Page 18 of Gargoyle Sentinel

Danny placed his hands on his hips. “You’re joking. Don’t tell me he’s a TikTok influencer. My sister is, and she makes my skin crawl.”

Malachi wished he knew what everyone was talking about. “Umm, is that a yes on the chocolate? I can get everything and bring it upstairs for you.”

Danny drew closer and leaned against him, running his palm up and down Malachi’s arm. “Isn’t he the sweetest? Yes, gorgeous. I’ve never tried the stuff, but it has the word chocolate in it, so I’m in.”

“I’ll grab everything.” Malachi’s skin tingled where Danny touched him, each point of contact sending warmth through his veins. He could sense the beginning of Danny’s heat—a subtlechange in his scent that filled with hunger for something other than food.

Ezekiel caught his eye and gave him a knowing smirk. “The tray's in the kitchen. Don’t forget the chocolate.”

“Thanks.” Malachi reluctantly pulled away from Danny. “I'll just be a minute.”

“I’ll help,” Danny offered, following him. “Four hands are better than two, right?”

As they entered the kitchen, Danny let out a low whistle. “Damn. This place is like a five-star restaurant. Who owns this mansion anyway?”

“Michael.” Malachi opened the large stainless steel French door refrigerator and located the tray laden with food. “He maintains properties like this all over the world. Places where we can gather safely, protected by ancient wards and modern security.”

Danny hopped onto the counter, swinging his legs. “Archangel real estate portfolio. Now that's a flex. Do all angels have fat bank accounts?”

Malachi smiled, finding Danny’s irreverence oddly refreshing. “The Divine Spark provides what’s needed for the mission. Michael’s been accumulating resources for millennia.”

“Millennia,” Danny repeated, as if testing the word. “That's such a trip. You’re all so, like, ancient.” He tilted his head, studying Malachi. “How old are you exactly?”

Malachi hesitated, setting the tray on the island counter. “Does it matter?”

“I mean, I'm not dating you for your 401k, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Danny grinned. “Just curious if I’m hooking up with a senior citizen gargoyle.”

Malachi cleared his throat.”Let’s just say I’ve lived through most of recorded history.”

Danny’s jaw dropped. “No way.” He stuck out his bottom lip, his expression falling. “Wow. I’m going to seem super boring if you’ve experienced all of human history.”

Malachi set down the plates he’d removed from the overhead cabinet and rushed to Danny’s side. “Never. You could never be boring to me. The places I’ve been, men I’ve dallied with, events I’ve witnessed, or battles I’ve fought - nothing compares to the thrill of being with you.” He brushed the back of his hand across Danny’s smooth cheek. “I’ve never experienced such depth of feeling before you. How could I possibly find you boring?”

Danny stared at him wide-eyed and licked his lips. “I…uh, wow. No one’s ever said anything so nice to me before. Do you really mean it?”

The vulnerability in Danny’s voice made Malachi’s heart ache. “I will never lie to you, dearest. I’m your rock, your sanctuary.”

Danny’s face flushed, and Malachi thought they should probably get back to the privacy of their room sooner rather than later.

“Let’s take this upstairs,” Malachi suggested, picking up the tray. “We can talk some more while we eat. You can ask me whatever questions you want.”

“Like the family thing?” Danny popped a grape into his mouth, his blue eyes never leaving Malachi’s face.

“Yes, like that.”

Danny hopped off the counter. “Good. My spidey senses tell me that one’s gonna be a doozy.”

Malachi held in a sigh. “Is that a television reference?”

“Close. Movie.”

Danny walked in front of him, his little round ass swaying from side to side as he made his way to the stairs.

Malachi’s cock swelled. He never watched television or movies, but this was a show he could enjoy all day.

Chapter Six

Danny licked his fingers, pretending as if he didn’t notice Malachi staring, lips parted. At any moment, Danny expected to see him drooling.

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