Danton

His heart thundered in his ears. After a fleeting moment in which he thought he might have a chance with Tracy, she’d retreated.

“I understand,” he said with a solemn nod. “That is why I didn’t mention it before now. The oath is not something to be taken lightly.”

Her gaze darted around her kitchen as guilt crept across her face. It had been a risk to even mention the curse to her and how to break it. Why would she even consider doing so with someone she hadn’t known was alive until yesterday?

But, she was worth taking that risk. He wasn’t sure what it was that entranced him so, but once he’d set his eyes on her, his soul sang. She was the one. He wanted to love and protect her.

He’d spent years in stone, only turning to flesh when needed, or if a powerful gargoyle helped him shift for brief periods. It wasn’t too bad for a gargoyle shifter as it was one of their forms, sort of like a dreamy sleep state. Until Tracy had started to confide in him. Never had he wanted to break free from his stone form more than when she spoke to him or touched his cool stone. Never had he wanted to reveal who he was—and how he ached for her.

When he’d made love to her, it had sealed it for him.

She was the one.

At least, he’d have these hours he’d spent with her to replay in his mind once he returned to stone. Memories rather than fantasies. Neither would be as wonderful as the real experience now, so he damn well better enjoy this time with her while he could.

“Are you still hungry? I have some banana bread in there.” She walked over to her refrigerator.

“Sure.” He smiled to himself. She’d jumped from something as sacred as the gargoyle oath to breakfast options, redirecting the conversation. Not that he blamed her—learning about his kind was a lot to spring on any human.

She fumbled around for something in her freezer, and he used the moment to admire her figure from behind, starting with her sexy pink hair, down to her narrow waist. He loved how her hips flared to a rounded rear end.

While she defrosted a few slices in the microwave, he scanned her. She was beautiful. Unconventional, for sure. He usually saw her at Vamps, wearing a revealing dress and gothic makeup. This morning, her face was clean of makeup, and she was even more stunning. Her almond-shaped, amber eyes were clear and framed with dark lashes. Her pouty lips lacked lipstick, but were more kissable than ever.

A pale pink tank top, shades lighter than her bright pink hair, clung to her voluptuous breasts, revealing the outline of her nipples. He’d coveted her curves night after night, as had dozens of other men at the bar. As both stone and man, his eyes sought her out. Not only did he have to ensure she was safe, but he had to see her. An icy form of anxiety would clamp hold of him, which only dissipated when she entered the club.

She tilted her head as her gaze traveled over him with a mix of appreciation and awe. “Your kind is quite remarkable, isn’t it?”

“To me, you’re quite remarkable.”

Tracy smiled at him. She brought the banana bread over on yellow sunflower plates.

As she sat across from him at her small kitchen table, she nibbled at the banana bread. It was a casual morning scene, one he never thought he’d experience with a human, and he enjoyed it immensely.

“At times, you look at me strangely. Do you fear me?” he asked.

She let out a short laugh. “That’s the rational side of me telling me I should. But, I don’t.” She lifted her coffee mug and took a sip and then peered at him over the mug. “Even though I saw you almost stomp Brian’s head in, it was to protect me. Somehow, I know you’d never hurt me, as crazy as that sounds.”

“It’s not crazy. I would never harm you. I’m glad you sense that. Humans often fear those who are different.” He leaned across the table and brushed a tendril of her lustrous pink hair off her cheek. “They close their eyes to them, not wanting to see what they don’t understand.”

He lifted the banana bread and devoured half of it in one bite. It was delicious. Although he never felt hunger while in stone, his appetite stirred after he shifted to human form. And after burning off more energy with Tracy last night and this morning, he was ravenous.

Her gaze drifted off. When she pulled it back to him, she said, “Since you have limited time today, how would you like to spend it?”

Images of last night and this morning flashed before him. “I’ve already done it twice with you.” He grinned at her as he stretched in his chair.

An adorable pink blush suffused her cheeks, and she smiled as she glanced at her plate. “I enjoyed that immensely.” She lifted her head and peered at him. “But, don’t you want to get outside and do something?”

He’d be content spending the entire time in her bed, but perhaps she was right. He didn’t know when he’d be in human form again. “I like being outdoors, especially near the ocean.”

“Sounds perfect.” Her smiled brightened her face. “I need to take a quick shower.”

Sensual images flashed before him. He wouldn’t pass up this opportunity to be with her once more. “Not quickly. You need a long, hot shower.” He reached across the table and caressed her forearm, unable to resist touching her. “And you need someone to wash your back.”

“Yes,” she agreed with a quirk of a brow. “That’s exactly what I need.” 

He didn’t waste another moment and rose from the table. They left a trail of her clothing from her kitchen to the bathroom, and then he dropped his towel on the floor. Within minutes, the hot stream of water poured down on their naked bodies, as they tangled their tongues in a hungry kiss.

He loved how she stood on her tiptoes to reach him, and he bent his head to meet her perfect lips. Her head reached the perfect spot on his chest, where he could pull her close to him and wrap his arms around her.

When they pulled away from each other, gasping for air, he scanned the contents of her shower. He poured some lavender body wash onto a poofy yellow sponge and ran a soapy trail from her shoulders over her arms and back. That was the scent he caught on her earlier, a floral scent so light and feminine. It reminded him of his youth when he’d spent summers in Provence. Her lips parted as she let him wash her. He administered a tender touch while lathering her. The soapy water trailed over and in between her breasts, cascading down her luscious body.

As he moved down, she toddled unsteadily. Was the floor slippery, or was she responding to his touch? He paid close attention, making sure he supported her as he washed her thighs. Slowly. Down. Then up. And in between. Right at the apex of her thighs.

A small gasp of breathless anticipation escaped her.

He teased her by reaching behind to wash her there. “You have a splendid ass.”

“Oh, you’re teasing me,” she murmured. “Driving me mad.” She pressed her body toward him, encouraging him to explore her most sensitive parts.

He returned to her inner thighs. “Do you want me to touch you here?”

She murmured her agreement. Her head dropped back, and he watched her, entranced, as her expression turned rapturous. He moved the sponge in between her legs. After dropping the sponge, he replaced it with his fingers, rubbing her slick folds, and then slipping one digit inside her. He then added another, sliding them in and out of her, as she moved against his hand.

She let out a throaty moan. “Mmm, yesss.”

“You like that?” He bent his head to kiss her neck. She was so soft and responsive. Being with her was better than any fantasy.

“Uh huh.”

With his free hand, he fondled one of her breasts as he brought her to climax. Her wet tightness pulsing around his fingers almost caused him to explode as well. He took a few deep breaths to center himself.

Why did he only have twenty-four hours to spend with her in this form? He’d never dreaded returning to his stony repose the way he did now. But, he’d never been with Tracy before. And the more time he spent with her, the more difficult it would be to go back. How could he return to an immobile state where he wouldn’t be able to touch her soft skin at will?

And then what happened? Would she wait for him until his next call to duty as a gargoyle? Or, was this a one-night thing for her? He couldn’t expect a commitment from her. Although he had no doubt she was the one for him, she likely didn’t feel the same way.

He forced brooding thoughts aside. If this was going to be their only shower together, he’d make sure it was one she’d never forget. He’d mark every inch of the tile with hot, steamy memories of this encounter.

Without any warning, he lifted her up, holding her by the buttocks and pressing her against the tile wall. She yelped with surprise, but then wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him for support.

“I need to fuck you,” he growled, pressing his cock into her wet slit.

“Yes. Now. Yes.” She melted against him, encouraging him.

He explored the now familiar entrance to her sweet pussy with the head of his cock. Then he slid the tip in. His girth made it seem unlikely that he’d ever fit inside, but after the initial resistance abated she welcomed him in, and he impaled her hot, tight flesh.

“Oh shit,” she declared. “We don’t have a condom. I’m on the pill, but…”

“You don’t have to worry, since we don’t contract or spread any human diseases.”

She sighed. “Then I think we’re good.”

He fucked her hard against the wall and she held on to him, panting heavily. As he drilled into her, she met each thrust. Harder and faster they climbed, as the hot water dripped down their bodies and steam filled the room.

“Yes, Danton,” she cried. “Oh god, I’m right there.”

She wrapped her arms and legs tighter around him as she rocketed higher.

“Yes, come all over me.”

She shattered on him with a cry. Her limbs tightened as she pulsed tightly on his cock, driving him over the edge with her. As her hold on him slackened, he renewed the intensity, pumping into her without restraint. She gasped and squealed as he fucked her. He held nothing back as the sensations built within.

Fuck. He wanted to take it further to bond them. But, it was too soon to push her into it, although the truth of it echoed in his soul. He hammered into her with three blinding thrusts and growled as he exploded inside her.

It took him a long time to recover, even longer to speak. Eventually, they dried off and dressed.

Tracy pulled on a black sailor dress with pink dice on it that matched her hair color. She then brushed her hair and applied some light makeup, not the usual goth style that she wore for the club. He sat on her bed and watched her primp while she sat at her dressing table.

“Why are you watching me put on makeup?”

“I like watching you do anything.”

Once she finished applying a pale gloss, she turned to him. “We need to get you some clothes before we go anywhere.”

“I have some stashed in a bag at Vamps.”

She blinked at him. “Why didn’t you grab them last night?”

His lips curled into a grin. “I liked the way you looked at me in just a towel.” Perhaps, it was ridiculous to parade around in front of her half-naked, but once he’d glimpsed the way she watched him, he wasn’t about to break the spell.

Her cheeks reddened. “I’ll go grab them and come back here.”

“You sure you don’t want me to come with you? I can wear the towel.” He raised a brow in question.

She replied with a sassy glance. “I might like that.” Then she shook her head. “But, it would be far too distracting while I drive. I’m surprised I got us back here in one piece with the way I had ogled you.”

He stepped closer and trailed a finger from her cheek down her arm. “You can ogle me whenever you like, wherever you like.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t likely to happen once he returned to his grotesque state in stone form.

He then told Tracy where he had left his belongings at Vamps, and she left to go get them. He wandered through her living room. She trusted him here in her space, her private world. It felt like a dream to be here since he’d ached for her from afar. He took care to not break that trust, and observed without prying by opening closets or drawers. Her coffee table was covered with textbooks, papers, entertainment magazines, and a laptop. Her decorating style was bright with primary colors and flowers. He liked it. It was summery like her.

While he had some time, he’d check in with his brothers. He opened a telepathic link.

Enjoying yourselves

Oh yes, Mattias said. The usual bout of freedom with good food and a relaxing flight over the ocean. This morning, we’re admiring the women in the tiniest of bikinis here on the beach.

What about you? Lucan asked Danton. What happened with that man?

Danton groaned. He’s still out there. Unfortunately. Tracy begged me not to kill him.

Humans. Lucan said. They can be too forgiving of even those who mean harm.

Where are you? Mattias asked.

I’m at her apartment.

What? How did you manage that? Mattias asked.

Yes, what happened? Lucan added.

Danton exhaled. Long story. I’ll tell you later. They’d have plenty of time for talk while they were all back in stone that night. But, what I sensed was right. She’s the one.

After he ended their connection, he tidied up and made her bed. Hopefully, they’d mess it up again before he had to leave.

When she returned with his bag of belongings, she lingered as he dressed in her bedroom. He kept a light conversation going to keep her in the room with him. The way her gaze continuously raked over his body was far too enjoyable not to continue.

“Ready to head out?” she asked.

He cupped her cheek and kissed her. “I am now.”

She smiled and then led him out to her car. As she drove to Gloucester, he could barely keep from touching her in some way—a brush over her arm, a squeeze of her thigh. Every part of him was drawn to her.

They parked and walked along the waterfront. It was a perfect summer day. The ocean was calm and the soothing, salty scent reached him. Sea birds flew overhead, the way he would soar if he had not been with her now. But, walking beside her was better than flight, which was something he’d never thought possible.

Because your souls are connected, his soul whispered.

How would he keep from reaching for her every minute? The hours ticked by too quickly.

When they passed a statue of a fisherman, dedicated to those who lost their lives to the sea, he took her hand. Life was too short. His duration in human form was even shorter.

Danton inhaled. “I love the scent of the ocean. Nothing like it.” When he was human, he wanted to experience all he could of the outdoors.

But, this time, he longed for something more—to spend it doing anything with Tracy. He’d never felt more alive in any form than he had since he’d been with her. But, who knew if and when they would have another chance to do anything together again?

“Mmm,” Tracy agreed.

Her hand felt perfect in his own. So right. The touch of her skin, heated by the summer sun, would warm him while he rested in cool stone for the weeks or months to come. His call to duty generally depended on the stupidity of humans. In the club, that meant drunken idiots getting into fights or pushing their way onto women who weren’t interested. He and his brothers would mask themselves in gargoyle magic to slip into the crowd, and would then help take care of the situation. Then, they would have their twenty-four hours of freedom before the curse pulled them back.

Or, there were the times when they’d have to intervene in response to supernatural threats. They’d been brought over by a vampire who was hunted by another of his kind. And Vamps drew in other types, shifters and witches among them, although humans remained ignorant of their presence, for the most part.

Tracy glanced around the walkway along the water’s edge. “We must look the pair. Do you see all the eyes we keep catching?”

“I’ve been more focused on you,” Danton admitted.

“Well, you are quite striking, like a modern-day Viking,” she said. “It’s not often we have someone looking like you walking around here.”

“And your pink hair and tattoos—I see humans like that in the club, but not around here. Is that not common?”

She shrugged. “Probably not so much around here. Vamps attracts a distinct crowd.”

“I’ve noticed.” He turned to her. The sun shined down on her, making her appear angelic. Or, an ethereal mermaid who’d stepped from the ocean foam. That was one thing he missed at Vamps—sunlight. Ah, there he went, brooding like a damn vampire over missing the sun.

“You look even prettier under the sunlight,” he told her. “Your face glows. Your hair sparkles.”

“Thank you.” Her lips curved into a sensuous smile. She whispered, “Might be afterglow from all the sex.”

“Ah, right,” he agreed. “This has definitely been the best time I have spent in human form since I’ve been cursed. It will be difficult to leave this form tonight.”

Her smile vanished, and he regretted mentioning leaving. Would she be sad when he changed? She put on such a tough exterior while bartending, making her difficult to read. But, she’d revealed a gentler side when confiding in him. When she’d let down her guard in the bedroom and melted into his arms, he savored how she let him take care of her the way he wanted.

He knew better than to expect her to take the vow. From his observations of humans, they didn’t jump into these things lightly. But, she was the one. It was a certainty he couldn’t explain. He’d had an inkling that she might be when their relationship had begun while he was in stone. The more she’d confided in him, the more he’d fallen for her.

Being with her in his human form, and burying himself deep inside her body, had solidified it for him. She was his mate. He sensed she felt their connection, too, but on some level, he knew it terrified her. But, they could break the curse and be together.

How could he convince her to do so? She hadn’t known he even existed until last night. It was too much to ask of anyone.

And he couldn’t push his feelings upon her.

The only choice he had was to enjoy the short time they had together before he returned to his stone prison.

“Tell me more about you,” Tracy said.

“What would you like to know?”

“Anything,” she replied. “Everything.” She tilted her head and smiled. “I know. How about you talk, and I listen? I’ll be as quiet as a statue. It will be like the reverse of how I’ve been confiding in you for so long.”

He laughed. “You are one of a kind, Tracy.”

 

Tracy

The day was passing all too quickly. By the time they’d made it to the beach, it was late afternoon. The hours slipped by as they walked along the ocean.

Danton shared stories of his youth growing up in France, which sounded like a normal childhood—except that they soared over the city by night and mounted themselves on castles walls.

“And after we were cursed, our lives have not been quite so exciting.”

She squeezed her hands into fists at the injustice of his curse. Maybe it was time for something lighter. After a quiet moment, she asked, “Can I ask you some general questions now?”

“Go ahead.”

She followed up with questions like they were on some sort of speed date—which technically, they were. For some reason, she ran through a list of favorites.

When she asked him his favorite color, he glanced at her hair and grinned. “Now, it’s pink. But do these things matter to you?”

“No. I’m just trying to learn whatever I can about you, since you know so much about me.”

Well, she did know how well they’d connected in the bedroom, but, a relationship had to be more than great sex.

Wait, why was she even thinking about a relationship? He spent most of his time as a statue. And she couldn’t do anything about that. Well, nothing that she was willing to do for someone she’d only met last night. A lifelong commitment required more than knowing what he was like in bed.

Which was spectacular, by the way. Visions of their time together distracted her. She shook her head, forcing them away for the moment.

Danton had a cryptic smile on his face while he watched her. God knew what sort of emotions had flickered across her face while she contemplated a relationship with a gargoyle.

“What would you like to know?” he asked.

Where to begin? So many things about him were a mystery.

“Earlier you said something about humans being afraid of what’s different,” she said. “What are you talking about specifically?”

Danton raised a hand and circled it with a flourish. “They are blind to what’s all around them.”

She scanned the beach filled with people who appeared to be perfectly normal—families with small children playing in the sand, teenagers tossing a football, and older couples strolling along the water’s edge. What else could he be talking about? “You mean at Vamps?”

With its underground subculture, Vamps had its share of those who were different. Those exploring an alternative lifestyle or expressing themselves through unique vinyl outfits or various other types of eccentric costumes flocked to this venue where they were accepted, or even lauded, for being “weirdos” and “freaks,” terms they embraced.

“Yes,” Danton replied.

Her heartbeat accelerated. She was on to something. “What do you mean by different? Their lifestyle?”

“Partly.”

“Why are you being cryptic? What else? You’re not suggesting some of them aren’t human, are you?”

Danton didn’t answer right away. “Some things are better understood through discovery rather than what someone tells you.”

Tracy scrunched her face. “What does that mean?”

“If I told you I was a gargoyle without showing you,” Danton explained, “would you have believed me?”

“Of course not.”

He had a point. She would have had him kicked out of the club, dismissing him as a whack job. What types of creatures might he be alluding to? She wouldn’t have believed in gargoyles unless she had seen him change. Even then, she’d thought it must be unreal, like some sort of drug-induced hallucination.

Approaching another subject, Tracy asked, “How did you end up in Vamps?”

“Michel Camard brought me over.”

Her mouth dropped open before she could formulate her next question. Michel was her former boss, the previous owner of Vamps. “Did he know what you are?”

“Of course.”

Questions swirled in her mind. “Is he—a gargoyle?”

Rumors about Michel had circulated, as well as her current boss, Tristan. Staff had joked that they were vampires because of their nocturnal ways. She’d had a thing for Michel at one time, but he’d never shown any interest. Whatever. She got over him quickly. Guys came and went. She was hit on most nights, but she didn’t want anything long-term, not after the hell she’d gone through with Brian. She wouldn’t go through anything like that again.

Despite whatever magical connection she seemed to have with Danton, it was just sex. She had to remember that.

Danton chuckled. “No. Michel is not a gargoyle.”

Something clicked in her mind. Maybe the speculation wasn’t completely off. “He’s not human, is he?”

Danton picked up a stone and threw it into the ocean. She suspected he used it as a means of distraction, while he avoided her question—or maybe to formulate his thoughts. She waited a few moments and was about to ask again when he answered.

“I can only share my secret with you. I cannot reveal others’ secrets, just like I won’t reveal what you’ve confided in me to anyone else.”

“I respect that.” Her mind churned as she pieced what she knew together. “I have a guess, but I won’t put you in an awkward position. Can you tell me at least how the two of you met?”

Danton nodded. “We were acquainted in Paris.”

“Paris,” she cooed. “How long ago?”

“A long time. That’s all I can say.”

Tracy narrowed her eyes while she guesstimated. Years? Decades? Centuries? Not wanting to press him for something he didn’t want to tell, she focused on the city where they met. “I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. I never expected it to be filled with gargoyles and other supernatural beings.”

“I would love to take you.” Danton picked up another stone, but rolled this one with his fingers. “I haven’t been back to my homeland in far too long.”

She beamed as they resumed walking the beach. What woman wouldn’t want to go on a romantic trip to Paris? Let alone with someone who looked—and fucked—like Danton. However, there was one little obstacle. He turned back to stone tonight.

Still, she fantasized about the two of them on a flight to Paris.

Wait, Danton had wings.

“Can you fly?” she asked him.

“Yes. That’s what I often do when I shift. I soar over the ocean under the moonlight.”

Amazing. She pictured him flying with those massive wings. Her mind was ready to explode. The more she learned, the more questions came up. “How did Michel convince you to come to America?”

“He hired me for protection in the club. Both for himself and the people within.” He tapped his thigh again, as if formulating what he should or shouldn’t reveal. “The humans employed as bouncers there would be useless in any sort of supernatural incident.”

She let that settle into her compartment of mind-blowing facts she’d been learning in the past twenty-four hours. “Are there more living gargoyles guarding Vamps?”

He nodded slowly. “Not all are decorative.” Then he leaned back as if assessing her. “I assume I can trust you to keep what I tell you to yourself.” His eyes searched hers, looking for truth. Trust.

“Of course, Danton. You can trust me.”

She stood on her tiptoes, so she could kiss his cheek, punctuating her point. Strange, she’d never been one for public affection, but she kissed him without any hesitation.

Danton cradled her face in his hands and said, “I do trust you.” He dove into the kiss, nibbling and sucking her bottom lip before pulling back. “My brothers are there with me.”

His kiss almost made her forget her question, leaving her heady with want. Clearing her mind, she said, “You mentioned they were cursed like you, and I forgot about it with everything I’ve been learning.” With a saucy smile, she added, “And some sensual distraction.” She clucked her tongue. “So, they’re gargoyles, like you? And they’re also trapped in stone?”

“Yes. Well, they’re free right now, enjoying their short time for freedom with a flight. They also shifted when Brian bothered you, yet you were distracted by me. I communicated that I had it under control. They left the club before they were spotted.”

He ended his explanation with soft kisses on her neck that turned her to jelly. Despite her many questions, she bent her neck to offer him easier access. He was fascinating. And, the way he pleasured her was turning her insatiable—a wanton woman consumed with her desire for him. She moaned in pleasure, wanting him to take her there on the beach, onlookers be damned. Her panties grew moist as need coiled deep in her core. How could she be ready for him again all so soon?

Families were around. Kids.

Get a hold of yourself.

She fought to regain some sense before she tore off his shirt. The more he told her, the more she wondered. “We have to stop.” She pulled away reluctantly. “We can’t do this here.”

Danton’s eyes had darkened. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I can’t wait to touch you. To taste you again. Give us one more chance to be together before I change back.”

The warmth of his breath on her earlobe made her skin tingle. And his words only exacerbated her need for him. If it was dark and nobody was around, she’d pull him down right now.

“Yes,” she purred. He was distracting her again with sensual pleasure, but she still had her questions about his brothers. “But, I didn’t hear you say anything to them, and I didn’t see them move.”

“We can communicate without words.”

Her eyes widened. “Telepathically?”

He nodded. “Right. And they also left their shells in the club. You didn’t see them shift, as your focus was on Brian and me.”

Ah, that made sense.

Danton asked, “Are you hungry? I could use something to eat.”

She damned well felt hungry, too, but not for food. Not after he’d kissed her and left her body buzzing for more. She forced sensual fantasies aside and scanned the waterfront for some place they could eat.

“Yes,” she said. “Seafood?”

Minutes later, they sat at a family-owned restaurant near the ocean.  

“This place serves the best seafood,” she said. “The lobster and clam chowder are unreal.”

They sampled a variety of seafood dishes and cold beers from a local brewery. Seagulls crept nearby, ready to swoop in to steal a fallen French fry or fried clam. Danton had her captivated as he told her about the places he’d been, mostly in Europe and North America. He was so cultured, and unlike any guy she’d ever dated. Most were screwed up in one way or another. She’d started to see a pattern, and it was partially her fault. She gravitated towards guys that needed help in some way. Why did she always think she could save them?

It never worked. And it often led to resentment.

But, Danton didn’t fit that type. Although she wasn’t quite sure how to react to this unfamiliar scenario, she found it somewhat comforting. Who wouldn’t like feeling protected and cared for?

How long had he been there at Vamps, locked in stone? One night in particular stood out. “Were you there during the night of the fire?”

Over a year ago, an explosion had rocked the club. It had been closed for months while it was renovated.

“Yes,” Danton replied.

Her former boss, Michel, had helped out employees with their sudden loss of wages. When he sold the club, he gave a generous amount to staff. She used the funds and time to do something she’d been considering for some time—going to school. She enrolled into a local university and studied to become a special education teacher.

Danton knew this. She’d told him all about it while she thought he was a mere statue. She’d also revealed one of the things she’d felt ashamed about. When she was younger, she’d wished she was an only child. Her parents had spent so much time with Andrew’s needs that she’d felt neglected. She feared they’d loved him more. It wasn’t until she was older that she understood. He didn’t interact in the world in the same way she did, and sometimes needed someone to help him navigate it. As she’d confided in Danton, she worked through her shame and fear, and it had led her to decide to become a teacher. During the time the club was being renovated, she’d lost her confidante. Once she’d started working at Vamps again, she’d greeted the statue like it was an old friend.

“Some of Michel’s enemies hunted him down.” Danton rested against the chair back, beer glass in hand. His body appeared as relaxed as if he was discussing the weather, save for the intensity in his emerald gaze. “My brothers and I communicated to each other silently, deciding on how to take action without revealing ourselves and causing more chaos.”

Tracy leaned forward. “What did you do?”

“We shifted from stone using magic to keep us from being seen doing so. My brothers searched for anyone in trouble while I searched for you.”

“You did? Why?”

His eyes were full of warmth and earnest. “You know why, Tracy.”

Having someone care about her so deeply was something she wasn’t used to. She swallowed before replying. “Did you find me?”

“Yes. You were outside the club talking to a police officer.”

“I had to give a statement.”

“After seeing you were safe, I joined my brothers. They saw Michel jump into a car driven by a female. They intervened to stop Michel’s enemies from following them. Once I joined them and these enemies knew they were outnumbered by gargoyles, they fled. I followed you home that night to make sure you were safe.”

Thoughts and questions churned in her mind like a tornado had been generated in her brain. Everything she thought she knew about the world—about the place where she’d worked for so long—had been challenged and reformed in a few minutes.

This gargoyle had watched over her all that time to make sure she was safe. This same splendid man who could make her body sing.

And if she was truthful with herself—was slowly helping to mend her heart.

“The following year while they rebuilt the club, my brothers and I returned to Paris,” Danton added. “Back to what we called tourist duty, as most of the calls that woke us from our stone slumber were pickpockets targeting tourists. Although I was across the ocean, I thought about you often. I fought the urge to find some other way to return to you.” He laughed. “Trust me, I’d contemplated becoming a surprise statue in your garden just so I could see you come and go.”

She placed her hand on her chest where a wild, bereft sensation had taken hold. “Danton. I wish I knew about you sooner.”

“Me, too.” His eyes flickered with sorrow, but he brushed it aside on an audible exhale. “Once I knew the club was reopening, I told Michel I wanted to return to Vamps. He no longer owned the club, but made the arrangements. I returned, and my brothers followed two months later.”

Had he returned—for her? She closed her eyes, picturing his story. But, what about his brothers? “Why did they return, as well?”

A boyish grin spread across his face. “If you’re going to watch from stone, it might as well be someplace exciting. We’ve spent countless days watching over locals and tourists in France. We were ready for a change. The club has a unique ambiance. The energy of the crowd is palpable, reaching us even in stone.” In a softer tone, just above a whisper, he said, “And for me, it has something else. You.”

Her heart somersaulted. “I don’t know what to say.” She struggled to process everything. The more she tried, the more questions popped up. How could she have been blind to someone’s attention for so long?

An odd sound escaped her. Well, she had thought he was a statue.

“How do you communicate, or move, or do anything when you’re in stone?”

“The witch who cursed us may have been skilled with magic, but gargoyles have magical abilities as well. Those who have made the bond become more powerful. Many have aided us in navigating the gargoyle and human worlds. They can transform us to our human form for short periods.”

“Whoa,” Tracy dropped her forehead into her hands. “So, if you took the bond with someone—like me, for instance—you’d become more powerful? You’d be able to use gargoyle magic to help your brothers become human?”

“Yes,” he said in a solemn tone.

The guilt returned, weighing heavy on her as she contemplated what she’d just heard. She could offer her body to him for the day, but could she promise her heart and soul for a lifetime? Her pulse rate sped up. She shook the guilt away and asked, “What about Vamps’s new owner, Tristan Stone? Does he know what you are?”

“I don’t know exactly what Michel told him. But, he knows we are more than stone. And that we are sacred.”

“Crazy,” Tracy whispered.

Her heart sprinted. She focused on her beer glass while contemplating what he’d revealed. So much was happening and far too quickly. Just when she’d seemed to come to grips with one revelation, another presented itself to her.

“If you were free from this curse, what would you want out of life, Danton?”

“What any gargoyle wants. A purpose.”

She could understand that. Once she realized she didn’t want to tend bar forever and wanted to help people, she’d taken the step by starting school. But, what would that mean for a gargoyle? He wouldn’t follow a traditional career path like she was.

“Like what?”

“We watch over humans,” he replied. “But, to find our true mate—the one we can bond with, only then will we ever truly feel complete.”

“That sounds quite powerful,” she replied, not sure what to make of it. “Do you think you ever will?” It might have been a stupid question and an intrusive one, but since he’d mentioned the oath earlier, her curiosity was piqued.

He swallowed. “I already have, Tracy. It’s you.”

A fine sheen of perspiration coated her skin. Was it from the summer sun blaring down on them? No, it couldn’t be since they had an umbrella providing shade. God, she was so hot she could tear off all her clothes and jump into the ocean to cool off.

How could he know she was the one for him? How does anyone know for sure who the right person is? She’d made an epic number of mistakes with men and always seemed to pick the ones who’d heap more pain on her than pleasure. Maybe going for the bad guys was a bad idea.

And now, the weight of three gargoyle shifters’ fates seemed to fall on her shoulders. Since they were made of stone, it was a damn heavy load.

Her breathing escalated and her fingers tingled. No, not here. Not now.

“Tracy, are you all right?”

She tried to focus on his face, but his features turned blurry. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. She slowed her breathing to calm her overworking systems.

“Tracy?”

She raised her hand. “Hold on.”

Using meditation techniques to calm herself, she breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth. She counted in her head to focus on something else, anything else. Yoga and meditation had helped with her anxiety in the past.

It wasn’t helping. The breathing techniques were no use. A panic attack had begun, and she knew she only had moments before it was in full effect. Oh God, she couldn’t have one in front of him. Not if it was like the ones she’d experienced in the past. She would feel utterly helpless as the despair consumed her. Her body systems would pump at such higher levels that she’d fear she was about to die.

Not here. Not now.

It’s too late to stop it. Get out NOW!

“I’m sorry, Danton. I have to go.”

She stood up, scraping her chair across the pavement in a shrieking announcement to draw all eyes on her. That made it a hundred times worse. With all those people staring at her, the flight instinct escalated.

Her ribs clamped more tightly over her lungs, crushing them like an inner corset that would suffocate her. She pushed her way through the chairs to get away from everyone.

“Tracy!”

He was right behind her, but she couldn’t look back.

She raised her hand. “I have to go.”

“What’s wrong?”

Tears stabbed her eyes like unwelcome splints. No, she wouldn’t break down and cry. Not in front of everyone, and not in front of him.

“This is all too intense for me. I need to be alone.”

He followed her. “Let me help you.”

“No, don’t,” she begged. “It will only make it worse.”

She glanced at him and caught the worry in his eyes. If she wasn’t on the fringe of a full-blown panic attack, she’d rush over to him to soothe him and tell him it was going to be okay.

But, it wasn’t. She had to get away from him, pronto.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice was full of regret.

She ran down the sidewalk. A voice in the back of her mind told her she’d regret this, but she couldn’t listen to it. Despite the urge, she refused to look back.