Lost Ones (The Extinct Race Series Book 3) (9 page)

Chapter 15

Preparing

The next morning Mary had made a special breakfast. She knew that while most were hopeful, there were a few that were scared for their loved ones. She made her cinnamon rolls that always made everyone happy. The girls made the normal eggs, bacon and hash browns, so Mary also whipped up some biscuits and sausage gravy. She chopped bowls of fresh fruit and made oatmeal for the little ones. She had not started to show in her pregnancy yet, but she sure felt another life growing inside her. Their house was almost finished and Mary looked forward to moving in there. She had movers packing up her things from Wyoming and had also sent them to Mateo’s storage unit. He was unaware of this because she wanted to surprise him. Mary had also asked that none of the furniture was sent nor the linens, but everything else. She had also instructed that the food stay, all her canned good might come in handy if the hunting team needed a place to stay.

Kaiden had asked her last night if she and the girls could make them a week’s worth of food to take with them. Also a week’s worth for the hunting team. Mary planned on doing that today after lunch and a nap. She felt so exhausted lately and all she ever wanted to do was sleep.

Everyone in the house came to the table with smiles and hope in their eyes. Finley looked stressed out and worried though. Mary saw Zoe whisper in the girl’s ear then the girl smiled and sat down and chatted with Ben about swimming lessons. Mary loved the idea of a pool, floating and keeping in shape during her pregnancy was a must in her eyes. Mateo was a few years older than her but he was in much better shape. He was all lean and muscle where she soft and curvy. She stayed lean from always working in her garden and staying busy and he told her all the time that he was beautiful and he found her sexy. Mary still worried about being fat after the baby though.

Everyone chatted while they ate and Jaco informed Kaiden he had gotten the coordinates figured out as best he could. He also told him that he had figured out coordinates for the half-bloods too, but they moved around a lot so might not be there when the team arrived. Charles was fine with this, he just wanted all the locations written down or given to Seamus and he could go from there.

After breakfast Finley and her parents went with Paulo and Adam to search for a good area to put the farm on. They found a good spot that had some small hills but was mainly flat land. While Paulo worked on gathering small trees for the fencing, Adam made the grass grow tall in a long and wide perfect rectangle. Once the small trees were gathered and split Paulo and Adam worked together placing them and making a fence. By mid afternoon all the fencing was in place and Niall had come to approve. Finley and Niall talked animals for a while and Niall knew exactly what to get her. He also planned to have most of them before she got back.

Training went on as normal for some while others were planning attacks on the hunting team. Alex and Zach watched and thought it would be a good idea to block the groups that planned the attacks. That way it really was a surprise attack. They had given Etana wood shaped as throwing knives and allowed her to use her whip as long as she was not rough. Ava had gotten really good at the up close and personal fighting and she was quick. Carmine had his Fire along with a small axe that he could throw or fight up close with. Ava would make her hands really hot or on fire and attack. Colby and Makayla were just vicious things in their fighting. But where ever a mate lacked the other one did not. Where one was good close up the other was good at a distance to cover them. The team also kept Vivi and Christian behind Etana and Carmine. Vivi had become a great shot with a bow and arrow and Christian, well Christian was great in training but the intent of others had him hemmed up in pain. They would all have to protect him.

None of the groups had managed to overcome the team and they all felt ready to go ahead with the mission. After training, Etana and Charles planned to spend the rest of the evening alone in their home with Penny. They were not going to dinner with everyone else.

Hugh had the materials for the barn delivered that morning and had twenty men working on it. He had ordered a luxury barn that would have a two bedroom apartment at the top and an apartment on the main floor with an office attached. Niall and his boys would move into the barn with Niall’s wife Julia. Their daughter and her husband would move into their home as soon as the barn was livable.

Cassie and Aubry had started to work on the paths. They made them by making the grass part and the dirt shine through. They had rocks line the paths and were moving trees here and there around the path. They had planned to make every bench area have shade and flowers. They wanted a spot you could truly sit and enjoy the view. Aubry and Cassie also planned all kinds of different benches. Some areas would have a bench swing, some would have a comfortable gazebo area and others would have a hammock. Every seating area was going to be different and relaxing.

Zoe and Justine sat with Ben and Abby at the computer bank in the library and were making a list of what the kids wanted. Zoe found a page that had all kinds of sprayers shaped like flowers and vines. She liked those and thought the little ones would too. Bristol and Harley had picked out a perfect spot for the water area to be. It was out in the open with a few trees in the distance, but no shade was around which was good for when they wanted to play in the sun. Running the water out there would be no problem with Earth Dragons around. So Zoe ordered the sprayers and the floor that shot water up. She also ordered a huge pool that went from two feet up to fifteen feet. It was also wide enough at the deep end to make an area for laps. She also ordered lounge chairs and planned to ask the men to build a canopy for the parents to sit under.

Zoe also had the other surprise that she was working on. She had ordered all the stuff for it and was still looking for the perfect spot that she could use for it. She was looking for a spot that no one would happen upon, and that was the hard part. Zoe was so excited about her plan, but she could not talk to anyone about it.

Mary had spent the afternoon making up the meals Kaiden had requested, she had finished right before it was time to make dinner. She never got her nap that she wanted, but she didn’t mind. It just meant an early night wrapped up in Mateo’s arms. She had originally planned a good sized meal for everyone tonight, but she had changed her mind and was now busy making a huge pot of spaghetti. The girls were making some salads and bread to go with the spaghetti.

At dinner everyone enjoyed the meal and then talked about the upcoming events. Finley was quiet the whole conversation, but was now determined to find her man.

“Hunting team, are you good to go?” Zoe asked concerned

“Yes we are no one was able to get through us or overcome us today, even when Alex was blocking them.” Carmine confirmed

“Alright, Mary had made a week’s worth of meals for you. I would like you to come home a week from tomorrow. Seven days is what you get then a good three days home and you may go back out. I just want to make sure that you all are good and not burning yourselves out. That way we can also replenish your food and you get a good night sleep in your own beds.” Kaiden announced

“Sounds good to me I will let Charles and Etana know in the morning.”

“Alright and how have other things gone around here today? I have seen lots of busy people.” Kaiden asked

Cassie and Aubry informed him and everyone else about the paths and what they planned to do. Finley took the lead and told everyone about the farm. Niall then said that he had bought some cows and other animals from a local farm and they would be delivered near the border in the afternoon tomorrow. Ben told them of the water park things that were ordered and how excited he was.

They all chatted and ate their spaghetti. The plan was that the teams were going to head out first thing.

Mary and Mateo left right after dinner and the girls brought out pies that they had made for dessert. After dinner the house was quiet as everyone went to their suites with their families.

Kaiden and Zoe watched a movie while they snuggled Lily between them. Justine and Gabe sat with both their parents and talked over how they thought the mission would go. Abby and Ben were watching a movie in their room with Piper and Aidan. The puppies were in their beds and sleeping peacefully. Marcus took Iraina home and they talked quietly at their table before they headed to bed.

Tia and John were sitting in their suite taking pointers from Sebastian and Camilla. Charles and Etana were busy assuring Penny they would be fine while Charles made a list of things for Penny to do while they were away. Colby and Makayla were in the training room honing their skills.

Finley spent the evening pacing the floor while her parents tried to assure her that all would be well. She wasn’t listening though she was busy brooding over possible outcomes. Carmine and Ava spent time with Donny and Alex along with Cara and Brice. They were all quietly chatting by the fire in their suite. Alex really wanted to go, but she knew it was best that she stay with Donny and out of the way. Besides Cara would freak out and that would just be a fight she did not want to have.

Vivi and Christian spent the evening with Alexi and Gosha going over things that the parents thought were essential. Ada and Leon had chosen to stay away from Vivi and give her the room she needed. They argued whenever they were left alone and Vivi was thankful for the peace tonight.

The rescue team fell asleep hoping and praying that they would be successful. The hunting team went to sleep hoping they all came back. Mary and Mateo spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms with Mateo assuring her they would all come home. He also loved to rub her belly and coo to his baby growing inside of her belly.

Chapter 16

Rescue

Zoe woke early to give Lily her bath and get her ready for the day. She wasn’t sure how long they were going to be gone so she had set aside all the shirts she wore the previous week. When she was all done getting Lily ready she packed her bag and got ready herself. Kaiden had joined her when she was packing and he played with Lily while she packed. Kaiden handed Lily off to Zoe and grabbed the bags Zoe had packed. Zoe had arranged for Mary and Mateo to stay in the spare room of their suite so that Lily could sleep in her own bed.

Finley and her parents were waiting at the fire pit for everyone else to arrive. Once Finley saw Kaiden and Zoe she jumped up to help.

“Here let me help you with those.” Finley informed Kaiden while her parents gave her a curious look.

“Feeling a bit anxious are we?” Zoe teased

“I am just ready to go. I didn’t sleep very well last night and well things are just going a mile a minute in my head. What time are we leaving?” Finley asked rapidly

“Well we would like to eat first if that is ok?” Kaiden stated

“Of course, I am not really hungry so I will help load the jet.” Finley said and then rushed outside with her arms loaded full of bags. Emery and Kendal just sat there and stared at her retreating form.

“Well she is full of energy.” Zoe stated looking to Emery and Kendal

“She paced the suite all night and cleaned like a mad woman, although nothing was dirty.” Kendal stated

“Oh honey she is full of nerves. I believe you were the same when your father made you wait.” Emery teased

“Oh I was ten times worse and that is why I can laugh at this.”

“I am worried about her though.” Emery said

“I am not worried about the boy accepting her, that is a given. I am worried about what this boy has gone through and the rough road that may be ahead.” Kendal said

“We have all had a rough road, some more than others. I am sure everything will work out in the end.” Zoe assured them

“I hope you’re right. Let’s eat so we can get this show on the road. I am anxious to quell my little fish’s anxiousness.” Emery announced fingering the sleeping pill she had hidden in her pocket. She was going to have to try and slip it in Finley’ juice, if she came to the table.

Mary and the girls made a huge breakfast and it was laid out all over the top of the table. There was only room enough for plates and a glass. There were bowls of scrambled eggs, plates full of bacon and sausage. Stacks of pancakes and waffles with bowls of fresh fruit along with croissants and biscuits. French toast was placed next to carafes of juice and syrups. Last but not least there were five plates of Mary’s famous cinnamon rolls places in intervals along the table top.

Finley came into the room and sat quietly at her seat. She looked over the table at all the food that was placed and her mouth started to water. When she went to reach for a cinnamon roll Emery dropped a pill into her juice. Zoe noticed the pill and looked at Emery with confusion.

“Maybe the roll will help my little fish sleep while we are on the plane.” Emery stated looking right at Zoe. It then dawned on Zoe what Emery had done. Zoe gave a slight smile with a nod and then filled her plate.

“Seamus. Where are you headed to first?” Kaiden asked

“I think we will go to the farthest locations first and try to bait them to an area that is not well populated. As I looked over the map and the locations that Jaco printed out, I noticed that they are all in large cities. So either we cause havoc throughout the world or try to do it a bit undercover.” Seamus announced

“Good thinking buddy. I think Vivi is going to have to act as bait. If they see her they won’t shoot right away they will give chase. Am I right Vivi?” Charles asked

“More than right, they will want to inflict the most pain on me. They may shoot me, but they will shoot in an area that will cripple me. I haven’t thought of that. Etana will you help me with something real quick?” Vivi asked as she stood and headed outside before Etana could answer.

Zoe and Kaiden got up when Etana and Charles did. Tia and John also followed them out with the rest of the hunting and rescue teams. Once Vivi got about ten feet into the clearing she turned and faced them.

“You got your knives on you right?” Vivi asked

“Always” Etana responded

“I am going to run and I want you to throw one at my leg” Vivi demanded

Christian gave a slight gasp and went to go to Vivi. Others just looked on in shock.

“Stop Christian, I have to see if I can do what I hope I can. Please Etana throw it. I am going to see if I can heal and run at the same time and force the object out.” Vivi explained her thought and built up her confidence for the pain she was about to feel. She wasn’t happy about it, but it was something she had to do.

“Smart girl” Etana said as she threw the knife before anyone could object. As the knife hit Vivi right in the thigh she screamed, but continued running. Everyone watched in silent horror and wonder as Vivi ran and the knife fell from her leg. She continued to run and then turned to run back to them.

“Just needed to know I could run and heal. Sorry if I scared anyone. I just needed to know that if they did shoot me while I was running, I could force the bullet out and heal myself.” Vivi said as she pulled Christian into her arms. Alexi rushed over to examine the wound and smiled as she stood back up.

“She did an excellent job.” Alexi announced admiringly

“Alright then, I will leave the rest of the planning to you guys and think that I will gather my team and head for the jet. I will see you all in a week. Be careful and watch each other’s backs.” Kaiden said as he pulled Zoe to him and headed back inside.

“Good luck to you too Kaiden.” Vivi said

Kaiden and Zoe walked back inside to kiss Lily goodbye and get the rest of the team. Once the team had said their goodbyes they headed to the jet. As they boarded the jet Finley stumbled up the stairs. “Whoops I must be getting a little tired from that cinnamon roll after all. How long is this flight going to take?” she asked no one in particular.

“It takes almost eleven hours on a regular plane so should be a little less for us. If you sleep we will get there a lot faster than you pacing the cabin.” Kevin informed her

“Okay thank you. I think I will do just that.” Finley said as she sat down in her seat and wrapped herself around a pillow to curl up.

They all took their seats and got comfortable. Finley was out even before the jet took off into the air.

“What was that you gave her Emery?” Zoe asked

“It was just a sleeping pill. Like I said she did not sleep, she paced and cleaned and lay down for maybe two hours. It won’t harm her. She will just sleep really well for eight hours or more.” Emery smiled at Zoe

“Huh good thinking, I would hate to have looked a mess when Kaiden first found me. Of course I was headed into work so I didn’t look my best either.” Zoe laughed

“We used to have to slip them to her at dinner before a meet. She worries and gets all these ideas in her head that everything is just going to be horrible and wrong. She will never admit it, but she has a fear of being rejected. Add the freak comments too it and you have yourself a basket case when she is the one to be in the spot light.” Kendal informed them.

“Well I guess it’s good she won’t have any pressure on her to do anything at home. I really like her though, she is really sweet when she wants to be and she is a nut the rest of the time.” Tia said

“Oh? Have you two gotten to know each other well?” Emery looked pleased

“Yeah she is only a year older than me and its nice having someone around my age. Well another girl that is.” Tia laughed

“Yeah and I hope her man is my age too or close anyway. Would be nice to have someone else be able to kick my ass on video games, I won’t play with Ben no more. He learned way to fast and now dominates all the games.” Everyone laughed at John.

“Leave it to the natural fighter to think about video games instead of training.” Justine teased

“Well we can’t be all gloom and doom all the time. Something else has to occupy this brain of mine.” John said

“That is true my big kid and it’s why I brought this for you,” Tia said as she handed him a PSP.

“Sweet!” John exclaimed as he grabbed it and went to playing. Tia took out a laptop for herself and turned on a movie. Zoe and Kaiden continued to talk about Finley with Emery and Kendal. Justine and Gabe sat quietly and listened and after a while they had fallen asleep together.