~from Marked by Moonlight, #2 in the Gargoyles of San DeLain
They reached the observatory and stepped inside. Massive glass windows arched into an elegant dome, revealing an unbroken expanse of stormy skies.
The room was a lush green oasis, filled with an abundance of plants of all shapes and sizes. Creeping vines cascaded down from the ceiling, while vibrant flowers dotted the room with bursts of color.
In the center of the room was a massive water feature, with water cascading down through rocks and plants, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
The air was heavy with the sweet scent of flowers and the earthy fragrance of soil and greenery. The water feature added a clean note to the mix. Kayden breathed in the fresh air and could almost taste the light sweetness of the blooming flowers.
Meanwhile, outside flashes of lightning illuminated the heavens, casting an ethereal glow throughout the space as the clouds outside churned and swirled.
The storm’s power pulsed through the atmosphere, filling the air with electric anticipation. The sound of rain was a steady drumming on the roof, a frantic symphony of nature unleashed.
Kayden settled on a low couch, eyes wide, captivated by the raw power of the elements. Ward joined him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close.
Kayden watched as the rain blurred the world into a watercolor painting, the lines of reality softening and bending under the storm’s insistence.
“It’s beautiful,” Kayden whispered.
Ward nodded. “I’ve always loved storms. It charges the air, makes me feel alive.”
Kayden leaned against Ward, the weight and solidness of his mate grounding. He felt the buzz of Ward’s energy mingling with his own, a brilliant tangle that made his skin tingle.
“I can see why you like it,” Kayden said. “It’s amazing. Kind of like you.”
The way the deep rumble of Ward’s laugh mixed with the thunder outside.
“You’re sweet.” Ward paused, then he really stared at Kayden.
There was such intensity in that gaze it made Kayden’s heart skip. “Okay, what? Do I have something stuck in my teeth?” Did he need to go hunt down a mirror or something?
“Of course not. I would’ve said something way before now.”
“I should certainly hope so. Okay? Then again, what? Why are you looking at me like that?”
Ward huffed. “I didn’t mean to make you think there was something wrong. I was just wondering how you’re feeling about everything?”
“What do you mean?”
“Just... this.” Ward gestured around them. “The castle, my clan, us. It’s a lot, I know.”
Kayden met Ward’s eyes. “It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I love it here. I love being with you.”
Ward’s expression softened, and his arm tightened around Kayden. “Then you have everything. Because you have me.”
Kayden smiled. “Forever?”
“And always.” Ward kissed the top of Kayden’s head, lingering in the moment.
Kayden sighed happily, turning back to watch the storm. The lightning continued to dance across the sky, the rain relentless in its ferocity. The world outside might have been chaos and wildness, but here, pressed against Ward, a deep sense of rightness settling over Kayden.
They sat in silence as the storm raged, content to simply be together, the untamed beauty of the night stretching out before them, endless and full of promise.
“I have a secret to share with you,” Ward said slowly. “Something that we gargoyles guard seriously.”
“Well damn, you certainly have my attention.” Kayden turned so he could see Ward’s face. “A secret, huh?”
“The most secret of secrets,” Ward said. “And it directly affects you.”
Kayden suddenly realized Ward was not playing around. There was a steely resolve in his eyes that suggested this was no game. Unspoken tension thickened the air between them, piquing Kayden’s curiosity. “What’s going on, Ward?”
“Remember me telling you there was a way to extend your life span?” Ward asked.
Oh boy did he ever. “I do.”
“Well, now that we’re mated, you have a decision to make. There is a way to extend your life, and that’s by drinking my blood.”
“I’m starting to see you guys have a lot more in common with the vampires than I thought.”
“You’re not completely wrong. Honestly? In some ways, all paranormals have some sort of commonality. But anyway, you don’t have to drink a lot of my blood, but in the beginning, it will need to be fairly often.”
“Of course it will be.”
“Like once a week. As time goes on, that’ll change as your body adjusts. Also? You’ll stop aging. Whatever you look like when you first take my blood will be how your body will remain.”
Kayden gaped at Ward. “Holy shit, Ward. Holy shit. That’s….”
He struggled to find words that could express the magnitude of what Ward was saying. His mind raced as he tried to absorb it all. What did this mean for him?
“That’s major. Like major major.”
The implications stretched endlessly before him. A life he’d never imagined suddenly was unfolding in front of him… and impossibly long. It was as scary as it was exciting. And would be sad eventually too when those he knew and cared for died.
He’d outlive his friends. But forever with Ward? Yes, please. It surprised him to realize how much he wanted and needed that. He swallowed hard, his throat tight with an emotion he couldn’t name.
“Does that mean I’ll be immortal?” Kayden held his breath.
“There’s no simple answer to that. You’ll live as long as you take my blood. If you stop, you’ll start aging. That’s pretty standard for any human who takes a gargoyle’s blood. But, since we’re Fated mates, if I die, you die. If you die, I die. We are now linked.”
