Page 17 of Gargoyle Sentinel

Malachi swallowed hard. “I’ll be right back.”

Before Danny could respond, Malachi raced out of the bedroom, then quickly made his way down the stairs. Dantehad already left with Amir and the kids, and Ezekiel would be heading home to Archer soon, but the remaining Slayers would stay. They were all needed to keep the compound protected now that Danny was safe.

He burst into the dining room where they’d all met the night before. Ezekiel and Ronen were chatting, the casual and relaxed scene a welcome sight after all the chaos of the past couple of days.

“When is Michael arriving to be briefed on the mission?” he blurted. “Shouldn’t he be here by now? I’m guessing he’ll want to speak with Danny as soon as possible.”

They both gaped at him as if he’d just declared he’d grown a second head.

“Since when are you so eager to see Michael?” Ezekiel set down his cup of coffee. “Usually, you're the first to grumble when he shows up unannounced.”

Ronen nodded. “Yeah, and he’s not scheduled to arrive until tomorrow morning. He’s finishing up some business with Lucifer regarding the traitor situation.”

Malachi ran a hand through his hair. “I need him here right now. Danny’s asking questions I don't know how to answer.”

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

“Family.” Heat rose in Malachi’s cheeks. “He asked about family. I mentioned it without thinking, and now he’s asking if we can adopt.”

Ezekiel snort-coughed. “Ah. So you haven’t told him about the heat cycle? Or the fact that he could get pregnant?” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Talk about diving into the deep end.”

“If that’s a euphemism, I’m not amused.” Malachi groaned. “No, I haven’t said a word. I’m not even sure how to begin that conversation. 'Oh, by the way, not only are you part angel, butyou can also carry children’. He’s already overwhelmed enough as it is.”

Ronen chuckled. “And here I thought you were the smooth one.”

“I’ve never claimed to be smooth.” Malachi pursed his lips as he paced the length of the dining table. “I'm a warrior. Not a relationship counselor.”

“Well, you'd better figure it out fast.” Ezekiel chuckled. “Because your mate is about to experience his first heat. I sensed it while healing him. By the time Michael gets here, he’ll probably be pregnant already.”

Malachi jabbed a finger at his friend. “That’s not funny. Come on, man. I’m floundering here.”

Ezekiel sighed. “Relax, Mal. Just breathe, you’ve got this.” He furrowed his brow. “What about everything else? How are the injuries doing? I can do another session with you on your chest. That was a vicious gash.”

Malachi pinched the bridge of his nose. “Thank you, but physically I’m excellent. Emotionally? Not so much.”

“Excuse me!” Danny’s voice carried into the dining room from the front of the house. “What’s a Nephilim have to do around here to get fed?”

Ezekiel and Ronen laughed while Malachi buried his head in his hands.

“Time to take care of business,” said Ezekiel. “Poor little angel is hornyandhungry.”

“So you’re not going to help?” Malachi huffed.

Ezekiel reclined against the back of the mahogany chair. “Nope. This is between you and your mate. What better way to deepen your bond and build trust? He won’t want to hear something so personal from anyone else.”

Malachi let out a long sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”

Danny appeared at the threshold of the dining room. “Phew. I thought Mal got cold feet and left me all alone. This place ishuge. I’m lost already.” He slapped a hand to his mouth. “Am I interrupting important gargoyle business?”

Ezekeil chuckled. “No, Danny. We were just telling Mal that there’s a platter of roasted chicken, sliced fruit, and cheese already made up for you both.” Ezekiel directed his next comment to Malachi. “That way, you can share a private meal in your room.”

“Nice,” said Danny with a smile. “I don’t suppose there are any cookies? I’m feeling very carby for some reason.”

Ezekiel rubbed his chin. “Would date bars suffice?”

Danny scrunched his nose. “My Nana used to love those things.” He stuck a finger in his open mouth and made a gagging sound. “Not even any chocolate?”

Ezekiel snapped his fingers. “Actually, yes. One of the Slayers who flew in from the Middle East last week brought several bars of Dubai chocolate with him. I believe there’s some left.”

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