“Damnit. This is the third system that isn’t working. Hang on a second.” The sound of computer keys being tapped was loud. “Okay, punch in this code.” Julian rattled off a nine-digit number, and when Kai pressed the sequence, the gate opened.
“Julian, is it possible someone is sabotaging the security boxes? Saturday night, there was a stranger lurking around, but by the time I reached the edge of the property, he was gone.”
“Anything’s possible. If you would, turn the cameras on. Now that Josie’s there with you, it’s better to be safe.”
“Will do. Is there anything I can check on this end while I’m here?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to leave the lab in a few to check them myself. In the meantime, use the code instead of the voice activator.”
“Josie and I are headed to Frey’s. We just ran home to change clothes. If you need us for anything, give us a call.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing, but thank you for the offer.”
As Kai drove the car through the gate, Josie bit her lip as she watched through the side mirror to see if it closed behind them. “Don’t worry, Sunshine. It’s probably just a glitch. Julian will get it straightened out.”
Josie hoped it was a glitch, but the fact that someone had been there Saturday night didn’t feel like a coincidence.
Once inside, Kai swapped his jeans for a pair of shorts, while Josie opted for one of her dresses. She chose one that was the least sexy considering where they were going. She paired it with some flat sandals. Her hair was already in a low ponytail, so she didn’t feel the need to fuss with it. When she was finished changing, Josie found Kai in the office.
“I should have activated the cameras before now,” he muttered.
“Why didn’t you?” She placed her hands on his shoulders as he tapped on the keyboard.
“It was just me, but now, you’re here,” he explained, but Josie didn’t like his reasoning. She wasn’t more important than he was, but she knew he felt because he was a Gargoyle, he could protect himself. “Okay, we’re back online.” When he turned the chair to face her, his eyebrows rose, and he let out a low whistle. “You look stunning.”
“Thanks. Is this okay for a barbecue? I’m not one for wearing shorts in public.”
“It’s perfect. I know you said it’s hard to find shorts that fit you, but is that the only reason you don’t wear them out? Because I have to tell you, you have amazing legs. On second thought, never wear shorts again unless we’re alone.” Kai grabbed Josie around the waist and settled her on his lap. He ghosted his fingers over her shin, then traced a trail up past her knee. When his hand continued higher, she grabbed his wrist.
“You keep doing that and we won’t make it to Frey’s.”
“But you’re so sexy,” he groused against her neck. Kai inhaled deeply, and Josie chuckled.
“Let’s go, Mate.” Josie climbed to her feet, but not before Kai sucked on her neck. Josie shivered, rethinking leaving the house. Then logic overrode her libido. They could have all the sex when they got home. It was time to go meet some more of Kai’s Clan.
When they entered the garage, Kai asked, “Jeep or Veyron?”
“I feel like that’s a trick question. If I say Veyron, you’re going to think I’m stuck up and don’t like the Jeep. If I choose Jeep, well, I don’t know what you’ll think.”
“There’s no right or wrong answer, Sunshine. We can take your car for all I care.”
“Ugh, no. I bought my sedan because it was practical. The lower payment allowed me to lease a nice apartment. Speaking of, I need to find out how much it’s going to cost to break my lease.”
“Whatever it costs will be worth it. Shit, I forgot to call Sixx with everything that happened this morning. I’ll do that on the way.” Kai led Josie to the sports car and opened the door. She was glad he didn’t make her decide because she didn’t want to sound pretentious. She loved the Jeep, but how often did someone like her get to ride in an exotic vehicle?
As Kai was talking to Sixx, Josie found it surreal. This male was Desmond Rothchild’s father. After making the quickest deal ever in regards to Kai and Josie buying the house, Kai asked how Desirae and Simone were doing. Josie was fascinated with talk of pregnant mates, learning Desi – as Sixx called his son – was a half-blood, and his mate was the daughter of something called a Hound. When they ended the call, Kai explained the Hound was a Gryphon shifter. Tessa’s brother, Tamian, was mated to a Gryphon, and that’s how the Gargoyles found out there was another species of shifters in the world. Josie couldn’t wait to hear about all the mates and how they met their Gargoyles.
As with the one at home, Frey’s security box didn’t work from voice activation. Kai called Frey, and instead of giving him a code, Frey met them at the gate. It opened as he approached from the inside.
“Julian said more of them are acting up?” Frey asked through Kai’s open window.
“Yes. He had me open mine with a numerical code. He’s personally checking each one, so you probably need to let him know to add yours to the list.”
“I don’t like this. If it were just one, I wouldn’t worry, but he designed these himself. There’s no way they’re all glitching at the same time.”
“You might want to check your security feed. My cameras were turned off, but with the strange visitor I had Saturday, I’m thinking someone from Drago’s camp could be sabotaging the boxes.”
“Let’s go check. I’ll meet you at the house.”
