Page 17 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Michael groaned. “Children, enough. Dante? Could you please verify with your mate that we can come in? I have a meeting with Azrael later, and he’ll simplydieif I’m not on time.”

Ezekiel choked back a laugh, and Dante rolled his eyes. “Now who’s being hilarious?” He peered back into the bedroom, closing the door so that only a crack of light from the hallway peeked through. “Amir? Are you ready?”

Amir had put his jeans and T-shirt back on, but he still appeared terrified as he frantically finger-combed his curls.

“I can’t believe I’m meetingtheMichael looking like this. I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t let him intimidate you.” Dante gave his mate what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Remember, you have angel blood, too. You’re just as good as they are. Much better, as far as I’m concerned.”

“I heard that!” Michael called out.

Dante stage-whispered, “He’s so touchy.”

Amir slapped a hand to his mouth, his shoulders shaking as he held in a laugh. Then he whispered back, “You’re so bad.”

Dante grinned. “And I plan to be even badder with you the next time we’re alone.”

Michael stuck his head in the room. “You guys are adorable, absolutely precious. But there’s still this small matter of demons and corrupted gargoyles who want to destroy the Earth plane. I hate to be ‘touchy’, but could I secure the relic so the world as we know it isn’t destroyed?”

Amir shrunk in on himself. “I-I’m so sorry, your, uh, your angelness.”

Dante narrowed his eyes at Michael. “You’re scaring my mate.”

Michael swept past Dante with Ezekiel on his heels. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. After all, he’s been alone with you.”

Ezekiel gave Amir a warm smile. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”

Dante was on sarcasm alert, but to his surprise, Ezekiel’s words seemed genuine. He remained on edge, though. Ever since he’d brought Amir to the lair, Ezekiel had been caring and friendly with his mate. He didn’t want the unattached Reaper to get any cute ideas.

Michael regarded Dante. “Would you care to make a formal introduction?”

Dante gave him a tight smile. “Of course.” For Amir’s benefit, he’d rein in his sour attitude. “Amir, this is Archangel Michael.”

Michael gave a slight bow of his head to Amir, and Dante almost fell over. He’d never witnessed such a pleasant display from the self-satisfied angel.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Amir. We’re thankful to have the Nephilim as a part of the alliance of angels and appreciate your status as life-givers.”

“Oh.” Amir blushed as his eyes darted between Dante and Michael. “Thank you. Um, I don’t mean to be rude because I’ve studied so much about you and all, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole life-giver, Nephilim situation.” He cleared his throat. “Not that I’m saying anyone’s lying, because you know, angels. It’s just so…abrupt.”

Michael nodded with a soft smile. “That’s understandable. From what I remember when I looked over your file, you have a great interest in religious studies, but from the standpoint of everything being myth and legend. Before tonight, you never believed in the actual existence of angels, the Divine, or…” He made a dismissive gesture in Dante’s direction.“Gargoyles.”

Amir’s jaw went slack. “File? You have a file onme?”

Dante frowned. “Um, excuse me. What was this?” He mimicked Michael’s gesture.

Michael sighed as if it were all so exhausting. “For such a mouthy creature, you get butt-hurt quite easily.”

Dante crossed his arms angrily. Michael was right, he needed to dial it back. This was about Amir right now, and his mate needed to know that everyone in his new world was on his side.

Amir sidled over to Dante and leaned into him. Dante drew Amir closer, clasping his shoulder, silently trying to give him reassurance. The disparity in size between Amir and the rest of them had to be overwhelming.

Michael’s gaze flicked to the ring box on the night table then back to Amir. “Thank you also for your bravery in protecting the relic. I need you to bring it to our conference room so it can be witnessed and verified.” He turned to Dante. “Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael have arrived. As soon as the authenticity is confirmed, Gabriel will announce to the Divine Spark that it is under our protection.” His eyes landed on Amir again. “The Rogues seemed particularly desperate to obtain this relic. It clearly worried them, so I have a feeling I know which one has been in your safe keeping.”

Amir nodded. “I wasn’t going to give it to anyone, my uncle told me not to. But when I found out it was you who would take it, well…” He shrugged. “It wouldn’t make sense not to give the ring back to the one who gifted it in the first place.”

Michael let out a light laugh. “Even if you weren’t a believer, you were diligent in your studies.”

Amir picked up the box and offered it to Michael. He shook his head.

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