Knights of Stone: Gavin: A gargoyle shifter rockstar romance

by Lisa Carlisle

  Gavin hooted. “Great timing. Let’s take these fuckers out.”

  The gargoyles swooped in overhead. The remaining guards aimed to fire at them. With supes coming at them from the ground, the guards’ attention was diverted. The supes tackled the guards and the gargoyles dove down. Together, they’d destroyed the evil that had sought to exterminate them.

  * * *

  Gavin soared low in the skies, searching for movement. His brothers had seen her not too long before. Fiona should be out there still. His heart hammered, both from the lingering adrenaline of battle and the fear that he might not find her.

  Finally, near a cluster of trees, he spotted her. He descended and removed the cloak that shielded him.

  She gasped and covered her heart. “I should be getting used to this.” She grinned and then wrapped her arms around him. “Gavin, you’re all right!”

  He was astonished that she embraced him in this intimidating form. That gesture, that one small movement, enclosed him in warmth. She’d accepted him for who he truly was—a gargoyle.

  He held her close and inhaled her scent. She was all right. They’d survived. The danger had passed.

  When she released him, he said, “Why don’t I change to a form you’re more familiar with.” He shifted to human form, keeping his wings extended.

  She exhaled with awe. “It’s incredible how you do that.” Her brows tightened. “Your brothers? Did they find you? Are they safe?”

  “Aye. Their arrival was what helped turn the situation to our favor. We were outnumbered by the guards and their weapons, which were designed to work against all types of supes. They had all kinds trapped there—many shifters, two vampires, a sorcerer, a witch, and a werewolf. Once you directed my brothers to where we were, they broke in and joined the fight. We lost two—a fox shifter and the werewolf, though we overcame the guards. My brothers are burning the lab to the ground.”

  “Mark?” she asked.

  “Dead.”

  Gavin’s jaw tightened as he relived Mark’s final moments. “I assume you don’t want to hear the details.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “Not today, at least. I’m just so grateful that you’re alive. And your brothers.”

  “Thanks to you. If it hadn’t been for you being brave enough to venture out here on your own, and then direct them to where I was, they may have never found me.”

  She smiled at him with gratitude and his heart stammered.

  Her gaze scanned his body. “Your wings. They’re healed.”

  “Aye. The vampire I freed repaid the favor by offering me his blood. Shifter healing is quick, but not as fast as a vampire’s. Although I never wanted to drink it, I did whatever I could to get back to you, Fiona.”

  “Oh, Gavin.” She stepped forward and touched his cheek. “I’m so grateful you did.” Her hand traced down over to his shoulder, but she stopped before she reached his wing. “They’re beautiful. Wondrous. Can I touch them?”

  He smirked. “You can touch any part of me in any form at any time.”

  She laughed. “Good plan.”

  “Now what do you say we get out of here?”

  “Aye.”

  He wrapped his arms around her again. “Ready?”

  “For what?”

  “Your first flight.”

  Her eyes widened. Before she could protest, he lifted them off the ground.

  “Oh my God, Gavin!” She squeezed him. “What are you doing?” Her heart pounded against his chest.

  “Soaring.”

  “But—but—” She squeezed her eyes shut.

  “No buts. There’s nothing to fear. I have you. I’ll always protect you. Open your eyes and see the world at your feet.”

  Fiona squinted with one eye and then opened it. She followed with the other. Her mouth fell open as she scanned the rolling fields and sparkling lochs that shimmered under the sunlight. “Wow, you’re right. It’s spectacular.”

  “Where would you like to go?” he asked. “Your flat? I’ll go anywhere you want—Inverness, my island—it doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that I’m with you.”

  She peered at him with a wondrous expression. “Gavin, I want to learn everything about you. Will you show me where you live? Take me to this mysterious isle.”

  Gavin grinned as his chest swelled with a buoyancy. “No more mysteries. I’ll share everything with you, Fiona. And our child. We’re a family now.”

  She smiled. “A family,” she repeated.

  “I can’t wait to show you the isle.” Gavin directed their trajectory north. “Hold on. It’s a long flight.”

  Epilogue

  Fiona glanced around at all those who attended the birthday party for Mason and Kayla’s son, Andrew. They all gathered in a clearing in the witches’ forest, a world straight out of a fairy tale with treehouses built in the trees, which were connected by rope bridges. The lush greenery with an abundance of flowers in all shapes and colors seemed more suited for a tropical rain forest rather than a remote island off the northern coast of Scotland.

  That was just one of the enchanting discoveries on the Isle of Stone, which had become one of her homes with Gavin as they raised their daughter. Fiona also kept her flat in Inverness, so they could raise Angelina with the best of both worlds.

  For someone who’d been both fascinated and fearful of the supernatural since Angie’s attack, she now lived happily among them, discovering they were just like people. Most were complex and couldn’t be classified as black or white, but shades of gray, and gray was prominent in a world of gargoyles.

  It was as if Fiona had entered a world full of fantasy, only the beings she’d met weren’t those of nightmares. Aside from their different forms and supernatural abilities, they were strangely normal. Or, at least, they appeared that way in their human forms. Besides witches, Fiona had met wolf shifters and a Pegasus shifter. A Pegasus! She never would have guessed one existed, but Ariel had been chased here by a dragon and had ended up in a portal leading to this realm. After an initial awe-inspiring few weeks of adjustment combined with her hormonal adjustments with the pregnancy, Fiona came to accept this fascinating new world as her own.

  The attendees sang Happy Birthday to Andrew, and he glanced at them with confusion. Baby fever had struck since his birth. It was especially poignant as the gargoyles had blamed the witches for the lack of fertility in their clan during their feud. A child who was both witch and gargoyle signified the peace between them.

  Many conversations often circled back to whom would be next. Lachlan’s mate, Raina, who was a wolf shifter, had ended the speculation last week when she announced they were expecting. Gavin’s parents had moved back to the Isle of Stone to be close to their grandchildren, and they were thrilled about number three on the way.

  Fiona cradled Angelina against her chest as she began to stir. “Shh, shh,” she whispered. All the joyous noise from the celebration had roused her baby. She was almost twelve weeks old, now. Fiona and Gavin were slowly getting the hang of being new parents. Although, she’d wondered what a baby with gargoyle blood would be like, Angelina was beautiful. She worked her way into Fiona’s heart immediately and with a love she never thought imaginable.

  Angelina was a larger baby than most, but other than that, there were no signs yet of other forms. Gavin said they’d likely come as she grew older. Andrew, who was half-gargoyle and half-witch, hadn’t shifted yet, either.

  After Fiona turned to step away from the noise, Gavin touched her arm.

  “I’ll take her. You enjoy yourself.”

  “No, that’s fine, Gavin. I’m ready for a break, as well.”

  Gavin took their daughter as they strolled from the crowd. Fiona held onto his forearm as they wandered from the party

  “Where are you off to?” Mason asked.

  “Angelina is waking up. Probably hungry,” Gavin said. “Again,” he added with a smirk.

  “Aye, they always are at this age,” Mason agreed. “Especially with
our genes.”

  Perhaps all babies were that way in the beginning, but she’d swear that she felt like a cow with the way she constantly nursed. Not that she was complaining. She loved the quiet moments together, usually finding a picturesque nook as she gazed out onto the ocean.

  As she sat to nurse Angelina under the shade of a tree near the shore, Gavin said, “I’ll go fetch you some water.”

  Several minutes later, he returned with a bottle he’d filled at one of the fresh water sources.

  He sat beside her and glanced at Angelina. “She’s as bonnie as her mother. I love that she has your eye color. It reminds me of the sea.” He glanced at the ocean before them. “Like that blend of blues and greens.”

  “It could change color in the first year,” Fiona replied. “I think she has your mouth.”

  “Then we’re in trouble.” Gavin laughed.

  Fiona joined in. “Are you saying this wee sweetheart might someday be a hell raiser?”

  “With parents like us who seem to invite trouble into our lives, I’d say so,” Gavin replied.

  Fiona yawned. “And she’s already doing a good job by keeping us up at night.”

  “Aye, that is her witching hour, indeed,” Gavin replied. “Why don’t you go take a nap? I’ve got her.”

  Fiona leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks. I knew infants were exhausting, but I didn’t realize how much nursing would drain me, too.”

  “I’ve got her. Don’t you worry.” Gavin cocked his head. “Are you happy here with me?”

  “I couldn’t be happier,” she replied.

  “Oh,” Gavin replied with a devilish smile. “I’m hoping I can change that.”

  * * *

  Gavin took his daughter from Fiona’s arms.

  Fiona rose and brushed the sand from her skirt. “Come find me when she’s hungry. I’ll be in the cabin.”

  As she walked away, Gavin watched her disappear into the cover of the foliage. He was so grateful to have found her, his mate. Fiona had brought a laptop that he powered with one of the solar generators, so she could write. With an active and hungry baby girl, she hadn’t had the time or energy yet. One day, she might find an opportunity.

  He glanced at his baby girl. “I’m so lucky to have her.” Angelina wrapped her wee fingers around one of his, which appeared massive in comparison. “And you. Even though you have a set of lungs that could wake the entire island.” He laughed. “I never thought I could be this happy. I owe it all to you both.”

  Gavin had a family, something he never thought he’d be cut out for. Yet, with Fiona and Angelina, he had everything he could ever want or need.

  After thirty minutes or so, Angelina had fallen into a deep sleep cradled in his arms. Although, he loved to hold her while she slept, she had to learn to sleep on her own. He carried her to the cabin. He’d built two cradles for her, one outside and one inside. He’d do anything for his loves.

  Fiona emerged from their cabin as he approached.

  “I thought you were going to take a nap,” he said.

  “I did. Just a catnap was all I needed.” She grinned. “Must be getting used to this erratic new mom sleep schedule.”

  “I’m going to put her down inside.” He carried Angelina into the cabin and gently placed her in the cradle. When she stirred, he didn’t move for another two minutes until he was sure she’d fallen back asleep.

  Before he left the cabin, he grabbed something from inside a dresser drawer. He found Fiona outside.

  “Remember what I said about your happiness?” he said.

  She peered at him with a confused expression. “Aye. I said I was happy.”

  “I have higher goals.” He knelt before her and revealed the small black velvet box that he’d purchased the last time they were in Inverness.

  “Gavin.” She covered her mouth. “Is this what I think?”

  He opened the box and sunlight sparkled on the diamond.

  “If it’s a proposal, then aye.” He offered her the box. “Fiona, you’ve already made me happier than I ever thought possible. I aim to do the same for you every day of my life. Will you be my mate, my partner, and my wife?”

  She lowered her hands and revealed her mouth agape. She stared at the ring and then pulled her gaze to his. Her eyes shined with so much emotion—above them all, hope.

  “Wife?” she repeated. “Can you? I mean, shifters don’t marry, do they? Can we?”

  “We can do whatever we like, sweetness. We live in two worlds. Why not go for the best in each?”

  “Oh, Gavin. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Whatever you feel.”

  Her hands trembled. Damn. Had he taken it too far? She was already growing accustomed to so much in his world and with motherhood. He might be springing too much on her by adding marriage.

  “I understand if you need time.” Gavin closed the box and pulled himself to his feet. He stuffed the box away.

  “No, Gavin don’t,” she protested and touched his bicep.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t close that box without putting that ring on my finger.” She smiled with a luminescence that outshined the diamond ring.

  When the realization dawned on him, he stammered. “So, um, your answer is…”

  “Aye, of course. I want to be with you, Gavin. Your mate, your partner, and your wife.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Gavin swept her in his arms and spun her around. Then he planted her on her feet. “Wait. We have to make it official.”

  He pulled out the ring and slid it onto her finger. She held it up before them and moved it around. It sparkled with a rainbow of colors under the midday sun—as magnificent as the sun’s rays spreading its brightness across countless crests on the surface of the ocean. It was full of hope for the future and the perfect symbol of their promise to each other.

  “We’re going to have an amazing family, don’t you think?”

  “I do.” Fiona beamed. “When Angelina wakes, we can tell her the news—her parents are engaged!”

  Gavin gazed into the eyes of his future bride. “Something to celebrate, indeed.” Then he leaned forward and kissed her, sealing his promise to his mate.

  * * *

  ***

  * * *

  Author’s Note: I hope you enjoyed Gavin and Fiona’s story. If you could take a moment to leave a review, I’d greatly appreciate it.

  If you haven’t read other books in the Highland Gargoyle series, a book list is at the end of the book. If you have, check out the other series. Want more gargoyles? You’ve got them! As well as witches, vampires, shifters, cops, firefighters, rockstars, and Marines. Read on or visit lisacarlislebooks.com to pick your next book boyfriend.

  Next up, see a sneak peak into Tempted by the Gargoyle, book 1 of the Stone Sentries series. Read what happens the night of the eclipse of a red supermoon, when a cop crosses paths with the commander of the gargoyle shifters.

  Be sure to join my Facebook group for giveaways, sneak peaks, and more goodies!

  Thanks for reading!

  Lisa

  Tempted by the Gargoyle

  Stone Sentries #1

  * * *

  By Lisa Carlisle

  * * *

  An eclipse of the red Supermoon.

  Humans hype the event as a night of passion,

  But, the gargoyles sense a threat...

  * * *

  Larissa, a police officer, wants nothing to do with the event pushing soulmates, but her friend convinces her they need a night out to move on. It will be their first night dancing since the attack. When they visit a gothic-themed club, Larissa catches an attractive stranger watching her.

  Roman, commander of the Stone Sentries, patrols from a Boston rooftop. When a blast of dark magic soars past him, he attributes it to a brunette. Something about her is different, demanding all senses be on high alert.

  Is she dangerous? Or is she in danger?

  Roman tracks Larissa to
find out...

  * * *

  "If you haven't read Ms. Carlisle's books, what the heck are you waiting for. Her Gargoyles are hot! Before you know it, you'll be lost in a world beyond your imagination. Full of wicked fun and tempting Alphas."

  "Wowzer... she had me hooked from the beginning and there was no way I was putting it down."

  "So thrilling, action packed, and romantic." "Plus, hey, it's Boston, cops, and gargoyles..."

  "Omg! Omg! Let me start by saying that! This book is exactly what I have been waiting for!... These two characters had such great chemistry, that I can completely see a future for them in series form, and I for one cannot wait for that to happen!"

  Tempted by the Gargoyle is perfect for fans of action-packed, steamy, and suspenseful stories.

  Don't miss this Night Owl Reviews Top Pick!

  Read Now

  * * *

  Excerpt

  While surveying the city from above, a dark-haired woman on the roof caught Roman’s attention. She stood ramrod-straight and she fidgeted with her glass. Something about her discomfort triggered his gargoyle instincts, making him observe her more closely.

  When he scanned her from head to toe, he didn’t gain any insight other than how attractive she was. Her hair was rich and lush, flowing in loose waves over her shoulders. It had a burgundy tone from the various lighting fixtures around the deck. Her wide eyes searched her surroundings. What was she looking for? His gaze traveled down her body, studying how well it was encased in a form-fitting black dress. He lingered on her killer curves, fueling his imagination with sordid fantasies of what it would be like to touch them.

  He snapped his eyes away. He was supposed to be gauging what had set off his senses.

  Seconds later, his gaze returned to her, despite his admonition to himself. Her expression turned troubled. A strong reaction rose within him, one he couldn’t read. He rubbed the back of his neck. Something about her put all his senses on edge; he had to keep an eye on her, although he had no indication why.