Page 20 of Gargoyle Vigilante

“Am I supposed to sign, too?”

Michael nodded. “Of course. You were the keeper of the relic and the one who brought it to us.”

Amir bowed his head, and Dante placed a hand on his shoulder, certain that Amir was thinking of his uncle.

“I wasn’t the true keeper, Michael.” He lifted his chin. “My Uncle Khaled saved it from being stolen and sold on the black market when the museum in Baghdad was ransacked. He paid with his life by protecting the relic. I don’t feel I deserve the same title as him.”

Michael shook his head. “Your uncle is being rewarded, I assure you. But as I said before, you didn’t quit, you did what had to be done at the risk of your own life. The length of time you took the risk isn’t relevant. It only takes once for the price to be paid for that risk.”

Amir’s lower lip trembled, but he nodded, signing the scroll. After everyone had done their part, Michael carefully rolled the document back up and returned it to the golden capsa.

Dante noted that Gabriel seemed to be studying Amir, gazing at him with a furrowed brow, his gaze traveling over Amir’s form. The familiar twinge of anger rose within him.

Gabriel leaned closer now that Mal had vacated the chair between him and Amir. “Tell me, are you an only child?”

Amir straightened. “Yes. My parents were older when they got married and had me. Khaled was my father’s brother, and they sponsored him when he wanted to move here after the war. When they died in a car accident, he took me in.”

Gabriel nodded as if that explained everything, but Dante had no idea what might need explaining. His wings started to glow before his lips stretched into a wide smile. He turned, glancing at Dante then locking eyes onAmir.

“And before I take my leave, I wish to congratulate you both.”

Amir drew his eyebrows together, and Dante found himself on alert. Gabriel never made offhand announcements. His words always packed a punch.

Amir tilted his head. “Congratulate us for what?”

“On your pregnancy.”

Chapter Seven

Amir leaned against the headboard, palming his belly, certain he was imagining things. The power of suggestion was a genuine phenomenon—he’d read about it. When Gabriel announced to everyone the week before that he was pregnant, he’d been overtaken with the urge to bust out laughing.

But laughing at angels was bad form, so he’d fainted instead.

And now, as he ran a hand over the slight swell in his abdomen, he was back to questioning everything in his new reality. A baby growing inside him was its own type of madness, but giving birth?

Ezekiel assured him that his angelic genes, which were once dormant, were now active, and he was equipped with a womb to carry his and Dante’s child. When the time came, it would open so he could safely deliver.

Dante stepped inside their room, his eyes widening as his gaze landed on him. “Why aren’t you resting? You said you were so tired.” He sat on the bed next to him, the mattress dipping from his weight. “Is something wrong?”

Amir chewed on his bottom lip. He shouldn’t say anything until he was absolutely sure. He sucked in a sharp breath at the movement beneath his palm. Yeah, he was sure.

“I felt the baby kick, but that’s impossible, right?”

Dante’s eyes went wide, and he quickly replaced Amir’s hand on his abdomen with his own.

“Not at all. Ezekiel said the gestation is quick compared to what you’re familiar with as a human. You’re already a quarter of the way through the pregnancy.” Dante let out a whoop and a laugh. “I felt it! Yes, that was definitely a kick.” He grabbed Amir, wrapping him in his arms. “I’m so happy I could explode.” He letAmir go with a chuckle. “It’s strange not to be so pissed off all the time.” He grunted. “Who knew?”

A wave of uncertainty washed over him, drowning the joy he’d been luxuriating in. “Does that bother you?” He picked at the blanket fuzz. “You told me you’re over three thousand years old. You’ve experienced so much, done so many amazing things. You’ve only known me a week.” Tears welled up, burning his eyes and tickling his nose. “I’ve upset everything in your world, changed everything, forced you into being a father.” A sob broke free. “No more bar hook-ups!”

“Oh, sweet angel, no one’s forced me into anything.” Dante gathered him onto his lap, and Amir curled into a ball with Dante cradling him. “Why would I want some smelly old bar hook-up when I can have my gorgeous mate?”

“Are you sure?” He sniffed, snaking his hand beneath the hem of Dante’s loose, black silk shirt. “Because according to Michael, now that my angel side has been activated, you’re stuck with me for eternity.”

Dante nuzzled him behind his ear, humming. “Eternity isn’t nearly long enough.”

This time when tears came, they were from elation.

They held each other in silence for several minutes, Amir basking in the warmth of Dante’s comforting embrace. Already, he associated the strong scent of cedar and pine with him. He’d noticed that all of the gargoyles shared a woodsy aroma, whereas the angels emitted a more flowery scent.

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