Page 13 of Seduced By Moonlight

The air thickened, making his ears pop and his senses heighten. It was as if reality bent slightly, wavering around them before settling back into place. It was an unsettling feeling that never quite became routine, no matter how many times he experienced it.

He glanced in the side mirror as the rest of his crew followed behind him with no problem at all.

Mika squinted out the window, his gaze scanning the now mist-covered landscape. “Those are some powerful wards.”

Kayden nodded. “The gargoyles don’t play around with their security. But it’s good for us too. We passed through with no problem.”

“I don’t want to know what would’ve happened if we hadn’t,” Mika commented.

“I hear you.”

As they continued their drive, the mist cleared, revealing the rugged terrain that marked the edge of gargoyle territory. Rocky outcrops jutted from the earth and dense woods hugged the road.

Kayden focused his attention on the highway as it dipped into a narrow valley shrouded by towering trees. He scanned the road ahead for any signs of trouble or unexpected guests.

It was as if the very earth beneath them was aware of their presence, watching and weighing their intentions. Ancient magic pulsated from the ground, coiling around his senses.

This area was steeped in old magic, a remnant of a time when gargoyles were not just myths tucked away in children’s storybooks, but mighty guardians of realms now forgotten by modern civilization.

The rest of the journey passed in silence until they reached a colossal wrought iron gate. Their destination wasn’t far now. The gate opened slowly as they approached, revealing a paved road.

The gargoyle king had built his stronghold into the largest of those rocky mountainsides, its gray stone walls blending almost seamlessly with the natural rock. As they approached, shadowy figures were visible, moving along the ramparts.

“It’s impressive,” Mika said. “Creepy but impressive.”

“That’s gargoyles for you,” Kayden replied with a wry smile. “Masters of stone and shadow.”

Kayden parked the truck at a respectful distance from the castle entrance, then killed the engine. He looked over at Mika and nodded toward the building. “Ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied.

Kayden unbuckled his seat belt. “Time to see if the gargoyles are as talkative as their wards are clingy.”

He and Mika stepped out, followed by their crew. Everyone gathered around Kayden, waiting for instructions.

“Remember, respect their rules and follow my lead,” Kayden instructed firmly. “We’re here to work, not cause trouble.”

“Heads up,” Mika whispered as he nodded toward the massive doors of the castle that swung open.

A figure emerged, tall and imposing, with skin the color of the deepest blue. The gargoyle’s eyes glinted with an unnatural light, like a cat at night.

Kayden was more than a little surprised that the gargoyle approached them in his true form. But then again, why wouldn’t he? Kayden had assured Ward that what humans were on his crew were well aware of the paranormal world.

And yes, Kayden had told them their client was a gargoyle king. Still, this was definitely unexpected, and he didn’t quite know what to make of it.

He’d never seen a gargoyle in anything but their human glamor, and woo wee, this was a big one. Like massively big. Like, his muscles had muscles.

The gargoyle’s power surged forward, coming at them like a fierce wave crashing onto the shore. But instead of knocking him off his metaphorical feet, it wrapped around Kayden like a purring cat. He could literally feel the ancient magic of the gargoyle coursing through him.

Oh yes, this gargoyle was a force to be reckoned with.

Kayden stood tall and unafraid—because damned if he was going to be intimidated—when a pleasant buzz of electricity shot through him. He fought to keep the surprise off his face. What the hell was his power doing? It never reacted to others.

As the gargoyle approached, his power retreated. He stopped before them, his gaze sweeping over each member of Kayden’s team before settling on him. Kayden caught himself from running a hand through his hair.Whatwas he doing? Had he lost his damn mind?

Instead of answering that question, he focused on the several gargoyles behind the first one.

“Welcome to my home,” the lead gargoyle’s voice boomed. “I am Ward Tywyll, king of the San DeLain gargoyles. I trust your journey was uneventful?”

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