Page 22 of Gargoyle Reaper

“Well, we are hurting for recruits.” And the way things were going, he and Archer wouldn’t be contributing to the forces any time soon. “Archangels are gifted with sight way beyond ours. He must know something we don’t.”

Cassiel frowned, pursing her lips. “Maybe. But my gut tells me something’s off. And my gut’s rarely wrong.”

Ezekiel nodded, taking another swig of his beer. He respected Cassiel's instincts - she was one of their most skilled fighters for a reason. “Have you shared your concerns with Michael?”

“Not yet,” she sighed. “I wanted to be sure before I said anything. Plus, there hasn't exactly been time for a heart-to-heart with everything that happened today.”

“Fair point,” Ezekiel conceded. “But promise me you'll talk to him soon. If there's even a chance the defectors aren't truly on our side, we need to know right away.”

“Don’t worry, I will. First thing when he gets back from Mt. Shasta.” She tilted her head, eyeing Ezekiel curiously. “Speaking of concerns, why are you down here drowning your sorrows instead of up there cuddling with your hot new mate?"

Ezekiel winced. “I might’ve gone too far.”

“Uh oh,” Cassiel said, leaning back. “Trouble in paradise already? Spill it, Zeke.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “I told Archer about the whole male pregnancy thing. He didn't take it well.”

Cassiel's eyes widened. “Damn, you dropped that bomb on Captain Science already? Bold move.”

“I had to.” Ezekiel groaned. “Things were heating up between us. I couldn't in good conscience let things progress without him knowing the full truth.”

“Let me guess. He freaked and kicked you out?”

Ezekiel nodded glumly. “Pretty much. He said he needed time alone to process everything. I can’t blame him, though. It’s a lot to take in, especially for someone rooted in science and logic.”

Cassiel grunted. “No shit. Poor guy's whole worldview just got flipped upside down in one day. Finding out he can get knocked up was probably the cherry on top of the mindfuck sundae."

“I know, I know.” Ezekiel rubbed his temples. “I just... I've waited so long for him. Now that I've finally found my mate, I want to dive in headfirst. But I need to remember this is all new to Archer. He needs time and space.”

“Look at you, being all mature and shit," Cassiel teased. She reached across the table and patted his hand. “For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing.”

Ezekiel gave Cassiel a grateful smile. “Thanks. I just hope I haven't ruined things before they even had a chance to begin.”

“I wouldn't worry too much," Cassiel drained her beer then let out a loud belch. “From what I saw earlier, that man is definitely into you. He just needs time to wrap his head around his magical new world. Give him space tonight, but don't let him stew for too long tomorrow. You two need to talk this out before the next gargoyle crisis hits.”

Ezekiel nodded, feeling slightly better. “You're right. I'll give him the night to process, then approach him in the morning.” He finished the last of his beer. “What about you? Are you heading to bed soon?”

Cassiel shook her head. “Nah, I'm too keyed up. Think I might go for a fly, clear my head a bit.”

“Be careful out there, Cass.”

She pointed at him. “Don’t start with meZeke.” She mock-punched his stomach as she passed him on her way out of the kitchen. “Get some rest, reaper. Tomorrow is another day.”

He tossed both of their empty bottles in the bin with a loudclank, his mind still whirling.

Hopefully, the new day wouldn’t bust his balls.

Chapter Eight

Ezekiel carried a small tray with two mugs of coffee as he made his way toward Archer’s bedroom. He rapped his knuckles on the heavy wood door, a staccato beat that echoed down the hall. He balanced the tray carefully, his nerves jittering like static electricity. When the door finally swung open, Ezekiel was met with the sight of Archer looking as if he'd been through a particularly vicious battle with his bedsheets—and lost.

“Hey.” Archer wrapped his robe tighter around him.

“Good morning.” Ezekiel could barely stand seeing Archer so distraught. “May I come in?”

He scratched his head, clearing his throat. “Uh, sure.” He pointed to the mugs. “I hope those have coffee in them.”

“I figured you might need some. I know I do.” Ezekiel offered Archer one of the cups and stepped inside. “I think I remembered how you took it from when we were at the coffee shop yesterday. If not, I can make you another one.”

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