Chapter Eleven #3
Michael turned to everyone else. “The old rules no longer apply. The war that has defined your existence has ended.” His tone lightened, which was almost more unsettling than his usual stern demeanor.
“The Shadow Slayers will evolve into guardians rather than warriors. An official proclamation will be sent to all the lairs.”
Michael’s form grew hazy. “As for you, Cassiel, party on.”
Before she had the chance to pump her fist, Michael vanished completely.
“Whoa.” She laughed. “Who knew ol’ cranky pants could be reasonable?”
While the healers continued to clean up, Ronen gathered Tanner in his arms. “I’m taking him to our room. If you should need us, we don’t care.”
“Why would we need you?” Cassiel waggled her eyebrows. “We’re all off the hook now.” She made her way to the door. “I’ll check on Geordie, make sure he's not too banged up. You two...” She waved a hand dismissively. “Do whatever disgustingly sweet stuff fated mates like to wallow in.”
Ronen smirked. “Bite me.”
Ronen cradled Tanner against his chest. His mate felt lighter somehow, more fragile after the ordeal, but the warmth returning to his skin was reassuring. The symbols Ezekiel had drawn were fading now, leaving behind faint blue traces that he imagined would eventually disappear.
“Rest,” Ezekiel called after them as Ronen carried Tanner from the healing chamber. “Both of you. The corruption is gone, but a complete healing takes time.”
Ronen nodded his thanks before stepping into the corridor.
The stone walls of the lair seemed different somehow—less like a fortress and more like a sanctuary.
Ronen carried Tanner through the corridor, mindful of his mate’s weakened state.
Every few steps, he glanced down to reassure himself that Tanner was still breathing steadily, that the ordeal hadn’t taken a permanent toll.
“You don’t have to look so worried,” Tanner murmured, his voice still raspy. “I’m not going to disappear.”
Ronen’s grip tightened. “I came too close to losing you today."
“But you didn’t.” Tanner rested his head against Ronen’s chest. ‘We're both still here. The baby, too.” He chuckled. “Mind still blown about that. I’ll have to figure out how to explain this to Mom.”
“We’ll have to.” Ronen smiled. “We’re a team now.”
Tanner peered up at him. “I love you, Ronen. I’ve always imagined what the man I fell in love with would be like, and you’re not even close to what I longed for.”
Ronen’s chest tightened. Maybe Tanner loved him, but was disappointed.
Forever was an awful long time. “I love you so much, sweetheart. And even if I’m never good enough for you, I promise to do whatever I can to make you happy.
You also have my sacred oath that I will always defend you no matter what. ”
Tanner’s jaw dropped open. “What? No!” He twisted in Ronen’s arms, placing his palm on Ronen’s cheek. “How can you think you’re not good enough for me? You’re the most incredible guy I’ve ever met. How could I long for someone like you when I didn’t know perfect was possible?”
Ronen swallowed hard, tears burning in his eyes. “No, my sweet love. The only one who’s perfect is you.”
He took Tanner’s mouth in a deep kiss, slow and languid, not intending to arouse, but to convey a small measure of his emotions. He would spend all of eternity showing Tanner that their mating wasn’t merely the result of a fated connection.
Ronen broke the kiss and gave Tanner a smile. His heart hadn’t felt this light since he could remember. “Let’s get you to bed.” He raised his eyebrows. “Only rest.”
Tanner grinned back. “Can we have naked rest?”
Ronen snort-laughed. “How can I deny my precious mate anything he wants?”
As he made his way to their room with Tanner cradled against his body, peace washed over him. The feeling was as if he were being wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket, keeping his precious family safe from harm.
Whatever the Slayers faced next was for another day. Now belonged to them, and he planned to cherish every joyous moment. Whether a new epic battle began or the gargoyles protected humanity from minor uprisings of demons—one thing was for certain.
He was the luckiest damn gargoyle who ever lived.
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Thank you for reading!