Page 48 of Seduced By Moonlight

Their attire was immaculate, with crisp lines and polished shoes that gleamed under the soft lighting. They presented a picture of sophistication and confidence.

“Are we ready?” Ward asked.

“Yes,” Tank said. “I’m driving you and Scarlett. Luna and Joel are with Emmett. We’re taking the clan SUVs, of course.”

“Of course.” When Ward had observed that Hudson and Kage provided their people with black SUVs that were reinforced for safety, he’d decided he needed to do the same for his clan. Although they seldom ventured off his territory, it was logical to ensure maximum protection whenever they did.

As they drove to Isadora’s restaurant, an elegant venue known to the paranormal community, a heavy silence enveloped the vehicle.

Outside, the city lights blurred by, casting fleeting shadows throughout the car’s interior. The tension was tangible, like an unseen string stretched taut in the cramped area, and it concerned Ward. Was this unease stemming from the impending meeting?

Upon their arrival, the valet whisked their vehicles away.

Ward’s council promptly encircled him in a protective formation as they entered the restaurant. The air buzzed with the intense energies of numerous supernatural entities.

Hudson’s group had already gathered, each member adorned in leather attire that balanced ceremonial elegance and practical utility.

Kage’s entourage exuded an air of sophistication and authority, dressed impeccably in tailored business suits and elegant floor-length gowns.

The table where Raven St. Clair and his vampires sat commanded attention. Intricate lace, velvet, and ornate accessories adorned their elaborate Victorian Goth costumes, creating an air of dark elegance.

Ward found the outfits intriguing. However, the heavy, layered attire looked restrictive and perhaps a bit stifling. After all, he normally wore his trusty leather pants, which allowed him the freedom to move with ease.

The werewolf pack known as the Crimson Fangs, led by their imposing alpha, Axel Scheffler, was also present. Clad in leather jackets adorned with patches and chains, they resembled a fearsome motorcycle gang, their presence commanding attention and respect.

In stark contrast, the other werewolf pack was noticeably absent from the gathering.

A young Hispanic man—a human—escorted Ward and his council to a table that was set close to Kage’s. As soon as Ward and his gargoyles took their seats, Merchieftain Fenton Moss ushered in the Golden Reef colony.

Ward observed they mainly wore clothes in blues and greens, each person dripping in pearls and other ocean stones. Despite rarely spending time on land, the procession moved with a deliberate elegance.

After everyone sat down, Isadora Ocho, the owner of the restaurant, moved to the center of the room. She was a striking woman with dark hair and eyes. Her formfitting cream power suit made her Mediterranean skin tone glow.

Although she was attractive, her demeanor clearly warned against messing with her. She was an arachne—a spider shifter. Well, she had spiderlike features. Or so Ward had heard.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Isadora Ocho. Welcome to my restaurant, Beau Monde. Before we start, a reminder. This is neutral territory. As a favor to the King of the Fire Court of San DeLain, I have opened what I consider my territory to you. Act accordingly or else.”

Ward found her words a soft, but firm, reminder of why they were there—the damn hunters.

Isadora introduced Ward, then stepped aside. Standing, Ward looked at the other leaders of San DeLain.

“I want to thank everybody for coming on such short notice. I know it’s difficult to mobilize so quickly for some of us. But, unfortunately, this emergency meeting needed to take place. Something happened in my territory that I need to share with the rest of you because it could have a considerable impact on all of us.”

Ward then explained about the witches who had trespassed on his land, what they’d been trying to do, who Rihanna was and where she’d come from, and finally, the Power of Three.

Fenton was the first to break the weighty silence after Ward’s explanation. “Ward, could you elaborate on this ‘Power of Three’ you mentioned? We need specifics to understand whether our people are at risk.”

Ward nodded respectfully toward the Merchieftain. “Of course, Fenton. The Power of Three means she has the abilities of a werewolf, a mer, and a vampire.”

“Shit,” Raven said. “Fucking hunters and their experiments. Question, though. Why only those three paranormal groups?”

Kage cleared his throat before speaking. “There are two important points to keep in mind. First, they altered Rihanna’s DNA. She wasn’t born with this ability naturally. Second, the hunters can’t extract DNA from daemons, gargoyles, or dragons. They could only use DNA from werewolves, vampires, and mers. That limits her powers to those three groups.”

“Right, right. Sorry about that. I hate to say it, but I was so horrified I temporarily forgot that this was a mutation,” Raven admitted.

“Imagine how she feels,” Ward said softly. “She didn’t ask for this. She didn’t want this. A miscast spell whisked her away from her world and thrust her into our realm, leaving her disoriented and adrift.”

“That alone is horrifying,” Connie said.

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