Page 2 of Gargoyle Defender

“Sorry,” Ronen said. “Can’t help you there.”

He wrapped his palms around the mug. The warmth wasn’t what he craved. While it might only be symbolic, what he needed was an anchor.

Cassiel leaned back in the utilitarian metal chair. Unlike the rest of their underground home, it was modern and practical. They guarded more than the holy relics. Antiques and historic pieces were also housed at various lairs. Humans couldn’t be trusted with much of anything that held true value.

“So,” she began. “Care to tell me what’s eating at you besides boredom?”

Ronen dragged his fingers through his long hair. “I dunno. Boredom mostly, I guess.”

Cassiel let out a small growl. “Now who’s the liar? Out with it. You’ve been getting on my nerves for weeks. And I really, really don’t want to start making scones.”

He couldn’t argue with that. “Fair enough.” Perhaps he could gradually work his way up to the truth. “What do you think’s going to happen if the rogues don’t find any more relics? It seems as though the most important ones have been retrieved and hidden away. I know I’m not the only one who hasn’t met their kill quota.”

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that, too.” She hooked her elbow across the back of her chair. “I was talking to Zeke the other day. You know, when he rushed here to help deliver those twins?”

Ronen shrugged. “I guess. I’ve been out flying a lot at night.”

Cassiel rolled her eyes. “Anyway, he was here, and we chatted for a while before he had to get back to Archer and their kid. When everyone got together for a visit, Dante took Zeke and Mal aside and said that Michael had been hinting at a meeting. Zeke got the impression it would be taking place soon, and they should all be prepared.”

Ronen frowned. “Prepared for what? If there’s imminent danger, shouldn’t we have intel now rather than later? It sounds more like the Most High and archangels are wrapping things up.”

“Yeah, sure.” Cassiel snorted. “I doubt the rogue demons decided to take their toys and go home. There’s always been a battle between good and evil.”

Ronen clenched his fists, keeping them out of sight under the table. “Right. But not this extreme. None of the dark forces has ever dared go after the holy relics, to try and completely take over the earth realm. They’ve always followed the rules. Humans are fair game, and we’re here to protect them. Case closed.”

Cassiel sighed. “Yes, of course. That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about Lucifer and the rogues still being at odds. No one’s ever discussed it in the open, but Lucifer has to be humiliated at being openly defied like this.” She chuckled. “Can you imagine how embarrassing this must have been when Lucifer actually had to go to Michael and ask for help?”

“True.” Ronen nodded. “That would’ve been a perfect fly on the wall moment.”

They both shared an easy laugh, the emotion strange after the heaviness of his thoughts as of late. Like the taste of sweet when you’re expecting salt.

With another sigh, Cassiel drained her cup, then set it down. “Not gonna lie. I’m bored as fuck. I was thinking, until we get an update, maybe we could stage a gargoyle practice battle. I seriously need to stretch my wings, work on my slicing technique.”

Ronen arched his eyebrows. “You’re already the slice and dice queen. I can’t imagine your blade work getting even more vicious.”

“Why, thank you.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I love it when you talk dirty to me.”

Ronen slapped his hand to his forehead. “No comment. But seriously, I think a practice battle is a great idea. The only time I’m able to forget is when I’m—“

Ronen pressed his lips together as Cassiel’s eyes widened. He was definitely becoming too comfortable around her. Or, maybe it was time he let his own demons loose. He rubbed the back of his neck. Especially since it seemed like more than ever he wouldn’t be meeting his mate any century soon.

Cassiel’s features softened. “I never asked, but it wasn’t because I don’t care. I knew that pressing you about how you were handling things wouldn’t do you any favors. You had to be ready in your own time.”

Ronen lowered his head. He couldn’t bear to look her in the eyes, couldn’t face witnessing her fight to tolerate his weakness.

“Some big tough gargoyle warrior I am, huh?”

“Stop it, asshole. Quit feeling sorry for yourself.”

Ronen’s head shot up. “I’m not feeling sorry for myself. Don’t you think I haven’t tried to let it go? To move past the terror that eats at me from when those fucking demons tortured me?” His stomach roiled, heart pounding as fury rose in him. “Do you know that every time I see the scars on my body, it’s like I’m enduring the horrendous pain all over again? At the same time, my memory is still blocked. Which means I have the joy of knowing these gruesome things were done to me, but bringing up the memory is impossible.”

He pounded his fist on the table. “Not knowing is the biggest torture of all. I’d rather have the memories than to constantly wonder what was done to my helpless body. The only time, only time, I feel I can cope is when I’m focused on defending the forces of evil. That’s my sole moment of peace. Eradicating more of the filth that dared to abuse me.”

Cassiel reached across the table, covering his still-clenched fist with her hand. “I can’t truly understand the trauma you’ve been through, but I can say this. Your ability to push through, to not give up and keep fighting, humbles me. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to put myself in the path of the very creatures who were responsible for my torture. I admire your strength and how you’ve never shirked your duties as a defender.”

Ronen was finally able to meet her gaze. “I appreciate it. I’m not trying to diminish how you feel, but I don’t view myself as being particularly brave. After all, gargoyles are meant for nothing but to protect and fight. I’m no more remarkable than any other gargoyle who’s faced the dark forces.”

Cassiel shook her head. “Not true. There have been several gargoyles who surrendered their status and chose to be mortal rather than face evil. Why do you think we lost so many of our kind to the rogue demons? They had no faith. They were the ones who were weak, not you. For all you know, they tried to recruit you while you were being tortured. Yet you stuck to your oath and didn’t abandon your duty.” She smacked him on the side of his arm. “You’re a fucking boss, dude. Embrace it.”