Page 16 of Gargoyle Sentinel

If Mal was for real, then maybe this Fated Mate thing wasn’t so bad.

Chapter Five

Ezekiel had tended to Danny, and Malachi was relieved when Zeke told him he was not only completely healed but also had a remarkable resiliency. The implication was obvious. The ancestor from whom Danny descended was a powerful being.

“That guy was cool.” Danny stretched his arms over his head. “You said he’s a healer, but he’s also a gargoyle, right?”

“Yes. He’s been by my side in many battles. I also consider him a friend.”

Malachi sat down in the chair next to the bed that Ezekiel had just vacated. He wasn’t sure how close he should get to Danny yet. Their connection was so intense, and triggering Danny’s heat didn’t seem like a great idea under the circumstances. Not when they could be attacked at any moment. Even though Gideon was dead, that didn’t mean there weren’t other traitors waiting for their chance.

The thought tied his stomach in knots. Never would he have thought to question the loyalty of his closest allies. Zeke, Dante, Cassiel, even Ronen. They were above reproach, always had been. But damn. Having his mate was messing with the chemicals in his brain or something.

“Why are you so quiet?” Danny regarded him with a furrowed brow. “Is something wrong?” His jaw dropped, and he straightened against the pillows. “Am I doomed? Is that what Zeke told you, that I can’t be saved?”

“What? No! Zeke says you’re in remarkably good health.”

Malachi reached over and clasped Danny’s hand without thinking. The jolt was immediate, and Danny’s eyes widened.

“Whoa.” He chuckled shakily. “It gets more potent every time.” He waggled his eyebrows with a mischievous smile. “Why don’t we take the edge off. Now that I’ve been given the all clear, wanna smash?”

Malachi drew his eyebrows together. “Did you want me to teach you how to fight?”

Danny’s jaw went slack before he snapped it shut. “Ancient gargoyle. Right.” He let out a light laugh. “Keep forgetting. Sometimes my dick insists on taking charge and poof. Goodbye coherent thoughts.”

“Sorry.” He wished he’d been paying better attention to modern humans. It had been at least fifty years since the last time he’d pursued a man to let off some steam. He’d barely understood that guy either. “It might take us time to understand each other’s customs and sayings, but I’m sure as your Nephilim awakens, it will be easier.”

Danny pulled away from him and crossed his arms. “Do I have to do that right away?”

“Do what?”

He gave a small shrug. “Be angelic. No one’s ever accused me of that before, believe me. I was hoping we could at least have some fun first before we have to be all perfect and godly.”

Malachi’s shoulders dropped. He was so unprepared to help his mate understand what was happening to him. His focus had been on nothing but guarding the lair, following orders, fighting for the cause. Learning how to integrate his mate into their new life together was something he’d assumed was still far off. He’d only recently cracked a hundred kills. Gideon came to mind.

A hundred and one.

“Danny, I’m afraid I haven’t done a very good job of defining our relationship. I think what you mean by godly is that we won’t be intimate or have time to enjoy ourselves. To have our own life and family. But that’s not the case at all.”

Danny’s eyebrows shot up. “Did you just use the F word?”

Malachi scrubbed his face with one hand. “Could I ask a favor? I’m not too familiar with many of the human slang words and phrases. Maybe ask me things more directly?”

“You’re so cute. Of course.” Danny patted his arm, then shook his hand as if he’d been zapped. “Ooh, shocking. Anyway, I’d like to say first that I’m glad to hear that intimacy is definitely on the table, but when you say family…” He tapped his chin with one finger. “Are gargoyles allowed to adopt? And would we be adopting a gargoyle or…” He waved a hand around. “Never mind. That’s ridiculous. You’re right about being direct. So what do you mean by us having a family?”

Malachi cleared his throat. He probably shouldn’t have let that part slip. But shouldn’t he tell Danny everything? It didn’t seem fair if he didn’t. Still… Malachi groaned. He couldn’t proceed without backup.

“Hold that thought. I’ll go check and see if your food is ready, then after you eat, we can get into all the details.” Malachi rose, tempering his urge to race from the room.

“Oh-kay.” Danny grunted. “Should I be worried?”

“No, no. Not at all.” Malachi smiled, hoping to reassure his mate that everything was absolutely fine. “It’s just that I know you’re hungry, and if your dinner is ready, I don’t want it to get cold.”

“Sure.” Danny smirked. “Since I’m famished, I’ll let your obvious deflection attempt slide.”

“Everything’s fine.” He tried smiling again, but was certain he probably appeared more ghoulish than jovial.

Danny pointed a finger at him and swirled it around. “Dude. That face? Not helping.”

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