Page 25 of Gargoyle Vigilante

“With that said, I’d like the following Slayers to remain so you can be briefed on your duties as sentinels.”

Dante elbowed Mal so they could hurry back to their lair when Michael announced Mal’s name. He froze, then turned to see Michael taking a seat as the new sentinels gathered around him. He trailed after Mal until he reached the stone table.

“Wait a minute. Does that mean Mal won’t be fighting by my side or with the rest of us?”

Michael snorted. “Oh, so now you’re suddenly desperate to fight with him? Given up your vigilante ways, have you?”

Dante gritted his teeth. “Fair enough. But I’m back, and we’ve always been an outstanding team in battle. Look at the group of Rogues we just annihilated and the relic we recovered. Surely, that holds greater significance than sidelining him.”

Michael pasted on an I’m-bored-by-your-nonsense expression. “The last time I checked, I’m in charge. If you’re unhappy with the delegation of power on this mission, I suggest you take it up with the Divine Spark.”

Dante gritted his teeth harder. Michael should’ve simply told him to fuck off. No gargoyle had ever had a private audience with the Divine.

Mal rested his hand on Dante’s wrist. “Hey. We’re still a team. But I’ve been fighting without you for a long time. And thanks to the battle we just shared, I only have to complete a few more kills before I get my fated mate.” Mal turned to Michael. “Will my position as a sentinel keep me from achieving that goal?”

“I can’t promise you that. But in your capacity as sentinel, any rogue kills you accomplish will be part of your tally—including any traitor who is masking their shadow side.” Michael gave him a soft smile, something Dante rarely saw the archangel do. “I chose you especially because of your even temperament, your ability to calmly access situations. It’s imperative that your fellow Slayers don’t fall into the trap of false accusations.”

Dante’s knee-jerk reaction was to feel as though Michael was making a dig against him. But truthfully, Michael was right. Mal was the best gargoyle for the job. His commitment to what was right, his caring nature, and his capacity to forgive was what set him apart from most of the other Slayers. There was a reason Mal was one of the only gargoyles Dante not only tolerated but cared about.

Mal appeared startled by Michael’s statement. “I hope I can live up to your expectations. I vow to do all I can to discover those who are turning on their fellow Slayers.”

Yeah. Mal was perfect for the job. Dante knew himself too well. He’d never be that humble.

Dante patted Mal on the shoulder. “You’re going to kick ass as a sentinel. Ignore my grumpy ass.”

A voice came from behind him. “I think we all do.”

Dante frowned, peering over his shoulder at Zahra. “Haven’t you left yet?”

Zahra let out a hearty laugh then winked. He gave her a half smile in acknowledgment. In truth, he deserved a lot of the barbs he’d been hit with since returning to the fold.

Uriel, who had been quiet throughout the proceedings, held Dante’s gaze as he spoke to Michael. “I think what we discussed earlier should be shared with Dante. His mate will need to be protected from the repercussions, so it’s only fair he be informed.”

What now. “I don’t want Amir dragged into any of this. He doesn’t need the stress now that he’s pregnant.” Dante frowned. “Or ever. If you need me to be a good boy and sit with him in our room all day, I’ll do it. Whatever it takes.”

Everyone stared at him as if he’d grown a second head.

Michael blinked repeatedly. “Weren’t you the same guy who insisted all this fated mate stuff was bullshit, or am I hallucinating?”

Dante balled his fists. “You’ll be hallucinating, all right. Care to take this to the surface?”

Michael’s wings blazed a fiery red, his eyes turning to brilliant, piercing stars.

Mal grabbed Dante’s arm. “Don’t. You know better than to challenge any angel to a fight, let alone Michael.”

Dante took several calming breaths then let go of the rage permeating his body. Mal was right, he did know better. But, damn. Michael needed to step off already.

Michael’s fire subsided until his form was that of a human again. He continued as if Dante hadn’t said a word.

“Yes, Uriel. That’s an excellent idea. Begin briefing the sentinels while I speak with Dante.”

With a sweeping gesture, Michael indicated with his hand for Dante to follow. Once they reached a small pool of water tucked away in the far end of the cavern, Michael stopped.

“First of all, I recognize that we’ve clashed many times over the millenniums and that we’ll likely never be the best of friends. But I assure you, all that matters to me is protecting the balance and following the Divine Spark’s plan. Part of that plan is ensuring that all life-givers remain safe. I’ll never do anything that puts Amir in danger. Understood?”

Dante clenched his jaw before answering. “Understood. Now, what’s going on?”

“We’ve relocated the ring in secret. Only myself and Uriel know where it is. We purposely led everyone at the meeting to believe that it was still at your lair. Mal’s getting briefed on the subterfuge right now, but we’re guiding Mal to hint to Amir that it hasn’t been moved. We didn’t want to put you in the position of lying to your mate.”

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