Captivated by the Gargoyle: Stone Sentries 3

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Captivated by the Gargoyle: Stone Sentries 3 Page 13

by Lisa Carlisle


  This was his bliss. She was his sanctuary and his home. This is where he always wanted to be. And if duty pulled him away, he wanted to know he could return here, to her. As his heartrate and quickened breaths slowed, he debated pushing his luck. After what they’d endured together, it was worth the risk.

  For several minutes, they touched and stroked each other as they came down. This was what he wanted, what he needed. Her in his life.

  He rolled onto his side to face her. “I don’t want you to leave. I understand your need for independence, but I want you to know—you’re welcome. Stay here.”

  “I said I’d stay the night.” She searched his eyes. “What exactly are you saying, Roman?”

  Oh fuck, she was going to run. They had circled each other in this dance many times. But, he’d already put it out there. No sense in turning back.

  “You’re safer here. Better protected.”

  Her expression softened. “The demons are gone. You don’t have to worry about them getting to me any longer.”

  “No, that’s not what I mean.”

  She sighed. “Do you mean hiding out here from anything dangerous? I’m afraid that won’t happen. I plan on going back to work as soon as I’m able. I’m often out on patrol and might run into some tricky situations. If that’s going to drive you crazy, you might want to rethink dating a cop.”

  Damn, he was doing a poor job of explaining what he wanted.

  “No, Larissa. I know what you do, and I have no intention of ever asking you to stop. It would be like you telling me to quit being so damn protective. I couldn’t turn it off. And I know you can’t either. What I’m trying to say is that I cherish every moment we’re able to spend together. And knowing that I can come back to you after whatever difficult encounter—well, I can’t think of a better end to any day.” He paused and took a deep breath to stabilize his racing body systems. “I love you, Larissa. And I want to be with you as often as possible.”

  She stared at him, opened her mouth and then closed it. “I love you, too.” Her eyes glimmered with happiness.

  His heart pounded wildly. Tectonic plates seemed to move in his chest to make room for it. It was amazing how four small words could affect him so deeply.

  “Then, move in here with me.” He bent forward and captured her mouth in a heated kiss.

  After an electrifying moment where he thought she’d say yes, she pulled back and stared at the ceiling. “It’s too rushed. Too soon to move in together.”

  Shit. The bed might as well have been made of quicksand since it felt like he’d barreled through several floors of the building all the way to ground level.

  He groaned. “I overplayed my hand, didn’t I?”

  “No,” she replied. “A part of me wants to jump into your arms and say yes, let’s leap forward without a care. But, that’s a sure way to crash land. So, why don’t we continue what we’re doing, savor the experience of learning more about each other? Whether we reconnect here or at my place doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together in the end.”

  Ah, she might be right. As a gargoyle shifter ready to commit to his mate, he was ready to take that leap she’d described. But, he had to remember, she didn’t feel that desperate yearning for a mate like a shifter did. She loved him. For that, he was jubilant. That was a leap across the canyon for her considering the short time they’d known each other.

  “It’s definitely the more sensible option. But, you do realize I lack any of that when it comes to you?” He placed his hand over his heart. “I don’t think. I just know.”

  Her bright smile made his pulse accelerate.

  “And that’s one of the things I love about you.” She trailed her fingers from his shoulder down his arm. “But, it’s crazy to move in with someone I’ve known for less than two weeks. Yes, I know during that time we’ve fought demons and faced death and traveled to another realm and discovered a cauldron of magical mysteries dormant inside me. But, I still need time to deal with all the madness.”

  He furrowed his brows, trying to follow her reasoning. “So, you’re saying you need space?”

  She rolled her shoulders. “Not necessarily. I mean, I don’t want to leave you, either. But, I think it’s the labeling of things that throws me off. But, I’m staying here tonight.” She flashed a saucy smile. “And tomorrow, you can count on me returning.”

  He liked where this was headed. “And the night after that?”

  “Well, I also have a bed. And I seem to remember us testing it for durability.”

  He smiled. “As do I.”

  “And I’d like to test it out a few more times.”

  “That sounds like a great idea to me.”

  “So, maybe for now, we look at it as two beds being better than one?”

  He laughed and kissed her. “That’s quite a convincing argument.”

  Chapter 15

  Larissa woke with strong arms surrounding her. Roman breathed deeply behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. He appeared to be in a deep sleep. She didn’t want to disturb him. After all he’d been through, he needed the rest.

  She gazed at him. His eyes were closed, lips parted, and his black hair swept behind him. He appeared so different from the fierce gargoyle in battle, an intimidating warrior who could make the vilest creatures cower. No matter how injured he’d been or how bleak the odds, he hadn’t stopped fighting. He would protect and love her.

  How had she lucked out with someone as remarkable as him? Perhaps guardian angels did exist after all. Well, not exactly an angel, but a guardian, for sure.

  The real world awaited her with all its sticky, horrible problems. She resisted shuddering. For a few more minutes, she’d put them off and simply enjoyed being with Roman. So much had happened in the past couple of weeks. The strangest of all might have been falling in love. The wild, exhilarating tumble into this territory was terrifying yet electrifying. Her pulse still raced around him and flutters of happiness danced about inside her.

  After relishing the cozy comfort of his embrace, she pulled herself out of his arms. It took all her will to resist lingering. But, she had to face reality.

  Roman stirred. As she stood, he opened his eyes. With them half-closed with sleep, he looked adorable. Not like the formidable commander of gargoyle guardians, but more approachable—like boyfriend material. The urge returned to climb back in bed with him and snuggle.

  “Where are you going?” he asked.

  His morning voice was dark and husky and sent a wave of awareness through her.

  “I have to take care of some things, starting with going by my Dad’s.”

  She’d called him yesterday after checking in on Janie and let him know she’d stop by today.

  “Ah.” He pulled his eyes fully open. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Having him with her as she dealt with the aftermath would be comforting, but she was sure he had much to do himself with the Stone Sentries. Besides, a part of her told her she needed to do this herself.

  Bits of their conversation last night after that epic sex returned to her. Was she an idiot for not jumping at his suggestion to move in here? Maybe so. But, with all that had happened, their relationship had progressed at epic speed. Slowing things down a notch wouldn’t hurt them, right? In fact, it would give them more time to savor getting to know each other better.

  And appreciate those moments when they reunited.

  “Yes,” she said. “Meet up with me here later?”

  His sensual lips curved into a smile. “Of course.”

  With that promising look, she was already eager to return.

  Larissa spent the day going through the motions. It was strange to try to pick up with her life where she left off before she’d ventured into another realm, but certain things had to be addressed.

  Like her grandmother’s death.

  Her father had said she’d been cremated. And where had Larissa been when it happened? Not here. Not even in this damn realm—but fi
ghting fuckin’ demons. They’d done this. They stole her grandmother from her.

  At least, their team had destroyed some. And saved Janie from their soulless grasp. They were banished back to the hellish realm they festered in, hopefully never to return.

  Larissa brushed a hot tear from her eye and drove to her father’s. When he opened the door, her lungs tightened. If she hadn’t made it back from the realm, he might never have known what had happened to his only child. She practically fell against his body as she hugged him.

  He held her and then took her shoulders. “What happened?”

  Larissa pulled her head away from him slowly. She’d been brief when they’d spoken on the phone, but she still wasn’t ready. “Maybe one day, I’ll be able to tell you everything, but not now.” She inhaled slowly to control her quickening pulse. “You have her—” She couldn’t finish the sentence. She didn’t want to say ashes. Her grandmother had been a person, but now all that was left of her body fit in a box.

  “I do,” he said. “Come inside. First, you need something to eat. You look like you need it.”

  She followed him into his house where they ate ham and cheese sandwiches at his old oak kitchen table. They avoided talking about anything too deep. Larissa wasn’t ready.

  Her grandmother’s three cats—Jade, Heka, and Claude—slinked into the kitchen, rubbing themselves along Larissa’s legs. She bent down and petted each one.

  “Thanks for watching them for now, Dad. I can’t have pets in my place, but I’ll figure out something.”

  “No rush. I’m a dog guy, but they’re not bad. They’re keeping this old man on his toes.” He laughed. “If I’m not up to feed them by six in the morning, they make sure to let me know.”

  Her relationship with her father had been strained since she’d learned she had witch blood. He’d kept it from her for all those years. But, since he’d been so good in helping her deal with her grandmother’s final wishes, Larissa’s anger had subsided. Plus, after what she’d encountered, and her recent brush with death, she had to let things go. He was her closest living relative. She might not have agreed with his decision, but she hadn’t been in his shoes—a grieving widower left with a young daughter to raise. She’d learn to understand and forgive.

  After they cleared their plates, her father brought her into the living room. He handed her a small wooden box with her grandmother’s ashes. Larissa stared at the unadorned box. That’s what her grandmother would have liked—something basic and natural, like the way she’d always lived. Larissa ran her hand over the smooth wood.

  He gave her an envelope. “She left this for you, too.”

  She fingered the seam of the envelope and then the front where her name was written in her grandmother’s cursive. “I’d like to read this alone.”

  After she stepped outside, she pulled out the letter and read.

  * * *

  Dear Larissa,

  For many years, I wished I could explain things to you…

  * * *

  Twenty minutes later, she drove from her father’s, replaying what she’d read—a letter with her grandmother saying goodbye. She was gone. Grief welled up accompanied by a thickness in Larissa’s throat.

  When she reached Walden Pond, she trekked through the woods, remembering the last time she’d come here. The demon’s dark magic had infected her, and she’d come here to wash off the last of the negative energy. Roman had found her, and they’d headed into Boston to save Janie.

  Larissa shuddered, but shook it off. She’d have plenty of time to relive horrible memories. For now, she had to focus on her grandmother’s final wishes. Larissa broke through the trees and found a peaceful spot near the water. The sun’s rays reflected with ripples of light dancing on top of the water.

  She sat on a flat rock and reread the last part of the letter with her grandmother’s request.

  * * *

  Since I have had some time to accept this moment was coming, I have prepared. And I hope to make it easier for you to move on. My remains will be cremated after I pass on. You are likely in possession of my ashes at this point which should come to you with this letter.

  When I feel my end coming, I plan to pass on my magic to you. Now this may not work, nor do I know if you’ll accept it, but if it goes as I plan, your magical abilities will grow more powerful. Remember—with power comes responsibility. A witch doesn’t use gifts for material gain but to help others.

  I hope you will do one last thing for me. Head over to Walden Pond, a place that holds special significance for me, since you, your mother, and I spent many happy hours there. Please take my ashes with you. Scatter them to the wind and let them fly free. It may seem like the end, but it isn’t. I will always be with you, as your mother has been with us.

  And then, go and live your life to the fullest. Don’t let the instances of your past prevent you from aspiring to a wonderful future.

  Love others with all your heart.

  As I love you.

  Nana

  XOXO

  P.S. If you ever want to meet others like us, contact one of the members of the coven. A list is attached. Remember, you are never alone.

  * * *

  Larissa’s heart clenched and a lump wedged its way into her throat. She ran her fingers over the XOXO. Her grandmother had always ended her notes that way.

  Larissa flipped to the page of names. Would she ever want to meet other witches? Her fingers trembled as she refolded the letter, and she fumbled as she stowed it back into the envelope. Then she neatly tucked the envelope into her bag. She would find a safe place for it when she returned home. She never wanted to lose it.

  Her grandmother had thought of Larissa until the end, loving and caring for her. She’d felt a jolt at the moment her grandmother likely sent her magic. She must have seen the demon and known what was coming. Could she have used her magic to fight it off?

  Larissa would never know. Her grandmother had chosen to pass her magic on to her. It hadn’t just helped her save Janie, but Roman and all the gargoyles who had ventured to the other realm to rescue her. And the gargoyles had returned to protect those in Boston. Her grandmother’s final choice had potentially saved countless lives. Larissa would always remember her sacrifice and strive to live to be worthy of the gift.

  She clutched the wooden box with both hands. Glancing out onto the peaceful pond, she pictured the summer days she had spent here growing up. Her grandmother had done her best to act as her maternal figure after the car accident. Sometimes Larissa would swim while her grandmother watched from the shore. Other times they had brought Janie with them and Larissa and Janie would build the most elaborate sand castles they could, fantasizing about fantastic worlds with dragons and fairies.

  Funny how their lives had turned out to become a true-to-life version of these fantasies. Only instead of dragons and fairies, they encountered gargoyles and demons.

  And witches.

  Over the next hour or so, Larissa thought of times past—including times there at the pond. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Some of happiness, others of grief. When the anguish seized her, she sobbed—big, ugly, aching tears that she didn’t bother to hide. Her grandmother was gone. The emotional turmoil drained her. She could lie down right there beside the pond and let grief usher her into a heavy and hopefully dreamless sleep.

  No. Her grandmother would want her to move on. Larissa had to pull herself together.

  Eventually, she felt ready to say goodbye. She removed her shoes and walked along the pond edge with one foot in the water and the other on land.

  When a breeze fluttered past, she cast the ashes up toward the skies. The wind picked them up and sent them overhead, like a flock of birds flying with their mysterious formations to their destination.

  Larissa glanced at the ashes in the air. She had to squint as the sun shined so brightly overhead.

  Air.

  And the ashes were the result of fire.

  She glanced at her fee
t. One was on earth, the other in water.

  Earth, air, fire, and water. The four elements.

  Damn. It all suddenly made sense. That was how her grandmother had guided her to use magic in the other realm—through the elements. Larissa had grounded herself in the earth. She’d started by creating fire. She’d transformed it into something translucent and fluid, like water. And then she’d worked with gargoyles, able to soar in the sky, and they’d helped expand the shield as if filling it with air…

  Whoa, she could keep going and easily spin into overthinking. She’d taken this step with her grandmother’s ashes unconsciously, but perhaps there was more to it. She was only at the beginning of learning the mystical ways of the world. For the first time, she felt open to discovering more.

  “Goodbye, Nana.”

  Saying goodbye hurt. It always did when parting with a loved one. But, as Larissa trekked back through nature, through the wild forest, the dark veil that had smothered her like the demon’s hold had finally lifted. She felt lighter, happier, and more optimistic.

  She vowed to live as her grandmother had instructed—to love with all her heart.

  And that began with Roman.

  Chapter 16

  Back at the compound, Larissa met Roman for dinner on the rooftop. She told him about her visit with her father and saying goodbye to her grandmother, but she didn’t want to dwell on the pain. The night was calm, and the threats were gone. No red Supermoon loomed overhead. No impending eclipse. Just a sliver of the new moon cycle beaming down on them.

  A new start.

  After they ate, she stepped up to him. “Will you dance with me?”

  One side of his mouth curled into a questioning grin. “Without music?”

  “We’re pretty in tune, don’t you think?”

  His face lit with a full smile. “Definitely.”

 

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