Page 35 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
I mull this over, trying to find an answer. Normally, I’m not super quick to glom onto someone, let alone throw myself at them. It’s kinda freaking me out now that I actually think about it. Must be due to the fact that Elryk saved my life. Add to that the fact he’s super freaking hot and it’s no wonder I’m so attracted to him.
That makes a certain kind of sense, for sure.
However, while he hasn’t been outright pushing me away, he hasn’t exactly been giving me the green light to continue making advances on him either. I’m ashamed of how I just behaved. I’ve never been an asshole or a creeper before, and I’ve always detested people who are.
Steeling my resolve, I make a vow to myself that I’m not going to weird out this poor man with my overly enthusiastic interest in him anymore. My attraction is embarrassingly obvious now, so I’m going to leave the ball in his court to see if he wants to reciprocate or not. But in the meantime, I’ll try to at least cultivate a friendship that’s all about respectful boundaries.
After all, he’s going to take me to meet the honest-to-god Nessie, and for that, he will become my lifelong pal.
As we stroll outside, I discover that the exterior of the castle is just as impressive as the interior.
“Sweet fantasy nerd heaven. There’s even fucking parapets,” I whisper with an almost giddy sense of euphoria.
This is like something out of a dream. I’m worried if I pinch myself, it’ll all disappear.
“Aye,” Elryk says. “’Twas a functioning castle used for defense for many years. We’ve not had a battle of massive scale in many centuries, of course, but the castle can still defend against various threats.”
I give an awkward chuckle. “Well, it’s not as if the English army is going to come and invade or anything, right?”
Elryk’s eyes go dark and distant. “There are many other dangerous things in this world than humans and their foolhardy brand of warfare.”
I shiver at his words and want to ask for more information, but he turns and continues to lead me around the estate. There are horse stables and what seem to be some small-scale agriculture endeavors, like a garden behind the kitchens. Elryk tells me there are sheep and some cows, as well, but that they’re out grazing still.
In the fading afternoon light, I marvel at the atmospheric moors and rolling hills that dot the lush landscape around me. It’s like something I’d see on the cover of one of my mom’s Highland romance novels.
But I’m getting the impression that it’s also really fucking remote out here. I don’t see any signs of other human or Otherkind habitation anywhere within my visual radar. Hell, I can’t even see any paved roads.
“So, uh, where exactly are we?” I ask hesitantly. “I don’t see any towns nearby.”
Elryk surveys the horizon. “The castle is situated somewhere between Loch Ness and Inverness.”
Okay, Mr. Vague and Mysterious. I pull out my phone, but realize I’ve got no signal out here.
Well, fuck.
I let out a nervous chuckle. “So, castle in the middle of nowhere, huh?”
He studies me for a moment. “Aye. There’s a magical barrier that conceals our castle and our land from the eyes of most others. This location serves another purpose in relation to our sacred duty as a clan, which is why the castle was built here so many centuries ago.”
“Your clan’s… duty?”
His face shutters. “Kelwyn will explain more tonight. I apologize but I’ve said too much. Let’s return. It’s getting late, and you might want a wee kip before dinner.”
We head back inside, and he helps me retrace my steps to my room, then leaves me with a rather dashing bow that makes my stupid heart flutter.
I flop down on the bed, my mind racing with more questions than answers.
Questions like, why have I been brought here?
And how long do they intend to keep me?
Chapter eight
Elryk
Guardian gargoyles cannot fight the connection they have with their fated mates. The magical power that ties them together is irresistible once mates find each other. Ignoring the bond is impossible for most. The intensity of the need for one another will grow all-consuming until the union is magically consummated. This process involves sharing magical power between mates. Guardians always have fated mates whose gifts can support or complement their own. The ritual for sharing their powers, however, remains a closely guarded secret.
—Guardians of the Line: A Hidden Historyby Dr. Targan Wildethorne
