Julian (The Stone Society Book 9)

by Faith Gibson

  “Can I ask you something?” Kat wasn’t sure she should bring up the subject of hearing his voice, but she had to know if it had been real or a result of the mind manipulation.

  He nodded. “You can ask me anything.”

  “Were you… could you… I heard you talking to me in my head.”

  Julian smiled at her and touched her cheek softly. “Yes, you did. If you had not been receptive to me, I would not have known about the basement.”

  “But… how’s that possible?”

  Julian’s smile faded a bit, but his hand remained on her face. “I concentrated on you through meditation. It is something most of us in our family can do. Don’t worry; we are not like circus freaks or anything. A few of us have a gift when it comes to communicating with the special person in our life.”

  “How about that soup?” she asked, changing the subject again. Kat had never believed in psychic abilities. If anything, she’d scoffed at them. She wouldn’t doubt anyone after this. “Can you help me up? I’d like to go with you into the kitchen.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him, but she didn’t want to be away from him if she didn’t have to be.

  “Of course. Do you need to use the bathroom first?”

  “No, I don’t have anything in me. I’m good.” Julian gently lifted her to her feet. “Gah, I need a bath, though. How can you stand to be around me?”

  Julian kissed her on the side of her head. The smile he gave her then did reach his eyes. “It would take a lot more than a few days without a bath to turn my stomach. You are beautiful, Kat.” Together they walked slowly down the hallway of what appeared to be an old farmhouse. When they reached the living area, Gregor was staring at several computer monitors, but Tessa and Tamian were nowhere to be seen.

  As soon as they were outside, Tessa was on her brother. Literally. She threw herself into his arms, the tears streaming down her face.

  “Andie, shhh, it’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not! Where the hell have you been? Why did you disappear on me? Gods, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

  “I think I have a pretty good idea,” he whispered.

  Tessa pulled back and looked into his beautiful face. He couldn’t hide the torment. “Where were you, Tam?”

  “Around. And before you throw out your attitude, I had things I needed to work through. I almost lost you, Andie. I know it was shitty of me, but when you were in your coma, all I could think about was not having you in my life. You’re my sister, for the gods’ sake, and we’ve been together for a long time. Then Gregor was there, and you didn’t need me anymore. I was jealous. I wasn’t the male in your life, and I couldn’t handle it. But don’t think for one second I wasn’t watching over you, mate or not. Gregor’s a good male; I know that. But I’ve watched over you for a long damn time, and I’ll continue doing it until I’m no longer of this world.”

  “So, you’ve been watching me from the sidelines, letting me grieve?” Tessa was getting pissed.

  “I’m sorry. I really am, but I had to work through this on my own.”

  “Why now? What made you show up this time, and how did you know where we would be?”

  “You might not talk to me mentally, but your thoughts are open to me. Sometimes it’s a good thing. Others…” Tamian cringed.

  “Oh, my gods, you can listen in when… That’s just…” Tessa didn’t want to think about her brother knowing what all she and Gregor got up to when they were naked. Both of them liked to get down and dirty, and she didn’t need Tamian listening in on that.

  “Don’t worry, I can shut it off. I don’t want to hear your thoughts about Gregor any more than you want me to.”

  “What about all the times I’ve thought about you? I’ve talked to you in my head, even though I didn’t know you were listening. Why didn’t you answer?”

  Tamian pulled away from Tessa and took her hand in his. He started walking, and they ended up at the barn. He leaned against the outer wall and crossed his arms. “I wasn’t ready.”

  “And if everything had gone according to plan at FSM? Would you have kept silent then?”

  Tamian shrugged the shoulder not against the wall. “Probably. You don’t need me, Andie.”

  “If I didn’t know you could kick my ass, I’d kick yours right now. How can you even say I don’t need you? You’re my brother, Tam. I love you more than I love anyone with the exception of my mate, and that is completely different. You are the other half of my soul. Look…” Tessa pulled up her shirt and showed him the ink on her hip. “I have two tattoos. One for you and one for Gregor. I need you both, just in different ways. One day you’ll find your mate and you’ll know what I’m talking about. I won’t expect you to love me any less than you do now, Tam. You’ll just love someone else too.”

  Tamian got a funny look on his face, but he quickly masked it. Tessa tapped into his thoughts, but he’d shut her out. “Don’t do that. Don’t shut me out now.”

  “I’m not shutting you out. As with you, there are things in my mind you don’t need to hear. Can you forgive me? I’d really like to move forward from here.”

  “Of course I forgive you. I love you,” Tessa whispered and stepped up to her brother, circling her arms around his waist. He pushed off the barn and returned her embrace.

  “I love you, Andie. More than you’ll ever know.” The torment in his voice broke Tessa’s heart. She knew from what happened after her accident that Tamian’s feelings ran deep – deeper than siblings normally felt. But she didn’t fault him for that. They were from the same DNA. He was made from her, so it only made sense he would feel something on a level most people didn’t understand.

  “Do you want to help me finish this shit so we can get back to Georgia?” she asked, looking up into his face so much like hers.

  “What do we need to do?”

  “The agents need an antidote. Julian and I used a hemlock serum to incapacitate them so we could impersonate them. If they don’t get the antidote–”

  “They’ll be paralyzed for good.”

  “Or worse. I need to drop Rayaz’s car along the way and get the rental from her house. Julian was smart enough to get his rental in a fake name, so it’ll be safe where he left it. He can call it in whenever we get home.”

  “Let’s do it,” Tamian said. Before he turned her loose, he kissed Tessa on the forehead. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too. But if you ever disappear on me again, I will find a way to kick your ass.”

  Tamian laughed and said, “Deal.”

  Katherine followed Julian to the table where Gregor was sitting, and she took a seat at the opposite end so she didn’t get in his way.

  Gregor looked up at her and smiled before he placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head briefly. “Katherine, it’s good to see you up and about.”

  “Thank you. It’s good to be up and about. I can’t wait to get out of these clothes, though. Orange really isn’t my color.”

  “It’s not Tessa’s, either. She says it clashes with the red.”

  “She’s not wrong,” Katherine muttered.

  The back door opened, and Tessa and her brother came back inside.

  “Oh, you’re up,” Tessa said, smiling. The woman was stunning. “How are you feeling?”

  “Okay, but I’ll be better once I have a bath.”

  “Speaking of, I have some clothes for you to change into so you can get out of those awful orange things. I’ll leave them on your bed before I go.”

  “Just where do you think you’re going?” Gregor asked.

  “Tamian and I are going to ditch Rayaz’s car, and then we’re going to administer the antidote to the agents before the sun comes up. I’m ready to get the hell out of Texas.”

  “Antidote? What’s going on?” Katherine asked. Had someone else been poisoned?

  “We might have dosed Rayaz and Everhart. No worries. It was temporary,” Tessa said, grinning. Katherine liked her already.


  “I guess I need to thank you too. Julian said you both portrayed the agents to get me out.”

  “It was fun. You also have to thank Tamian, because he kept the guards preoccupied so Julian and I could get away.”

  Katherine started to thank Tamian, but he held up his hand. “Not necessary. I was merely watching my sister’s back.” He glanced at Tessa, and Katherine would swear they were carrying on a mental conversation.

  “Still, thank you, for whatever reason. I…” Katherine remembered his voice. It was the same voice as the man who brought her food. And those intense eyes… she’d never forget those. He was the man who poisoned her. But hadn’t he said he found out who was doing it? Had she misunderstood?

  “Kat, what is it?” Julian asked, kneeling down in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Did you remember something?”

  “No, I… It’s nothing.” She pulled her hands away, missing the contact when she did. But she needed to be able to think, and she couldn’t do that with Julian so close. Like before, his presence messed with her rationality. He remained where he was, cocking his head to the side, studying her, much the same way the man who poisoned her did. She swallowed hard at the realization and began shivering. Julian moved back in gripping her arms, rubbing his hands up and down. The friction eased her mind somehow. She glanced up at Tamian who was staring at her.

  “Katherine, I didn’t poison you. I did bring your food, but I didn’t realize it was poisoned until after the second time you became ill.”

  “But your face…”

  “I was disguised the same way Julian and Tessa were when they impersonated the agents. I was watching out for you, or so I thought. I wish I had gotten to you when they first took you to FSM. If I had, they never would have been able to… Let’s just say things would be different. I’m truly sorry for what you were subjected to.”

  “How did you know what I was thinking? Can you read minds?” Kat asked.

  “No, but I can feel your fear, and the look you gave me was evident that fear was directed at me. I’m the only one in the room who was there when anything bad happened to you.”

  “Oh… Okay.” That made sense.

  “We’re going to head on out before the Feds rain down on the agents’ homes.” Tessa walked over to Gregor and leaned in for a kiss. Tamian didn’t wait on his sister. He walked out the front door without her.

  “I love you, Red.” Gregor’s tone was wistful, and Katherine had no idea what was going on between Tessa and the men in her life. Tamian had yet to say a word to Gregor.

  “Love you too, Stone.” Tessa ran a finger down his face before following Tamian out the front door.

  Julian was still holding on to Katherine. When she looked his way, the concern was evident, so she whispered, “I’m okay.” Julian kissed her forehead and stood, leaving her feeling cold once again.

  Chapter Thirteen

  By the time Tessa and Tamian returned to the farm, the sun was up. They had managed to administer the antidote to both agents and untie them without being seen. They also removed the cameras and wiped everything down so there was no trace of anyone else being there. The only things missing were the agents’ clothes, and those would be burned as soon as they were back in New Atlanta.

  Julian had fixed Katherine some soup, and she’d had a chance to take a bath. Tessa’s clothes were a bit large considering the amount of weight Kat had lost while being held at FSM, but they looked so much better than the orange scrubs she’d had on. Julian had always found his mate to be attractive, but now that she was so close, he found her irresistible. He knew the mate bond played a large part in the attraction, but even before he knew they were mates, he’d admired her.

  Whatever Tamian had going on earlier with regards to Gregor, he was over it, or at least putting on a good show. He, Tessa, and Gregor had gone outside to talk about the impending battle with Alistair. “Are you ready to go home, Sweetheart?” Julian asked Kat once they were alone. They were sitting on the sofa in the living area, Katherine sipping coffee and Julian drinking a soda. When she didn’t answer, Julian touched her arm to get her attention. He needed to remember she couldn’t hear out of her right ear. When she turned her head his way, he repeated the question.

  “Yes. I want as far away from Texas as I can get.”

  “Georgia isn’t that far away. If you prefer, I can take you somewhere else, like Italy.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “In a heartbeat. You tell me where you want to go, and I will make it happen. I mentioned Italy because our family has a villa there.”

  “Wow, that’s… I’ve never been outside of the States, but New Atlanta’s fine. I’m sure you need to get back to your family and work.”

  “What I need to do is make sure you are secure as well as happy. You are my first priority. I know you don’t understand why, but you will soon. Trust me when I tell you I will take care of you, and I will protect you. You might have to hide out for a while until we find the evidence to prove your innocence. I have no idea what all you went through in the past few weeks, but I will help you through it. If you need to see someone, a professional, we will make that happen as well. I don’t want you to be afraid to confide in me, Kat. I only want what is best for you.”

  “We’ll start with your house. If things get crazy, you know, like the Feds find me somehow, then we’ll talk about going far away.”

  “Very well. Let me pack my things, and we will be off.”

  Katherine set her coffee cup on the end table and pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs. She placed her cheek on her knees and closed her eyes. Julian hated to keep asking how she was, because he knew she wasn’t okay. Getting her home would be the first step in helping her heal, so he left her alone and went to pack.

  Tessa’s voice sounded from the living room, and Julian hurried with stuffing his things in his suitcase. He knew Tessa would never hurt Katherine, but his mate was skittish, and he didn’t want her to endure any undue stress.

  When he walked into the living area, Tessa was saying, “With the Feds on the lookout for you, I think you should wear a disguise until you get safely to Julian’s. I have several prosthetics for you to choose from.”

  “You mean a mask like you and Julian wore?”

  “Yes. In the past, I’ve had to hide my identity for the work I did. Don’t worry, I wasn’t doing anything illegal. I’ll be able to explain it all to you soon, but I would feel better if you didn’t show up at the airport looking like you.”

  “Okay,” Kat agreed.

  “Excellent!” Tessa exclaimed, clapping once. She held out her hand for Katherine, and the female’s eyes widened. She only hesitated a few seconds before she allowed Tessa to pull her to her feet. “We redheads have to stick together,” Tessa said, wrapping a strong arm around Katherine’s thin shoulders. Tessa winked at Julian as they walked by. While the females were busy, Julian put his suitcase and computer bag in the rental before making his way to the back porch where Gregor and Tamian were. Julian kept one ear on the females inside while the three of them talked about how to proceed. When the back door opened, Julian frowned at Katherine. No longer was his mate the gorgeous redhead. Standing before him was an older blonde. She wasn’t unattractive, but Julian definitely preferred Kat to look like Kat.

  “I remember that one,” Gregor said, pulling Tessa to his side.

  “As I was helping Katherine put it on, I told her a little about that adventure.”

  “Speaking of adventures, we need to close the door on this one and get the hell out of Texas,” Tamian said.

  “I’ll go pack our bags and wipe that part of the house. Gregor, you and Tamian take care of the computer equipment and kitchen, please.” Tessa had no trouble being in charge, and the males in her life had no trouble doing as instructed. Julian was glad to know he didn’t have to worry about anything, and he could get Katherine on one of the Clan jets headed home.

  Thirty minutes later, they we
re pulling into the corporate area of the airport. The ride had been quick and silent. Julian continually monitored Katherine’s mood, but resisted asking how she was. He did not resist holding her hand. Julian parked the rental and told Katherine to wait where she was. He walked around to the passenger side, helping her out, before getting the suitcase and laptop out of the trunk. Bryce met them halfway between the car and the tarmac. “Julian, good to see you again.” The large male held out his hand as he eyed Katherine. He knew why Julian was in Texas, and he also knew who Katherine was. Julian had sat in the cockpit with the pilot, and they had discussed the situation on the flight to Texas.

  Julian shook hands with his brother’s buddy. The male and Frey had served in the military together, and Bryce felt more like family than most other Goyles did. “Thank you, Bryce. If you would get Miss Carrington and myself on our way, I would appreciate it.”

  Bryce took Julian’s suitcase and said, “Right away. We should be in the air within fifteen minutes.”

  Julian appreciated having someone familiar to their family as the Clan’s pilot. It was one less thing to worry about. He helped Katherine up the narrow steps into the cabin of the plane. “Have a seat wherever you like, Sweetheart.” Katherine sat down in one of the plush, leather seats. Julian stowed his laptop in a bin before sitting beside her.

  “I’ve never flown before,” she admitted. Every so often she would rub at her neck, but Julian chalked it up to nerves.

  “Then it is a good thing you are flying with me your first time. The weather is nice, so we shouldn’t have any trouble. Bryce is an excellent pilot, and we will be home in a couple of hours.” Julian hadn’t thought about how the Feds transported Katherine from New Atlanta to FSM. He didn’t want to think about it now or ask her about it and bring up bad memories. At some point, they would have to talk about everything that happened, but for now he was going to focus on the positive. She was safe, and they were on their way home. Their home. If Julian had his way, he would get Katherine there, and she’d never leave his side.