Page 13 of Stone Heart
Chapter 5
Rhodack eyed Vikuth as he met him at the entrance to his private suite. He couldn’t believe that the little wisp of a woman didn’t trust him.
He was Rhodack Gahnoth.
Leader of Clan Gahnoth.
Powerful gargoyle.
And his own fucking mate didn’t recognize him as her mate, or even trust him.
His chest burned with the memory of the fear that was in her eyes. The animal in him paced, wanting to break free and claim his mate. Why would she think she was human?
“You sent for me?” Vikuth, in his human form, eyed him wearily.
Rhodack leaned against the hallway wall and glared at Vikuth. His lip curled up in disgust that he’d had to send his friend into the room with his mate. She should see the power in Rhodack. She should see he was a great protector, a great mate.
But something was keeping her from seeing him.
Something was making her believe she was human. What she was, he was unsure.
But he was going to find out.
“She asked for you,” Rhodack bit out.
Vikuth’s eyes widened at the announcement. “Me?” he sputtered. His eyes widened even more, and the smile that began to cross his face slowly faded at the murderous expression Rhodack directed his way. He cleared his throat and straightened to his full height. He glanced at the bedroom door before turning back to Rhodack. “What would she want with me?”
“It would seem she trusts you, but not me,” Rhodack snarled. He pushed off the wall and moved to stand in front of Vikuth. He towered over him by a few inches and ensured the look in his eyes was that of anything but a friend. It didn’t sit well with his gargoyle that she’d requested another male over him. “You go in there and you tell her she can trust me. You tell her whatever you need to in order for me to figure out what’s after her and why.”
“You sure that’s why you want me to convince her to trust you?” Vikuth asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Rhodack released a growl. Of course Vikuth would pick up that there were other reasons why he was being sent into the room.
“Don’t worry about what my intentions are. Make her trust me.”
“You do know it doesn’t work that way with humans, right?”
“She’s not human.”
Vikuth ran a hand against his face and cursed. “Are you sure?”
“That energy practically hums from her. She’s a vessel of some sort, and whatever is inside her is trying to get out. Someone didn’t want her to know she wasn’t human. I believe she truly has no idea she is a powerful being. What? I don’t know.”
Vikuth nodded and moved to the door. It took everything inside Rhodack not to snatch his friend back from it. He bit back a snarl as Vikuth paused with his fingers around the handle.
“If you’re going to come in with me, don’t say a word,” Vikuth warned.
“Make it quick,” Rhodack bit out through clenched teeth.
The air around Vikuth shimmered while his body morphed into that of his gargoyle. His piercing eyes glowed against his dark skin. Gargoyles were one of the strongest beings around, and their bodies showed it. Riddled with muscles, a gargoyle was practically unstoppable. Nothing could penetrate the smooth leathery skin. They were a race that was extremely hard to kill.
Rhodack growled, knowing Rina wouldn’t recognize Vikuth in his human form. The thought of her preferring Vikuth to him made him want to challenge his friend, but he bit his tongue.
A smirk lingered on the edge of Vikuth’s lips. He opened the door and entered Rhodack’s private suite. Rhodack followed behind, searching the room for her.
Hearing them enter, she emerged from the bathroom with wide eyes. Rhodack didn’t know why, but he wanted to protect her, make the fear go away. Her eyes lit up when she recognized Vikuth, and Rhodack bit back a growl.
“My lady.” Vikuth’s deep voice broke through Rhodack’s thoughts. “My name is Vikuth. Rhodack summoned me for you.”
