Page 29 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

IT WAS easy for Kayden to forget Ward held the title of king because he didn’t act like a pampered, egotistical jerk.

But following him around while he talked to his people and ran errands reminded Kayden that Ward was more than just another paranormal. That he was indeed the leader of this gargoyle clan.

Whenever he heard the word king, he envisioned the British royalty and stuff like that. But that wasn’t Ward. He was down to earth and simple.

Oh, Kayden didn’t doubt he had oodles and oodles of money stashed away somewhere, but he didn’t act like he was insanely wealthy. In fact, he acted like someone who shouldered a lot of responsibility and cared greatly for those he served.

Huh. Funny he should put it like that, but that was exactly what Ward did—he served his people.

There was also little doubt that word had spread about what Kayden was to Ward, and so far, no one seemed out of shape over it. It was also likely everyone knew he’d tossed that elder on his ass.

Oddly enough, no one had a problem with that, either.

AFTER THEY were through running errands, they returned to the castle and joined everybody for dinner.

As they stepped into the dining area, a lively clamor enveloped them. The air buzzed with animated conversations. The vibe of the room was warm and welcoming.

The aroma of rich, hearty dishes mingled with the subtle scent of fresh flowers adorning each table, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckoned them to settle in and enjoy the moment.

It sure beat the hell out of the frozen dinners Kayden was used to eating alone.

He and Ward took their seats alongside Lance and Tank, who were already deep in conversation. Mika, Luna, and Emmett were discussing a popular TV series everybody was into.

Scarlett, Celine, and Rihanna were also at the table. Everybody was talking and smiling, just like… well, like family. Kayden glanced around. He was really beginning to like Ward’s people, and no one minded that he was there, either.

Rihanna laughed at something Scarlett said, and Emmett waved wildly for Ward to join their conversation about the show they were watching. Ward rolled his eyes at Lance, who had started mocking someone by holding a finger up like he was shushing them.

Through their lighthearted banter, an undeniable sense of belonging settled over Kayden like a comforting embrace.

As people brought their dessert to the table, Ward placed a plate with strawberry cheesecake in front of him—his favorite. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it touched his heart.

They might be taking it slow, but Kayden was falling fast.

At some point during the jovial chaos, Ward slid his hand onto Kayden’s knee and leaned in close to ask, “You okay?”

“I am more than okay,” Kayden said honestly, feeling something tender tug at his core.

He meant it too.

Even amid the uncertainty about the witches targeting them, the questions surrounding his and Ward’s future and his tentative acceptance within Ward’s clan, the hunters who still prowled the streets of San DeLain, and the Power of Three, he was sure of one unwavering truth: His reality was now intricately intertwined with Ward’s.

Their lives were being woven together into an inseparable bond, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ward leaned in, his lips brushing softly against Kayden’s in a tender, lingering kiss. Warmth spread through Kayden, then Ward turned to rejoin the lively debate unfolding around them.

Voices rose and fell in animated conversation, filling the room with a vibrant energy as laughter and passionate exchanges bounced off the walls.

Life was unpredictable and magical—both literally and metaphorically—when you were with a gargoyle king. It wasn’t quite The End yet—not by a long shot.