Lost Ones (The Extinct Race Series Book 3) (15 page)

Chapter 27

Good and Bad News

“Hello?” Kaiden said into the phone

“Kaiden, it is Mr. Steinman and I need your help?”

“Tell me everything!” Kaiden knew something horrible had happened. It was not like Mr. Steinman to ask for his help.

“I was working late at the office and I smelled smoke. I went to investigate and there were men throwing bottles into my office with fire. I got away and then saw there were five of them. They were waiting for me. I am safe now and have my kids with me. I am almost in Wyoming and just couldn’t wait anymore. Kaiden I am scared for my kids and need to get them to safety.”

“I will send the jet and some guys to get you. I would come but I am no longer allowed to leave on missions like this one. We have found everyone though. That is good news I guess. We just arrived back here about an hour ago.” Kaiden felt horrible for confessing he couldn’t go out anymore.

“That is fine. I will be in Cheyenne at the airport waiting. I am in an unmarked black SUV, but I will buy a white rose and put it in the window so they know it is me.”

“Sounds good call me if anything happens or you change location. Also you should be safe unless they have a layover there. Aldrich has called his sons home according to Vivi.” Kaiden said and Levi sucked in a breath behind him. Kaiden turned to look and saw the stricken look on the man’s face.

“Will do, see you soon Kaiden. Give Justine and Zoe a hug for me as always.”

“Always, see you soon too I will have rooms ready for you.” Kaiden hung up the phone and then looked to Levi for answers.

“If he called them all home he knows what you were doing and felt them die. He will hit hard now and in a way you won’t expect.” Levi confessed

Zoe looked worried and ran to the house. When she got inside she grabbed Lily from Morgan and hugged her tight. She tried to hide her worry by showing the house, but she was failing. There would be a meeting in the morning.

Zoe let Finley show Oliver around while she took Morgan and Quinn. Zoe showed them all downstairs and then took them to all the suites explaining how it all worked in the house. She saved their suite for last.

“I know you two will have the hardest time adjusting to things, but this is yours and yours alone. There are books here that you may choose anything you want. There are clothes in all the closets of the suite, but since you are so tall and you are so small I will call the designer we use tomorrow and have her get you special things. There is food in here.” She showed them the kitchen and how to use the appliances and then showed them the rest of the suite and how to use everything.

Morgan looked around in awe, but Quinn seemed a little lost. Zoe had saved their bedroom for last because she had Aubry and Cassie working on it since they got off the jet. When Zoe opened the door both Quinn and Morgan’s jaws dropped. The girls had out done themselves.

The bed was made of tree trucks and the leaves were fresh. Vines twisted up the sides of the four posts and flowers bloomed on the vines. There was a mattress but above it was a sheet of fresh grass. Aubry and Cassie came out of the closet then, smiling at their faces.

“We know you are Earth and that you have lived in caves and so modern things would be harder for you. So we brought Earth to you. The bed can stay, but the grass will need to be taken out in a couple days.” Cassie explained

“I love it!” Morgan gushed

“Thank you. You have no idea how terrified I really am.” Quinn confessed

“Oh honey there is no need we are all the same here. You can truly be yourself here. Let me know if you would like help decorating and picking stuff out, ok? I love to do it and I know you probably don’t know where to start.” Aubry said

“I will defiantly take you up on that.” Morgan said.

The girls left Morgan and Quinn to their own devices then and made their way to their own rooms. When Zoe walked into her suite her father and brother were waiting for her along with Kaiden, Halina an Iraina. She nodded to them and they all went into the office. They chose the office because they could close the door and no one could hear what they talked about if anyone came into the suite. After all they had an open door policy and anyone could come up at any time. They all sat around the table and Zoe placed a sleeping Lily in the bassinet that was next to the table, Kaiden must have brought it in earlier.

“Are we here to discuss what we learned tonight?” Zoe asked

“Yes we are but first we are going to discuss our trips and the fact that Mr. Steinman was attacked. I sent Seamus out already with Charles and a couple men. They are on an in and out mission, they are to grab Mr. Steinman his children and their things and head right back here. Like with the builders, he is a trusted, so he should be about to get through the barrier, I am unsure about the children though. Good thing is they should be arriving right before breakfast so we will just be out a little earlier and meet them beyond the border to meet the kids.” Kaiden informed them

“I know you were successful on your trip, but please tell us the details?” Marcus asked

Kaiden and Zoe both took turns telling them about their trip. They both explained that it was pretty easy to get them to come, but Morgan was very fragile and Quinn didn’t know anything modern or how to use it. Halina and Zach understood that the most. They also lived in caved their whole lives, but working on farms and homes they were able to see those things and understood them.

“We will spend extra time with them if you would like.” Halina offered

“I think we all will she took to the kids though didn’t she? I think maybe, they might be a big factor in bringing her around.” Zoe mused

“I will agree with that. Charles told me about their time out hunting. Vivi had an idea on the way to the first stop and well I am thinking now it proved valuable. They led the half-bloods into a deserted place using Vivi as the bait. She would run and make them follow her right into a trap. Carmine and Ava would trap them in a ring of fire and also use the fire or whip to disarm them. Then they would let them out one by one and fight. The first ones were the group Levi was in. The first two chose Christian and Vivi to fight, Levi chose Ava, but it didn’t get that far.”

“Christian fought?” Zach asked amazed

“Yes, Charles told me he did well and explained after that once he fought against the hate and rage he was able to focus on their intent to move. But no one chose him after. They all got in some licks and before the last they had managed to find twenty. The last one they chose to just take out and turned on them a bit. Now that everyone is healed and home we are good and not leaving anymore.”

“Why? There are still survivors out there?” Marcus asked

“Vivi said Aldrich called them home. I thought that was a good thing until I mentioned it in front of Levi. Levi then told me that is was a really bad thing and that Aldrich would be coming after us harder. So wherever those survivors are they are safer away right now.” Kaiden admitted

“We need to come up with a plan then. Kaiden you have a spell book right? The original is in here?” Iraina asked

“Yes” Zoe responded before Kaiden could

“Could you grab it please? We need to all look through it and see if there is one that protects against objects” Iraina said

“There isn’t I have looked over it many times.” Kaiden answered

“We need to think of something and right now I am at a loss. Maybe we should sleep on this and come up with a plan in the morning.” Marcus said

“I agree. We will discuss it with everyone at breakfast. Right now I could use a bath and then my bed. Sleeping in that jet has me all tense and cramped.” Zoe admitted

“A bath it is my Angel.” Kaiden said as they all got up to leave the room. Kaiden wheeled the bassinet out and down the hall to their room. Zoe said her goodnights to the others and then came to the bedroom. Kaiden was running her bath so she stripped her robe off and went to him. She grabbed him in her arms and held him against her body. She was scared of what was going to happen and how for the first time she felt unsafe at her new home.

Chapter 28

Morning Breakfast

Kaiden woke early and found the girls in the kitchen. He asked them if they could go into his suite and make up one room for a boy and the other for a girl and then Marcus’s old room furnished for Mr. Steinman. That they would be here in a couple hours, but Kaiden would keep them busy until after lunch.

The girls all agreed and went back to cooking. Kaiden walked back out into the living room and found Zoe sitting with Lily and Morgan at the couches. Quinn was also there sitting close to Morgan.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Kaiden asked

“We did, but I guess we are both used to waking when the sun rises.” Quinn said

“Would you like to join us before breakfast? We are going to meet the man that helped me find Zoe and Justine.” Kaiden asked

“Mr. Steinman is coming?” Justine asked excitedly as she bounced down the stairs with little Jacob in her arms.

“Yes he is, would you guys like to join us too?” Zoe asked

“Yes we would. Jacob loves walks when he first wakes up.” Justine beamed. “It will also give us a chance to show Quinn and Morgan the land.”

“It will. We will also pass the new farm. You think Finley and Oliver are awake?” Zoe asked

“Actually they went out a while ago with the monkeys.” Morgan said

“Oh well then let’s head out then. Seamus should be arriving soon, unless he is waiting on us.” Kaiden said

They all walked out the door and headed down the mountain to the valley below. Paths lead all over and they took the one to the right that lead to the farm. Halfway there another path led out to the landing strip and they took that path. They would come back to the farm once they made sure the kids got through. When they arrived at the landing strip the jet was coasting through the border. It came to a stop in front of them and the door to the jet opened. Charles walked out first.

“Well we landed beyond the border and walked the kids through just fine. We had Mr. Steinman tell them out secret on the way in and they are excited to meet you all.” Charles laughed

“That is good to hear. Where are they?” Zoe asked right before Mr. Steinman and his children exited the jet. He walked right over to Zoe and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek; he then turned to Justine and did the same.

“Good to see you ladies happy and looking beautiful. Kaiden I am sorry to impose, but I didn’t know where else to go.” Mr. Steinman said

“Actually you are not imposing at all. I have been sort of trying to get you here for a while. We could use your skills and with all your help you have made yourself a part of this family. The guys will take your things inside and I would love to show you around. Firstly I would like to introduce you to Morgan and Quinn. They are the last ones we needed to find.” Kaiden turned to include Quinn and Morgan. Morgan smiled and Quinn shook Mr. Steinman’s hand. “Well you have told us you had children and it is good to see them. What are their names?” Kaiden asked

“This is Ella she is nine and she is my worrywart. This is Jonah he is seven and he is my brave, fearless one. When I told them about you guys he immediately wanted to ride you and Ella is afraid.” Mr. Steinman explained

“Oh honey we will never hurt you. See your daddy here he saved us. And here we are one big family and we protect our family. Tonight after dinner we will show you that we are gentle Dragons, not the scary kind in books and movies ok?” Justine tried to assure them. The kids were quiet and just nodded their heads up and down.

“You guys hungry? Breakfast was cooking when we left so by the time we get there it should be ready.” Zoe told them and both kids looked at her and smiled. “After we eat we can show you the big playroom or maybe the farm that we just had built. I haven’t seen it yet, but I think we have animals now. I can smell them.” Zoe smiled

“I rode a horse at camp.” Jonah said

“Well I think we can arrange another ride for you. We are also making a water park, but the things haven’t arrived yet. We have lots of things for kids to do so you shouldn’t ever be bored here. We also have a school if you decide to stay.” Zoe explained

“That sounds perfect and food does too we haven’t eaten in a while.” Mr. Steinman said.

“Alright then food it is. Let’s head to the house.” Kaiden said

The walk back to the house took a little longer that it did to walk to the jet because they had to go at a pace the kids could keep up with. Kaiden eventually put Jonah on his shoulders and Mr. Steinman gave Ella a piggy back ride. When they go to the house the kids both said “WOW” and Zoe laughed telling them she did the same thing when she saw it.

When they walked inside everyone was waiting around the fire pit. Kaiden introduced everyone and then they sat themselves at the table. They ate in quiet conversations and when the kids were done Kaiden asked Ben to take the kids to the playroom out of ear shot. It took Ella a little encouragement as she did not want to leave her dad, but Abby eventually blurted out that they needed to talk and little ears didn’t need to hear it. Ella went after that.

“Tonight we will have our Share and Tell after the kids have gone to bed or we put a movie on for them. But I want to touch over some things we learned. Aldrich knows about Mr. Steinman, I can only assume that he knows everything, anything other than that doesn’t matter but for the foreseeable future Mr. Steinman is here.” Kaiden took a deep breath. “Last night when we all got home most of you know Aldrich called the half-blood’s home. When I mentioned this in front of Levi, he got scared and then told me that by him calling them home was a very bad thing for us. He told me that it meant he was going to hit us very hard in a way we would not expect.” Kaiden looked around at the scared and nervous faces

“There is not a spell to protect us from objects. I have looked and looked and found nothing.” Kaiden informed them.

“I know I am not a Dragon, but how do the spells go? Are they like riddles?” Mr. Steinman asked

“No they are pretty basic, like a song actually or a poem.” Kaiden answered

“Right and something told you that you needed to find all of the last ones that were born right?” Mr. Steinman inquired

“Yes my mother told me to find them all to keep them safe.” Kaiden looked at Mr. Steinman confused

“So what if you made a new spell? Use the words from other ones and just incorporate what you need protection from. Maybe they are all needed to make the spell work too. You are the last of your kind.”

“You may be right, but three couples have not turned yet and I don’t want to force them to do so if they are not ready.” Kaiden looked pained

“We will turn if it is needed to protect everyone.” Morgan said and Quinn looked at her shocked. She looked down at him and smiled. “If our Dragons are needed to make a spell work, then that is our duty. My mom and dad always told me that if things changed and they were saved, that they would do everything and anything in their power to change it for the better. Quinn you are my soul mate and we will be together forever. It would be kind of nice to be this young forever too.” Morgan laughed

“Wait…what?” Quinn said

“Oh, I forgot that part huh? Well look at Tia and John. See how young they are?”

“Yeah so?” Quinn said

“Well we were stupid teenagers and now we are stuck this way forever. I was kind of hoping Finley and Oliver would turn soon. That way I wouldn’t be the only teenager forever.” Tia admitted

“You do?” Finley asked

“Yeah, I mean I have gotten over the fact I won’t age. But when all this mess is over I am going to be quite limited. So it would be nice to have another that I could share it with.”

“Wait…..None of you has told me why we don’t age.” Quinn stated loudly

“When we meet our soul mates and turn we don’t age from there. Some of our parents look older, but that is because they found their soul mates later in life or waited. Iraina made Halina and Zach wait until she was twenty and there were together since she was three. We can be killed so we are not immortal as you know.” Kaiden explained

“Sweet, I can live with that I am already twenty.” Quinn laughed

“I am nineteen now and I know my parent would want us safe and so this is something we must do.” Morgan said and then sat back down.

“We will do it too. I think we are beyond ready. I have had to push poor Donny away all the time.” Alex laughed and Donny’s smile lit up his whole face.

“I guess that just leaves me.” Finley said quietly

“Before you agree to that Finley I have something to say.” Zoe said as she stood and breathed in a deep breath, she was going to have to reveal her secret. “You were raised in the human world and so were most of us. I was planning a big surprise for all of us. Would you feel better if you were married before you had sex?” Zoe asked anticipating being refused

“Are you serious?” Finley asked with a huge smile on her face and Emery and Kendal looked shocked but happy.

“Yes I am. We are all soul mates here and in love beyond words. Usually we just fake the marriage stuff over the years for money things, or so I am told. But I grew up seeing them and always wanted one myself.” Zoe admitted, she had already told Kaiden she wanted one. “So I thought I would surprise you all with one too.”

“YES!” all the women at the table screamed

“Well then that is settled, Michael, are you Ordained in Ireland now?” Zoe asked

“I am, did you get all the things you needed?” Michael asked Zoe

“I did they are all in my hidden room.” Zoe blushed

“What things?” Justine asked

“Your dresses and rings, the men’s suits, I just need to have Morgan, Quinn and Oliver fitted, but I called Marjorie this morning and she should be here soon. She has the dress and their suits and will do the tailoring here. She needed to fit them for clothing anyway.” Zoe confessed

“You sneaky little thing!” Iraina laughed

“Who all is getting married?”

“Everyone” Zoe beamed “But today it will just be us in the house. Finley I am not trying to force you, but I am hoping this will help a little.”

“It does, but well…” Finley got down on her knee in front of Oliver and asked “Will you accept me and marry me?”

“Hmmm…Let me think…. You promised to fight with me over everything? And never let me have my way?” he asked her

“I will fight you every day and yell at you every chance I have.” She admitted

“Then nothing would make me happier than to marry you, well until tonight that is.” Oliver said with a chuckle and Finley slapped his arm. Oliver grabbed her up into a bear hug and kissed her.