Sixx (The Stone Society, #7) (38 page)

“Don’t get excited. It was in a dream, or so I thought.” Simone explained to Trevor how Desi came to her while she was asleep and then again a few hours later.

“Wow, your bond must be powerful if he found you and you aren’t even mates.”

“What do you mean?” Simone asked.

“The bond isn’t complete until he bites you. Sure, being around you caused him to transition, but until the fangs come out, it’s not a done deal. I was sitting pretty much where you are. Jasper was in a coma, and Lilly had performed the ceremony giving him the antidote. With the poison that Jasper had been given, he was paralyzed. He wasn’t getting better, and I found out he thought I was dead. He had lost hope, so I cut myself on his fangs to show him I was serious about being mates.”

Simone smiled at the thought of Trevor going to such great lengths for his Gargoyle. “Did it work?”

“Only after we laid him out in the snow.”

“The snow?” Simone couldn’t wait to hear the stories of the other mates if they were half as interesting as Trevor and Jasper’s.

“Jas lived in Europe for many years. He loves the snow, and had mentioned wanting to visit somewhere cold again. When he was in his coma, it was as if the gods knew what Jasper needed and sent us a shit ton of snow in New Atlanta. Gregor carried him outside for me. I lay down next to him, and the snowflakes worked their magic. We don’t have snow out here in California, so I thought maybe true love’s kiss would wake sleeping beauty.”

Simone laughed out loud at Trevor’s silliness. She had only just met him, but she knew in her heart they could become fast friends. “True love’s kiss, huh?”

“You do love him, don’t you? I mean, I heard your story. You don’t know him that well, but you could love him, right? Please tell me my favorite rock star is going to get his happy ending. Don’t make me go all diva on your mocha ass,” Trevor scowled.

“You better stop talking about her ass!” Tessa yelled from downstairs, and the others laughed.

Simone smiled. “I really like her.”

Trevor grinned. “Yeah, she’s a nutcase, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything. Tessa’s one of a kind, and I mean that in a good way. Now, I’m going back downstairs and pester the shit out of her. You keep trying to get our boy here awake.”

“Thank you, Trevor. As far as mates go, I have a feeling you’re pretty special yourself.” Simone kissed him on the cheek. Trevor blushed but smiled at her before making his way downstairs.

No kissing other boys.

“Desi?”

Yep, it’s me. Am I alive, or am I dreaming again?”

“You’re alive, but I need you to open those beautiful eyes and look at me.”

We’re trying. I mean... I’m trying.

“I know all about your shifter, so you can say
we
.”

You know? And you haven’t run for the hills? Wait, where am I, and what’s that pain in my neck?

“We’re at your parents’ house, so technically, we’re already in the hills. And no, I’m not running. I’ll stay as long as you want me to. The pain you feel is an I.V. We had to give you some blood.”

Why is it in my neck?

“Because your skin is too thick for the needle to protrude elsewhere.”

Will you be my mate?

“Do you want me to be your mate? I mean, I know the fates chose me for you, but you don’t have to say yes.”

Silly woman, why wouldn’t I want you? You’re gorgeous, you’re talented, you’re brave, you’re... do you want kids?”

Simone laughed. “Someday, but yes. Do you?”

As long as they look like you, I want a houseful. Simone?

“Yes, Desi...”

Kiss me. Please.

Simone smiled and leaned over Desi’s beautiful face. She pressed their lips together, lingering, tasting him for the first time. When she started to pull away, Desi wrapped his arm behind her head, trapping her. He parted his lips and drew her in for a real kiss. Oh yes, she’d be his mate if he kissed her like this every day.

R
ae was enjoying the peace and quiet of sitting on the patio. Desi was awake, and according to Dr. Mercato, was well on his way to a full recovery. He was his father’s child, after all. When Desi regained consciousness the night before, Rae had never been so relieved in her life. Seeing her son gaze lovingly at Simone made her heart soar. All she ever wanted for Desi was a full life. Full of happiness, success, and love. Now, his life was full of family, too. The door opened, and Simone stepped outside carrying a cup of coffee. “May I join you?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Desi wearing you out already?”

Simone sat down in the chair next to her and laughed. “No, but his fan club was keeping him company so I could take a shower. I figure I’m going to have him for a very long time, so it’s only fair that I share a little of him with the guys before they leave and head back to New Atlanta. I don’t know who’s more enthralled, though. Desi’s smitten with Trevor.”

Desirae could see why. When Trevor wasn’t pestering the crap out of Tessa, he was entertaining the rest of them with stories from the morgue. “The band is coming over today. Sixx called Rafael earlier this morning, and he’s agreed we should tell the guys the truth of the Gargoyles.”

“This oughta be fun. Show and tell has taken on a whole new meaning. I still can’t believe this is my life now. Our life. When Desi bites me, I’ll look like this forever. He told me a little bit of what you went through. I’m really sorry you had to wait so long to find out the truth. That must have been hard for you.”

“It was, but if the pain of the last twenty-four years was what I had to endure to get to spend the rest of my life with Michael, it was worth it.”

Simone sipped her coffee then turned toward Desirae. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” Desirae had already mentally prepared herself for Simone asking questions about sex.

“Did it hurt? Getting bit.”

That wasn’t the question she expected. “Let’s just say it heightens the experience. I’m surprised, though, that he hasn’t already gotten to that point.”

“It’s been... difficult, keeping things less than... feral. Desi wants to keep things platonic until I’m sure about our future together, but I have no doubt that I want to be mated to your son. He insists on sleeping apart until I’m ready to be bitten. I’m ready. I know with Gargoyles, being mated is all that’s required, but Desi said if I decide to move forward with him, he wants to get married, too. Do you think we’re rushing things?”

Desirae knew why Simone was asking. She’d felt that same urge to rush things along when she and Michael were together before. Had he asked her to marry him after only a few days, she’d have said yes. “Not at all. You know you’re destined to be together. You went through a horrific ordeal to find your way to one another. The future is yours, so why wait? Besides, if anyone asks, you can tell them you’ve known each other for over a year. It’s the truth.”

Sixx stuck his head out the door. “The boys are here, Doll.”

“Thanks, Baby.” She smiled as Michael blew her a kiss before closing the door. “Nope. I don’t blame you at all. When you find
the one
, you grab on any way you can and hold on for dear life,” Desirae whispered. When she stood to go greet Desi’s bandmates, Simone was smiling at her. “Oh, shush,” she chastised the younger woman.

“I didn’t say a word.” Simone’s smile only got bigger. “Desirae, I’m really glad you and Michael are going to be my in-laws.”

“Me, too, sweet girl.”

The peacefulness Desirae had been enjoying quickly dissipated as soon as she stepped inside. Tyson, Zach, and Brett were in a group hug with Desi. She couldn’t tell where one began and the others ended. The four of them were as close as brothers. It was one reason she was glad they were telling the guys the truth about Gargoyles. “Pretty Momma!” Tyson yelled and grabbed Desirae up in a hug. Somewhere behind her, Michael growled. When Tyson didn’t immediately set her back on her feet, her mate closed the distance between them.

Desirae tapped Ty on the shoulder and informed him, “You better set me down before Michael maims your playing fingers.” Tyson looked over her shoulder and dropped her to her feet. She turned to find Michael glaring. Desirae laughed and went to him, pulling his face down for a kiss. He melted into her, the beast tamed for the moment.

“Is he? He looks... Desi is that...” Zach was stuttering at the sight of Michael and Desi standing side by side.

“I’d like you to meet my father, Michael Gentry. He and my mom have the same annoying condition that keeps them young forever,” Desi explained. The three guys were speechless. “And this beauty, you’ve already met. Simone, you remember Tyson, Zach, and Brett?”

“I do, but it’s good to see you all again.” Simone waved from her spot across the room. She had learned from watching the other mates how the Gargoyles could become jealous when others got near.

“I’m going to make the rest of the introductions quick so we can get down to business. There’s much we have to discuss, and it’s going to take all day to do it,” Desi said. He went around the room, introducing the Gargoyles and their mates as family and the guys as his best friends and bandmates. Desirae was proud of the way her son was taking charge of the room. Then again, he took charge of thousands of people every time he took the stage.

It was a good thing the floor plan was an open one. The living area and kitchen were at full capacity. Dominic and Lilly had stayed in the guest house with Gregor and Tessa. Urijah hadn’t left since Banyan made his announcement about being of Original blood. Jasper and Trevor had taken one of the other guest bedrooms. Now, the three men she considered her other sons filled the rest of the space. Desirae wouldn’t have it any other way.

With Michael’s help, and sassiness thrown in by Tessa and Trevor, Desi told his three best friends the truth of the Gargoyles. He apologized for not telling the truth sooner, but as he admitted, he hadn’t known the truth. Desi’s friends went through the same stages of disbelief Desirae had upon seeing fangs, claws, and even wings. Desi had stepped outside long enough to remove his shirt and call forth his wings. When he came back inside, he stopped beside Simone and kissed her hard, whispering, “Later.”

Michael stressed how important their secret was, but he wanted them to know the dangers they faced as well. Desi gave them the choice of continuing on as a band. He even offered to step down as their lead singer, considering what he’d gone through the last week. When they all assured him the band was not breaking up, and there was no one else who could sing their songs, Michael assured them they would be getting extra security. By the end of the day, the women were working side by side in the kitchen, while the men were downstairs in the
Goyle cave
as Trevor called it. At one point, Trevor had requested Tessa be his partner at billiards. It took her less than three minutes to run the table before she was back upstairs sitting on the counter laughing. Desirae had never been happier in her life.

After supper, Desi and the guys in the band agreed to another two-week hiatus before going back on the road. They could understand Desi wanting a little time to recover from his ordeal as well as to spend time with Simone. When the guys left, the males excused themselves for a teleconference call in the office with Rafael. Clan business, and all that. Trevor helped the women clean the kitchen while he asked Simone a million questions about her job.

During a lull in the conversation, Tessa said, “We should all go to the beach tomorrow. I’d love to see you surf, Rae.”

Simone frowned. “It’s still a little chilly out. Besides, I don’t have a swimsuit.” Rae compared her body to that of the younger woman. There was no way Simone’s beautiful figure would fit into one of Rae’s small suits. If Rae went to the beach, she’d be wearing a wetsuit so she could get into the cold water.

“You can borrow one of mine,” Tessa told Simone.

“You brought
two
swimsuits with you?” Trevor asked. “You were supposed to come to help, not sunbathe,” he chastised.

“Look, nerd boy, just because you aren’t always prepared doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t. Who comes to California and doesn’t bring a swimsuit?” Tessa jabbed back.

“Uh, Simone obviously didn’t. Are you going to call
her
names?” he quipped.

“Nope. Beautiful girl here had a mate to rescue. She’s excused.”

Lilly hopped up on the counter, enjoying the banter. The pretty witch rarely spoke, but that might have been because Tessa and Trevor rarely shut up. Desirae was going to miss them all when they left. “Simone, are you okay with wearing one of Tessa’s suits? Because I’m thinking a day at the beach is what we all need.” She couldn’t wait to hit the water with her board. All the couples could enjoy the water in whatever way they wanted. Desi and Simone could have alone time together.

“I am. I have missed the ocean something fierce.”

“What are you going to do about your job?” Trevor asked. “Are you going to stay in New York and see the Dezman when he’s not on the road?”

“We’re trying to work something out. I can’t up and leave Josie with the apartment. That wouldn’t be fair. I don’t want to get in the way on the tour bus. I don’t think that’d be fair to the other guys.”

“Didn’t you and Josie live in California before? You both could move back here and stay with me and Michael while Desi’s on the road,” Rae offered. “The guest house will be open, and you’re free to move in there. Or, if Josie wants her privacy, she can live in the house down in New Lomita. You don’t have to decide now. Just know there are plenty of options.”

“Awesome! Now, who wants a beer?” Tessa said from inside the refrigerator. Rae laughed when Trevor pretended he was going to kick her.

“Try it, morgue man, and you’ll never win another pool game again,” she threatened. Trevor grinned when Tessa turned around.

“Trevor...” a deep voice called from behind them. Trevor straightened faster than Desirae could have imagined. Gregor laughed at the young man and pulled him in for a side hug. When the stocky male released him, Trevor hurried to the open arms of Jasper.