Page 8 of Gargoyle Sentinel

“Whoa there,” Cassiel called out. "You okay, Champ?"

“It’s him,” Malachi yelled. “He's here. Close.”

The crystal in the pouch around his neck radiated heat, further confirming what he already knew. The gem connected them. With one final push of his massive wings, he soared downward, toward the rooftop of a building near the eastern outskirts of downtown, near a park.

None of the structures were tall. Most were only two-story, which made it difficult to remain under the radar. A mixture of historic, quaint, and contemporary design dominated the busy town, yet nothing about the mountain location was reminiscent of a large city.

He touched down on the building’s surface, immediately shifting. The crystal had warmed his skin to the point of discomfort. But Malachi wouldn’t remove it if his flesh caught fire. This fragile piece of stone was his connection to his mate—his kidnapped, endangered mate.

“I can also feel the bastards,” he growled to Ronen and Cassiel as they landed beside him with the rest of the team. “Shadow gargoyles. At least a dozen, maybe more.”

Cassiel nodded, her gleaming, amber eyes scanning the streets below. “They haven't left the area. Bold move.”

“Or stupid,” Ronen added, checking his weapons. “Makes our job easier if they’re still here.”

Malachi frowned. “Perhaps. Or it’s a trap.”

Ronen scanned the pristine streets of Aspen, his expression grim. “I expected them to flee the area immediately after the kidnapping.”

Cassiel clapped Ronen on the shoulder. “When you’ve dealt with these unwashed assholes enough times, you’ll come to realize that they’re full of many unpleasant surprises.”

Malachi grunted. “And full of themselves. I’d say one of our biggest advantages over them is their misguided belief that they’re stronger, that they can’t lose.”

Ronen regarded him with a furrowed brow. “But we’ve defeated so many of them. How could they possibly believe that?”

Ronen was an excellent warrior, but as a newer Slayer who’d been appointed to fill the empty spots left by traitors, he still didn’t fully comprehend how deluded the shadow gargoyles were.

“The Shadows feed on darkness.” Malachi clenched his jaw, fighting against his anger. “They believe their numbers are infinite. Each one we kill only makes them more determined to prove their superiority.”

He closed his eyes, focusing on the pulsing crystal against his chest. The connection to Danny strengthened with each passing second. He was terrifyingly close, yet somehow obscured.

“Something’s blocking the exact location.” Malachi opened his eyes as he traced the outline of the crystal through his shirt. “I can feel him, but it’s diffused.”

Cassiel nodded. “They must be using a masking spell. Basic magic, but effective if you don’t know what you’re looking for.”

“Fan out,” Malachi ordered. “But stay within sight of each other. Ronen and Cassiel, you’re with me. The rest of you split into pairs. I want this entire downtown area covered in the nextthirty minutes. If you encounter any shadows, do not engage alone. Signal for backup.”

He sucked in a deep breath, the crystal’s warmth becoming almost unbearable now, yet he welcomed the discomfort. It meant Danny was alive.

“Mal.” Cassiel elbowed him as the others dispersed. “Are you sure you should be leading this? Your connection to Danny might be clouding your judgment.”

“I’m fine,” he snapped, immediately regretting his tone. “Sorry.” He laid a hand on Cassiel’s shoulder, lowering his head. “I wasn’t expecting to feel this way when I found my mate, as if my body is no longer my own. Especially since I haven’t actually met him.” He glanced up. “It’s so strange. I was with Dante when he met Amir for the first time. He literally didn’t know who they were to each other until he touched him.”

Cassiel arched her eyebrows. “Damn. This is intense. I haven’t been around any Slayers when they found their mates, so I had no clue how it worked. But Michael did say there’s something special about Danny, right?” She shrugged. “That must mean he has a stronger light.”

Ronen cleared his throat. "Yeah. Michael warned us you might be…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Unusually affected. That's why he insisted we stay with you.”

Malachi pressed his lips together, the urge to sling a nasty remark about Michael staying out of his business being almost impossible to resist. He was accustomed to being a level-headed creature. He’d always been the mellow one compared to Dante. Not less dedicated, or less vicious when the occasion called for his ruthless prowess, but not hostile or defensive.

“Look,” said Malachi. “I get it. My behavior is a little off, but Michael also said I was the perfect one to lead this mission. You guys are here with me for balance.” He glanced between his fellow Slayers. “Are we good?”

They both nodded, and Cassiel gave him a wry smile. “I’m not worried. We’ve always had each other’s backs. And it’s kind of cool to witness what this Fated Mate stuff is all about.”

Ronen grinned. “And honestly, I’m relieved you've got us for backup. You look like you might tear through walls with your bare hands to find this guy.”

Malachi couldn’t deny Ronen’s assessment. The urge to shift and rampage through Aspen until he found Danny clawed at him from within. Only centuries of discipline kept him in check.

“Then let’s move.”

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