Malakai (Stone Society #13) - Faith Gibson Page 0,110

water, Josie rubbed her hands up and down her arms. The temperature was probably in the seventies, but the breeze coming off the water was cool.

“Are you cold?” Kai asked.

“Just a little chilly. I’ll be fine.” Josie would endure a little discomfort so Kai could enjoy the sunrise.

“Nonsense. Stay right here, and I’ll run back to the house and get you a blanket.”

Before she could argue, Kai zipped away. She would never get used to his speed. A whoosh of air blew her hair around her shoulders. Josie grinned because that had been really fast, but when she turned around, the hair on her arms stood on end, and Josie knew whoever this was wasn’t one of their Clan. It took a few seconds to figure out why he looked familiar, but she recognized the male from Connor’s drawing.

“It’s you.” Josie took a step back, but the male was there in an instant.

“Don’t scream. I don’t want to hurt you.” His accent was thick, but she still understood him.

Josie didn’t scream aloud, but what he couldn’t hear might save her life

Kai! Drago’s here!

Motherfucker!

Josie cringed when the beast roared inside her head.

I’m coming, Sunshine

Drago gripped her arms, and Josie tried squirming away, but it was no use. He was too strong.

“Let her go!” Kai demanded.

Drago put Josie between himself and Kai. A sharp claw emerged from his fingertip and pressed into Josie’s neck. “Don’t come any closer, or I’ll slit her throat.”

Josie’s heart thudded in her chest and roared in her ears. No, that was her mate yelling into the dark night. The trees behind Kai swayed unnaturally since there was only the barest of a breeze coming off the water.

That’s our Clan you’re seeing

Huh

Josie focused, and there they all were. Kai’s brothers, his father, and Nikolas were all perched on tree branches.

“You won’t get out of here alive,” Kai promised.

“Then neither will your mate.”

Josie, do you trust us?

With my life.

Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you to.

Josie nodded, and the claw at her throat dug into her skin. Still, she closed her eyes and waited. She did trust Malakai and their beast, but she didn’t trust Drago. If she was going to die…

I love you.

Instead of Kai responding, several voices filled her head, chanting in what she knew was their native tongue. She didn’t understand the words, but she did understand their intent. They were guiding Kai. Adding their strength through the bond of the Sevens. As Josie’s body was wrapped in warmth, Drago cried out, “What the fuck?” and pushed her away with enough force to knock her down. Her eyes automatically opened, and all she could do was stare. Malakai had flames dancing along his palms. His outstretched wings were glowing orange and red. Drago was screaming, rolling in the sand, trying to extinguish the flames encircling his body. He struggled to his feet, the fire licking at his skin. He stumbled toward Josie, but the voices of the Sevens spoke to her. Push, Josie. Push back against Drago.

Josie flung her hands out, not sure if that’s what they meant. Drago was almost to her when she shoved with her mind, the strength of the Sevens and her Gargoyle pushing with her. Drago flew backwards, landing hard on his back.

The males who had been waiting in the trees were now standing stretched out at the water’s edge. Nikolas remained close to Josie, guarding her while Malakai focused on the enemy. Josie’s nightmare came rushing back, only it wasn’t her who couldn’t reach the water; it was Drago.

Fetu tossed Malakai a sword, and the flames danced along the blade.

“Don’t look,” Nikolas told her, but Josie was strong enough to witness her mate doing what he had to. Malakai looked at Josie, and she nodded once.

Drago pushed himself off the sand, standing tall with his head high. “This isn’t over. I’m not the only one who wants revenge against—”

Kai swung his brother’s sword, severing Drago’s head from his body. Josie watched in morbid fascination as the head rolled, sand mixing with the blood. Kai handed the weapon to Fetu then turned to her. She ran to her mate, launching herself at him. Kai caught her and buried his face in her neck.

“I’m sorry, Sunshine. I never should have left you alone.”

Josie kissed Kai’s temple and rubbed her hands across his shoulders. “Look at me,” she demanded.

When he did, his eyes were tormented, but she wasn’t having it. Trying something she wasn’t sure would work, Josie pushed