Page 85 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
Now the barrier is stronger than it’s ever been in my entire lifetime, and a huge weight I’ve been carrying for far too long has been lifted.
I’d heard the tales of how magnificent Conduits are, but I’d never met one before Noah. As my mate, if he can assist me this much, what Nasser proposed to me might be feasible. I could actually pursue some of those interests I thought long out of reach.
Ordinarily, I would spend days, working to the point of exhaustion, to replenish the barrier and maintain basic protection. But in a fraction of that time, because of Noah, I was able to achieve something I’ve never been able to do on my own, nor with my grandfather.
It all brings home even more powerfully how important it will be for me to protect Noah going forward.
But at the same time, I don’t want to confine him to the castle and make him a prisoner. He’ll always be safest here, yet I still want him to be able to see more of my homeland and experience the things he longs to do.
We’ll find a balance. That’s just how it’ll have to be.
Noah will work on publishing his children’s books, and I can explore a passion of my own beyond being simply a Barrier Master to the clan.
I don’t quite know yet what I want to do, but possibilities that have felt closed off and impossible ever since I awoke to my powers are finally right in front of me, ready for the taking.
Surreptitiously, I glance at Noah, who walks at my side as we head outside to the training yard. It’s all because of this wee man. Noah may be small in stature, but he’s huge in heart, personality, and raw talent.
I don’t think he fully understands just what he’s capable of quite yet, but he’s likely to become even more amazing with time and practice as he hones his Conduit skills. I’m so proud to stand at his side and humbled that the Goddess thought me worthy of such an extraordinary man.
I’ve assembled some of the other Guardians and there are about twenty of us out in the yard, ready to get to work. Almost everyone calls out a greeting to Noah, which he enthusiastically responds to, waving to some and chatting with others.
Everyone’s taken a liking to him in a short amount of time, and I don’t blame them. I know he’s far more likable than I am, given my more taciturn nature. Although, even I will admit, Noah has already softened me too.
When it comes to my fellow clan members, it certainly helps that Noah’s my mate and a Conduit who’s essential to our continuing survival. But still, there are quite a few gargoyles who, if they didn’t like him, would be upfront about it. Instead, they’re already joking and taking the piss out of him like he’s their pal, which tells me all I need to know about how well he’ll fit in here.
We can make this work, he and I.
Returning to the task at hand, I quickly get everyone’s attention and explain what we’re going to be doing.
The dubious look Noah sends in my direction makes me want to laugh but I hold it in. My mate is too adorable.
“Noah, I know you may not realize it, but you’re still holding on to some of that energy from when you tapped into the ley line before. Now, I want you to try and share that power with as many of these men as you can.”
“You mean you want me to do a little mental-tentacle poking?” he asks, his smile full of mischief.
“Poking us with your what now?” Braewyn asks, his mouth agape.
Noah quickly explains his meeting with Nasser and coining his preferred terminology. As he concludes, he beams at Braewyn. “So that’s what happened, and now I’m tentacle bros with my buddy, Nasser!”
My best friend starts laughing his fool head off.
“Oh, my Goddess,” he gasps. “You’re the fucking best, Noah. Life’s never going to be dull in the castle ever again with you living here, I guarantee it.”
Noah puts his hands on his hips and grins. “Damn straight.”
Braewyn waggles his eyebrows at him. “And you can probe me with your mental tentacles any time.”
I scowl and give him a warning growl, but he just laughs.
Cheeky bastard.
Noah surveys the group. “Some things are going to change around here. For instance, I’m going to start instituting movie nights in the castle, so you all better get ready.”
Several of the men and women offer animated responses to that one.
There are several, “Hell yeahs!” One person shouts, “As long as Tal makes us popcorn, I’m there!” Anther calls out, “Can we do theme nights too?”
Noah grins. “Done and doner. Just leave it to me, folks.”
