Page 16 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

“THANK YOU.” Ward picked up a notepad from his desk and jotted down the name. “That helps a lot. I need to relay this information to Hudson and Kage.”

Kayden massaged his temples. “I have to speak with my team. If someone is targeting you—”

“I understand, really, I do.” Ward leaned back slightly in his chair. “I want you to know I’ll release you from the contract.” He hoped his words conveyed his sincerity and understanding.

“Thanks. Let me get back out there before they get much further into the work, talk to them, and then I’ll let you know something.” Kayden stood.

Ward also climbed to his feet. “I’ll escort you back.”

As soon as Ward walked around his desk, his damn tail tried to latch on to Kayden’s leg, and it wasn’t the first time either. At the last second, it dropped to the floor, but it’d been a near thing. Luckily, Kayden didn’t seem to notice. Ward had no idea how he’d explain why his tail wanted to touch Kayden.

The moment they exited Ward’s office, Tank fell in step with them. Kayden remained silent, merely casting Tank an odd glance. The silence continued as they escorted Kayden back to his crew’s worksite.

Upon their arrival, Kayden brought his fingers to his lips and let out a sharp, ear-piercing whistle. Instantly, Kayden’s crew halted their work. “Meeting in five.”

“Come on, Tank, let’s excuse ourselves,” Ward said.

“So? Did you tell him everything?” Tank asked once they’d moved a respectful distance away.

Ward nodded as he watched Kayden’s crew gather around their boss.

“And?”

“I gave him an out if he wants one,” Ward said quietly. “He’s close to his crew, and he’s worried about their safety. I don’t blame him. Especially after what he told me.”

“And that was?”

Ward recounted what Kayden had shared about Lance’s encounter with the witch Ward suspected had abducted and later attempted to sacrifice Rihanna.

“Shit.” Tank rubbed his bald head. “What are the odds?”

“I know. It truly sounds like Lance was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But I don’t understand that witch’s sudden interest in him,” Tank said.

“She sniffed him, remember?”

“So? She’s a witch. Not a shifter.”

“My friend, she isn’t just a witch. She’s a high priestess who dabbles in black magic. There was something about Lance that caught her attention.”

Tank frowned.

“Keep in mind that Kayden and his crew had met with us. Kayden said Lance went out that Thursday night after they met with us . He was trying to get used to staying up all night.”

“Wait. Are you implying that she somehow smelled our scent on Lance?”

“It certainly sounds like it.”

“But that’s crazy.”

“Is it? Keep in mind that you and I both had also been around Rihanna before we met Kayden and his crew, which included Lance. I don’t know if you’ve noticed it or not, but Rihanna has a very distinctive scent.”

“Speaking of, Rihanna stopped me in the hallway before I came here. She wants to have a meeting with you,” Tank mentioned.

“That was next on the list after I met with Kayden.” Ward straightened when he saw Kayden step away from his crew.

He’d tried to tune out the conversation, but it was difficult since they were close by. Kayden’s team had some worries, of course. Many of them felt even more uncomfortable now. Ward exhaled deeply. The construction on his castle was about to come to a screeching halt.

Kayden joined him and Tank. “I’m sorry.”

“I get it. From the way the conversation was heading, I had a feeling this would be the result.”

“We’re going to get done as much as we can on the inside tonight,” Kayden said.

“I appreciate that,” Ward said. “Invoice me for your work tonight later then.”

“I will. Again, I’m sorry. Maybe once things calm down, we can revisit my company working for you,” Kayden said.

“I certainly hope so,” Ward said. Disappointment settled over him like a wet blanket, which was concerning, so perhaps taking a step back was a wise decision. Maybe this peculiar attachment toward Kayden would gradually dissipate.

“We’re going to get to work.”

“Tank will still be here. When you’re done, have him find me,” Ward said.

“Sure thing.”

With a nod to Tank, Ward walked away. It wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be.

He pushed those thoughts aside and started looking for Rihanna. As he walked, he texted Hudson and Kage the name of the witch and asked if they had access to any current pictures of her. He wanted to make sure he had the right person with the right name.

After inquiring with a few individuals, he located Rihanna sitting on a concrete bench, nestled within the lush greenery of the eastern garden. Overhanging branches partially shaded the bench, and the subtle fragrance of night-blooming jasmine filled the air.

“Hey, Rihanna. Mind if I join you?”

“Please do.”

“Tank mentioned you wanted to see me?” Ward asked as he sat next to her.

Rihanna turned slightly to face Ward. “Yes.”

“I was actually planning to find you. I want to ask you some questions about your powers.”

“That’s what I wanted to speak about as well.” Rihanna’s expression stiffened slightly. “I’ve had some unusual symptoms.”

“What kind of symptoms?”

“Let’s start with the vampire DNA. Sunlight doesn’t burn or weaken me.”

“Count yourself fortunate. Being held hostage by the sun is no fun.”

“I really can’t fathom what that’s like,” Rihanna said. “I don’t possess their speed, though I do share their thirst for blood. However, I seem to lack their fangs and I’m still uncertain about the red eyes.”

“How bad is the craving for blood?”

“A minor inconvenience for now, but I’m afraid it’s going to escalate into something far more troubling. The signs are all there.”

“I’ll contact Raven—he’s the Master of the San DeLain vampires—and ask him about blood bags. I’ll do my dead level best to have something here before daylight.”

“Thank you. I don’t think it’s that pressing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“I agree,” Ward said. “Anything else with vampirism?”

“Not that I’m aware, but I also don’t know what all they can do, though.”

“Neither do I. That’s a question for Raven, I think.”

“Agreed. Now, for the werewolf DNA.” Rihanna held up her hand, and a frown crossed her face. Claws that looked to be the color of bone slowly extended from the tips of her fingers.

“Yup, looks like werewolf claws. A vampire’s claws are usually black, as are ours. And yours seem to be retractable, like most paranormals are.”

Rihanna looked up at Ward.

“And your eyes are yellow like a wolf’s. Interesting that they changed now. Do you feel like there’s another presence inside you wanting out?”

“No, not at all.” Rihanna concentrated on her hand until the claws disappeared. “I have to tell you, that’s really weird.”

“Your eyes went back to their natural color too. Anything else connected to wolf DNA?”

“I’ve noticed I like my meat more rare than usual. And that I’m eating more.”

“Paranormals who shift burn through a lot of calories. Speaking of paranormals, can you see or hear better? You said you aren’t as fast as a vampire. Are you faster than you were before?”

“I am, and I can see and hear better than I could before. No idea about how fast I heal now.”

“I’m going to guess that’s improved. I’ll ask Axel what all a werewolf can do, so we know what to look for. What about characteristics of mer DNA?”

Rihanna turned to look at the water fountain that was bubbling next to them. With absolutely no hesitation, the water in the fountain rose into the air.

Ward whistled quietly. “I’ve seen mer use that ability to drown people. That’s impressive. And a very nice weapon too. What about breathing underwater?”

“I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried. Inhaling a lungful of water hasn’t been high on my list of things to do.”

Ward chuckled. “Again, I can’t say that I blame you. So you haven’t noticed gills or anything when you call on that part of your DNA?”

“No. But I would think I would need gills to breathe underwater? Right?”

“That would be something we need to ask Fenton, the mer chieftain, because I know less about the mer than I do about the vampires or weres.” Reaching up, Ward rubbed the bridge of his nose. “And I need to rectify that. We need as much information as we can get to help you.”

“Thank you.

“That’s not something you need to thank me for. In fact, it’s something I should’ve already done. And before daylight dons, I’ll send out emails to Raven, Axel, and Fenton requesting that information. Now, what about your magical powers?”

“Because of your request, I haven’t flexed my magical muscle. But I don’t feel different. In fact, I feel stronger.”

“Were you ever in battle?”

“Probably not like you’re meaning. Witches sometimes will test each other, but that rarely ends in death. Can I kill? Absolutely. But I don’t feel driven to it.”

“All right, then, I know Celine isn’t as powerful as you, but will you show her what you’re capable of?”

“Of course, but may I ask why?”

“I’d like to know, in case we have some unwanted visitors. And I think you need to know too. You need to be comfortable using each of those new powers.”

Rihanna sighed.

“They’re part of you now, even if you don’t want them. Consider them a tool. Use them as such.”

“I know I need to. I’m trying.”

“I know.” Ward gently patted her on the back. “Which brings me to the next thing I need to tell you about. I’m waiting on confirmation, but I believe I know the name of the witch who attacked and tried to sacrifice you.” Ward braced himself for an outburst from Rihanna.

Her expression darkened. “Who?”

“Marianna Crescente, the High Priestess of the Sisters of the Crescent Moon,” Ward said.

Rihanna rose from her seat. “Marianna Crescente. They were careful not to use names while I was in captivity.”

Ward noticed the surrounding air was charged with a tangible fury. “She’s already proven that she’s power hungry, ruthless, and not above using dark magic if it suits her purposes.”

Rihanna paced now, her movements agitated. “I finally have a name for her and her coven.”

“Yes. And she knows where you are.”

Rihanna stopped and looked directly at Ward. “She will come for me.”

“I believe so, yes.”

“I want to be involved, Ward, in whatever plan you’re making.”

Ward met her gaze steadily. “I expected no less. But we must be cautious. Your powers are vast, but still new and unpredictable. We need you in full control.”

“Learn to use the tools I was given,” Rihanna muttered, repeating what Ward had said earlier.

“Yes.” Ward got his cell out.

“Then let’s prioritize that. I need to understand the extent of my abilities and how to harness them effectively.”

“Agreed.” Ward’s fingers halted their rapid movement over his phone screen as he looked up at Rihanna with a serious expression. “I’ll set up a meeting with Celine for an hour from now, if possible. She can help you test your limits within a controlled environment.”

“Good. She’s strong too, you know.”

“I’m very aware. I wasn’t knocking her ability earlier. Just stating a fact.”

“Okay.”

She’s protective of Celine. “I’ll contact Raven about those blood bags and discuss your condition with him personally,” Ward continued as he stood up, readying himself to leave. “He might have insights about handling the vampire aspects without triggering an uncontrollable bloodlust.”

Rihanna nodded in agreement.

“Plus, I’ll talk to Axel and Fenton like I said. Actually, I would like for you to meet all three.”

“Do you think they’ll want to meet me?”

“I do, yes. The meeting I had in San DeLain was basically about you.”

“The meeting where someone attacked you. That meeting?”

“Yes. And yes, it was probably her coven.”

“I am sorry,” Rihanna said. “Because of me you were—”

“No. We’re not doing that. You will not blame yourself for the actions of others. This isn’t on you. And we will handle it. I’m old, Rihanna. This isn’t the first battle I’ve been in. It won’t be the last.”

As Ward turned to leave, he paused and added over his shoulder, “Oh, and Rihanna? Even though you’re in my territory and behind wards, please, be careful.”

“I’m always careful,” Rihanna replied.

Ward gave a small smile in return before disappearing into the night to make his calls to the other leaders before it got much later.