Page 25 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE – K AYDEN

HOLDING HANDS, Kayden let Ward pull him along the winding corridors of the castle. His heart pounded with anticipation because he was really going to see Ward turn to stone—he was going to watch as the sun claimed Ward for the day.

At last, they reached a slender spiral staircase that twisted its way up to the tower’s peak, providing access to the rooftop. Years of use had left the steps worn.

Ward’s grip was firm yet gentle, urging him upward with a quiet insistence. The cool night greeted them when they emerged at the top.

The vast sky stretched above them, dotted with countless stars twinkling like distant diamonds, but Kayden could see how the sky lightened as daylight approached.

The rooftop stretched wide, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding land. There were other gargoyles, and Tank waved at them as Ward pulled Kayden away from the crowd. They definitely received some odd looks.

“Are you sure about this?” Ward asked.

Kayden nodded enthusiastically as the first light of dawn teased the horizon, streaks of pink and orange cutting across the sky. “I’m completely sure.”

He couldn’t look away from Ward. His excitement mingled with awe and nervousness as he watched the first rays inch closer, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Everything felt surreal in the early morning light.

Ward held Kayden’s face in his hands, eyes full of warmth and gratitude. “I’m glad you’re here.”

In response, Kayden pulled him into a fierce embrace. “Me too.”

They stood there for several seconds.

Then Ward stepped away. “Stand back just a little.”

Reluctantly, Kayden retreated a few steps but kept his eyes locked on Ward.

Ward positioned himself. As the light touched him, he smiled at Kayden one last time before his midnight-blue skin started turning a dull gray, the color of stone.

Kayden watched in breathless wonder as Ward’s expression, not merely frozen but comfortably at ease, gradually transformed. Intricate granite patterns emerged, weaving across his skin like a master artist’s work.

These stony designs spread along his arms and chest, until, in a breathtaking moment, Ward became stone.

Kayden released a quivering breath, utterly captivated by a beauty that defied comprehension and left him speechless. But it was also kind of sad because until the sun went down, Ward was gone from him.

Moving forward tentatively, he let his fingers brush against Ward’s arm—the smooth texture was cool beneath his fingertips despite being in full sunlight now.

Somehow, in this form, Ward looked more like the creatures one would see on the roofs of old churches and such. And yeah, he looked terrifying.

Heart brimming with emotion and his mind swirling, Kayden stood beside his stone mate, relishing the beauty of the sunrise. Of course, only one of them could truly savor this breathtaking sight.

He patted Ward’s arm. “Good night. I’ll see you soon.”

Yawning, Kayden made his way down the stone staircase and went to his room.

The enormity of what he’d just witnessed seeped into Kayden’s thoughts, the memory of Ward’s transformation vivid and overwhelming.

Exhausted yet exhilarated, he barely had time to process it all before he succumbed to sleep.

KAYDEN WOKE later that afternoon, disoriented for a moment by the quiet stillness surrounding him. He stretched languidly, his mind skipping back to the rooftop.

The morning came rushing back to him—the grandeur of the sunrise and the unforgettable moment when Ward turned to stone before his eyes.

He showered and dressed quickly. It was almost time for Ward to wake up, and he wanted to be there.

When Kayden emerged onto the rooftop, his eyes went straight to the other gargoyles who waited for the sun to set, but he wasn’t interested in them. He hurried to where Ward squatted.

Relief that he got there before the sun set mingled with affection as he approached. He circled around Ward as best he could, drinking in every detail of his mate’s stone form. His fingers grazed over Ward’s cheek.

Every fissure and texture fascinated Kayden. What must it be like? Was he aware? Or was it like when Kayden slept—completely unconscious? If he looked at it that way, he didn’t feel quite so sad.

Settling beside Ward, Kayden let the rest of the afternoon slip quietly by. The vast sky shifted and, slowly but surely, the sun dipped toward the horizon once more.

Kayden’s anticipation reignited alongside growing impatience. He tried to picture what Ward would look like when freed from stone—if he’d be any different at all. Was there such a thing as groggy gargoyles?

The lowering sun cast softer light across Ward’s frozen features. Finally the sun set, and then it happened—a resounding crack echoed through the stillness as his stony exterior crumbled away.

A low, guttural growl emanated from Ward’s throat as his body changed from stone to skin and muscles adapted to his newly revealed self. Color emerged again.

Veins of muted blue returned first on his shoulders, then his arms and chest. They spread downward until at last his whole body stirred. More stone fragments fell away, and Ward’s massive wings stretched out to their full size as his body contorted and shifted.

His blinking eyes found Kayden immediately.

“Good morning,” Kayden whispered in wonderment.

“It is now.”

Kayden threw himself at Ward, laughing.

“Easy!” Ward chuckled deeply as he took a step back.

“I can’t believe how amazing that was!” Kayden sounded breathless again, but now from excitement—and relief that this time they wouldn’t have to part soon.

“Was it worth watching?”

“Oh my God, yes!” He pulled back just enough to look into Ward’s eyes—which seemed deeper and brighter than ever against the dark sky. “But I’m glad you’re back.”

Ward smiled as he held Kayden.

Ward’s wings engulfed him, and it was the coolest feeling ever. They were just so huge. They completely shielded him, he would bet. Being tucked up close to Ward like this was absolutely amazing.

Until Kayden’s stomach growled, and, oh wow, he actually felt Ward chuckle against him.

“Sounds like we better feed that thing.” Ward leaned back so he could stare down at Kayden.

“And a cup of coffee would be greatly appreciated.”

“I agree.” Ward folded his wings around his shoulders. “Let’s go see what there is for breakfast.”

Kayden noticed a mix of gargoyles and humans had already gathered in the dining area, eating and talking amidst the clinking silverware and the hum of conversation.

A few nodded politely at Kayden, some even smiling warmly. That was promising. But others regarded him with more cautious expressions, which he understood. He was a stranger.

There were a few sideways glances that lingered on Kayden too long too. Then there was an older male who glared at him. He didn’t have a clue what was up with that and ignored it as they got their food.

Ward went to a table on the quieter edge of the room. “This okay?”

“Yeah,” Kayden said, thankful they were away from the glaring gargoyle.

Sitting down together, Kayden couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Beside him, Ward appeared completely at ease, digging into his meal with gusto.

Was he unaware or just unconcerned by the scrutiny? Kayden stabbed absentmindedly at his eggs. The caution and curiosity he got. But there had been dislike in a gaze or two.

He caught sight of a youngish looking gargoyle girl, not much older than ten by human years, sneaking curious peeks at him, then quickly averting her gaze whenever he glanced her way.

Ward paused mid-bite. “They’re all just curious.”

“I know,” Kayden murmured.

“Don’t worry,” Ward reassured him between mouthfuls of food. “Word has most likely gotten out about our dinner last night and people are wondering. I don’t date much.”

Kayden smiled despite himself and returned to eating.

“They’ll warm up to you. And if not, I have a few towers we can exile them into,” Ward said with a wink.

Kayden laughed, though being the outsider gnawed at him.

A few minutes later, Lance and Mika joined them. No sooner than they sat down, Tank showed up.

“Oh look, the gang’s all here,” Lance joked.

Tank rolled his eyes. “We’re actually missing a few people.”

“They’ll show up, I’m sure,” Ward said, taking a bite of bacon.

“Sleep well last night?” Lance asked Kayden as he spread his napkin across his lap.

“Great.” Kayden bit into a plump strawberry. Damn, that was good. “What about you?”

“Like a baby. Missed you at dinner,” Lance replied, picking up his fork.

“No, we didn’t,” Mika said as he sipped his coffee.

“Yes, we did,” Lance corrected Mika.

“Might I remind you that cats having nine lives is just a saying?” Mika asked.

Tank snorted.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Lance claimed as he refocused on Kayden. “So?”

“You’re not going to stop, are you?”

Lance grinned. “Nope.”

“You know perfectly good and damn well we were not at dinner last night because Ward and I had dinner together. Alone. In the gardens.”

“Ha! Yeah, I knew. I helped carry some stuff out there. And my day isn’t complete if I don’t mess with you.”

“Lucky me.”

“So?” Lance bit into a buttered biscuit, chewed, and swallowed. “How was it?”

Kayden looked dead straight at Ward as he answered. “It was the best date of my life.”

Ward smiled back at him.

Joel walked up holding a tray and sat down as well. “Who had a date?”

“Hey you guys.” Scarlett also sat down with a tray. “Ward did.”

“Oh? Damn, how did I miss that?” Joel asked as he spread jelly on his toast.

“No idea,” Tank said. “It’s all anyone can talk about this morning.”

Kayden blushed.

“Then who was it?” Joel asked, staring at Lance.

Lance blinked. “Um, why are you looking at me?”

Joel turned to look at Mika.

“Seriously?” Scarlett scowled at Joel.

“No, it wasn’t me,” Mika confirmed.

“Then, who?”

Grinning, Lance pointed his fork at Kayden.

Joel glanced at Kayden. “Oh.”

Lance set his fork down next to his plate, suddenly serious. “Listen, my dude, you need to put a bit more excitement behind that oh .”

“Lance, don’t,” Kayden said. The last thing he wanted was for Lance to clash with one of Ward’s clan members. Besides, he was quite certain this one was also on Ward’s council.

“You’re such an idiot, Joel,” Tank muttered.

Ward let out a low growl.

Startled by the unexpected sound, Kayden whipped his head around to stare at Ward. What the hell was that ?

“Hold on, hold on, there’s a misunderstanding here,” Joel claimed. “I just assumed—”

“You’re digging yourself a hole.” Scarlett took a bite of her hash browns. “I suggest you tread carefully.”

“As do I. Explain what you assumed, Joel,” Ward demanded.

“Everybody, just calm down. I was surprised. Ward doesn’t date the help,” Joel said.

“You really are an idiot.” Scarlett wiped her fingers on a napkin.

Kayden’s jaw dropped in disbelief. The help? Did that asshole just refer to Kayden as the help ?

“Shit. I didn’t mean it like that! I meant Ward hired Kayden to do a job. Employee. I should’ve said employee,” Joel hurriedly added.

“Actually, what you need to do is shut your damn mouth,” Tank said, glancing at Ward.

“Yes, Kayden and I had a date last night,” Ward said with a snarl at Joel, who shuddered.

“From the moment he entered my territory, something drew me to him. He told me last night he felt the same about me. Kayden and I are dating.” Ward slammed his utensils down. “And if you have a problem with that—”

Joel waved his hands in the air. “Oh gods, I never said I had a—”

“Well, I do. My King, what in the world are you thinking?” an older gargoyle demanded as he stopped by their table. “This is simply unacceptable. Not only is he not a gargoyle, he’s male. You must mate with a female in order to secure your line.”

“What?” Shocked, Kayden looked back and forth between Ward and the older gargoyle. This was the one who’d been giving him a hard stare earlier. Ward had to mate with a female? He certainly hadn’t mentioned anything about having babies last night.

“Graymore, you’re testing my patience,” Ward warned. “You’ve been told numerous times I’m not attracted to females.”

Graymore sniffed. “The right female has simply not come along.”

Kayden’s lip curled. Oh, he was one of those, was he? Just needed the right pussy to get Ward off dick.

So gross, that thinking.

“That’s the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard. There is no right female for me. I am not interested in females. You, and the rest of the elders, have been told this repeatedly. I will never mate with a female.”

“You must. In the meantime, it is unbecoming for you to be wasting your time with this… this… teek . A nonhuman? Really, Ward?”

A sharp, searing pain pierced Kayden’s chest, like a jagged shard of glass. Not this again. A familiar wave of dread washed over him, his heart pounding against his rib cage with a relentless urgency.

Why was he never enough? Why did he always fall short of expectations? Despite his best efforts, why did he constantly feel like he was grasping at something just beyond his reach, never quite measuring up to the standards set by others?

No matter how much he gave or how hard he tried, he never met the elusive benchmark of enough .

But before he could get his mouth open to blast that son of a bitch, several things happened at once—Lance sprang from his seat, his face contorted into a snarl, eyes blazing with anger.

His eyes glowed the unnatural blue of his tiger. Mika also stood but grabbed Lance by the arm. Tank’s chair skidded backward across the floor with a loud scrape as he sprang to his feet too.

“Shit, Dad!” Joel exclaimed, rushing toward the elder.

Scarlett rose, her gaze fixed intently on Ward.

Lance roared.

The elder’s gaze turned sharply toward Lance, and the gargoyle’s eyes emitted a glow.

The last time Kayden had witnessed a gargoyle with eyes that ominous shade of red, someone turned to stone. An overwhelming fear, unlike any he had ever experienced, surged through his veins, electrifying every nerve with an intensity that left him breathless.

His best friend was in danger, and there was no way in hell Kayden was going to let anything happen to Lance. Panic and adrenaline fueled his determination to do whatever it took.

However, Ward’s bellow overpowered Lance’s roar.

The sheer, raw anger in that sound startled Kayden to his core. It was a fierce, untamed fury that echoed all around them, vibrating through the air with an intensity that was almost palpable.

Tank bellowed a fierce command, his voice booming like thunder, as he charged toward Lance with something close to panic on his face.

Yet, somehow, Ward didn’t aim his seething rage at him or Lance. Even so, Kayden wasn’t willing to risk it. He leaped up, raising his hands defensively in front of him just as Tank leaped in front of Lance, spreading his wings wide.

Kayden launched the elder through the closest door.