“This is so exciting. Not the part where you’re going after this Greek bastard but getting to meet Josie and the others. I need to go get everything ready. As soon as you have a better timeframe of their arrival, please send me a text. I need to make some calls.”
Josie couldn’t help but smile. Kai’s mother acted as though she were being given a gift instead of having to host a slew of strangers. “Josie, welcome to the family. I can’t wait to meet you in person.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Palamo. I feel the same.”
“Please, call me Lani.”
“Okay, Lani,” Josie said, smiling. She could feel the love from Kai’s mother coming over the computer.
“Thanks, Mama. I’ll see you when this is over.”
They all said their goodbyes, and when Kai disconnected from the video, Josie turned to him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” Kai grabbed Josie and settled her on his lap.
She played with the hair at his nape. “I don’t mean this as disrespectful, but why did you ask your mom and not your dad about us visiting? I mean here, it seems like the males are in charge, and the females go along with their decisions.”
“It depends on the situation. With my parents, Mama will coordinate getting the houses ready, but I assure you my dad is already on the phone with my brothers talking about security. While it’s highly unlikely Drago or his followers will know where you are, my father understands what’s at stake. If the situation were reversed, Kaya would prepare their home for guests, while Rafael saw to safekeeping their visitors. The males here made the decision we thought best for our families. Your well-being is of utmost importance. If my father thought for one second my mother would be put in harm’s way, he would have refused my request. At the same time, he would have come up with another solution because you’re my mate, and therefore family.”
“Where would we have gone if your family was here in the States?”
“Possibly Norway. Banyan, one of our Clan, is also the Gargoyle King of Norway. He and Urijah are both Goyles of this Clan, but Banyan has a large estate there. They’re building a new, smaller home. Trevor’s brother, Travis, is an architect, and he’s gone with them to design their new home. Travis is also mate to Banyan’s sister, Brynna, although Travis doesn’t know that yet. At least he didn’t before they left. Travis lost his girlfriend when Trevor and Jasper were getting together, and Brynna is giving Travis time to properly grieve.” Kai patted Josie’s leg. “Now, it’s almost time for the video conference. As much as I love holding you, I need you to go pack so I can focus on the call.”
Josie understood. When she was this close to Kai, she wanted to get lost in his arms and mouth. Before she stood, she kissed him, carding her fingers through his hair. Kai groaned, his erection plumping beneath her bottom.
“Sunshine,” Kai moaned against her mouth.
“I’m going.” Josie reluctantly got up and left the room. It was going to be a long two weeks.
Malakai was thankful the others couldn’t see his hard-on. His computer screen was filled with several stoic faces. He did his best not to wonder how many of the others were in the same predicament. Being separated from Josie was going to be difficult. They were newly mated and in their honeymoon phase. Kai didn’t imagine it was easier on those who had been mated a while, especially those with pregnant mates and kids.
Rafael didn’t have to get everyone’s attention. All the males were silent as they waited on their King to speak. “Malakai, have you spoken to your parents?”
“Yes. They’re preparing for the mates’ arrival.”
“Excellent. Bryce is readying the jet. I told him unless he heard otherwise to plan on flying to Samoa. Trevor has agreed to go, but Sabrina is adamant about staying in New Atlanta for her pa— Kaya? What… Get away from the window! Godsdamnit! Where’s Sebas—”
The sound of an explosion was loud through Kai’s computer, and the feed from Rafael’s end went blank. All the males on the call called to their King. Kai couldn’t make out what was said by the multiple panicking voices.
“Enough!” Frey yelled. “Get your mates ready to move now. Jasper, you, Dante, and Mason pick up the mates closest to you. I’ll take Abbi and Amelia to Nikolas’s house. Gregor, drop Tessa off at Jasper’s, then meet me at the manor. Dane, take Marley to the lab, and Malakai will pick her up there. Deacon, get as many guards you can spare from the Pen on their way to the manor, then take Lachlan to the lab. Dante, call Lorenzo. Have him close the gym then get to the armory and gather our swords. I’ll call Hunter and get him on his way here. Julian, find fucking Drago. After the rest of you get your mates safely to the airport, meet me at the manor. I’ll call Bryce. Now, move.”
“Josie,” Kai called out as he ran to their bedroom. “Hurry, Sunshine. Shit just got real. There was an explosion at Rafael’s. We’ve got to help gather the other mates and get you to the airport.”
“Kaya? Sebastian?”
“I don’t know, Baby, but we have to get the rest of you to safety.”
Josie’s eyes filled with tears, but she rushed around throwing things in her bag. Kai went into the bathroom and gathered her toiletries for her. Neither of them spoke as they loaded her things in the Jeep and headed to the lab. Kai held Josie’s hand on his lap, careful not to squeeze
