Julian (The Stone Society Book 9)

by Faith Gibson

  Bryce called out to Julian that they were clear to depart. Julian, having flown countless times, rose from his seat and secured the cabin so Bryce could concentrate on getting them underway. When he sat down, Julian buckled Kat’s lap belt before clicking his own into place. “Is there not a flight attendant?” Katherine asked.

  “We don’t need one on such a short flight. I have flown so much over the years that I am capable of securing the plane while Bryce gets us ready for takeoff. Once we are at cruising altitude, we will be able to get up and walk around if we want to. For now, we just sit back and let Bryce get us going.” Julian slid his hand into Katherine’s, and after a few seconds, she laced their fingers together. In all his years, Julian had never held hands in an intimate way. When he thought about it, he couldn’t remember holding hands with anyone. Ever.

  Katherine stared out the window as the small plane taxied down the runway. When it lifted, she sucked in her breath, and then she was laughing. The sound did something to Julian. It made his heart soar, while at the same time, it tightened his chest and caused his dick to stir. She looked at him and smiled. “That was so cool,” she said like a kid on a roller coaster for the first time.

  “We can fly as often as you wish,” he said. He couldn’t wait to spread his wings and fly with her in his arms. Julian wasn’t ready to admit to her what he and his Clan were. As much as he wanted to seal the bond, he was going to wait until Katherine had a chance to get to know him and also recover from the experience she’d gone through at FSM. “I would like to get to know you. Tell me all about Katherine Fox.”

  “I’m twenty-five, and my birthday is on Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday because I can dress up and be someone else. I went to live in a foster home when I was seven. I was lucky when the Praters took me in. I’ve heard so many horror stories about foster homes. Anyway, I don’t remember much about my life before going to live with them.” Katherine stopped talking and narrowed her eyes like she was remembering. Julian waited for her to continue in her own time. Katherine shook her head, and said, “Sorry. I… There’s not much to tell. I had a mostly normal life after they took me in. Went to the local high school, graduated, went to UGA for a while studying journalism, and landed a job with WKGP as a reporter. Now, here I am, in a fancy jet with you, and my life is upside down.”

  Julian ran his thumb over the back of Kat’s hand. “Upside down for now, but we will right it somehow. It may take time, but I promise you will not want for anything in the meantime. What is your favorite food? What kind of music do you listen to? What is your favorite color? Do you have any hobbies? Do you watch sports, or do you prefer sappy love movies? I want to know the little things.”

  “Let’s see. I’m not a picky eater. I love pizza and Mexican. I can go for a big juicy steak any day of the week, but I also like biscuits and gravy for supper. My favorite color is blue. I listen to both rock and country music, but if a pop song comes on that makes me dance, I’ll turn it up. I can take or leave sports, but I’m definitely not into sappy love stories. I prefer action-packed movies with car chases and explosions or super-hero movies. I loved reading comics when I was smaller, and Thor was always my favorite. The Praters had another foster kid before me who was a boy. They were his comics, but he left them behind, and I found them fascinating. As for hobbies, I don’t really have any. Before I was arrested, I spent all my time researching leads for the next big story. Then I became the story, but I can’t figure out why.”

  Julian didn’t want to tell her it was his fault she was framed. If she found out the truth, she’d probably run as soon as the plane landed and not give him a chance at their future, but he wouldn’t lie to her. “We are going to find out why. I–”

  “Julian, we’re at altitude, if you and Katherine wish to move about,” Bryce said through the intercom.

  “He knows who I am? You called me Miss Carrington earlier.”

  “We could not take a chance on someone being close enough to hear your real name. Bryce knows who you are, and he would risk his life to keep you safe. Just as I would.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  “I know, but you will soon. Once we get settled at home, you and I will have plenty of time to talk. Are you hungry? Do you want something to drink?”

  “I’m starving. The soup you fed me earlier was good, but it’s gone.”

  “Let us go see what we have in the galley.” Julian unbuckled both their belts and helped Kat to her feet. “We will find something to tide us over until we get home and I can cook you a proper breakfast.” Katherine made peanut butter and banana toast while Julian prepared coffee for his mate.

  “I smell coffee,” Bryce said over the intercom. If it were just the two of them, he’d have spoken normally since Julian would be able to hear him. Julian poured a travel mug full when the brew was finished and took it to the male. “Thank you,” Bryce said, taking the cup from Julian. “How’s it going?”

  “As well as can be for now. Once we get home, things will get real. She is going to need therapy while she hides away from the world until we can get her name cleared.”

  “And if that doesn’t happen?”

  “I will have to convince her to either wear a mask when we go out in public, or I will take her far away where she can be herself.”

  “You’re a good male, Julian.”

  “As are you. You would do the same if it was your mate.”

  “That I would. I doubt I find a mate anytime soon, but I’m not giving up on the idea. Not with so many others finding theirs.”

  Julian clapped him on the shoulder and returned to where Katherine was sitting with her eyes closed. She’d finished her toast and coffee and was now relaxing. Julian didn’t bother her. She needed rest, and he would give it to her. They had the rest of their lives to talk.

  Katherine couldn’t hear what Julian and the pilot were talking about, so she closed her eyes until he came back. She was so tired even though she’d slept a lot over the past couple of days. No, she’d been drugged and had been passed out. That was different than getting a good night’s sleep, and she hadn’t had one of those since she’d been arrested. Kat was looking forward to getting to Julian’s where she could lie down in a soft bed and sleep for days. She was also looking forward to taking a nice, long bubble bath, although she doubted a man like Julian kept things like bath oils among his toiletries. Maybe they could sneak into her apartment and get her stuff. She was definitely looking forward to wearing her own clothes. Tessa’s were okay, but they were too big and weren’t really her style.

  Kat’s mind was awhirl with everything that had happened. She refused to think about the torture, but she would have to face that sooner or later. She wasn’t fool enough to think she could get over what was done to her without the help of a therapist. She only hoped she didn’t have to take pills to help her sleep. Maybe having Julian in the house would allow her brain to shut off enough to sleep at night. Maybe he would even take her into his bed and make her forget everything in ways she’d never encountered with a man.

  Was Julian Stone going to be the one she finally let loose with? The few times she’d had sex had been unfulfilling. Nothing like what she’d read about or seen in movies. She had a feeling it would be different with Julian. She could barely keep her hands to herself around him. Holding hands was nice, but the friction from his thumb as it skimmed her skin was sending contradictory messages throughout her body. The touch was more than likely meant to be soothing. Instead, it had her aching for more. So much more. The way he looked at her held so much mystery, like he wanted to cherish her, but at the same time, ravish her the way a real man could. Truly a dichotomy if ever she’d encountered one.

  While she didn’t mind that he had gone to chat with the pilot, Kat wanted him close to her. Julian made her feel safe, and she’d never needed that reassurance as much as she did then. She wished she had been awake when he rescued her from the prison. He’d yet to tell her the details, and she w
anted to know every last one of them. He did say he’d worn the prosthetic, but surely he hadn’t walked right in, grabbed her up, and carried her out the front door. And Tessa had been there too. What had “Agent Rayaz” done? Had she offered a diversion? Kat didn’t know what went on in the other parts of the prison. She’d been hauled in through a back door and taken straight to the basement. She’d not seen any other inmates while she was there, even when she’d been allowed to use the women’s locker room.

  There would be plenty of time for her to find out the details as well as get to know Julian on a more personal level. The little she knew of the man was what she’d seen of him as he represented Stone, Inc., the family architectural business. He had mentioned working with computers, so maybe he was in charge of the IT department for the company. She had seen him and his brother, Nikolas, together on occasion. Nikolas was cute, but he had nothing on his brother. Julian was lean and so damn sexy with his wavy brown hair and those stunning green eyes. Kat’s eyes were green, but to her they were dull. Maybe it was the light behind Julian’s that made his stand out.

  Kat had been around all kinds of men in her short career as a reporter, but she had met few who exuded power the way Julian did. Gregor, Tamian, and now Bryce all had that same graceful confidence in the way they moved, like they were untouchable. They weren’t cocky, and that in itself was sexy. While the others were all good looking, none of them did anything for Kat. Only Julian – her hero.

  She felt his presence as Julian took the seat next to her. She opened her eyes to find his face close to hers as he leaned over to fasten her seatbelt. If he turned his face an inch to the right, their lips would be touching. Kat held her breath, and when Julian turned to look at her, she took a chance and pressed her lips softly to his. His eyes widened, and she was afraid she’d screwed up. Had she misunderstood? A low growl sounded from his chest before he slid his hand into her hair and slanted his mouth over hers in a way that let her know she hadn’t misunderstood. At all. Kat opened her mouth and searched for Julian’s tongue. She hadn’t planned on more than a brief touch of their lips, but damn if she could help herself.

  “We’ll be landing in ten minutes,” Bryce said, throwing the proverbial cold water on the moment. It was probably a good thing he’d interrupted, because Kat was ready to strip Julian naked. Damn, the man could kiss. Instead of pulling away completely, Julian pressed his forehead to hers and massaged her scalp. His breath was fanning her face, and she had the strangest thought – she wanted to suck in his oxygen. Kat wanted to breathe Julian into her lungs and keep him there. When he pulled away, his face morphed from turned-on to a mischievous grin. Oh yes, Kat wanted to keep him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The last couple days at the manor had been relatively quiet. Kaya and Rocky spent most of their time with Priscilla in the kitchen, more to keep her mind off Jonathan’s condition than anything. Rafael and Sin divided their time between Jonathan and making plans. The four of them were enjoying breakfast on the patio when Rafe’s phone rang.

  “Hunter, I am here with Sinclair and our mates, so I am putting you on speaker. Please tell me you have some good news.”

  “I have news, but I’m not sure how good it is. I received word from Donovan through another male we have among the ranks. I had no idea he had joined Alistair’s Clan, so to speak. He’s quiet and keeps his head down, so he’s able to come and go without being noticed. Anyway, Frederick got Donovan alone and told him who he was, letting Don know he has an ally on the inside. We now know the schedule for sparring as well as the guard rotation. There are tunnels underneath the compound with various entry points throughout the city. I have a map of those. The one twenty in Don’s previous message was the number of Clan members at the villa during training. There are fifty who remain at the compound at all times.

  “That’s the good news. The bad news is neither Donovan nor Frederick know what was done with Athena’s body. Whoever Alistair had take care of it is being tight-lipped. She may still be on the property, but we aren’t sure.”

  “This helps, Hunter. If you would, please, send me the schedule as well as the map. We will put together our plan, and I will call you when we have something definitive. We will need your help in securing a location off the island where we can gather beforehand. I will have Sixx get in touch with you in that regard.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to his call. I hope you all are doing well, and Sinclair, I look forward to seeing you again.”

  Sin replied, “You as well, Hunter. Take care until then.”

  Rocky squirmed in her seat, and Sin reached out for her hand. He and his brother had discussed who among their immediate family should go to Greece. They had agreed it would be Sin, Gregor, and Frey. Dante had argued with them about going, but Rafael insisted on one of his brothers remaining behind. Julian was busy rescuing his mate, and Rafael had a feeling Jules would need Nik’s help in getting her settled.

  “Rocky, you’re more than welcome to stay here while Sinclair is away,” Kaya said.

  “I think I’d like that, thank you. Rafael will get updates first, and that way I’ll know what’s going on. Plus, I’m looking forward to more of Priscilla’s cooking,” Rocky admitted.

  “We need to have a conference call and let the others know what we have found out. Ladies, if you will excuse us, we will be in my office,” Rafael said as he and Sin stood. Both Goyles kissed their mates before retreating inside. Once in Rafe’s office, he shut the door and dialed up Frey first.

  “Yo,” Frey answered, the sound of Amelia singing coming over the line.

  “Good morning, Brother. You sound busy.”

  Frey laughed. “We’re on our way to school. Abbi took this week off from teaching since she’s been dancing late each night, and Matt had an early final this morning. What’s up?”

  “Hi, Uncle Rafe!” Amelia shouted. She didn’t realize he could have heard her if she whispered.

  “Hello, Little One. Are you ready for school?”

  “I am. I only have three more days ‘til we’re out for summer. Then I’m getting a puppy.”

  Rafael and Sin laughed at the little girl’s antics. She’d been begging for a puppy ever since Frey and Abbi adopted her.

  “Good luck with that. You have a good day at school.”

  “Okay. Bye, Uncle Rafe.”

  “Bye, Amelia.”

  “I’ll be at the gym in twenty minutes. Uri’s already there, so if this is about Greece, we’ll both call you back then.”

  “It is. We will talk to you in a few.” Rafael laughed as Amelia’s sweet voice came through before Frey had a chance to hang up.

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have a girl?” Sin asked. Rafael hated talking about children with his brother. Unless they found a surrogate, Sinclair would never have a child of his own since Rocky couldn’t bear children. “Rafe, it’s okay. Rocky and I will figure something out. I am going to be a father one day, so don’t hesitate in talking about your own child. I couldn’t be happier for you, you know that.”

  Rafe nodded. He did know. Sin was selfless when it came to family. “I only want him or her to be healthy, boy or girl.”

  “Good answer. If I was Frey, I have a feeling I’d be driving Amelia to school every day.”

  “She goes to the same school where Abbi teaches.”

  “Still, she’s so fucking cute,” Sin gushed. Rafe smiled at his brother. When Sinclair did become a father, he was going to make a good one.

  As soon as Frey arrived at the gym, he and Uri called Rafael, and they discussed what each of them had found out. Bryce had spoken to his friends, and as soon as he landed back in New Atlanta with Julian and Katherine, he was going to the gym to meet with Frey. Once they agreed to take a total of fifty Goyles, Urijah promised to get with Banyan and determine who those fifty would be. After they ended their call, Rafael got on the phone with Sixx and asked him to call Hunter regarding accommodations for the Clan. Rafael wanted things with his un
cle to be over and done with, but he wouldn’t rush his Clan to Greece without a plan in place that promised the outcome they desired.

  Kallisto was pleased with herself, even if Alistair had yet to utilize Hagen. With her father ignoring her, Kallisto had plenty of work to keep the young man busy. The first thing she had him do when he passed her test was to find out where Drago, Kavin, and Burk were staying in New Atlanta. With Alistair preparing for war with the Stone Society, Kallisto had come up with a plan of her own, one that involved taking over a small group of Gargoyles should her father fall. She should have more faith in the male who raised her, but his prejudice was getting in the way of rationality. Besides, he’d already proven how little he thought of her when he slashed her face. Only his need for her assistance kept him from taking her head.

  Should Alistair lose against Rafael Stone, Kallisto would no longer have the villa to call home. Whoever took Alistair’s place as King would inherit not only his Clan, but all his real estate, money, and assets as well. Kallisto didn’t want to be included in that list, because she’d seen what Gargoyles did to human women. Hagen knew nothing of the Gargoyles, but Kallisto had told the man enough truth about the Clan for him to be leery of the large males roaming the villa. He kept his head down, stayed in his computer room, and spoke to no one except for her. The Gargoyles Alistair had watching over Kallisto had no use for the human. Once Kallisto told them he was Alistair’s new computer hacker, they left him alone, enabling her to use him for things like moving Alistair’s money around a little at a time so it wouldn’t be missed. War was imminent, but her demise didn’t have to be.