Page 45 of Shadows and Stone

Teagan’s grin spreads across his face. Oh yeah, he likes that word too. My mate.

We reach the stone archway leading to the library lobby, where the warm, roasted scent of espresso and cinnamon rolls wafts out to meet us. Mummy Mocha is already packed. Werewolves in varsity jackets are hunched over tables, a few bird shifters are preening their feathers in the corner, and front and center, leaning lazily against the counter, is Seth.

The mummy barista looks as handsome as ever, his dark skin highlighted by white shirt. The moment we’re in eyesight, Seth looks up, a sharp, flirty grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well, well," Seth purrs. "If it isn't one of Creepin U's hottest couples. I was wondering when you two would grace my humble shop."

Teagan doesn't miss a beat. He glides up to the counter, dragging me right along with him. "Morning, Seth. We need two large dark roasts, extra espresso shots, and whatever pastry is fresh out of the oven. We have a long day of doing absolutely nothing stressful ahead of us."

Seth’s eyes flick down to our interlocked fingers, his gaze glinting with amusement before darting up to meet mine. I subtly adjust my posture, rolling my broad shoulders back so my wings fan out just enough to frame Teagan. The protective gargoyle in me will always show its teeth when a potential competitor is near. Even if I know Seth is harmless.

Seth sees the gesture and lets out a laugh. He holds his hands in a playful mock surrender. "Easy there, big guy. I'm just the barista. No need to turn me to actual stone. Though I have to admit, you two make a ridiculously sexy couple. Purple hair, purple wings... it’s quite aesthetic."

"Right! It’s totally our thing." Teagan agrees, flashing Seth a dazzling, camera-ready smile. "And he's all mine, so make sure his coffee is perfect, Seth."

"Coming right up, movie star," Seth winks.

I tilt my head down, leaning into Teagan's ear so my breath tickles the soft skin. "All yours, huh?" I whisper, my claws tracing his jawline.

Teagan shivers, the reaction making my cock take notice. He turns his head, his brown eyes dark and intense as if he can tell where my thought went. "Every single fucking inch," he murmurs back. "All mine. Don't forget it."

By the time Seth hands over our coffees and a honey pastry, the lobby of the library is practically echoing with whisper chains. Students are pulling out their phones, surreptitiously taking photos, but Teagan doesn't seem to care. As we step back out into the bright autumn sunlight, Teagan intentionally lifts my hand to his lips and presses a hot, lingering kiss to the back of my knuckles, staring straight at a table of gawking freshmen as he does it.

The crowd gasps softly. My breath hitches.

Something primal and hot snaps deep within my chest.

During the Blood Moon, the lunar pull had amplified my gargoyle instincts until I was crazed with it, making me want to claim him with a territorial hunger. But this public display? This fierce, proud way Teagan is claiming me in front of the entire world? It triggers something just as potent. It’s a possessiveness straight from my heart. From that monster nature I’m learning to embrace.

My mate. He really is flaunting me.

Fuck. I need him. Now.

"Teagan," I growl.

Teagan blinks, pausing in the middle of the quad walkway. He looks up at me, sensing the sudden, drastic shift in my energy. The playful, cheeky smile on his face slowly melts into something breathy and wide-eyed as he peers up into my eyes.

"Yeah?" he breathes, biting his lip.

Without saying another word, I reach out, grab his hot cup of coffee, take my own, and casually toss both sealed cups into the nearest recycling bin.

"Hey! My coffee—" Teagan starts, but the words are cut off in a sharp gasp when my tail snakes up his thigh.

He picks up the pace.

My strides practically cause me to drag him as I march us back toward Karloff Hall. My wings stretch and flex behind me, my tail whipping with urgent, restless momentum. Students scatter out of our path, sensing the aura of a predator.

"Ryker! Wait, what are you doing?" Teagan half-laughs, half-gasps, his shorter legs working double-time to keep up with my towering pace. "Where the hell are we going?"

"Back to the dorm," I growl. "Now."

"We just left for the day!" Teagan squeaks, though there’s a distinct, breathless thrill to his voice. He knows exactly what he just did to me, and he loves every fucking second of it.

We burst through the front doors of Karloff Hall, ignoring the startled look from a handsome red demon as he steps back. I haul us up the stairs two at a time. Teagan is practically panting behind me.

We reach our suite. I shove the door open, pull Teagan inside, and slam it shut behind us. Kieran and Zay are clearly out for classes. Thank the Monster Gods, we’re alone.

Before Teagan can even catch his breath to tease me, I grab him by the hips, lifting him effortlessly off his feet. I shove his back against the door. He lets out a sharp, breathless gasp, his hands instinctively gripping my broad shoulders for support. His legs automatically wrap tightly around my waist.