Page 23 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Dante pulled him in for a hug, stroking his head with one hand and his back with the other. “We don’t know that. And even if it’s all true, we’re strong. We’ve kept ahead of these fuckers for centuries.” He grasped Amir’s shoulders and locked eyes with him. “Everything’s going to be okay, I promise.”

Amir did his best to keep from crying. He couldn’t face losing Dante, didn’t want their child to never know their father. But he also needed to be strong, to show Dante he’d be fine so his mate could focus on his duties as a Slayer.

He finally managed a smile. “I’m not worried, Dante. I know you guys have got this.”

Now, all he had to do was believe his own words.

Chapter Eight

After a quick flight soaring over California to the southern end of the Cascade Range, Dante and the rest of the Slayers from their lair arrived at Mount Shasta. An extensive cavern system wound through the base of the massive volcano, and there were even large caverns that tourists visited. But the hidden cave system of the Slayers, angels, and other heavenly beings wasn’t included in any travel brochure.

Dante and Mal exchanged tense glances as they quickly made their way along the pathway to the grand hall where everyone would be meeting. Michael turned to them as they crossed the threshold, and Dante was startled to see such a grim expression from the typically self-satisfied angel.

“We don’t have time for banter,” said Michael, directing his terse comment to Dante as he spoke.

Normally, he’d bite Michael’s head off, but the severity of their situation made him hold his tongue. For once, he agreed with the pompous archangel.

Many Slayers Dante hadn’t seen before filled the grand room, as well as others he knew who held top-ranking positions. The cavern was vast and seemingly endless, lit by glowing crystals that cast ethereal colors across the jagged stone walls. Thick, humid air carried with it the scent of incense, sage, and musty earth, and massive stalactites hung from the ceiling like sharp teeth, adding to the sense of foreboding that filled Dante.

At the center of the cavern, a large stone table was surrounded by higher-ranking angels and gargoyles—their wings stretched out behind them in a show of power and authority. The angels were robed in their official garb of shimmering gold fabric with a bib collar of multicolored precious jewels. In contrast, the gargoyles were clad in darkleather, flowing silk shirts, and silver chains around their necks and wrists.

It seemed as if they were still waiting for others to arrive, as Archangel Michael had yet to call the meeting to order. Dante continued to survey the room while he waited until his gaze landed on a group of five female Slayers he hadn’t seen in ages approaching them. He couldn’t remember all their names, but there was one he definitely hadn’t forgotten. The majestic beauty hadn’t changed a bit. Even her jet-black bobbed hairstyle and pouty red-stained lips were the same.

“Hello, Zahra. It’s been a minute.”

She gave him a wry smile. “Actually, more like a billion. I believe we were both trying to seduce Spartacus at the time.”

Dante arched his eyebrows. That was a long-forgotten tryst. While their interlude had been enjoyable, the burly gladiator wasn’t his usual type. He preferred more delicate men.

“Ah, yes. I remember that night. I do miss the wine from that era. The grapes were so rich and pungent. Not like the watered-down version of recent centuries.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s your takeaway from a tumble with Spartacus? Grapes?”

Dante gave a dismissive shrug. “I wasn’t impressed.”

Zahra crossed her arms. “You haven’t changed a bit in two thousand years. You’re still absolutely ridiculous.”

He smirked. “I’m willing to bet you got a piece after I was through with him.”

She frowned. “Are you kidding? I didn’t want your leftovers. I made do with Julius.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Oh yeah? Never had the chance to meet Caesar. Was he worth it?”

She screwed up her nose. “I wasn’t impressed.”

They both snorted laughter, and he gave her a hearty pat on her back. “Those were good times though, weren’t they?”

She grinned before her features darkened again. “Bitch of a time to be meeting up again, though. What do you know about the second relic?”

He shook his head. “Fuck all. I don’t think anyone’s been informed yet. It’s possible that no one knows for sure.”

As if on cue, the loud, resonating voice of Archangel Michael echoed through the cavern, causing conversations to cease and heads to turn in his direction.

“Thank you all for being here. I understand your concerns regarding this crisis, and I’ve called this meeting to share what information we have.”

The high-ranking gargoyles and angels prowled toward the table—wings and robes shuffling in a rustling sound that would be soothing under different circumstances. Dante stood tall with Mal, Zahra, and the others at his side. He scanned the crowd again, curious to see whether Lucifer would actually show up.

Michael's voice carried across the room as he continued, "The five stones of David have been taken by the Rogues. They were obtained in what is now known as Istanbul, where they were relocated to a hidden location over a thousand years ago. It would also appear that one of our own is in league with the demons and Rogues.”

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