Page 9 of Gargoyle Reaper

Archer snorted. “At least Colonel Mustard didn’t do it with a candlestick in the study.”

Ezekiel pinched his eyebrows together. “I don’t understand.”

“Welcome to my world. Hey, wouldn’t it be easier to drive?”

“Your vehicle is down the street in that parking garage. Then, we’d have to find another spot, possibly driving in circles for who knows how long. Humans…” he mumbled. “Anyway, it’s quicker to walk.”

Archer muttered under his breath about wasting his time with lunatics. When he lifted his gaze, he noted that Ezekiel’s expression had softened.

Ezekiel sighed. “I suppose I’m not being very understanding of the abrupt circumstances you’ve found yourself under. And my sense of humor seems to be on vacation as well.” He sighed. “If you truly knew what we’re all facing when it comes to this evil plaguing the world, this would be easier for you to accept.”

“Exactly.” Maybe the guy was finally getting it through his pretty skull that the morning’s events were a lot for him tounpack. “Everything else aside, if I’m as important to you as you claim, I need to be kept in the loop. Cassiel, Uriel… none of that means anything to me. Nor does why we’re in such a rush to get to the library.”

Archer tilted his head. “And I don’t remember you calling anyone…” His gaze roamed Ezekiel’s frame. “Or that you even have a cell. Did you know all along that’s where we were heading, and you had us hanging around that coffee shop for no reason?”

Ezekiel grabbed his arm, and the electric zing that had initially shocked him was now a pleasant hum. Not only that, but the urge to touch Ezekiel back was almost overwhelming.

Almost.

He wasn’t about to give in to this wacky nonsense so easily.

“Youareimportant, don’t ever doubt it.” Ezekiel offered him a soft smile. “I’ll admit I’m startled by the morning’s events as well. Battling the shadow gargoyles, healing fellow slayers from the torturous attacks of the rogue demons is a typical day for me. But finding my fated one…” He lowered his head. “I was beginning to despair of ever finding him. I hadn’t realized my kill quota had been met.”

“Excuseme?” Archer tugged Ezekiel out of the way of the other pedestrians, who didn’t appear amused by them blocking the middle of the sidewalk. They took refuge in the entryway of an apartment complex. “What do you mean kill quota? Healing fellow slayers?” Archer planted his hands on his hips. He hated functioning in mystery. “I’m seriously getting irritated with this whole mess. If you can’t keep me clued in, I’m outta here. Let me know how it all turns out.”

Archer turned to march away, and Ezekiel grabbed his arm again. Okay, so maybe he’d been hoping that’s what would happen. Maybe the idea of a man as decent and handsome as Ezekiel wanting him was rather appealing. But he wasn’t kiddingabout being kept in the dark. He despised not knowing what was going on.

“I understand,” said Ezekiel. “I do. I don’t care for being left out, either. But there is an urgency here. I’ll give you every detail you want when we’re safely back at the lair. For now, though, I’ll say that we don’t use many modern tools, such as a phone. We communicate telepathically. As far as healing goes…” Ezekiel gave him a lopsided smile. “That’s something we have in common. I’m responsible for healing those who’ve been injured in battle, or need other medical help.”

Archer arched his eyebrows. “You’re a doctor?”

“I suppose that’s how you would view my role, yes.”

Archer rubbed the back of his neck. “Interesting. Do I want to know what you mean by kill quota? That doesn’t quite vibe with the whole healer thing.”

“Hmm. Yes” Ezekiel nodded. “I can see how those two things might seem at odds with each other. Just bear in mind that as a slayer, I have a duty to eliminate the evil. WE’ve all been given a kill requirement by the Divine Spark before we can be mated, and I wasn’t aware I’d reached my quota yet. But as a healer, it is my role to tend to my injured colleagues.”

“Okay. That makes sense. At least in the context of your world.” Archer patted Ezekiel’s back. “See? That wasn’t so hard. Now I’ll be less bitchy.”

Ezekiel's eyes widened slightly at Archer's touch, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I appreciate your patience, Archer. And your... bitchiness, as you put it, is quite understandable given the circumstances."

They resumed their brisk walk towards the library, weaving through the bustling sidewalks of Boston. He wanted to quiz Ezekiel as to why they weren’t calling an Uber instead of tromping down the street, yet he welcomed the opportunity to ponder. He was begrudgingly ready to admit that he believedEzekiel for the most part. However, that didn't mean he was ready to go all in until he witnessed more to support his supposed mate’s story.

Ezekiel paused beside a particularly grotesque statue perched on the corner of the Square, its stone eyes giving the impression it was following their movements.

“Getting tips from your cousin?” Archer quipped, trying to ignore how his body was inexplicably drawn to Ezekiel, like a compass needle to the north.

Ezekiel smirked. “Something like that,” he replied as he closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, his expression turned serious. “When I explained I needed to remain alert, I wasn’t only referring to a visual assessment. My spirit must keep tuned in as well. Whether it’s a fellow slayer sending out a warning or the enemy nearby, we can’t afford for me to falter.”

After another moment in seeming contemplation, Ezekiel brushed his fingers across the back of Archer’s hand. “Come on. Uriel’s waiting.”

Archer swallowed hard, a flash of wanting to clasp Ezekiel’s hand in his consuming him before he shoved it aside. But as he trailed after Ezekiel again, something else built in his core. A desperation, the impression that if he didn’t do something right away, all would be lost. Whatever it was, the sensation grew more intense the closer they drew to Copley Square.

Archer matched Ezekiel’s hurried stride. “So, this Uriel we're meeting,” Archer began, slightly out of breath as he tried to keep pace with him. “Another one of your supernatural buddies?”

Ezekiel barked out a laugh. “Hardly. Uriel is an archangel, one of the highest ranking in the celestial hierarchy. He's been tasked with guiding and protecting humanity since the dawn of time.”

Archer nearly tripped over his own feet. "An actual angel? Like, with wings and a halo?"

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