Page 86 of Seduced By Moonlight

“I consider them my found family, but I don’t make life or death decisions for them.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Kayden wasn’t really sure of anything right then. He was completely out of his comfort zone. One moment, he felt a pull toward the familiar, and the next, he was thrust into the unknown.

He wavered between wanting to retreat and the curiosity of what lay ahead. Hell, he didn’t even know what his relationship with Ward was.

“How are you handling all this?” Ward finally asked after a few more minutes of riding in silence. “I mean dealing with paranormal society. It’s a lot.”

“It is. Especially since paranormal society doesn’t have much to do with me. I find it mostly fascinating.” Kayden offered a small smile to Ward, trying to lighten the mood. “Plus, I get to see different sides of you—though I’ve got to say, I’m quite a fan of your gargoyle form.”

Ward chuckled deeply. Kayden enjoyed how the rich sound filled the space between them.

“I’m glad to hear that. I can walk among humans as one of them, when necessary, but what you see in my true form? That’s who I really am.”

Kayden nodded. “I think being seen for who you truly are is the greatest gift. And despite everything that’s going on, I’m grateful for the opportunity of getting to know you.”

Ward held out his hand, staring steadily at Kayden. Slowly, Kayden joined their hands.

“We need to have a discussion when we get back to the castle,” Ward said. “About us and our expectations.”

“I was thinking the same.”

They drove onward through the winding roads. When they arrived back at the castle, relief and apprehension flooded Kayden.

“C’mon,” Ward said once Tank parked the SUV. “Let’s get inside and unwind a bit.”

Kayden glanced at the SUVs. “What about the coolers?”

“I’ll just be—”

“We’ll take care of those, Ward,” Tank said.

“Oh. Well, um, good. That’s good,” Kayden said.

“I’ll also tell Lance and Mika you need a minute,” Tank added helpfully.

Kayden hesitated. Lance and Mika wouldn’t think anything odd about that. They already knew that he and Ward had kissed. “Thanks. Tell them I’ll catch up with them later.”

“Sure thing.”

Kayden followed Ward upstairs.

As soon as they entered Ward’s spacious and dimly lit bedroom, he dropped his human façade. Kayden blinked in surprise. He wasn’t sure, but he thought that was the first time Ward had done such a thing. And it was quick too—just a blurring of his figure andbam. Gargoyle.

Now this. This right here was the Ward that Kayden knew—the horns, the wings, the tail, the clawed feet, that damn muscular body that he wanted to lick from one end to the other.

And if he kept thinking like that, there would be no talking.

Instead, he focused on the heavy drapes, slightly pulled back to let moonlight spill across the ancient stone floor and reflect off the intricate wall tapestries.

It was funny how he was coming to appreciate the moonlight.

Ward draped his wings around his shoulders like a cape and walked over to a large armchair by the fireplace, motioning for Kayden to take the opposite seat. With a wave of his hand and a softly spoken spell, a fire started.

Kayden jumped. He knew Ward was magical—all gargoyles were—but seeing Ward use his power so nonchalantly surprised him. He had no idea why, though, because Kayden used his all the time without a second thought. It was part of him and natural. He was also glad Ward felt comfortable enough to be himself around Kayden too.

Ward leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together. “I’ve been meaning to discuss us—what we want and what we’re doing here.”

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