Page 9 of Gargoyle Vigilante

His mate’s eyes darted around the room as if he were searching for a way to escape. “I don’t understand what’s going on. You and your friend are slayers? Does that mean you’re, like, professional killers or something?”

Dante nodded. “Something like that.”

“And you hunt down those freaky black creatures to kill? You said they were rogue gargoyles. Do you also hunt humans?” He visibly swallowed.

“Actually, no. Our mission is to protect humans from evil and harm.”

“Right…” He crossed his arms. “But I also saw more regular-looking gargoyles fighting the rogue ones.” He rubbed his forehead. “I can’t believe I just said that out loud.” With a sigh, he continued, “Anyway, did you also have to save me from those other gargoyles? I passed out after being clawed by one of the weird ones.”

Clearly, his little mate had no clue about his angelic blood. This was going to be an interesting conversation.

Dante locked eyes with him. “I’m one of the so-called regular gargoyles who fought to save you from the rogues.”

His mate scooted away to the point Dante worried he’d fall off the other side of the bed.

“I… You…What?” His breathing accelerated. “I demand you tell me everything rightnow. I’ve had a really crappy day, and I don’t appreciate being mauled by some sort of evil, bloodthirsty creature and… and…” He jabbed a finger at Dante. “Gargoyle? That’s ridiculous. I don’t believe you. You’re clearly aman.” His gaze flicked down to Dante’s crotch then back up. His face flushed. “Very clearly.”

Dante held in a groan. His mate was a feisty one. “Why don’t we start by introducing ourselves? We don’t even know each other’s names. I’m Dante. And you?”

“Amir.”

“Just Amir?”

“Tell me what’s going on first.”

This was going to be a fun eternity. Two stubborn mates fighting for superiority. Good times.

“Fine.” Dante eased back into the chair, allowing his legs to fall open. Amir’s blush deepened. “I’ll be as concise as possible. I’m from an ancient faction of gargoyles who were anointed by the Divine Spark as Shadow Slayers. We protect the world’s holiest relics from falling into the claws of rogue gargoyles in league with the demons who have turned against the fallen angels. If they should acquire three relics, humanity and Earth would be plunged into darkness. The fallen would lose their sovereignty over Hell, and the heavenly realms would be threatened. Basically, everything would go to shit.”

Amir threw his hand up, palm out. “Hold on a sec. You actually expect me tobelieveany of this?” He snort-laughed. “My guess is that you’re telling me this wild story, so I’ll hand over the—” Amir coughed into his fist. “I mean, you obviously brought me here for a reason. Just tell me what youreallywant instead of making up bizarre stories. Then I’ll be on my way.” He stuck out his chin. “I was merely walking home after class, and those things came after me. I have no idea why.”

Dante pursed his lips. “Yeah, I bet you don’t.” He leaned forward, clasping his hands. “Look, little one. You saw those things with your own eyes. You saw my fellow slayer and I in our gargoyle forms.How much bigger of a reach is it to believe in a demon uprising? Don’t get me started on having to put upwith Lucifer’s bullshit.” Dante rolled his eyes. “Asshole is always whining about something.”

Amir whispered, seemingly himself, “I can’t believe this is happening. Khaled wasn’t delusional after all.” He blinked repeatedly then looked up. “How is Lucifer involved in all this? And you said Divine Spark. Is that, like, God?”

Dante nodded. “Yeah. That’s how we’ve always known them. Humans have given them a bunch of names, but we don’t pay attention to that.” He chuckled. “Basically, the Fallen became desperate because they were losing control of Hell. Lucifer was then tasked by the rest to act as an ambassador and ask the Divine for help. It’s a win-win since both sides would be damaged if the rogues won.” He pointed to himself. “So here I am, along with all my cohorts.”

It occurred to Dante that he was starting to think of himself as part of the team again.Dammit.

Amir slowly shook his head. “I’m not sure how to process all of this. Especially since my body feels so…” His face flushed again. “I’m just confused, that’s all.”

Dante tilted his head. “Feels so what?”

Amir lowered his head. “It’s nothing. Listen…” He started to rise. “Thank you for helping me out, I really appreciate it. But I’ve got to get going. No offense, but this is all a bit much for me.”

As Amir reached for his backpack, Dante rushed to block the door. Amir abruptly straightened.

“What are you doing?” His voice held an edge of panic.

“You can’t leave.”

Dante felt terrible about keeping Amir from going, for treating him as if he were a prisoner. He simply needed to make him understand the circumstances.

“Why not?”

Amir stared up at him with saucer eyes, and for the first time, Dante took notice of how truly beautiful his mate was. Theblack curls that he’d first noticed about Amir hung haphazardly around his oval face, reaching just beyond his ears. His warm brown eyes were heavily lashed, and his smooth, tawny skin begged to be touched.

And oh, how Dante wanted to touch.

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