He also asked the psychiatrist, who told Remy to use his judgement as Rain’s father. In the end, Remy decided they were the right amount of good versus evil, and if there were aspects Rain didn’t comprehend, Remy took the time to explain whatever Rain had questions about.
Isla opened the paperback to the beginning. Instead of getting Rain an e-reader, Remy purchased the physical books so Rain would have them to read on his own when he was older. His bookshelf wasn’t full, but it was getting there. Isla cleared her throat, but Rain placed his hand on the book.
“Mum?”
“What is it?” Isla placed the book on her lap, giving Rain her full attention.
“Where were you?” Rain picked at a small thread on his blanket, not looking at his mother.
Isla glanced up at Remy, and he nodded. They hadn’t discussed what to tell Rain, but Remy felt the truth was the best course of action.
“For most of my time away, I was with Dr. Craven.”
“Did he leave you in a tunnel too?” Rain whispered.
“No. He sent me to live with a couple named Elias and Anna.”
“Did they hurt you?” Rain’s eyes were filled with unshed tears.
Isla wrapped her arm around their son’s shoulder and pulled him to her. “No, Baby. They didn’t hurt me. They didn’t let me go outside the house, but other than that, they took care of me.”
“If they were nice, why didn’t they let you come back to me and Papa?” Rain had reverted back to calling Remy Papa more often than not.
“I didn’t say they were nice; I just said they didn’t hurt me. There’s a difference. They wanted something from me, and until I gave it to them, I couldn’t leave.”
Rain raised his eyes to Isla’s. “What did they want?”
Remy held his breath. Maybe the truth wasn’t such a good idea, but Isla made the right call when she said, “My bloodline. You know how Percy Jackson has a god for a father?” Rain nodded. “I’m kind of the same way, except instead of my papa being a god, he and my mum both come from a long line of shifters who date back to the original Gargoyles put on Earth. That makes my blood, and now yours, special. In a sense, you’re like Percy.”
“Really?”
“Yes. There are always going to be those – human and shifter alike – who want more than they have. I’m so sorry your Uncle Nash lied to you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”
“But you were there. In here.” Rain tapped his heart. “And so was Papa. I felt you with me. It’s why I wasn’t scared.” Rain looked up at Remy, then back to Isla. “Well,
I was scared a little. Especially when they locked me in that tunnel. Mum, please don’t make me visit Uncle Nash. He calls me names.”
“I promise you will never have to see Nash again. Neither will I. Now, how about we see what Percy is up to?”
“Okay.” Rain held out his hand, and Remy crossed the room to sit with his mate and son. As Isla read the opening chapter of book two, Remy tried to follow along, but his mind was full of the future and how to best take care of these two amazing creatures. He thanked the gods several times for bringing them back to him. Neither had been physically harmed, but they weren’t without scars. Remy was going to do everything in his power to ensure they healed mentally. Rain was doing better since he’d been seeing the therapist, and Remy would get Isla an appointment as well.
Four chapters later, Rain was asleep. Isla pulled the covers up around his shoulders and kissed his forehead. Remy rose and stood by the door, but he didn’t rush her. He knew what Isla was feeling. At least he thought he did. Being separated for years had been torture, and the first night he had Rain back, Remy had watched his son sleep all night. He wouldn’t take that away from Isla if she wished to remain by Rain’s side. Surprisingly, his beast wasn’t pushing him. It wanted what was best for their mate too.
After half an hour, Isla kissed Rain again, then rose and walked into Remy’s waiting arms. She leaned her head back, eyes filled with that glint they got when she wanted him. Isla ran her fingers through Remy’s hair, then tugged his head down for a kiss. There was no mistaking what his mate wanted by the way her tongue tangled with his. His mate could be a fierce lover, and that was who Remy was getting. He welcomed her. Grabbing the back of her thighs, Remy picked his mate up, and Isla wrapped her legs around his hips, settling her jeans-covered core against his erection.