Page 23 of Gargoyle Reaper

Archer’s eyes widened slightly as he accepted the mug. “We were in mortal danger, and you were paying attention tothat?”

Ezekiel set the tray down on a small round side table next to the green velvet chair. He withheld comment about the food tray from the night before. Broken plates with mangled cheese, bread, and meats were jumbled together in a pile on the bent silver platter that had been set on the floor near the wastebasket.

“Whether you accept it or not, you’re my mate. Everything about you, no matter how small a detail, is important to me.”

Archer wrapped his hands around the mug then sank on the chair. “See, that’s what’s messing with my head.”

Ezekiel perched on the edge of the bed, wishing like hell he could be next to Archer, that his mate hadn’t chosen to keep a physical distance between them.

“What is, dearest? Tell me how I can help you through this abrupt change in your life. I’d do anything for you.” His gaze swept over Archer, searching for any signal that he was getting through to him. “Would it help to speak with another Nephilim?”

Archer lifted his eyes. “Are there any here?”

Ezekiel sighed. “No. But I could see if Amir is available to speak with you. When Dante rescued Amir, he was also unaware of his Nephilim heritage. They have since had a baby boy together.”

Archer’s eyebrows shot up. “This is so unreal.” He frowned. “Wait. I thought I heard that name when you and Malachi were talking. So you’re saying this, Amir, he actually gave birth to a baby?”

Ezekiel set his mug down on the floor. “He did. And we might not have phones, but I can send a message to Dante through the lair computer. We’ve found we have no choice but to track human activity through those devices. Many times, we’ve discovered a shadow attack through baffled scanner groups.”

Archer grunted. “You know, the more information I get about gargoyle life, the less I understand.” He dropped his head in his hands. “But I suppose I have no choice but to move forward.”

Ezekiel couldn’t stand to hear the anguish in Archer’s voice. He went to his side, dropping to his knees on the floor next to the chair. He took a chance and grasped Archer’s hand. When he didn’t pull away, hope bloomed in Ezekiel’s chest.

“I don’t want you to feel as if you’re being forced, angel. Spending our lives together as mates is meant to be a joyous experience, not a prison sentence.”

Archer squeezed Ezekiel’s fingers. “That what I want to believe, that I can have something so precious. But it feels too good to be true.” Archer’s voice dropped to a whisper. “And I'm terrified of losing it all.”

Ezekiel nodded, his thumb tracing soothing circles on Archer’s hand. “What you shared with me about your upbringing broke my heart. It must be hard to believe that you no longer have to keep your heart locked up so it doesn’t get crushed. That I won’t abandon you. We don’t have to rush anything. We can take this as slow as you need.”

A small smile tugged at Archer’s lips. “Even though you've been waiting for me for centuries?”

“Even then,” Ezekiel gave him a soft smile. “Your comfort and happiness are what matter most to me.”

Archer was quiet for a moment, his eyes searching Ezekiel's face. Then, hesitantly, he reached out with his free hand and cupped Ezekiel's cheek. “I never had the chance to make my confession last night.”

Ezekiel leaned into his touch. “Will you make it now?”

“I can’t stop thinking about how badly I want you. I’ve never experienced such an aching need before. I know at least some of it is from this fated business, but even if you were just a regular guy, I’d want you.” The corners of his mouth tugged into a slight smile. “I’ve never met anyone so kind and good. Brave, caring, unselfish, gorgeous.” Archer shook his head. “To be honest, I don’t think I deserve you.”

Ezekiel reached up and laced his fingers with Archer’s. “Just because you were rejected as a child, doesn’t mean you weren’t worthy of love then or now. That’s on those who didn’t try to see your true value.” He brushed his lips across Archer’s knuckles. “You deserve every bit of happiness, dearest. And if you'll let me, I'd like to spend the rest of eternity proving that to you.”

Archer’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Ezekiel’s. “I want to believe you. I really do.”

“Then believe this,” Ezekiel whispered, his breath ghosting over Archer’s lips. “I'm not going anywhere. No matter how long it takes or what obstacles we face, I'll be right here by your side.”

A shuddering sigh escaped Archer as he closed the tiny gap between them, pressing his lips to Ezekiel's in a tender kiss. It was hesitant at first, a mere brush of lips, but as Ezekiel responded, the kiss deepened. Ezekiel tangled his fingers in Archer’s hair, pulling him closer. Archer slid from the chair, embracing him back as they battled for dominance over the kiss with their tongues.

When they finally parted, they were both breathless. Archer’s eyes were wide, pupils dilated.

“I need you,” Archer begged. “I feel like I’ll lose my mind if you don’t fuck me now. My body is on fire.”

Ezekiel rose, dragging Archer to his feet with one hand and encircled his waist with the other. “I’m not making love to my angel on the floor for our first time.”

“We can do it on the fucking kitchen table for all I care,” Archer growled. He squeezed Ezekiel’s ass cheek with a powerful grip. “Don’t make me wait one second longer.”

After giving Archer’s ear lobe a quick nip, he tugged him toward the bed, whirled him around then pushed him onto the mattress. His poor angel was flushed, and Ezekiel was sure his heat was hitting him full force. Archer needn’t worry. He wouldn’t be waiting.

Ezekiel wasted no time in shedding his clothes, his eyes never leaving Archer’s flushed face. With each layer removed, Archer's breathing grew more ragged, his hands fisting in the sheets as if to anchor himself.

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