Page 12 of Gargoyle Defender

Ronen wasn't buying it. Reassignment in the middle of a critical mission? That reeked of trouble. “Was he compromised?”

Cassiel heaved a sigh. “As I said, that’s all I know. My clearance doesn’t encompass such details.” Her eyes darted away for a second—enough for Ronen to know she was holding back.

“Why didn’t Uriel or Michael come to me, huh?” Victor snarled. “Samir was my guy.”

Cassiel furrowed her brow. “So? What difference does it make? The real issue is that we’ve lost our guy who knew the inside of the facility.” She dragged her fingers through her short hair. “Victor, did you get a good sense of the layout last night?”

Victor was still grumbling about something under his breath, but he finally looked up. “Yeah. I got it. Plus, we still have the map and everything he noted on it.”

Cassiel nodded. “Good. Were you able to identify the buildings he wasn’t sure of, or did you get that far?”

Victor shook his head. “We did a basic reconnaissance of the perimeter, observed the facility's security personnel, their schedule, and shift changes.” He frowned. “It’s going to take at least a week of observation to nail down a definite routine. Ideally, longer. But we don’t know how much time we have before they achieve what they’re after.”

“Right. We can’t drag our heels,” Cassiel agreed. “Ronen, what were you able to find out regarding Tanner’s involvement there?”

Her question caught him off guard. He’d been prepared to defend his position with Tanner, to apologize for revealing himself to his mate so soon. She also hadn’t questioned the truth of whether Tanner was his mate.

“We barely had a chance to speak. He seemed anxious not to be late for work. His fear went beyond the normal anxiety—it rolled off him in waves. Also…” Ronen squirmed on his chair, suddenly hyperaware that he was revealing personal details about his mate connection. Yet, he was bound by his duty as a Slayer. “While I was able to recognize him as my true mate the moment I touched him—“ he shot a glare at Victor before continuing— “he didn’t respond to me the way I would’ve expected. At one point, it was almost as if I repulsed him before his demeanor abruptly changed again.”

Victor rolled his eyes. “Oh, brother. Match made in heaven for sure.”

“That’s enough, Victor,” growled Cassiel. “It’s still early enough in the mission to have you reassigned as well.” She turned to Ronen. “Was that all?”

“He gave me his contact info,” Ronen replied as he ignored Victor’s heated glare. “I feel as though he wants to be around me yet doesn’t at the same time.”

“Hmm…” Cassiel lightly tapped the chair arm. “Interesting. If he’s truly your mate, you would’ve triggered his heat. Even if he feared you for some reason, his body wouldn’t have cared.”

“He’s my mate. There’s no doubt.”

Ronen’s words came out harsher than he’d expected. Then again, he hadn’t expected anything that had happened.

“Hey, I’m not saying he isn’t,” Cassiel said, her tone reassuring. “Only that it’s odd. As if he’s been infected with something. I mean, think about it. We’ve been operating on intel that humans are being used, that Marianne Walker, who holds a high government position, has been compromised. But a Nephilim?” She let out a low whistle. “That’s next level.”

Ronen nodded. “That’s what I was wondering, too. How is it he could be exposed to that amount of darkness on an extended basis? And did the demons target him more for his angelic side than his hacking skills?”

All night, his imagination had been running overtime, picturing what might be happening inside the office building where Tanner worked. The only thing that prevented him from busting the door down and whisking him away was that he’d never sensed Tanner’s fear.

Cassiel appeared lost in thought, while Victor sat across from them scowling like a petulant child.

“Well,” sighed Cassiel. “I think we have to summon Michael after all. I’m out of my depth here with this Nephilim situation.” She regarded Ronen. “You said he gave you his contact info?”

“Yeah.” Ronen couldn’t stop the smile tugging at his lips. “He invited me out.”

Victor shot up from his chair. “I need to get some shut-eye. Wake me when Michael arrives.”

Cassiel called after him as he stomped out of the room, “I’ll send Michael to your room when he gets here. I’m sure he’ll love that!” She regarded Ronen, her jaw hanging open. “The fuck is his problem? I want to behave myself and be a good little captain, remain professional, but he makes me want to throat-punch him.”

Ronen snort-laughed. “I think you’re showing remarkable restraint.” He lowered his chin before meeting her gaze. “You believe me, though, right? About Tanner?”

She gave him a soft smile. “When I first heard about it, I wasn’t sure. But I know you. You’re not the type to misinterpret something as important as this. You’re careful. Wary. Understandably, after all you’ve been through.” She patted his hand. “I believe you. Now all we have to do is figure out what’s happening to him so we can fix it.”

A heavy weight of anguish lifted off his chest. Cassiel would back him up.

“Thanks, Cass. I’ll give him a call later, see if I can set up a time to meet.”

She nodded. “Good. I don’t think I need to remind you, but just in case. As long as he’s not responding to you as his mate, don’t bring up the subject.”

As much as he hated having to hold back when the mating pull toward Tanner was so strong, it was the right call.