Page 8 of Seduced by Moonlight (Gargoyles of San DeLain #1)

“WE DON’T like to waste time,” Kayden joked. “We’re going to start the preliminary assessments, which will be the structural integrity tests, as I said earlier. Then from there, we’ll work outward to the less critical cosmetic repairs.”

Nods and murmurs of agreement greeted his words from the team gathered around him. A focused and determined atmosphere prevailed, ready to tackle the task at hand.

“Sounds good. Follow us.”

With a grateful smile, Kayden fell into step beside Ward and Tank, his crew following them. He really didn’t want to be traipsing around in the dark in unfamiliar surroundings.

“Thanks for showing us where to go again,” Kayden said. “I don’t think we’re quite ready to venture out around here on our own. I mean, we might need a map.” He wasn’t entirely joking.

Ward snorted. “It won’t take you long to learn your way around. It’s really not as complicated as it appears, but someone will always be here to escort you.”

In other words, Kayden didn’t have to worry about wandering around, lost in the dark, because they were going to have a guard. At least, that’s what he got out of that statement.

As he contemplated the situation, a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. While he was okay with that, it made him wonder about the sudden addition of a watchful eye. That certainly raised questions.

He couldn’t recall it being mentioned during their last meeting—if it had been, he would’ve remembered. This realization left him feeling confused and slightly uneasy.

Was that why the other gargoyle was there? And good God Almighty. If he thought Ward was big, this one was absolutely massive. His gargoyle form was a deep reddish-brown, with huge brown bat-like wings, a long thin tail the same color as his skin, and short horns that sprouted right at his hair line… if he had hair.

Tank was bald , and all he wore were black leather pants, much like Ward did. Neither wore shoes because of their clawed feet.

Eventually they got to the west wing, and Kayden’s crew quickly set up lights to illuminate their work area, as it was now completely dark outside.

Next, Kayden pulled out his tablet and began coordinating the tasks. The first tool they used was a ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which emitted radio waves to detect voids or anomalies in the wall’s substrate. Team members scanned methodically, their gazes fixed on the data appearing on their handheld devices.

Another group utilized ultrasonic pulse velocity testers. These devices sent pulses through the materials and measured the velocity at which they traveled. Changes in velocity could indicate cracks or other defects in the internal structure of the wall.

Meanwhile, Kayden oversaw a team using digital calipers and crack monitors to measure visible cracks. They carefully documented each measurement, taking photographs for their records. This data would help him understand whether these cracks were stable or if they showed signs of recent movement or widening.

As each group worked, they marked areas of concern with fluorescent paint—orange for potential structural issues, yellow for less severe but noteworthy findings, and green for areas that appeared sound but would need revalidation.

Kayden observed their progress while taking notes on his tablet, occasionally stopping to discuss findings with each team leader.

As he moved from one group to another, he vigilantly watched how they interacted with the structure, ensuring they did not put additional stress on any compromised areas.

He logged every data point into their mobile workstations—state-of-the-art fieldwork laptops tough enough for their unpredictable work environments.

He and his team would compile a comprehensive report from the assessments. That would help him decide on corrective actions and further preventive maintenance. Then he’d share the results with Ward after choosing a course of action.

Kayden moved among the groups, overseeing the process and occasionally lending a hand or offering advice. His gaze occasionally met Ward’s, who was observing silently from a distance.

There was an unreadable expression in his eyes that Kayden couldn’t quite decipher—there was still the heat, but now also a wariness that hadn’t been there before. What the hell had happened since their last meeting?

A crew member called him over to show him something, and Kayden quit worrying about whatever was going on with the gargoyle.

Once the crew member explained the problem, Kayden motioned for Ward to join him next to the castle wall. Tank, who had been wandering around the site, joined them.

Kayden pointed to a section of the wall with several small fissures and then held up a handheld thermal imager displaying different colors indicating various temperatures—a useful tool in detecting voids or moisture behind surfaces.

“These might just be superficial, but I’d like to probe more here.”

“Okay.”

“I should add this doesn’t come as a surprise.”

“Of course. Better safe than sorry,” Ward replied.

Kayden noticed that Ward’s gaze lingered on him longer than was necessary. Throughout the interactions and amidst the busy backdrop of clinking tools and buzzing equipment, an unspoken tension simmered between them—the chemistry was still bubbling, but there seemed to be that damn wariness.

And he got the distinct impression that Tank was acting like a guard dog. Maybe he should say guard gargoyle. Guard gargoyle. Wow, say that three times fast.

Kayden chuckled to himself at the tongue twister, a light moment in an otherwise tense evening. He glanced back at Tank, whose stern expression was both protective and mildly curious.

The thought of sharing his silly wordplay crossed his mind, but one glance at Tank’s unamused expression made him think twice. It was like the brooding man found little amusement in anything.

“Let’s set up for a microgravimetric survey here,” Kayden said, returning his focus to the wall.

He knew this technique would allow them to measure tiny changes in gravitational pull caused by different densities within the structure. It was crucial to pinpoint exactly where hidden flaws might threaten the integrity of the ancient walls.

As the crew arranged the equipment, Kayden stepped to the side, motioning for Ward to follow him. “I need to understand something. The last time we spoke, there was no mention of constant surveillance. What changed?”

Yes, that was straight to the point, but he had a feeling Ward would appreciate that. At least, Kayden hoped he would.

Ward shifted uncomfortably. “Recent developments necessitate tighter security measures. Plus, you and your team are dealing with critical elements of the structure. I’d prefer things to be under supervision. I wouldn’t want anybody to get hurt.”

Kayden wanted to ask what recent developments but didn’t. Instead, he nodded slowly at Ward’s explanation. Still, he sensed there was more going on there.

“I appreciate your candor. Just know that my team is here to help protect and preserve this place. We’re not here to cause problems.”

“I know that,” Ward admitted. “Tank has his quirks, but he means well. He’s here to help you and your team if you need it.”

So Tank was the cause of this? Whatever this was? Was Kayden understanding that correctly? Was Tank a massive worrywart? Or maybe that was his job. And maybe Kayden was jumping to conclusions.

“Good to know.” Kayden looked at his team, who were busy with their instruments and measurements.

He also didn’t bother to point out that he had several shifters on his crew who were more than capable of heavy lifting, not to mention Kayden’s own ability.

But that didn’t matter. The gargoyle king insisted on having one of his people oversee their work for some unknown reason, so that was what was going to happen.

The night progressed with continuous work and intermittent discussions between him and Ward about the findings and their implications. As time passed, Kayden lost himself in the chill of the stone under his fingertips, the echoes of his crews’ voices bouncing off the ancient walls, and even Tank’s silent but steadfast presence.

Around ten, everyone took a break. The crew assembled in a makeshift break area where large lamps cast a warm glow against the darkness, and Ward joined them.

“Is this all of your crew?” Ward asked nonchalantly, standing next to Kayden.

“This is all who came with me tonight. Why?” Kayden asked, noticing that Ward looked over each individual of Kayden’s crew.

“Tank told me that our chef made doughnuts, and he’s gone to get them. I just wanted to make sure everybody got at least one.”

“That’s nice of you.” Yes, it was, and Kayden had some oceanfront property for sale in the middle of the country. He wasn’t buying what Ward was selling. “Yes, this is everybody here tonight.”

“Good, good,” Ward said, continuing to study each individual.

Then he relaxed. It was very subtle, and if Kayden hadn’t been staring right at Ward, he wouldn’t have noticed, but those broad shoulders dropped, and Ward’s huge wings lowered just a tad.

What the entire hell?

Kayden didn’t doubt that there were doughnuts being brought out to them, but there was more to the story than Ward was letting on, Kayden was sure of it.

He didn’t know what was bothering Ward, but whatever it was, it appeared to no longer be a problem.

After what felt like an eternity, Tank came back carrying multiple boxes of doughnuts. Needless to say, Kayden’s crew ravaged them.

“Holy smokes.” Lance bit into another. “These are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.”

“Our chef made them,” Tank said.

“That I can absolutely believe.” Lance licked his fingers. “These definitely do not taste like store bought.”

Sighing, Kayden handed Lance a napkin he had wet down with a bottle of water. “Here, you heathen.”

Lance just grinned at him like the heathen he was.

As the crew indulged in their snack—everyone got at least two—Kayden’s mind wandered back to the earlier conversation with Ward and the gargoyle’s subtle relaxation.

There was a chess game being played here that Kayden wasn’t fully privy to, and that bothered him more than he cared to admit.

Somewhere in the forest, a raven called, its call echoing across the castle grounds.

Frowning, Ward looked off into the distance.

As Kayden munched thoughtfully on a doughnut, Tank approached him quietly. “If you need anything, just let me know,” he said gruffly.

“Thanks,” Kayden replied, noticing that Tank avoided eye contact, as if embarrassed by the offer.

Was oddness a gargoyle thing? As he ate, he and Ward discussed lighter topics—movies seen recently, books read, strange foods tasted during travels—and the tension between them relaxed considerably.

It was during these moments that Kayden saw another side of Ward. Beyond the king and guardian of his clan, Kayden saw a man who laughed warmly and spoke passionately about protecting history.

And somewhere between refilling their coffee cups and sharing anecdotes about misadventures, Kayden felt Ward’s wariness ebbing away. Confirming the identities of those present momentarily calmed his suspicions and fears, it seemed.

The team wrapped up their break and resumed their stations around the site. Kayden could feel Ward’s gaze on him occasionally. The heat was still there, but now the wariness was missing.

ABOUT AN hour later, Kayden noticed his crew finishing up. “Ward? We’re done.”

As he spoke, his crew began packing up their tools and equipment with practiced efficiency.

Ward made his way over to where Kayden was standing. “That’s it?”

“For now. Remember to get me that stuff I need for the samples as quickly as possible, Ward,” Kayden said.

“I definitely will.”

“Let’s tentatively plan to start Wednesday evening,” Kayden said. “That should give me plenty of time to get everything ready for you to review.”

“Wednesday evening it is.”

“See you then. And thank you for the doughnuts. Tell your chef we appreciated them.”

“I will.”

Kayden walked to his truck, then waved as he got inside. As he drove away from the castle, the rearview mirror framed the looming silhouette of Ward in the moonlight.

The drive back to town was quiet, the only sound being the hum of the truck’s tires. His mind replayed the night’s events, flipping through each conversation, each glance.

There was an undercurrent he couldn’t quite grasp, a puzzle whose pieces didn’t seem to fit just right. What had Ward been so worried about?

And why had his tension evaporated after seeing who was on the crew tonight? It felt like something—or someone—was missing who Ward had expected to see. Or thought he’d see. And Ward had been relieved that he hadn’t found whatever he’d been looking for.

Ugh. Kayden did not need this drama.

He arrived home and ate dinner. Or breakfast? Or was it an early lunch? Good grief, he was already confused, and he’d barely started this night shift. He tried to focus on his food, pushing thoughts of mysterious tensions aside.

After floating his dishes to the sink, he used his power to rinse and stack them in the dishwasher. Done in the kitchen, he moved to the living room and dropped onto the couch with a heavy sigh.

He pulled out his laptop and began typing up a summary of today’s work, trying to capture every detail while it was still fresh in his mind.

After he was done, he closed his laptop and decided to watch TV for a while, maybe do some chores too. A dish towel moved from room to room, dusting, while the vacuum ran through the house. Clothes folded themselves in the laundry room.

Around three in the morning, as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling, he contemplated every interaction from that night once more—each word and glance was under scrutiny now. Apparently, Ward’s worries had been resolved, and everything was now okay.

Kayden wished he felt the same.