Page 22 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

WARD SUBTLY breathed in. He had no clue what thoughts were swirling in Kayden’s mind, but whatever they were, they’d stirred him up, which was having an effect on Ward.

He had never experienced the vivid brilliance of sun-drenched days, had never smelled the air filled with the scent of freshly cut grass.

He’d experienced none of that until Kayden—the scent of Kayden’s arousal was as close as Ward would ever get to it and had spurred a lot of questions in his mind.

Gargoyles had Fated mates, a bond as ancient as their stone forms, but unlike some other paranormals who could rely on scent, gargoyles required a more intimate confirmation.

For them, it was all about the blood. Only by tasting it could they be absolutely certain someone was a Fated mate.

Last night, when Ward had seen the blood dripping down Kayden’s face, he’d been so tempted to swipe his fingers through it and taste it. He hadn’t, for a variety of reasons.

One reason was because it was, well, unseemly. One did not just start lapping at dripping blood, and especially not from one who was just attacked. Not unless one wanted one’s face rearranged.

And, well, he was afraid of what he would find.

He’d always expected his partner to be another gargoyle, and a male one. He knew it would cause issues with the clan elders, since they wanted him to produce an heir.

There were ways around that nowadays with modern technology, thank the gods above and below, but certain elders had already hinted heavily they felt he should mate a female. Even though he’d made it clear that was not happening. Although some members of his clan would happily welcome Kayden despite him being male, there were certainly elders who would not.

But a mate who was not a gargoyle?

That was a different story. Plus, some would not consider him a paranormal, being a teek.

Did Ward care? Absolutely not. However, he was accountable for both the physical health and mental stability of his clan. Declaring Kayden as his mate would undoubtedly stir up drama, and there was no avoiding it.

Besides, all of this could very well be moot. He had no idea if Kayden was interested in being his mate, or anything at all to Ward. He had no clue if Kayden even believed in the concept of Fated mates.

Did Kayden experience the same connection as gargoyles did? Did Kayden feel this growing connection that thrummed through Ward? Or was it one-sided? Ward was a creature of the night, and Kayden lived in the sunlight.

“Oh hell,” Kayden muttered under his breath.

Ward smirked at Kayden, who rolled his eyes.

“Lunch is ready. Shall we go?”

“I could eat.”

Mika, Lance, and Tank joined them.

“Did you know Tank’s a pool shark?” Lance demanded.

“I’ve heard that, yes,” Ward replied to Lance.

“I have no idea what you guys are talking about,” Tank said. “It was just a lucky shot.”

“Then you have the luck of the Irish because you didn’t miss one shot,” Lance argued as they left the game room.

It pleased Ward that Kayden walked with him instead of his friends. Their hands brushed, and he contemplated holding Kayden’s hand. However, they needed to discuss what was developing between them and what they both desired.

He should’ve taken care of it earlier in Kayden’s room, but he’d genuinely needed to send those emails and talk to Raven. And he was scared too. He was a big enough gargoyle to admit this thing with Kayden left him off balance.

Ward took a deep breath, feeling the weight of decisions and desires pressing down on him as they approached the kitchen. As they walked in, the aroma of roasting garlic and simmering herbs filled the air—a small comfort amidst his churning thoughts.

Kayden, apparently unaware of Ward’s internal turmoil, chatted animatedly with Mika about some new book he’d been reading. Their laughter contrasted starkly with the serious conversation Ward knew they needed to have.

He wondered how he could broach the subject of Fated mates and blood bonds without causing a scene—or scaring Kayden away. That was the last thing he wanted.

“Everything smells amazing,” Kayden praised.

“Yes, it does,” Mika said as they got their food.

The conversation moved around various topics, but Ward only listened with half an ear. Still, he noticed that each time Kayden laughed, he lit up the room. It was such a sappy thing to say, but it was true.

Ward hadn’t realized how much of his life he’d spent in shadows, both literal and metaphorical, until Kayden burst in with his relentless sunlight.

Which reminded him he’d promised Kayden he’d take them to retrieve their belongings after lunch.

“Tank, what do you have going on for the next several hours?”

“Not much. Why?”

“I told our guests we’d take them to their homes and get what they need for an extended stay,” Ward said.

Just then, Luna sat down. “I can go too if you need someone else. Just give me a few minutes to eat.”

“Take your time. We’re not ready yet. And thank you,” Ward said.

“No problem. Are you sure the three of us are enough?” Luna asked.

“I would really feel better if we had at least one more with us,” Tank said. “Why don’t I ask Emmett if he’s free? I’m fairly sure Scarlett had something going on, and I haven’t seen Joel at all since I woke.”

“Okay, then.” Ward pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll text Emmett. You finish eating.”

Ward shot a quick message to Emmett, outlining their plan and checking if he was free. Moments later, Emmett responded, saying he would be happy to help and asking where they should meet.

Ward informed him they were having lunch, to which Emmett replied he was already heading there for a meal as well.

“Emmett’s on his way. We’ll wait for him to eat and then we’ll go.” Just as Ward was about to put away his cell phone, he received another text message, this time from Raven. “Well, it seems we will have another stop to make now too.”

“And what stop is that?” Tank asked as he took a drink of his soda.

Ward was still typing away as he explained the emails he’d sent out and the issue that Raven, in particular, could help with.

“Blood bags,” Tank said slowly.

Ward shrugged as he pocketed his cell. “It’s just something she needs for that aspect of herself. That’s the way it is. Plus, I’ve seen you eat some pretty nasty things, so I highly suggest you don’t go there.”

Tank held up his hand. “You’re right. Sorry.”

“Don’t knock it until you try it,” Lance piped up. “Shifters don’t need blood like vampires do, but sometimes when we’re in our shifter form, we like our meal still kicking.”

“You keep going down that road and you’re going to see my meal reappear,” Kayden warned. “I’ve told you about that shit, Lance.”

Lance sniffed. “Such a sensitive stomach.”

“Raven mentioned he would share some of his stock with us because he recently ordered a shipment. However, he can’t deliver it to me as he is busy meeting with several new vampires who had requested to vacation in the city,” Ward said.

“In that case, I want everybody to go.” Tank pointed his fork at Ward. “This is no longer a quick in and out operation.”

“Agreed,” Luna said. “Whatever Scarlett is doing will just have to wait until we get back. And whatever hole Joel has climbed into, well, he’ll just have to climb out of.”

Ward caught the look Mika flashed Kayden because of Luna’s words.

Tank had his cell phone out and was tapping away on it. “There. Messages sent. I also told them if they wanted to eat, then they better get their asses in here pronto.”

A short time later, Scarlett and Joel strolled to the table with plates.

“You have such a fucking way with words,” Joel complained as he sat down.

“It got the job done.” Tank wiped his lips with his napkin, then smirked at Joel.

Ward didn’t miss the double take Joel did when he passed by Kayden. He knew everyone at the table could smell him on Kayden, and not one person had said anything. Joel hadn’t either, but Ward saw the quick flash of distaste on his face.

Ward’s first instinct was to call Joel out on it, but he stopped the urge. Joel could feel however he wanted, as long as he kept his personal feelings to himself.

But if Kayden was who Ward was thinking he was, there might be trouble from that sector, and Ward simply would not allow it.

AFTER LUNCH, they piled into the SUVs and headed into San DeLain. Ward purposely put the two of them together. Lance and Mika were in the other SUV, and the gargoyles split up between the two vehicles.

Their first stop was Kayden’s home. Tank cased the area before Ward would allow Kayden to even get out of the vehicle. Once Tank gave the all clear, he and Ward escorted Kayden inside. Ward was not taking any chances, especially after last night.

The interior of Kayden’s home exuded a sense of warmth and orderliness. Kayden had meticulously organized each room, arranging the furniture carefully to invite comfort and relaxation.

Soft lighting bathed the space in a gentle glow, highlighting the polished surfaces and thoughtfully chosen decor.

“Did you leave a light on by chance?” Ward asked.

“Lights are automated,” Kayden said.

The living room featured plush, inviting sofas adorned with colorful cushions and a bookshelf lined with an array of well-loved books. The faint aroma of a lemon cleaner lingered in the air, adding to the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that enveloped anyone who stepped inside.

Ward thought it fit Kayden.

Kayden headed straight for his bedroom, motioning for them to wait in the living room. “I won’t be long.”

Ward leaned against the wall, his senses on high alert. The quietness of the house was unnerving in a way he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Tank stayed alert by the front door.

It wasn’t long before Kayden returned, pulling a large suitcase and carrying a laptop bag over his shoulder. “Got everything I need.”

“Good. Was anything disturbed?”

“Not that I can tell.”

“Even better. Let’s go, then,” Ward said. As soon as they stepped outside, Ward heard a raven call from somewhere close.

Once they were back in the SUV, Ward finally relaxed. From what Kayden had said, their next stop was Lance’s house. This time, Tank and Emmett escorted Lance inside. A short time later, they also returned, Lance carrying a suitcase.

“Any signs of a disturbance?” Ward asked as they passed by on the way to their SUV.

“No, nothing,” Lance said.

Their luck continued as everything appeared normal at Mika’s home. That left just one stop—the Sky Tower, which was where Raven lived.

Of course the drive to downtown San DeLain was a chaotic journey through a sea of vehicles. Cars honked impatiently, their engines humming and revving in a cacophony that echoed off the towering skyscrapers lining the streets.

The cityscape was a sprawling jungle of steel and glass, with buildings jutting into the sky. Concrete stretched as far as the eye could see, a vast expanse of gray punctuated by bustling sidewalks teeming with people and some greenery.

The air buzzed with the ceaseless chatter of urban life, an overwhelming symphony of sounds. It was slowly driving Ward insane, and he hadn’t even stepped out of the vehicle yet.

“How the hell do people live like this?” Tank muttered.

“Right?” Kayden answered. “It makes my soul shrivel.”

The Sky Tower was an imposing structure, slicing through the city’s skyline like a blade of dark glass and steel. As they pulled up to the imposing entrance, Ward noticed security was tight, as expected.

Vampires in crisp black suits approached their vehicle as soon as they stopped in front of the immense building. Each had an earpiece and a cold, calculating look in their eyes. Tank rolled down his window, and one of them leaned in.

“State your business,” he said flatly, his gaze piercing as vampires checked the other SUV.

“King Hereward Tywyll of Clan Tywyll and his counsel to meet with the Master of the City, who is expecting us,” Tank replied.

“Who’s the teek and the shifters?” the vampire asked.

“We informed your master that we’d have them with us,” Ward suddenly spoke. “Tell him we are here.”

The guard nodded slightly, speaking into his earpiece while keeping his eyes fixed on them. After a moment, he stepped back. “Our master says welcome, King Hereward. You may enter. Park in the visitor section and proceed to reception.”

They followed his instructions, navigating the elegantly brutal architecture of Sky Tower’s underground parking lot before making their way to the lavish lobby.

The interior was all marble floors, ornate golden chandeliers, and artwork by the masters, alongside modern art pieces—a showcase of wealth and power.

Reaching reception, a vampire woman with sharp features and icy eyes met them. “Please follow me to the North Wing conference room,” she informed them, gesturing toward a set of grand doors across the lobby.

She took them into a vast room that had commanding views of the entire city through floor-to-ceiling windows. Raven was already there waiting for them, standing by the window looking out at the skyline. His presence dominated the space. With him were two other vampires.

“Ah, Ward.” Raven turned as they entered. “Good to see you.”

Ward stepped forward, hand out. “Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. And would you be so kind as to introduce those with you who are not gargoyles, Ward?”

Ward had already told him who would be coming, but Raven had never met the other three men. “Raven St. Clair? May I introduce Kayden Lancaster , Lance Smith, and Mika Suppasit. They are temporarily under my protection, as I mentioned. Kayden, Lance, Mika? This is Master of the City, the vampire Raven St. Clair of the St. Clair coven.”

“Welcome to my territory,” Raven said.

Kayden, Lance, and Mika replied politely.

Raven motioned to a comfortable-looking sitting area with plenty of seating. “With me are Felix March and Lady Annabel. Please, have a seat.”

Once everyone took their seats, Raven looked directly at Ward. “Thank you for your email telling us about the attack on you after you left the meeting, and the one that occurred last night. It is concerning. We, as leaders, may need to deal with these witches. Which may sound highhanded, but we cannot afford for Rihanna to fall back into their hands.”

“I agree. But unlike last time she was at their mercy, Rihanna is not half starved. I wouldn’t say she is at her full power, but she is getting close, I feel. Unfortunately, she is also beginning to show some traits of other paranormals. Thus, our trip here.”

“I’m glad to help. Rihanna may not be a full-blooded vampire, but she has our DNA. Please tell her I would welcome her if she ever needs assistance. Just as I would any other vampire in my territory,” Raven said.

“I’ll tell her. I’m sure it would make her feel less isolated,” Ward said.

“Good. Would you also give her my cell phone number?” Raven asked.

“I will. The more people she has in her corner, the better. And just to be clear, I am not forcibly holding Rihanna. She is free to leave whenever she wants,” Ward said.

“I believe you. Now, about the blood bags that she requires and the request you’ve made to me about our…. disadvantages?” Raven said. “I have no idea how often she will need blood.”

“I don’t think she knows either.”

Raven nodded. “I was afraid of that, and it’s understandable. The blood bags will be fine as long as they’re kept cool. I’ll send several coolers home with you just in case, along with instructions on how to care for and heat them, and also how to place your own order.”

“Thank you. That’s very helpful.”

“I have also contacted my distributor and let him know you are acceptable to sell to,” Raven added, folding his hands in his lap. “Vampires must have blood. Because of this, a way to cripple a coven is to tamper with the supply. Needless to say, I am very selective with whom I give the name of our distributor to.”

“I completely understand. I give you my vow as the king of the San DeLain gargoyles that I will not betray your trust,” Ward said, his voice taking on a ceremonial tone. “Only I will know the name and place the order.”

“I accept.”

The vow shimmered in the air before sparking out.

“Thank you, Ward. Giving you a way to hurt me and mine is not easy. But I’ll also not turn my back on another of my kind. And I consider Rihanna that.”

“Believe me. I understand your hesitancy in exposing a weakness. We gargoyles have our own closely guarded secrets.”

“Speaking of secrets.” Raven reached into his fancy jacket and pulled out two pieces of paper. “One is the distributor and phone number. The other slip of paper is a closely guarded secret.”

Ward raised an eyebrow but didn’t reach for the papers. He sensed that Raven had more to say.

Raven’s eyes flashed red for a split second. “I will not lie, I debated telling you this. In fact, I refuse to even say it out loud, and I would rather you did not either. For my peace of mind, please read what’s on that second paper and return it.”

“If it’s that important, are you sure you want me to—”

“I cannot consciously leave Rihanna susceptible to such a weakness,” Raven said.

“You are a good man,” Ward said as he held his hand out.

“And I would just as soon you do not repeat that either,” Raven joked. “I do have an image to maintain.”

Raven handed the pieces of paper over.