Page 7 of Gargoyle Reaper

“Stop it,” Archer gritted through his teeth. “I don’t know what your agenda with me is, and I don’t care. Forget I mentioned it.” He pressed his back to the chair and crossed his arms. “Let’s get on with it. If we can’t go to the safety deposit box because we might be followed, and we can’t sit here and rot, then what do you suggest? I want to move on with my life.” Hegroaned. “I can’t wait to see how much the house repairs are going to be.”

As agitated as Archer was, Ezekiel didn’t think it was wise to remind Archer that he would never be going back.

“Is there anything else you can tell me about your patient? Perhaps there’s a clue as to what the relic might be.”

“I’ve got a clue what it might be.” Archer smirked. “Unlock the safety deposit box and look inside.”

Ezekiel pressed his lips together. Archer wasn’t the only one who was getting agitated.

“Getting the artifact isn’t the issue, Archer, you know that.” He sighed. His mate was going to be a real challenge. “The Slayers who ran off the demons at your home will be in touch soon, will let me know it’s time to meet up with our colleague. That’s when we make ournext move.”

Archer dropped his head in his hands. “This is ridiculous. I’m exhausted, stressed out, and pretty pissed off about everything right now. I just want this over with.”

“Try not to worry. I sent a message to the area team before we left the house. They’ll let us know when it’s safe to meet up.”

Archer fell back in his chair with a sigh. “Terrific,” he mumbled. “Fine. Then as long as we’restuckhere, why don’t you fill me in on more details.” He leaned forward, folding his hands on the table, and fixed his gaze on Ezekiel’s. “And don’t sugarcoat. Give me all the details, or else I’m taking my chances with the cops.”

Ezekiel’s gut tightened. Archer was as good as dead if he followed through on his threat. “Okay. I’ll tell you everything. But please, I beg you. Don’t get the authorities involved. Your life truly is in danger.”

Archer narrowed his eyes. “I’ll make that decision once I’ve heard your story.”

Ezekiel sucked in a breath.Here goeseverything.“Our connection runs deeper than me making sure the relic is found and kept safe. As I explained, I’m part of a network of slayers—ancient gargoyles who the Archangel Michael has appointed to save the holy relics the rogue demons and shadow gargoyles seek. If they collect enough of them, the world will plunge into darkness, and humanity will be destroyed. I wasn’t expecting this to happen, but…” Ezekiel squirmed in his chair—and not because of the hard metal surface. “Well, I recognize you as my Fated One, the one who I will spend eternity with as my mate.”

Archer blinked several times, his jaw going slack as he gaped at Ezekiel. He snapped his mouth shut then shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. “Yeah. I’m out.”

Archer jumped from his chair, the metal legs scraping on the wood floor. Several customers whirled their heads around, undoubtedly hoping for a good scene. Ezekiel needed to get them out of there fast before someone decided to record them and post it on social media.

Ezekiel sprang up, reaching for Archer's arm. "Wait, please—”

But Archer was already striding toward the exit, his shoulders tense and fists clenched at his sides. Ezekiel hurried after him, weaving through the maze of tables and curious onlookers. As they burst out onto the sidewalk, the crisp Boston air hit him, carrying the faint scent of the harbor.

“Archer, stop!” Ezekiel called, his voice tinged with desperation. “I know it sounds insane, but—"

Archer whirled around, his eyes blazing. "Insane? That's putting it mildly. Gargoyles, demons, fated mates? I can’t believe I almost bought into your crazy story. I'm a man of science, for God's sake!"

Ezekiel stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I understand your skepticism, truly. But think about what happened at your house. You saw it with your own eyes. How do you explain that?"

Archer froze, scrubbing his face with one hand before bowing his head. “I can’t, dammit. And I truly don’t want to believe a damn thing you’re saying.”

He lifted his gaze, and Ezekiel noted the pain in his eyes. Ezekiel took a chance and laid a hand on his shoulder in comfort. Almost immediately, Archer yanked his arm away, but paused, his eyes wide. “Why the fuck does thatkeep happeningevery time you touch me?"

“It’s the connection between us,” Ezekiel said softly, aware of the curious stares around them. “I know it sounds incredible, but you must feel it too.”

Archer ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration. “I don't know what I feel. This is all too much.”

“I understand,” Ezekiel said, taking a cautious step closer. “But I implore you to hear me out. I’m serious about your life being in danger, whether you believe in the supernatural or not.”

“What am I supposed to do with that information, huh? You’re asking me to accept that everything I’ve ever believed to be true about my existence is wrong.” He threw his hands in the air. “Does that mean my old life is over? That I can no longer work as a surgeon, live in my home, or…” His brow wrinkled. “Do other things.”

Ezekiel tilted his head. “You mean be with your family and friends?”

That was the biggest aspect of their situation that Ezekiel was worried about. If he were in Archer’s position and no longer had the support of his fellow slayers, or even the snarky Michael, he’d be devastated. They all might bicker and let the snark fly, but that didn’t mean they didn’t care about or love each other.They were a team, and it must be an awful thing for Archer to contemplate leaving his world behind.

Archer’s jaw ticked, his eyes darting around. “It’s kind of chilly out here.” His tone had definitely softened. “We don’t dare return to the coffee shop, but maybe we can find somewhere else to warm up.”

Archer was holding something back, although Ezekiel sensed that his defenses were finally coming down. He was much less growly than he’d been.

Ezekiel nodded. “I apologize. I forget how humans are more susceptible to cold than we are. Although, since you’re most likely a…”Oops. “I mean…”

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