Page 34 of Gargoyle Vigilante

Ezekiel patted his shoulder. “That’s all right. I didn’t mean to worry you. Sometimes, they still as they get ready to travel down the birth canal. Your womb is probably opening while the rest of your body adjusts. Your passage will temporarily close off to allow for the birth.

Amir had purposely not asked for details, and now he knew why. “You’re an expert at delivering babies, though, right?”

Ezekiel jerked back his head as if Amir had slapped him. “You would question my abilities after I saved your life?”

Amir’s cheeks heated. He probably shouldn’t piss off the guy who was delivering his baby.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” He lowered his chin. “I know you’re amazing, but I’m so nervous.”

“Amir,” Ezekiel said softly. “Everything will be fine. But I need you to get in the chair so I can scan you.”

Amir chewed on his lip as he took stock of the black padded chair. He poked at the seat, and his finger left a small dimple. The frame was covered in a soft material, almost velvety, but he couldn’t imagine a fine material being used where someone was going to give birth. But then again, he hadn’t been able to imagine most of the bizarre events of the past month, either.

“Amir?”

He nodded shakily, but as he climbed on the piece of equipment with Ezekiel’s help, he still wondered why it was necessary.

“I thought I’d be having the baby in bed. Wouldn’t that be more comfortable?”

Ezekiel gave him a warm smile. “Actually, this will help support and place your body in a more natural position to deliver the baby.”

Amir drew his eyebrows together as he considered the situation. He truly did trust Ezekiel, and the chair was pretty comfy. “You’ll be sure to catch them?”

Ezekiel laughed lightly. “Of course. You’re strong and healthy. This has been a smooth pregnancy, so there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

He made his way across the room, his footsteps muffled by the thick, burgundy rug covering the main area. The chair was perched on a raised section made of stone. Amir stretched his neck to see what Ezekiel was doing, but then another contraction hit, this one much worse than the ones before.

“Oh…oh…”

He gritted his teeth and screwed his eyes shut, trying to do the breathing exercises he’d learned. But he was flustered and upset that Dante wasn’t with him and had no idea if he was doing them correctly. He gripped the chair arms as the pain hit the peak, then slowly tapered off.

When his eyes fluttered open again, Ezekiel was beside him. He placed a cool, wet cloth on his forehead, and Amir relaxed against the chair.

“Does Dante know that the baby’s on the way yet?”

“Give me a moment, please.”

Ezekiel closed his eyes then held his palms a couple of inches above Amir’s belly, using his healing energy to scan the baby as he’d done several times before. He found the process so interesting. He’d been told he’d develop attributes specific to angels as time progressed, but he hadn't noticed much of anything else besides the tingling where his wings would eventually sprout.

After a few minutes, Ezekiel nodded then opened his his eyes. “The baby is doing well. I don’t detect any stress on them, so we’re going to let everything progress naturally.” He handed Amir a robe that was draped over his arm. “I’ll give you some privacy to put this on. Leave the back open.” He pointed to an ornate brass bell on a tray next to the chair. “Ring this if you need me. It will resound throughout the lair.”

Other than the fact that the material was of a finer quality, the gown could’ve come from any typical doctor’s office. As Ezekiel was leaving, he turned and asked, “Would you like some music? I have a lovely recording by the angelic choir of the Sixth Heaven. They performed last year at the annual Slayer and Nephilim mixer.”

“Wow, really? Do you go to that party every year?”

A cloud passed over Ezekiel’s features. “No, I’ve never been. That gathering is reserved for mated pairs.” He gave Amir amelancholy smile. “But you and Dante will get to attend this year. You’ll have to tell me all about it.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to rest now. As soon as Dante arrives, I’ll bring him right to you.”

Amir felt sad for Ezekiel. He was so nice, so giving. It didn’t seem fair that he didn't have a mate yet when he so clearly wanted one.

“Thanks, Ezekiel. I appreciate everything, I hope you know that.”

With a nod of his head, Ezekiel left, closing the door behind him. The onset of another contraction began, and Amir braced himself. Putting on the gown could wait a minute until he’d soldiered through another labor pain.

He shouted in his mind, used all the energy he could muster to send his thoughts into the universe.

Where are you, Dante? I need you!

Dante froze, his senses on alert from a strange hum in the cosmos. He had just stepped through the sliding glass door to take in the view from the home he hoped to have ready for Amir once the baby was born. He’d finally been able to steal away and check in with the worker gargoyles who were remodeling the cedar wood log cabin—although the word cabin wasn’t the best description.

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