Page 23 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

KAYDEN DIDN’T know what was on that second piece of paper and he flat-out did not ever want to know. No thank you.

Being in the room with two such powerful paranormals was stressing him the hell out.

But there was respect there. Even he recognized that, despite his lack of knowledge about the influential figures in San DeLain. He wasn’t part of those social circles, but damn. He glanced at Ward. If he was considering a relationship with the gargoyle, he was about to become part of them.

And woo wee, was he ever outclassed.

Raven and the other two vampires wore what Kayden could only describe as Victorian goth. It was very cool, but being that buttoned up would drive Kayden straight up a wall.

Give him a pair of broken-in jeans, a comfortable T-shirt, work boots, and he was good to go.

Though there was a certain appeal to dressing up. But Ward and his gargoyles in their human form seemed to prefer comfort. Kayden would describe it as business casual—slacks, neat shirts, and dress shoes.

But what was really throwing him was Ward’s human facade. Not that he wasn’t sexy as a human. He was. Most definitely. Absolutely. His luscious brown hair cascaded down to graze the tops of his shoulders—shoulders that appeared much slenderer and more delicate in this form.

And, okay, his neatly tucked-in dress shirt accentuated a trim waistline, a stark contrast to the more robust form Kayden had grown accustomed to seeing.

The dark pants clung to his sculpted thighs, showcasing their definition with each step, unlike the tree trunks Kayden was used to. He kind of missed the grand, powerful wings that unfurled with majestic grace, casting expansive shadows.

And the horns that spiraled elegantly above Ward’s head, adding an air of mystique and authority. Then there was that incredibly long tail, slithering around like it had a life of its own, its movements unpredictable and captivating.

Not to mention that Ward, in his true form, was an imposing presence that loomed over him. Kayden had no idea he was into looming. Go figure.

But yeah, whatever secrets Raven was guarding, Kayden wanted no part of it.

Ward read whatever was on that piece of paper and then handed it right back to Raven. No emotion crossed Ward’s face either, giving nothing away to what he was thinking.

“Do you understand now?” Raven asked.

“I do. I’ll pass the information on to Rihanna and then never speak of it again.”

“Thank you. Felix will escort you back to your vehicles. Your coolers are waiting for you there. If you need anything else, anything at all, even if it doesn’t have to do with Rihanna, please reach out. I mean that, Ward.”

“I will. Please do the same, Raven.”

They shook hands, and Kayden couldn’t help but think about the first time he’d offered Ward his hand. So maybe it wasn’t as unusual as he’d thought.

“Have a safe journey back,” Raven said.

The return trip to the SUVs was mostly silent. Just as Raven had mentioned, the coolers were ready for them upon arrival. As soon as they stepped out of the building, Kayden swore he heard a crow or something calling. Which was just weird. Didn’t birds sleep at night?

They packed everything up. Tank drove and Scarlett sat up front. Seemingly lost in thought, Ward gazed out the window with a contemplative expression. Kayden wanted to ask if he was okay, but he didn’t know if whatever was on his mind had to do with that meeting or something else.

Towering trees cast dense shadows along the road back to Ward’s territory, and the headlights of their SUV cut through the settling fog.

Since Ward didn’t seem interested in having a conversation, Kayden’s mind turned to his feelings for the male sitting next to him. His heart had always been simple and straightforward.

Love something? Chase it. Afraid of something? Face it. Yet now, sitting beside Ward, it was as if he were trying to find his way through a maze with no guidance.

Ward finally broke the silence. “You’re awfully quiet. Is everything okay?”

“Funny, I was thinking of asking you the same thing,” Kayden admitted, turning to look at him. “I was just thinking about that meeting. That was heavy. I’m not sure my friends and I should’ve even been there.”

“You and your friends are under my protection. I wasn’t going to abandon you in the SUVs. I don’t care how capable the vampires think they are.”

Ward sighed, his gaze returning to the passing scenery.

“Certain actions carry significant consequences—ones that may extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. That meeting was a prime example of that,” Ward said.

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m glad I’m not in a position of power,” Kayden replied.

Ward glanced at Kayden. “Oh, I don’t know. In a way, you kind of are. You are the leader of your construction crews.”

“I consider them my found family, but I don’t make life or death decisions for them.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Kayden wasn’t really sure of anything right then. He was completely out of his comfort zone. One moment, he felt a pull toward the familiar, and the next, he was thrust into the unknown.

He wavered between wanting to retreat and the curiosity of what lay ahead. Hell, he didn’t even know what his relationship with Ward was.

“How are you handling all this?” Ward finally asked after a few more minutes of riding in silence. “I mean dealing with paranormal society. It’s a lot.”

“It is. Especially since paranormal society doesn’t have much to do with me. I find it mostly fascinating.” Kayden offered a small smile to Ward, trying to lighten the mood. “Plus, I get to see different sides of you—though I’ve got to say, I’m quite a fan of your gargoyle form.”

Ward chuckled deeply. Kayden enjoyed how the rich sound filled the space between them.

“I’m glad to hear that. I can walk among humans as one of them, when necessary, but what you see in my true form? That’s who I really am.”

Kayden nodded. “I think being seen for who you truly are is the greatest gift. And despite everything that’s going on, I’m grateful for the opportunity of getting to know you.”

Ward held out his hand, staring steadily at Kayden. Slowly, Kayden joined their hands.

“We need to have a discussion when we get back to the castle,” Ward said. “About us and our expectations.”

“I was thinking the same.”

They drove onward through the winding roads. When they arrived back at the castle, relief and apprehension flooded Kayden.

“C’mon,” Ward said once Tank parked the SUV. “Let’s get inside and unwind a bit.”

Kayden glanced at the SUVs. “What about the coolers?”

“I’ll just be—”

“We’ll take care of those, Ward,” Tank said.

“Oh. Well, um, good. That’s good,” Kayden said.

“I’ll also tell Lance and Mika you need a minute,” Tank added helpfully.

Kayden hesitated. Lance and Mika wouldn’t think anything odd about that. They already knew that he and Ward had kissed. “Thanks. Tell them I’ll catch up with them later.”

“Sure thing.”

Kayden followed Ward upstairs.

As soon as they entered Ward’s spacious and dimly lit bedroom, he dropped his human facade. Kayden blinked in surprise. He wasn’t sure, but he thought that was the first time Ward had done such a thing. And it was quick too—just a blurring of his figure and bam . Gargoyle.

Now this. This right here was the Ward that Kayden knew—the horns, the wings, the tail, the clawed feet, that damn muscular body that he wanted to lick from one end to the other.

And if he kept thinking like that, there would be no talking.

Instead, he focused on the heavy drapes, slightly pulled back to let moonlight spill across the ancient stone floor and reflect off the intricate wall tapestries.

It was funny how he was coming to appreciate the moonlight.

Ward draped his wings around his shoulders like a cape and walked over to a large armchair by the fireplace, motioning for Kayden to take the opposite seat. With a wave of his hand and a softly spoken spell, a fire started.

Kayden jumped. He knew Ward was magical—all gargoyles were—but seeing Ward use his power so nonchalantly surprised him. He had no idea why, though, because Kayden used his all the time without a second thought. It was part of him and natural. He was also glad Ward felt comfortable enough to be himself around Kayden too.

Ward leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together. “I’ve been meaning to discuss us—what we want and what we’re doing here.”

Kayden nodded, feeling his heartbeat quicken with anticipation. “Sure, I’m all ears.”

“I’m attracted to you. I’ve told you that. And I think it’s safe to say we have some excellent chemistry.”

“Of that, there’s no doubt.”

“I’m not interested in a dalliance. Or whatever the current word is these days. I want a relationship,” Ward said.

Kayden nodded. “I don’t see you being the type looking for a hookup.”

“There’s nothing wrong with no strings attached sex, but that’s not what I want at this point in my life. I should also mention that gargoyles rarely date outside of their species.”

“I wondered about that. From my understanding, you guys are pretty private and stick to yourselves,” Kayden said.

“That’s true. And in the past, it was much worse than it is now. I’m trying to change that. I’m trying to modernize my clan, I guess you could say. Someone has pointed out that Time marches on, and those who cannot keep up fall behind.”

“Whoever said that seems pretty smart.”

Ward chuckled. “We won’t tell Tank you said that. That bald head of his is big enough as it is. So? Is a relationship something you’re looking for?”

“I’m not looking for a hookup or even friends with benefits. I’m in my thirties, Ward. Now, I know you guys age differently than us, but I age like werewolves. I don’t have the hundreds and hundreds of years you have. You know that, right?”

“I do, yes, but we’ll circle back around to that in a minute. Are you interested in a relationship with me?”

“Need me to be blunt about it? Yes, I am. I’m not interested in seeing anybody else, either.”

“Yes. I need you to be blunt. And yes, before you ask, there’s a reason for my needing bluntness. I saw you and you instantly attracted me. It was surprising because I’d hired you to do a job for me, and I don’t like to mix business with pleasure.”

Kayden nodded. “I totally get that, because I felt the same.”

“Then there’s the fact you’re not a gargoyle.”

“Nope. Not a gargoyle.”

“But you drew me in a way no one has. Ever.”

“It’s funny you should say that, because my power reacted to you from the moment I laid eyes on you too. That’s never happened to me.”

A huge smile spread across Ward’s face. “I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that.”

“Yeah?”

“There’s a concept within my kind—among many creatures in our world, actually. It’s about two beings whose lives are intertwined so deeply that their spirits recognize each other across time and space,” Ward explained, watching Kayden. “It’s called Fated mates.”

He knew exactly what Ward was talking about. Kayden, after all, had two close friends who were shifters.

Mika and Lance had often talked about finding their Fated mates. And apparently Kayden was an idiot because he thought that was something that only applied to werecreatures.

Ward bringing up Fated mates could only mean one thing, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. The idea—when applied to him and his kind—was new. Fascinating yet daunting.

“Fated mates,” Kayden repeated softly, letting the idea roll around in his head. “Do you believe in that?”

“Absolutely. No one in my clan has found their Fated one, but I’ve met gargoyles who have,” Ward admitted. “It’s not some fairy tale, and I believe you may be my Fated mate.”

Woo boy boy. He’d been expecting talk of a relationship, not a joining of souls, and his brain was kinda numb. He also didn’t know what to do or say, but he could see Ward watching him nervously.

“But there is something I need to do first to make sure that we are indeed Fated, and I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about it.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound serious. Not at all. So, what is it you need to do to?”

“I need to taste your blood.”

Kayden blinked at Ward. “You need to taste my blood.”

“Yes.”

“That’s giving vampire vibes, just so you know. Okay, how much blood are we talking?”

“Not much of it at all. A drop or two will do.”

“Where do you get this not much of it from?”

Ward took Kayden’s hand and tapped his wrist. “From right here if you like.”

“Hmm.” That would be doable. At least, he thought it would be. “And how do you get my blood from that spot?”

Ward’s eyes flashed blue, and wow, was that sexy or what? That hadn’t happened yet.

“Teeth if you want, or I can use a lancet.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa. If Kayden found that hot and intriguing, what did it say about him? “Teeth as in biting me,” Kayden said slowly, almost testing out the idea.

“Yes,” Ward told him softly.

Kayden’s breath hitched in his lungs. He should probably be freaked out by this revelation, but all it did was make him more interested. “I didn’t expect…. Yeah, I’ll let you bite me.” His voice was surprisingly steady considering the way his pulse soared.

Ward threaded his fingers through Kayden’s and squeezed lightly. “Thank you.”

“Do I have to do anything special? It’s not every day someone asks me for blood.”

“Nope. Just be you.”

As nice as that sounded, it didn’t exactly answer his question. “Be me while you—”

“It won’t hurt, not even a little. I promise. Just relax.” Ward’s eyes flashed blue again.

Oh man. That was so hot. Kayden realized he was smiling as he asked, “When?”

Was he seriously considering this? Yes. Yes, he was. Kayden was surprised at how quickly the answer came to him. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he didn’t want to get involved with someone who had a Fated mate out there just waiting to show up and wreck Kayden’s happiness.

Better to know for sure now. He looked at Ward, sitting there, so earnest and adorable, and part of him just melted a little.

“Now?” Ward asked.

“Now is good. I can do now. Yeah, let’s do now.” Why no, he wasn’t babbling, thanks for asking.

Ward drew Kayden’s hand closer and held it gently. He watched, his breath caught somewhere in his chest, as Ward’s fangs dropped slowly, gleaming in the light.

Whoa. He had fangs! It was a strange mix of thrilling and intimidating that made Kayden shiver with anticipation. Then, with a soft glance to make sure this was still okay, Ward leaned in and bit down.

As Ward’s fangs pierced his skin, Kayden felt a slight pressure. There was no pain at all. He watched, transfixed, as Ward drank. A dizzying heat surged through his veins, an intense warmth that radiated from his core and spread like a gentle tide.

It was astonishing to him that something could feel so intimate, so profoundly right. He felt connected to Ward suddenly. The sound of Kayden’s own heartbeat filled his ears, loud and steady, accompanied by the soft sound of Ward’s breathing as he drank from him.

The intensity of the connection between them seemed to amplify every sound. The sensation enveloped Kayden completely, leaving him breathless with its unexpected depth and connection.

He gasped. Pleasure spread through him, but that wasn’t what made him gasp. It was the thin golden ribbon of energy flowing from his chest toward Ward, binding them together.

In that moment, they were no longer two separate individuals, but one entity intertwined in a sacred dance of mutual understanding and shared energy.

Each breath, each heartbeat, each touch was a symphony of perfect harmony, a dance of souls in perfect sync. And in this connection, Kayden felt a completeness and a sense of belonging that he’d never experienced before. He watched as the ribbon sank into Ward’s chest.

When Ward lifted his head again, there was a look of wonder in his eyes, and Kayden felt like he was drowning in it.

“That didn’t hurt,” Kayden said with an almost bemused smile. “Not even a little.”

Ward stroked the place where his fangs had been, sealing the small wounds with a touch that tingled just as much. “I promised you it wouldn’t.”

“And you were right.” Kayden flexed his wrist experimentally. “So I guess the question now is—are we?”

“Do you feel different?” Ward asked, studying him closely.

“I….” Kayden tried to sort out the sound of his racing heart from everything else inside of him. “I saw something when you did it. Maybe you should try again just to be sure?”

Ward’s laughter was deep and warm. “Do you want me to?”

“I think I liked it a little too much,” Kayden said with a grin. “Is that normal?”

“Very normal for Fated mates.”

There was something fierce and joyful in the way Ward said those words. It made Kayden feel like they’d already crossed some huge finish line he hadn’t realized they’d been running toward.

“But yes, I saw something—a golden ribbon going from you to me,” Ward said. “I don’t have anyone to ask, but I’m pretty sure that means we are Fated.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that, either. I think you’re right.”

“Are you okay? Or just surprised?”

Kayden’s laugh was only slightly hysterical. “Surprised. Shocked. Startled. Stunned.”

“That’s a lot of ‘S’ words.”

“Flabbergasted. Astounded. Flummoxed. Amazed. Caught off guard.”

“Well, at least I’m not hearing words like horrified or disgusted, so I guess that’s something.”

“Look at you making me word.”

“You’re saying you need a minute?”

“God, yes.”

Ward gave Kayden exactly what he asked for—time to think. Silence hung between them as Kayden absorbed this mind-blowing revelation. Oh, he had lots of thoughts, but one stood out above all others.

And that was the thought Fate had someone for him. It was overwhelming, yet inexplicably appealing. He’d always felt so alone, and now he wouldn’t have to be. But oh dear God, this was huge.

“Ward, I….” Kayden paused, searching for the right words. “I’m nonhuman. A teek. I don’t have magic like you—no ancient lineage or anything like that. Can a nonhuman and a paranormal like you even be Fated mates? My lifespan doesn’t even match up with yours.”

“That’s exactly why we needed to talk. We may be a different species, but destiny, or whatever it is you might believe in, would not have made us Fated mates if there wasn’t a way around our differences. And there is a way around the lifespan problem.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’d just as soon not go into it right this second, but it has to do with blood, of course.”

“Of course. Okay, please don’t take this the wrong way, but what if I’m not ready right this minute for something that… heavy? Do we have to mate this second?” Kayden asked hesitantly.

Ward smiled softly. “Being potentially Fated mates doesn’t bind us to an immediate commitment—it’s more about understanding the depth of our connection and exploring where it could lead without denying its possibility. We don’t have to decide anything at the moment.”

Relief mixed with curiosity surged through Kayden. “To be clear, I’m not saying no to mating you. I’d just like to get to know you.”

“I understand that, and I’d like to get to know you as well.”

“What does this mean for us?”

“It means we take our time,” Ward replied. “We learn about each other, grow together, and not force anything prematurely.”

Ward reached his hand across the space between them.

Kayden took it, feeling a jolt of energy at their touch—an electric connection that affirmed everything Ward had just described.

“So no pressure?” Kayden asked with a tentative smile.

“None at all,” Ward assured him, squeezing his hand gently. “We do this at our pace. But we are doing this, yes?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Would you mind if I told my clan we’re Fated?”

Kayden pursed his lips, giving the subject the attention it deserved. He wasn’t ashamed of what was growing between them, but he didn’t want anyone to think they were getting bonded immediately either. “I’m fine with it as long as it’s clear we’re taking our time.”

“Good.”

They both needed a little more than just holding hands, so Kayden got up and crawled into Ward’s lap, wrapping his arms around Ward’s neck.

The happy, deep-chested purr—holy shit, Ward could purr?—that greeted Kayden made him feel like maybe, just maybe, this was where he was supposed to be and it would all work out.