Page 109 of Seduced By Moonlight

When reality drifted back, Ward realized he was trembling violently. His heart thundered erratically in his chest. He exhaled a long shaky breath, then collapsed sideways onto the mattress, pulling Kayden snugly into his arms.

For several moments, neither spoke.

“I take it back.” Kayden panted against Ward’s neck. “You’re better than fucking fierce.”

Ward laughed hoarsely at that, curling himself tighter around his mate, feeling utterly sated. He never wanted to let go.

Kayden made a small, satisfied noise and shifted against him like a contented cat, and Ward’s heart filled with a sense of tranquility that was impossibly sweet.

He never used his bed—why would he?—but this was nice, laying together, lost in each other. Ward watched Kayden’s breathing slow into the deep rhythms of sleep, and a fierce protectiveness surged through him. He wouldn’t allow anything—or anyone—to endanger this.

He figured that such an intense night should have exhausted him. But instead, Ward felt more alive than he could ever remember being. It was a strange sensation for someone who’d endured decades of stony hollowness.

He enjoyed seeing Kayden in his bed. In fact, he wanted him there for all time. And of course his cell picked that moment to beep, and he glared at it. What now?

The temptation to ignore it was great, but there was information he was waiting on. When he saw who the email was from, he was glad he hadn’t ignored it. With a sigh, he got up and dressed. There were still some things he needed to do in his office, plus he doubted Kayden would sleep long.

He left him a note on the end table telling him where he’d gone and invited Kayden to join him if he wanted, then he slipped out of his room. Hopefully, Kayden would come to him when he woke up.

There were still several hours until daylight.

When he got to his office, he opened the email from Axel, the alpha of the Crimson Fangs pack, detailing advantages and disadvantages of their kind.

It was pretty much what Ward expected for paranormals in general: longer life span, increased strength, speed, stamina, and immunity to diseases. They could also shift whenever they wanted.

Werewolves possessed the ability to howl for various purposes, such as making enemies feel fear, detecting life, or summoning allies.Huh. He needed to ask Rihanna if she could howl like a wolf.

Disadvantages were silver and wolfsbane allergies, the need for lots of calories because of shifting, and the full moon made them shift whether they wanted to or not.

He still hadn’t heard from Fenton, the Merchieftain of the Golden Reef Colony, and he probably wouldn’t until the next time he came on land.

Ward sent a text to Rihanna letting her know he’d heard from one of the packs and to drop by when she had time. A few moments later Rihanna walked in with Celine right behind her.

“Hey. Rihanna and I are going out to the woods to do some practicing. Well, I’m going to attack and see how well she can defend herself.” Celine grinned. “Which means I’m probably going to get my ass handed to me.”

“But gently,” Rihanna said, rubbing her hand up and down Celine’s back. “I will hand your ass to you gently.”

Ward watched Celine blush as the two ladies stared at each other.

“Can’t wait,” Celine said softly.

Ward cleared his throat, and two startled gazes shot toward him. Yep, there was definitely something going on there.

“Yes, well, I hear you have news?” Rihanna asked as she flipped her long hair over her shoulder.

Ward quickly told her what Axel had said. “Maybe while you’re out there, see if you can howl. And shift.”

“I doubt the second one is a possibility. As I’ve said before, I don’t feel another entity within me like a shifter would. But I will see if I can howl. Also, I don’t think silver will be a problem,” Rihanna said, holding up her wrist that had a silver bracelet around it.

“That’s good. Probably need to check about the other allergy just to be safe,” Ward said. “Have you noticed if you have enhanced senses?”

“To some degree, yes. But I already had improved senses as a witch, so I don’t know if those abilities are even more improved now. I guess we’ll just have to see,” Rihanna said.

“I understand. I haven’t heard from Fenton and probably won’t until he has a reason to come on land. He’s the Merchieftain of the Golden Reef Colony.”

“I see,” Rihanna said.

“But I should definitely hear from him in a month. The next leaders’ meeting takes place then,” Ward said. “I will certainly let you know.”

---