Page 22 of Gargoyle Vigilante

“Great. You’re stuck with a mate who can’t satisfy you. Yay.”

Dante slid his hands underneath Amir’s ass then flipped him onto his back. He hovered over him on all fours, staring down at him with a feral expression that only served to confuse Amir more than he already was. Instead of being pissy, he was back to being turned on.

Dante let out a growl “Hey. Didn’t I just tell you how fucking hot you make me? And how many times have I nutted in the past week?” He grunted. “I can’t believe my balls haven’t shriveled up and fallen off by now.”

Amir burst out laughing, and Dante gaped at him as if he doubted his mate’s sanity. As hysterical tears leaked from his eyes, Dante started to chuckle, his laughter building until he too was losing control. After a couple of minutes, they both managed to get hold of themselves, sniffing and wiping their fingers beneath their eyes.

“Oh man, I think we both needed that.” Dante rolled onto his side then gathered Amir to him, wrapping him up in his arms. “We need cut ourselves some slack, be patient as we adjust to our new life together.”

Dante gave him a gentle squeeze. “But I assure you, I’ve never felt this type of happiness before. Regardless of the hook-ups or occasional steady relationship, I’ve never given a shit whether it turned into something permanent. I think I resisted claiming my Fated One because I felt nothing for those other men. I didn’t hate them, didn’t wish them harm.” He snorted. “For the most part. But I shuddered to think of spending an eternity with the dudes.”

He gave Amir another squeeze, adding a firm kiss to his head this time. “But with you, all my apathy has fallen away. The gray existence that’s all I’ve known for thousands of yearshas been replaced with color and life, with a joy I never believed possible.”

Amir’s chest tightened. He wasn’t sure, had no experience to draw from, but he thought he might be falling in love the tiniest bit. Reaching up to cup Dante’s cheek, he stroked his thumb across his skin.

“I’m happy, too.”

Silence stretched between them, the only sound in the room being their soft breathing. Then Dante smiled, his grin slowly spreading, illuminating his features. He leaned into Amir's touch, his eyelashes fluttering shut.

He tipped back his head right as Dante lowered his, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that seemed to suspend time. Dante rested his hand on the back of Amir's neck, his fingers warm and steady, a reassuring touch that mirrored the intensity of their connection. As he deepened the kiss, his tongue explored Amir's mouth softly, sending a jolt of electricity down his spine.

This was more than Amir had expected to feel in such a short time. His heart pounded like a drum, the rhythm echoing throughout every limb, a testament to the depth of his emotions. Dante's pulse had quickened too—erratic as if matching his own rhythm, a physical confirmation of the emotional connection they shared.

Right as the kiss deepened, a furious knocking sounded at the door, followed by Mal’s anxious voice. “Dante! Are you in there? We’ve got an emergency!”

Dante groaned. “We’ve seriously got to get our own place.” He pressed a final kiss to Amir’s mouth then rose. “Sorry, baby.” As he made his way to the door, he yelled, “Hang on, I’m coming!”

Amir rose from the bed, grabbing a sweater he’d left draped on Dante’s fancy chair. Ever since his heat had subsided, he’d gone from sweltering to freezing. Being underground made himfeel the dampness down to his bones. Dante was right. They needed their own place for many reasons.

He crept nearer to the door, curious about the urgent whispers between Dante and Mal. Dante had positioned himself in the threshold, his massive frame blocking Amir’s view. While he knew it was Mal who’d been knocking, he didn’t know who else might be in the hallway.

Right as he reached Dante, his fear-tinged words cut through.

“How does Lucifer know the Rogues have a second relic? Have they had it awhile?”

Amir gasped. Dante startled then stepped aside, pulling Amir close.It turned out that Mal was the only one at their door after all, but his furrowed brow and strained expression weren’t reassuring.

Mal’s features softened as he regarded him. “I’m sorry about this abrupt intrusion.” He returned his attention to Dante. “I don’t have all the details. Only a message from Michael ordering the Slayers from this and the other four lairs from the Western Hemisphere to meet him in the Hidden Caves.”

“Mount Shasta?”

Mal nodded. “Yes. Be prepared. Michael has even given Lucifer permission to attend if he wants to.”

Dante choke-coughed. “Holy…”

Mal winced. “Yeah. Exactly. Talk about awkward. They haven’t been in each others’ presence since before the pyramids were built.”

Amir couldn’t believe what he was hearing. If the situation wasn’t so dire, he would’ve loved to hear firsthand accounts of historic events, grand civilizations, and epic tales from the ancient world. He imagined there was also plenty of juicy gossip to be had. Now that he was getting to know everyone better, his inner snoop needed all the details.

Dante looked down at him as he rubbed his back. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I can't bring you with me—it’s too dangerous. But Ezekiel will be here. He typically stays behind in situations like this in case his healing powers are needed. Plus, there will be Slayer Sentinels protecting the liar.”

Amir was now less intrigued and more concerned. “Are you expecting a battle?”

He’d been so preoccupied with his own worries that he’d forgotten who his mate was, his main purpose as a gargoyle. Dante was a slayer, he was made to fight the evil, vicious Rogues that had torn his uncle apart. Amir swallowed past a lump in his throat. And unfortunately, he’d experienced firsthand what the brutal reality of fighting against Rogues was like.

Dante smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Everything will be fine. This is only a meeting to gather more information. After we get the details, Michael will decide our next move.”

“But I heard you say something about the Rogues getting a second relic. If they only need three to take power, then we’re in big trouble, right?”

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