Page 110 of Seduced By Moonlight

“Thank you,” Rihanna said.

“We’re off. We’ll see you later,” Celine said.

Ward watched them leave his office. He was happy that Rihanna was settling in nicely. It made sense that one of her first friends would be another witch. Surely, if she left someone behind, she wouldn’t already be flirting with Celine.

He made another mental note to ask, since he kept forgetting. Or maybe he should just leave it alone. It really wasn’t any of his business, and if Celine was worried, then she could be the one to ask. He liked that idea better, actually.

Shortly after they left, Kayden entered the room. “Hey, I woke up, and you weren’t there,” he remarked with a playful pout.

Ward stood and pulled Kayden into his arms. “Just tying up some loose ends. Plus, I didn’t want to wake you. You looked very comfortable.”

“Hmm.” Kayden buried his face in Ward’s neck and inhaled. “You smell good.”

“Amusement or sarcasm?”

“Neither.” Kayden brushed his lips softly against Ward’s jaw. “Seriously. You smell like frankincense, the ancient and earthy aroma of stone, and the delicate fragrance of roses. It’s a wonderful, unique scent.”

“You can actually scent me?”

“Um, yes. Is that strange?”

“Quite the opposite. Mates can recognize each other’s scent.”

“That’s so fascinating. Do I have a scent too?”

“Yes, you do. It’s an enchanting mix of the crispness of fresh-cut grass, the vibrant aroma of blooming flowers, the salty breeze of the ocean, the creamy hint of sunscreen, and the sweet, tangy essence of ripe citrus and berries.”

Kayden laughed quietly. “So, California beach boy?”

Ward smiled, tightening his embrace. “Absolutely. By the way, I have some errands to run around the castle. Do you want to go?”

“Can I?”

“Sure. It’s just some things I need to check on, a couple of people I need to talk to. Nothing big.”

“Then yes, I’d love to,” Kayden said.

“Great. By the time we’re finished, it should be dinner,” Ward said. “Ready to go?”

Kayden snickered and waved at the office door. “I’m following you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE –KAYDEN

IT WAS easy for Kayden to forget Ward held the title of king because he didn’t act like a pampered, egotistical jerk.

But following him around while he talked to his people and ran errands reminded Kayden that Ward was more than just another paranormal. That he was indeed the leader of this gargoyle clan.

Whenever he heard the word king, he envisioned the British royalty and stuff like that. But that wasn’t Ward. He was down to earth and simple.

Oh, Kayden didn’t doubt he had oodles and oodles of money stashed away somewhere, but he didn’t act like he was insanely wealthy. In fact, he acted like someone who shouldered a lot of responsibility and cared greatly for those he served.

Huh. Funny he should put it like that, but that was exactly what Ward did—he served his people.

There was also little doubt that word had spread about what Kayden was to Ward, and so far, no one seemed out of shape over it. It was also likely everyone knew he’d tossed that elder on his ass.

Oddly enough, no one had a problem with that, either.

AFTER THEY were through running errands, they returned to the castle and joined everybody for dinner.