Chapter Six #3
Ronen closed his eyes and froze where he stood.
For a moment, Tanner thought that was it, that Ronen was fantasizing he was a gargoyle and Tanner was royally fucked.
But then, Ronen’s skin hardened, muscles undulating and expanding as if they had a mind of their own.
Wings unfurled from his back, stretching toward the ceiling as his body grew taller, broader.
The change rippled through him fully—face elongating, teeth sharpening, fingers extending into claws.
When Ronen lifted his lids, they glowed a fierce gold, like molten metal in a forge. His entire body was covered in what appeared to be granite, deep blue-gray with patterns like veins of quartz running through the stone.
Tanner's mouth fell open. Holy. Fucking. Shit.
This was real. All of it was real. His breath caught as he stared at the transformed being before him.
Ronen stood at least seven feet tall now, his wings majestic and powerful, spanning what had to be ten feet from tip to tip in the cramped confines of the bedroom.
His tail curled around his body, with a light swishing sound.
“This is what I truly am,” Ronen’s voice rumbled, deeper and more resonant than before, yet still recognizably him.
Tanner blinked several times, licking his too-dry lips.
His brain struggled to process what his eyes were seeing.
The creature—no, the gargoyle—before him should’ve been terrifying, but instead, he felt an inexplicable pull toward him.
The gargoyle was magnificent, powerful, and somehow beautiful in a primal way that made Tanner’s heart race.
“You’re amazing, Ronen.” He surprised himself with his own words. “I mean it. I wasn’t sure how I’d react if what you said was true, yet here I am.” He laughed, a real laugh, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks. “And you’re remarkable. And this is real.”
Even with his hardened, gargoyle features, Ronen appeared relieved. It must’ve been so scary to show his true self.
“I’d like to change back,” said Ronen. “I wish to be next to you, but…” he indicated to his form with both hands. “I might annihilate the bed. I’m not familiar with this lair and their standards.”
Tanner barked out a laugh. “Yes, change back.”
The process reversed itself, taking about the same amount of time. However, one main thing caught him off guard.
“Your clothes,” Tanner waved his hand at Ronen. “They reappeared. How’s that possible?”
Ronen climbed onto the bed next to him, and a flush of heat traveled up Tanner’s chest and into his cheeks. Damn, but the gargoyle man was sexy.
Ronen gave him a half smile. “Out of everything you just witnessed, that was the most unbelievable part?”
Tanner laughed again. “Fair point. It’s just—” He dragged his fingers through his somewhat tangled hair. “There's so much to process. Gargoyles, demons, me being part angel... and somehow the magical clothing is what my brain decided to question.”
“The clothing shifts with us.” Ronen settled more comfortably beside Tanner on the bed. “It’s part of the transformation magic. Very convenient.”
“I bet.” Tanner was suddenly aware of how close Ronen was sitting. Heat radiated from the gargoyle’s body, and Tanner found himself wanting to lean into that warmth. The urge to touch Ronen was almost overwhelming, which was bizarre considering they’d only met yesterday. Or had it been longer?
“How long was I out, anyway?”
“Almost a full day.” Ronen fixed his gaze on him. “I was terrified I’d lose you, but Ezekiel, the healer I told you about, he brought you back.” Ronen’s features clouded. “He did the same for me.”
Tanner drew in a sharp breath. “Oh no, the demons tried to possess you too?”
“No, I haven’t surrendered to the rogues or become a shadow gargoyle.
But they captured me, tortured me for information.
Up until now, they’ve been searching for holy relics.
If they’d been able to procure three of the unattainables, they could’ve turned the world to darkness and enslaved all of humanity. ”
Tanner’s jaw went slack. “No way.”
Ronen nodded. “But something’s changed. I have a theory about what’s going on. Once I’ve had a chance to sit down with Cass and the others—my teammates who’ve been assigned to this operation—I’ll discuss it with them.”
Tanner squirmed, scooting a bit closer to Ronen. He was very interested in what Ronen was saying, very interested. It was his ragingly hard cock that didn’t care.
“Oh yeah?” Tanner licked his lips again, then fanned himself. “Is it hot in here to you?”
Ronen gazed down at him with hooded eyes. “Perhaps we should get you something to eat and have Ezekiel check you over.” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “After that, I think we’ll need some alone time.”
Tanner nodded shakily. “Alone time is good.”
“I’ll assemble a plate of food, maybe some cheese, meats, and fruit? I’m not much of a cook, I’m afraid.”
“No worries.” Tanner grabbed Ronen’s wrist as he rose. “Wait. I just need one thing before you go.”
Ronen eased back onto the mattress. “Of course. What is it?”
Tanner leaned in, reaching up to wrap his hand around Ronen’s nape.
“A kiss.”