Page 19 of Seduced By Moonlight

Finally, he checked his cell phone. “Are you prepared, Rihanna? It’s time.”

“I am.”

Ward led her and Celine to the ballroom, where Clan Tywyll and its elders had gathered. He stood at the front of the room with Rihanna by his side.

Celine faded into the crowd of people. Not all clan members were there—it was too short notice—but it was a good gathering, nevertheless. Along with the gargoyles and other paranormals, there were humans also mixed in.

For generations, specific families had faithfully served him and his kind. These families were highly valued and respected. Along with them, there were other humans who had found their way to him because they needed assistance or didn’t fit in with society.

Tank jokingly called them strays, but he wasn’t wrong. There were also a few magic users outside of Celine, but she was definitely the strongest. Well, she had been until Rihanna’s arrival.

“Clan Tywyll,” Ward began, his voice echoing in the ballroom. “Tonight we welcome a new member into our fold—under unusual circumstances, yes, but with hope for mutual protection and benefit.”

An electric current crackled in the air, filling the room with an indescribable tension as every gaze turned toward the newcomer.

Turning back to Rihanna, Ward continued, “Rihanna Norwood has sworn an oath not to harm our members or property and seeks refuge and understanding among us. I have accepted her oath. The vows were solidified into a bond. Now she offers the same to you.”

Facing the crowd squarely, Rihanna spoke clearly so all could hear. “I swear by my true name, Rihanna Norwood, that I am here in peace and seek only sanctuary and knowledge among Clan Tywyll. I will do no harm, by my bond, unless I am harmed.”

An approving murmur from the gathered crowd met her words as Ward nodded solemnly.

After a moment’s pause, Ward spoke again. “Let it be known, Rihanna Norwood is under our protection, as she is one with us now, bound by her oath sworn freely this night.”

Energy hummed and shimmered in the air as the oath solidified, then disappeared.

“I have given Rihanna the option of sharing her story, and she has agreed. It’s quite a story, and although I cannot verify parts of it, I can attest to the validity of what happened once I found her in the woods,” Ward said.

Celine left the crowd and stepped next to Rihanna, showing her support. Taking a deep breath, Rihanna spoke about her experience and the world from which she’d been torn.

Ward saw how his clan reacted to her horrifying story. And he saw how the elders glared at him. Their looks were not just steeped in skepticism, but also in concern.

The implications of Rihanna’s story were terrifying. It hinted at broader conflicts brewing. She had the Power of Three, something no one else had in recent memory.

Many had thought it was nothing more than a tall tale—Ward glanced at Rihanna—except there the proof stood.

Ward raised a hand to silence the murmurs that had started throughout the room. “I know this is a lot,” he acknowledged, meeting the gazes of the elders one by one.

They stared back at him.

“But remember, our creed is to offer sanctuary to those in dire need, and I would say that her need is very dire.”

CHAPTER SIX –KAYDEN

KAYDEN SPOKE to Mika for a few minutes after they arrived back at Kayden’s house, then waved goodbye to everyone. With the front door secured, he went straight to the kitchen and grabbed an ice-cold beer.

The cool glass was refreshing against his warm palm as he twisted off the cap and took a long, satisfying gulp. He’d had dinner before they met with the gargoyles, so he wasn’t hungry.

Changing into his favorite swimming trunks, he headed toward the back patio and his hot tub, taking his beer with him. The smooth stone tiles beneath his bare feet sent a cool sensation up his spine as he stepped onto the deck.

A gentle breeze rustled through the nearby trees, carrying with it the soothing scent of pine. He activated a charm that flooded the area with cool air as he eased into the bubbling hot tub.

The jets hummed softly, creating soothing ripples that lapped gently at the sides. The tension in his muscles melted away as he closed his eyes, letting the warmth seep into every pore.

Kayden let out a deep sigh for a totally different reason this time.

Gods, those jets felt good on his back. He took another big swig of his beer. As he settled deeper into the comforting warmth, his thoughts drifted once more to the meeting with Ward and the upcoming job.

Life sure sucked sometimes.

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