Page 95 of Seduced By Moonlight

Every fissure and texture fascinated Kayden. What must it be like? Was he aware? Or was it like when Kayden slept—completely unconscious? If he looked at it that way, he didn’t feel quite so sad.

Settling beside Ward, Kayden let the rest of the afternoon slip quietly by. The vast sky shifted and, slowly but surely, the sun dipped toward the horizon once more.

Kayden’s anticipation reignited alongside growing impatience. He tried to picture what Ward would look like when freed from stone—if he’d be any different at all. Was there such a thing as groggy gargoyles?

The lowering sun cast softer light across Ward’s frozen features. Finally the sun set, and then it happened—a resounding crack echoed through the stillness as his stony exterior crumbled away.

A low, guttural growl emanated from Ward’s throat as his body changed from stone to skin and muscles adapted to his newly revealed self. Color emerged again.

Veins of muted blue returned first on his shoulders, then his arms and chest. They spread downward until at last his whole body stirred. More stone fragments fell away, and Ward’s massive wings stretched out to their full size as his body contorted and shifted.

His blinking eyes found Kayden immediately.

“Good morning,” Kayden whispered in wonderment.

“It is now.”

Kayden threw himself at Ward, laughing.

“Easy!” Ward chuckled deeply as he took a step back.

“I can’t believe how amazing that was!” Kayden sounded breathless again, but now from excitement—and relief that this time they wouldn’t have to part soon.

“Was it worth watching?”

“Oh my God, yes!” He pulled back just enough to look into Ward’s eyes—which seemed deeper and brighter than ever against the dark sky. “But I’m glad you’re back.”

Ward smiled as he held Kayden.

Ward’s wings engulfed him, and it was the coolest feeling ever. They were just so huge. They completely shielded him, he would bet. Being tucked up close to Ward like this was absolutely amazing.

Until Kayden’s stomach growled, and, oh wow, he actually felt Ward chuckle against him.

“Sounds like we better feed that thing.” Ward leaned back so he could stare down at Kayden.

“And a cup of coffee would be greatly appreciated.”

“I agree.” Ward folded his wings around his shoulders. “Let’s go see what there is for breakfast.”

Kayden noticed a mix of gargoyles and humans had already gathered in the dining area, eating and talking amidst the clinking silverware and the hum of conversation.

A few nodded politely at Kayden, some even smiling warmly. That was promising. But others regarded him with more cautious expressions, which he understood. He was a stranger.

There were a few sideways glances that lingered on Kayden too long too. Then there was an older male who glared at him. He didn’t have a clue what was up with that and ignored it as they got their food.

Ward went to a table on the quieter edge of the room. “This okay?”

“Yeah,” Kayden said, thankful they were away from the glaring gargoyle.

Sitting down together, Kayden couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Beside him, Ward appeared completely at ease, digging into his meal with gusto.

Was he unaware or just unconcerned by the scrutiny? Kayden stabbed absentmindedly at his eggs. The caution and curiosity he got. But there had been dislike in a gaze or two.

He caught sight of a youngish looking gargoyle girl, not much older than ten by human years, sneaking curious peeks at him, then quickly averting her gaze whenever he glanced her way.

Ward paused mid-bite. “They’re all just curious.”

“I know,” Kayden murmured.

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