Page 27 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

KAYDEN COULDN’T believe he’d tossed that gargoyle through some doors. And as luck would have it, it was somebody of importance. Because of course he was. Look at him making friends.

He finally found Mika and Lance in the game room.

“Hey, you guys, I guess there are questions, huh?” Kayden said as he walked in.

Fortunately, no one else was in the game room with them. That made sense. Everybody was probably at work, which was something else he needed to address.

“Well, well. Would you look at what the cat dragged in? It’s our best friend. You know, the one who has a mate and didn’t bother to tell us,” Lance said as he glared at Kayden.

“Before you get your tail in a knot, I had planned to tell both of you today,” Kayden said, taking a seat across from them on another couch.

“I think somebody beat you to it,” Mika said. “That was wild.”

“That old gargoyle totally planned to turn me into stone,” Lance whispered. “That’s fucked up.”

“If you don’t want to stay, I would understand. He basically threatened you with death.”

“I know. And I won’t lie, I’m seriously thinking about it,” Lance said.

Tank suddenly stuck his head into the game room. “I wish you wouldn’t leave, but I understand your concerns. All I can do is promise you that what happened this morning will never happen again.”

“And how can you promise that?” Lance asked.

“Because you were not what he was upset about,” Tank said as he came into the room.

“ I’m the one he was upset about,” Kayden said softly.

“Actually, what he’s upset about is his inability to control his king, but that’s a whole ’nother can of worms. It doesn’t excuse him from losing his temper, but he wouldn’t have gone through with it. Still, Ward is furious over it, and Graymore knows that.”

“So he’s mad. Big deal,” Lance said.

Tank sat down next to Lance. “You’re not a gargoyle, so you don’t understand, but it is a big deal. A huge deal.”

“Could you please explain? Because I’m not seeing it,” Kayden said.

“Ward has the power to banish the elder and his family,” Tank said. “Turning Lance into stone isn’t worth the humiliation his family would suffer. No gargoyle clan worth a damn would accept them, either. He would be powerless and basically clanless. He let his eyes glow to intimidate you guys.”

“It worked,” Kayden said.

“I’m sorry for that, and it’s understandable you’d feel that way.”

“I don’t feel comfortable around him,” Lance said. “Which makes staying here uncomfortable. Also, thank you for jumping in front of me. That was brave.”

Tank rubbed his bald head. “Dammit. Dammit . I can’t just let you think that…. Okay, look, I’m not the hero you think I am. We don’t usually talk about what we can do as gargoyles, for reasons, but all I’m going to say is petrification isn’t as permanent as you think.”

Lance’s eyes widened. “Are you saying—”

“I’m not saying anything because we’re not supposed to say anything, but let’s just say if the worst-case scenario happened, someone here has the power to undo what was done. And that’s all I’m saying. Well, that, and I’m really sorry this happened.”

“Yeah, me too,” Lance said. “But what you’re not saying helped.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I didn’t say anything. Anyway, I’m going to give you everybody’s cell phone number,” Tank said, getting his phone out. “Call any of us at any time. And there. Everybody’s phone number.”

Kayden heard their cell phones beep.

“I’m off. If anybody needs anything, holler,” Tank said, getting up. “I’ll see you guys at lunch.”

After everyone said goodbye, Kayden looked back at Lance. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Are you staying?”

“I guess so. Talking with Tank helped. I think I have a better chance with the gargoyles than I would out there on my own,” Lance said. “But I don’t appreciate being threatened.”

“I don’t appreciate him threatening us, either, and I made it clear I’ll defend myself and you guys,” Kayden said. “But hopefully there won’t be a next time. And Tank did help me feel better too.”

“I don’t think there will be a next time,” Mika said. “Ward made himself pretty clear.”

“So? Do we have a problem with me dating Ward?” Kayden asked.

“Um, I realize you’re not a shifter, but do you understand what this is? I’m assuming the gargoyles are like us shifters—they have Fated mates. And if so, it’s a bit more than dating. He’s the other half of your soul,” Mika said.

“Yes, I know. I’ve spent enough time around the two of you to know that. Just because we’re fated doesn’t mean we have to bond right this moment. We want a chance to get to know each other,” Kayden said. “Is that so wrong?”

Lance looked at Mika, then they both looked at Kayden.

“Okay, what?”

“Just wondering how long the two of you are going to be able to keep your hands off each other while getting to know each other,” Lance said, waggling his eyebrows.

“Who says I intend to keep my hands off him?”

Lance’s jaw dropped.

Mika hooted with laughter. “Look at that. Someone finally managed to shut Lance up.”

Lance turned on Mika.

“Before you two get into it, there’s something else I want to talk about,” Kayden said.

Lance huffed as he turned back toward Kayden. “What?”

“I have other projects going on, so the rest of the guys are getting a paycheck, but since you two are staying here with me, you’re not working,” Kayden said. “So, I’m going to—”

“I know what you’re going to say, and it isn’t necessary on my end,” Mika said.

“I agree,” Lance said.

“—pay you while we’re off work,” Kayden continued. “This isn’t up for debate. I can’t let you guys lose everything because of what’s going on, nor let you dip into your savings.”

“Let me see if I have this right. You’re going to pay us not to work?” Lance joked.

“Well, that sounds great and all, but we’re used to being busy. Just sitting around here with nothing but time on our hands is going to get old quick,” Mika pointed out.

“I know. I’ll figure something out,” Kayden promise. “Maybe there are things that need to be done around here that wouldn’t need a full construction crew. Like handyman jobs.”

“I bet there’s always something needing to be done. Seriously. A big old castle like this? Yeah, ask Ward. And it would keep us from sitting around on our thumbs all day.”

“I will. In the meantime, I’m going to get on top of my emails and check on the other crews and projects,” Kayden said.

“Anything we can help with?” Mika asked.

“No, not really. I’ll see you guys at lunch,” Kayden said, standing up. “I’ll have an answer about the handyman jobs soon.”

“See you later,” Lance said.

“Bye,” Mika said.

Kayden grabbed his laptop from his room and headed out to find the library to get some work done.

Fortunately, he ran into Celine and Rihanna, who were acting rather chummy. He wondered if something was going on there, and if so? Good for them. Rihanna especially deserved some happiness in her life.

They gave him directions, and he thanked them.

When he found it, he stood at the entrance of the so-called library, flabbergasted. It was like something out of a fairy tale. Good God, there were endless bookshelves, each crammed with books. Some of the spines bore the faded marks of time.

Reaching toward the heavens, the towering shelves exuded the scent of aged paper and polished wood, a comforting aroma that filled the air. The soft moonlight filtering through ornate stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the room, adding an ethereal glow to an already magical setting.

He pulled up a chair to an oak table, placed his laptop down, and glanced around. It was hard to focus on work when surrounded by this kind of beauty. He fired off some emails to the other project sites, then ordered materials.

When his back started aching from sitting for so long, he finally set his laptop aside and took a break. He wandered to a nearby shelf, running his fingers along the dusty tomes. Titles like Myths of Olde and Castles in Time caught his attention.

One book caught his attention: a thin volume titled Maintenance & Repairs: A Castle’s Guide . Curiosity piqued, he opened it.

To his surprise, instead of an archaic manual, he found a humorous little book, its pages filled with witty illustrations and a self-aware tone, beginning with the line, “So you live in a castle… what now?”

As he skimmed through, he couldn’t help but chuckle at entries like “Squeaky Portcullis?!” and “Unruly Moat?!”

Amused, he started reading.

Clever sketches peppered the pages—a dragon gnawing on a fence, a gargoyle lounging lazily. He grinned at an entry titled “Ghostly Drafts” with the subtext, “It’s not all in your head,” illustrated by a top-hatted specter.

Whoever the author was, they had a great sense of humor. Taking the book with him, he found an armchair and got comfortable. He was about halfway through when every nerve in his body came alive.

“Getting lost in a book?” Ward inquired as he leaned against the library’s entrance.

“Something like that.” What was it about that voice of Ward’s? It was so deep and gravelly. Kayden held up the little book. “This is amusing.”

Ward laughed at the title. “Interesting choice.”

“It caught my attention because I wanted to talk to you about something.” Kayden quickly filled Ward in about doing handyman jobs around the castle.

“That would certainly work. Definitely lots of small jobs that need to be done around here. Yes, I think that would be an excellent idea. Mika and Lance get a paycheck, and I don’t have to bully Tank into doing the minor repairs.”

“So you live in a castle… what now?” Kayden echoed the title of the book with a smirk.

“What now indeed?” Ward crossed the room to Kayden’s side, then settled onto the arm of his chair. “Why do I feel you’re about to rope Lance and Mika into all kinds of projects?”

“They hate sitting around.” Kayden leaned into Ward’s comfortingly solid form. “They’ve got bills to pay like everybody else and need a paycheck.”

“It’s for their safety that they’re saying here. I would’ve willingly paid their bills, you know.” Ward brushed his fingers through Kayden’s hair.

It was an impulsive but tender gesture that made Kayden shiver.

“I can’t see either of them accepting that kind of handout,” Kayden said, unable to keep the affection out of his voice.

“You care about your friends, your workers. I like who you are,” Ward replied.

Kayden tilted his head back. “Well, what do you know? I like who you are too. I appreciate the offer, but they wouldn’t take it. But thank you for caring.”

While they remained cozily side by side, feeling at ease, time drifted by until Kayden’s stomach rumbled loudly enough to make Ward arch an amused eyebrow.

“Lunchtime already?” Kayden asked.

“It appears so. Do you want to do the tour before or after you eat?”

“I’m starving, so let’s do it after.”

AFTER LUNCH, Ward showed off his castle.

Kayden followed, charmed by his enthusiasm. “Let me guess,” he said, eyeing the winding corridors and tall ceilings. “At least half of these rooms have secret trap doors.”

“Not quite half. But enough to keep things interesting.”

Kayden followed Ward to what could only be the grand ballroom. Its floor was an expanse of polished marble, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

“This is magnificent,” Kayden mused, taking in the enormous space.

“It has a certain flair, doesn’t it?”

“And what—no surprise cellars or collapsing floors? No ‘squeaky’ portcullises and ‘unruly’ moats?”

“Not in this pristine corner of the kingdom,” Ward replied with a grin. “Just excessive opulence. Although there was once a moat. It was more hassle than it was worth.”

“It’s incredible, Ward. Really.”

They continued through the castle, and Kayden delighted in every reveal. Ward opened a hidden panel to expose a narrow, spiraling staircase. It led to a glass dome observatory, its views breathtaking.

“The best place to watch the stars,” Ward said softly, gaze not leaving Kayden’s expression.

The castle was like Ward himself: full of surprises and warmth and history—strong yet welcoming.

Kayden leaned into Ward, sliding his arm under his wing and wrapping it around his waist, pulling him closer. The moment stretched between them, full of possibilities and more than a little magic.

Kayden’s power hummed through his veins. He wanted to savor this closeness, the feeling of being right where he belonged.

Ward’s touch was gentle as he leaned down, and Kayden’s heart raced. It did that often around Ward. Funny how he’d grown to long for the touch of Ward’s lips against his own.

Kayden shut his eyes as Ward’s lips met his. This feeling, stronger than any magic, sank deep into Kayden’s core. He melted against Ward, savoring his warmth.

The universe shrank to this moment. The intensity of it swept him away, leaving him dizzy and grinning like an idiot. He opened his eyes to see happiness shining in Ward’s gaze.

“I take it the tour meets your expectations?”

“Blew it out of the water,” Kayden said. “Ten out of ten. I definitely recommend.”

Ward chuckled, holding Kayden closer. “I’m glad I passed the test.”

“More like aced it,” Kayden murmured, burying his head against Ward’s shoulder. “I never really asked, but how long have you lived here?”

“Only a few centuries.”

“A few centuries? Rookie.” Kayden snickered.

Ward had a slight smile on his face as he looked down at Kayden.

“Wait. Are you serious?”

“I’m serious.”

Kayden blinked up at Ward. “You’re serious. You’re seriously serious. Just how old are you?”

“I’m four hundred years old. I came to these lands when I was a hundred.”

Kayden stepped out of Ward’s embrace. “If I’m doing the math correctly, that means you came here in the 1700s. Jesus, is that right?”

“Yes. I’ve forgotten the exact year, but yes.”

“And you bought this land?”

“People settled most land by squatting before 1760, although sometimes they bought it from the natives. The colonial government did not sell land to any great extent. They were trying to encourage people to come to the colony, which in itself was extremely expensive.”

“And you had the money to come here.”

“I had funding from my sire, but yes. And before you ask, he died over a hundred years ago.”

“I’m sorry,” Kayden said.

Ward shrugged. “We weren’t close. Anyway, I ended up officially buying the land later.”

“You said you came here. Where are you from?”

“France. Did you know the word ‘gargoyle’ comes from the Old French word gargouille , which means ‘throat’?”

“So, holy shit, does that mean you can speak French?”

Kayden’s mouth dropped open as Ward answered in his native language. Kayden had always thought French sounded incredibly sexy.

His cock hardened, and he grabbed Ward by the hand. “This tour isn’t over yet.”

“No?”

“No. There’s one more place you need to show me.”

“And where is that?” Ward asked.

“Your bedroom.”