Tessa smiled, her fangs protruding from her gums. She held up her hands and let her claws extend for a few seconds before returning to normal. “It took some getting used to. My bottom lip stayed cut for a freaking week when I transitioned. That’s what we call the first time a Gargoyle shifts. Full-bloods transition in their teens. They age more rapidly than humans, and then the process stalls out around thirty or so. Half-bloods don’t transition until they meet their mates, so some might look older. My mom, who is human, and I can almost pass for twins. I have a cousin who only recently met her mate, so she’ll look forty-seven the rest of her life.”
“Does anyone ever meet their mate when they’re really young?”
Kai was glad Tessa had interrupted. She was able to answer Josie’s questions better than he could.
“Yes. The latest couple to bond is Slade and Matthew. Matt was only seventeen when Slade figured out Matt was his mate, so Slade waited until Matt turned eighteen to tell him about their bond. Until then, he hung out with Matt as friends and his guardian.”
“Guardian? Like a parental figure?”
“No, like a bodyguard. Shit’s been going down for a while now. Crazy fucking Greeks. But that’s a story for later because it’s a doozy. Maybe you and I can grab a beer once you and Kai get your situation worked out. My mate, Gregor, is the warden at the penitentiary, so I have a little free time on my hands, and I’d love to talk more. Hang out, shoot pool. Whatever you want to do, as long as it doesn’t involve hours of shopping. That shit gives me the hives. I’d rather sit and listen to you practice the cello.”
“But I can’t play the cello.”
“Exactly.” Tessa grinned, and Josie laughed at the other woman. “But seriously, if you need anything, you give me a call. One thing you need to remember is you’re supposed to be at the hospital under quarantine. At some point, sooner rather than later, we need to get you back there so you can make your miraculous recovery. Kai, just give Gregor or Frey a call, and we’ll make that happen.”
“Thanks, Tessa,” Kai said.
Josie added, “Yes, thank you. Especially for standing up to Presley. I’d love to have seen her face.”
Tessa rolled her eyes again. “She wasn’t happy. How’d you turn out so nice when she’s… the way she is?”
Josie shrugged. “I take after our mother.”
“I can see that. Your mom is a peach. And she’s worried shitless about you right now, so don’t wait too long to get back to the hospital. We’re all gonna get out of here now so the two of you can have some alone time without having to worry about what you say. I’ll see you soon.”
When Tessa stood, Kai said, “Tell Frey I’m sorry about not showing up for work. I’ll be there in the morning for my regular shift.”
Tessa cocked her head to the side, looking at Kai. From the other room, Frey said, “Don’t worry about it. Lorenzo is covering for the next few days. You do what you need to do. We’ve got your back.”
Kai smiled, happy to be part of such a loving Clan. “Thanks, Frey.” Josie’s eyes narrowed, and Kai explained, “Shifter hearing.”
Josie moved back against the headboard so she was sitting next to him. She threaded her fingers through his. “I’m really sorry, Kai. I wanted to return as soon as I left, but the logical part of my brain wouldn’t let me.”
“And what’s your brain telling you now?”
“That I was a dumbass.” Kai squeezed her hand, but she wasn’t letting herself off so easily. “No, really. I should have stayed and let you prove you were telling the truth. I broke down. Like ugly crying. I can’t remember the last time I cried. I think I was about six and saw a dog get hit by a car. I wanted so bad to get in your Jeep and come back to you. I really like your Jeep. And my sister knows. About us. She is not happy, but I really don’t care. Oh, god. I’m sorry. She’s going to give you so much grief the next time you have class with her.”
“Sunshine?”
“Yeah?”
“Breathe, Baby. I’m not worried about your sister. I’ll handle her.”
“I don’t want you handling anyone but me.”
Kai both approved and disliked her jealousy. He moved Josie so she was straddling his lap. “Look at me,” he demanded.
“I’m looking,” she whispered, rubbing her hands up his chest.
“Do you have any questions about what Rafael or Tessa told you?”
“Hmm. Let’s see. Am I really going to look thirty the rest of my life?”
“Yes. Does that bother you? Because I have to tell you, I’m looking forward to seeing this face the rest of my life.” Kai ran a finger down her cheek.
Josie smiled, but then she was frowning. Kai knew Josie’s emotions were all over the place. He could feel them as if they were his own, and they hadn’t yet completed the bond. “What about my mom? She’s going to eventually notice I’m not aging.”
“That’s why we move around. It’s why I left California and came here. We don’t have to worry about that for a while. And if the time comes and you still aren’t ready to move, there are prosthetics we can wear when we are around others.”
“Will we live here?” Josie looked around the bedroom. Kai hadn’t decorated in the year he’d been staying there since he didn’t know where he was going to end up. Maybe that would change soon.
“That’s up to you. If you like this house, I’ll talk to Sixx about buying it. If you’d rather have
