Page 25 of Gargoyle Sentinel

A sobering thought filled him. “Wait a minute. Are they my biological parents? Because if they aren’t, it would explain soooo much.”

“I’m sure they’re your real parents. I’ve received no intel that suggests otherwise.”

Danny stuck out his bottom lip. “Then they’re part angel, too? And Emma? Blech. How is that possible? She’s so mean.”

“The angel gene remains dormant until it is ready to be awakened.”

“Oh.” So much of what he’d learned the past couple of days seemed impossible, so dormant angel genes shouldn’t be that far of a reach. “Then it was being passed down for a zillion years until it was ready to pop up in me?”

Malachi gave him a crooked smile. “Something like that.” He pointed ahead. “Is that you’re building?”

“Yeah, but try to park on the street. I don’t have my parking pass for the garage.”

“That was with the stuff?”

Danny nodded. “Yup.” He held up his purple holographic phone. “Thanks again for my new phone, though. I adore it.” When he told Malachi his dream phone was too expensive, hisgenerous mate insisted on buying it for him. “Anyway, here’s the plan. I grab my photos, my skiing medals, a bag of my best designer shirts and jeans, then I take you to meet the parents.”

Malachi shook his head. “That’s a bad idea. They mustn’t know who I am.”

“Duh. I don’t mean go full gargoyle on them. I’m talking about introducing you as my fiancé, and announcing that we’re getting married tomorrow. Ooh, and that you’re a car mechanic.” Danny burst into laughter. “That’ll send them over the edge. Oh, wait. I’ll add that we went shopping for a gown today, and I found a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta Cinderella dress. I’ll say I need some money to pay for it.” He choked and snorted, wiping away tears. “Oh fuck me, this is awesome. They’ll lose their minds and order me out of their lives forever.”

Malachi expertly pulled into a parking space. “You think that‘ll work?”

Danny squeezed Malachi’s knee. “Like a charm. Let’s grab my shit, then I’ll call and make sure they’re home. With luck, my sister will be there, too.”

For the first time in forever, he couldn’twaitto see his family.

However, Danny’s nerves started getting the better of him the closer they drew to his family home. His stomach churned, his body shook, and barfing wasn’t out of the question.

“Hey, baby.” Malachi reached over and patted his hand. “I’m here with you, no matter what. If you find yourself becoming too stressed out, we can leave. This doesn’t all have to be resolved today.”

“Thanks. You’re the best.” He smiled at his perfect mate. As far as he was concerned, Malachi really was his fiancé, so that part wouldn’t be a lie. “Man, I wish we had an old Chevy, but not like a cool one. It would be two different faded neutral colors, like you had to replace one of the doors with one from ajunkyard. A cracked windshield and rust would be excellent as well.”

“Everything will be fine, sweetheart. I promise.”

Danny sucked in a deep breath and reminded himself that he wasn’t alone anymore. Maybe danger still nipped at their heels, but he had someone who cared about and would do anything for him. Everything else could be handled as long as he had Malachi by his side.

After being allowed to pass through the gates and traveling up the long driveway to his parents’ stately home, they reached the imposing front doors. If all went according to plan, he’d never have to see them or his childhood abode again.

As Malachi helped him out of the truck, he whispered, “You weren’t exaggerating their wealth. The Slayers possess some of the most luxurious homes in the world, but this one even rivals those.”

Danny regarded the European Manor home that had been his prison as he grew up. The grand house was constructed of pale limestone with soaring arches and a steeply pitched slate roof. The manicured grounds stretched for acres, with formal gardens and fountains that had always felt more like a museum display than a place where children should play.

“Yeah, it’s obscene.” Danny grunted. “Lumber money plus real estate equals this monstrosity.”

He took a deep breath and squeezed Malachi’s hand before pressing the doorbell. The chimes echoed inside, and Danny’s heart hammered against his ribs. He’d rehearsed what he would say in the car, but now his mouth felt dry as sandpaper.

The massive oak door swung open to reveal Henderson, the family butler, whose perpetually pinched expression softened slightly at the sight of Danny.

“Master Daniel,” he said with a slight bow. “Your parents are expecting you.”

He held in a giggle.They’re not expecting this.

“Henderson, my good man. A pleasure, as always.”

Danny had nothing against the man. Out of everyone employed by his parents, Henderson had never ratted on him.

Henderson’s gaze darted to Malachi before he extended a gloved hand toward the drawing room. Danny tugged on Malachi, leading the way across the crystal chandelier-lit, marble foyer. The familiar scent of lemon polish and expensive floral arrangements hit him like a blow to the chest, bringing back memories he’d tried to bury.

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