Page 40 of Seduced By Moonlight

“That might be easier said than done,” Hudson mused. “Rihanna is a member of your clan. Right?”

“Yes,” Ward said.

“So, basically, we have a magic user dragged here by accident from another realm, experimented on, and ended up with the Power of Three. Then a coven of witches who Rihanna asked for help tried to sacrifice her in order to gain that power on your land. Is that correct, Ward?”

“Yes. Which brings me to the reason I contacted the two of you, actually,” Ward said. “It wasn’t just to tell you of the situation. I know you both have hackers going through the data seized from the hunters when we dismantled their operation.”

“And you want us to see if there’s anything on Rihanna,” Kage guessed. “Smart.”

“Any information would be helpful,” Ward admitted.

“I’ll alert my hacker, and if we find anything, we’ll send it directly to you,” Kage said.

“As will I,” Hudson said. “Also, if there are any type of notes or documentation about how this was done, I fully intend to destroy that research. The last thing we need is for something like this to happen again to another unsuspecting person.”

“Or a volunteer,” Kage added. “They basically turned Rihanna into a weapon.”

“Who, it sounds like, was already a powerful witch before forces beyond her control brought her into our realm,” Hudson added. “Who may very well be stuck here.”

“Let’s just hope she doesn’t have the sudden urge for world domination,” Kage huffed. “We have enough problems with what’s left of the hunters.”

“Agreed,” Ward said. “But I don’t get the feeling she’s a threat. At least, not to us. If she ever finds the coven who attacked her, well, all bets are off on that.”

“Can’t say that I blame her,” Hudson said. “Thank you, Ward, for reaching out. I know the leaders of San DeLain usually meet once a month at Isadora’s, but I feel like we need to call an emergency meeting.”

“I agree,” Kage said. “As much as I wish I didn’t.”

Hudson snickered. “You really need to get over your fear of spiders.”

“And you really need to kiss my ass,” Kage fired back.

“That’s your mate’s job, my friend. Not mine. So, I’ll contact Isadora, arrange a night, and send out a mass email with a date. If either of us can do anything meanwhile, Ward, please let us know.”

“I will. And thank you for your help.”

“Anytime,” Hudson said.

“Seriously,” Kage said. “We’re the three most powerful paranormal groups in San DeLain. There needs to be a good relationship between us.”

“Someone recently reminded me that we gargoyles tend to isolate ourselves. I’m trying to fix that.”

“You know, it wouldn’t hurt for the three of us to go out to dinner one night,” Kage said. “Talk business, you know? We could do it at Embers once it has reopened. My treat.”

“I’m always up for eating on your dime,” Hudson joked.

Oddly enough, Ward found the invitation appealing too. “I will certainly take you up on that.”

“I look forward to it,” Kage said. “Austin and I are about to watch a movie.”

“Kit and Connie are also waiting for me,” Hudson said. “Ward? Is there anything else?”

“No. Enjoy the night with your mates. And thank you. Goodbye.” Ward stared at the phone once the conversation had ended. He was only a little jealous that he didn’t have plans with a mate.

Just a little.

He sent a text to Celine asking if she recognized the description of that witch who survived the altercation on his land. Rising from his desk, he stepped out onto the balcony.

He’d lived long, seen much, but the events of late—the implications of otherworldly witches and powerful, unintended consequences—stirred a sense of unease in him.

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