Page 3 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Even as he said the words, he was filled with a twinge of remorse. But if Mal reallywasonly interested in finding him at Michael’s behest, that sting would be worse.

Mal arched his eyebrows. “My, my. Aren’t we the spicy one tonight?”

Dante smirked. Damn, but he missed Mal. They’d had plenty of great times together.

“Only tonight?”

They both broke into laughter, and the tension was broken. After a hearty pat on his back, Mal tilted his head.

“Look, you owe Michael an explanation. You had to know this day would come. From what he’s been able to tally, you’ve eliminated seventy-eight rogues in the past eighty years. That brings your total kills to one hundred and ninety-two. That’s way past your heavenly obligation of one hundred and thirty-three.”

“Pfft. That’s not even one death a year. I’m actually embarrassed I haven’t snuffed out more.”

The bartender turned, whiskey bottle in hand, and narrowed his eyes at them. He continued to regard them with suspicion as he poured more booze into Dante’s glass.

Dante chuckled as he handed the bartender a twenty. Gargoyle shifters on a mission from God didn’t carry plastic.

“He takes his video game stats very seriously.” Dante paused to give Mal a wink before returning his attention to the confused bartender. “Jealous that I’ve wiped out so many more big bosses than he has.”

The bartender's features softened. “Tell me about.” He snorted. “This one dude I play with thinks he’s the shit when it comes to Mario Kart.” The bartender rolled his eyes. “What a joke. I beat him every time because he always chooses the dumbest vehicles.”

Dante’s regret at engaging in conversation with this human held no bounds. He would’ve preferred being fucked by a demon. Unfortunately, humans were the only company he’d had since he’d been on the run from his fellow Shadow Slayers, which went a long way in explaining why he rarely spoke to anyone unless he absolutely had to. Ordering booze and convincing a little hottie to suck him off in the men’s room was about as much social activity as he was capable of.

Dante locked gazes with the bartender, using his inner fury to spark his eyes until he was sure the amber glow would get his message across.As Dante had intended, the guy paled then quickly backed away.

Mal groaned. “Was that really necessary?”

“Yup. There are days I’d rather rip my tail off than speak another syllable to a wretched human.”

Mal scrubbed his face with both hands. “You’re nothing if not an anomaly.”

Dante regarded him. His fellow slayer might be a knock-out when it came to looks with his smoldering deep green eyes, full kissable lips, and wavy chestnut hair that contrasted nicely with his tan skin. But the guy was pushy as fuck and didn’t know when to step off. As much as he’d hated to do it, going alone had seemed like the right call back then. But lately. He wasn’t so sure anymore. The endless routine was beginning to get him down.

“Oh yeah?” Dante slammed back his drink then slid the glass away from him. He’d had enough of the putrid surroundings. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Your entire purpose is to save humanity from the gargoyle rogues who’ve teamed up with hell’s demon rogues, yet you despise them.”

Dante grunted. “Who says my purpose is saving humanity? That whiny bitch, Michael? I’d like to see him show up and say that to my face.”

Mal laughed at the same time Dante groaned again.Dammit. He’d been goaded into speaking the Archangel’s name and summoning him.

Michael instantly materialized behind Mal, the only warning being a muted glow that suddenly filled with the achingly beautiful angel. A crown of golden wavy hair topped his head, and his icy blue eyes were mesmerizing. With porcelain skin, a long, lean form, and strong, perfectly formed hands, allmanner of beings ached to be with the celibate Archangel. Not that Dante would ever do him. Gorgeous or not, the mouthpiece of the Divine Spark irritated the fuck out of him. It was always his way or the highway.

They stared each other down. If Michael had something to say, he should speak up. Dante didn’t care what he thought. After all, what did Michael expect him to do? Sit around and wait for demons and rogues to fuck Earth up?

Giving a shit about the humans had nothing to do with that. Earth was his hangout. Shitty bars notwithstanding, the mountains and cities, oceans and forests, everywhere there was vitality and life. Energy flowed through him, filled all his senses when he was on the Earth plane.

If Earth were overtaken, that would mean he’d be stuck back in Heaven. Talk about boring. Everything glittered and sparkled, bright prisms of light all-encompassing. Everyone smiling and singing. The glorious nighttime, the stars, the stillness, and the smoky grays when the moon was full would no longer be his to revel in.

If the humans got something out of him saving the world, well, good for them. But that hadnothingto do with his intent.

Michael let out one of his musical laughs. “Hmm. Stubborn as ever. I wonder what you’ve been up to lately. After all, it’s been so long since we spoke.” He tapped his finger to his chin. “Won’t the Divine Spark be thrilled to discover you’ve been located? Especially since your fated mate awaits.”

Michael’s stunning blue eyes flashed, his gaze piercing through Dante as if it were an actual blade, a warning that his patience was at an end.

“Now that one obligation has been fulfilled, it’s time for you to fulfill the next.”

The bartender chose that moment to make a reappearance. “Hi, what can I get you?” He grinned as he approached themthen froze when Michael turned his way. The bartender cleared his throat. “Nope.” After spinning on his heels, he scurried away.

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