“I don’t feel Dante’s emotions as clearly as the rest of you probably do your mates. With Dante, he can suppress his feelings and his pain. He can also push calm into others with his mind. Our mates are all different, and each couple has unique bonds.” Isabelle took the seat next to Josie. “Tessa, since you were the first of us to find your mate, why don’t you start? We’ll share our experiences with Josie.” Isabelle didn’t say to keep her mind off her no longer having a home. At least she still had an apartment.
For the next few hours, they all shared their stories of meeting their Gargoyles and what they endured afterward. Each one was tragic in one form or another, and it made Josie admire them more. What she found most interesting was not only Tessa being the baby who had been cloned, but that Trevor and Katherine were clones. They both seemed to have come to terms with it somewhat, but the underlying sadness was there. Tessa was included in almost every encounter. The redhead was truly a badass in her own right. She had told hers and Gregor’s story first and had them all laughing when she spoke of shooting her mate in the ass. Josie couldn’t imagine pulling a gun on Kai, much less pulling the trigger even knowing a bullet wouldn’t penetrate his skin. Sophia and Trevor were as feisty as Tessa. Abbi, Willow, and Marley were more like Josie – laid-back and softer spoken.
Isabelle was the wild card. She was a brilliant doctor, working on the antiserum to change the Unholy into what they referred to as Reborn. Isabelle’s contribution to the Clan and Society was as impressive as it was daunting, but the half-blood was kind and humble. Josie often caught Isabelle frowning whenever Tessa or Sophia spoke of Jonas. Isabelle was his daughter, but it sounded like the other two women were closer to the male. Josie could understand that. Presley was closer to their father, but Josie couldn’t imagine why Jonas would favor Tessa or Sophia over Isabelle. It was a mystery she might never know the answer to.
It was late, and Josie’s eyes were getting heavy. She pulled the blanket over her and reclined the leather chair. Bryce had dimmed the lights in the cabin an hour earlier, so it was dark enough for Josie to relax. Tessa finally stopped pacing and took the seat across from Josie. The redhead didn’t recline the chair though. She stared out the window into the night. Josie knew they all were worried about their mates and Kaya. She was too. She didn’t like not being able to talk to Kai, then she remembered their connection and wondered if it worked from that far away.
Kai?
Why aren’t you asleep?
The mates were telling me their stories. Now everyone’s quiet. How are you holding up?
I’m fine. Just pissed the fuck off.
I’m sorry. I wish I was there with you.
I’m glad you’re not. Not that I don’t want to see you because I do, badly. But it’s not safe.
Were any other homes hit?
Yes. Jasper’s and Nik’s, but don’t tell their mates. It’s going to be a long night of keeping watch.
Were any of the other males hurt?
No. We’re all fine. We’re Gargoyles.
Is the house completely gone?
No, but I’m not sure if it’s salvageable. We’ll build somewhere else if it isn’t, but for the time being, you’ll be safe with my parents. I’ll meet you there when this is all over, and we’ll decide what to do.
We still have my apartment, so it’s not like we don’t have somewhere to live. All that matters is you’re not hurt. You’re not, are you?
No. I got a few scratches in the blast, but they healed quickly.
I wish I was there to hold you.
Me, too, Sunshine. I could use a dose of your brand of love.
Any news on Kaya?
Not yet. We’re hopeful no news is good news. You get some sleep. I’m going to help guard Frey’s house tonight.
Okay. I love you.
I love you too.
Josie’s heart was crushed. She’d been looking forward to building a life with Kai there in that house, but they could build somewhere else. Or maybe they could tear down that house and rebuild there. She loved the property. Josie felt sorry for the others who also lost their homes. She hated knowing and not being able to tell them, but it was Kai’s wish, and she’d abide by it. Sleep was hard to come by after that, but she tried anyway. The long flight plus the time change were going to take their toll. She didn’t need to add lack of sleep on top of them.
At one point during the night, Tessa got up and went to the cockpit. When she returned, she looked at Josie with sadness. Tessa knew. Someone had informed the pilot, and in turn, told Tessa. Tessa squatted next to Josie and reached for her hand.
Josie took it and whispered, “You know about the others?”
Tessa frowned. “Yeah. Did Kai tell you?”
“Yes, but he asked me not to tell anyone.”
Tessa pushed Josie’s hair behind her ear. “I knew you were tough.”
“I just hate that our males are going through this without us.”
Tessa sighed. “Me too, but they’re warriors. If we were there, they’d be worried about keeping us safe. It really is better this way, although it might not feel like it.”
“I understand, and it could be worse. I could be eight months pregnant. I can’t imagine Sophia having to go through this now.”
“She’s tough too. And when we all get back to New Atlanta, you’ll see how we all band together for family. Sophia and Nik will want for nothing. More than likely, they’ll
