Page 35 of Gargoyle Vigilante

The two-story wood and rock home boasted five bedrooms and three baths, including a jetted tub in the primary one. Downstairs featured a playroom, along with an expansive living room, river rock fireplace, and gourmet kitchen that featured the latest in high-end cooking accessories.

Now that he’d gone all in on having a mate and family, he was excited to add more children to their family. Amir wanted six, but he thought they should start with three then see how itwent from there. As thrilled as he was with the new direction his life had taken, he still had some adjusting to do.

But something was tugging at the back of his mind, an unease low in his belly. He gazed out at the gorgeous view from the redwood deck that looked out on the Cascade range. The sun was beginning to set, casting a saffron and blood-orange hue on the horizon. The barest hint of a few stars emerged higher in the sky, but it would be a dark night. A new moon would rise, matching Dante’s contented musings.

He crossed his arms, frowning. At least hehadbeen contented. Anxiety built like an electrical thrum beneath his skin. The face of Ezekiel popped into his mind and he gasped. This was exactly what he’d feared would happen when he reluctantly left that morning. Amir was in labor and was about to have their child at any moment.

Dammit.

His wings whooshed open with a loud snap as his body hardened. His human skin became a pebbled leather-like covering that was thick and rugged, excellent protection against the dark beasts and demons he so often had to battle.

As he soared over the range, he berated himself for leaving for a day so he could examine their new home and determine if anything else needed to be done before they moved in. Ezekiel had checked Amir before Dante left and felt that he still had a few days—particularly because this was his first time.

He was irritated with Ezekiel—primarily because he was usually irritated with the healer—but in truth, he was angry at himself. How could he protect Amir and their child when he was off fussing over their cabin, checking to see if the heated floors were working in the bathroom or if the nursery had the custom crib mobile with the dancing gargoyles and angels?

I’m an idiot.

Dante veered west when he reached the California border, his heart thumping wilder as he massive wings sliced through the air. Why did it feel like he was flying through quicksand?

Hold on Amir, I’m on my way.

His thoughts were so powerful, so concentrated, that they cut through the air with an intensity that outmatched the strength of his flight. Even the universe seemed to respond as a gust of warm air thrust beneath his wings, urging him forward with an accelerated speed.

Worry gripped him—worry that he’d arrive too late, that he’d miss the birth of their firstborn, leaving Amir alone at a moment when he needed him most. Dante hadn't been vulnerable in centuries, but this situation laid bare emotions he’d forgotten he could feel. He clung to those fears, using them as fuel for his frantic flight.

Landing in the courtyard of the Mission with an earthy thud, Dante barely wasted time to fold his wings back into their resting position on his back. His thoughts were clouded with Amir. Every step he took towards the entrance felt as though his feet were made of cement blocks. Once he made his way into the lair, it was safe for him to revert to his human form, and he raced down the hall to the birthing chamber.

As he burst through the door, the first thing he noted was Ezekiel arranging herbs and oils on a stone table in the main area. He jumped as Dante stormed in before giving him a wide smile. "Dante! I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly. Amir is doing well—"

But Dante had already pushed past him, four long strides bringing him to Amir. The sight of his mate in the birthing chair. cheeks flushed with exertion, and eyes shining with fear and anticipation were enough to bring him to his knees.

“Dante…” Amir sighed, his features relaxing as if he was relieved.

As soon as Dante clasped Amir’s hand, it was like a balm to his frazzled nerves. The pressure of Amir’s grip increased to a surprising strength as he screwed his eyes shut and bared his teeth.

“I’m here, sweet angel,” Dante murmured, running his fingers through Amir’s dark curls. “I’m here.” He peered over his shoulder at Ezekiel. “Dosomething. He’s in pain! What kind of a healer are you?”

Ezekiel sighed as he approached them on the raised area. “The kind that’s going to deliver you a healthy child if you’ll allow me some room.”

Dante was about to bark a retort, but Amir squeezed his hand again in a punishing grip. For such a tiny man, he sure could pack a wallop. A strangled sound caught in Amir's throat, and he turned pain-filled eyes to Dante. The desperate plea in them broke his already frayed patience.

“Ezekiel,” Dante growled, glaring at the healer, who gave an exasperated shake of his head, rolling his eyes as he moved closer to Amir.

"I'm going to need you both to stay calm," Ezekiel counseled, beginning to prepare for the birth. "The child will sense tension."

Dante took a deep breath and nodded, attempting to maintain some semblance of control. He returned his attention to Amir, wiping the sweaty curls off his forehead.

Without looking up, Ezekiel jerked his head to the table next to Dante. On it was a marble bowl filled with water, with a small cloth draped over the brim.

“I refilled it right before you got here. The water should still be cool.”

Dante drew his eyebrows together. “There aren’t any cups for him to drink from?”

Ezekiel had taken a seat on a small stool in front of the birthing chair, and between Amir’s legs, his mate’s gown bunched up above his knees. Dante shoved down his irrational jealousy so he wouldn’t upset Amir or the baby.

Ezekiel glanced up from whatever it was he’d been doing. “The water isn’t for drinking. Soak the cloth and place it on his forehead.” Once again, he rolled his eyes then went back to helping Amir.

Dante pressed his lips together but followed through on helping his mate. "I'm here, my love," he reassured, his voice rough with emotion. "You're strong. You can do this."

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