Malakai (Stone Society #13) - Faith Gibson Page 0,26

up for his shift, and he’s not answering his phone.”

“That isn’t like him. Okay, hang tight, and I’ll get Lorenzo to come relieve you.”

“I’m good hanging here for however long you need.”

“Thank you, Law. I’ll still get Lor to come help out.” Frey disconnected, worry filling his gut. Gargoyles didn’t get sick, and Kai was as dependable as the sun rising.

“What’s going on?” Rafael asked.

“Kai’s not at the gym. I’m going to talk to Lor.” Frey called Kai’s number as he searched the manor for Lorenzo. It went straight to voicemail. “Kai, give me a call, Brother.” Frey found Lor talking to Jasper and Trevor in the game room. “Excuse me, Lor. Do you know if Malakai was swapping shifts with someone today?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“He hasn’t shown up to relieve Lawton. I called Kai, but it went straight to voicemail.”

Lorenzo stood. “I’ll head to the gym and swing by his place on the way in case he had car trouble or something.”

Frey ran a hand through his hair. “He would have called me. Something’s wrong.”

“Wrong with who?” Gregor asked.

When Frey turned, the game room was filled with most every family member. “Malakai didn’t open the gym this morning, and he’s not answering his phone. I’m gonna run over and check on him.”

“I’m going with you,” Dante said. “This isn’t like him, and I don’t want you going alone. Just in case.”

“You think something happened to him?” Abbi asked, stepping into Frey’s arms.

“I hope not, Sweetheart. I’ll call you as soon as I know something.” Frey kissed his mate gently before leaning over to kiss her belly. He hated leaving her behind, but if something were wrong, he preferred she stay where she would be guarded by the other males.

Frey hurried to his truck with his cousin at his side. He was glad it was Dante who offered to come with him. His cousin had a gift none of the others in their family had. The ride didn’t take long since it was only a few miles from the manor. When they rolled up to Sixx’s house where Kai was staying, Frey looked around. “His Jeep’s not here.”

Dante scrambled out of the truck. “No, but Malakai is. Something’s happened. It’s bad.” They took off running toward the back of the house. When they rounded the corner, Dante slowed his steps, muttering, “What the fuck?” He approached Kai slowly, and Frey held back. Malakai was sitting in one of the patio chairs, slumped down, staring off into the distance. Dante knelt at Kai’s feet and placed his hands on the other Goyle’s arms. Dante focused inwardly on Kai, and when he turned to look at Frey, Dante’s eyes were haunted. Frey stepped closer, standing directly in front of Kai. Kai’s eyes remained unfocused.

“Kai, it’s Dante. Can you hear me?” The male didn’t respond, and Dante motioned Frey closer. “Put your hands on his neck.” Frey did as told and waited. Dante closed his eyes again and pushed happy feelings into Kai through his touch. Frey has been on the receiving end of Dante’s special abilities more times than he could count, but never had it been this intense. Kai mumbled, and Dante asked again, “Can you hear me?”

“She rejected me,” Malakai whispered.

Dante looked to Frey, silently asking if he knew who she was.

“He had a date last night with his mate.”

Dante’s eyes glistened, and it was then Frey understood. Dante was feeling Kai’s pain.

“Can you tell us what happened?” Dante asked.

“There was someone snooping around the gate. I went to check it out. Josie saw me running fast. I told her the truth. Phased. She passed out. Said it was a trick. I told her to call Kaya. She took my Jeep and left.”

“That explains why she was searching for Kaya on the internet. Malakai, don’t give up hope. You know it’s a lot for a human to take in.”

“Curse of Sevens,” Kai muttered.

“What’s the Curse of Sevens?” Frey asked, but Dante shook his head.

Dante stood and motioned Frey to follow. They went inside where Dante poured a glass of water. “I’ve heard of the Auspice of Sevens, but I thought it was a myth. I need to speak to Nikolas. Find out a little more about Malakai’s family.”

“What is the auspice?”

“I’m not sure what it entails exactly, but an auspice is a prophecy resulting from a sign, usually by birds. In our case, Gargoyles. The Auspice of Sevens has to do with being the seventh son of a