Page 12 of Shadows and Stone

"Maybe a little," Teagan admits, a genuine, pretty smile breaking across his gorgeous face. He sets his coffee down and rests his chin in both hands, looking at me with delight. "You get this terrifying, intense look on your face when you get protective. Your eyes glow and your wings twitch. It’s sexy as hell."

My stomach jolts and swoops at his words. I take a slow sip of my black coffee just to hide the smile from breaking onto my face. Monster gods, I’m trying desperately to recall every standard security protocol I’ve ever read. The last thing I need to do is go all caveman primal and let my gargoyle instincts try to claim Teagan right here out in the open.

Trying my hardest to wipe the lingering smile from my face, I keep my voice as neutral as possible. "I’m assigned to ensure your safety. Not compete with the local barista for your attention."

"Good," Teagan murmurs, his dark eyes softening as he reaches across the table, his slim fingers brushing lightly against the back of my hand. "Because you don't have to compete at all. Seth has nothing on you."

The playful teasing vanishes instantly, replaced by an electric sincerity that always catches me off guard. The room around us seems to fade into the background. Everything around me disappears as my focus narrows to only him.

I flip my hand over, letting my claw-tipped fingers gently wrap around his, marveling at the incredible heat of his skin against mine. Professional boundaries or not, guarding Teagan Dae is somehow becoming the easiest, and most dangerous job I’ve ever had.

As I sit across from him, my mind drifts to the rehearsal binder sticking out of Teagan’s book bag. It’s crammed with highlighted scripts and several daily printouts. He’d casually ran through his upcoming schedule with me yesterday, and the intensity of it left me awestruck.

Starting next week, he’ll be juggling a grueling double life: full-time classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, followed by long days on the set of Empire of Beasts every Tuesday, Thursday, and the occasional Saturday. At first, I was worried he bit off more than he could chew, but then he showed me his schedule over the past several years. He wasn’t kidding when he said this was light in comparison.

Watching him sip his latte with such breezy confidence, I can’t help but feel a surge of admiration. Acting isn't just a career for Teagan; it's the fire in his blood. Seeing someone so young navigate a brutal industry, push past the burnout of his former idol days, and chase the art he loves is attractive as hell. More than that, it's inspiring. As a man who woke up with no past and no clear path forward, sitting beside someone who knows exactly who he is and fights for his passion every single day makes me want to find one of my own.

Chapter six

Teagan

The chaotic energy of a television set on day one of production is a drug I’ve been addicted to since I was seventeen, but today the atmosphere in soundstage four feels charged with something I can’t quite place.

Trailers, lighting grids, manic production assistants running with armfuls of call sheets, and the low, constant murmur of the crew setting up shots, should all feel like home. Yet, everywhere I step, it’s like my focus wanders back over to a certain purple presence watching me.

Ryker is wearing a dark, fitted long-sleeve shirt today, the blue fabric straining across his broad shoulders and chest. His wings are folded tightly against his back, his tail sweeping in a slow pattern behind him as he navigates the narrow spaces between equipment. He looks less like a college student and more like an ancient god of war moonlighting as a security guard.

"Teagan! Oh my gosh, you're here!"

A blonde rushes forward, and I instantly recognize who it is. Chloe, the original author of the Empire of Beasts, comes bounding toward us. She’s clutching a coffee cup in one hand and a large script in the other. Her eyes are wide with excitement. Close behind her is Director Kang, a sharp-dressed, middle-aged human woman with a fancy headset. The talented woman has a formidable reputation in the industry.

"Director Kang, Chloe, it’s so wonderful to meet you both in person," I say, flashing them the professional, radiant smile that took years of idol training to perfect. I bow slightly in respect.

"The pleasure is all ours, Teagan," Kang says. She steps forward to shake my hand with a firm, enthusiastic grip. "I have to admit, I’ve been a huge fan of your work since your early K-drama days. When your audition tape came through for the lead, I told the network there was no plan B. You are Prince Jin."

"I cried when we cast you," Chloe adds earnestly, hovering near my shoulder. "You have the exact regal, fiery grace I wrote on the page!"

"Thank you. Honestly, the honor is all mine," I reply, feeling a warm blush spread across my cheeks. "I’ve read the books three times. I’m excited to bring Jin to life."

"And who... or what... is this magnificent gentleman?" Kang asks, her eyes drifting upward until she’s staring directly into Ryker’s stoic, cerulean eyes.

Ryker instantly shifts his stance, stepping forward into my space. "Ryker. Gargoyle. I’m Mr. Dae’s personal security detail and campus escort during production."

I try not to roll my eyes at his professional monotone. Silly gargoyle.

"A monster bodyguard," Chloe breathes, her eyes sparkling. "Damn, he looks like he walked right off a dark romantasy cover."

"Right? This big guy here makes me feel safe." A subtle thrill hums through my veins at Chloe’s description. Safe, yes. But horny as hell, too.

"Well, speaking of fantasy covers," Kang says, turning toward the center of the soundstage, "Let’s reintroduce you to your co-star. Caylen, come say hi."

Stepping out from the shadows of the elaborate set that looks like a grand ruined stone courtyard, is Caylen Mason. The actor playing Lord Rozz, Jin’s rival-turned-lover. Caylen is a lion shifter, standing at an impressive six-foot-four, with a mane of golden hair, striking amber eyes, and a broad, muscular frame that practically screams sex on a stick. He’s dressed in his full warrior costume: dark leather armor, brass pauldrons, and a fur-trimmed cape.

"Hey, man," Caylen rumbles, stepping up to extend a broad hand. "So nice to see you again."

"Same here, Caylen. Looking forward to creating some magic on set."

We pull back, standing in a small circle with Chloe and Kang to quickly run through the staging for our first scene. It’s a high-tension confrontation where Lord Rozz corners Prince Jin against the ruined archway, forcing an unspoken admission of desire.