Page 18 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
He steadies me instantly, his huge hands gentle but firm on my arms. His massive wings rise behind him, blotting out the moonlight as his golden eyes blaze in the darkness. “You shouldn’t be here, Auri,” he says, voice full of concern. “What are you doing?”
“Playing seek and find.” I place my hands on my hips. “Is that some sort of crime?”
Irritation flashes across his handsome, severe face. “It’s dangerous to wander too far into the ruins. The walls could collapse.”
“It’s fine, Thalric. Nothing is going to happen.” I stop short of rolling my eyes at his needless worrying. “These ruins have been here for hundreds of years.”
“Which means they’re extremely old and unstable,” he counters, his tail curling around my ankle like a gentle caress, melting away my frustration. “Come on. We should head back toward the entrance.”
His head snaps to the side, wings bristling as his whole body tenses with lethal alertness. Lightning fast, Thalric moves, whirling protectively in front of me as something lunges from the shadows.
CHAPTER 10
THALRIC
Istand protectively in front of Aurora, every instinct primed, wings spread, muscles coiled tight as I glare into the darkness, ready to rip apart whatever threat dares come close to her.
A sudden rustle breaks the tension, and my nostrils catch his scent a moment before Reid leaps out, grinning like a fool, blond hair catching in the moonlight.
“Calm down, Thalric.” Reid chuckles, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “It’s just me. We’re playing seek and find.”
“Yes.” I suppress the urge to bare my fangs. I’m well aware of how he plays this game with other females. “I know.”
He wants Aurora. I’m sure of it. If he were a Gargoyle, I’d challenge him. But he is human and I don’t know what their customs are in regards to chasing away rivals for a potential mate.
Before I can think on it more, Aurora’s soft touch brushes my arm, scattering my thoughts.
“You’re it, Thalric,” she says brightly. “Now you have to count while the rest of us hide.”
I scowl, reluctant to participate in this foolishness, but the hopeful sparkle in Aurora’s warm brown eyes is impossible to deny. “Fine,” I grumble. “But do not wander further into the castle.”
She nods and I close my eyes. I begin counting aloud, though every sense remains acutely tuned to Aurora—her footsteps, the rhythm of her breathing, the intoxicating scent of her drifting through the ruins.
A snarl curls my lips, possessive fury burning in my chest as Reid’s bootsteps echo ahead, moving swiftly, following the same path as Auri. When I reach fifty, my eyes snap open and I stalk after her, every muscle coiled tight.
I find them quickly, Reid standing far too close, his hand brushing her shoulder. My blood roars as I sneak up behind them, and I barely contain the urge to shove him away. Instead, I firmly tap Reid’s shoulder, voice cold. “You’re it.”
Aurora laughs, oblivious to my simmering jealousy. “Come on, let’s hide!” she whispers, tugging at my arm.
We slip into a secluded alcove, the air between us tight and charged. I can’t help but voice my frustration. “You should be mindful of Reid. I believe he seeks to woo you with his charm.”
She sighs, tilting her head up at me. “I don’t understand what your problem is with him. Reid is your friend.”
“That may be, but still”—my wings twitch irritably—“I just don’t want him to break your heart.”
“He’s not interested in me like that.” Aurora scoffs. “Really, Thalric, you think every male in this village is chasing after me.”
Is she truly that oblivious? “They are.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” she whispers. “Besides, why do you care so much?”
I grind my teeth, my wings flexing behind me. “Because Reid is not worthy of you.”
She places her hands on her hips. “And just who is, Thalric?”
The question hits me like a fist to the ribs as intense longing fills me. I want to tell her that no male deserves her because she is the most magnificent, brilliant, beautiful, and fiercely determined female I’ve ever known.
I open my mouth to tell her this, but no words will come. I’m a coward, worried I’ll ruin our friendship if she rejects me.
