Page 45 of Seduced By Moonlight

As Kayden spoke, Ward interjected occasionally with suggestions or affirmations, their creative chemistry igniting ideas that neither had considered alone.

Never had work been so fun.

Ward reached his office and sat, leaning back in his chair. He hoped his interest showed in his tone. As the conversation deepened, time ceased to matter.

Discussions about stonework transitioned into an animated exchange about the best type of lighting to use in the grand hall to make it feel both welcoming and mysterious.

Kayden mentioned using modern fixtures with a vintage design, blending the old with the new—a concept Ward could totally get behind.

“Imagine walking through the corridor with soft, warm light guiding you, but it’s coming from these beautifully disguised LED sconces that look like they’ve been there for centuries,” Kayden proposed.

“Sounds magical,” Ward responded. “And energy efficient too. You’re definitely onto something.”

Their talk eventually veered toward the logistics of implementing these ideas. They went over timelines and budgets again, which were always a tough part of any project but necessary evils. But even that didn’t dampen Ward’s enjoyment of the conversation.

After nearly an hour of brainstorming and planning, they finally started winding down.

“You know, I’m really glad we’re doing this project together,” Ward said after a brief pause in their discussion. “It’s invigorating to work with someone who understands both my vision and the historical significance of this place.”

“Same. It’s not often you find a client—or is it a collaborator now?—who gives you so much creative freedom yet keeps you grounded in historical authenticity.”

“Let’s go with co-creators,” Ward suggested with a chuckle. “I like that.”

In the dimness of his office, he grinned, eagerly looking forward to their upcoming chat. They exchanged farewells, though he suspected Kayden stayed on the phone a moment longer than necessary.

After Ward ended the call, he raked his fingers through his hair. He enjoyed speaking to Kayden, enjoyed how his mind worked.

Each exchange was like peeling an onion, unraveling layers of insight and perspective that kept Ward thoroughly engaged. Minus the smell, of course.

Unfortunately, he had responsibilities and couldn’t spend the entire night lost in thoughts about Kayden. Obligations awaited, so Ward sent out a message to each member of his council, requesting them to meet in his office in an hour.

AN HOUR later, Tank, Luna, Scarlett, Emmett, and Joel trooped into his office. Ward watched them as they took a seat. Each of them carried their own unique aura, but it was very potent in their natural form.

Tank took a seat directly across from Ward.

Luna’s gargoyle was a deep purple hue, featuring large black wings, a lengthy tail, and horns. Her hair was a light brown color, and her eyes were blue in both her human and gargoyle shapes. She chose a spot by the windows.

Scarlett had light blonde hair and gray eyes that complemented her deep gray complexion. Her wings were light gray, and her tail was shorter than others. In her natural form, she was quite tall and more muscular than curvaceous. She perched on the edge of her chair, eager and attentive.

Emmett possessed short black hair and dark brown eyes that harmonized with his natural deep teal color, and his wings shared that hue. His tail and horns were of a similar tint.

When he took on his human form, he kept the same black hair and chocolate-colored eyes, and he wasn’t as tall as the rest. He flopped down onto a sofa in the corner.

Joel’s human and gargoyle forms shared the same features: short brown hair, brown eyes, and a slender, youthful appearance. His natural form had a deep olive-brown skin tone, with wings of a lighter olive shade. His tail and horns were beige. He settled next to Emmett.

Ward cleared his throat, capturing their attention. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I’ve talked to Hudson and Kage, told them about Rihanna, and now there is an emergency meeting being held with the paranormal leaders of San DeLain.”

“After what you told them, I’m not surprised,” Tank said.

“Neither am I. That’s actually not why I called this meeting, though,” Ward said.

“No?” Joel asked.

“No. Previously, only Tank and I went to these meetings. That’s about to change.” Ward’s words hung in the air, and he mentally started the countdown.Three, two, one….

“Wait, what? What do you mean by that? Surely, you aren’t saying—” Joel demanded.

“What do you think he means?” Scarlett snapped. “And yes, that is exactly what he’s saying.”

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