Chapter 22

QUINN

Ana's touch sent a pleasant warmth through Quinn as she traced along the lines of his chest. He played absentmindedly with a strand of her hair, the sunlight turning her mahogany locks to fiery streaks of red.

"Why are you here, in the woods?" he asked, his tone light, despite the gravity of their encounter. "I didn't expect to catch your scent among the juguais."

Ana held up her finger, her tone filled with urgency. "I need to know … how are you still alive?" Her eyes, wide and searching, roamed over him. "And unharmed?" Her touch was gentle on his skin as if she half-expected him to crumble to dust. "I saw you turn to stone," she said, her voice trembling. "I thought you were gone forever." Her hand flew to her mouth, worry flickering in her glistening eyes.

He cupped her cheek gently. "Don't cry," he murmured, wiping a stray tear with his thumb. "The moon's healing light saved me."

Her brow furrowed in confusion. "The moon healed you?"

"Yes," Quinn confirmed with a chuckle. "The Fionnlaith's blessing petrified me so I could recover. We awaken from this slumber fully restored." Pausing, he considered how bizarre his words sounded. "When we gargoyles are injured, under a bright moon, we turn to stone to heal."

Ana's gaze drifted off, staring at some unseen object before finally speaking again. "So, the woman I saw in the fire…the moon goddess is real?" she whispered. "And my memory of the full moon ceremony isn't just a drunken illusion?" Her eyes widened. "And we turn to stone?"

Quinn's smirk grew. "Indeed, she's real, and yes, you overindulged at the ceremony." He pressed a kiss to her hand. "And we do turn to stone." He placed a tender kiss on her lips, finding them hard to resist. "But remember, during that time, we're at the mercy of greater forces that could shatter even the sturdiest of stones." With a shake of his head, he sighed. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I never wanted you to endure such pain."

"I guess I can forgive you." She smiled. "You did give me the most amazing orgasm." She paused. "Orgasms."

"And I shall give you many more." He held her close, his embrace firm. "There's more you should know." Looking into her eyes, he released her. "When injured during an eclipse, when the moon obscures the sun, our strength is unparalleled. We become nearly invincible."

"An eclipse," Ana murmured in echo. "But why didn't I turn to stone?" She looked at her flawless wing and arm, flexing it, her mouth gaping. "Did I… did I petrify as well?" She poked and pinched herself.

"It appears so." He traced a finger down her now reddened skin. A moment of silence hung between them, heavy with the weight of her newfound knowledge.

"So, every little scratch will turn me into a statue?" Ana arched an eyebrow. "Because frankly, that sounds inconvenient."

"No, it has to be a little more substantial." He shook his head.

"But why did you transform faster than me?" She pinched him. "Is your skin somehow different?"

"Ouch," he teased, feigning injury. "Ours are no different." He leaned closer, relishing her honey scent now mingling with his. "I have had the distinct pleasure of touching yours enough to know for certain." Her body quivered under his breath. "It is because of the severity of my wounds." His voice dropped to a whisper. "My injuries were mortal, Ana. I was close to death." He met her gaze, hers filled with a deep emotion. "But now, here with you, I feel more alive than ever."

"Does changing hurt?"

"No." He shook his head. "And I'm happy to answer more questions later, but for now, I need yours. Why are you here? My father sent me to investigate another juguai attack. I never expected to see you here."

She took a deep breath. "Gregor's men kidnapped me from my bedroom and took me to him." She widened her eyes. "And poor Tilda, they hurt her. I hope she's alive and someone found and helped her." Ana pressed her fingers to her mouth, stifling a gasp.

Quinn squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Tilda's tougher than she looks and quite resourceful." He ground his teeth. "Did my uncle hurt you?"

"No." She shook her head. "I had fallen into a pile of oalnt manure." Her cheeks heated. "I guess I need to work on my graceful landing." She stifled a snort, then burst out laughing. "The look on his face was priceless!"

Quinn chuckled.

"After I escaped, I didn't know where to go," she confessed. "I just followed my instincts." Her cheeks flushed crimson. "But I got caught in a net."

She nestled against him.

"Following your instincts was wise, Ana. They led you closer to the castle." He traced a path along her wing. "Trust your instincts and your senses. They are keen, especially your sense of smell." He pressed his forehead against hers. "The moment I caught your scent near the juguais, I couldn't control myself. I didn't care about my safety. All I could think about was you. Nothing else mattered." Holding her tight, his grip conveyed the depth of his fear and relief. "It terrified me, Ana. The thought of losing you…"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she lifted a hand to his cheek. "You were so brave to face them all by yourself." Her voice trembled slightly. "But reckless," she chided, her finger tapping his chest. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

A hint of a wry smile played on his lips. "To be fair, I wasn't the only foolish one." He brushed a finger across the back of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. "You saved me, Ana. Even though you had to fight them off yourself."

He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss filled with fierce possessiveness and a deep yearning. It spoke volumes of the terror he had faced at the thought of losing her.

As they finally broke apart, she smiled at him. "Well, someone had to save you."

Quinn's heart somersaulted as Ana's cheek found a home against his chest, her words a playful jab at his ego. "Indeed, my damsel in shining armor," he quipped, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.

His eyes roamed over the fabric piled on the ground, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "I must say, this ensemble suits you, though it's a far cry from your usual attire." He picked up a piece of silk, grinding his teeth at the thought of how she obtained them. "Gregor didn't dress you in these clothes himself, did he?"

"His female gnomes cleaned me up and dressed me." She gestured toward the discarded fabric with a grimace.

Quinn's chuckle resonated in the cave. "That relieves me, though; I'm not pleased his soldiers managed to breach the castle's defenses." His gaze turned steely. "A matter I shall address upon our return."

He twirled a curl around his finger. "You're a vision." He entwined her tail with his. "The goddess indeed blessed me with a treasure."

Ana's eyes fell to her hands, her voice a whisper. "There was a time," she admitted, "when I struggled with who I am now. I felt like a monster." She looked up at him. "But seeing you fight, seeing your bravery, it made me realize… it made me realize I'm not a monster. I'm strong, capable, and I'm yours."

He cupped her cheek. "There is nothing monstrous about you, Ana. Your strength, loyalty, and bravery are the qualities that make you extraordinary."

"Thank you, Quinn. You've helped me see myself in a new light." She leaned into his touch, a sense of belonging washing over her. "I'm no longer afraid of who I am. I'm a gargoyle, and I'm proud." She nestled into his embrace, her smile a radiant beam.

"You're a protector, a survivor. You're my mate and a thief."

She gasped and jerked back, looking up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You, my love, have pilfered my heart amidst the chaos." He growled softly, a sound that vibrated through them both. "Mine." Brushing his lips against hers, the memory of their near-separation fueled a fierce possessiveness within him. He wouldn't let anything tear them apart.

"Yours," she affirmed, her voice a breathy echo of his claim. "In this life and every other."

As Quinn's lips traced the path along her skin, each kiss was a vow, each touch a testament to a love as enduring as the stars.

With reluctance, he gently set her aside. "As much as I'd love to continue this delightful exploration, we must return to the castle. Our absence has undoubtedly caused concern, and Gregor's treachery needs to be addressed." He sighed.

Her hands began to caress his body, moving one down between his legs. The undeniable evidence of his affection for her made a bold statement beneath her fingers.

Ana's frown was adorable, and a twinge of guilt warmed his gut for cutting their moment short.

"Are you sure you're alright? No lingering aches?" Her touch roamed his back, igniting sparks even as she concluded her thorough—and rather enjoyable—inspection.

"I'm more than all right," he assured her, "but I doubt I'm ready for a rematch with those juguais just yet."

Her laughter was music to his ears. "You don't have to face them alone."

He held her gaze, his voice soft yet earnest. "Ana, I love you. Promise me you'll never leave."

Her response filled him with warmth, her vow binding them tighter than any spell. "I love you too," she whispered, sealing their fates together. "I'm yours." She kissed him.

"On second thought, perhaps the kingdom can wait a few more moments." He pulled her into a kiss that promised pleasures yet to come. "After all, pleasing you is my most sacred mission."