Page 29 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
As I hold his hand, that strange tingly zap of energy courses through me again, just like when I met the brownie and the orc. I’m starting to think it must be magic associated with Otherkind.Given I haven’t had a lot of experience with other species—my neighborhood is mostly made up of humans—I don’t know what is or isn’t normal when it comes to Otherkind.
But even as the zing of electrical power starts to fade to a hum, something else remains. I don’t know how to describe it exactly. It’s a bit like being wrapped in a heated blanket in the winter—cozy, comfy, and soothing.
I can’t seem to let go of Elryk’s hand, which is so much bigger and rougher than mine, and I stare up into his jade-green eyes. Moving closer, I find myself sniffing and then letting out a dreamy sigh. “You smell really good. Like musk and rain and sandalwood, all mixed up.” I inhale deeply and press closer, wanting to get all up in his personal space. “Mmmmm. Love it.”
Elryk’s eyes flash dangerously, but then he pulls back and swallows, a low rumble sounding in his chest that makes me downright giddy.
There’s a knock at the door and I could swear relief washes over the handsome gargoyle’s face.
I mentally cringe. I could have sworn he was feeling it too. Was I just throwing myself at a hot and uninterested guy?
Yep. Sounds about right for my track record.
I let go of his hand and he hurries to the door, where another gargoyle hands him some pills.
Elryk sets them on the nightstand. “Your aspirin.” He gestures toward a door on the opposite side of the room. “Please use the facilities to clean up and then I’ll show you around the castle. I’ll just be waiting outside for you. You’ll meet with my clan leader tonight.”
Before I can say anything, he exits the room and closes the door firmly behind him.
Ah, rejection, how I know thee well…
Of course some sexy gargoyle Highland warrior come to life, like a fantasy I never knew I had, wouldn’t want anything to do with me and my creepy come-on.
What had I even been thinking?
Okay, I hadn’t actually been thinking at all. It was pure instinct. I’d been drawn to him like a Noah-sized magnet, pulled toward his glorious body and irresistible scent. Sadly, he hadn’t been equally drawn to me.
Sadder still, I realize, now that we’re no longer touching, I don’t feel that amazing electric-blanket-of-the-soul sensation anymore. I suspect that was all Elryk’s super amazing mojo at work. If I can find a chance to bump into him, I need to test out my theory.
For reasons.
I down the aspirin and the last of my water, then make my way to the bathroom. It’s all white tiles and utilitarian design, with just a toilet, pedestal sink, and a shower stall. After I’ve done my morning business, I turn on the water and step under the spray once it’s steaming hot.
The pressure is good and the water feels glorious against my body, which I realize now has some other aches and pains from my scuffle with my would-be kidnapper last night. Thankfully, toiletries are stocked for guests and I’m able to wash my hair with a nice minty shampoo and scrub down with some refreshing citrusy soap. The whole ritual, on top of the aspirin now working its way through my system, has me feeling much better and clearer-headed.
My momentary sulky mood vanishes in the steam of the bathroom and my attitude realigns. After all, it’s not like Elryk said, “Ewww! Get away. You’re gross!” Maybe I just came on a bit too strong? Then again, he might not be into guys, or he may have a significant other, or both. But I won’t know until I trymaking friends with him. Even if I can’t touch, I’ll be happy to look—in a respectful way, of course.
Also, I’m apparently in some kind of castle and Ihaveto explore every inch of it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and no doubt something I’ll be telling candy stripers in the gay nursing home one day.
Ah, let me tell you young whippersnappers about the time I was whisked away to a castle in the Highlands of Scotland by a gorgeous gargoyle…
Chuckling to myself, I step out of the shower after I’ve probably used most of the castle’s hot water—sorry, not sorry—and grab a big fluffy towel off a rack thing on the wall. I nearly swoon.
It’swarm! The towel feels like it just came out of the dryer. I smile and wrap it around myself like a hug. Sometimes it’s the small things in life, you know?
Curious, I study the rack on the wall and realize it connects to a radiator. Carefully, I touch the metal and find it hot.
“I totally need one of these back home, especially during Chicago winters,” I mutter to myself.
I hurry out and grab my phone, snapping a picture to send to my parents later. For now, I’ll hold off on texting because I don’t know what to say that won’t freak them out—especially Mom—and I don’t want to lie.
Hey, Mom! I nearly got kidnapped and possibly trafficked by some Zoolander model-wannabe with a freaky needle. Then I fell off a train and almost died but got rescued in the nick of time by a supersexy gargoyle in a kilt! Oh, and there was a bus thing too but I Sandra Bullocked my way out of that one and saved the day, in fact!
Le sigh.
Yeah, I have no desire to give her a heart attack or have her jumping on the first plane over here. First, I need to figure out what the hell is going on.
My stomach growls like a saber-toothed tiger.
