Page 59 of Seduced By Moonlight

“And?”

“I gave him an out if he wants one,” Ward said quietly. “He’s close to his crew, and he’s worried about their safety. I don’t blame him. Especially after what he told me.”

“And that was?”

Ward recounted what Kayden had shared about Lance’s encounter with the witch Ward suspected had abducted and later attempted to sacrifice Rihanna.

“Shit.” Tank rubbed his bald head. “What are the odds?”

“I know. It truly sounds like Lance was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But I don’t understand that witch’s sudden interest in him,” Tank said.

“She sniffed him, remember?”

“So? She’s a witch. Not a shifter.”

“My friend, she isn’tjusta witch. She’s a high priestess who dabbles in black magic. There was something about Lance that caught her attention.”

Tank frowned.

“Keep in mind that Kayden and his crew had met with us. Kayden said Lance went out that Thursday nightafter they met with us. He was trying to get used to staying up all night.”

“Wait. Are you implying that she somehow smelled our scent on Lance?”

“It certainly sounds like it.”

“But that’s crazy.”

“Is it? Keep in mind that you and I both had also been around Rihanna before we met Kayden and his crew, which included Lance. I don’t know if you’ve noticed it or not, but Rihanna has a very distinctive scent.”

“Speaking of, Rihanna stopped me in the hallway before I came here. She wants to have a meeting with you,” Tank mentioned.

“That was next on the list after I met with Kayden.” Ward straightened when he saw Kayden step away from his crew.

He’d tried to tune out the conversation, but it was difficult since they were close by. Kayden’s team had some worries, of course. Many of them felt even more uncomfortable now. Ward exhaled deeply. The construction on his castle was about to come to a screeching halt.

Kayden joined him and Tank. “I’m sorry.”

“I get it. From the way the conversation was heading, I had a feeling this would be the result.”

“We’re going to get done as much as we can on the inside tonight,” Kayden said.

“I appreciate that,” Ward said. “Invoice me for your work tonight later then.”

“I will. Again, I’m sorry. Maybe once things calm down, we can revisit my company working for you,” Kayden said.

“I certainly hope so,” Ward said. Disappointment settled over him like a wet blanket, which was concerning, so perhaps taking a step back was a wise decision. Maybe this peculiar attachment toward Kayden would gradually dissipate.

“We’re going to get to work.”

“Tank will still be here. When you’re done, have him find me,” Ward said.

“Sure thing.”

With a nod to Tank, Ward walked away. It wasn’t as easy as he thought it would be.

He pushed those thoughts aside and started looking for Rihanna. As he walked, he texted Hudson and Kage the name of the witch and asked if they had access to any current pictures of her. He wanted to make sure he had the right person with the right name.

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