Page 103 of Seduced By Moonlight

“Because you were not what he was upset about,” Tank said as he came into the room.

“I’mthe one he was upset about,” Kayden said softly.

“Actually, what he’s upset about is his inability to control his king, but that’s a whole ’nother can of worms. It doesn’t excuse him from losing his temper, but he wouldn’t have gone through with it. Still, Ward is furious over it, and Graymore knows that.”

“So he’s mad. Big deal,” Lance said.

Tank sat down next to Lance. “You’re not a gargoyle, so you don’t understand, but itisa big deal. A huge deal.”

“Could you please explain? Because I’m not seeing it,” Kayden said.

“Ward has the power to banish the elder and his family,” Tank said. “Turning Lance into stone isn’t worth the humiliation his family would suffer. No gargoyle clan worth a damn would accept them, either. He would be powerless and basically clanless. He let his eyes glow to intimidate you guys.”

“It worked,” Kayden said.

“I’m sorry for that, and it’s understandable you’d feel that way.”

“I don’t feel comfortable around him,” Lance said. “Which makes staying here uncomfortable. Also, thank you for jumping in front of me. That was brave.”

Tank rubbed his bald head. “Dammit.Dammit. I can’t just let you think that…. Okay, look, I’m not the hero you think I am. We don’t usually talk about what we can do as gargoyles, for reasons, but all I’m going to say is petrification isn’t as permanent as you think.”

Lance’s eyes widened. “Are you saying—”

“I’m not saying anything because we’re notsupposedto say anything, but let’s just say if the worst-case scenario happened, someone here has the power to undo what was done. And that’s all I’m saying. Well, that, and I’m really sorry this happened.”

“Yeah, me too,” Lance said. “But what you’re not saying helped.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I didn’t say anything. Anyway, I’m going to give you everybody’s cell phone number,” Tank said, getting his phone out. “Call any of us at any time. And there. Everybody’s phone number.”

Kayden heard their cell phones beep.

“I’m off. If anybody needs anything, holler,” Tank said, getting up. “I’ll see you guys at lunch.”

After everyone said goodbye, Kayden looked back at Lance. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Are you staying?”

“I guess so. Talking with Tank helped. I think I have a better chance with the gargoyles than I would out there on my own,” Lance said. “But I don’t appreciate being threatened.”

“I don’t appreciate him threatening us, either, and I made it clear I’ll defend myself and you guys,” Kayden said. “But hopefully there won’t be a next time. And Tank did help me feel better too.”

“I don’t think there will be a next time,” Mika said. “Ward made himself pretty clear.”

“So? Do we have a problem with me dating Ward?” Kayden asked.

“Um, I realize you’re not a shifter, but do you understand what this is? I’m assuming the gargoyles are like us shifters—they have Fated mates. And if so, it’s a bit more than dating. He’s the other half of your soul,” Mika said.

“Yes, I know. I’ve spent enough time around the two of you to know that. Just because we’re fated doesn’t mean we have to bond right this moment. We want a chance to get to know each other,” Kayden said. “Is that so wrong?”

Lance looked at Mika, then they both looked at Kayden.

“Okay, what?”

“Just wondering how long the two of you are going to be able to keep your hands off each other while getting to know each other,” Lance said, waggling his eyebrows.

“Who says I intend to keep my hands off him?”

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