Malakai (Stone Society #13) - Faith Gibson Page 0,65
It’s not metal, but it has the same rhythmic drumming. I bet my mother has you all dancing before the two weeks is up.”
“What if it takes you longer than two weeks?”
“I don’t see that happening, but if it does, you will remain there until it’s safe to return. Now, let’s get you inside.”
Josie wasn’t happy about leaving Kai when she’d just found him, but she understood. The other mates had assured her the males would never send them all away if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. Especially Abbi and Sophia, who were both pregnant, not to mention Sophia was due within the next four weeks.
Kai led Josie to the living room where he placed his laptop on the coffee table. He called his mom from his phone first, telling her he needed to speak with both her and his father. A few minutes later, two faces who looked like Kai filled the screen. It amazed Josie that these two were Gargoyles and they didn’t look much older than Kai.
“I had hoped do this in person,” Kai said after he introduced them. “But we have a situation, and I need a favor.” Kai explained the trouble with the Greek.
Lani listened intently as Kai spoke, and when he was finished, she was smiling. “We’ll get the houses ready. How many mates and children can we expect?”
“Ten mates at least but possibly thirteen, two kids, Rafael’s housekeeper, and a black Lab.”
“A dog?” Ariki asked.
“Yes. One of the half-bloods has the ability to communicate with animals. Molly is accepting of our kind. The owner is away in Norway, and the ones watching her don’t want her to be alone while we are going after Drago.”
“This is so exciting. Not the part where you’re going after this Greek bastard but getting to meet Josie and the others. I need to go get everything ready. As soon as you have a better timeframe of their arrival, please send me a text. I need to make some calls.”
Josie couldn’t help but smile. Kai’s mother acted as though she were being given a gift instead of having to host a slew of strangers. “Josie, welcome to the family. I can’t wait to meet you in person.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Palamo. I feel the same.”
“Please, call me Lani.”
“Okay, Lani,” Josie said, smiling. She could feel the love from Kai’s mother coming over the computer.
“Thanks, Mama. I’ll see you when this is over.”
They all said their goodbyes, and when Kai disconnected from the video, Josie turned to him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” Kai grabbed Josie and settled her on his lap.
She played with the hair at his nape. “I don’t mean this as disrespectful, but why did you ask your mom and not your dad about us visiting? I mean here, it seems like the males are in charge, and the females go along with their decisions.”
“It depends on the situation. With my parents, Mama will coordinate getting the houses ready, but I assure you my dad is already on the phone with my brothers talking about security. While it’s highly unlikely Drago or his followers will know where you are, my father understands what’s at stake. If the situation were reversed, Kaya would prepare their home for guests, while Rafael saw to safekeeping their visitors. The males here made the decision we thought best for our families. Your well-being is of utmost importance. If my father thought for one second my mother would be put in harm’s way, he would have refused my request. At the same time, he would have come up with another solution because you’re my mate, and therefore family.”
“Where would we have gone if your family was here in the States?”
“Possibly Norway. Banyan, one of our Clan, is also the Gargoyle King of Norway. He and Urijah are both Goyles of this Clan, but Banyan has a large estate there. They’re building a new, smaller home. Trevor’s brother, Travis, is an architect, and he’s gone with them to design their new home. Travis is also mate to Banyan’s sister, Brynna, although Travis doesn’t know that yet. At least he didn’t before they left. Travis lost his girlfriend when Trevor and Jasper were getting together, and Brynna is giving Travis time to properly grieve.” Kai patted Josie’s leg. “Now, it’s almost time for the video conference. As much as I love holding you, I need you to go pack so I can focus on the call.”
Josie understood. When she was this close to Kai, she wanted