Page 15 of Gargoyle Sentinel

“Yeah, I’m sensing that.” Danny scraped his teeth along his bottom lip, almost too afraid to ask his next question. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“In my world, we have what are called Fated Mates.” Malachi’s eyes never left Danny’s. “A blessed connection between two souls, predetermined by the Divine Spark.”

Danny arched his eyebrows. His human half was going to need copious amounts of alcohol to deal with the flurry of startling revelations.

“You mean as in God?”

Mal lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. “Many religions refer to them as such.”

Danny’s mouth went dry. “And the Fated Mate part. You think that’s us?” He gestured between them. “You and me?”

“I don'tthink. I know.” Mal gave him a soft smile. “From the moment Michael mentioned your name, I was consumed by my need to protect you. The crystal I was given to lead me to your location only reinforced my certainty. An etheric tether binds us together.”

Danny’s breath caught in his throat. “A crystal, huh? Etheric tethers?” He placed a hand to his forehead, desperate to deny the truth of Mal’s words, but somehow knowing he wouldn’t be able to. “You’re hot and everything, but we just met. You could at least buy me dinner first.”

He let out a feeble laugh in an attempt to relieve some of his tension. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.

The corner of Mal's lips twitched. “Dinner can be arranged.”

“Oh my god, I was joking.” Danny’s stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. “Okay, maybe not entirely joking.”

“I’ll have food brought up.” Malachi gave a sharp nod. “You need to regain your strength.”

Danny sank back against the pillows, the enormity of everything crashing down on him. “This is completely insane. You know that, right? Like, certifiably bonkers.” He rubbed his temples. “So what happens now? We're magically destined to be together because some Divine Spark said so? What if I don't want that?”

Malachi’s expression remained calm, but something flickered in his eyes—vulnerability, perhaps. “The connection can't be forced, Danny.” He paused, pressing his lips together before continuing. “I know this is overwhelming. Finding out you’re Nephilim, being kidnapped, learning about Slayers and Fated Mates. I understand that what’s typical for me is unusual for you.”

Danny let out a long breath. “Ya think?” He shifted, wincing as pain flared in his side again. “Not to mention that whatever they did to me hurts like a bitch.”

Mal frowned. “Zeke verified you weren’t gravely injured when Cassiel brought you here, but now that you’re awake, he can perform a healing ritual. He didn’t know what you’d been drugged with and didn’t want to chance you being poisoned, so he was waiting for you to awake naturally.”

“Oh.” He picked at the duvet. “And you sat here with me the whole time?”

For whatever reason, it no longer struck him as creepy.

“I did. I didn’t dare leave you alone for a second. I was never more frightened in my existence as when I saw you being threatened.”

Danny winced. “Do I want to know the details?”

Mal shook his head. “Not for now. I’ll summon Zeke. He’s one of our healers.”

“And Cassiel?”

“A fellow Slayer. While I finished off the traitor who stole you, she brought you to safety.”

Danny’s lips rounded in a small ‘o’. “Ooh, finished off. How Game of Thrones of you.”

Mal’s brow wrinkled. “Another show on television?”

“Oh my God. We should totally watch it together. You’d love it.”

“I don’t really…” He cleared his throat. “Of course. I can see how much the television means to you, so I’ll try.”

Danny grinned. “Aww, that’s so adorable. Thanks for not making this all about you.”

Mal gave him a lopsided smile. “I prefer it to be all about you.”

Danny’s grin widened. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”

---