A pang of guilt hit him. She must still be terrified after the dragon. She looked so small. Her vulnerability drew him in. He resisted the urge to step closer.
She couldn’t stay out there alone. He’d come to her aid when she was in trouble. Of course he had. He was a gargoyle. Protection was instinctual. He and his brothers had faced all sorts of challenges in recent months, from the interference of humans on the Isle of Stone, to encounters with demons in the Highlands, and forced reconciliations with the wolf shifters and tree witches on the island.
“No,” he barked. “That’s not it.”
“What is it then?” Lachlan asked, eying him through shrewd eyes.
Calum searched his racing mind for some sort of explanation for his reluctance. Anything. “How is taking her to the isle going to help her get back home? It’s taking her even farther from the portal. She needs to get back to her mother. Think of how nuts Mum would go with one of us missing.”
“We’ll figure out how to get her back later,” Lachlan said. “What matters now is getting her to safety, while we search for the dragon.”
“The veil will provide more protection than being out here in the open,” Bryce added.
“Veil?” Arielle asked.
“It’s a magical one, invisible. It shields our island from humans,” Calum said. “Also, you’ll be safe from other supes, somewhat — they’d have to pass through the veil first, before they might sense you’re there.”
“If you’re not up for that task, Gavin can escort her,” Lachlan said in a knowing tone.
Shite, he could have mentioned either of the other two brothers—who were committed to their mates—but Lachlan chose Gavin.
Gavin smiled like he’d been offered a giant piece of cake. Quite a bonnie lass. I’d be happy to escort her.
He was always thinking with his dick. He’d always been the worst of the lot when it came to the lassies. Ever since Lachlan, Bryce, and Mason had found their mates, Gavin had gone even further with his womanizing, as if proving to himself he’d never settle down with one woman. With the band touring again, he relished his role on stage, encouraging all the female attention that came along with it. Although Calum was a close second in the pursuit of women, Gavin followed his cock from lassie to lassie at each show as if it was a divining rod.
If Arielle showed any interest in his dog of a brother…
Sod off, bro.
Gavin smirked. Not like you to be so possessive.
Calum ignored him, shaking off the prickly sensation that covered his skin, like he was a bloody porcupine. “I’ll take Arielle.”
Lachlan nodded with a slight smirk. Blimey, Calum’s eldest brother knew exactly how to play him.
“Bryce, come with me to the Calder Clan,” Lachlan said. “Gavin and Mason, keep watch for the dragon. We’ll meet back on the isle.”
Calum exchanged glances with Arielle. If he had mixed feelings on the matter, he was sure she must, too. Though, her face didn’t express any discernible reservations.
A tumble of emotions rolled through him. He turned to her. “You ready to fly?”
Arielle soared at Calum’s side, the way he did when she’d led. Through the darkness, she could make out the shapes of the terrain through the faint, lingering mist. Meadows rose to hills, hills swelled to mountains and receded down to valleys bordered by a stream that fed into a loch. The night air smelled clean, refreshing.
The land disappeared as they soared over a vast body of water that shimmered under the moon’s reflection. In the sky ahead, mysterious streaks of light in shades of green and pink highlighted their route. Strange. She’d ask him about it when she was in human form.
As the time passed, her wings grew heavy from exhaustion. It had been a difficult night, the most strenuous one of her life. First, being chased by a dragon, then with their attempt to find the portal, and now with the journey to his island many miles away. If Calum was tired, as well, he didn’t show it, nor did he complain about the long hours he’d spent with her, being sucked into her ordeal.
She was such an idiot. Not only had she almost gotten herself killed, but she could have endangered others as well. Like Calum’s brothers. All who were out on a mission dealing with a problem she’d created. And others were in danger as well. A dragon could take out its vengeance on anyone. Or anything. All because she’d been curious. Or bored. Or whatever had compelled her to seek excitement away from home.
Perhaps it was a means of escape from her lackluster life.
Enough. She was too exhausted to think any longer. She needed to rest. Best to reserve her energy for the remainder of the flight, and hopefully that wouldn’t be much longer.
When they approached an island, odd vibrations tickled her skin as they seemed to pass through a membrane. It wasn’t visible and wasn’t as drastic a change as the portal, but signaled a transition. She peered at him to see if he noticed as well.
“Don’t worry. It’s the magical veil,” Calum said.
He pointed to an island below. “That’s our home.”
He descended, and she followed. Much of the island was covered by forests that surrounded an open space. A few deer darted across it. Pockets of craggy red and grey cliffs that cascaded down to the ocean glistened under the moonlight.
Calum directed them to a flat coastal area near a small pool of water. He took a handful and drank. When she landed, she sniffed at the water. It smelled clean, safe to drink. She gulped the refreshing liquid. The flight had taken a lot out of her.
“Thought you might be thirsty,” he said.
She shifted to human form. “I didn’t realize how much. It’s been a long night.”
He took another handful. “It certainly has. The sun is going to come up soon. We need to rest.”
He led them through a wooded area. The shadows from the dense foliage made it appear even darker, even with the peculiar emerald light filtering through. Her pulse raced. Anything could be in there. Including something dangerous.
“All right?” he asked.
She raised her chin, mustering false courage. “Fine.”
“I can sense your fear.”
“What is that strange green light? A portal to another realm?”
“No.” He chuckled. “I never thought of it that way, but I can see now, how it might look that way. It’s just simmer din, the Northern Lights.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s nothing to fear. It’s as natural as the sun or moon. We generally only see them from October through March, so this is the end of it.”
It didn’t make much sense to her, but that had to be part of being in a strange, new realm.
He offered his arm. “Here, hold on to me.”
Although she felt stupid with her sudden apprehension, she took his arm. Hard muscle pushed through the skin. “Thanks. This world is foreign to me.”
“Of course, you’d be frightened. Especially after what you’ve gone through tonight.”
She breathed easier. Holding on to his muscular arm helped relieve her anxiety. Being near him in general did. He was a protector, after all, and he’d saved her once already.
“Having you with me helps. I can’t imagine what would have happened otherwise…”
“Don’t think about that now. We’ll get some rest and get you back to the Highlands tomorrow. We’ll find a way to get you back home.”
“Do you think so? I mean, if it’s even possible.”
His expression turned grim. “I don’t know for sure. But I do know you don’t quit before you try.”
She sighed. “You’re right.” Several small cabins appeared ahead.
“They’re not luxurious, but they’ll provide shelter.” He drew his brows in. “Unless you’d prefer to sleep out in the open?”
“I don’t prefer one over the other. It depends on which form I’m in.” She scanned the cabins. “Which one is yours?”
“I don’t really use one that often, more for storage.”
“Where do you sleep then?”
“Come. I’ll show you.” He brought her to a platform in a clearing. “Usually up there.” He pointed to it.
“On that hard stone thing? How is that comfortable?”
He chuckled. “When I’m up there, I’m a hard stone thing.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks reddened. She hadn’t meant to insult him. Luckily, he seemed to take it in stride.
The sound of someone approaching from behind made her spin. It was a woman with auburn hair. Arielle stepped closer to him.
“Arielle, this is Mairi. She’s a gargoyle shifter, Bryce’s mate.”
Another gargoyle. Phew. She was going to be on eggshells until she returned to her realm. She forced a smile. “Hello.”
Mairi cast a quick glance at Arielle and nodded. “Did Bryce return to the island with you?” Her voice was marked by her concern.
“Ah, no,” Calum replied. “He flew with Lachlan to the Calder Clan.”
“What for?”
“We had a bit of an incident after the show.” Calum summed up what had happened with Arielle and the dragon.
“I’m going to him.” Wings like Calum’s unfurled from behind her and in the next beat, she ascended.
“Mairi—” Calum began. “They’ll be back soon.” That was a lie since he had no idea when they’d return, but he didn’t want to worry her. It didn’t matter. Mairi likely didn’t hear him as she flew off before he’d finished.
Arielle turned to him. “I’ve screwed things up for everyone, I’m afraid.”
“Nonsense. It’s not your fault with what happened.”
“If I hadn’t wandered away from my herd, the dragon never would have found me.”
“Wandering,” he said with a cheeky grin. “I can hardly blame you for doing that. I’ve done that many times myself looking for excitement on this island.”
“Oh?” She raised her brows. It was refreshing to hear someone understand her need to explore rather than chastising her like her herd often did for not staying put. It was impossible to stay in one place when there were so many hidden gems in the world she yearned to discover.
“Besides, you don’t know where the dragon would have flown otherwise,” he added. “It could have found your kin. If you look at it that way, you’ve diverted the danger away from them.”
She let out a soft sigh. “That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose. Are you always such an optimist?”
“No sense in worrying about what you can’t change.” He gave her an easygoing smile.
She sat on the edge of the stage and stretched her legs out. Although she had to be careful about who to trust, he had a comforting manner that made her want to stay near him. She didn’t want to sleep alone in one of the cabins, where she might jump at any sound.
“I’d prefer to stay near you, if you don’t mind.” She tilted her head.
The stage might be tolerable to sit on for a short period, but impossible to get any rest on if she had to sleep on that hard slab. Still, it was better than being alone in this strange land.
A mix of emotions flitted across his face, which she couldn’t read. “You want to sleep near me?”
She crossed one foot over the other and then reversed the action. This poor shifter had been nothing but courageous all night, nearly sacrificing his life to protect her. He’d brought her to his home and now she was clinging on like a sea urchin.
“I—uh—it would make me feel safer knowing you are nearby.”
There was no mistaking his expression this time. Pride.
“Of course. Wherever you’re comfortable. I like to rest on stage. It offers the best vantage point.”
She searched for a place to rest. She was so tired, she’d likely fall right to sleep with her body pressed against the stone. Luckily, more welcoming ground was nearby. A moss and fern-covered area under pine trees whispered to her, promising the sweetest of dreams.
“I’ll be fine there.” She walked over and found a semi-comfortable position lying on her side, where she could still see Calum.
“I might look different, but don’t worry, I can still see and hear everything. The sun helps restore my energy while I’m in stone form.”
With that, he climbed on stage and initiated the shift. His flesh grayed and appeared to harden. Within moments, he’d reformed into the shape of a stone gargoyle statue.
How could such a striking man turn into this? He’d crouched on the stage in a distorted form with exaggerated figures resembling a lion, but with gray stone wings. She glanced into his eyes and saw nothing but stone. Lifeless. No, it couldn’t be lifeless. He could see and hear. Protect her.
Exhaustion overwhelmed her curiosity. She lowered herself to the ground. She closed her eyes, and let it take over. She needed rest before they resumed the search for the portal. They had to find a way. She had a herd, a family. She couldn’t stay in this foreign world forever.
Chapter 4
Calum kept watch from his gargoyle form on the stage. Gargoyles entered a meditative state while in repose, one in which their body could rest and rejuvenate under sunlight while still conscious of the outside world. The first glimmer of light emerged in the east, casting a wondrous blend of pink and gold over the ocean. A jolt of anticipation flickered through him, as he awaited the transformation to follow. When the sun rose higher in the sky, rays washed over him, invigorating him with its restorative powers. He’d burned through a lot of energy that night—from the frantic chase to fighting the dragon and then the endless search for the portal.
Yet, where were his brothers?
Are you on the island?
He waited for one of them to reply. Seconds ticked by.
Nothing.
Fuck. He’d punched the stage if he wasn’t in stone. If they didn’t hear his message, that meant they weren’t in range. Perhaps Lachlan and Bryce got pulled into discussions with the Calder clan. But what about Mason and Gavin? They were going to stay on watch for the dragon.
They’d better be all right.
He should be back there with them. They should all be together, fighting whatever battle they needed to face, not separated like this. There was safety in numbers. He’d heard that enough from his mother growing up. How could he help them when he was miles away and couldn’t even hear them if they needed help?
He glanced down at his side through his wide peripheral view. Arielle slept. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, lending an otherworldly gleam over her hair. She appeared at peace. He watched the slight rise and fall of her torso with a steady rhythm. What a terrible night she’d had. Separated from her home, struggling to stay alive. And now she’d put her trust in him to protect her while she slept—lost in a new realm, an unfamiliar world.
An odd feeling emerged. That was why he was here—to protect her. His resentment at the task diminished while a primal calling rose within. Like last night when he’d saved her from the dragon. Instinct overpowered his needs. He had to protect her.
His shifting emotions confused him. As the youngest brother, he’d followed his brothers’ lead. Well, for the most part. Sure, he’d sought excitement and had often landed into trouble, but he’d always put it aside to focus on a mission. Something strange was happening to him. Something he couldn’t quite identify.
Flocks of birds flitted through the forests, announcing morning with their cheerful songs. Sunlight flowed over him, restoring him to his maximum potential. Once the sun rose higher, a ray shined directly on Arielle’s eyes. After a few minutes, she roused herself, pulling her head up sharply as if she had no recollection as to where she was. Shite, she was magnificent. The dress fell over her legs. He almost groaned. He wanted to see more skin, not less.
What was wrong with him? His mission was to protect her, not seduce her like she was any of the number of women that he’d entertained after a show.
He initiated the shift to human form. The transformation from stone to man was exhilarating. His rushing blood
filled him with vitality, surging between his legs. Fortunately, the kilt covered him. He didn’t want to frighten her with a raging erection.
He climbed off the stage. When he caught her gaze, her eyes shined like bright amethysts under the sunlight.
He swallowed. “Sleep well?” he asked, his voice sounded rough.
“I did. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was.” She glanced at the sky. “I must have slept through half the day.”
“You needed it. It was a long night.” When he thought of his brothers again, he furrowed his brows.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I don’t know where my brothers are.”
“Can’t you communicate with them like you did last night?”
“I tried. They’re out of range.”
“Oh.” She tapped her thigh. “Shall we look for them?”
Calum jerked his head. That was the last thing he expected her to say, especially after facing the dragon last night. Her concern for his brothers, whom she didn’t know, and her willingness to go search for them despite the danger, made him give her another look. Beyond her beauty, she was brave.
“Not yet. I was supposed to bring you here to keep you safe. The last thing I should do right now is bring you back there without having a clue of what we’re facing.”
She scanned their surroundings. “What should we do? We can’t sit around and do nothing, if they are in trouble. You think they are?”
Calum searched inside himself to try to find some gut feeling either way. If something bad had happened to his brothers, he should sense it, shouldn’t he?
Nothing awful stood out. And perhaps he was being too hasty. After all, the Highlands were a great distance from the Isle of Stone.
“I think they’re all right, and I’m just being impatient.”
She ran a hand through her silvery-blonde hair. “Now what do we do?”
Good question. He was stuck with a beautiful pegasus shifter until further notice.
“We wait.”
She glanced at their surroundings, focusing on the woods behind him. “It’s strange to wake up in a new world.”
“You looked somewhat startled when you first awoke.”
Knights of Stone: Calum: A gargoyle and pegasus shifter paranormal romance (Highland Gargoyles Book 5) Page 3
