Page 62 of Seduced By Moonlight

“Good. She’s strong too, you know.”

“I’m very aware. I wasn’t knocking her ability earlier. Just stating a fact.”

“Okay.”

She’s protective of Celine.“I’ll contact Raven about those blood bags and discuss your condition with him personally,” Ward continued as he stood up, readying himself to leave. “He might have insights about handling the vampire aspects without triggering an uncontrollable bloodlust.”

Rihanna nodded in agreement.

“Plus, I’ll talk to Axel and Fenton like I said. Actually, I would like for you to meet all three.”

“Do you think they’ll want to meet me?”

“I do, yes. The meeting I had in San DeLain was basically about you.”

“The meeting where someone attacked you. That meeting?”

“Yes. And yes, it was probably her coven.”

“I am sorry,” Rihanna said. “Because of me you were—”

“No. We’re not doing that. You will not blame yourself for the actions of others. This isn’t on you. And we will handle it. I’m old, Rihanna. This isn’t the first battle I’ve been in. It won’t be the last.”

As Ward turned to leave, he paused and added over his shoulder, “Oh, and Rihanna? Even though you’re in my territory and behind wards, please, be careful.”

“I’m always careful,” Rihanna replied.

Ward gave a small smile in return before disappearing into the night to make his calls to the other leaders before it got much later.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN –KAYDEN

AS KAYDEN walked away from Ward, he fought disappointment, but he couldn’t afford to get wrapped up in whatever drama was going on between the gargoyles and the witches.

The air was thick with tension, almost crackling with an unseen energy, but Kayden steeled himself, determined to steer clear of the brewing storm.

“Not my monkeys, not my circus,” Kayden muttered under his breath as he returned to his crew.

He hated feeling that way, but he simply didn’t have a dog in this fight. As it was, that witch had already singled him and some of his crew out, and he didn’t like it. Not one bit.

Unlike Ward, who had an abundance of resources and the unwavering support of his clan, it was just Kayden and his band of misfits. None of them were rich or powerful.

He informed his crew of the developing situation and how this would be their last night. Faces around him reflected a mix of disbelief and worry as they absorbed the unexpected news.

Unsurprisingly, several of his crew agreed with him. He sent most of them along with Tank to focus on repairing the interior of the wing, which direly needed attention, assuring them he would join them soon. He dismissed the specialized workers.

“Lance? Mika? A word, please.” Kayden gestured subtly, his hand slicing through the air as he beckoned them to linger after the others had departed.

“What’s up?” Lance asked, Mika standing next to him.

“I didn’t give the crew the full story because it isn’t necessary. However, after the incident with the high priestess, I believe it’s important for you both to be fully aware of the situation. Particularly you, Lance,” Kayden stated.

“That sounds worrisome.”

Kayden told them aboutwhythe witches were targeting the gargoyles.

“Holy shit,” Mika said. “That’s scary as hell.”

“It’s horrible,” Lance muttered. “That poor woman. Jesus, why do so many paranormals suck?”

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