Page 22 of Gargoyle Sentinel

In more ways than one.

Malachi peppered the side of Danny’s neck with soft kisses. “How’s my sweet baby?”

Danny smiled. He could get used to this mushy stuff, too. It had never been a turn-on before, but from Malachi? Mega hot.

“In awe of my amazing mate. Oof.” He angled his head so he could meet Malachi’s eyes. “You’ve got skills.”

“I’ve got you.” Malachi smiled. “That’s all that matters.”

And just like that, Danny lost the battle to keep his emotions in check. Clearly, he was embarking on a journey of new and unexpected revelations about himself and his world.

He’d never been so happy.

Chapter Seven

Malachi held a snoozing Danny in his arms, his mate’s head resting on Malachi’s chest. Danny snored softly, his lips parted, and his brow relaxed. They’d spent the entire previous day and night making love, at least as much as Malachi could handle. At this point, he wondered if his dick might fall off.

Sure, he’d heard plenty of tales about what other fated couples experienced when their Nephilim went into heat. But hearing about a heat and actually going through one were worlds apart.

Malachi cuddled Danny tighter, placing a light kiss on the top of his head. As much as he wished they could remain in bed another day, with or without extracurricular activity, Malachi had missed Michael's updates the day before.

While Danny was dozing after their third romp, he went downstairs to check in and get a refill on food and drinks. He figured he could leave Danny some refreshments while he joined the others for the final report on the events at the Wheeler Opera House.

However, Michael had informed him that his place was with his mate for now, and he’d brief him later. Malachi sensed he was being phased out of active operations. That was typically what happened when a Slayer was united with his mate. Yet his situation was unique. Malachi wasn’t sure what took precedence. His obligation as a Slayer that hadn’t reached his kill quota? Or as the mate of a high-level Nephilim.

“Baby.” Malachhi gave Danny a slight jostle. “We should get up so I can get you something to eat.”

In truth, he was rather hungry himself. Satisfying Danny had been a lot of work. He grinned to himself. Not that he was complaining.

“Mmm…” Danny stretched with a long groan. “Fuck. I was definitely ridden hard and put away wet. Princess needs a shower.”

Malachi laughed. “I’ll go make some coffee, then join you.”

The suite they were using had an attached bathroom, so they’d been able to lose themselves in their own private paradise.

Danny rolled out of bed. “Coffee. The elixir of the gods.” He paused, tapping a finger to his lips. “Am I allowed to say stuff like that. What with the Divine Spark being top dog.”

Malachi stood, rubbing his lower back. Rolling around with Danny had taken a bigger toll on his body than most demon battles.

“Don’t worry about it. Obviously, humans have worshipped many gods over the ages and have expressed themselves in a multitude of ways. The Divine Spark is much more complicated than a single God. They encompass all that is creation.”

Danny scrubbed his face. “Okay. Remind me not to ask deep, theological questions before coffee anymore.”

Malcahi chuckled. “Deal. Do you want anything else while I’m down there?”

“More fruit. And the croissants, if there are any left. That should hold me for now.”

Malachi strode over to Danny and gave him a quick but firm kiss. “Be right back.”

After giving Danny’s smooth ass cheek a quick squeeze, he yanked on his discarded jeans, then jogged down the stairs. No one else seemed to be around, and Malachi wondered if they should be vacating the safe house as well, or if Michael had purposely sent everyone away so he and Danny could be alone.

While the coffee brewed and he piled up a new platter with goodies for them, he remembered when Dante and Amir first got together. Their relationship progressed quickly, the same as his and Danny’s. But they hadn’t been anywhere special like the Aspen mansion. They’d made do with the lair in Southern California, with very little privacy.

Once he had everything ready, Malachi made his way up the stairs, balancing everything carefully. When he reached the closed door to their suite, he silently chided himself. Had he known no one else was around, he could’ve left it unlatched to simply push his way in.

He carefully set the food tray down, then used his free hand to turn the door knob, being careful not to slosh the mugs of coffee he held in his other hand. Malachi had barely opened the door when he was met with the sight of a naked Danny frantically rushing around the room, tossing clothes around, and pulling up chair cushions.

“Hey, slow down. What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

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