Page 26 of Shadows and Stone

I lie awake in the quiet room for a long time, just holding him. Holding this brilliant, beautiful actor against my chest. My thumb gently strokes the smooth skin of his arm. My gargoyle senses tuned to every quiet rustle of the dorm.

I still don't know who I was ten years ago. I still don't know my past, my family, or where my life is going. But as I feel Teagan pressing his body against mine, a sense of purpose settles deep into my heart. Savoring his warmth, I press a silent kiss to Teagan’s temple, wishing I could express my feelings to him.

Chapter eleven

Teagan

Waking up wrapped in Ryker’s strong arms and massive wings is easily the single best experience of my twenty-two years on this earth. The warm weight of Ryker’s wing acts like a thick blanket, keeping the cool morning air of Karloff Hall completely at bay. His breathing is a slow and rhythmic rumble that makes me smile. For a few blissful minutes, I just lie here listening to the steady thump of his heart, pretending that the rest of the world doesn't exist.

Eventually, the reality of our busy schedules catches up. By mid-afternoon, we’ve attended three back-to-back lectures and buried ourselves in a corner table at the campus library to tackle my script breakdowns and homework. The transition from our lazy morning in bed back to Ryker’s bodyguard persona gives me a subtle ache in my chest, but I get it. He’s trying so damn hard to stay professional. He’s just really crappy at hiding how much he cares.

"What’s on your mind, handsome?” I whisper across the wooden study table, leaning my chin in my hand.

Ryker blinks. The tip of his tail, which had been resting near my ankle under the table, gives an involuntary flick. "I'm just going over security protocols," he replies, though the slight flush on his purple cheekbones betrays him.

"Riiiiight. Security," I tease, sliding my foot forward until the toe of my boot touches his thigh. "Come on. We've been at this for four hours. I can go for some caffine."

Ryker looks at my laptop, then lingers on my eyes, his stoic expression softening into that sweet tenderness he only shows me. "Okay. But we’re getting real food, not just an iced mocha."

I grin, shaking my head.

Five minutes later, we’re at Mummy Mocha, the coffee shop tucked neatly into the library's lobby. The scent of roasted coffee beans swirls in the air. Behind the counter, Seth looks up with a brilliant smile.

"Hi, Teagan," Seth purrs, leaning over the counter. "Hi, Ryker. What can I brew for you today? On the house if you can show me some sneak peek photos from set.”

I laugh. "Tempting. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to wait just a little longer. I'll just take that drink you made last time. The one with the white chocolate. Monster gods, it was so good."

"Coming right up, gorgeous," Seth winks.

Beside me, I swear, I hear a growl. Ryker steps up, pressing against me, his broad frame blocking Seth from my line of sight. His wings flare just a fraction, like a predatory display of dominance that makes my heart race. Fucking swoon.

"Coffee. Black," Ryker grunts. "To go."

I nudge Ryker with my elbow, and his tail slides against my ankle.

Seth chuckles, amused. A few minutes later he hands us our cups with a wide smile. "Enjoy, boys. Don't work too hard."

As we walk out of the library and cross the quad toward Karloff Hall, I can't help the wicked grin spreading across my face. I take a slow sip of my latte, glancing sideways at the brooding gargoyle beside me.

"You know," I say casually, "Seth flirts with literally everyone. It’s practically his job description."

Ryker grunts. "He was checking you out."

"Was he?" I laugh, my heart doing a silly little flip. "Or were you just looking for an excuse to wrap your tail around me?"

Ryker stops dead in his tracks. "I told you, the damn thing has a mind of its own. I was just doing my job."

"Mhm. And does your job tell you to growl at flirty baristas?" I step closer, lowering my voice so the passing freshmen can't hear us. "Or to sleep in your clients’ beds. Because if so, I approve."

A beat passes. Ryker's tail whips behind him. He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. The corner of his lips twitches upward in a defeated, adorable smile.

"You're fucking impossible," he murmurs. We walk up to Karloff Hall.

"Impossible. Sexy. Smart." I bat my lashes. "It’s why you like me so damn much."

I don’t even bother to hide my smile when he doesn’t argue.

By the time we settle into our suite, locking the door behind us the two of us are in a good mood. Zay and Kieran are out, leaving the dorm wonderfully quiet.