Page 82 of Seduced By Moonlight

Ward shot a quick message to Emmett, outlining their plan and checking if he was free. Moments later, Emmett responded, saying he would be happy to help and asking where they should meet.

Ward informed him they were having lunch, to which Emmett replied he was already heading there for a meal as well.

“Emmett’s on his way. We’ll wait for him to eat and then we’ll go.” Just as Ward was about to put away his cell phone, he received another text message, this time from Raven. “Well, it seems we will have another stop to make now too.”

“And what stop is that?” Tank asked as he took a drink of his soda.

Ward was still typing away as he explained the emails he’d sent out and the issue that Raven, in particular, could help with.

“Blood bags,” Tank said slowly.

Ward shrugged as he pocketed his cell. “It’s just something she needs for that aspect of herself. That’s the way it is. Plus, I’ve seen you eat some pretty nasty things, so I highly suggest you don’t go there.”

Tank held up his hand. “You’re right. Sorry.”

“Don’t knock it until you try it,” Lance piped up. “Shifters don’t need blood like vampires do, but sometimes when we’re in our shifter form, we like our meal still kicking.”

“You keep going down that road and you’re going to seemymeal reappear,” Kayden warned. “I’ve told you about that shit, Lance.”

Lance sniffed. “Such a sensitive stomach.”

“Raven mentioned he would share some of his stock with us because he recently ordered a shipment. However, he can’t deliver it to me as he is busy meeting with several new vampires who had requested to vacation in the city,” Ward said.

“In that case, I want everybody to go.” Tank pointed his fork at Ward. “This is no longer a quick in and out operation.”

“Agreed,” Luna said. “Whatever Scarlett is doing will just have to wait until we get back. And whatever hole Joel has climbed into, well, he’ll just have to climb out of.”

Ward caught the look Mika flashed Kayden because of Luna’s words.

Tank had his cell phone out and was tapping away on it. “There. Messages sent. I also told them if they wanted to eat, then they better get their asses in here pronto.”

A short time later, Scarlett and Joel strolled to the table with plates.

“You have such a fucking way with words,” Joel complained as he sat down.

“It got the job done.” Tank wiped his lips with his napkin, then smirked at Joel.

Ward didn’t miss the double take Joel did when he passed by Kayden. He knew everyone at the table could smell him on Kayden, and not one person had said anything. Joel hadn’t either, but Ward saw the quick flash of distaste on his face.

Ward’s first instinct was to call Joel out on it, but he stopped the urge. Joel could feel however he wanted, as long as he kept his personal feelings to himself.

But if Kayden was who Ward was thinking he was, there might be trouble from that sector, and Ward simply would not allow it.

AFTER LUNCH, they piled into the SUVs and headed into San DeLain. Ward purposely put the two of them together. Lance and Mika were in the other SUV, and the gargoyles split up between the two vehicles.

Their first stop was Kayden’s home. Tank cased the area before Ward would allow Kayden to even get out of the vehicle. Once Tank gave the all clear, he and Ward escorted Kayden inside. Ward was not taking any chances, especially after last night.

The interior of Kayden’s home exuded a sense of warmth and orderliness. Kayden had meticulously organized each room, arranging the furniture carefully to invite comfort and relaxation.

Soft lighting bathed the space in a gentle glow, highlighting the polished surfaces and thoughtfully chosen decor.

“Did you leave a light on by chance?” Ward asked.

“Lights are automated,” Kayden said.

The living room featured plush, inviting sofas adorned with colorful cushions and a bookshelf lined with an array of well-loved books. The faint aroma of a lemon cleaner lingered in the air, adding to the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that enveloped anyone who stepped inside.

Ward thought it fit Kayden.

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