Page 21 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

C HAPTER TWENTY-ONE – K AYDEN

“WELL, THAT explains so much,” Kayden finally said.

“So you think she smelled gargoyle on Lance, and that caught her attention in the beginning,” Celine said. “Then she saw Mika and Kayden with Lance.”

“That’s what we think, yes. If she did any digging into any of us, it wouldn’t be hard to figure out what we do for a living,” Kayden said.

“And if she knows what we do for a living, it wouldn’t be a big jump to figure out we were working for Ward,” Mika added. “So, did she follow us here last night? Or was she and her coven already out there?”

“I’m not a big fan of coincidences,” Ward said. “I’m going to assume she followed your crew and then waited for you to leave. And when you did, she attacked, trying to get through the wards.”

“She is dangerous. Do not underestimate her,” Rihanna said. “I know exactly what she is capable of.”

Kayden glanced at Rihanna. “You certainly didn’t get the welcome wagon treatment to our city, did you? I’m sorry.”

“I-I have no idea what that means,” Rihanna admitted.

“It’s a friendly way of greeting people who are new to a place. Like, if you live in a subdivision, and a new person moves on to the street, neighbors will often bring gifts—could be homemade treats like cookies or something.”

“I think there actually used to be an organization who welcomed newcomers or businesses in an area. But I have no idea if that’s still a thing,” Mika said.

“Then no, because my welcome to this city was not friendly,” Rihanna said.

“Which is why I said that I was sorry,” Kayden said. “You needed help, and you certainly didn’t get it. But that’s not surprising from the paranormal community.”

“Oh? My welcome by Ward has been very warm.”

“Because paranormals like Ward act differently.”

“And are you not also a paranormal?” Rihanna asked.

“No. I’m considered a nonhuman. A teek. I have the power of telekinesis.”

“How fascinating.”

“My friends over there are shifters, so yes, the community considers them paranormals. And before you ask why I fall into a different category, it’s a lengthy tale best saved for another occasion. Right now, we need to figure out what we’re going to do about the current situation,” Kayden said.

“I need to inform the leaders of San DeLain that someone attacked me again,” Ward added. “I also need to send out some emails regarding Rihanna’s abilities. There are certain disadvantages that different paranormals experience, and she’s also experiencing some of those disadvantages.”

“Wow. I never thought of that,” Lance said. “So you may have all that power, but you also have all the headaches.”

“I think that’s a perfect way to describe it,” Celine said.

“Do you think Marianna will target the rest of my crew?” Kayden asked.

“I don’t know, but I doubt it?” Ward said. “I don’t think the attack targeted you so much as it attempted to bore a hole into my wards as you left my territory,” Ward said.

“So that means what? No one may step foot out of your territory?” Lance asked.

“It’s not like we leave here often anyhow,” Ward said. “But no. We can’t hide behind the wards forever. That’s not workable for my clan or for you. I warned Marianna when she trespassed on my land to leave me alone. She didn’t listen.”

“I hate to sound like a parrot, but what does that mean?” Kayden asked.

“It means I don’t hide from my enemies. And she just became an enemy,” Ward said. “I will resolve this, but in the meantime, you are my guests, and as such, you’re welcome to use any of the facilities here.”

“Your game room is pretty awesome,” Lance said.

“It’s definitely a hit,” Ward joked. “My rules are pretty simple—treat my clan how you would want to be treated. There aren’t many areas that are off-limits, but there are a few. Do not trespass there because there will be dire consequences if you do.”

“Have you marked those places?” Kayden asked.

“Yes, of course. Marked and locked. You won’t just accidentally stumble across someplace you’re not supposed to be,” Ward said. “And if you need to leave, please let me know. And please don’t go alone.”

“Speaking of leaving—” Kayden started.

“The four of you need your things. Especially you, Kayden, seeing as you have a business to run.”

“Okay, good. Because, yes, we need clothes and stuff,” Kayden said.

“I have some things I need to attend to, but why don’t we meet back in a couple hours for lunch? Then we will escort each of you to your place to get what you need,” Ward said. “How does that sound?”

Kayden shot Mika and Lance a glance, and they nodded.

“Sounds good,” Kayden said. “Can you give me a time for when lunch actually is?”

“Midnight. And please feel free to hit the kitchen for snacks any time,” Ward said, standing. “You don’t have to wait until it’s mealtime if you’re hungry.”

“You can get in touch with me either by phone or by coming to the infirmary if you have questions or you need anything too,” Celine said.

“The same goes for the members of my counsel, who I think everybody has met. They are here to help if you should need it. Kayden? I know you have my cell phone number. Would you also pass it out to the rest of your group?”

“Thank you, Ward. Yes, I will do that. See you in a couple of hours.”

Celine and Rihanna also stood. “We’ll see you later.”

Once Ward, Celine, and Rihanna left, Lance motioned for Mika and Kayden to follow him. After they dumped their trays, they followed Lance outside to a nice little garden area with a gazebo that was relatively private.

“What’s up?” Kayden said as they set down.

“Well, first off, are you really okay?” Lance asked.

“I really am. What headache I had is mostly gone. Eating helped also,” Kayden said.

“I’m glad. I was worried about you. Now, having gotten that out of the way, what the fuck, dude?”

Kayden blinked, then squirmed uncomfortably on the wooden bench he was sitting on. “What?”

“Don’t act all innocent and shit.” Lance crossed his arms over his chest. “No one here believes that.”

Kayden looked at Mika. “You have any idea what he’s talking about?”

“I sure do.”

“And?” Kayden demanded, but Mika just grinned at him.

“And why do you smell like a gargoyle rubbed all over you?” Mika asked.

“Because he probably has,” Lance hooted. “And I’m going to guess I know which one too.”

“You don’t have to guess because we can smell Kayden all over him,” Mika pointed out.

“Oh, I know. I’m just seeing how red Kayden can turn.”

“I hate both of you.”

“Heard that before. Now spill. Is he a good kisser? Did he sweep you off your feet? Kissed you until you woke up? Isn’t there a fairy tale based on that? I mean, he did kind of save you from the evil witch. And he lives in a castle.” Lance wiggled his eyebrows.

“Good Lord, stop that. You look like you’re having a seizure.” Kayden shuddered.

“You know what? You can—”

Mika sighed. “I mean, seriously, he’s just going to tell you to seize—”

“I know what he’s going to tell me to seize, and no thank you,” Kayden pointed at Lance before he could open his mouth again. “Yes, he kissed me. Yes, it was hot. No, he did not sneak into my room to kiss me. I would’ve thrown his ass out of his own castle window.”

Kayden could feel his face turning bright red, although he shouldn’t be the only one embarrassed. Lance’s smirk and wiggling eyebrows were almost comical, but not much phased Lance. Even Mika had a knowing grin plastered across his face.

“Kissed by the gargoyle. What a title that would be for a hot male on male romance.” Lance pretended to swoon.

“Good God,” Kayden muttered. “Would you stop, please?” he pleaded, his tone a mixture of exasperation and desperation.

Lance suddenly got serious. “It must have gotten pretty heated because we could smell your arousal all over him and vice versa. Which means if we can smell it, anybody with a halfway sensitive nose is going to smell it too.”

Kayden sighed. “I know. Look, between you two and the garden roses over there, I’ve found him attractive from the moment we met. Even my power reacts to him. It goes a little haywire whenever he touches me. It’s as if it likes him and wants to get closer.”

“Interesting.”

“I was going to say kinky, but whatever works,” Lance said.

“Of course you were.” Mika pursed his lips as he looked at Kayden. “You should’ve seen Ward when he landed in front of you during the attack last night. He was scary with his wings extended.”

Lance nodded. “Dude was hella pissed. And when his eyes turned red, he turned that witch to stone—”

“God. That was absolutely terrifying,” Kayden said quietly. “I guess that answers whether or not they can do that.”

“Well, we know Ward can at least,” Mika said. “But yes, that’s a terrifying ability to have.”

“I wonder if it’s just something Ward can do. He is their king, after all,” Lance said. “Okay, what? You just went pale. Are you sick? Is it your head?”

Lance’s words hit Kayden like a ton of bricks. “How could I have forgotten he’s royalty? I mean, he’s their fucking king. What the hell am I doing kissing on him? I’m nobody and he’s—”

“Someone who strikes me as being capable of making his own decisions,” Mika finished for Kayden. “Don’t get wrapped up in titles.”

“How can I not!” Kayden exclaimed. “He’s a fucking king and I’m—”

“I swear, if you say you’re a fucking nobody again, I will hit you, even if you did just recover from a concussion,” Lance threatened. “You aren’t a nobody. And he doesn’t strike me as the type who would mess around with your affections unless he was serious.”

“I agree,” Mika said.

“Did the two of you drag me out here to ask me this?” Kayden asked.

“Yep,” Lance said, completely shameless. “Sure did. Go you!”

“Well, that, and to make sure you really were okay,” Mika said.

Kayden let out a long breath, the tightness in his chest lessening slightly at his friends’ support, though the bewilderment and anxiety did not entirely fade. The castle’s high stone walls loomed around them, a literal and figurative weight that pressed closer with each passing second.

“I just don’t know what to do,” Kayden admitted, avoiding the penetrating gaze of his friends. “I mean, how does someone like me even fit into his world? This is all fairy-tale stuff, and I’m just—”

“You’re just perfect,” Mika cut him off gently. “You think too little of yourself. Besides, Ward isn’t your typical king. Think about it, he’s different.”

“He turns people into stone and flies around on gargoyle wings,” Lance added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Not exactly your run-of-the-mill royalty.”

“And he kissed you,” Mika emphasized. “Not some duke or diplomat or other hoity-toity nobility—”

“Mika!” Kayden hissed, glancing nervously around as if the very stones might be listening.

“He’s right though,” Lance said as he leaned back, looking relaxed as ever. “Ward chose you. And from what we’ve seen, he doesn’t do anything without a damn good reason. He’s intense, but so are his feelings, I’d bet.”

“It’s just hard to believe that someone like him could want someone like me,” Kayden murmured.

“That’s because you’re viewing yourself through your doubts and not through his eyes,” Mika said softly. “From what I’ve seen, Ward looks at you like… like you’re magic.”

“Magic, huh?” A slight smile tugged at Kayden’s lips. It faded quickly as he considered the implications of his situation again.

“Yes, but remember we’re here for you no matter what. So? What’s the plan, Stan?”

Kayden felt steadier surrounded by the support of his friends. “I need to talk to him,” he decided. “I need to understand where this is going—if it’s going anywhere—and what it means for both of us.”

Mika nodded. “Sounds like a good start.”

“And whatever happens,” Lance added sternly, “remember that you have us. Kings or gargoyles or witches be damned.”

“Thanks, guys,” Kayden said. “Now that’s settled, let’s see the game room. We’ve got a couple of free hours.”

Lance snapped his fingers as if he’d just been waiting for that. “Game room it is! You’re going to love it. They have literally everything, from medieval chess sets to virtual reality simulators. It’s insane.”

As they walked into the castle, the earlier heaviness lifted slightly with each step, replaced by a cautious optimism.

They arrived at some fancy double doors carved with images of mythological beasts and heroes. Mika pushed them open with a flourish, revealing a room that stretched indefinitely. The ceiling was a vaulted masterpiece displaying a detailed mural of the night sky.

“Wow,” Kayden whispered, his eyes darting around. There were pool tables lined up on one side, several gaming consoles set up with large screens on another, and even a small bowling alley at the far end.

“You gotta try this one!” Lance declared, heading toward a futuristic-looking VR pod. “Ever fought dragons in virtual reality?”

“Nope, but there’s always a first time for everything,” Kayden replied, a spark of excitement igniting within him.

For the next couple of hours, he didn’t worry about kings or witches or what his job was going to be and instead dove into various games—from holographic bowling where the pins exploded into stardust on impact, to strategy games that involved conquering mystical lands.

Their laughter had attracted some of Ward’s clan, Tank in particular, who promptly challenged Lance to a game of pool.

Kayden was having so much fun he lost track of time, until his power jumped, making him look up. As if on cue, Ward stepped into the game room.

His presence sent a zing of pleasure through Kayden. How was he so commanding in nothing but leather pants and wings? And this was the first time Kayden had seen Ward drape his wings around his shoulders like a cape. He hadn’t known they could do that, and holy shit, Ward’s shoulders were huge.

Kayden’s feet moved before he could think better of it, drawn inexorably toward Ward.

“Hey. It’s time for lunch,” Ward said as he stopped in front of Kayden.

Kayden noticed Ward was close enough to touch, yet he maintained a respectable distance. He understood it, but that didn’t change the fact he wanted to be enveloped in those expansive, majestic wings with Ward. Naked.

It was a tantalizing temptation that stirred his imagination—and other things. Whoa. Where did that come from?

Ward inhaled, then raised an eyebrow at Kayden.

“Oh hell,” Kayden muttered under his breath as he tried to think unsexy thoughts. Damn sensitive noses.