Teaser Tuesday

~Marked by Moonlight #2

Chapter Three – Ward 

AFTER THEY showered and dressed, Ward gave Kayden a list of things that needed done around the castle. Lance and Mika needed a paycheck, and since they weren’t comfortable leaving the castle right now, this was a way for them to earn money. 

“Okay, thanks,” Kayden remarked while scanning the list. “Nothing too big, I see. We can definitely manage this. Thank goodness the rain’s stopped.”

“They might not be big projects, but it’s work that does need to be done,” Ward said. 

“That’s true. We’ll get started on this. What are your plans for the day?” 

“I’m going to have a mock battle with a Rihanna.” 

Kayden opened his mouth and closed it again. “Does Rihanna know this?” 

“Not yet, but she will shortly. It’s something that needs to be done because no one really knows what she’s capable of.” 

Kayden grimaced. “Just… be careful. I know you said it’s a mock battle, but shit can still go sideways.” 

“You’re absolutely right, but I will take the utmost care.” Ward leaned over and pressed a kiss to Kayden’s cheek. 

They’d showered after they returned to Ward’s bedroom, the steam swirling around them like a warm embrace. The more primitive side of Ward had relished the sight of Kayden using his shampoo and soap. 

As they emerged, Ward took a deep, subtle breath, savoring the comforting blend of fragrances that now lingered in the air. 

“You know, you’re not as sneaky as you think you are.” Kayden poked Ward in the ribs. “I know you’re sniffing me.” 

Ward’s wings flexed as he playfully slapped Kayden’s hand. “What can I say? You smell like mine.” 

Kayden’s smile was as bright as a moonlit sky as he hugged Ward hard. “You always know what to say.” 

“You make it easy.” 

Kayden stepped back, then cleared his throat. “And if you continue saying such sweet things, we’re going to end up in that bed over there. So I’m going to go, and you’re going to do your mock battle—and not get hurt—and then I’ll see you at lunch. Okay?” 

“Sounds like a plan to me.” 

Kayden discreetly rearranged his cock, glared at Ward when he snickered, and left the bedroom.

As appealing as spending the entire night in bed together was, they both unfortunately had things to do. And speaking of which, he sent Rihanna a text message, asking her to meet him at the grand hallway of the castle.

TWENTY MINUTES later, Rihanna joined him, Celine in tow. Ward hadn’t mentioned bringing along Celine, but as he observed the two women approaching, he realized this unexpected addition might actually work for the better. 

Celine was an incredibly strong magic user. Having her with them would ensure the mock battle stayed exactly that—mock. Not that he thought Rihanna would actually attack him. 

He didn’t. But magic could be unpredictable and right then Rihanna was the very definition of unpredictable.

Ward led them from the castle to a barren field that was often used for training. The storm left the air crisp and clean, and the sky outside the windows glittered with stars.

“Here?”

“Yes,” Ward said.

“No trees and the ground seems pretty level. That should make things interesting. And muddy.” Rihanna’s voice echoed around them as she looked around. 

“Good thing I know a spell to clean us up if we need it,” Ward said.

Rihanna snorted.

Ward knew her skill and strength might rival his, but he was still curious to see how she’d fare against him, the king of his kind. 

“You sure you’re ready for this?” Ward asked. Tension crackled between them. The air was charged with electricity as they prepared for their mock battle.

Rihanna smirked. “You sure you are?”

Cockiness was a trait he absolutely could admire.

“I’ll hang back to contain anything that might go wild,” Celine said, moving to the field’s edge. “Please, both of you be careful.”

“Much appreciated, and we will.” Ward rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, loosening his muscles. “No holding back.”

“As you wish.”

𝙉𝙊𝙒 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀! 𝘿𝙄𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙏 𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔!

 

𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 $𝟏 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒!

𝗦𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

Gargoyles of San DeLain 1

Buy here: MA Church

𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫.

Ward Tywyll, king of the gargoyles of San DeLain, stumbles upon a dark magic ritual on his land. He intervenes and becomes responsible for a witch, altered by hunters with werewolf, merfolk, and vampire DNA, granting them the Power of Three.

Kayden Lancaster is a telekinetic, or teek. As the owner of Lancaster Construction Company, he was hired to repair the damage caused by the hunters’ attack on Ward’s castle. Instead, he finds himself navigating treacherous waters and facing formidable foes. And dealing with a Fated mate bond neither he nor Ward expected.

Their worlds collide, throwing them into uncharted waters. Kayden grapples with the enormity of their differences, while Ward remains steadfast in unraveling the dangers that threaten them both.

San DeLain continues to be at risk from hunters, and now a fresh threat has arisen, putting all paranormal leaders in jeopardy. Will Ward and Kayden’s relationship endure the upcoming challenges, or will it fall apart?

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬.

~This will be removed from my site before it goes live in KU, so this is for a short time only. Seduced by Moonlight goes live May 5th, 2025.

Teaser Tueday

 

~Seduced by Moonlight, Gargoyles of San DeLain, #1

Kayden motioned to his people. “Let me introduce my crew. This is Mika Suppasit, my foreman. And this is Lance Smith. If you cannot get ahold of me or Mika, go to Lance if there is a problem.” Then Kayden introduced the rest of his crew.

Ward gestured to several of the gargoyles who stood behind him. “This is my council—Luna Simmons, Scarlett Owens, Emmett Crawford, Dean Woods, and Joel Ross.” After Ward introduced each gargoyle, he gestured for everyone to follow him inside. “Let’s discuss what I need done, then. Welcome to my home.” 

“My crew and I thank you for your welcome,” Kayden said. “May my entire crew come with us, or would you prefer them to wait here?”

Kayden noticed that the other gargoyles left once they were inside, leaving just two behind. He wasn’t sure why they stayed. Protection, maybe? It was kind of weird. 

“They’re welcomed. They’ll need to know how to get around the castle anyhow,” Ward tossed over his shoulder.

Which was a valid point, since Kayden was debating asking for maps as they trailed Ward through the endless hallways and stairs in the castle. Their feet echoed against the stone floors as they passed by towering tapestries and intricately carved sculptures. 

Scenes of heroic battles and ancient lore adorned the walls, each telling its own story. With every step, it felt as though they were walking through time itself, surrounded by the rich history of the castle. 

The rustle of fabric and the tapping of shoes on stone floors echoed in the high ceilings. The dim lighting inside the castle cast shadows on the stone walls and floors, giving a sense of depth and mystery to the space. 

Which made Kayden think the entire castle needed to be rewired. Was the scenery lovely? Of course it was. His gaze darted to the creature next to him. Present company definitely included, but Kayden was there to work, not gawk. 

But that ass. In those pants. Those leather pants.

Nope, no gawking, even if that was a gawk-worthy ass, and he had to stop this shit before he got aroused and everybody around him smelled it. That was one of the curses of working with a bunch of paranormals—their sniffers were amazing.

But between that ass and that voice, he was in trouble.

Ward hesitated before a heavy wooden door, worn from years of use. With a steady push, he swung it open. Aged wood and old paper filled the room with an earthy, musty scent. 

In the center of the space stood a massive oak table, its surface cluttered with an array of maps and architectural drawings. Kayden was pretty sure he’d never seen such a large table.

He and his crew entered the grand room. As they looked around, the sculptures adorning the space caught Kayden’s gaze. Each one depicted a gargoyle frozen in time. 

Their features captured different expressions—some were fierce and poised for battle, while others seemed lost in deep thought. These silent watchers lined the walls, adding an eerie presence to the already extravagant room. 

They were beautiful and terrifying, and he hoped to hell they were not real, because that thought was actually more disturbing than the statues themselves.

Ward stopped at the table and spread his large midnight-blue hands flat on the surface. Kayden stood next to him, and his crew spread out around the table.

“This is a schematic of the castle. Here”—Ward pointed at a section of the castle layout on one map—“is where I need your expertise. Weather erosion has affected the west wing, and the recent attack by hunters worsened the damage. We’ve taken measures to protect the interior, but it needs a professional’s touch to fully repair it.”

Good grief, the gargoyle was tall. And massive. Those leather pants were fighting for their life. They were so tight, and holy shit, that was a very inappropriate thought to have on the job, even if it was true.

And it was soooo true.

And if someone could tell him why the gargoyle smelled so damn good, that would be awesome, thanks. Kayden didn’t normally care for perfume, but whatever Ward wore was totally working for Kayden. 

Like, was it ever. Down boy.

Kayden got his head back in the game—his other head—and leaned over the indicated area. “We can definitely fix this. I’ll need to examine it—to match the original stonework, for example—but also so I can get a good feel of what needs to be done. Can we do that tonight?”

“Of course,” Ward said. 

Teaser Tuesday

Kayden parked the truck at a respectful distance from the castle entrance, then killed the engine. He looked over at Mika and nodded toward the building. “Ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied.

Kayden unbuckled his seat belt. “Time to see if the gargoyles are as talkative as their wards are clingy.”

He and Mika stepped out, followed by their crew who had driven in behind them. Everyone gathered around Kayden, waiting for instructions.

“Remember, respect their rules and follow my lead,” Kayden instructed firmly. “We’re here to work, not cause trouble.”

“Heads up,” Mika whispered as he nodded toward the massive doors of the castle that swung open.

A figure emerged, tall and imposing with skin the color of the deepest blue. The gargoyle’s eyes glinted with an unnatural light, like a cat at night. 

Kayden was more than a little surprised that the gargoyle approached them in his true form. But then again, why wouldn’t he? Kayden had assured Ward that what humans were on his crew were well aware of the paranormal world. 

And yes, Kayden had told them their client was a gargoyle king. Still, this was definitely unexpected, and he didn’t quite know what to make of it. 

He’d never seen a gargoyle in anything but their human glamor, and woo wee, this was a big one. Like massively big. Like, his muscles had muscles. 

The gargoyle’s power surged forward, coming at them like a fierce wave crashing onto the shore. But instead of knocking him off his metaphorical feet, it wrapped around Kayden like a purring cat. He could literally feel the ancient magic of the gargoyle coursing through him. 

Oh yes, this gargoyle was a force to be reckoned with. 

Teaser Teaser

 

~Seduced by Moonlight teaser

KAYDEN MUTTERED to himself as he walked outside. There were several pickup trucks parked by his house. Mika, his foreman—all wiry muscles, black hair, and olive complexion—walked toward him.

“Hey, Mika. I appreciate you getting everybody together for me,” Kayden said.

“It was no problem,” Mika said as Lance, another one of Kayden’s crew, waved at Kayden from the driver’s seat of another truck. “I don’t blame our newest client for wanting to meet the crew.” 

The gargoyles were a reclusive and enigmatic race, known to keep to themselves and shun society. Much like daemons and dragons, they were well known, but their capabilities remained largely mysterious. There were rumors, though. Oh boy, were there rumors. 

And the one that concerned Kayden the most was the gargoyles’ ability to turn someone into stone. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine, and this came from someone who had plenty of impressive abilities at his disposal as well. 

Despite his own formidable powers, the thought of facing these creatures left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. But he shook it off. Ward had sought him out and hired him for this job, for crying out loud. Still, he’d be glad when it was done. 

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Kayden said as he opened his truck door. “Are you riding with me, Mika?” 

“If you don’t mind.” 

“I don’t mind at all.” Kayden climbed behind the wheel.

He observed the other members of his team had pulled over to make way for his large truck as it rolled down the long driveway. They’d done this song and dance plenty of times—the rest of the guys would fall in behind and follow him to their next client.  

His popularity stemmed from the fact that his crew consisted almost entirely of paranormal shifters—excluding werewolves, as the San DeLain packs disliked rogues. 

Then there were a few oddballs like him who had some sort of psychic power. His ability was both a blessing and a curse, as it often left him feeling isolated and misunderstood. But he’d learned to embrace his uniqueness.

He’d had to. 

Interestingly, other paranormals did not classify people like Kayden as one of their own. But Kayden was not human either. His kind fell into the category of nonhuman, a label that only served to further emphasize their lack of acceptance among paranormal society. 

It was just another way to reinforce the fact that either group did not accept them. Yeah, he had a chip on the shoulder about it. Many like him did. 

The ironic thing was, paranormals sought out Kayden because he wasn’t human. In those situations, they were more than willing to hire him and his crew of misfits. 

Tuesday Teaser

“Where am I? And who are you people?”

Ward advanced slowly, careful to keep his movements non-threatening, but putting himself between the hunter and his healer as she backed away from the bedside. He knew the importance of first impressions. 

“You’re safe here,” Ward said softly, hoping to convey sincerity through his tone and demeanor.

The woman blinked slowly. Her gaze shifted around the room before settling back on him. “Where am I?” 

“You are in my castle,” Ward replied. “My name is Hereward Tywyll. I go by Ward. My clan is Clan Tywyll. I am the king of the San DeLain gargoyles. I brought you here for your protection. Do you remember your name?”

“My protection?” Her eyebrows furrowed in a mixture of skepticism and slight amusement. 

Ward chose his next words carefully, fully aware she hadn’t answered the question of who she was. “There were witches who were here in my woods. They were doing a ritual. One of black magic. They planned to drain you of your powers. I intervened and stopped it.”

The woman appeared to consider this, her gaze never wavering from his face. Then she swung her legs off the bed and stood up. 

“I don’t remember asking for help,” she said quietly.

“That may be,” Ward acknowledged, hearing the underlying thread of steel in her voice. “But it doesn’t change the fact those witches were trying to sacrifice you using black magic in my territory. You may not have asked for help, but you needed it.” He paused, watching her reaction closely. 

“You said you were the one who brought me here?”

“Yes.”

“So is that your human glamor?”

Ward raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer that question. Instead, he asked one of his own. “What do you remember?”

She pressed her lips together, then finally spoke. “Fire. Chants. And then, agony....” Her voice trailed off. “Finally, darkness.”

Something very close to what Ward assumed was pain danced across her expression.

“You were part of a ritual. Remember?”

“The fire and the chanting that I remember were not part of what you stumbled across.”

“What?” That made no sense to Ward. Then again, she was right. When he came upon them, there was no fire.

“I don’t mean to be a burden or a threat,” she continued. 

“We need more than that if you expect me not to consider you a danger,” Ward stated bluntly. “You’re very powerful.”

“Fair enough,” she conceded. “My name is Rihanna Norwood. I was part of a coven in another realm—wizards and witches who bend not just elements but dimensions.” Her gaze flicked up to meet Ward’s again. “And something went very wrong during an experiment.”

“An experiment?” Ward asked. “Wait. Did you say—”

“Oh goddess,” Celine whispered. “Another realm?” 

“Yes. Instead of expanding our reach across dimensions, it tore through them haphazardly—sending me here. Not long after that, some of the vilest smelling beings captured me. They experimented on me.” 

“The hunters found you. And they mutated your DNA,” Ward surmised.

“At first, I didn’t understand what they were doing, but it became frighteningly obvious pretty quickly. With each successful manipulation, they added another paranormals DNA to mine.”

“Until they had mutated your DNA with that of vampire, a were, and a mer. The Power of Three,” Ward mused, trying to hide his horror. “Then, what? You escaped?” 

“In a nutshell. I went to a coven for help. That was something I shouldn’t have done,” Rihanna admitted. “I expected help. Instead, I got betrayal.”

Teaser Tuesday

 Seduced by Moonlight 

(Okay yall we're about to meet Rihanna. She's going to be important to this series, but she is just a minor character. I think I'm gonna skip to Kayden's chapter next time so we can meet him.)

Only the hunter remained. Sighing, he returned to the circle and the trapped woman. Unfortunately, she lay in the dirt, unconscious. But at least she was breathing. Maybe she’d have the answers to his questions.

Ward kneeled beside the woman, retracted his claws, and brushed away the debris. Clear bruises encircled her wrists. Someone had restrained her before bringing her here. 

It’d be a simple task to snap her neck too, and maybe, for everyone’s sake, that’d be the best thing to do. But he hesitated because he knew perfectly well that Lennox and Nox had kidnapped many humans and forcibly mutated their DNA. 

His home loomed in the distance, and as he stepped inside, the ancient smell of stone mingled with the faint scent of fireplace smoke.

After laying the woman on a gurney, he summoned his trusted healer with a quick message sent by text. Within moments, Celine entered, bringing with her a refreshing burst of peppermint and eucalyptus. 

“What have you brought me this time, Ward?” Celine asked as she glanced at the at the sleeping woman. 

“A hunter, or so I believe,” Ward replied, his gaze fixed on the unconscious woman. 

“By the goddess, really? A hunter? Here? Ward!”

“I think she was one of the ones forced.” Ward quickly explained how he came to find her.

“Well, hell. That’s not good, not at all,” Celine said, glancing at the bruises. 

“No, it really isn’t. Plus, this hunter has traits I’ve never seen combined before. None of us have.”

“I know. I can smell what she is.”

“Gods.” Ward rubbed his forehead, his tail whipping behind him. “Would you look at her?”

Celine blew out a breath. “If that’s what you wish.”

“If you don’t mind. I’ll be here to make sure you’re safe.” 

Celine approached the gurney where the woman lay. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a glowing orb of light to hover above the patient, illuminating her features. 

Ward gazed at the hunter’s face, which was pale and drawn, with sharp features and dark hair that cascaded over the gurney. Her body was lean and appeared to be muscular, giving off an air of strength and agility despite her current state. 

“She’s definitely not human,” Celine declared as she checked vital signs and scanned for internal injuries. “I’m picking up a magical presence, so maybe a witch. You’re right about the mixed traits—there’s strong magical resonance from multiple races. It’s... unprecedented.” 

Ward paced, his mind jumping from one through to the next. “As I said, those witches were trying to sacrifice her in a ritual. I stopped them, but not before they mentioned something about her having an ancient power and wanting it for themselves.” 

“Ancient power, huh?” Celine echoed. “Why am I not surprised? Anyway, that suggests she’s not just a mutated experiment, but potentially something much more.” 

Her scanner beeped intermittently as she ran it over the woman’s body. After a moment, Celine looked up, her eyes wide. “Ward, this woman.... There are latent energies here that are unlike anything I’ve seen before. Ever.” 

“Are Lennox and Nox responsible for that?” Ward mumbled, finally coming to a stop in front of Celine. A sense of awe and fear flooded him at the implications.

“Maybe? Who knows with those two. Or maybe they stumbled upon something or someone much older than any of us realize. I don’t know what to make of her.” 

Ward ran a hand through his hair. “We must awaken her safely and find out who she truly is.” 

“First, I should treat her injuries,” Celine said. “Pain can impair judgment, if you know what I mean, and we do not want this being’s judgment impaired.” 

As his healer examined the hunter, Ward stepped back, his gaze lingering on the unconscious figure. She was a puzzle wrapped in an enigma—her scent alone was a tangled web of paranormal entities that should not coexist harmoniously within one being. 

Who was she?

Yet here she was, breathing and very much alive despite the myths and rumors suggesting such a combination should be lethal. 

Celine glanced up from her examination. “Her physical injuries are not fatal—bruises, cuts, minor concussion—but it’s what I can’t see that worries me. There’s magic in her blood... something powerful, Ward.” 

Teaser Tuesday

 

~Teaser from Seduced by Moonlight

“Can you not smell her power? She has the Power of Three,” the witch screeched. “There has not been a being with that ability in centuries, and those hunters gave this foul creature such an ancient power through DNA manipulation, and—”

“The hunters are the foul—” 

“—and we’re going to bleed the power from her and take it for ourselves, and gargoyle king, if you interfere, we will also deal with you.”

Ward chuckled. The sheer nerve of this one. They threatened him when they were the ones in danger. Reasoning with such creatures was useless. They only understood one thing—power. 

“Your interference will not only cause your death, but your clans too.”

Anger, bright and swift, rushed through Ward. Threatening him was one thing. Threatening his clan was another. The surrounding darkness glowed with a red light as his eyes flared with an ancient power, a reminder of his lineage and the responsibilities it entailed.

He wasn’t merely a guardian of stone. He was an alpha king, as powerful as the most powerful sorcerer. “You dare to threaten—”

“Mmmph! MMMPH!” the woman in the circle struggled to yell.

The hair on the back of his neck tingled, and he looked over his shoulder to see a curse come screaming at him. He spun while still gripping the witch. Before he could raise a shell to protect either of them, she chanted a transportation spell and disappeared.  

Her counterpart, who was still conscious, screamed in dismay.

Ward pulled a shield around him. Had the leader of this coven really abandoned her sisters? Why didn’t the other three transport? Were they not powerful enough?

The other two, who Ward thought were unconscious, joined the last remaining witch. They unleashed a barrage of spells, one after the other, each one more deadly than the last, but his shield held, pulsing, a vibrant cascade of light that blunted the assault of spells as he rushed them.

He reached out with one massive hand, grabbing at the air, and the magic at his command twisted the space between them, distorting it with a visible ripple.

He dragged one witch through it, flinging her against a tree several feet away with a sickening crack. He didn’t hear a heartbeat. Good. One down, two to go. The other two ran, darting through the woods.

Ward took to the air once more, arrowing straight for the retreating figure, his wings beating powerfully, kicking up a gust that scattered leaves and debris.

He caught up to the slower of the two, and with a powerful sweep of his claws, decapitated her. Just as he swooped down upon the nearest one, a sturdy branch whipped out, hitting the witch right across her throat.

Her feet flew out from underneath her, and she hit the ground, her head at an awkward angle. There was no heartbeat either.

Silence fell over the grove, broken only by his harsh breaths as he landed. His eyes dimmed as he calmed himself, reigning in the anger. His shield dissipated into wisps of light that faded into the darkness. “Thank you, Mother Earth.”

Three of the witches were dead, but one had escaped. 

Teaser Tuesday

~ from Seduced by Moonlight

Ward charged the circle, roaring. Above him, the ravens shrieked, adding to the chaos as they flew off. The robed figures recoiled in terror, one stumbling back and knocking over a stone that had been part of the ritual’s design. 

Its disruption caused a ripple effect, and the carefully constructed magic unraveled, sparks of dark energy fizzing into the night air like dangerous fireworks. Then he sensed his wards screaming a warning. Good gods, they’d somehow dampened his wards. 

“Release her,” Ward commanded, unfurling his wings, his tail whipping menacingly behind him.

One particular witch, distinguishable by an intricate amulet that hung low around her neck, stepped forward, pulling back her hood to reveal a face twisted by dark intent and eyes that gleamed like molten silver. Her hair was an unnatural shade of deep violet. 

“You do not understand, gargoyle king. And you meddle in things that don’t concern you. Leave us.”

“My land.” Ward snarled, revealing sharp fangs and a forked tongue. “My concern. You do not command me. I am king here, and I—” 

“I have no time for you.” The robed figure sneered, then raised her hands, muttering, as her hands glowed. 

Teaser Tuesday

 

~From Seduced by Moonlight, #1 in the Gargoyles of San DeLain

The air was thick with anticipation, or perhaps it was just the mist that clung stubbornly to the ground. And where had that come from? 

He noticed the ceremonial stones laid out in a perfect circle, along with the four figures in dark robes chanting in an ancient tongue, one that he hadn’t heard in a considerably long time. 

Sacrifice. Someone was committing a ritual sacrifice by black magic on his land. Why the hell had the wards not alerted him to the fact? They should’ve.

The chanting words were powerful and resonant, vibrating through the air. With each syllable spoken, the markings on the stones glowed softly at first, then brighter and brighter.

Within the circle stood a bound figure, struggling feebly against the ropes that bound their wrists. Ward froze when the person glanced right at him—her eyes were wide with terror, her mouth gagged to stifle any pleas for mercy. 

Teaser Tuesday

From Seduced by Moonlight, #1 in the Gargoyles of San DeLain

 His senses heightened as he crept through the trees, and the sounds of the forest grew quieter as he ventured further into the darkness. Very, very odd.

Then Ward sensed it—magic. Black magic.

Suddenly, the usual nocturnal sounds stopped completely, replaced by a charged silence. His foxy friend darted off, and the birds darted ahead. Ward’s senses picked up a faint scent among the damp earth and decaying leaves. It was a scent laced with fear and something else—something metallic.

Blood.

Ward’s protective instincts surged to the forefront as he followed the scent trail. The moonlight cast eerie shadows through the twisted branches, creating patterns that danced on the ground.

Close. He was close. He could smell how close he was, but there was nothing—wait. Wait. What was that? Was that…? Yes. It was chanting. As the moon cast a pale, eerie glow over the secluded grove—his secluded grove—Ward came to a stop and stared in shock. Who were these people who dared trespass on his land?

Teaser Tuesday

Concealed in the shadows, Ward made his way into the forest that surrounded his home. The moon shone down, illuminating the winding path in its silvery glow. 

As he walked, the scent of pine and earth filled his nostrils, reminding him of the peace and quiet that could be found in this secluded place. He loved his clan, but he still savored these moments alone. The forest gave him peace. 

Ward smiled faintly as the symphony of crickets, cicadas, and other insects filled the air, their chirping growing louder, almost as if they understood he needed to be distracted from his thoughts. 

Nearby, the cry of a raven echoed through the air. Taking a quick glance around, he noticed a number of the birds perched on branches, observing him intently.

A small fox darted out from the underbrush, body submissive as it approached. Its fur glowed softly under the moonlight as it stopped a few feet away, first staring at the birds then at Ward, its eyes reflecting a cautious curiosity. 

Odd.

Intrigued, Ward knelt down slowly, extending a hand toward the small creature. The fox, after another quick glance at the ravens, cautiously edged closer, its nose twitching as it sniffed his outstretched hand. 

Giving a soft chuff, the fox seemed to accept him, coming forward to nuzzle against his palm, nervous. Something seem to be bother it.  

“What troubles you, little one?” he asked gently.

The fox’s ears twitched, then it turned its head slightly toward the north before looking back at Ward. Understanding dawned on him—this was not just a chance encounter. There was a problem.

“Something is amiss deeper in his woods, yes? Is that why you seek me out? Okay, then.”

As Ward rose to his feet, the ravens took to the skies. 

Teaser Tuesday

 

Okay, since Beyond the Darkness is now on preorder, I'm going to start teasers from Seduced by Moonlight, #1 Gargoyles of San DeLain.

We met Ward, the king of the gargoyles in the daemon series. Now we're gonna get to know him lol.

 

Chapter One – Ward

AS NIGHT crept across the land, Ward Tywyll stepped outside his castle walls. The imposing structure stood tall behind him, its centuries-old stones a testament to strength and resilience.

Shadows danced across the surface, highlighting the scars from previous battles. His own blood graced those walls. A hot breeze teased his hair, and he huffed.

Summer was finally coming to a close. The once-lush green fields now held more hints of brown and gold. A faint hint of floral perfume still lingered even shades of orange, yellow, and red began to dominate the landscape as leaves changed color.

Ward gazed about his home, pride filling his chest. This place had withstood the test of time. It rose from the earth like a beast of ancient legend, its stone walls weathered and worn from centuries of standing tall against the winds of time.

As the Alpha King, it fell upon him to protect and promote the well-being of his kin, as it should be. And he fulfilled that duty. But there was no denying a restlessness stirred deep within, bubbling up from some unknown place and seeping into every aspect of his being.

It gnawed at him, urging him to move, to do, to find that something that was missing. Only he didn’t know what was needed—he couldn’t quite put his finger on it—and the restlessness was increasing, like a wild beast trapped inside him, clawing at the walls of his soul.

As soon as the sun set, its last lingering rays gone and stone no longer encased his body, a primal urge surged through him, a deep hunger that demanded satisfaction. The call to leave, to hunt, was irresistible.

But, again, he didn’t know what he was hunting for or where to look. He’d tried ignoring the need, resisting the call, for all of the good it did. Recently, he’d developed a habit of strolling through his territory, hoping to find some form of solace. He wasn’t sure what he was trying to achieve, other than maintaining his sanity.

After completing his required tasks, he couldn’t resist the urge to wander.

With a quick check of his cell phone, he saw it was quickly approaching midnight. Well, he’d lasted longer than usual. With a wave of his hand, Ward cast a powerful glamour to hide his true form—that of a fearsome gargoyle.

Although he shouldn’t run across humans, especially since his territory was quite a distance from San DeLain, that didn’t mean a hiker didn’t get lost out there occasionally.

Concealed in the shadows, he made his way into the forest that surrounded his home. The moon shone down, illuminating the winding path in its silvery glow.