Page 4 of Gargoyle Reaper

Whoever he was, he didn’t seem like someone who’d just robbed and vandalized his home. Archer almost chuckled at how out of place the sophisticated man seemed amidst the chaos. This gorgeous specimen would more likely be found in the boardroom of a high-powered corporation or hosting an exclusive party on his yacht. Yet, here he was, standing in his living room and claiming danger.

Archer was yanked from his appraisal as he remembered this was a stranger in his half-destroyed home and that there couldindeedbe danger. Archer clutched his phone in a tight grip and took a step back, ready to run if the man had a weapon or stand his ground if necessary. The stranger seemed strong, probably in his mid-thirties like Archer was, but he was a student of martial arts and could put up a decent fight if necessary.

“What’s going on here and who the hell are you?” Archer bit out.

“I’m not the hell, but they were here. I’m sorry your home was damaged while my colleagues and I fought them off. I’monly grateful you weren’t here at the time.” His brow furrowed before he continued. “I’m afraid they would’ve tortured or killed you in order to obtain the relic you’re hiding.”

Hot or not, this guy was clearly a nut job. “I need you to leave right now.”

The guy had the nerve to shake his head. “You don’t understand. The mortal authorities can’t help you, can’t keep you safe. Only my colleagues and I have the skills to protect you from what you’re up against.”

“You’re right. I don’t understand, but it’s still time for you to leave.”

The guy advanced again, and Archer stumbled back.

“I can’t allow you to call the authorities. It’s too risky. You need to verify whether the relic was stolen or if it’s still here. Then we can secure it and keep you safe.” The man rubbed his chin. “I’m afraid you’ll have to leave this world behind. Now that the demons have found you, they’ll never leave you alone.”

Yup. This guy had taken a one-way trip to Looney Town, and it didn’t appear he was planning to return.

Archer jetted to the door, reaching for the knob, but he was yanked back and spun around. He gasped from the electric charge that surged through him. The man stared at him with wide eyes as if Archer was the one who’d shocked him.

Now that he was being held in the powerful grip of the stranger, his muscular frame that wasn’t noticeable in his suit was rather apparent. Archer swallowed hard, not sure why he was overcome with the desire to let this stranger, this man who was clearly a threat to keep touching him.

Archer forced himself to snap out of whatever trance he was under, struggling in the man’s arms. He quickly realized the guy’s strength exceeded what he believed possible for one person. The chances of him breaking free seemed miniscule.

“Let me go.Immediately.”

The situation was becoming more awkward by the second. Being held by this man so they were chest to chest, his muscled arms wrapped around Archer’s waist, his warm breath fanning across Archer’s face, awakened something in his body. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this close to another man, especially one so intoxicating. Archer tried to focus on the danger, not the inexplicable attraction he felt.

“I can't let you go,” the stranger said, his voice low and husky. “Not until you understand the gravity of the situation.”

A sharp knock at the door jolted them both. The man's eyes rounded, a flash of golden light pulsing in their depths. He released Archer abruptly, pushing him behind his broad back in a protective stance.

"Dr. Blackwood?" called a muffled voice from outside. “Special delivery. Signature required.”

Archer frowned, glancing at his watch. Who would be delivering anything at this hour?

The stranger tensed, his fists curled as if ready to attack. “Don't open it,” he whispered urgently.

But Archer was over this this nonsense. He shoved past the man and yanked open the door, determined to get answers and end this bizarre standoff.

A courier stood on his porch, holding out an electronic pad. “Sign here, please,” he said, his voice the type of monotone indicating he’d used the same phrase countless times.

Archer hesitated, eyeing the small package in the courier's other hand. Something prickled under his skin, like a silent alarm going off. The stranger's warnings echoed in his mind, but he pushed them aside. This was ridiculous. He was a respected surgeon, not some character in a supernatural thriller.

With a resigned sigh, Archer scrawled his signature on the pad. The courier handed over the parcel without a word then left.

As soon as the door closed, the stranger was at Archer’s side. “Let me open it,” he commanded, reaching for the package.

Archer yanked the padded envelope behind him and narrowed his eyes at the intruder. “I don't take orders from strangers who break into my home.”

The man sighed. “For the last time, I didn't break in. I realize how bizarre this must seem, but I did save your life.” His features softened, his shoulders dropping. “I apologize for my harsh tone. I don’t want to frighten you, and I promise I’ll explain everything in detail. However, time isn’t on our side. He laid a hand on Archer’s shoulder, catching him off guard. “Don’t fear. I will protect you with my life.”

There’s that electric jolt again. Archer drew his eyebrows together. The sensation was less jarring this time, more pleasant.Odd.

Archer held back a snort. Nothing was making sense. Why on earth would this stranger be so damn protective over him? It’s not as if he was cowering in fear, or hiding behind the furniture. And he’d give his life? Archer glanced down at the return address and frowned. Whatever was inside the puffy envelope had been sent by an attorney. If he was being sued or there were other private documents, he certainly didn’t want this guy to get a look at his personal business.

“That’s bizarrely thoughtful of you but also completely unnecessary.”

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