Page 37 of Shadows and Stone

He wants to keep me safe tonight, sure. But he also wants to send that asshole a message.

"Stop squirming, Tae," Ryker murmurs. He leans down, adjusting the stiff, embroidered collar of my jacket.

"I'm not squirming, sir," I lie. My breath catches as his claws brush the sensitive skin of my throat.

"You're nervous, love. I can feel your heart racing." His thumb continues that soothing motion over my jawline. The contrast between his stone-like strength and the feather-light touch of his skin drives me wild. "And you have every right to be. But don’t forget, I spoke with Dean Yaga. Campus security is working overtime. Every gargoyle on faculty is patrolling the perimeter. You’re going to go to this ball, you’re going to look fucking radiant, and you’re going to dance your ass off. As long as you stay by one of the gargoyles, you’ll be fine."

I stare at our reflection in the glass, my chest filling with that familiar warmth that seems to always take root nowadays. Monster gods, I fucking adore him. He smiles at me through the mirror.

Ryker really outdid himself. For me, he created a vibrant prince ensemble. It’s a fitted double-breasted coat lined with silver, paired with tailored black trousers and boots that accentuate my height. The shoulders are fitted to perfection, pulling my posture high, while subtle, delicate threadwork along the cuffs glint in the light.

And then there’s Ryker and his sexy outfit. He designed a majestic guardian tunic in shimmering obsidian and midnight blue, tailored specifically to accommodate his broad chest and the massive span of his purple wings. Slits down the back of the structured garment allow his wings to move freely, while a belt hugs his waist, highlighting the muscular V of his torso. Even his tail is adorned near the base with silver cuffs that pulls our two outfits together.

We look like a match. A pair. We look like mates.

Ryker’s tail coils around my wrist. "If you keep staring at me like that, we’re never going to make it to the dance."

"And what if that’s my plan all along?" I murmur as I spin around in his grip and slide my hands up his chest. "What if we just turn off the lights. Let the stalker wander around the ball looking for me while we find a creative way to pass the time."

My hand wanders down to tease him through his pants. Ryker lets out a low growl. His eyes flash. Before I can stroke him to full hardness, his tail jerks my wrist away playfully. I laugh.

"As tempting as that is, love, no. You’ve worked too hard, dealt with too much stress, and spent too many nights hiding. You deserve to dance and have fun." His tone drops, into a dark, territorial edge. "Besides, I want everyone to see who you belong to."

I hum in approval. "Possessive gargoyle."

"Yes," he whispers.

“Fine. I’ll go on one condition.” I drop to my knees. “Let me finish what I started. I heard some gargoyles like to mark their mates with their scent.”

He traces the claw of his thumb over my lips. “Fucking hell,” he whispers back.

Creepin U is completely unrecognizable tonight. Tonight, it looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale. Floating candelabras hover near the rafters, casting warm, flickering light over hundreds of students. Orange and black tablecloths decorate the ballroom, while music fills the room.

The moment Ryker and I step into the room, I’m happy we came. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to attend school in person. Events like these are things I wanted to experience. Several people glance up.

I’m used to stares. I’ve been on K-drama sets, walked red carpets in Seoul, and dealt with paparazzi since I was a teenager. But walking into a crowded room with a large, purple-skinned gargoyle flaring his wings behind me like a paranormal cloak? Yeah, that’s definitely going to get some attention.

"People are staring," I whisper. "But I can’t tell if it’s because they are starstruck, or if they’re checking one of us out."

"Can't it be both?" Ryker offers me his arm. “We look pretty damn good in our costumes.”

I grin. "Okay. Definitely both,"

As we reach the main floor, the crowd parts naturally around us. I spot our suitemates near the punch bowl. Zay is wearing an elaborate, hand-crafted masquerade mask chatting with Kieran, who looks painfully uncomfortable in a basic black suit, his grumpy face scowling as he searches the crowd for someone. Ethan is hovering nearby, dressed as a vampire, sipping something red from a plastic cup.

Ethan spots us first, his eyes widening before he practically sprints over.

"Holy shit, Tae!" Ethan breathes, eyeing our outfits with awe. "You guys look fucking epic! These outfits look like they were stolen off the set. Ryker, did you sew these?"

Ryker nods, grinning. "Every stitch."

"Bro, you’re wasting your time standing around pretending to be a bouncer," Ethan says, shaking his head. "You need to open a boutique. I'm not even kidding."

"One step at a time, Ethan," Ryker says. Though I notice the subtle, pleased twitch of his tail.

Zay and Kieran wander over.

"Looking good, Dae," Kieran mutters.