Page 57 of Stone Temptation

They weren’t here anymore.

“It’s so quiet,” I said, feet back on the ground.

“Emergency protocols.” His response was clipped.

I followed him into the ballroom. There were no humans around, but a few gargoyles stood together in the center of the room, including Seth and Carissa.

Seth’s eyes fell on me and narrowed into rage-filled slits.

Asher approached, me on his heels.

“By the stone gods!” Carissa cried, hurrying over. “Are you hurt?”

My protector shook his head. “Your office took a battering.”

Carissa glanced at me suspiciously. “Is that so?”

“It’s where the chimera first hit.”

“I see. I have a team tackling the monster. Go join them.”

Asher stiffened. “Can’t, ma’am. Have to stay with my mark.”

Her eyes widened. “What did you say?”

“Remember the call I told you about? Turns out this dude’s the one who made it.”

Seth marched over, emanating silent rage. “What are you doing back here, Luke?”

I failed to answer.

Where Carissa appeared hassled, her dress torn, he remained immaculate.

“You were supposed to be evacuated,” he added.

I had no crap to spin.

“And why are you topless?”

“Too hot.”

He inspected my neck, his presence slimy and unwanted. “You really are marked.”

“Yes…”

“What threatens you?”

“I don’t know.”

Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.

“I’ll take you home,” he said.

“No,” Asher interjected. “He stays with me.”

Seth spun on him, pointing an angry finger in his face. “Back off, Asher.”

“Can’t. Won’t. Duty of care.”