Page 60 of Seduced By Moonlight

After inquiring with a few individuals, he located Rihanna sitting on a concrete bench, nestled within the lush greenery of the eastern garden. Overhanging branches partially shaded the bench, and the subtle fragrance of night-blooming jasmine filled the air.

“Hey, Rihanna. Mind if I join you?”

“Please do.”

“Tank mentioned you wanted to see me?” Ward asked as he sat next to her.

Rihanna turned slightly to face Ward. “Yes.”

“I was actually planning to find you. I want to ask you some questions about your powers.”

“That’s what I wanted to speak about as well.” Rihanna’s expression stiffened slightly. “I’ve had some unusual symptoms.”

“What kind of symptoms?”

“Let’s start with the vampire DNA. Sunlight doesn’t burn or weaken me.”

“Count yourself fortunate. Being held hostage by the sun is no fun.”

“I really can’t fathom what that’s like,” Rihanna said. “I don’t possess their speed, though I do share their thirst for blood. However, I seem to lack their fangs and I’m still uncertain about the red eyes.”

“How bad is the craving for blood?”

“A minor inconvenience for now, but I’m afraid it’s going to escalate into something far more troubling. The signs are all there.”

“I’ll contact Raven—he’s the Master of the San DeLain vampires—and ask him about blood bags. I’ll do my dead level best to have something here before daylight.”

“Thank you. I don’t think it’s that pressing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“I agree,” Ward said. “Anything else with vampirism?”

“Not that I’m aware, but I also don’t know what all they can do, though.”

“Neither do I. That’s a question for Raven, I think.”

“Agreed. Now, for the werewolf DNA.” Rihanna held up her hand, and a frown crossed her face. Claws that looked to be the color of bone slowly extended from the tips of her fingers.

“Yup, looks like werewolf claws. A vampire’s claws are usually black, as are ours. And yours seem to be retractable, like most paranormals are.”

Rihanna looked up at Ward.

“And your eyes are yellow like a wolf’s. Interesting that they changed now. Do you feel like there’s another presence inside you wanting out?”

“No, not at all.” Rihanna concentrated on her hand until the claws disappeared. “I have to tell you, that’s really weird.”

“Your eyes went back to their natural color too. Anything else connected to wolf DNA?”

“I’ve noticed I like my meat more rare than usual. And that I’m eating more.”

“Paranormals who shift burn through a lot of calories. Speaking of paranormals, can you see or hear better? You said you aren’t as fast as a vampire. Are you faster than you were before?”

“I am, and I can see and hear better than I could before. No idea about how fast I heal now.”

“I’m going to guess that’s improved. I’ll ask Axel what all a werewolf can do, so we know what to look for. What about characteristics of mer DNA?”

Rihanna turned to look at the water fountain that was bubbling next to them. With absolutely no hesitation, the water in the fountain rose into the air.

Ward whistled quietly. “I’ve seen mer use that ability to drown people. That’s impressive. And a very nice weapon too. What about breathing underwater?”

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