Page 57 of Let Go My Gargoyle
“You are way too tall to sit back here,” Becca replied. “And it’s okay so long as it’s a short trip.”
“We’re almost there,” Ketu said.
As they pulled into the carport, Argyle turned around in his seat. “Oliver does not know,” he said to Griffin.
“About what?” Sofia asked.
“That Becca is my child.”
Sofia waited for Griffin to say something, but he remained silent, so she finally asked, “Why not?”
“The obvious answer is because it is strictly forbidden for anyone from our brethren to sire children. But there are several more layers that make it even more complicated. As she is a Daughter of Light, her destiny is to seek out and defeat the warlocks. But as she is half gargoyle as well, there is a chance that if Oliver knew, he would demand she carry out her duties as a gargoyle. At the time, we believed she was the only Daughter of Light in existence, so we did not want to take that chance.”
He paused. “There is also the possibility that he would disavow me and not let me continue to do my job as part of his brethren. I have been with him for more than a century. I know nothing else. And gargoyles do not handle great shame well.”
Speaking of great shame, Sofia felt some of that washing over her.
She couldn’t hate Griffin, not after what Argyle just said. He hadn’t asked to go work for Oliver; he had been chosen because he was one of the best of the best, whether he believed it or not.
And he would, someday. One day he would realize his own worth, and then he might even push Argyle out of that “Oliver’s favorite” spot.
Sofia could not hate him for choosing Oliver’s brethren over her. Not when what he did, what he would do, was so important. Protecting those who needed and deserved it was necessary in this sometimes cruel world. Sofia knew that better than most. She sure could have used a gargoyle when she was growing up and Darius was tormenting her and convincing her that she wasn’t worthy of being Trennon Redd’s daughter.
Argyle climbed out of the vehicle, and Sofia grabbed Griffin’s arm, beseeching him to look at her. “I respect your decision,” she whispered.
She turned away from his confused look and stepped out onto the cement.
Oliver greeted them at the door. Henri darted around his legs and rushed into Ketu’s arms.
Argyle reported to his boss, “The warlocks have been destroyed.”
Oliver nodded at him and then to Becca. “Excellent work, Daughter of Light.”
She smirked and pointed at the door. “I have to pee.” She hurried past as Rahu stepped up with his hand wrapped around Maria’s bicep. Given the fact that she’d duped Antoinette and Ketu for nearly a year now, that was probably a wise decision on his part.
Oliver turned his focus to Penelope, who sat on Sofia’s hip with her arms anchored around Sofia’s neck. “So this is our youngest Daughter.”
Sofia cleared her throat and nodded.
Oliver glanced at Griffin. “You were successful at your first assignment. Which inadvertently turned into two rather impressive tasks. Well done.”
Griffin raised his hand like he was in school. “Can I ask you something?”
“Certainly.” Oliver inclined his head once.
“Why me?”
Oliver tilted his head, confusion on his face.
“Why did you ask me to join your brethren?”
“Are you questioning my choice?”
Griffin shook his head. “No. I think I’m worthy. I think I belong here. But…how didyouknow? I mean, when you asked me, I didn’t have any faith in myself.”
“Many have the ability to do good but lack the confidence to reach full capacity. It is my job to see through all that self-doubt. Tell me again how you discovered the child.”
Griffin raked his hand through his hair. “Four years ago, her father asked me to protect his family. I didn’t realize his mate was a Daughter of Light when I took the assignment.” He winced.
