Tracy’s mouth fell open as she gazed over the dazzling lights of Paris from a park in Montmartre. “It’s so beautiful.” And as romantic as she had dreamed it would be. The mouthwatering aromas of the bakeries and cafes perfumed the air, and the faint sounds of an accordion could be heard in the distance.

“Thank you for letting us join you for this celebration,” Lucan, one of Danton’s brothers, addressed Danton and Tracy. “We’ll be leaving you alone now, so you can enjoy your honeymoon.” He winked, unfurled his wings, and then ran to a hillside ledge and leapt off.

She gasped and covered her heart. “My God!”

“It’s all right,” Danton reassured her. “This is what we do.”

Once she saw Lucan flying in the night sky and not plunging to the earth, she lowered her hand and began to breathe easier.

“We’ll meet up with you both tomorrow.” Mattias tipped his head and then followed suit by launching himself into the night sky.

Tracy blinked as she stared at their enormous gray wings flapping over the city. Previously, when she had pictured visiting Paris, she never would have imagined that she’d be doing so with gargoyle shifters. She turned to Danton. “No one can see them?”

“The other gargoyles can.” He nodded at the Sacre Coeur church at the top of the hill where many gargoyles watched over the city. “And you, since you’re my mate. But, these humans, no.” He motioned around them. “Our magic cloaks us.”

When she gazed back at the sky, Lucan and Mattias appeared like tiny, bat-like figures disappearing into the darkness. Only a handful of stars were bright enough to be visible, almost as if they competed with the city lights below.

“Do you think they’ll ever find their mates, so they can be free, too?” She glanced at Danton.

He winked at her. “If they’re as lucky as me.”

His brothers had accompanied them to Paris, enjoying their extended freedom, thanks to Danton’s newly strengthened magic, but had also promised to give them their privacy.

Danton rubbed his hands together. “Are you ready to fly?”

Oh shit. She’d been eager for Danton to take her on her first flight while they were in Paris, but now, she questioned that plan. His brothers had leapt of a ledge. If she did that, she might die. She peeked over the edge. Bad idea.

Her heart pounded. “I might have to change my mind, Danton” She stepped back from the ledge. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Oh Tracy, you’ve been so excited to fly.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. There’s nothing to fear.”

Her lip trembled. “I guess I didn’t think things through. Nothing will be preventing us from falling, and it’s a long, long, long way down.”

He lowered his hand to take hers and squeezed it. “Do you ever fear a bird will fall?”

She shook her head. “No, but I’m not a bird.”

“But, I have wings and I fly. It’s as natural to me as walking. I’ll be holding you the whole time.”

She bit her lip. “It’s just that — I am — um, terrified. I never thought I was afraid of heights, but…”

He caressed her cheek. “Have you flown in a plane?”

She gulped and nodded.

“Flying with me is even safer.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “My engines won’t ever fail.”

A small laugh escaped her. “Perhaps you’re right.” She took a small step closer, keeping her eyes on him. “Okay, I’ll give it a go. But, if I freak out, promise me you’ll land?”

Danton raised his hand. “I promise.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her body to his. She clutched him in a tight embrace.

He peered into her eyes. “Ready?”

As she searched his eyes, she found the calm reassurance she needed. He would never let any harm come to her. She raised her chin. “I am.”

He lowered his mouth to hers and caught her in a kiss. Her tense body softened in his arms, melting against his body.

In the next heartbeat, her footing had vanished. She gripped him more tightly and buried her face into his chest. “Oh God, oh God, oh God...”

“Look around you.” His voice came out as a warm gentle caress. “You’re flying.”

She pulled her head up an inch and sucked in a breath. They were flying. The city spread out beneath them like a luminous miniature world. The cool night breeze ruffled her hair, as Danton warmed her body.

Her eyes widened. “It’s spectacular.” When she pulled her gaze to him, she asked, “Why are you looking at me and not at the city? It’s enchanting!”

Danton peered at her with adoration. “That’s how I feel when I look at you, my love.” He kissed her in the night sky over Paris. When he pulled back, he whispered, “Enchanted by my mate.”

Thank you so much for reading Tracy and Danton’s romance in HEAT. This was the first gargoyle shifter story I wrote, and I’ve been hooked on writing them ever since! Please take a moment and leave a review. I greatly appreciate it.

Don’t miss BLAZE, a gargoyle shifter novel in the Underground Encounters series. Some familiar characters play a role in this story, including Danton and his brothers.

If you read the steamy romance with Nico and Lily in , buckle up for some more heat when Nico’s band mate and co-worker, Mike, discovers Lily’s yoga instructor friend, Ally, is in trouble at Vamps! Mike was a fun character to write—who can resist a hot nerd with rock star appeal? Read on for more.

~ Lisa