Born of Magic: Gargoyle Masters, Book 2 by Missy Jane

concern now is if he’ll wake with that wound. I’m not an expert in Pastelle physiology, but from what I do know they are very similar to humans. So long as he retains his memories and senses after a blow like that, he should be fine…once the bruises and broken bones heal, of course.”
    Wynn nodded and left to help Zephara gather the supplies.
    Feeble morning light drifted through the window when Zephyr finally opened his silver eyes. He searched the tired faces around him before landing on his sister’s.
    “Zee,” he croaked.
    “I’m here,” she replied. Emotion changed her voice, but she no longer cared if anyone knew about her tears. Only Zephyr mattered.
    She held a cup of water to his dry lips and allowed him a few sips before pulling it back. “Take care. You’re badly injured. You need rest.”
    He nodded, but then turned to Wynn. “Your brother, Steinn, was injured as well…but not seriously. He dropped me off here…before flying back to the battle.” He sucked in a painful breath before continuing. “We were closer here…than to your castle.”
    “And my other brothers? Were they there to aid you?”
    “No. We were…ambushed. Alone.”
    “So you and Steinn were traveling alone together when you were ambushed?”
    Zephyr nodded before hissing in a breath from the pain of that small movement. “Yes. Just leaving the King…to head home…to your home.”
    Wynn nodded his understanding.
    Well Zephara didn’t understand. Zephyr’s business was with the king, not the gargoyles. Why was he traveling with Steinn back to his castle? Then the memory of their conversation about the handsome gargoyles entered her mind and she barely hid a grin. Zephyr must’ve tired of what company he could find in Ilstred and hoped to convince one of the Masters to change his preferences, or at least experiment. She shook her head at the thought and released a sigh at her brother’s antics. It would have been more amusing if his libido hadn’t almost gotten him killed.
    “Who attacked you?” she asked. “Did you see them?”
    “Not clearly. Too dark…and quick.”
    She feared that would be so and nodded her understanding. Wynn paced away a moment before returning to her side. “I must find my brother.”
    “Yes, of course.”
    He turned to Zephyr. “I hope you recover quickly. I should return soon with news.” Then he grasped Zephara’s hand and led her from the room.
    She went willingly, knowing he wanted to say goodbye without others watching. As soon as they left the room he pulled her into his arms. “I hate to leave you for even a minute. But I must find my brother.”
    “I understand. I wish I could go with you. But even if I could leave Zephyr’s side, the terms of my agreement with the wizards forbids travel away from the castle until my week is finished.”
    “I know.”
    He kissed and held her as if he might never see her again. She returned his passion even as she sought the truth from the ether. Her psychic senses were quiet, without so much as a hint of warning or reassurance.
    Finally Wynn pulled back and released her. “I’ll return as soon as I’m able. I swear it.”
    “I know you will. Now go, and take care.”
    “I will.”
    He placed one more swift kiss on her before striding out the front door. Her heart ached as she watched him pull it shut behind him.
    Walking away from her was the hardest thing Wynn had done in his life. He knew this was the unease Orestes and Nel had spoken of about their own women. She was the one then, Wynn’s woman. Eternal-mates she had called it. He couldn’t deny it, nor did he want to, which was a pleasant surprise.
    He took to the air and headed in the direction of the King’s castle, searching the ground for evidence of a battle. He soon found it, and then the form of an unconscious Steinn, partially hidden at the top of a large tree.
    His brother was in human form, cradled within the thick branches of an old oak. They held him as securely as