Rafael

by Faith Gibson

  “Why don’t you come back to the manor with me? There is plenty of food there, and I would feel better about your safety.”

  “As wonderful as that sounds, I want to stay here and think. If I go with you, I have no doubt we will be doing anything but thinking. You are a hard man to resist, Rafael Stone.” Hard indeed.

  “Are you kicking me out, Miss Kane? I’m wounded.” Rafael smiled like he was teasing, but she could see the hurt in his eyes.

  “No, I’m not kicking you out. I am asking you to give me time alone to think.” She already knew what her decision would be, but she wanted to make sure. With him in the room, his body was all she could concentrate on, not their future.

  “I will give you time, but I will be close by. Until Alexander is caught, either I or one of my men will be watching you at all times. Kaya, promise me you will remain diligent. Promise you will call me when you leave and when you arrive at work. And please, if you need anything in between you will call me for that as well.” Rafael was once again holding her in his arms. His mouth was warm against her ear as he pleaded with her to keep herself safe. She put her arms around his neck and laced her fingers through his gorgeous hair. She leaned away from him so she could see his eyes. “I promise,” she whispered against his lips.

  She couldn’t resist. The invisible bond between them was such that she could not contain herself. Her lips found his, and when he exhaled into her mouth, she inhaled, breathing his life essence into her own body. She would keep that small part of him with her while they were apart.

  Chapter 45

  Rafael hated leaving Kaya but mates or not, he couldn’t make her want to be with him. Technically, they weren’t truly bonded and wouldn’t be until he bit her with her permission. That didn’t negate the fact that she was his. He tried to understand where she was coming from with regards to her job. Did she not understand everything he did only made her job easier? If only it were night and he could take to the skies. Flying helped clear his head better than almost anything.

  Lorenzo, Jasper, Deacon, and Sixx were assigned to the areas around the apartments. Nikolas was helping Uri and Finley monitor the security feeds. Dante and Mason were meeting him to sweep Kaya’s neighborhood. Gregor called to update him on the meeting with the doctor. He asked Rafe, “What exactly do you feel when you’re around the chief?”

  “At first, it was like a chemical imbalance, sort of like vertigo. Remember when you phased the first time, and it took a few seconds to get your bearings? Sort of like that. Now, gods, it’s like I require her to breathe. If I’m in the same room with her, I have to be touching her because if I’m not my claws are aching to burst through my skin. As cliché as it sounds, she completes me. Until I met Kaya, I didn’t realize I didn’t feel whole. Why do you ask, do you think you’ve met yours?”

  “I’m not sure. I felt what you’re describing once, but it was a while back. I just thought I was sick.”

  “Gregor, we don’t get sick, not like that.”

  “I know, but I didn’t know how else to justify the feeling. Then this morning I felt it again, first when I called Isabelle and then again when she came to visit.”

  “Do you think it’s her?”

  “No, it was weird. There was something when she walked in the office and then again when she left. But when she was sitting across from me, I didn’t feel anything.”

  “If you meet your mate you’ll know it. Our dear Nikolas is either going to avoid the public library like the plague, or we will never see him again.”

  “I have my hands full enough with the Pen without adding a woman to the mix. I don’t need the distraction.”

  “The way I see it, if Kaya chooses me, it will only make me stronger, not weaken me.”

  “What do you mean if she chooses you?”

  “She is the chief of police and has a code of ethics she lives by. Some of our methods do not fit into that code. Her brain is overruling her heart right now. I have to give her time and hope her heart wins out.”

  “For your sake, I hope so too. Keep me posted on this Alexander character, and I’ll have a special cell prepared for him, just in case.”

  “Thank you, Brother.” Rafael hung up just as Dante and Mason rolled up on their bikes. He knew without looking that Kaya was standing at the window. Instead of turning toward her, he said, “Mason, protect her with your life. Dante, let’s do this.”

  The next few hours were uneventful and frustrating. Rafe wanted to find the man who was trying to kill his Queen. He had faith that the bond would win, and she would rule by his side.

  Kaya spent most of the day fielding phone calls. The weekend dispatcher was getting calls regarding men in fatigues roaming the neighborhoods. Kaya explained it away as a military drill. Her neighbors were calling about the motorcycles and extra car in her driveway. When Katherine Fox was shut down at the precinct, she called Kaya at home. Kaya hung up on the pest. She wanted to yell at all of them, “They’re out there looking for the bad guys! They’re keeping us safe!” but she couldn’t do that.

  Even if she and Rafael didn’t pursue their relationship, she knew. She now knew there were those out there behind the scenes helping her do her job. Those of his kind had been doing this for thousands of years, and humans like her had known. Wasn’t that what everyone hoped for? Some type of superhero hiding behind a mask that secretly saved the day? Hollywood was full of the pretend heroes that kids emulated at Halloween. So what was wrong with Rafael and his Clan being real heroes?

  Nothing. Nothing at all. As a matter of fact, having Rafael at her back would mean putting away more criminals. She could use his resources since his were obviously more advanced. This time her cell phone rang. “Kane.”

  “Hey boss, it’s Dane. Listen, I’m sorry I’m just now calling you back, but I was pretty bad. I just got out of the hospital.”

  “What the hell, Abbott, the hospital? Are you okay now? Wait, we called all the hospitals and none had record of you being there.”

  “It was a private clinic, and as a matter of fact, I’m better than ever. I plan on being back on the job tomorrow. I was hoping you’d fill me in on what I’ve missed.”

  “Dane, Jorgenson’s dead. I sent him to the address you gave me, and someone shot him.” Kaya told her detective all that had transpired since she saw him at his apartment with the exception of Rafael being a shifter. She couldn’t leave out the fact that he had been present at the warehouse. There were too many witnesses that saw him save her life.

  “Holy shit! That should’ve been me. I was supposed to check that out. Dammit, Kaya, I just…” Dane was silent. Kaya knew how he felt. She’s the one who sent Jorgenson out there. But as officers of the law, they all knew the risk they took every day.

  “Have you contacted his family? I don’t remember him mentioning a wife or a girlfriend.”

  “I’m still digging. There was nobody listed as an emergency contact in his file. Dane, I’d really like to know where you got that address. I know you said you promised you’d keep that to yourself, but that tip led to Kyle’s death. It could have led to yours. Do you think your source was setting you up?”

  “No, I think whoever she got it from was probably using her to get to us. I’ll call her and find out where she got it. You said you knew who the killer is.”

  “About that, I was given a false lead, and when I followed through I figured out it was bogus.” If Dane was on his game, he would hear the lie for what it was. When she called him, she had been frantic, panicking almost. Now she was nonchalantly blowing it off. She didn’t miss that he used “she” for his informant. Kaya had no doubt it was that reporter.

  “So, what’s this Rafael guy like? The papers must have it wrong if he saved your life huh?” Yep, definitely off his game. He must have listened to her messages while still sedated.

  “He’s complicated.” Kaya didn’t know if she was allowed to talk about Rafael with him being so private. “Back to you, are you sure you’re ready for
duty? The doctor’s gonna release you?”

  “Yeah, she released me. Listen, do you want me to come get you tomorrow, you know, as your bodyguard?”

  “Shut up, Abbott. I can drive myself. See you tomorrow.” She hung up before her detective could offer any more smartass remarks.

  She wanted to talk to Rafael and get some clarity on their relationship. He told her if he found someone to share his life with that it would be in private. Was she going to have to pretend she wasn’t in love, that she didn’t have someone to share her life and her bed with?

  The rumble of the bikes in her driveway meant Rafael was back. She glanced around the curtain to see him walking up the steps. She turned the locks and opened the door. He walked right in and kept going to the kitchen. She followed him to see him sitting at the table.

  “What are you doing?” She was really confused. Did something happen? She wasn’t used to this Rafael, the one who wasn’t loving and kept his hands to himself.

  “I’m sitting down. We have to talk. I cannot do that if we are sitting next to each other, because I have a constant need to touch you.”

  Kaya sat down across from him. “Okay, talk.” She placed her arms on the table, crossing one over the other. She knew what he meant though. It was all she could do to keep from reaching out and touching him. It was like there was an invisible force constantly pulling them toward each other.

  “We haven’t found Alexander. We have eyes on all of my warehouses and any other property I own in case he gets ideas about those. Julian is on his way now to upgrade your security system. Mason will be guarding your house tonight and will escort you to work tomorrow. I will have someone escort you home as well.”

  “And where will you be?” She really didn’t like the look on his face or the tone of his voice.

  “I’ll be giving you space. Kaya, I will not pressure you, ever. I want you to have time to decide with no interference from me if you want me in your life. I will be watching you, though. I will not stop until Alexander is no longer a threat to you. If you need me for anything, if you feel threatened, whatever, just call, and I’ll be here.” Rafael stood. “I really want to kiss you right now, but I’m not going to. The way I feel, if I kiss you, I’m not going to stop there. So I will just say goodnight, Miss Kane.”

  “Rafael…” Kaya blinked back the tears she felt in the back of her eyes. She didn’t need time. She was sure, but maybe one more night would give her even more clarity. “Goodnight, Mr. Stone.”

  Chapter 46

  For the first time ever, Rafael felt completely lost. The unknown was part of life, but having his mate within his grasp, only to lose her, would be more than he could withstand. He was ready to claim her and put her in his bed, never letting her leave it. If he didn’t find Vincent Alexander before… he wasn’t going to allow himself to even entertain that thought.

  As he drove the Jag back to the manor, the sky clouded over, and a light rain began to fall. That was perfect for when he hit the skies. His claws ached with a demand to tear something apart. Rafe had to have release. He needed his mate. Since that wasn’t an option, he was going hunting. It had been a long time since he had sought out Unholy to decimate. Kaya would probably be appalled if she found out. He would just have to hope she never did.

  He didn’t go in the house. If Priscilla saw him, she would know something was wrong. He took the hidden staircase that led to the roof of the garage. The sun was no longer an issue since the clouds had covered the sky. He stood unmoving, allowing the mist to dampen his skin and hair. He drew in a breath and phased, launching himself upward and heading where Unholy usually congregated. He knew going in alone was asking for trouble, he was King after all. He didn’t have an heir to take over like his father had when he was killed. If he perished before he could produce an heir, Sinclair would be next in line.

  He circled higher and higher, allowing the cooler air to fill his lungs. When that didn’t help calm his mood, he retreated lower, scanning the streets for those monsters that Gordon Flanagan called his army. Rafe knew for every Unholy he took out, Flanagan created two more.

  Something was wrong. There was no brawling in the streets, no claws meeting flesh. He continued through the various quadrants where he was sure to find confrontation. When he saw nothing happening below, Rafael flew to one of the buildings he owned and landed on the rooftop. He pulled his cell phone out of his cargo pocket and called Nikolas. “Nik, status report.”

  “Nothing to report. Everything is eerily quiet.”

  “Yeah, out here too. I’ve been over every quadrant, and there’s no movement at all. Alert your brothers. Something is very wrong, I feel it. I’ll call Mason.” Rafe hung up on Nikolas and immediately dialed Mason’s number.

  When his younger cousin answered, Rafael asked, “Mason, is all well? There is something amiss with the Unholy, and I am checking in with everyone.” He didn’t want the younger Goyle to assume he was picking on him.

  “Yes, my King. There has been no movement since Julian left. Chief Kane has showered and is now in her bedroom.”

  “You do know that is my mate you are watching?”

  “You have my word that I would never disrespect her or you. I am not looking in on her, only listening. She has made several phone calls to her coworkers updating them on the events leading up to and including Jorgenson’s murder. Dane Abbott is coming back to work tomorrow, and she likes pepperoni and green olives on her pizza. Thin crust.”

  “Thank you, Mason. Hopefully one day soon that woman you are guarding will be your Queen.”

  “I hope so, Brother. I truly hope so.”

  Rafael flew to the manor after checking back in with Nik. He was given the all-clear by each team. He took a quick shower then went in search of food. Priscilla was in the kitchen covering several dishes to put in the refrigerator. “Oh, Rafael, there you are. I was getting worried about you.”

  He kissed his old friend on the cheek. “Please, leave the dishes out and I’ll make myself a plate.” He wanted to be alone right now.

  “Nonsense, I’ll be glad to do it.” She began uncovering the dishes.

  “Priscilla, I need your help with something.” Jonathan was standing just inside the kitchen. He was much better at gauging Rafael’s moods than his sister. She just wanted to mother him all the time. “Can’t it wait? Rafael’s hungry.”

  “No, it cannot wait. Now, Priscilla.” When Jonathan was stern, she listened. She glanced at Rafael then gave in. “Okay, but you leave everything out, and I’ll come back later to clean up.” She patted his arm then followed her brother to their wing of the manor.

  Rafael dished out the food then nuked it in the microwave. He stood at the counter, eating without truly tasting anything. He had popped open a beer while waiting for his plate to heat up. Having a Goyles’ metabolism, it would take a case of beer before he even felt a slight buzz. He still enjoyed a good Scotch, but his tastes had changed over the years and craft beers were his drink of choice at the moment.

  Rafe rinsed his plate and put it in the dishwasher. He grabbed another beer and made his way to the patio. The sky had cleared and was now cloudless. The moon was almost full, and the stars were visible. He took a pull from the bottle and glanced up at Perseus. Rafe wanted to be Kaya’s hero. He walked shoeless down to the garden, enjoying the feel of the damp grass on his bare feet. He sat on his favorite bench, not caring that it was still wet from the rain. Taking a few cleansing breaths, he closed his eyes and allowed his mind to clear.

  Kaya rarely went to bed before eleven, but tonight she did. She was ready for tomorrow. She hadn’t really needed the extra time to decide whether Rafael was where her heart was, her future was. If he hadn’t been so adamant earlier, she would have told him then. Maybe he needed time to think. Whatever his reason, she hoped that tomorrow they could start their life together. She turned her computer off, brushed her teeth, washed her face and double checked the new security system.

  Usually she wore
very little to sleep in but with Mason standing guard outside, she felt she should cover herself. She pulled on some sleep pants and a t-shirt and slid under the covers. She glanced at her cell phone just in case. No messages. What the hell. She sent Rafael a quick goodnight text then closed her eyes.

  “Momma wake up. Momma! Momma you have to wake up!” Kaya felt herself being lifted. She tried to open her eyes, but everything was black. Her arms wouldn’t move. They didn’t feel like they were tied, just that she had no control over them. Sleepy, she was so sleepy. The house phone was ringing. She couldn’t reach it. Her cell phone was going off on the nightstand. Why couldn’t she get to her phones?

  Kaya woke to that little voice she had come to know was her son. “Momma, that mean man has you. I don’t like that man, Momma.” Kaya opened her eyes to see a very pale, very blond man walking out of the room. Oh my God! That’s the albino. That’s Vincent Alexander. Kaya tried to yell, but no sound came out. Why couldn’t she talk? Her eyes were getting heavy again. No, no, no! You have to stay awake! As hard as she tried, she couldn’t hold her eyes open.

  Rafael found himself once again standing on the cliff overlooking the sea. This time the sky was gray and lightning flashed in the distance. The water was ferociously crashing over the rocks. He felt a tug on his hand. Looking down, he saw his little boy. His frantic little boy. “Papa, Papa.” He squatted down until he was nearly eye level with his child.

  “Yes, my son, what is it?”

  The strong winds were blowing his dark hair about as he implored, “Papa, you have to help her. That mean man has her.”

  “Who, has who my boy?”

  “Momma. That mean man has Momma. Papa, you have to help her.”