Kai exited Henry’s home in search of his mate. Now that they knew Lachlan was behind the issue with the plane, Gregor would throw the male back behind bars. Or worse.
Julian cursed into his empty house. With several males guarding the outside, he was able to focus his attention on his computer. The same system Lachlan was using to sabotage another plane. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise. That would be someone else not only countering his every move but also restarting the engines as soon as Lachlan disabled them. Whoever it was didn’t need his help, so Julian focused on shutting down the system Lachlan was using.
He pressed a few buttons in the keyboard to call Gregor, then went back to the task at hand.
“Jules?”
“Can you get to the Pen? Lachlan is behind the plane going down.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m watching him trying to do it again.”
“Shit. The decoy worked.”
“Decoy?”
“Yes. We had Deacon tell Lachlan the mates were headed to Italy instead of Samoa. Malakai’s brother is flying the plane.”
“Why didn’t someone fill me in?”
“We would have if you’d answered your phone.” Gregor’s surly tone wasn’t unexpected.
“Yeah, I… I’m sorry. But it looks like I’m not needed. Someone else is attacking the system. They’re countering every move Lachlan makes.” Julian didn’t have time to figure out who.
“I’m hanging up and calling Remy now.” Gregor disconnected without saying goodbye. Julian knew he’d fucked up in more ways than one, and he had a lot to apologize for. But first, he had to destroy part of his system so Lachlan couldn’t do any more damage. It had taken Julian a decade to build his network, but he would gladly spend another ten years rebuilding it if it meant saving Kai’s brother’s life.
When Kai and the others returned to where everyone was waiting, Kai had his arm wrapped around Henry’s neck. “It’s over. Henry saved Pono. He’s a hero!”
Shouts went up, and the massive Palamo Clan rushed the younger Goyle. Josie, who had been chatting with a couple of Kai’s sisters-in-law, made her way to where Katherine was sitting with Tessa and Trevor. She sank down in a chair and blew out a breath, but she was smiling as she watched Kai and his large family. Through their bond, Malakai had told her what was happening.
“This calls for a celebration!” Ariki shouted above all the excitement.
“That’s not all there is to celebrate,” Tessa said, looking at Katherine.
“Yeah? What else is there?” Josie asked.
“Lani read my aura. She figured out I’m pregnant.” Katherine rubbed her flat stomach.
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations.” Josie noticed Katherine wasn’t smiling. “Isn’t it?”
“I mean, yeah, I’m happy, but…”
“You haven’t told Julian?” Josie asked.
“Yes, he knows, but I’m worried about him. He’s not been himself lately, and this mess with Lachlan and Drago and the Unholy… I know my mate. He’s going to blame himself for all of it. And now Henry has saved the day.” Katherine’s eyes filled with tears. “That should make Julian happy, that Lachlan failed in taking down another plane, but it’s going to be another hit to his ego.”
Josie clasped Katherine’s hand. “Julian helped. Henry said someone was helping him, and that could only have been Julian. You can’t give up hope. Maybe the baby will give Julian something positive focus on.”
“She’s right, Katherine. The Goyles are hardwired to put their mates and children first. You have to keep trying to reach out to him. Remind him he’s going to be a father, and his whole mindset will change for the better. You’ll see.” Tessa’s smile was wistful, and Josie wondered if Tessa was hiding her own secret.
Kai joined them. “The fiafia has been moved up to tonight. Will you be okay if I help with the preparations?”
“Of course. Do you need any help?”
Kai squatted next to her and kissed her temple. “No, but thank you, Sunshine. My brothers’ mates will have you all busy getting ready.”
“Getting ready?” Trevor frowned. “They can’t be getting us ready as virginal sacrifices because not virgins,” he said, motioning to the four of them.
Kai laughed, the sound filling Josie with happiness. “No, but they are going to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. I’m stealing Nikolas, and Trevor you’re welcome to come with us.”
“Nah. You go do badass stuff with the other badasses. I’ll guard the women.” He pushed to his feet and flexed his muscles, causing everyone to laugh.
Tessa rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “I’ll take you at my back anytime, Nerd Boy.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Josie was looking forward to the celebration. She wanted to taste the Samoan cuisine, watch the males dance, and celebrate Pono’s safety. “We’ll be fine,” Josie said, cupping Kai’s cheek. Kai kissed her softly just as Kili walked up.
“Come on then. Lavalava for everyone. And while we’re getting dressed, maybe you can tell me all about New Atlanta. Henry and I are excited about joining you there. I’m going to wait about finding a job. Let Henry get settled first. Maybe I’ll find a little house to fix up so I’m not bored. Do they have little houses in the big city?”
Josie couldn’t help but smile at Kili’s excitement. It was Trevor who latched on to the conversation. “I think we might know the perfect place for you. My brother, Travis, moved into our Queen’s house when she got together with Rafael, but he’s probably going to move in with his girlfriend soon, and it’s not that small, but it is smaller than the other homes most of us live in. Two bedrooms so plenty of room for now, and if you and Henry decide to have kids, there’s
