Page 3 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
Reluctantly, he follows. His large frame is a bit stiff and awkward at first, with his wings folded tight against his back, but as we dance, he gradually relaxes.
He slides his tail around my waist. The touch sears through the thin fabric of my dress, intimate and far too thrilling. I laugh with delight as he spins me away before twirling me back to him as we dance beneath the golden glow of the lanterns.
My heart melts as a rare smile curves his mouth, flashing a hint of his dagger-sharp fangs.
Gods, he’s so handsome.
We dance to several more songs before the band decides to take a small break.
“Aurora. Thalric.” The Fox Shifter, Mayor Finley, smiles as he approaches. “So lovely to see you two here.” He gestures to one of the vendors across the way. “Tressa’s spiced pumpkin cakes are delicious. You should try one.”
I glance at the various stalls around us. While the spiced pumpkin cakes sound good, I think I’d prefer something a bit sweeter. As soon as I spot a cart selling caramel apples, I dart toward it. “I’ll be right back,” I tell Thalric. “I’m going to get something sweet.”
Sugary sweetness fills the air, mixing with the spicy, warm scents of autumn as I weave through the crowd. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Thalric’s following, trying his best not to bump into anyone.
I’m almost at the cart when a man moves into my path, blocking my way. Yellow reptilian eyes meet mine, and I realize he’s aSskarn—a Lizard Shifter. “Excuse me.” I start to step around him, only to be stopped as shadowy figures close in behind me. Four more Sskarns in hooded cloaks, their scaly features mostly hidden, but their intent clear.
Fear prickles my flesh as I step back, only to bump into another one.
“Well now, aren’t you pretty?” He flashes a sinister grin, revealing two rows of sharp fangs.
“Far too lovely to be all by yourssself,” the one beside him hisses.
“I’m not alone.” I lift my chin, feigning bravery to mask my panic. “My friend is here with me.”
“I don’t see any friend,” one of the other Sskarns says darkly. “But if you come with us, I guarantee you’ll have fun.”
“Not a chance,” I state firmly. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
He reaches a clawed hand out for me but stops as a fierce growl fills the air. The Sskarn’s eyes go wide, the bronze scales on his face paling. “What in the ssseven hells?”
Lightning fast, Thalric slams the Lizard Shifter back against a stone wall with a sickening crunch. His companions watch in horror as my Gargoyle protector wraps his massive hand around the Sskarn’s throat, lifting his feet off the ground as if he weighs nothing. “Do. Not. Touch. Her,” he snarls.
“Pleassse,” the Sskarn somehow manages to hiss, struggling futilely in Thalric’s grasp. “We meant no harm.”
“Releassse our friend and we will go away,” another pleads.
Thalric tosses the Sskarn at his scaly friends, knocking them all back. He steps forward, wings spread in a powerful display, his fangs bared as he places himself firmly between me and the Lizard Shifters. “Leave while you can,” he grinds out. “If I find you here again, I guarantee that I will be the last thing your eyes see.”
They jump into action, practically scrambling over each other as they race away from the festival toward the surrounding woods.
My breath escapes in a shaky exhale as Thalric turns to me, his fierce gaze softening instantly with concern. Gently, he grips my shoulders, looking me up and down for any sign of injury. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” I reply, fingers trembling as they curl into his muscular arms. “Just a bit shook up. That’s all.”
He folds his wings protectively around me, enveloping me in his strength and warmth, chasing away the lingering chill of fear.
“Come,” he murmurs softly into my hair. “We should get you back home before anyone notices we are missing.”
Reluctantly, I nod.
“Glad you got rid of that lot,” a deep voice sounds behind us. “My pack and I have been watching them since they arrived yesterday.”
We turn and find Rhain. His storm gray eyes shine with approval. “Figured they might be trouble,” he adds, running a hand through his short, black hair. “We’ll make sure they don’t come back.”
He’s a Wolf Shifter. His pack patrols the woods and takes it upon themselves to guard Oakvale.
When he glances at me, he arches a brow. “Do your guardians know you’re out this late, Aurora?”
