Page 27 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Mal turned away, dragging his fingers through his hair. “No, sorry.” He cleared his throat. “Uh, so I’m going to make my rounds then I’ll be back shortly.”

“You know, it’s not necessary to sit with me.”

Mal had been like a needy Chihuahua the past couple of days, following him around, turning up wherever he went. He’d even caught him lurking in the hallway by his and Dante’s bedroom. He wasn’t a complete idiot. All this cloak-and-dagger nonsense had to be related to the traitor he’d heard them talking about.

Mal chuckled shakily. “Of course not. Dante just wanted me to make sure you were…err…taken care of.”

Amir tilted his head. “Taken care of? Is there something wrong, something you’re not telling me?”

Poor Mal looked as though he might faint. “I know. Why don’t I grab Ezekiel? That way, I can do my rounds, and you won’t have to…”

His gaze darted around the room as if he hadn’t no idea what he was talking about. Amir was willing to bet that was exactly the case.

“Sit by myself?” Amir finished for him.

Mal stared at the floor, placing his hands on his hips. He finally lifted his head. “All I’m saying is that Dante didn’t want you to feel abandoned. There’s nothing more to it than that.”

“I thought once he was mated, his fighting days were over. No offense, but something seems off about him not coming back here to at least tell me what’s really going on.”

Mal scrubbed his face with one hand. “When there’s an emergency, any Slayer can be called back into action. Dante had no choice but to obey Michael’s decree that he join the fight.”

Amir crossed his arms, frustrated with the whole situation. “I guess. But if it’s so crucial that every Slayer join the fight, then why did you come back here?”

“I’m the new Sentinel, remember? And other Slayers have remained behind to make sure the lair is safe.”

“Yes. I remember.” Amir let out a small growl. “But it doesn’t make sense to me that a mated Slayer is off fighting the big fight while unmated ones are staying here just in case something bad happens.” He held up one hand. “Again, no offense. I’m only confused because…because…” He hiccuped a sob. “Dante swore he’d always be here to protect me and the baby.”

Mal fell to his haunches in front of Amir. “I know. It sucks. He didn’t make that promise lightly, I assure you. However, I’m afraid that nothing overrides a decree from Michael.”

Amir let out a heavy sigh. “I guess I can understand that. It’s just sofrustrating.”

Mal smiled. “Why don’t I see if Ezekiel’s busy? You know how he loves a good game of chess.”

Maybe Mal was right. If he kept himself occupied, he wouldn’t keep worrying about Dante.

Amir nodded. “Sure. But only if Ezekiel isn’t busy. I don’t want to be a hassle.”

“Are you kidding?” Mal laughed. “Ezekiel loves a good game of chess, but most of us aren’t interested.”

“Cool.”

His tension eased. Everything was probably fine, and he wasn’t doing himself or the baby any favors by getting all stressed out. Right as Mal turned to leave, Caleb came rushing through the door, almost crashing into him.

“Hey!” Mal jumped back as if avoiding getting knocked over.

“Come quick!” Caleb’s choked out through labored breathing. “The lair’s being attacked. Rogues have breached the door and are pouring inside!”

Amir instinctively wrapped his arms over his belly as Mal jumped between him and Caleb.

“Then why aren’t you down there fighting?” Mal snarled.

“Ezekiel ordered me to find you, that we need our strongest fighters. That sure as purgatory isn’t me. Please,” Caleb pleaded. “We’re being overrun.”

"Go!" Amir urged Mal, pushing him toward the door. Despite his fear, he knew the importance of their lair's defense. He had to trust that Dante would return soon.

Mal hesitated, his features twisted in clear conflict. “Fine.” He jabbed a finger at Amir. “But you stay here and hide. If the Rogues are after you, they’ll check the living quarters first. By now, Ezekiel would’ve sent out a message that we’re in trouble. You should be safe until reinforcements get here.” He grabbed Caleb’s arm. “Come on.”

They took off at a swift pace, racing down the hall toward the entrance of the lair. By the time they’d both disappeared around a corner, the terrifying sounds of battle had reached his ears. Amir’s throat tightened. He quickly shut the door, but the barrier was of little consequence. None of the public spaces had locks, and even if they did, a hunk of wood, no matter how thick, would be a useless shield from a Rogue.

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