Page 34 of Gargoyle Sentinel

“Do you mind?” Dante yanked his arm away.

“Sorry.” Malachi twisted his fingers, unable to keep still. “I wish he would let me be in there with him. Why did he kick me out when Ezekiel arrived?” Malachi rubbed his forehead, then dragged his fingers through his hair before frantically twisting them again. “I must’ve done something wrong. I can’t stand that he’s so mad at me, of all times.” He glanced up and was met with Dante’s smirking expression. “It’s the birth of our first child.”

Dante sighed. “So I heard.” He clapped Malachi’s shoulder. “Amir said that Danny’s worried you’ll think he’s ugly while giving birth and won’t love him anymore.”

Malachi jerked back his head as if he’d been slapped. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Not really, buddy. I’ve learned the hard way that raging hormones are not to be trifled with. Think about how you react whenever anyone threatens your mate.”

Malachi let out a low growl, balling his fists as a flush of anger crawled up his neck.

Dante crossed his arms, smirking again. “Class dismissed.”

Malachi grunted. “Shut up.”

With a sigh, Malachi took a seat at one of the tables in the Rockies lair’s kitchen and dining area. He tapped his fingers on the table, wondering how much longer it would take before their child was born. Ezekiel had reassured him that sometimes firstbabies took a while, but that didn’t stop Malachi from worrying about Danny.

“I wish we were at home for this,” Malachi muttered. “He’d be so much happier there.”

They’d been away from their permanent residence in the Alaska Range to celebrate Ronen’s promotion to Lead Warrior Defender, Gideon’s previous post. Danny’s due date was still two weeks away, but the baby apparently decided they couldn’t wait any longer.

Dante joined him at the table with a cup of coffee. “Amir had his first child at a lair. It was a similar situation for us. But Zeke knows what he’s doing, and everything was fine.”

Malachi eyed Dante’s coffee. “I guess you’re right. I’ve been awake all night, so I’m on edge.” He pointed to the mug Dante held. “Is there some left?”

“Yup. I made a pot while you were arguing with Zeke. I figured you could use some.”

Malachi chuckled. “And here I was thinking you’re not all that smart.” He winked. “Thanks.”

The moment Malachi began to rise from the table, Ezekiel appeared at the kitchen's threshold. “Who wants to meet their new little girl?”

Malachi gasped, abruptly straightening, the chair falling backwards with a clang on the stone floor.

“A girl?” Malachi’s voice came out as barely a whisper, his heart thundering. “Danny’s okay? The baby’s healthy?”

Ezekiel’s face broke into a wide grin. “Both perfect. Danny‘s exhausted but doing wonderfully, and your daughter is absolutely beautiful. She’s got his blue eyes and your stubborn chin.”

Malachi didn’t wait to hear more. He bolted past Ezekiel, flying down the corridor toward the room where Danny had been laboring for almost ten hours. His hands shook as hepushed open the door, and the sight that greeted him made his knees nearly buckle.

Danny sat propped up against a mountain of pillows, his damp, blond hair plastered to his forehead, but his face glowed with pure joy. In his arms was the tiniest, most precious creature Malachi had ever seen. Their daughter was swaddled in a soft white blanket, her face scrunched up as she let out tiny mewling sounds.

“Mal.” Danny’s voice was hoarse but filled with wonder. “Come meet our sweet angel.”

Malachi approached slowly, afraid his trembling legs might give out. The closer he got, the more overwhelmed he became. She was so small, so delicate, with adorable, tiny fingers peeking out from the blanket.

“She’s...” Malachi swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s incredible, Danny.You’reincredible.”

Danny shifted carefully, making room on the bed. “Want to hold her?”

Malachi’s eyes widened. “I don't want to hurt her. What if my hands are too rough? What if—”

"Mal. Stop.” Danny pursed his lips. “She’ll be fine.” He gave Malachi a tired smile. “You’ve always been gentle with me when that was what I needed from you.”

Tears burned in Malachi’s eyes. “Okay. I’ll be careful.”

“And anyway…” Danny fell against the pillows, his eyes hooded. “I’ll be needing a break now and then.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” Malachi gingerly took his daughter from Danny’s arms.

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