Page 24 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

WARD DISLIKED it when Kayden returned to his seat. He’d relished having him sit on his lap and could easily become accustomed to it.

As they talked, Ward realized they had a lot in common, which didn’t come as a tremendous surprise. If fate had brought them together, it was only logical. Although they’d discussed business topics extensively, they had barely touched on their personal preferences and interests.

Kayden’s mention of the book he was reading pleased Ward. He already knew Kayden enjoyed books. He also enjoyed a variety of foods and appeared to be quite adventurous with his eating habits. This news would also please his chef.

His delight at discovering their shared viewing of a popular streaming show sparked a conversation about the main characters’ baffling decisions.

As they chatted, his phone beeped, indicating an email. He retrieved his cell from his leather pants and frowned upon noticing it was from Kage.

“Is everything okay?”

Ward glanced up from his phone. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“You’re frowning.”

“It’s nothing bad. Well, if it’s what I think it is, it is bad, but it’s something I need to know.”

“Bad news that could be good?”

“Pretty much, yes.” Ward debated if he should share what was going on with Kayden. Trust had to begin somewhere, didn’t it? “It’s from Kage. I asked him and Hudson to send me any details they find about the experiments conducted on Rihanna.”

“That’s the very definition of bad news that could be good. Well, good for Rihanna to know, I guess. Listen, I’m not sure about your work schedule, but if that’s something you need to handle, go ahead. We can chat anytime.”

“I do need to take care of this, and I also need to speak to Rihanna about the blood bags and the information Raven gave me. Tell you what, let’s do this. Dinner is going to be in a couple of hours. How would you feel about us dining in private?”

Kayden smiled. “Like a date?”

“Exactly like a date. Does that sound good?”

“That sounds fabulous.”

“Excellent.” Ward stood. “Also, as a business owner, I understand you have other tasks to handle, even if you’re not currently working on my castle. Do I need to find you an office to work out of?”

Kayden also got to his feet. “Let’s just see how things go. Right now, I can work from my laptop.”

“If that changes, let me know. Also, please make yourself at home. Same goes for Lance and Mika.”

“I will, and we will.” Kayden shifted from foot to foot, then stepped closer to Ward and quickly kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

“You certainly will.” Ward held his bedroom door open so they could leave. With a wave, Kayden headed down the stairs while Ward continued on to his office.

A warm smile spread across his face as his fingers gently traced the spot where Kayden’s lips had softly brushed against his skin. The memory of the tender moment lingered, like the warmth of sunlight on a cool afternoon—not that he knew what that felt like, but he could guess.

A pleasant flutter danced in his chest, leaving him feeling both cherished and content.

He walked into his office and took a seat at his desk. After opening his laptop, he accessed the email from Kage. As expected, it included the case notes outlining what the hunters had done to Rihanna during their experiments with her DNA.

As he reviewed the details, anger surged through his veins. Not even the gods could protect those responsible if Ward ever caught them. The horrors inflicted upon her were beyond words.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Should he tell her about this? Was it necessary for her to know that they’d seen her merely as a test subject rather than as a human being?

If he switched their positions, would he want to know? Absolutely, he would. Since he needed to speak with her anyway, he sent her a text. She replied almost immediately that she was on her way.

Ward waited at his desk, his fingers drumming lightly on the surface as he contemplated the conversation ahead. He wasn’t just concerned about delivering the grim details of the experiments.

He was also worried about Rihanna’s reaction. The information could change everything for her, reshaping her view of her own past and future.

The knock on the door came sooner than expected. “Come in.”

Rihanna entered, moving gracefully across the room. She took the seat opposite him. “What’s going on?”

“I have information from Kage about the experiments on you,” Ward began. Shit, he could still hear the underlying fury in his voice. “But I must warn you—it’s unsettling.”

Rihanna nodded, her jaw tightening. “I’m listening.”

He passed over his laptop, displaying the detailed report sent by Kage. It listed findings from multiple lab tests, genetic modifications attempted on Rihanna’s DNA, and several other vile trials performed on her without her consent or awareness.

When she finished, there was silence—an oppressive, heavy silence that filled the room.

“As I read through that, it’s clear they weren’t merely experimenting. They were trying to recreate the Power of Three. And they did,” Ward said.

Rihanna looked at him sharply. “This isn’t just about them using me as a lab rat. They planned to weaponize whatever they made me into. Fuck.”

“I truly am sorry, Rihanna. If I could, I’d undo what was done to you and send you back to your own realm. Best I can do is assure you we destroyed the lab that held you captive, as were the case notes, so that this can’t be recreated.”

“Thank you. I hate to say this, but Kage took a chance sending this to you.”

“It’s encrypted. Now, did Tank tell you about the blood bags?”

“He did, and he also told me their storage location. Thank you so much for that. And I should tell you, I’ve already had a bag, and I could tell a difference immediately.”

“I’m relieved to hear it. I have the name of Raven’s distributor, so that’s also taken care of. There was something else he told me. There is only one true way to end a vampire’s second life.”

Rihanna raised an eyebrow. “Only one way?”

“Yes. Sun burns them badly but doesn’t kill them. They don’t turn to ash as seen in the movies. You can bleed them until they turn into basically a husk, but it’s still not a true death. Even dismemberment doesn’t do the job.”

“Well, that’s interesting.”

“Do you have vampires in your realm?”

“Yes, we do, but they’re not as hardy as these, it appears.”

“Interesting. So, silver is nothing more than an allergy. It can burn but won’t kill them. Then you have human mythology—which actually doesn’t affect them—like crosses, moving water, walking on consecrated ground.”

“None of that affects ours, either.”

“A vampire does not have to be invited inside in order to enter any residence, garlic doesn’t bother them, and—”

Rihanna snickered. “Isn’t garlic a spice?”

“Technically, it’s classified as a vegetable,although garlic is most commonly considered a spice.”

“Then why in the world would that be a deterrent?”

“I really have no idea. Again, it’s mythology. They also cast a reflection, and no, I don’t know why that’s a thing.”

Rihanna laughed. “Well, I most certainly cast a reflection. As far as I know, I don’t have any of those disadvantages, and I am not testing some of those out to see.”

“Can’t say that I blame you. Now, for the one thing that can kill a vampire. And believe me when I tell you, this is a closely guarded secret.”

“I imagine so.”

“Agarwood is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in incense, perfume, and small carvings. It’s formed in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees when they become infected with a type of mold. No idea why only that kind of wood can kill a vampire, but it’s the one thing that will. And that wood is almost impossible to find now, but not completely impossible.”

“I see. Would you tell Raven I said thank you the next time you speak with him? This information is very helpful,” Rihanna said.

“I certainly will. He also said to tell you he’ll answer questions and offer help because of your vampire DNA. I’ll text you his number. Actually, let me do that now.” Ward got his cell and sent Raven’s number to Rihanna. “There. He would be a powerful ally.”

“Thank you for sharing that with me.”

“Regardless of whether you stay with my clan or not, information is power, and I want you to have all the power you can. Are you okay?”

“I will be. Thank you, Ward. I want you to know that I appreciate all that you have done for me.” Rihanna stood.

“I take care of those who belong to me,” Ward said as he came around the desk. He wanted to hug her, but, unsure of her reaction—especially after her recent discovery—he gently patted her shoulder instead.

He escorted her out of his office and went back to his desk. It took him a few more minutes to calm the anger he felt about what she’d gone through. Then he emailed Raven, expressing Rihanna’s gratitude.

Since he had some time before dinner, he typed a quick text to his chef, outlining his plans for the evening.

He knew that news of his dinner with Kayden would quickly circulate but wasn’t concerned, although he needed to inform his counsel who Kayden was to him, and soon. They had the right to know.

With that done, he settled back into his work, immersing himself in the projects that awaited his attention.

WHEN IT was finally time, he texted Kayden and asked him to meet him in the grand hall.

Upon his arrival, Kayden was already there, patiently waiting. Together, they strolled outside, their footsteps echoing softly as they moved toward the lush, vibrant gardens around the castle.

Ward steered Kayden down a certain path. Blooming jasmine and freshly mowed grass gently scented the air. String lights twinkled like distant stars above the gazebo, casting a warm glow that illuminated the carefully laid table within.

A fine white linen cloth adorned the table. Atop it, crystal glasses sparkled beside a centerpiece of delicate moonflowers and silver lanterns with candles inside. Polished silverware and plates of fine china complemented each setting.

Ward surveyed the scene that had been put together for his moonlit dinner with Kayden. It was perfect. He had no idea who had put in the extra effort, but he owed them. This was way more than he’d expected.

“This is beautiful,” Kayden murmured.

Ward, pleased by his reaction, gestured toward the gazebo. “Shall we?”

Arm in arm, Ward escorted Kayden to the table. The soft strums of acoustic guitar music filled the air from hidden speakers, enhancing the romantic ambiance.

Ward pulled out a chair for Kayden, who sat down with a smile. Someone had poured wine into their glasses before their arrival and covered plates waited on the table. He sat across from Kayden.

“To a beautiful night,” Ward toasted, raising his glass.

“To a beautifully planned dinner.”

Conversation flowed easily between them as they ate a savory herb-crusted lamb accompanied by roasted root vegetables and a side salad. Throughout dinner, their laughter mingled with the soft serenade from the music.

As they reached for their dessert spoons together—an unintentional action that caused them both to chuckle—Kayden’s hand briefly covered Ward’s on the table. It was a simple touch, but one charged with an electric current that pulsed in time with their heartbeats.

Finally, as they lingered over coffee served in elegant porcelain cups, Kayden reached across and held Ward’s hand firmly. “Are you trying to seduce me by moonlight?”

“What if I am?”

“Then I’d have to say it’s working. Thank you. It’s more than I imagined.”

Ward squeezed Kayden’s hand in response. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

“Me too.”

Ward stood gracefully, extending his hand once more. “May I have this dance?”

“Oh shit, for real?”

“For real.”

Laughing, Kayden quickly stood up and took Ward’s hand. Together, they stepped out of the gazebo. There was a little open area bathed in moonlight that was absolutely perfect to slow dance in.

Kayden moved into Ward’s arms. “Just so you know? This may be the best date I’ve ever been on.”

Ward pulled Kayden closer. “Same.”

They swayed gently to the quiet melody, surrounded by the soft glow of moonlight and the subtle lights from the gazebo. Ward could feel Kayden’s heartbeat through the light fabric of his shirt, a steady rhythm that paired with his own.

There was a comfortable silence that settled over them as they continued to dance. The music was a sweet, quiet whisper against the backdrop of rustling leaves and distant night sounds.

Eventually, they stopped moving altogether, merely holding each other in the silvery light. Ward was reluctant to let go. He wanted to remain locked in this moment, where everything felt right in a world that often seemed determined to prove otherwise.

Kayden pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Ward’s gaze. “You know something? I think this should happen more often.”

“I agree,” Ward replied without hesitation. “I enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Me too. It’s a good start, isn’t it?”

“It’s an excellent start,” Ward assured him, tightening his embrace momentarily before releasing him. “Come on, let’s head back inside. My time is running out, I’m afraid. Daylight approaches.”

Ward had never hated the sun more. He wasn’t ready to turn to stone.

“I know. Could I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Can I see you change, or am I completely out of line?”

Stunned, Ward stared at Kayden. “You want to see that?”

“Of course. It’s part of who you are. I mean, if we’re going to be together, shouldn’t I embrace that aspect of you as well? It’s not like you can stop yourself from turning into stone—that’s just what gargoyles do. Unless it’s, like, a private thing.”

The acceptance nearly knocked Ward over. His mind swirled with disbelief and excitement. “You are amazing. Yes, you can see.”