Page 26 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Dante frowned. “I don’t understand. The relics are always verified then taken to one of the designated locations for safe keeping.”

“Yes, but we didn’t discover we had traitors until after the verification. One of the Slayers who was present could be an enemy. If we’re lucky, they might try and find out from Amir where it’s been taken.”

Dread built inside Dante that was almost as strong as his fury. “You willnotbe using Amir as bait.”

Michael crossed his arms.”What did I just say about not putting Amir’s life in danger? You know, sometimes I think you don’t hear a blazing word I say.”

“I hear you,” Dante growled. “But I choose to disregard what I don’t believe is true.I’mthe one in charge of Amir’s protection.I’mthe one who will see to his safety.” He stabbed a finger at Michael. “And don’t you dare tell me that because I didn’t want a fated mate before, I can’t accept my duty as his protector now! That’s bullshit, and you know it.”

One corner of Michael’s mouth lifted in a smile. “Duly noted. In that case, you may assist Mal if you feel comfortable misleading your mate.”

Dante huffed. “The fuck? Misleading my mate? Yeah, I don’t think so.”

Michael tipped back his head. “Divine, give me strength.” He regarded Dante again. “Pick one. Defend your mate by misleading him into thinking the relic has been moved, or fightwith your fellow Slayers and allow Mal and the other Sentinels to ensure his safety. You can’t have both.”

Dante dug his fingers into his palms, his head ready to burst from the rage coursing through him. He’d bent plenty of rules over the years, but he’d never received any serious backlash because his motives had dovetailed with the Divine Plan. He’d been allowed to fight the Rogues his own way until his fated mate was ready for him. But to willfully disobey Michael’s decree in such a blatant manner could get him banished. He’d never see Amir or his child again.

Lie to Amir? Or trust that Mal and the others would keep him safe? Never had he been so conflicted.

“I…” He swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “I can’t lie to him. And I think you already know that.”

Michael nodded slowly. “As much as I find you challenging on a good day, Idoknow that. I’ve never met an angel or gargoyle so capable of blurting out exactly what they’re thinking, no matter how inappropriate.” Michael’s features turned grave. “Which is why you’ll be leaving with your Slayer team for battle now. I won’t chance you cluing Amir in on our plan. Only Mal and Caleb will be returning to the lair.”

Dante’s jaw went slack. “You can’t do that! I need to see him before I go in case I don’t come back!”

Michael’s features clouded, and Dante thought the archangel might be on the verge of another glowing fit.

“This is my decree! Donotmake me banish you for Amir’s sake.”

Dante’s hands shook, his knees weakening. Never had he been so devastated by following an edict from Michael.

“Yes, Michael. I’ll follow your decree.”

He spun around, marching toward Mal with determination. It was crucial to make sure his friend relayed a message to Amir in case he didn’t survive the upcoming battle. As much as helonged to confess his feelings in person, he couldn't bear the thought of dying without Amir knowing how much he loved him.

Chapter Nine

He spun around, marching toward Mal with determination. It was crucial to make sure his friend relayed a message to Amir in case he didn’t survive the upcoming battle. As much as he longed to confess his feelings in person, he couldn't bear the thought of dying without Amir knowing how much he loved him.

Amir was curled up on a Victorian-era love set in the lair’s library, carefully examining the pages ofAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He’d discovered the rare first edition on a bookcase behind a stack of long-forgotten, dusty magazines while searching for something to keep his mind occupied. It made his gut clench to see the spine so loose and the foxing stains littering the old pages. One unthinking gargoyle had even dog-eared a page. He’d thrown up in his mouth a little when he spotted the desecration.

When Dante returned, he planned to have a serious discussion with him about the amazing antiquities that filled the lair. They were falling in disrepair, and half the time, when he’d ask someone about the history of an item he didn’t recognize, they’d shrug as if they didn’t care one bit.

Half the lovely objects in the lair deserved to be in a museum, but if the Slayers were going to insist on hogging them, the items could at least be treated with more reverence. If Khaled saw the sorry state the priceless pieces were in, he’d come completely unglued.

Amir’s eyes burned, his bottom lip trembling as he fought to keep his erratic emotions under control, at least until he was somewhere private. However, crying over the death of his uncle didn’t have anything to do with pregnancy hormones. The loss of his only remaining blood family cut deep. He wished so badly that Khaled could be here with him to meet the baby.

He sighed, gently closing the volume and placing it behind the magazines again, stacking even more ragged copies in front of the book. Maybe the historic volume would be spared further abuse.

Amir tucked his legs under his feet on the loveseat, adjusting a brocade-covered pillow so it supported the small of his back. He was so worried about Dante and, if he was being honest, a bit miffed at him as well. Why did he have to go directly from the meeting to search for a traitor?

A part of him felt he was being selfish. But after all the reassurances from Dante that he’d always be there to protect him, that it was his duty as his fated mate, his absence felt like a betrayal.

“Hey, Amir. Do you need anything?” Mal stepped into the room. I was getting ready to grab some coffee, and I thought you might like some ginger tea to help settle your stomach.”

Amir looked up at Mal with suspicion, his smile a bit too jolly for a discussion about tea. He couldn’t place what it was, but Mal had been acting weird ever since he’d returned from the big meeting.

“I’m fine, but thanks.” He’d had so much ginger that he was afraid he’d turn into a root. “Hear anything new from the outside?”

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