by Faith Gibson
“Yeah, okay. I’m going to turn in. I’ll text or call tomorrow when I know what my job entails.”
“Goodnight, Luce.”
“Night, Ian.” Lucy disconnected. She was still getting used to having family all up in her business, whether she wanted them there or not. Lucius and Vera had been respectful of boundaries, and now, Lucy understood why. At least where Lucius was concerned. She couldn’t imagine Vera knowing what was in the secret room downstairs and being okay with it. Until she could get back home and look around some more, Lucy wouldn’t dwell on it too much. She had other things pressing, like her new assignment.
And Tamian. There was no way John was anyone other than her Gargoyle. He’s not yours. Then why did he feel like he belonged to her? With her? Why else was he following her around the world if he wasn’t trying to get close to her? There was only one way to find out. Against her better judgement, Lucy plucked her cell phone off the nightstand and typed out a text.
Tamian waited until the lights went off in the room where Lucy was staying. Julian had been able to hack into the system the GIA used for housing, and Tamian knew exactly which room his mate was in. There was no security to speak of other than an agent manning a front desk. The doors leading into the building were accessed by the agents’ ID badges. Getting a badge would be easy, but Tamian wasn’t ready to risk being seen.
When he was sure she was down for the night, he returned to the hotel Tessa had secured for them. It was odd having his sister be in his space twenty-four seven. It had been years since the two of them spent this much time together, and as much as he loved her, he was itching for his privacy. It was close to impossible to think of Lucy without getting a hard-on, but with Tessa hanging around, there was nothing he could do about it. He wasn’t about to jerk one off with his sister in the next room, half-blood hearing or not.
The hotel suite was situated much like the last one had been, and Tessa had the computer equipment set up on the coffee table when he returned. “From what I can tell, there are four Hounds in the area. What we don’t know is if they’ve always been this protective of Lucy, or if they’re crowding her because of you.” When Tamian told Tessa about the note he’d given his mate, she laughed and held out her hand for a knuckle bump. Subtlety wasn’t her strong suit. When Tessa wanted something, she went for it. As much as Tamian wanted to get closer to Lucy, he rather enjoyed the game they seemed to be playing. He kept the burner phone in his pocket, silently willing it to ring.
“If she stays in town for any length of time, I plan to meet her. If I’m the reason the Hounds are around, I’ll have to prove to her and them I’m no threat.”
“And if you aren’t the reason?”
“Then I’ll get that out of her, and I’ll be the one protecting her.”
Tessa sighed and tilted her head to the side. “I like seeing this side of you. Don’t get me wrong. You’ve always had a protective streak, but now it’s aimed at someone else, and it’s sweet instead of annoying.”
“When did I ever annoy you? You didn’t know I was following you most of the time.”
“You’re right; I didn’t. Why is that?”
Tamian sat down on the sofa and angled his body toward his sister. “I didn’t want you to think I didn’t trust your instincts. Plus, I was hiding, for the most part.”
Tessa’s frown deepened. “Hiding from who?”
“Everyone. You. Xavier and Mom.” Tamian took a moment to gather his thoughts. He didn’t want to bring the mood down, but he owed it to Tessa to be honest. “For the longest time, I drifted with no purpose. It’s an odd thing being a clone. I don’t let myself think about the fact that I’m the first clone, because I still can’t wrap my head around that. But it’s... I wasn’t born from a union between two beings who loved one another and wanted to bring a child into the world. I was created in a lab. I was a science experiment. Maybe my creation had purpose, but I didn’t.”
Tamian stood and went to the small kitchen and searched for something to drink. Unsurprisingly, several bottles of liquor lined the counter, and Tamian poured a hefty glassful of vodka. After downing it, he poured another glassful, but this time he added ice cubes and let them settle, chilling the alcohol. He grabbed Tessa a beer, popped the top off the bottle, and took it to her where she sat waiting for him to continue.
“I wasn’t a child who knew from a young age he wanted to be a professional ball player, or a doctor, or an artist. As far as being smart, I’m not a genius like Jonas. I’m not adventurous like you. The family gave you the job of being a watcher because it suited you. Me? They’ve left me alone to do my own thing, even though I’ve never known exactly what that was.”
Tessa took a long pull off her beer before asking, “Do you honestly believe Dad would ask you to take over the throne if he didn’t feel you were more than capable of being King? Tam, you can’t rule a Clan without being smart as well as ambitious. Xavier might be ready to step down and take Mom around the world, but he won't jeopardize his Clan by handing the reins over to just anyone. No, you weren’t born, but by being cloned, you have the best parts of not just me, but Jonas, too.”
Tamian choked on the liquid he’d just sipped when Tessa’s words registered. “What?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know he mixed his cells in with mine. If you were my clone and only mine, we would basically be twins. You would be closer to a half-blood like me, but you already said you transitioned when you were younger. That wouldn’t be possible without having a little help, and I know Jonas. He’s never come out and said he regrets not having a Gargoyle mate, because he loves Caroline with everything he is. But I’ve read his journals. Since he couldn’t have an offspring that had all traits of a full-blood, he did the next best thing when he made you.”
Tamian didn’t deny her words. He couldn’t. But he wouldn’t admit she was right. Tessa’s phone ringing interrupted their conversation, and for that he was glad. While she took Gregor’s call in one of the bedrooms, Tamian stepped out onto the balcony, staring into the New DC night. He placed his drink on the railing and watched the condensation roll down the clear glass. He hadn’t been lying when he said he didn’t have a purpose. That was until he saw Lucy’s face for the first time. When he’d followed her to Norway, the mate pull couldn’t be denied. Now that he’d been in her presence and was positive they were meant to be together, his purpose was clear. Protect Lucia Harlow Ball. Make her his mate, and love her for the rest of their lives.
It took several seconds for the buzzing in his pocket to register. When he pulled the phone out, he didn’t recognize the number, but nobody had that number except Lucy. His heart beating wildly, he opened the text message and froze.
Lucy: Did you find what you were looking for?
Tamian’s heart sped faster as he typed out a response. He deleted and retyped several messages, but none sounded right. Finally, he answered honestly.
Tamian: I found her, but now I want to get to know her
Lucy: So the puppy was a ruse???
Why so many question marks? Was she hoping he’d say yes? Tamian responded truthfully.
Tamian: Yes.
As he thought about what he wanted to say, Lucy’s response was immediate. She must have already been typing.
Lucy: Are you a Gargoyle?
Tamian should have expected her to ask, but it still took him aback. He knew she’d seen him, but she didn’t ask if he was something different. Lucy specifically asked if he was a Gargoyle.
Tamian: You’re aware?
Lucy: Of the species or the fact that you’re one?
Tamian: Yes?
Lucy: Let’s just say I’m not a stranger
Tamian: That’s good. I think
Lucy: It’s very good. You don’t have to hide your true self from me, unless you’re stalking me for nefarious reasons
Tamian: Nefarious... I like that word, but no. Nothing shady here
Lucy: Then why the disguise and ruse?
&nb
sp; Tamian: Honestly? I wanted to get close to see if my earlier feelings had been a fluke
Lucy: Feelings?
Tamian: How much do you know about Gargoyles?
Lucy didn’t respond straightaway. Tamian drained the contents of his glass in one swallow. The melting ice had watered down the alcohol, but he allowed the coolness to quench the tightness in his throat. He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation. It probably wasn’t smart to put the truth into words she could share, but he trusted Lucy. When her response came back, it was a long one.
Lucy: Genetically speaking, I know quite a bit. Since you know who I am, you no doubt knew of my father – uncle – Lucius. He spent many years studying genetics, specifically the differences between Gargoyles and another species. The Gargoyles live thousands of years where others do not. Lucius thought that unfair, and he was trying to come up with a way for others to maintain that same longevity. As for the societal aspects, I’m in the dark
Other species? Tamian had seen the claws of her uncle, and he and Tessa had noted the differences. How was it possible for there to be a species of shifter other than Gargoyle and the Goyles not be aware of them? And how had they obtained Gargoyle DNA to test? Tamian didn’t want to tip his hand that he wasn’t aware of other shifters, so he addressed a different topic.
Tamian: I can explain the societal aspects, especially the ones concerning you and me. But I’m curious as to how your father obtained DNA to study
Lucy: This is a conversation best had in person. I had to fly to New DC unexpectedly, and I’m being reassigned tomorrow morning. I don’t know where I’ll be, what I’ll be working on, or for how long. How about we meet when I get home?
Tamian: Or we could meet tomorrow night after you get finished working if they don’t send you out of town. I can’t imagine your room has a large kitchen. How about I take you to dinner?
Lucy: You’re here? Of course you are. We have lots to talk about “John”
Tamian could hear the sass in her voice. She hadn’t spoken many words earlier, but her tone was forever entrenched in his mind.
Tamian: Is that a yes?
Lucy: Yes
Tamian: Then I look forward to officially meeting you tomorrow. Text me when you get off work
Lucy: Will do
Tamian: Goodnight, Lucy
Lucy: Goodnight, Tamian
Chapter Ten
Tamian was shocked to find out Lucy was aware of the Gargoyles. Sure, she’d seen him, but their existence was supposed to be a secret. Tessa returned to the living room, and at the same time, they asked each other, “What’s wrong?”
“You first,” he offered.
Tessa didn’t sit down. Instead, she paced the small area. “I’m a failure as a mate.”
“What?”
“I’m a failure,” she repeated. The sadness was rolling off his sister in waves. “Kaya, Sophia, Lilly, and now Abbi are all pregnant. I’ve been with Gregor a while now, so why am I not pregnant? What if I can’t give him a child?”
Tamian stood and grasped Tessa’s arms. “Is Gregor giving you a hard time about this?” He might have growled his question, because Tessa flinched.
“No. Of course not. He’s too good a male to actually say something about it, but I don’t miss the wistfulness in his eyes or the longing in his voice when he speaks of becoming an uncle.”
“It will happen when it’s supposed to. Think of it this way. All four kids will have to share in being born around the same time. Your child will get extra attention when he or she is born. Is that what’s had you out of sorts lately?”
“Yeah. So, you don’t think I’m a failure?”
Tamian had never known Tessa to be anything less than self-assured, and this side of her was startling. “Absolutely not. There’s a perfectly good reason you haven’t gotten with child. If I had to venture a guess, it’s because you have an adventure you’re going to go on, and knowing you, it will be dangerous. You don’t need to be worrying about keeping yourself and a baby safe. It will happen when you’re ready to settle down a little.”
“You’re probably right. So, what had you thinking so hard when I walked into the room?” Tessa pulled away from Tamian, changing the subject. If her attitude didn’t improve, he’d have a talk with Gregor. He wasn’t one to butt into relationships, but Tessa meant the world to him, and he knew how much she meant to Gregor as well. Tessa went to the kitchen, grabbing another beer out of the fridge. She held it up, and Tamian nodded. He really wanted something stronger, but he could share a cold one with his sister while he explained his news.
When they both had a beer, he led her to the sofa and pulled her down next to him. Instead of telling Tessa, he unlocked his phone and showed her the text string. “This is from Lucy.”
Tessa choked on her beer, coughing as her eyes widened. “Holy shit. She knows about Gargoyles. But how is that possible there is another species of shifters we aren’t aware of?”
“And where did they get the DNA to study?”
“Probably the same way Flanagan did; he kidnapped one.”
“I plan to ask her all this and more when I take her to dinner.”
“Are you not worried about the Hounds?”
“Not really. Even if all of them are shifters, they aren’t Gargoyles, and I can handle them.”
Tessa shook her head. “Of course you can. I forget; you’re Tamian St. Claire, super Goyle.”
Tamian tossed his head back and laughed. “Thank you for believing in me, Andi.” Tamian reverted back to her real name when he was serious, and he didn’t figure there was anything more serious than him going up against a new, unknown type of shifter. He would have to keep his wits about him so he didn’t tip his hand. “Seriously though, it was Lucy’s idea for us to speak in person.”
“And that could be a trap. She has studied Gargoyles. What if she’s setting you up so she can study you specifically?”
“Then I guess the little fact that we’re mates won’t do me any good. Or maybe it will.” Tamian shrugged one shoulder. “I have to believe the fates had a reason for putting the two of us together. Just like you and Gregor. Jonas didn’t want you anywhere near a full-blood, but it worked out for the best. You’re with the one you were meant to be with. I won’t know if Lucy’s truly my intended unless I meet with her. Plus, I will find out about these other shifters.”
“What if she’s one of these shifters?”
“I’m counting on it.” The more Tamian thought about it, the more he was convinced Lucy was indeed a shifter. How else was she able to elude him in the woods? “I think she’s a bird of some kind.”
“What makes you think that?”
Tamian explained how Lucy got away from him in Norway, describing the large eagle which flew overhead. “Regardless, I’m excited to meet with her. And I know you’ll have my back, so it won’t really be one against four.”
Tessa scrubbed her hands together, and her eyes lit up. “You’re damn skippy I’ll have your back.”
Tamian was just as excited as Tessa, but his reasons were on a more personal level than the rush his sister got when thinking about getting in the middle of whatever trouble she could find. Tamian never thought he’d have a mate, but now that he did, he was going to do everything in his power to get to know her as well as her family. Tamian would be the best mate to Lucy and make her see, Gargoyle or not, he was the male for her.
“Agent Ball, have a seat.” Lucy took the chair opposite her new boss, Deputy Director Ramey. The man was probably pushing sixty, but he didn’t look it. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back away from a high forehead. His grey eyes were cold, and his suit stretched taut over a fit body. No beer gut on this man. Her stomach had been rolling ever since she woke. Afraid food would further upset her, Lucy skipped breakfast and opted for two cups of coffee on an empty stomach. Big mistake.
“The agency has finally agreed to using you where we will benefit most. Considering your area of study at MI
T was genetics, coupled with who your father was, we feel your talents are better suited for a laboratory instead of attempts at infiltrating computer systems.” His disparaging remark regarding her lack of computer hacking talent had her hackles rising. Was he responsible for the last few assignments? The part that bothered her most was the mention of Lucius. Instead of letting her claws loose on the asshole, Lucy schooled her features, sitting completely still.
“I’m not sure what my father has to do with anything the GIA would be interested in.”
The older agent snarled. “Your father was a colleague of mine before I joined the agency. He and I had an arrangement of sorts, and now, I’m interested in you and I having a similar contract.”
Lucy swallowed hard. “What sort of arrangement?”
“Your father was doing a study on genetics. One in which the government hoped to use combatting the Unholy.”
Lucy had to choke back the bile that threatened to grace the top of her shoes. If her instincts were correct, she was closer to finding out what Lucius had been doing in the basement. Only she didn’t want to know. Not this way. She didn’t want to have any part of it, especially if the U.S. government was behind it.
“And what? You want me to continue his work?” Lucy didn’t know whether or not to admit to what she’d found at home. Did she lie and say they worked together during her summers but not on anything substantial? There was no way she would tell this man they were comparing species of shifters. Or had they been? What if Lucius lied to her and they weren’t attempting to figure out the longevity of Gargoyles at all. No. No fricking way.
“That’s exactly what I want. We’ve hired several scientists since your father’s untimely demise, but none of them have been able to accomplish a tenth of what Lucius did. With you having firsthand knowledge of his experiments, it’s time you stepped into his shoes and continued his work. The government needs you to do this.”