Page 38 of Seduced By Moonlight

Once he was in his quarters, he paced the floor, the soft thud of his footsteps echoing in the quiet as he practiced what he would say to the other paranormal leaders.

Last thing he wanted to do was sound like a blithering idiot. Both Hudson and Kage were so suave and polished. Ward was just… himself.

Reaching the balcony doors, he grasped the cool handles and swung the doors open, allowing the crisp night air to rush in. The silvery glow of the moon spilled into the room, mingling with the gentle whisper of the breeze that carried the scent of jasmine from the gardens below.

If he was going to call Hudson and Kage, he needed to do it now, because his day was their night. And it was Saturday night to boot. He was sure they had plans.

He returned inside and sat at his desk. Picking up his cell, he scrolled through his contacts and pressed the call button. He’d start off with Hudson and go from there.

Hudson’s name appeared on the screen as the call connected. Ward’s fingers tapped impatiently on the desk as he waited for the call to connect.

The phone rang only twice before Hudson’s gruff voice answered. “Ward Tywyll. I certainly wasn’t expecting a phone call from you. How may I be of service?”

“Before I start, is your phone secure?”

“Well, this sounds like it’s going to be an interesting conversation.” Hudson cleared his voice. “Of course. Is yours?”

Asking such a question left Ward feeling slightly uncomfortable, but it was better to be safe than sorry. “Yes. A situation transpired recently on my lands that I need to make you and Kage aware of. And unfortunately, I need to ask a favor of the both of you.”

“I see. Why don’t I set up a three-way call with Kage then?”

“That would be best, I think,” Ward said, settling in his desk chair.

“Give me just a moment. And also? Know that I consider nothing you need a favor. As a paranormal leader, I am more than happy to help in any way I can. I’m certain I speak for Kage too.”

“I appreciate that, even though you don’t know what I’m about to ask for,” Ward said.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve called Kage, and he should pick up in a—”

“Hello?” Kage said.

“Hey, Kage. This is a three-way call with Ward Tywyll. He called me first and I’m adding you to the conversation. He recently had something happen on his lands that he wishes to share with us, and—his words here—he needs a favor.”

“I see. Hello, Ward. Whatever I can do to help, I’ll be more than willing to do,” Kage said. “We leaders need to stick together.”

“That’s what I said,” Hudson chuckled softly. “Ward, the floor is all yours.

“Thank you, Kage. As I told Hudson, I appreciate your offer.” Ward glanced toward the balcony as he composed his thoughts.

In the distance, the rhythmic chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs created a symphony of night sounds that echoed through the air.

The knowledge of what those witches were capable of sent a shiver down his spine, making him acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders.

“Recently, I had several witches trespass on my land because they intended to do a ritual sacrifice. As Hudson knows, the ley lines cross here.”

“Shit,” Kage mumbled.

“That’s not even the most important part of what I have to tell you,” Ward said. “I killed three, but one escaped. The one who escaped was the most powerful of them. I also rescued the person they were trying to sacrifice. Thus the reason for my call.”

Kage sighed loudly. “Why do I feel that whatever peace we’ve been experiencing is about to end?”

“Because your feeling would be correct,” Ward said. “I found out that the hunters had kidnapped and experimented on the person I rescued. They mutated their DNA without their consent.”

“Dammit,” Hudson growled. “We knew there were more humans, but—”

“Chester comes to mind,” Kage added.

“I remember him,” Ward said. “He’s the one whose DNA they mutated with that of a mer, right?”

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