Knights of Stone - Lachlan Read Online Free Page A

was cordial, but his eyes took on an icy edge. “I doubt anyone on this island would appreciate strangers trespassing on their property.” Still he’d exhibited more patience than she had. Must be all those hours locked away in stone. What a waste of an existence.
    The human’s gaze faltered under Lachlan’s searing one. “Sir, please allow us to conduct our investigation, and then we’ll leave.”
    The tension grew so thick, Raina swore it would escalate to a dangerous impasse. Lachlan broke the silence with a welcoming gesture. “Make it quick.”
    The humans paraded through the gargoyle territory near the shore and continued to the amphitheater, surveying the area as if taking mental notes.
    “Is this where the musicians were playing?”
    “Aye,” Lachlan said.
    “So this is where the attack took place?”
    He nodded. “Everything occurred here. This is where the wolves came. We searched the island ourselves for any others. We got them all.”
    The three humans put on gloves and carried plastic baggies as they combed the grounds. Raina didn’t see any evidence of the attack. The gargoyles must have done a thorough cleanup after all had left.
    “We should keep going,” the bespectacled human said to their others. “And make sure.”
    Lachlan’s jaw tightened. “You must hurry. Those of us who live on the island will find strangers intrusive. If not threatening.”
    “We will be as unobtrusive as possible.”
    “My wife and I will accompany you,” Lachlan said.
    Wife? The human word surprised Raina, yet was oddly pleasant as she replayed it in her mind. Peculiar. She brushed it off.
    Lachlan took her hand, grasping it in a protective hold. She sucked in her breath as the surge of heat swelled again; she glanced at their joined hands in disbelief at the unnerving effect. As they followed the humans, she pinpointed the sensation. His skin was warm and comforting, not cold and hard like she thought it would be. No matter how strange the occurrence, considering he was a gargoyle, the intimate gesture struck her as somewhat natural. Her wolf wagged her tail again, emitting soft sounds of contentment.
    She straightened her spine No, you’re wrong. You’re reacting this way because he’s new, different. That’s the only reason you’re curious. Remember, you’re simply playing a role.
    Sneaking a glance at his strong profile with his chin jutting forward, her gaze traveled down his chest. Was he thrusting it out for her benefit or did he naturally walk with such a proud bearing? Her mind became frazzled, conflicting with her body’s response.
    They retraced their earlier steps out of the gargoyle territory and back into the moors.
    “You can see across the island from here,” Lachlan said. “No need to continue.
    “Hold on now. There are trees over there.” He squinted. “With houses in them.”
    “Aye, some of the locals built shelter in the trees,” she interjected. She’d been silent for far too long while she fought to regain her bearing and snapped back into her role with renewed vigor. “Now, don’t go disturbing them. They don’t need strangers parading through their property. They like a simple, reclusive life.”
    The female removed her sunglasses. “We’ll just take a quick look,” she said, eyes brimming with curiosity.
    The humans quickened their pace across the moors, eager to see the houses in trees. Lachlan squeezed her hand, but she wasn’t sure why. They passed rows of rhododendron, azalea, and rose bushes as they left the moors and entered the forest. When the blond pulled out his gun, the others followed suit.
    She bristled, the wolf inside her rearing to charge at them. Lachlan’s voice stopped her.
    “All right, that’s enough,” he commanded, although his tone had a cautious edge. Did he have an aversion to armed humans as well?
    The humans ignored him and continued through the trees.
    “Put your weapon away,” Raina insisted, unable to keep the frost from her