HEAT (a gargoyle shifter romance) (Underground Encounters Book 5)

by Lisa Carlisle

  Danton

  His heart jolted with joy. He couldn’t speak. In all the time he’d been watching over her, he’d never dreamed she would actually offer to the take the oath with him. The giddiness that soared through him brought him higher than his wings could ever take him.

  “Of course I feel the same for you, Tracy. I fell for you a long time ago. And I am honored as a man and gargoyle that you’re willing to take the oath with me.” He took a steely breath. “But, are you absolutely sure you want to do this? You are so young. And this is permanent.”

  “Absolutely.” She stepped closer to him and stared into his eyes. “I know in here that we’re meant to be together.”

  Her feminine scent wrapped around him. With her so near, he had trouble thinking. He had to, though, as he had to explain what she was agreeing to. “If you take the oath with me, you will age slower as well.”

  She gave him a confused look. “You mentioned longer lifespans earlier, but now you’re saying it like it’s a negative. It sounds like a plus to me.”

  “Your family and friends are human. You will age slower than them.” Which meant she might have to live through all of them dying.

  Her brows furrowed. “Oh. I didn’t think of that.” She bit her lip. “What about if we wanted to have a family one day? Could we?”

  Warmth spread through his chest. For her to even consider starting a family with him was a beautiful dream. He nodded. “Yes. We can have children together. They would inherit traits from both of us. And one side might be more dominant.”

  She glanced off into the distance. Damn, was he losing her? His heartbeats echoed in his ears as he waited for her to consider what he’d revealed.

  After what had seemed like an eternity, she fixed her gaze on him. “Over the last couple of days, I’ve thought about everything you’ve told me countless times. I’ve made up my mind, and this doesn’t change anything. I want to be with you.” She planted her hands on her hips and raised her chin in question. “What do we need to do to take this oath?”

  Danton blinked as he admired her courage and determination. “We take a vow when we’re joined as one, and that’s when we declare our oath to each other. Magic will seal us, binding me to you as your protector—and lover.” He motioned from himself to her.

  She tilted her head. “Is it like being married in the gargoyle world?”

  “In the way that it’s a sacred bond, but it cannot be severed by divorce.”

  “What do you mean by when we are joined—like when we’re having sex?”

  She looked so innocent and adorable when she asked, that he couldn’t help but grin. “Yes.”

  “Oh.” The innocent look was replaced with a naughty smile. “It sounds more fun than a stuffy old marriage ceremony.” She looped her arms around his neck and stared into his eyes. “I’m looking forward to learning more about this gargoyle world.”

  Danton leaned down and kissed her. His mate. His lover. His world. When he pulled back, he said, “Well, we don’t traditionally have honeymoons like humans. But, this is a joining of our two worlds. Why don’t we go someplace together after we take the oath?”

  Her eyes gleamed. “Are you thinking where I’m thinking?”

  He tapped his chin. “Notre Dame. The Eiffel Tower. Where I was raised.”

  She squealed. “Oh my God, yes!”

  He wrapped her in his arms and spun her around. “Let’s hurry up and start our new life together. I don’t have much time. And I don’t want to shift to stone right before we get things started.”

  “Right.” She took his hand as they headed up the beach. “How are you still human now, by the way?”

  “Remember when I mentioned how a gargoyle who has taken the oath becomes more powerful with magic?”

  She furrowed her brows. “Yes.”

  “Well, I called in a favor. Over the years, we’ve met shifters passing through. Before I returned to stone, I asked one to help me out.”

  Her eyes sparkled with wonder. “And once you take the oath, you’ll become more powerful, too.”

  “Exactly. I can help my brothers shift.” Not only would he be bonded with the woman of his dreams, he’d also be able to help his brothers have a better life—until they found mates of their own to break the curse. If they were as lucky as Danton felt right now.

  “I can’t wait to meet them,” she said.

  He laughed. “You see them every night, and they see you.”

  She clucked her tongue. “You know what I mean. In the flesh.”

  Back at Tracy’s apartment, Danton took his time as he kissed and caressed every inch of her body. He savored the experience, the most important moment for a gargoyle shifter, and imprinted every moment of it to memory. He inhaled her lavender scent before he entered her.

  This wasn’t just one night of sex—it was part of a ritual, sealing their fates. He stared into her warm eyes. His love and devotion for her reflected back at him.

  Not only did he feel connected to her, he felt complete.

  “I, Danton, take an oath to bind with you, Tracy. I promise to love you and protect you all my days, with all my abilities as gargoyle and man.”

  The air sizzled around them as if infused with electricity. Magic filled the room, visible as silver wisps that surrounded them and floated over their skin. It mixed in with her pink hair, giving her a magical crown. His queen. His goddess. The magical tingles reminded him of when he transformed from stone to man.

  Tracy’s eyes widened with a frightened glint. Oh no, she might change her mind and end the ritual.

  “It’s all right, Tracy. It’s our magic and part of the process.”

  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. He couldn’t read her reaction. Would she accept the magic? Or bolt?

  When she opened her eyes, the fear was gone, replaced by determination. “I, Tracy, take an oath to bind with you, Danton. I promise to love you for all my days.” She grinned. “And if I can protect you in any way, I will.”

  Magic swirled around him, sealing their vow and binding them. Infused with gargoyle magic, Danton already felt more powerful than he ever had before. Joined with the woman he loved, he’d never felt more joy and optimism for the future.

  “I’m sure you will.” He smiled at his new mate with a knowing glint. “You pack quite a punch.”

  Epilogue

  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 IGNITE, buckle up for some more heat when Nico’s band mate and coworker, 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.

  Order BLAZE Now!

  ~ Lisa

  BLAZE

  Underground Encounters 6

  A gargoyle shifter novel in the series

  A computer geek turned rock star

  Mike is good at playing with two things—numbers and his guitar. People, not so much. So when he stumbles upon two women having fun in the shadows at an underground club, and a bouncer urges him to get one to safety, he’s not sure how to respond. But, when he discovers she’s been bitten and her neck is bleeding, something wakes inside of him. He’s compelled to protect her.

  One night with a crush she’d never forget

  When Allana runs into Mike, the humiliation burns. It might have only been a fling last summer, but she didn’t expect him not to recognize her.

  Well, she had enough going on in with her yoga studio to deal with guy drama. But, he insists she leaves Vamps with him.

  She wants to refuse, but he warns she’s in danger…

  Blaze is a novel in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Each book features a different couple—and perhaps different species!—and can be read on its own.

  Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.

  Don’t miss this steamy shifter rock star romance!

  Order BLAZE today!

  Acknowledgments

  As always, I am so grateful to everyone who helps make each book possible. Huge thanks to my fellow authors, critique partners, editors, beta readers, ARC readers, Street Team, and you, the reader! Thank you for spending time with me in these worlds with characters I love.

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent heroines. For much of her professional career, she’s written non-fiction — but she’s discovered writing romance is the most fun. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and the Romance Reviews.

  When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married to a fantastic man, and they have two kids, two cats, and too many fish.

  Visit her website for more on books, trailers, playlists, and more:

  Lisacarlislebooks.com

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  Lisa loves to connect with readers. You can find her on:

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  Also by Lisa Carlisle

  Underground Encounters Series

  Smolder

  A novella that starts the series

  I’m a firefighter. He’s a vampire.

  What happens when fire meets ice?

  We all lead double lives in a way. Only the most trusted are allowed into our private space. When my reality and fantasy worlds collide one night, I end up in danger.

  I never thought a gym crush could be deadly…

  All I wanted was an escape from reality. Being a firefighter can be stressful and I unwind at an underground goth club. I can forget about being on call for danger, and just be Nike, a woman who likes to lose herself in music and dance. But when I spot the guy I fantasized about at the rock climbing gym, he discovers my secret.

  Michel has a darker one and a connection to a world I never knew existed. My life is threatened and I have to choose whether to go with Michel. How do I find a way out of this nightmare that doesn’t end with me getting burned—or worse, sucked dry by a vampire?

  Smolder is a novella that starts the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps and discover a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.

  READ MORE!

  Fire
/>   A Night Owl Reviews Top Pick!

  “I don’t want to spoil the story but let me say this… you NEED to go and read this, NOW!” ~ 5 Candles from Satin Sheets Romance.

  Maya Winters, a firefighter, heads out on Halloween to dance at her favorite club. A man with haunting eyes watches her from the back of the club. He’s just her type–a dark, brooding bad boy. She feels their connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction.

  Despite being the new owner, Tristan Stone avoids people in the underground goth club due to his curse. But when he spots a woman dancing alone surrounded by an unusual glow, he must discover who she is and what gives her the radiating power.

  While they work together to understand their connection, passion ignites, leading to danger. And the heat could send their world up in flames.

  Fire is book 2 in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.

  READ MORE!

  Ignite

  A Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reads Top Pick!

  We all have secrets.

  Some so closely guarded for the safety of ourselves—and others…

  Lily won’t consider a permanent relationship. When she meets the singer of a rock band at an underground nightclub, she’s disarmed by his sensual voice and mischievous good looks. After an icy introduction, Lily warms up to Nico’s charms.

  He’s a computer geek by day, and rock star by night. How could she resist such a combination?

  She can’t—but must keep an emotional distance. No one would understand her furry little secret. It could be dangerous. Especially during the full moon.

  Yet, she might be the one in danger…

  Ignite is the third installment in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.

  READ MORE!

  When Darkness Whispers