Page 15 of Gargoyle Reaper

Ezekiel dipped his chin at Archer. “Sure,” said Archer, picking up the box. “Here you go.”

Ezekiel marveled at how Archer’s demeanor had softened throughout the day. While he’d seemed impossibly stubborn at their first meeting, the remarkable circumstances seemed to have given him a new perspective.

“Thank you,” said Michael, accepting the relic from Archer. "We leave you behind with a heavy heart, Ezekiel. But your healing will be essential after the coming battle.” Michael regarded Archer. “We shall meet again soon. In the meantime, your assistance to your mate will be greatly needed.”

Archer glanced at him with a wrinkled brow, but Ezekiel knew exactly what Michael was inferring. He doubted it was an accident that he was given a mate who was a doctor in his mortal life. The timing of him being gifted with his Fated One right as the need exploded for additional healers couldn’t be ignored.

As Michael gave instructions to the other Slayer present, Malachi elbowed Ezekiel. “Congrats, buddy. I have a feeling he’s going to keep you on your toes.”

Ezekiel chuckled. “Hey. I put up with Dante all these centuries. Archer doesn’t come close to that snark factory.”

Malachi snorted. “Actually, the guy has mellowed out a lot since Amir and the baby.”

A wistfulness fell over Ezekiel. He always had a soft spot for the babies he’d delivered. He stole a peek at Archer, who was being introduced to the other Slayers.

Someday.

“Little Leonardo is doing well?”

“They all are. We need to have a get-together when things are less hectic. You should see what Dante’s done to his little slice of heaven there in the mountains.” Malachi let out a light laugh. “Now that he’s not ripping apart the enemy at every turn, he’s been expending his energy on home improvement projects.”

“I bet one of those projects involves knocking up Amir again.”

They both fell into laughter, and it wasn’t until Ezekiel looked up that he caught the bewildered expression on Archer’s face.

Malachi elbowed him again, covering his mouth with one hand as he whispered, “Dude. You’ve got to tell him.”

Ezekiel rubbed his forehead. “I know. But this is all so abrupt for him.”

“Not any more abrupt than him going into heat and freaking out. He keeps flushing.”

Ezekiel let out an aggravated sigh. “You’re right. I’m waiting until Cassiel, Darius and the others return. Then maybe we can sneak off together and -”

“Fuck?”

Ezekiel shot Malachi a glare. “Do you mind?”

Michael called out, “Sentinel. We need to leave.”

Malachi locked eyes with him, arching his eyebrows. “Don’t wait.”

“Bye,” groused Ezekiel. “I can handle this.” He patted Malachi’s back. “Safe travels.”

Malachi winked. “Thanks. See you soon.”

Once the room cleared, Ezekiel turned to meet the gaze of a frowning Archer. “What was that all about?”

Ezekiel clasped his hands in front of him. “Well… Michael and the others need to take the relic to the council, which is located in a Mount Shasta cavern. Then - “

“Ezekiel, please.” Archer held up his palm. “Something’s up. I can tell from the way you and Malachi were whispering to each other. And I heard something about babies.” He crossed his arms. “Are you married with a family? Because I’m out if you are. I don’t stand for that kind of shit.”

Ezekiel’s jaw dropped. “What? No! I would never do anything like that.”

“Okay, fine,” said Archer tersely. “Then out with it.”

A cacophony sounded from down the hall at the entrance of the lair. Ezekiel and Archer exchanged glances, then bolted down the corridor toward the noise of shouts and cries for help. Cassiel staggered in, bloodied, with an injured Darius leaning against her, their faces etched with pain. Behind them, four more Slayers appeared at the entrance, the two at the rear looking up the steps as if verifying they weren’t being followed.

“Did the wards hold?” Ezekiel called out as he approached the group.

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