“I was. I’d been dreaming. Can’t remember about what. Then I opened my eyes, and it looked nothing like my home.”
He nodded. “That would be nerve-wracking for anyone.” He absently rubbed the bark of a nearby oak tree. “What’s your realm like?”
Her gaze drifted. “We live in a valley surrounded by majestic peaks, covered with forests and wildflowers. The meadows give us plenty of space to run. It has rolling hills and wildflowers. And beautiful sunrises and stunning sunsets that cover the land in brilliant hues.”
Her voice had a wistful edge when she spoke about her land, conveying how much she must miss it. He couldn’t imagine being torn from his home and loved ones. They were the foundation in his life. Without them, what would he have? He resolved to help her get back to her realm, no matter how difficult.
The description of her land and the world in which pegasi lived made him curious to learn more. “Where do you sleep?”
“Many sleep in pegasus form out in the meadows. But we all have small cabins as well, so we can live comfortably as humans. Beds and furniture such as tables and chairs are useless to a pegasus.” She chuckled.
Her laugh affected him with its musical cadence. A strange uplifting sensation in his chest followed, like fireflies circling.
We’re almost to the island, Mason communicated.
Oh, thank the gods. About time.
Were you getting worried about us? Gavin teased.
Sod off. I’ve been stuck here, wondering what the bloody hell was going on.
Someone’s testy when he must watch over others, Gavin said. What do you think we had to do when you were growing up? You were the youngest, so someone always had to watch over you.
Enough, Lachlan interrupted. We’ll meet you at the amphitheater, Calum.
Although they gave him a hard time, Calum was looking forward to them returning. Having them all together there had been rarer as of late. With Lachlan, Mason, and Bryce having found mates, only Calum and Gavin would rest there daily. Sad. He missed when they were all together. One band. One clan. Together.
Bryce and Mairi sometimes perched there in stone form, but often went off for private time together. They’d fixed up one of the cabins left by the Calder Clan and had made it their own. Calum loved the life in a rock band, but even Mason had grown up since he’d met Kayla, and Mason was only a couple of years older than Calum. It was time to think about his life, as well.
But it would have to wait. A dragon roamed the Highlands, and Arielle wanted to return to another realm. At least, he could breathe easier with her on the isle.
“They’re coming,” he told Arielle.
“Oh, good.” She turned her focus to the skies.
Moments later, five gargoyles approached. Mairi must have found Bryce, since she’d joined them.
How did it go with the Calder Clan? Calum asked.
They’ve sent a small group out to search for the dragon. Duncan said they’d take care of that so we can focus on finding the portal.
Did he have any tips on how to go about that? Their previous alpha knew much more about gargoyle magic than Calum and his brothers—not that he was generous with sharing his knowledge.
Unfortunately, not. I’ll check with Raina to see if the wolves have any insight.
And I with Kayla, Mason added.
No! Calum responded with such a strong reaction, it surprised him.
Why not? Mason asked.
Calum’s heart pounded as he sorted through his knee jerk reaction. They’d mentioned talking to the witches last night when they were in the Highlands, so it wasn’t like this was a new discussion.
Arielle said how her magic is irresistible to supes who crave power, he said. How can we know they won’t want to take it from her if they know she’s there?
I understand your concern, Mason replied. But you know Kayla is nothing like that. If anything, she’d want to help you.
Kayla and other witches are skilled with magic, Lachlan added. When it comes to those on the island who are best suited to look for something of a magical origin, we are the least capable of finding it.
Lachlan’s words stung, but it was the truth. Ian was alpha of the wolf shifters, and Raina was beta. Neither one was power hungry, nor would they pose a threat towards Arielle. As much as Calum’s intentions were to keep Arielle safe, his skills were in his brute gargoyle strength. He wasn’t the most equipped to help her find a way back home, which they’d both discovered last night.
Still, it was difficult for him to turn off his wariness. He’d been entrusted with guarding her, and his protective instincts were fully engaged.
Not the other witches, Calum insisted. You heard Arielle’s reservations.
Fine. After we rest, let’s go talk to the others, Lachlan added. Then meet back here at sundown and we can share what we’ve learned.
Calum gave Arielle an update on the conversation. “We have plenty of time to kill until sundown. Might as well show you around.”
He led her away from the amphitheater to the part of gargoyle territory with the cabins. He shouldn’t call it gargoyle territory any longer. With the peace between the gargoyles, wolf shifters, and tree witches established last year, each group was attempting to open the boundaries. It wasn’t always easy after keeping the island divided for a quarter of a century, but each was making progress, and not jumping to a defensive mode when another species entered their space.
“More gargoyles lived here?” She glanced at the vast number of empty cabins.
“Aye. My former clan.”
“Where are they now?”
“Back in the Highlands, where they originated. That’s who Lachlan and Bryce went to talk to last night. They’re searching for the dragon.”
Her expression turned troubled, but she wiped it away. “And now it’s only the six of you?”
“A small clan, but a tight one.”
Her brows furrowed. “How did this split happen?”
The last year had been full of turmoil and change. How to describe it in a few short words? “It’s a long story.”
She smiled. “Like you said, we have plenty of time to kill.”
“True. Let’s get some food, and I’ll tell you about it.”
Arielle stepped into one of the cabins with Calum. He gathered packages of dried fruits, nuts, bread, and cheese, and packed them into a basket.
In the enclosed space, she grew more aware of his presence. Although, she’d noted how large he was last night, here in the cabin, he seemed to claim the space, filling it with a powerful male presence. His scent was a masculine musk that reminded her of something wild and untamed. And exciting.
Someone she’d like to kiss.
And touch…
Run her fingers over those golden granite muscles…
“We supplement what we have on the island with food from the mainland,” he said, snapping her out of her thoughts. “We’ve grown accustomed to the human’s method of convenience when it comes to food.”
She studied the items in his hands while blood rushed to her cheeks. “Everything is in wee containers,” she said. Anything to contribute to the conversation, and avert catching his eyes.
“Aye. Easy for transport.” He picked up a metal canteen and handed it to her. “We have fresh water sources—like where I brought you last night.”
She caught his gaze while taking the canteen. By the light of day, the color of his irises was more visible. The blend of green and gold and brown distracted her. A fascinating mix, as if he was too untamed to commit to just one color. A reflection of the man himself, perhaps, who seemed just as wild and vibrant.
She broke the stare before she did something stupid, like mention his eye color. She took a sip of water and then followed with a large gulp, still parched from last night’s ordeal.
He packed another canteen. “Come. Let me show you around and then we’ll eat.”
Arielle couldn’t see much of the island when she arrived at n
ight, but now, with the sun shining, it highlighted the magnificent views. She followed his lead to a well-trodden path through the forest. Patterns of sunlight filtered through the lacy greens above. Sounds of life spilled from every direction. Birds sang cheerful songs, small animals tread over crushed twigs and leaves, and insects rubbed their wings together, making a chirring sound.
The soothing cadence of the ocean rose over the lively one of the forests. They trudged over more difficult terrain, on a path lined by fern, with the snap of twigs sounding beneath their feet. The trees thinned, allowing glimpses of the ocean beyond the fringe of the forest.
“We’re lucky the sun’s out. When it’s overcast, it’s not half as pleasant.”
The sun danced in reflections of the waves. “It’s beautiful here,” she said.
The terrain shifted to a blend of rocks and sand dotted by seaweed-covered driftwood. She inhaled the tangy ocean air. The isle itself was separate from all the troubles she’d encountered on the mainland. Peaceful. Safe. Perhaps it had something to do with the isolated location and an ocean separating her from the danger. Or with the gargoyle shifter protecting her.
“I don’t live near such a vast body of water,” she said. “It’s mesmerizing.”
“Aye. One of the main reasons I prefer this isle to the moors where the Calder Clan relocated. Once you live near the water, it’s difficult to leave.”
“Why were you in the Highlands last night?”
One corner of his mouth turned up with a grin. “Seeking excitement.”
Arielle rubbed her hands together. That was something she could understand. It was what had landed her in this predicament.
“This island doesn’t have enough excitement for you?” She raised her brows in question.
“Oh no, we’ve had plenty of that here. Only recently has it started to settle down.”
“I don’t follow.”
He picked up a flat stone and threw it into the ocean. It skipped three times before disappearing under the water.
“Let me try that.” She picked up a rock and threw it, but it sank as soon as it hit the surface of the water.
“It’s all in the wrist,” he said. He placed the basket on a rock. He took her by the forearm and guided her with a backward movement before flicking her arm forward. “Like this.”
A hundred sparks fired on her skin where he touched her. A sudden heat rose within, making her flushed.
He picked up a stone. “Make sure it’s flat as well. The ocean needs to be calm, like it is now, or the stone will sink.” He threw it, and it skipped four times before disappearing. “Now you try.”
In a daze, she bent to retrieve another stone, instantly forgetting what he’d instructed her to do. His touch, however, had been imprinted onto her memory. How could a simple contact of skin on skin affect her so? She turned her arm before launching the stone. Once again, it sank.
He chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers of excitement into her core.
“Takes practice.”
She laughed in return. “Looks like I’ll need plenty of it.” Picking up the flattest stone she could find, she chewed her bottom lip as she concentrated.
Calum stepped behind her. He was so close that the heat from his body reached hers. He held her arm again.
“Relax. I can sense your tension.”
The warmth of his breath on the back of her neck sent a new tension rippling through her.
He pulled her arm back. “Let me guide you.”
Her heart pounded with every second and she attempted to relax and let him take the lead. They worked together to launch the stone forward. It flew forward, hit the surface, and bounced once, before vanishing from sight.
“Not bad!”
She smiled. Those carefree minutes focusing on skipping a stone with Calum distracted her from the stress that had taken residence in a corner of her mind. The fear that she might be lost from her home forever. An even greater distraction was Calum himself.
“With your help.” She attempted to shake off the discomfort that accompanied the awareness. With a raised brow, she teased, “Is this what you do for excitement?”
He snorted. “That would be a welcome break.” He picked up the basket of food and led them up the shore. “With all the events this past year, we’ve had plenty of excitement.”
Her curiosity bloomed. “What happened?”
“Remember when we flew in last night and I mentioned we’d passed through a magical veil?”
“Aye. I meant to ask you about that. But with so much going on…”
“Indeed. We’d placed it over the island like a shield. It keeps humans from the island. They can’t detect it with their technology, either.”
“Why do you want to keep humans away?”
“We’ve discovered that it’s better—and safer—to keep them off the isle.”
“You and your brothers created that veil? That seems like powerful magic.”
“No, we couldn’t manage ourselves. That’s actually what brought us together to work with the witches and wolf shifters.”
She squirmed with curiosity.
He spread out a small blanket on a flat rock between them, and laid out the food. “Help yourself.”
She took a piece of bread and chunk of cheese. “Tell me more?” She took a bite and waited.
“This all started twenty-five years ago. A battle broke out between the gargoyles and tree witches. It quickly escalated, and the wolf shifters were pulled in.” He gesticulated with both arms. “After many lives were lost, they divided the island into three territories, with the moors in the center designated as neutral land. We didn’t see much of the other species during that time.”
“Do you remember it?”
“No, I wasn’t yet born. I’m the youngest of my brothers. Lachlan and Bryce remember some of that time.”
“You didn’t communicate with the others on the isle at all?”
“Not until last year.”
“What brought that about?”
He pushed his hair away from his forehead. “Depends on who you ask.” He let out a sardonic laugh.
“What do you mean?” She shook her head. “Sorry. I keep interrupting to ask you questions.”
“Not at all. I don’t get to tell it. After all, we can’t tell humans, and everyone on the island already knows.” He gave her a smile, one as captivating as his story. “This is where the story becomes more complicated, but I’ll summarize it the best I can.”
A strong breeze stirred through the leaves as she awaited his tale.
“My brothers and I—we created a band. Like a human rock and roll band.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not familiar with what that means.”
“Basically, we play a lot of fast, loud music, and humans come to see us.”
“How do you play? With instruments?”
“Not me. I sing. Mason and Gavin play guitar. Lachlan bass. Bryce drums. Anyway, the band is called the Knights of Stone.” Calum drummed his fingers on his thigh as his eyes brightened. “We were in Inverness last night, where we had just finished playing a show. We’d only started touring in human cities again a few months ago, playing in clubs.”
“So, you travel to other locations to play?”
“Now we do. We had a brief opportunity to play here on the island.”
“How?”
“See, after we divided the isle with the others, we stopped working with them on the magical veil that had protected the isle for as long as anyone can remember.” He motioned overhead with a grand circle. “With the shield diminished, humans from nearby islands discovered the isle. While the Calder Clan was not pleased with their arrival, my brothers and I saw an opportunity. We played our music for them, as ourselves.” He tapped his chest and then began bouncing his leg.
Calum’s exuberance built as he told her the tale. He often appeared restless, brimming with some inner energy that he needed to release. “You let humans see you were
gargoyles?”
“Not exactly. We didn’t come straight out and tell them we were another species, but we let them see us transform from stone and fly. Many didn’t believe what they saw and chalked it up to state-of-the-art special effects.”
Apparently, there was much in this world she knew nothing about. “What are special effects?”
“It’s how humans make what they think is impossible, look possible.” He gestured at her. “Like a horse with wings flying through the air.”
She tilted her head and smiled. “That’s not impossible.”
“It is to them.” Calum gestured with his hands again. “Anyway, the thinning magical veil had a consequence. The younger wolf shifters had waning self-control. During a full moon, bloodlust consumed them, and they attacked humans at one of our concerts.”
“Oh no!”
“It essentially marked the end of the concerts and forced our hand. We had to work with the witches and wolves to restore the magical veil since humans came to investigate. It would be too dangerous to have humans discover what we are. Unfortunately, we can no longer hold big concerts on the island, but at least we have our home.” He leaned forward and tore off a piece of bread. “That’s the gist of a long story.”
She nodded. What a wild tale. Or maybe it was the charismatic storyteller who told it. “That’s why you play in human cities again?”
“Exactly. Back to pretending we’re just another human band.”
She thought about his story as she finished the bread and cheese. She’d forgotten about eating while she’d been listening to him talk.
She caught his gaze. A weird flutter grew in her stomach and spread out. She glanced away, looking out at the waves.
“You have so much going on, and yet you’re helping me,” she said. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Think nothing of it. It’s what gargoyles do. Take care of others.”
Right. It didn’t mean she was special; it was the way his species behaved. This strange attraction to him was pointless. She was simply reacting to him taking care of her. She had to squash it. He’d help her get back home and then he’d go back to his life and she to hers.
No matter what he was doing for her, it was nothing personal. She could have been anyone—she was simply another call to duty.
Knights of Stone: Calum: A gargoyle and pegasus shifter paranormal romance (Highland Gargoyles Book 5) Page 4
