Sixx (The Stone Society, #7)

by Faith Gibson

  When they arrived at the villa, Sixx spoke into the security panel, and the metal gates swung open, allowing them passage. If Uri was impressed with the estate, he didn’t say anything. All of the Gargoyles had enough money to purchase their own large homes, but Sixx knew Uri’s home was one of the smallest. From what he gathered, Uri spent most of his time at the armory and the gym, only using his house as a place to sleep. Hopefully, this trip would do the Goyle some good, and he would find whatever it was he was looking for.

  “What’s out back?” Uri asked, focused on the building that was separate from the main house.

  “That’s the guest house. If you prefer to stay out there instead of in the villa, you’re welcome to it. I want you to feel at home here, Uri. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”

  Uri finally met his eyes. “Thank you. I’m not sure what I need, exactly. I’ve felt lost for quite a while now, and I’m hoping this change of scenery will do me good. Even though I like being alone, I think I’ll stay in the villa with you.”

  “Excellent. Let’s go inside, and I’ll show you around.” He was glad Uri had decided to stay with him. He wanted to be able to talk to someone should things with Rae go worse than he expected they would. It shouldn’t surprise Sixx that the remote for the garage was clipped to the sun visor. He hit the button, and the door opened up for him.

  The door into the house from the garage opened into a long hall. There was a mud room on the right and a laundry room to the left. At the end of the hallway was the massive kitchen. It was one of the things that had drawn Sixx to the home. That and all the windows allowing a view of the ocean. Urijah froze in the middle of the room, grabbing onto the large island.

  “Are you okay?” Sixx asked. Gargoyles didn’t get sick, so he was truly concerned.

  “Yeah, it’s just... Fuck!” he swore under his breath. Uri straightened up and inhaled deeply. “Oh, gods,” he said, closing his eyes.

  What in the fuck was going on? Sixx took a deep breath. His heightened shifter senses detected subtle fragrances that included a faint trace of cologne and something, no, someone else. Shit. Finley had been in the house recently, but that shouldn’t bother Uri. Unless...

  “Uri, are you and Fin mates?”

  “That’s not possible.” Uri denied the notion, but the look on his face said otherwise. The Norseman strode out the back door and leaned against the rail of the patio. His knuckles were turning white at the intense grip he had on the metal.

  Sixx knew he should leave the Goyle alone, but he couldn’t do it. He followed him out to the patio and stood next to him. He wasn’t sure what to say, so he offered his friendship in silence. Uri was taking deep breaths of the salty ocean air. If being in the kitchen for ten seconds was going to affect him this badly, he probably wouldn’t be able to stand staying in the house.

  “Fin likes women, always has,” Uri offered. It was his way of explaining why they couldn’t be together. If the fates had deemed two male Gargoyles as mates, Sixx had a feeling Uri didn’t know his old friend as well as he thought he did.

  “Have you ever been with women?”

  “Of course I have. You don’t live almost eight hundred years and not bed a wench.”

  Sixx whistled low. He didn’t know any of the Stone Society were that old. Uri turned his head toward Sixx and cocked an eyebrow. “Yes, I’m old, and yes, I’ve been through my fair share of women over the centuries. And men. I don’t label myself like humans feel the need to do. I don’t find it necessary to try to explain my sexual preference to anyone. I like who I like, but I do prefer males.”

  “I understand. I’ve never been with a male, but I can see the appeal.” And he could. Sixx had more than once found himself checking out a good-looking male. Even though he’d never taken a male to bed, it was only because his body preferred females. “I have to ask, though, are you certain Finley isn’t your mate? You know how the fates do like to fuck with us. Just look at my own situation. I’ve had a mate for over twenty years and didn’t know it.”

  Urijah didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his head toward the water and sighed. Sixx knew when to leave well enough alone, so he told his friend, “I’m going to take a shower. My bedroom is on the hallway to the left. The others are upstairs, to the right, just past the kitchen. Feel free to look around and choose whichever room you want to stay in. The refrigerator is stocked, and the liquor cabinet is in the living area just inside the door there,” he said, pointing to the next set of double doors at the end of the patio. “The pool and Jacuzzi are ready as well. While you are here, please think of this as your home. You don’t have to ask permission for anything.”

  When Uri only nodded, Sixx left the Goyle alone and went inside. On his way to the massive master bedroom, he stopped in the kitchen and snagged a beer out of the fridge. Before he stepped into the bathroom, Sixx opened the glass doors that led to a large balcony. He welcomed the ocean breeze into his room, inhaling the salty air deep into his lungs. The sounds of the waves rolling into the shore floated along the air, soothing him in ways he had long forgotten. The peacefulness of the ocean washed over him like a child’s favorite blanket.

  While the water was heating in the shower, Sixx took a long drink from the bottle of beer. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, knowing he looked exactly the same as the last time Rae saw him. His hair was just as black. His eyes just as dark. Now that he knew mates didn’t age once they were bitten, Rae would also look exactly as she had when he walked out the door of her apartment. Then again, she might have cut her long brown hair, or she could have dyed it blonde. When they met, both her arms had been covered in ink. Did she have new tattoos he needed to inspect? He hoped so. His cock was filling out just thinking about her tanned skin.

  Voices from the kitchen interrupted thoughts of his mate. Sixx downed the rest of his beer and quickly showered instead of enjoying more visions of Desirae. His dick was angry at being ignored, and the beast inside growled at the neglect. “Chill out, asshole. We have company,” he told his shifter aloud. Sixx’s other half rarely came out of hiding unless he was patrolling for Unholy. For a shifter, his was fairly tame.

  Once he’d pulled on a pair of shorts and t-shirt, Sixx made his way to the kitchen. The air was crackling with intensity. Uri’s emotions were all over the place. As soon as Sixx cleared the doorway, the reason was clear. Finley and a curvy redhead were standing in the kitchen talking to Uri. The woman was beautiful, and Fin had his arm around her shoulder, holding her close to his side. Fin had to feel the negative vibes being thrown his way. “Finley, good to see you again,” Sixx said, attempting to interrupt whatever was going on.

  “Sixx, good to see you as well, Brother. I was just introducing Uri to Vivian. Viv, this is Michael Gentry, a.k.a. Sixx, owner of everything you see around you.”

  Vivian was eyeing Sixx curiously. “You look like that rock star,” she stated.

  “He likes to channel his inner Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe, thus the nickname,” Finley told her.

  “No, I’m talking about Desmond Rothchild, lead singer for Cyanide Sweetness. You could be his brother.”

  “Who?” Finley asked.

  Uri jumped in, telling Vivian, “He doesn’t listen to hard rock, so he wouldn’t know who that is.”

  Finley and Vivian both bristled at Uri’s tone. Sixx stepped beside Uri, ready to push the Goyle out the door if need be. “They do say everyone has a twin somewhere.” He wasn’t about to tell a stranger about Desi being his son, especially not a human stranger. When Finley raised his eyebrows, Sixx gave him a small shake of his head.

  “How long are you staying?” Finley asked, looking at Uri.

  Urijah was vibrating with anger, and Fin was oblivious to the reason. Maybe Uri was right and they weren’t mates. If they were, there’s no way Fin wouldn’t feel the ire his friend was emitting into the room. “Only as long as I have to.”

  Fin frowned and told Vivian, “Will you please wait in the car? I need to
talk to the guys about business matters.”

  “Sure. It was a pleasure meeting you both,” she said before letting herself out the side door.

  As soon as Vivian was safely outside, Finley turned to Uri, anger evident in his stance. When he glanced over at Sixx, Fin regained control of his attitude and sighed. “Uri...”

  Chapter Two

  Urijah was barely containing the beast within. The man he’d traveled thousands of miles to see was finally standing in front of him. Fin was within arm’s reach, and he was with someone else. That was proof they weren’t mates, not that he’d considered the notion before Sixx brought it up. No, this was nothing more than a one-sided affair, one that only existed in his mind.

  Finley closed the distance between them, reaching out to touch Uri’s arm.

  Uri recoiled. “Don’t.”

  “What the fuck is wrong with you? The minute I stepped into the room your hackles went up. I’ve fucking missed you, and this is how you’re going to act when you see me? What did I do?”

  Sixx excused himself to the patio, and Urijah wished he hadn’t. With the other Gargoyle in the room, he had a buffer. A reason to put on a false smile and pretend all was right with the world. Now it was just the two of them, and there was no way he could lie to his best friend and get away with it, so he gave him a version of the truth. “You’ve begged me for months to come see you. I thought that meant things would be the way they were before you left. I didn’t realize I would have to share you with some whore.” He knew he was being a bastard, but he didn’t care.

  “Some whore? Really? I don’t have to pay to have a woman on my arm. You know this, so why the hatred?”

  “Forget it. I’m going to be so busy with the armory that I won’t have much time to spend with you, anyway.”

  “Urijah, please. It’s me.” Finley reached behind Uri and cupped his neck. “What’s really going on?”

  Uri couldn’t move. Fin’s hand was branding his skin, scorching his nerve endings. They were too close for comfort, and Uri closed his eyes before he did something really stupid – like kissing his best friend. When he finally opened them, he kept his gaze on his feet. “My apologies. I’ve missed you and didn’t expect to have to share your time with anyone else. I got used to having you all to myself before you moved out here. I didn’t mean to sound like a whiny little girl whose favorite doll she had to share.”

  Fin ghosted his thumb over Uri’s neck. Or did he? “You don’t have to share me. I’ll get rid of her if you wish.”

  Uri’s beast was screaming, Yes, get rid of the bitch, but Uri wouldn’t do anything to undermine his best friend’s happiness. He backed away from Fin, missing the feel of Fin’s hand as soon as he did. “No, it’s okay. Like I said, I’m going to be busy with the armory. Now, I’m going to take a shower. I’ll see you around.”

  Uri grabbed the suitcase Finley had retrieved from the airport and headed up the stairs. “Uri, wait.” Finley’s voice was behind him on the staircase. “Urijah,” he said louder.

  Uri stopped but didn’t turn around. He couldn’t allow Fin to see the hurt in his eyes.

  “I’ll see you at Sinclair’s tonight for supper,” Fin said softly.

  Uri didn’t respond. His voice would give away just as much as his face would. He stepped into the first guest bedroom he came to and closed the door. The room was facing the ocean, and a pair of glass doors opened to a balcony that overlooked the patio he and Sixx had been standing on earlier. Just as he moved to open the doors and let the fresh air in, Finley walked out onto the patio to speak with Sixx. Uri used his shifter hearing to eavesdrop.

  Fin stepped up beside Sixx. “Sin mentioned why you’re here. Anything I can do to help?”

  “I appreciate the offer, Brother, but this is one fucked-up mess I will have to deal with on my own.”

  “I can’t believe you’ve had a mate for all these years and didn’t know it.”

  Sixx turned so he was facing Finley and propped his arm against the railing. “Yes, the fates are real bitches, aren’t they? I mean, we’ve been able to mate with humans all along. At least males who prefer males are being paired with human men. I bet male Goyles will be mating with one another soon.”

  Uri was going to kick Sixx’s ass. He didn’t need anyone to fight his battles for him. Besides, this wasn’t a battle, just a misguided sense of longing for his best friend. Nothing more.

  Uri waited for Finley to respond. Instead of immediately saying something to Sixx, Fin turned toward the window. Uri was out of sight, but Fin still knew which room he’d retreated into. Fin looked back at Sixx and said, “I’m going to head out. I’ll see you at Sin’s later, yeah?”

  “I’ll be there.” Fin and Sixx clapped each other on the back in a man hug, and Fin walked away without another word. Uri slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor. He closed his eyes and berated himself for coming on so strongly. He had missed his best friend something fierce, and now he was ruining any chance at spending quality time with him. He needed to pull his Gargoyle head out of his ass and enjoy whatever it was Fin offered him.

  Sixx felt bad for Urijah. It was obvious his feelings for Fin went beyond platonic. It was also obvious Finley was oblivious to the situation. Sixx wasn’t going to get involved any more than he already had by tossing out the males mating tidbit. If Finley didn’t think about what he said, Uri would have to tell him how he felt. Or not.

  As soon as Fin left, Sixx made his way to the storage room inside the garage. He unlocked the door and flipped on the light switch. Hanging on the far wall were two surfboards. The white board with a black stripe dissecting the middle was seven feet long with a swallow tail. The board with a tie-dyed sunburst pattern flowing from the left side out was six feet long with a squash tail. His and hers. When Sixx first noticed Desirae, she was riding an old squat board, surrounded in the water by several friends. He was instantly attracted to the young woman who was larger than life. Her laughter could be heard over the waves, and her smile was as bright as the California sunshine. She was nothing like the women he’d bedded over the years. Rae was lean with small breasts, but he was drawn to her and began stalking her every move.

  He followed her everywhere she went – to work, school, the beach, the surf shop where she hung out in her spare time. It was there that she told the owner what kind of board she was going to buy when she had enough money. The next day, Sixx went to another shop and ordered that exact board for her. It was going to be a birthday present, only he hadn’t stuck around long enough to give it to her. Before he had the chance to surprise her, he’d lost control of his beast and freaked the fuck out. Two weeks after he brought her board home, two days shy of her twenty-fourth birthday, Sixx hopped a plane for the East Coast.

  “You surf?” Uri asked from behind. Lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t heard the other male walk up.

  “I used to. I’m hoping to catch some waves before too long. I miss the water. Have you ever ridden a board?”

  “Can’t say that I have.”

  Sixx took one last look at the boards and asked, “Would you like to? I’m a pretty good teacher.”

  “I think I’d like that. It gets boring doing the same thing century in and century out.”

  “Truth, Brother.” Sixx grinned at the Goyle, but what he agreed wholeheartedly. When you live hundreds of years, it’s hard to find something new and different to make the time go by without boredom settling in. Even he had gotten tired of working in the finance industry. He would continue to manage the Stone Society’s portfolio, but he was ready for a change of scenery. For the last forty years, he’d sat behind a desk and worn a suit. He fucking hated suits. Now, he wanted to return to a life where shorts and flip-flops were the dress code.

  “Excellent. We’ll head down to the surf shop whenever you’re ready, and you can pick out a board.”

  “Are both of those yours?” Uri asked, pointing toward the closed door.

  “No. I bought the smalle
r one for Rae. It was supposed to be a birthday present. If she forgives me, it still can be, just twenty-four years later.”

  Urijah clapped him on the shoulder and said, “If she’s anything like the other mates, she’ll come around. Eventually.”

  Sixx knew what Uri was saying was probably the truth, but he wasn’t looking forward to getting to eventually. “I hope you’re right. I’m going to head down to the beach and go for a walk. You want to come with?”

  “You go ahead. I’m going to call a taxi and head over to the armory.”

  “No need in that. Take the Veyron. If you’re not back in time to head over to Sinclair’s, I’ll have someone swing by and pick me up.”

  “Thanks, Brother. I’ll be sure to return before then.”

  Sixx didn’t wait for Uri to back the sports car out of the garage. He could have had Uri drop him off at the bottom of the hill, but the hike would do him good. He slid his feet into a pair of leather boat shoes and took off down the steep slope. Using his shifter speed, he reached the beach in less than fifteen minutes. He made his way along the public beach access and toed his shoes off before walking out onto the sand. The waves rolling onto the beach took him back to the last time he’d ridden the surf. He was ready to get his board out of storage and get back on the water. Sixx wanted his mate by his side when he did, but he wouldn’t hold his breath on that happening.

  February in New Malibu boasted a pleasant sixty degrees, plus kids were in school, giving Sixx a peaceful walk along the surf’s edge. He knelt down to watch a small crab scuttle about. When he stood, the crab buried itself in the sand, thinking it was safe. Sixx scanned the water for dolphins, and not seeing any, took off walking again. Most animals avoided the Gargoyles because they recognized the beast within. Sixx had found that dolphins weren’t that way. He often swam with the majestic mammals when he was younger, before the land was so populous and binoculars were invented. Now, with cell phones everywhere, he had to be much more careful of his extracurricular activities.