Knights-of-Stone-Bryce by Lisa Carlisle

fly to the Highlands as soon as possible.”
    “All of us?” Bryce said. “Why?”
    “We don’t know what this threat is or where they are. We’re safer if we fly together.”
    “But—” Gavin began, with his eyes wide. “With all we have going on here, how can we all leave the isle?”
    “The peace talks can wait,” Lachlan said. “Mum and Da are in that clan. If they’re threatened by whatever attacked Mairi’s clan…”
    The brothers exchanged glances.
    “You’re the alpha,” Bryce said.
    Lachlan blew out a harsh breath. “Trust me, I know. As soon as we tackle one situation, another comes up.”
    Bryce mentally adjusted to the plan as Mairi approached.
    “Lachlan thinks we should all fly to the Calder clan, tonight.”
    She scanned each of them. “You’re all coming?”
    “Aye,” the others replied.
    She began to say something, but her voice caught in her throat. What caused it? She appeared moved in some way. Because strangers would help her?
    “You okay?” He moved closer and squeezed her shoulder. Being near her again provided some comfort. Touching her skin did something else he couldn’t pinpoint. Almost as if his insides had warmed and softened.
    “Aye.” She forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
    “It’s a much larger clan. They should be able to help you. Come on.” He led her to one of the food storage containers where his brothers had gathered, raiding it for food. While they ate trail mix and protein bars, Bryce stole glances at her. She appeared invested in the conversation as they planned the journey, but he often caught her expression darken. Was she nervous? Scared? Damn gargoyle trait, being able to mask emotions with a stony demeanor.
    “We better be careful with what we tell Mum and Da,” Lachlan said.
    “Aye,” Bryce agreed. “We haven’t even told them about restoring the veil.”
    “Why not?” Mason asked.
    “The talk with Duncan went longer than we’d expected. We weren’t ready for a second round with our parents,” Lachlan said.
    “Didn’t want to deprive you of that conversation,” Bryce added with a grin.
    Calum cocked a pretend gun with his fingers and pretended to shoot it. “Thanks, bro.”
    Mason blanched. “I’m in for it.”
    Gavin appraised Mason with a look acknowledging it. “Let’s start with that good news,” he said. “Ease them in slowly.”
    They cleaned up the array of wrappers—beef jerky, protein bar wrappers, and empty trail mix packets.
    Lachlan glanced out to the darkening sky. A sliver of sunlight remained at the edge of sea and sky with tendrils of colors slashing out from its center. “Time to go.”
    Lachlan and Mason had already unfurled their wings and were the first to ascend. Gavin and Calum followed.
    “Can you shield yourself?” he asked Mairi.
    “Of course. It’s a gargoyle trait, isn’t it? Allowing us to fly unseen.”
    “Different clans may have different magic,” he replied and gave her a once over. “Such as your magic with changing your dress.”
    When he winked, she responded with a knowing grin while her gaze traveled down to his kilt. “I don’t want to wear the same thing every day.”
    Wings unfurled behind her. Magnificent silvery gray ones that framed her like a shimmering halo. She hovered off the ground, an angel with a mane of fire.
    The striking vision stunned him. Bryce recovered and cloaked himself with invisibility before stretching out his wings. He hovered beside her in the cool, evening air. The breeze off the ocean was tangible, leaning toward brisk, yet not uncomfortable.
    His brothers had already flown ahead, dark silhouettes off in the distance. Although gargoyles could shield themselves from humans, they could see through their magic. Bryce wasn’t in any rush and lingered with Mairi. Her expression appeared troubled, nervous.
    To distract her from what lay ahead, he said, “Fancy a race?”
    She raised a brow at the challenge. “Aye. I’m in.”
    “Whoever catches up with