Kai wasn’t a master of war. He had never gone up against anyone plotting a takeover of this magnitude, so it was hard for him to envision a plan of attack. Frey, on the other hand, had been born to it. He had been both a Marine and a soldier, and had fought in more than one human battle. The male suggested several scenarios he felt Drago might employ to take down their Clan. Instead of fighting Rafael for the throne, Drago was dividing them. Spreading their resources.
A phone rang in the distance, and soon after, Frey’s shout raised the hair on Kai’s arms. He remained at his post until Frey called them all to his side. Malakai and the others reached the front of Frey’s home to find him pacing in front of the porch.
“Drago has changed tactics. Several groups of Unholy have been turned loose in the city. I’m calling in more Clan from nearby states, but for now, we need to head out and do damage control. This” — Frey indicated his home — “is just a structure. It can be rebuilt. Human lives are more important. Paxton, you and Law stay here just in case. I’m leaving two Goyles at each home. Lachlan is monitoring the cameras, and he will call if he spots movement. If for some reason you’re outnumbered to the point of risking your safety, get the fuck out of here. I know you can handle Unholy, but Drago might send in his own Gargoyles if he finds out there are only two of you. The rest of us will spread out to the locations the Unholy have been spotted.”
Paxton fisted his chest. “We’ll do our best.”
“That’s all I can ask. Malakai, take Dominic and his crew and head to State Street. I’ll send Jasper and his team to meet you there. Lorenzo is on standby with transport, but with the numbers Dane called in, I don’t see keeping many Unholy alive. Do your best without phasing. Take your swords. Those will be easier to explain than our claws. We’ll worry about damage control once the threat is eliminated. After I make the necessary calls, I’ll meet you there.”
Malakai wasted no time heading to their vehicle. Dominic twirled the weapon, tip down, between his hands. “How often do the Unholy terrorize humans?” the pirate asked once they were on their way.
“Lately, not often. When I first moved here about a year ago, we would pick them up a couple times a week, mostly in small groups. They’re easily overpowered since they’re usually infighting. We have special restraints we take when patrolling the city, but I have a feeling those won’t be needed. We’ve always done our best to apprehend the monsters and toss them into the Pen. Rarely have we killed one just because we could.”
“Rarely? It has happened?”
“Yes. Sometimes the beast takes over and lets loose. Deep down, we know there’s a human underneath the monster. Most of those who were turned did it because they felt they had nothing to live for. They were promised a better life. They didn’t get it. It’s why Isabelle has been working hard on the antiserum.”
“Aye, I understand that. I met two of the Reborn. Sabrina’s brother and his friend are staying in Tessa’s house not far from where my home is. We’ve had a few chats about their experiences. I’m thankful those two were included in the first round of testing. I’d hate to think of one of our own being involved in what’s happening right now. It’s bad enough my Lilly’s brother was used to create the monsters.”
“It is, but Isabelle has high hopes Gabriel can be rehabilitated. I think it’s one reason she doesn’t want to leave New Atlanta.”
“For their family’s sake, I hope she’s right. They’ve endured more than anyone should this past year.”
Kai parked a couple blocks over from where the Unholy had been spotted. “Let’s go round up some Unholy and help put an end to this shit.”
Chapter Twenty
Rafael hugged Sebastian tighter, waiting on Jonas to deliver the news. When the doctor smiled, Rafe released his breath.
“The good news is Kaya is going to live. The bad news is she received multiple broken bones as well as extensive fractures in her face. I’ve called in a maxillofacial surgeon. We won’t know the extent of damage to her back and spine until the swelling goes down.”
Rafael choked back a sob. “Can I see her?”
“Not yet. She’s still in surgery. I wanted to give you an update because there’s nothing worse than not knowing. It’s going to be a long night, so if you want, Caroline can take Priscilla and Sebastian to our house for a bit. If you’re afraid Drago is going to come after me too, I can get a room set up with a crib where the little one can sleep.”
“I’m not ready to be away from him, so a crib would be perfect. Thank you.”
Jonas inclined his head. “I’ll see to that now. Nurse Davidson will come find you when it’s set up.” Jonas kissed Caroline’s forehead before leaving the room.
Soft crying from Priscilla reminded Rafael he wasn’t the only one worried about Kaya. His dear housekeeper was still struggling from losing her own love. Rafe took Sebastian and placed him in Priscilla’s
