Page 15 of The Protective Gryphen

Did he want to check it out?

What didn’t he want to check out—including Gryphen in a castle while wearing a kilt? This was the best vacation Ian had ever experienced in his life.

“Are you kidding me? I’m in Scotland with you and a castle. This is definitely a big moment.”

To get out of the chill, they headed up the walk and when they got closer, there was a stream nearby running under a little footbridge that had to be crossed.

The whole place was lovely.

It was something otherworldly to both men, who were not accustomed to things like this. Ian had been with Gabe on many trips, but this…

Holy.

Shit.

It was beyond anything he’d ever seen in his whole life, and he’d never forget it.

At the door, Gryphen pulled a big key out of the envelope, and it was old.

“That has to be original to the place,” he said, holding it in his hand. “Callen likes to keep things old and with a lore behind them.”

Yeah, he could see that.

“Do you want to do the deed?” Gryphen asked, handing the key to Ian. It was only fair. This was his vacation, and he deserved to have fun with it.

Ian put the massive key in the lock and turned it to unlock the door.

Immediately, it opened the door with a loud click, and they were able to go in through the double-wooden doors to access the inside of ‘their’ castle.

Once through the doors, they were inside of a gorgeous foyer. There was a roaring fire, and stained-glass windows were catching the morning light.

It was ethereal.

“Jesus. So, this is what it’s like to be rich,” Gryphen said. “You stay in castles and get to experience this.”

Apparently.

“Uh, I’ve traveled with the President of the United States, and even he didn’t stay in a place like this. I’m going to say this is beyond rich. This is something else.”

On that, Gryphen could agree.

Together, they moved through the place, and found a big kitchen that was pretty modern.

There were fresh scones on the counter and coffee in a warming pot. It was clear that someone had made them as they awaited their arrival.

Gryphen picked one up and took a bite.

“I’m going to get fat here,” he admitted. “I can see it now. There had better be a gym, or a dungeon with heavy chains I can lift. I’m screwed.”

Ian laughed.

“I’m sure we can find something to burn some calories. Eat the scone. I’ll figure it out for us.”

Gryphen laughed.

“Deal.”

They headed up the stone stairs that were at the back of the kitchen, exploring like kids.

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