Page 66 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

But with Ecco’s slender fingers intertwined with mine, her musical laughter chiming in my ear, I’m starting to appreciate the appeal.

We’re running late, thanks to Ecco’s insistence on staying in bed just alittle while longer. I’m usually a stickler for punctuality, but I’m learning that some things are worth savoring.

Like the way Ecco sighs my name, her voice husky with sleep and desire.

As we approach Orc’s Anvil, the rich aroma of roasted hops and sizzling bacon engulfs us. I breathe in deeply, reveling in theway my enhanced sense of smell lets me catalog and enjoy every individual scent.

“Mmm, smells amazing,” Ecco murmurs, echoing my thoughts. “I’m so excited that Thorak decided to add brunch rotation to the taproom.”

I grunt in agreement, pushing open the heavy oak door. Inside, the taproom has been transformed into a brunch-time haven. Gingham tablecloths cover the rough-hewn tables, cheerful wildflowers spilling from mason jars. Warm light filters through the windows, bathing the room in gold.

We make our way to the corner table where Mariah and Gruna are huddled together, and Ecco gives my hand a squeeze before releasing it. We’re both still reveling in the newness of this thing between us, not quite ready to share it with Ecco’s prying friends.

“Well, well, well,” Mariah calls out, a knowing gleam in her eye. “Look who decided to grace us with their presence.” She arches a brow. “Busy morning?”

My face heats at the innuendo in her tone, but Ecco just laughs, sliding into the chair across from her. “You know me, I like to start my day off right.”

“I’ll bet,” Mariah says. Beside her, Gruna is smirking.

Thorak appears at our table, a tray of frothing beers balanced in one beefy hand. He sets them down with a resounding thunk.

“First round’s on the house,” he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “But don’t get used to it. I’ve got a business to run, you know.”

Ecco reaches for a glass, her slender fingers wrapping around the frosty stein. I hesitate, my Grigori training warring with the tantalizing pull of temptation. Duty and discipline have been too drilled into me, as unyielding as stone.

But then Ecco turns to me, her violet eyes wide and pleading. “Come on, Graeme. Just one drink. For me?”

In that moment, I realize just how much I want to please her at all times. With a sigh of resignation, I take the proffered glass, the cool condensation slick against my palm. I raise it to my lips, the bold, hoppy aroma filling my nostrils, and I pause to savor the scent. When I take a sip, the rich, complex flavor bursts across my tongue.

I can’t help but let out a small hum of appreciation, turning to smile at Ecco. She smirks up at me.

Mariah leans forward, gesturing at us. “Okay, you two. Spill. What exactly is going on between you? And don’t try to deny it—we all see the way you’re looking at each other.”

I glance at Ecco. Guess we haven’t been that subtle after all. With a small nod, she takes my hand in hers, our fingers interlacing. The gesture feels like a declaration.

“We’re dating,” Ecco says simply. “Graeme’s not just my bodyguard anymore… he’s my boyfriend.”

Hearing her say those words sends a thrill surging through my heart. It’s a gift I never knew I needed, this validation of our connection.

But Mariah’s eyes narrow, her gaze locking onto me.

“Graeme,” Mariah says, her voice low and deadly serious. “I need you to listen to me very carefully. Ecco is the best, kindest, brightest person in the world. She’s my best friend, my sister in all but blood. So if you ever,everhurt her...”

She leans in closer, her eyes flashing.

“I will find out your worst nightmare, and I will make it a reality. Every single day, until the end of time. Do you understand me?”

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. I’ve faced down assassins and monsters, stared death in the face more times than I can count. But in this moment, I’m genuinely afraid of the small, fierce woman sitting across from me.

And I respect her all the more for it. The depth of her loyalty, the fierceness of her love for Ecco—it’s a bond that even a hardened gargoyle like me can appreciate.

I meet Mariah’s gaze head-on.

“I understand,” I say, hoping my eyes are conveying my utter seriousness. “And I swear to you, on my honor as a Grigori, that I will never intentionally hurt Ecco. And if anyone ever tries to harm her, in any way...” I reach out, clasping Mariah’s hand. “I’ll be right there beside you, ready to rain down hell on them.”

Mariah holds my gaze for a long moment, her eyes searching mine for any hint of deception. But when she finds none, a slow smile spreads across her face.

“Alright then,” she says, raising her glass in a toast. “To Ecco and Graeme.”

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