“Yep, I’m a pro at this now, thanks to Michael.” I smirk.
Asher’s face scans mine. “I’ll see you soon. I promise, siren,” he vows.
I bury my face in his chest. “Ash?” I murmur against his shirt.
“Yeah?” he whispers, his chin resting on top of my head.
“You’re literally holding my soul in your hands.” My eyes lift to meet his.
He gives me his signature sexy smile. “There’s no place I would rather your soul be, than in my protection.” His demeanor is sincere and filled with something else I can’t name.
My heart skips a beat at his proclamation as I come to the realization my soul might not be the only thing attached to him.
7
Pendulum
I close my eyes and imagine I’m a glowing white light, tugging on a silver cord attached to my physical body. Gently, I pull and let it guide me back, just as Michael taught me. I return to my physical state, which happens faster than leaving it for some reason.
As soon as my soul hits my body, I stand straighter. I forgot I left myself standing by the windows. I need to remember to position myself more comfortably next time. I stretch my neck from side to side to alleviate some of the pressure the absence caused.
“Welcome back. I trust Asher is alright?” Gage says, standing next to me. He’s holding my clothes and weapons with an unreadable expression marring his lovely face. There’s something I see behind his gaze. Anger maybe, but it disappears.
I tilt my head to the side and narrow my eyes. “You didn’t think you could kidnap me and I wouldn’t reach out to him, did you?”
The calculating gargoyle watches me, a small smile forming on his lips. “I didn’t kidnap you. You’re free to go any time you’d like, love.” He points toward the door.
I huff as he hands my outfit and daggers to me. “The restroom?”
He motions to the bathroom with his head. “Down the hall, on the right.”
“Thanks,” I say quietly and make my way to change back into my jeans and black cotton long sleeved shirt and resheath my weapons. If he meant me harm, why would he return my daggers?
When I return, Gage is sitting at the granite counter in the kitchen with some cheese, crackers and fruit on a platter and two glasses of water, waiting for me to join him. He points to a stool next to him. “Are you hungry?”
My stomach grumbles, letting me know that I am. “I guess.”
“Take a seat,” he orders, imploring obedience. Why are all gargoyles so damn bossy?
Sitting, I grab some cheese and begin to nibble on it. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
He stops eating and focuses on the sink in front of us as if he didn’t realize he was being kind toward me. “I’m not sure.”
“Truthful. Weird, but straight forward,” I offer, confused by his response.
“I take it his highness will be on his way shortly?” he says with little humor.
I glance at him sideways. “If you’re referring to Asher, then yes.”
The corners of his lips tilt. “The dark prince must have been super pissed you’re here with me, love.” Gage’s eyes roam down my body, causing it to shudder, which catches me off guard. “And unclothed, at that, when you projected.”
I groan. “Asher wasn’t thrilled, but he did say I was safe with you. Am I?” I send a pointed glance his way.
“For now.” He shrugs like it’s not a big deal.
I grab a grape and focus on chewing it as we sit in silence for a bit. This is awkward and I’m not sure what to say to Gage. He seems like a nice guy, but his past actions tell a different story.
“You’re mastering the astral projection well. Michael is an excellent teacher. It takes great strength to be able to manipulate it the way you have.” His tone sounds almost proud that I’ve controlled the ability.
“I’m lucky he’s showing me how to have power over some abilities of the ascension,” I say.
Gage looks at me pensively for a moment. “Does it scare you? Knowing you’re the weapon they’ve created to save humankind?”
My eyes hold his as I swallow my grape, hard. For some reason that goes beyond logical interpretation, I feel at ease with Gage. No matter what his threats are, I know he isn’t dangerous to me in this moment.
“At first, I wanted no part in it. Now, well, when Deacon killed Aria, it made me realize I have to make that mean something in the grand scheme of things.” My answer is painful.
Gage just studies me. “It will. He was wrong to do that. Deacon is half-demon, so there are times he can’t control his urges. In that moment though, Aria came out of nowhere, love. Not that I’m defending him but technically he didn’t go after her. She jumped in front of you.”
“That’s what makes it worse,” I whisper. “She believed in me enough to sacrifice herself.”
“Unfortunately, we don’t get second chances with the ones we love, do we?” he says.
I just watch him, ignoring the urge to scream. “Then he desecrated her grave.”
Gage stills. “Deacon did?” Appalled, he sighs and turns toward me. “Well, that is disturbing, to say the least. You must’ve really pissed him off.”
I snort. “He’s your friend, you would know.”
Gage takes my elbow. “Make no mistake, I’m not his friend, nor do I agree with his business practices. I owe him a simple debt of gratitude.”
“Okay,” I offer weakly, knowing I’m the payment.
“I’m not your friend either, love. The only one I look out for in this world is myself,” he says with a sharp undertone.
“From what I understand, that wasn’t always the case. Fiona says you used to be close with the St. Michaels and you were practically family. I was under the impression that Asher, Keegan and Callan were like brothers to you.”
Gage exhales an agitated breath. “Yes, when we were mere boys. The world has changed since then, as have I.”
“How did you come to owe a stand-up guy like Deacon?” I inquire, taking another grape. Sarcasm drips from my lips along with the juice from the fruit.
“A long time ago, I needed some information and he was able to provide it to me,” he admits.
That can’t be good. “That’s not vague at all.”
Gage glances up to see me looking back at him. “Are you asking for my life’s story, love?”
I just shrug. “I guess I am. I’m wondering what provokes an outwardly normal guy, with so much to offer, to become indebted to a guy like Deacon. You seem smarter than that.”
He turns on the stool, fully facing me, and places a hand on the back of my chair. “Maybe I’m not as normal as you think.”
I fix my eyes on his face instead of his bare chest and lift my chin. “I disagree.”
He pales and his brows scrunch together. “Perhaps you should ask Asher.”
I hold Gage’s eyes. “I’m asking you.”
Gage just grumbles under his breath. “Look, love, being here, in my home, is not an invitation into my life.”
I stand in disappointment. “Understood,” I say and walk back to the couch in front of the fire to get warm. “I’ll just sit quietly and wait for Asher to show up and kick your ass.”
Gage sighs in defeat, gets up, and takes his place across from me in the leather chair. He just stares at me, as if deciding whether he wants to talk at all.
“The love of my life, my mate, was taken from me in the middle of the night then raped and killed. Her neck was slit from ear to ear before they left her to bleed out. Her lifeless body was positioned in front of my door so I would find her in that state in the morning.”
My mouth falls open. “Oh my God, Gage. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, me too.” He gets up and walks to the bar, pouring himself another brandy. With his back to me, he drains the entire glass in one large swallow. I focus on the lion tattoo.
“I don’t mean to sound ignorant but I thought you had to pierce the heart of a gargoyle to kill
them,” I ask, my voice soft, treading on light waters.
Gage turns to me, the vein in his neck pulsing with rage. “She was human.”
My mouth is opening and closing like a fish. I need to say something, anything. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I offer lamely.
He pours another glass, taking a small sip before settling back into the seat across from me. He frowns before continuing. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. It’s done. She’s dead.”
My heart drops. I’m not sure whether to be disgusted by his nonchalance or saddened by the walls he’s built because of her death. “Yes, she is. I know what it’s like and how difficult it is for you to live with her death hanging over your shoulders each day.” Because I do. It’s how I’m coping with Aria’s passing.
Gage’s face flashes with respect and disquiet. “I needed information to find out who killed her and Deacon not only gave me the information, but helped me make it right.”
I study him for a moment. “You mean he handed over the demon who killed her?”
“Gargoyle,” he corrects coldly.
My eyes widen in shock. “Gargoyle?”
“Lucky for me, gargoyle law states that when one of our kind takes another’s life, revenge is warranted, per the holier than thou Royal Gargoyle Council of Protectors decree,” he scoffs.
“An eye for an eye?” I’m reminded of Deacon’s words during our stand off.
The corner of his mouth rises slowly, unnerving me. “Yes.”
“I thought she wasn’t a gargoyle?” I mutter, wishing I could take it back once I see his reaction.
Gage leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Camilla was human, however we were mated so she carried my clan mark, the lion tattoo, therefore her life falls under gargoyle law.”
“I see.” I swallow back the lump forming in my throat. I hadn’t realized if a human takes a gargoyle as a mate, they’re required to follow their supernatural laws. “She had a pretty name.”
“She was from Spain.” He leans closer toward me, closing his eyes, his voice soft. “Camilla was beautiful, intelligent and loving. When I close my eyes at night, I can still see her sparkling eyes. My hands can still feel her long hair, which flowed in the wind like silk. She was perfect. She was everything.” Gage’s eyes reopen and scan mine then, as if burned he gets up, moving with exceptional speed to face the fireplace and lights a cigarette, inhaling the nicotine roughly.
“My love didn’t deserve to die such a vile and brutal death. Especially at the hands of my father and the council.” Gage rubs his thumb methodically over his bottom lip while exhaling a cloud of smoke.
“Your father?”
He turns and faces me. “Yes. My father was the leader of the Paris clan of gargoyles and second in command to Asher’s father, Garrick, on the council. He didn’t believe his only son, his male heir, should marry a human let alone one he was charged with protecting. He felt it important I mate with ‘our own kind’ as he put it. He was also upset that I broke my protector oath, for which the punishment is stone petrification. So he had Camilla murdered in an attempt to keep me under his control and prevent me from being charged and sentenced by the council.”
My eyes shift to the flickering of the fire. “That’s awful, Gage.” He was her protector?
“Yeah, well, shit happens, love. Deacon knew about my father and provided the information and assistance I needed. In exchange, all he required was a good turn at a time of his choosing.”
“So I’m that good turn?” I try not to stammer.
“Yes. He’s chosen to cash in the favor by having me deliver you to him,” he says as a matter of fact.
I look him in the eyes. “And will you, knowing what my fate is?”
He sighs and turns back to the fire. “I’m unsure.”
“If your father’s gone, are you not the leader of the Paris clan?” I ask, hoping to keep the subject off him delivering me to Deacon.
Gage shakes his head back and forth vigorously. “No. I walked away from that title when the clan killed my mate. My father may have wielded the sword but it wasn’t a solo act. I’m positive he had assistance. There were other gargoyles, and of course, the council. I know they approved her demise in order to avoid sentencing.”
I stand and move toward the fire. “Wait, you don’t think the St. Michaels had anything to do with her death, do you?”
Gage just stares at me, the lion on his back twitches with his muscles at the mention of Asher’s family. He moves closer and brushes the hair off my shoulder. “Garrick St. Michael was not only in charge of the council, but he was also the leader of the gargoyle community. Our king. Did Asher not tell you? He’s next in line to the throne. Asher St. Michael is the prince of the gargoyle race.”
I suddenly feel as if the wind has been knocked out of me. What the hell? How many times have I heard someone refer to Asher as your highness or dark prince? Oh my God. I squeeze my eyes shut and then open them, pinning Gage with my stare.
“You’re telling me Asher is slated to become the king of the gargoyle community?” I question in disbelief.
“Yes. He manipulates darkness, hence we call him the dark prince.”
“I thought Keegan was older? Wouldn’t he be next in line?” I speak softly, stunned.
“No. It doesn’t work like that amongst gargoyles. It’s the strongest bloodline who rules next.”
Holy Shit. “Deacon could have lied to you. I don’t believe Asher or his family were part of killing Camilla. Gargoyles are sworn to protect humans,” I remind him.
“Love, don’t mistake loyalty to mankind as a free get out of jail card. Yes, we are under oath to protect humans but gargoyles, like most supernatural creatures, are not immune to greed. It can breed within our community just like any other,” Gage states, throwing the last of his cigarette into the flames. “I once told you to get all the facts before you choose a side. Even now, knowing he’s hidden his title from you, you remain unwavering in your allegiance.” His voice holds a hint of sadness.
“That’s why you’re so angry with Asher and his family? Because you assume Garrick approved Camilla’s death, and as the next in line, Asher and his brothers knew about it?”
“It’s possible that bloodlines overshadowed alliance,” Gage offers. “Her death has certainly led to my distrust of the council.”
I exhale my shock. “I don’t understand how you just disregard your allegiance to your kin.”
“You cannot understand what you don’t know, love.” Gage’s voice is solemn.
“I understand shadows that have a hold on us and skew our beliefs better than you think.”
“My shadow left me a long time ago,” he states. “With that love, so went my loyalty to one side or another. I trust no side.”
“Sounds like you’re protecting yourself and putting up guarded walls.”
“Perhaps, but my neutral position allows me to be a pendulum, free to swing back and forth to my liking,” Gage says, dropping his voice to a seductive level.
“What about coalitions? Maybe other clans can assist you to discover the true story of what happened to Camilla?” I offer.
“In the end, my alliances won’t make a difference, because like a pendulum, I’ll always be weighed down by her ghost. Swinging alone, between sides that have no merit anymore.”
Feeling an overwhelming urge to console Gage, I reach out and place my hand on his cheek. “I’m sorry about Camilla, but you’re wrong to trust Deacon,” I whisper.
He tilts his head into my palm and closes his eyes. “As I said, there is nothing to be sorry for.” The enigmatic gargoyle takes my wrist with surprising gentleness and brings it to his nose before inhaling my scent. I still. Without warning, he presses his lips over my pulse as a strangled gasp parts my lips.
Gage’s gaze lifts and meets mine. He smiles sadly. “Love?”
“Yes.” It comes out breathless.
“Your protector is here.” With that, he drops my wrist and backs
away toward the door.
8 Everything and Anything
As soon as Gage opens the door, Asher storms in like a bat out of hell. His eyes are wild with rage. I stand motionless by the fire, trying to gain control of my erratic heartbeats. To be honest, I’ve only seen Asher this crazed one other time, at Katana, and it also involved Gage. Crap.
“Asher, so nice of you to join us. Please do come in.” Gage’s voice drips with disdain as he motions after Asher has already entered the loft without waiting for an invitation.
He prowls toward me, his eyes never wavering. “You’re unharmed.” It wasn’t a question.
Seeing the confusion and worry on his face, I’m rendered speechless and simply nod my agreement. My lack of speech isn’t helping Asher’s composure.
Meticulously, he scans my body, heating it with his gaze. “I almost beat the door down. Your heart rate was just through the roof. Are you frightened?”
My eyes shift and land on Gage. Crap. Asher thought my increased heartbeats were caused from fear and not Gage’s intimate touch. My mouth is now dry. I just shake my head.
The vein in Asher’s neck begins to pulsate. He’s mistaken my silence for being afraid as he turns his anger on Gage. “Did you hurt her?”
Gage just taunts him with a smirk. “If she said she isn’t hurt, then no.”
“If you laid a hand on her, I will kill you,” Asher spits out, walking toward Gage in a threatening manner.
Gage stands straighter, ready for the attack. “Do your worst, old friend.”
Shaking off the crazy in my head, I race over and get between them, facing Asher. “Stop.” It comes out as a whispered plea. I place my palms on Asher’s chest. “He didn’t hurt me, Asher.” I look behind me as Gage’s face softens.
I swing my gaze back to Asher. His eyes are narrowed, watching the nonverbal interaction between Gage and I. “We’re leaving,” he orders coldly as he grabs my wrists and pulls me to him.
Knowing I’m in serious trouble, I try to back away, allowing some space between us.
Restraint (The Revelation Series Book 2) Page 7