Page 31 of Coming Up Aces

“Like I said, Tam and I understand. When we first met, I was working for the GIA, and my boss at the time hid me away in a basement lab to finish work someone else had started. We were able to mind speak even though we were barely acquainted, so the fact that your beasts can communicate makes sense to me. You mentioned you were undercover at Haven. Will you tell us about that?”

“Of course.” Rayna explained everything that happened from the time David Spencer was arrested up until then, including how Bishop and Henry were investigating both Spencer and her boss.

“No wonder Pops wanted me back here to help Bishop. With him and Henry tag-teaming the shit going on with Sultan and the mob…” Lucy scrubbed a hand down her face. “David is no joke, and if he’s killing people, he has nothing left to lose. The man is even more unhinged than before, and that’s saying a lot.”

“Asher told me how David took control of Ryker’s car when he was after Rhiannon the first time. That’s next-level skills.”

“It is. I can’t do that.” Turning to Tamian, Lucy said, “We might need to call on Lachlan Rokesby.”

“Who’s that?” Rayna asked.

“A brilliant Gargoyle who once worked against Tamian’s Clan. I hate to ask him for help, but to protect Rhiannon, I will.”

Tamian shifted in his seat. “Lachlan redeemed himself, Sweetheart. If Rafael can forgive him, that’s good enough for me.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Let me call Xavier. Carter is working on their new house, and he should know how to get ahold of Hunter.”

Rayna didn’t know who all these people were, but it didn’t matter. Yes, she was involved because of her boss, but this mess with David affected the Hounds even more than it did Rayna.

Tamian pushed the Bluetooth button on the steering wheel and said, “Call X.”

After a few rings, a deep voice answered, “Hello, Son.”

“Hi, Dad. Lucy and I are in the thick of it again, and we could use Lachlan’s help. Will you ask Carter to reach out to Hunter and have them call us?”

“Shit, Tam. If you’re asking for Lachlan’s help, I’d say you’re neck deep. What’s going on?”

“We’re crunched for time, so please speak with Carter, then I’ll fill you in. There’s no telling where the two males are.”

“Yeah, I’ll call him now. Sit tight.” The call disconnected, and Tamian blew out a breath.

“You know X is going to offer to help,” Lucy said.

“He will, and I might take him up on it. If David’s shooting folks, we’re better equipped than the Gryphons to go after him. Plus, he and Stefan helped hide Rhiannon the first time David was after her, so they’re aware of his desperation.”

Lucy turned back to face Rayna. “Did Asher tell you much about Gargoyles?”

“No. He only mentioned you and Tamian are mates.”

“Male Gargoyles have skin that’s impenetrable. They also have wings. The only way to kill them is either beheading or acouple of rare poisons. If David were to shoot one of them, it would only piss them off.”

“Just ask Gregor,” Tamian quipped.

Lucy rolled her eyes, grinning. “Tamian’s sister, Tessa, shot her mate when they first got together, knowing it wouldn’t hurt him. It’s a running joke in the family.”

“Is she crazy?” Rayna slapped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry,” she muttered, but Tamian and Lucy both laughed.

“A little wild, yes. She’s one of the fiercest females I’ve ever met, but she’s also a lot of fun.”

The in-car audio announced an incoming call. “Hey, Dad,” Tamian answered.

“Carter contacted Hunter. He and Lachlan are in Greece. Lachlan is going to call you to see if he can help from where he is or if he needs to fly back to the States. Now, tell me what’s going on.” Once Tamian finished filling his father in, Xavier offered to help, just as they expected.

“I’d appreciate the help, Xavier. Rhiannon has a new baby, and she doesn’t need David causing any more trouble than he already has,” Lucy said. “Right now, we’re headed to Oasis to see if we can locate the missing Hounds. Rayna and Asher haven’t completed the bond, but they are mates, and she says her Cheetah was communicating with Asher’s Gryphon before he disappeared.”

“I don’t like you and Rayna heading into a situation where guns are being used, Lucy, especially with you carrying my grandson.”

---