Page 38 of Shadows and Stone

"Dude," Zay says, studying Ryker’s tunic. "You’re going to have to teach me your ways. I thought making my mask was creative. But this is something else."

"Thank you, Zay," Ryker says, amused. His eyes, however, never stop moving and scanning the crowd. Even while chatting with our friends, I can feel the tension radiating off of him. His gaze constantly sweeps the room. He scans the balcony, the dancefloor, and all the people surrounding us.

He’s on high alert. It’s a heady mixture of bodyguard, meets paranormal creature protecting his mate.

I reach down, subtly catching his tail with my fingers. It wraps around me instantly. Ryker glances down, his intense expression softening instantly.

"Monster gods," I murmur, leaning close enough so only he can hear over the music. "It’s so hot the way you protect me."

His lips twitch into a faint, wicked smile.

Before I can whisper filthy things into my gargoyles ear. The music shifts and people cheer. Couples begin gliding onto the center dance floor.

I look up at Ryker, my chest hammering. "Dance with me."

Ryker blinks, glancing at the crowded dance floor, then back to me. "I should’ve probably mentioned this earlier, but I kinda don’t know how. I’m not even sure muscle memory will kick in."

"Then let me lead," I reply easily. I step into his space, placing my free hand on his waist. "Or better yet just hold me and move your feet. Most college students don’t really know how to dance."

Ryker looks at me for a long moment. Slowly, that small, breathtaking smile touches his lips. "Alright, mate. You lead. It’ll be nice to see you take control."

Despite his words, Ryker guides me out to the center of the room. When Ryker takes my hand and wraps his other arm around my waist, pulling me against his chest, a soft chuckle leaves my lips. Maybe there is some muscle memory at play here.

His large wings curve inward, creating a semi-private shelter around us right in the middle of the crowded hall. The deep purple underside of his wings blocks out the harsh, flashing party lights, casting us in a private cocoon of shadow.

We move to the music. Ryker is surprisingly light on his feet for someone who claims to not know how to dance. Every step he takes is deliberate, his tail sweeping gently. I rest my cheek against his chest, breathing in his scent.

"You're amazing, you know that?" I whisper.

"Nah. I'm just doing my job.”

"No. Your job was to stand watch over me. To guard but not get close. You became my friend. You fixed my clothes. You protected me when I was terrified, and you made me feel safe and cherished. Ryker, you gave me more meaning to my life. Because of you, I’m…happy."

Ryker’s grip on my waist tightens, his claws lightly pressing into the material of my coat without tearing it. "Same, Teagan. You make me feel so many things. Not to get too sappy, but fuck, Tae, you helped me feel like a real person. I spent ten years searching. Then you came along and gave me a real purpose. You are everything to me."

The intensity in his eyes is staggering. It’s the same primal, soul-deep devotion I felt during the Blood Moon, but refined. Focused. My heart aches with a love so sudden it almost frightens me.

We sway together through the end of the song, completely lost in each other’s eyes. For a few perfect, uninterrupted minutes, the stalker, the threats, and everything else just vanishes completely.

When the song ends, I pull away. My skin is flushed, and the thick coat—while stunning—is trapping every bit of my body heat. Bodies press in all around us, and it’s almost suffocating.

"I need two minutes of cool air," I say, fanning myself lightly with my hand as we step off the dance floor. "And maybe some water."

Ryker instantly switches back into gargoyle protector mode. "I'll get us some drinks. Stay right by the main archway where security can see you." Ryker nods to one of the nearby gargoyles. The guy tilts his head in understanding, a blank emotionless look on his face. Monster gods, Ryker wasn’t kidding when he said some gargoyles didn’t display much emotion.

"Ryker, the bar is literally twenty feet away," I laugh, nudging his chest. "I'm not going far. I'm just going to step near the side doors in the corridor to catch a breeze. All this fucking body heat is getting to me. I'll be in plain sight."

Ryker hesitates, his eyes scanning the immediate area. He spots two more campus security guards posted right beside the refreshment area.

"Two minutes," Ryker stresses, his tail giving a sharp, anxious flick. "If I don't see you when I turn around, I'm going to Hulk smash some walls."

"Promise," I laugh, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping away toward the side corridor.

The side hallway is blessedly quiet and dim. The double doors leading out to the courtyard are propped open an inch, letting in a cool, crisp October breeze that instantly cools my warm skin. I close my eyes, leaning my back against the cold stone wall, and take a steadying breath.

The distant sound of chatter drifts down the corridor. I touch my lips, still feeling the phantom pressure of Ryker’s kiss. Tomorrow, I'm going to get the final report from my private investigator. Tomorrow, I might finally give Ryker the answers he's been searching for. Mr. Park said he found a lot of information, and I’m hoping it’s all the info I need on Ryker’s brother and their past.

I can't wait to give him that gift.