Page 75 of Howl for the Gargoyle

"Thank you," I said. I turned to Kiernan, and to his credit, he was staring at Kelsey, interpreting the meaning of our exchange without having to ask the questions. "It's recent. Things have changed since the last time we all met up."

"They do that with matings," Kelsey said, simple and straightforward, and I was outrageously grateful for her presence.

"He helps with the full moon?" Kiernan asked.

I nodded urgently, something like a laugh bursting out of me. "So much. And the mood swings. And he's a really good cook. You'll like him." And I glanced at Mikey to include him. Realistically, I thought Mikey and Rafe would probably hit it off the best of the group. They had a similar brand of boisterous enthusiasm.

"I'm glad. But you get that you're springing this on us?" Kiernan asked.

"I do, honestly. And I'm not trying to pull a power move. If you want Jess to come with us too, we'll figure it out."

Kiernan rolled his eyes. "Jess has to work," he said, and there was a dig in the statement that I chose not to examine for the sake of keeping the peace. And then his head tilted. "But I bet she could take a week off. She's always wanted to travel abroad."

"If I was going to pull a power move," I said slowly, catching Kiernan's eye again, "I'd do it with the label, not you guys. I could probably swing us a better travel arrangement. I don't ask Virgil for much, and he'd be thrilled to lobby."

Kiernan's eyes widened, and his lips twitched. "Wow. You really want me to play nice with your boyfriend."

"I do," I admitted, wincing, finally glancing at the clock once more. "I know we're done for the day, but if he's on his way, would you guys stay to meet him?"

Kiernan shrugged and turned to pack up his guitar. "Was planning on grabbing a drink anyway."

"What species is he?" Kelsey asked bluntly, and I caught Kiernan tripping slightly at the question.

"Gargoyle," I said.

"Surprising. They're usually very staid."

"Was he the guy you fu—snuck off with at Nightlight?" Mikey asked. My eyes widened as I turned to my drummer. He grinned. "Oh, did you think no one noticed?"

I would've bet money on Mikey not noticing, at the very least.

"Congrats, Han," he added. "Happy to meet him."

My hand was already in my pocket, pulling my phone free. Rafe's number was freshly added, and I drew it up with a mix of nerves and excitement. I twisted on my toes, turning my back to the others, as the phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times.

And then a sudden, heavy silence. I frowned, pulling the phone away from my ear just enough to see that the timer was running and the call had gone through.

"Rafe? Are you flying?" I asked, although there was no sound of wind rushing like there ought to have been.

Instead, a low, dark chuckle cracked through the small speaker. "No…not flying. He won't be flying for a while."

There was something familiar in the tone, and I tried to recall the voices of Rafe's and Natalie's friends I'd met. Was this the orc? Or the mothman who'd hovered around me at his club and tried to bully me into elaborate drinks?

The call was quiet again.

"Who is this?" I asked, the worry that'd been itching at me for hours now finding sharp focus, cutting into my heart.

"Your mate," the voice answered. And it was not Rafe. "Your maker."

My what? My…

Terror and rage were hot, burning through me, the rising growl vibrating through my bones before escaping my clenched teeth.

"Where is Rafe?" I snarled.

Kiernan was approaching my side and I held my hand up, claws extended, to halt him, unsure of what my own coiling anger might result in if he reached out.

"You'll find us. You and I have a connection. Follow it."

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