Page 12 of A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star (Tales from the Tarot)

Chapter twelve

Noah

Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading

Things are heating up lately, aren’t they, Sagittarius? Now that your love life is moving in a new direction, you’ll find your career path taking an unexpected turn as well. Change can be challenging but if you embrace it, you’ll reap the rewards. Watch out for water signs today—they can be tricky to handle!

“ H ere’s one of the children’s coats. It should keep you warm,” Braewyn says, handing me a heavy lined jacket.

My scowl could incinerate him on the spot. “This belongs to a kid?”

His eyes twinkle with mirth. “Aye, but dinnae feel bad. Gargoyle children are much bigger than most human children.” He eyes me up and down. “Or very wee men.”

Reaching out, I smack his arm.

His rock-solid arm that has me biting my lip and holding back a curse.

I shake my poor hand, which has clearly taken more damage than his arm. “Now I’m starting to realize why human stories about gargoyles always said they were made out of stone.”

Braewyn flexes his arm and leans over to kiss his bicep. “These babies are pure Scottish muscle.”

Elryk moves behind me, putting both hands on my shoulders as he growls a warning at his best friend.

Ha! Take that, Mr. Sassy Pants!

Reluctantly, I shrug on the jacket, more than a little embarrassed to find that it’s a bit too big for me.

“Well, that’s not ego-crushing at all,” I mutter to myself.

Braewyn snorts and I glare at him.

But my irritation fades away when Elryk turns me around and fastens some of the remaining buttons with care. “You’ve got to be nicely bundled up, mate. It’s chilly out and the wind will be much more brutal when we’re flying. I cannae have you getting too cold.” He flushes a bit and scratches his short beard self-consciously.

My heart does a joyful little tap dance.

Elryk’s got a supersweet and awkwardly romantic side that totally does it for me. I can’t wait to bring that out in him on a regular basis.

“You’d best use a harness to be extra safe,” Braewyn suggests.

I purse my lips. “A harness? What, like, for a horse?”

He brays with laughter. “Och, Noah, you’re too much fun. You’re going to fit in real well here. I guarantee it.”

Elryk frowns at his friend. “I think you’re right about a harness. Now that we know the Sluagh are coming, it would be best for me to have my hands free in case anything happens and I need to defend myself.”

“Are we expecting danger already?” I’m unable to hide the edge of fear in my voice.

“Probably not yet, but I dinnae want to take chances. I’ll need to bring a short sword along as well.”

And there goes my stupid libido at the mention of swords.

“I’m Connor MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod,” I whisper dreamily.

Braewyn leers. “Did you hear that Henry Cavill is going to play him in a new remake of Highlander ?”

I have to consciously stop myself from drooling on the spot. “Shut the fuck up. You’re messing with me.”

He waggles his eyebrows, which on a gargoyle is… interesting. “Look it up on your phone.”

I pull mine out, side-eyeing him suspiciously, only to find with a quick Google search that he’s telling the truth.

I nearly swoon. “How did I not know about this?”

Braewyn looks smug as he does a spot-on Sean Connery as Ramirez voice. “The sensation you’re feeling is—”

At the same time we both say, “the Quickening!”

We immediately fist-bump each other.

Elryk, who’s been watching this with a blank look on his face, rubs a hand over his eyes. “Dear Goddess, there’s two of them now. We’re doomed.”

“Hey,” I protest, “don’t hate on our love for Highlander .” I beam at Braewyn. “It’s the first step in developing the bro-bond between me and Braewyn.”

I fist-bump my new movie bro again and we nod in agreement.

Elryk sighs heavily.

“I’ll just go get that harness,” Braewyn offers cheerily.

Elryk shakes his head. “You’ve unleashed the monster.”

“What do you mean?”

“My best friend is a troublemaker with a bloody capital T. Now he considers you an ally and will no doubt recruit you into Goddess knows what shenanigans he thinks up.”

I grin. “Sounds fun to me.”

Braewyn practically skips back to us with what looks like some strange BDSM gear that he’s waving in his hand.

I take a step back. “Whoa, Nelly. What the hell is that? I’m not into being tied up.”

Elryk gives me a concerned look. “It’s a special harness for a gargoyle to strap someone to their body as they fly. We use it for any time we have to carry anyone without wings.”

I stare at the many straps and cross my arms defensively. “You carried me here just fine without them before.”

“That was a bit of an emergency situation,” Elryk explains. “I was able to carry you in my arms the whole way, but that isnae the safest route to take when flying. Dire situations called for expedient measures.” He tilts my chin up with a gentle hand, and the warmth of his touch makes me want to melt into him. “Please do this for me, mo ghràidh. I need to be able to keep you safe when we’re flying and have my arms free in case we encounter any danger.”

I bite my bottom lip and study the harness again.

Taking that as a sign of encouragement, Elryk continues. “For this journey, you and I will be traveling alone. The other Guardians have important preparations to undertake, and besides, the one we’re going to see… isnae too keen on having lots of visitors.”

I frown. “You mean Nessie’s a curmudgeonly hermit?”

Braewyn cackles. “Sweet Goddess! Please tell him that to his face as a special favor to me.”

“Him?” I ask. For some reason, I’d always assumed Nessie was female.

“He’s not a curmudgeon, but he is kind of a loner. Rather, he’s just a bit… unusual,” Elryk clarifies.

I can’t lie. This immediately ignites my curiosity.

With one last look at the harness I wish would go up in flames any moment, I heave a put-upon sigh. “Fine. I’ll wear the stupid harness.”

I’m rewarded with a peck on the cheek, and I relish the feel of the soft bristles of Elryk’s short beard against my cheek. The man’s too sexy for his own damn good standing in front of me, all bare-chested and in nothing but a kilt, his rippling muscles on full display.

“I feel like you need a shirt that says, ‘I’m too sexy for my kilt,’” I mutter.

“If you get me one, I’ll wear it just for you.” There’s a provocative little purr of promise in his voice that makes my cock want to stand at attention and join the party, even though I just had a mind-blowing orgasm not half an hour ago.

“Ahem.” I clear my throat. “It’s late, and we should get this show on the road.” I cock my hip and put a hand on it, which is probably not as sexy as I think given I’m swaddled in an oversized coat. “Strap me in, baby.”

“So feisty,” Braewyn says admiringly, and Elryk growls at him before yanking me into his arms.

And the Goliath fantasies just keep on coming…

But for real, the possessive vibes he’s putting out are swoonworthy—and also making me super fucking horny. Normally, I haven’t been into that with other guys. However, there’s something about Elryk’s brand of gentle protectiveness that’s not creepy or intimidating. Instead, it makes me feel cherished and secure in a way I’ve always wanted.

I don’t know who their Goddess is, but I’m about ready to give her a big-ass offering real soon.

“Turn your back toward me,” Elryk says, “and I’ll strap you to me.”

I let myself melt into Elryk’s arms as he carefully loops the leather straps around us both at our chests, hips, and thighs. The tighter he straps me in, the more contact my ass makes with his groin in the process.

Okay, maybe I could enjoy this harness thing.

I wriggle a little bit, and he pinches my side lightly, making me yelp.

“Stay still. It’s important to get the straps done properly so you don’t fall and so your circulation isn’t cut off.”

Fucking hell. He’s so swoonalicious.

I subside and let him do his thing, although I am embarrassingly responsive when he starts working the leather over my inner thighs. Thankfully, these jeans are not as tight as the pair he destroyed, but they’re not exactly concealing my obvious response to him either. I’m grateful that Braewyn doesn’t say anything.

Once I’m fully strapped in and catch a glimpse of myself in a hallway mirror, my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Motherfucker.

“Are you kidding me? This is like the gargoyle BDSM version of a Baby Bjorn!”

My feet dangle in the air—because curse him, Elryk is considerably taller than I am. When strapped to his front, I hang from his chest like an oversized toddler.

“Kill me now,” I whine.

My supreme and utter humiliation is officially complete.

Naturally, that’s when Braewyn—the cheeky bastard—whips out his cell phone and snaps several pictures of us in quick succession.

I gasp. “Our bro-bond is broken! How dare you?”

His eyes twinkle. “This was too priceless a moment to pass up documenting it for all time.”

I make an ineffectual grab for his phone, my legs floundering in the air. “Give that to me, bastard.”

He jumps away easily and immediately starts scrolling through the pictures on his phone while laughing hysterically. “Oh, this is bloody brilliant! I think we should have it printed and blown up as a massive portrait to put in the Great Hall for everyone to see.”

I shake an impotent fist at him. “If you show that to anyone, I’ll cut your balls off!”

He smirks at me. “I’d like to see you try, short arse.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t forget I’m from Chicago, fool. I was a tiny gay boy growing up in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood. If I could deal with bullies twice my size and make them weep with regret, you don’t want to see what I could do to you.” I grin. “I play dirty and I’ll come for you when you least expect it.”

Braewyn’s eyes widen and he gulps. “Whoa. Is it wrong if I say that was kind of sexy?”

Elryk lets out a loud warning rumble, and Braewyn holds up his hands. “Sorry, sorry. I know he’s yours. It’s just I’ve always liked a feisty, slightly dangerous kind of man.”

I cross my arms awkwardly in the gargoyle Baby Bjorn I am trapped in and stare him down. “I’m epic and can kick your ass, so don’t show anyone those pictures.”

His lips twitch. “I’ll think about it.”

It’s my turn to growl.

“We need to be off,” Elryk says before giving his best friend a warning look. “I’ll deal with you later.”

Braewyn gives him a cocky salute. “Have fun on your flight and tell Nessie I said hello.”

Elryk wraps an arm around my midsection as he awkwardly shuffles the both of us outside.

“Let it be noted that I do not like this contraption and the way it makes me look like a complete and utter fool,” I bitch.

“So noted, my darling. But I do appreciate you doing this for me.” He leans in and nuzzles my hair, inhaling deeply.

I still. “Uh, what are you doing?”

“I’m smelling you.”

He says that as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“Why are you sniffing me?”

“Because you smell fabulous. Like wild heather and gorse bush. Like home.” His voice deepens. “Like mine.”

I shiver all over and my cock gets all kinds of ideas we can’t indulge in right now, which this fucking harness makes super uncomfortable.

“Let me know if you get too cold. Thankfully, the flight won’t be too long. About thirty minutes,” Elryk says and then he expands his wings out in a manner similar to some great bird of prey.

He takes a running leap and his wings flap with incredible power, getting us airborne in what feels like an instant. Just as fast, I’m grateful for the oversized if unattractive coat.

He wasn’t lying. It’s cold as fuck out, and the draft from the air as we fly at a higher altitude makes it downright frigid.

Reminder to self, no flying with Elryk in the middle of winter.

Also, my newly formed fantasies of aerial sexy times will need to wait until spring or possibly summer. Brrr!

The night sky is clear and a nearly full moon casts its glow over the landscape as we head toward Loch Ness. This part of the Highlands isn’t overly populated, and we don’t encounter any signs of human habitation along our flying route.

Even in the faint illumination of the moonlight, I marvel at the beauty of the rolling hills and glens as we soar far above them. This country is absolutely stunning, and I’m so grateful I got to experience this.

Thanks again, Pops. I couldn’t have done it without you.

The idea that I might get to stay here, with Elryk, in a motherfreaking castle , for the rest of my life is so amazing. I can hardly believe my good fortune. With each passing day, I’m starting to think the bad luck that plagued me in the past truly has disappeared. I don’t know what being a Conduit means quite yet, but if awakening my dormant powers helped me say adios to whatever was messing with my mojo, then I’m here for it.

“The view is gorgeous,” I say, making my voice louder to be heard over the wind. “I hope I get to see this in the daylight at some point.”

Elryk pulls me closer and speaks in my ear so I can hear him over the wind as well. “I love my homeland and cannae wait to show you more of it. The Highlands have remained largely untouched for hundreds of years. Few humans live here anymore. Most have moved further south to bigger cities. There are small pockets of human habitation here and there, and Inverness is the biggest city here in the north, but much of the land remains uninhabited and undeveloped, maintaining a rugged natural environment. Even for someone like me who’s lived here my whole life, I never cease to be moved by its untamed beauty.”

Elryk may have talked about being trapped here, but I also get the sense that he loves this land more than perhaps even he fully realizes. If I can help him feel freer here, then I will.

The rigging for the harness isn’t what I would call particularly comfortable, so I’m infinitely grateful when Elryk finally begins to descend toward a part of the loch surrounded by trees.

“Is this it?” I ask.

“Aye. We’re going to meet your teacher here at the south end of the loch. The northern end is where a lot more of the tourist traffic and human eyes are, but this part is a bit less traveled, especially at this time of night. We should be safe from prying eyes here.”

When we finally land, it takes several minutes for Elryk to unfasten me, but I could almost kiss the sweet earth when my feet touch the ground. My poor toes are a bit tingly, so I stomp my feet to get the blood flow circulating again.

The shoreline here is rocky rather than sandy, and we’re surrounded by trees. It’s damn near pitch-black with no human sources of light to be seen. As my eyes slowly adjust, I take a moment to tilt my head back and gaze at the stars.

“Wow,” I breathe out reverently.

Elryk stands behind me and wraps his arms around my chest.

I press into him, seeking his warmth. “It’s breathtaking. I’ve never seen the stars so bright before. In Chicago, there’s so much light pollution, you’re lucky if you see a star in the sky most nights. This is… unreal.”

“Aye, there are downsides to the modern marvels of human technology. But out here, you cannae beat the views,” Elryk says, nuzzling the back of my neck and making me lose track of any conscious thoughts that don’t center around my cock wanting round two with him.

Just when I’m about to propose some mutual blow job fun behind some trees, Elryk stiffens and stares at the loch. “He’s coming.”

I don’t know what he can sense that I don’t, but I squint intently at the water.

I can’t believe I’m going to get to meet the actual Nessie!

I’m practically vibrating with excitement when the water begins to lap more powerfully against the shore, and farther out, I notice the surface starting to churn.

That’s when several large tentacles rise up from the depths and thrash around.

So, there aren’t many movies that my dad and I watch regularly together—he isn’t really into them like me and Mom—but one exception is Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. We usually find time to have a marathon movie fest of all three films at least once a year.

What I’m seeing right now, is delivering the Watcher in the Water outside the Mines of Moria realness.

“Holy tentacle tornado,” I whisper as I try not to shit my pants.

I also desperately want to take some pictures, but my indecisive fight-or-flight instinct has apparently frozen me to the spot.

“Meet the kraken of Loch Ness,” Elryk rumbles. “He’s a big fucking show-off.”

“Oh, my freaking gods—Nessie is a kraken?!”

“Aye,” Elryk says, seemingly unperturbed. “He’s being a total twat right now. Loves to do this song and dance to scare the newbies.”

I’m gobsmacked as I stare at the enormous creature that rises from the water.

“Oi!” Elryk yells. “Quit being an eejit and get out here now.”

The enormous kraken uses his tentacles to give a rather impressive version of a middle finger before diving back under the depths.

“Wha–” I begin to ask, but then the roiling waters subside, and I gasp when a human head breaks the surface and glides closer to us.

I stare as a strikingly handsome man with long dark hair and deep bronze skin emerges from the loch with an almost preternatural grace. His eyes gleam a golden color in the dark that’s both eerie and mesmerizing.

Once he sets his bare feet on the rocky shore, he struts toward us—completely and utterly naked.

Do I look?

You bet your ass I do.

I may have a supersexy Goliath-esque gargoyle for a fated mate, and he is by far the hottest of the hot, but Mr. Kraken Man is no slouch in the looks department—or the impressive package department. The guy also clearly knows it from the cocky grin on his face.

“Elryk DarkWing, it’s been a while since I last saw you.” His voice is rich and sensual as he turns his golden gaze on me. “And who is this delectable human you have with you?” The kraken’s nostrils flare and his eyes seem to glow even brighter. “Ah, a Conduit. Mmmm. Don’t you smell delicious.”

He licks his lips.

Elryk growls. “Nasser, watch your tongue. This is my fated mate, Noah Price.”

The kraken’s eyes widen in surprise. “No shit?” He drops the seductive routine and grins broadly, flashing a hint of some very long and pointy canines. “Good on you, mate. Congratulations.” He steps forward and pumps Elryk’s hand and then mine.

I’m a little bit dazed but just decide to go with it. After all, I have a million questions.

The very handsome and very naked kraken puts both hands on his hips and beams at me. “I’m Nasser.” He winks. “Also known as Nessie, but that’s just my public persona to keep the tourists coming.”

I glance up at Elryk, and he rolls his eyes. “Now you see why he and Braewyn are rarely allowed to meet.”

Nasser throws back his head and laughs. “How is my good friend Braewyn?”

“He told us to say hi,” I offer.

Nasser flashes us a deadly grin. “I don’t suppose he gave you the money he owes me and still hasn’t handed over?”

Elryk shakes his head. “Sorry.”

Nasser cracks his knuckles. “Looks like I’m overdue for a visit to DarkWing Castle.”

I look at Elryk in confusion but he just mouths, “Don’t ask.”

Nasser turns his attention back to me, his expression becoming serious. “I know why you’ve come, Conduit. And there isn’t much time. I have sensed a disturbance coming from the west.”

“The Sluagh approach,” Elryk says.

Nasser’s eyes flash bright gold and then deep red. “Nasty creatures but powerful and deadly.”

So cool.

“Aye, that’s why we need Noah to learn how to use his powers. So we can strengthen the barrier,” Elryk says.

Nasser closes his eyes and when he opens them again, they’ve returned to their normal gold. “How would you feel about a romantic evening boat ride?”

I startle. “Uh, what?”

Nasser grins. “The best way to teach a Conduit how to use their powers is to have them tap into a raw magic source, like a ley line.”

“What?” I squeak.

“There are two key places on the ley line where one can tap into its powers. The DarkWing clan protects the central core of the line near their castle, and I protect the access point that dwells deep under these waters.”

I gasp. Now that earlier talk of him being their clan’s friend and ally takes on a whole new level of significance.

“There’s no time to waste,” Nasser says with a grin. “And believe me, Noah, no one ever forgets their first time tapping into the raw power of the ley line. It’s almost better than sex.” He winks. “Except for sex with me, that is.”