Page 16 of Gargoyle Defender

“Of course. I don’t want you to feel threatened.” Ronen indicated to Tanner’s barely touched meal. “Do you think you can take a couple more bites before we leave? I can contact the team leader while you finish up.”

Tanner regarded his plate. The grilled chicken breast had been picked at, the baked potato ignored, and perhaps one or two asparagus tips consumed.

“I guess I could.” He gave Ronen a half-smile. “I’m actually feeling a little less stressed now that you’re here.”

They locked gazes, the brief connection seeming to convey more than words could. Each minute brought them closer to the truth of their bond. It was taking every ounce of strength Ronen possessed to keep from blurting out that they were destined to be together before throwing Tanner across the table and giving him what they both needed.

Tanner began eating but paused after a few bites. His brow furrowed. “I thought you were going to call someone from your team?”

Ronen blinked several times. Shit. While he carried a phone, he primarily used it for human interaction. Most gargoyles were old school, preferring the traditional method of telepathy.

“Uh, right. I’ll be right back.” When Tanner narrowed his eyes, Ronen added, “I wouldn’t want anyone to overhear.”

As he exited the restaurant, Ronen realized his explanation probably sounded suspicious. After all, they’d already been openly discussing everything.

Ronen positioned himself at the front of the cafe, monitoring the entrance to the lounge. He put the phone to his head to appear as though he were making a call, then sent out a mental message to Cassiel.

“Cassiel. You there?”

“Yup. How are things going with Tanner? Any new intel?” She sounded a little out of breath. “I'm flying over the city with Victor now,” Cassiel replied. “We’ve been monitoring the perimeter of the facility. Something’s going down—more activity than usual. Looks like something big is imminent.”

Ronen leaned against the restaurant’s exterior wall, keeping his eyes fixed on Tanner through the window.

“Tanner’s opening up. He’s figured out that something’s wrong at Nexus. He’s been experiencing headaches, nausea, memory gaps—all signs that his Nephilim blood is fighting the demonic influence.”

“Shit. Things are progressing faster than we anticipated. Under no circumstances can he go back there.”

“Already on it. I said we’d protect him.”

“Hold on. I need to find a new perch. Fuck these palm trees.” Cassiel’s voice came through again a minute later. “Okay, that’s better. How much have you told him?”

“Only that we’re monitoring his workplace for suspicious activity. He’s afraid, Cass.” Ronen’s gut clenched as he watched Tanner push food around on his plate.

Cassiel groaned. “We need to bring him in and call for more reinforcements. Things could blow up at any second. I just wish we could’ve gotten more information first.”

Ronen pressed his lips together. “Agreed. But I need your help. He’s starting to trust me, but he wants to meet the team before he’ll go anywhere with me.”

“Smart guy. Where are you?”

“Sea Breeze Café on Collins Avenue. There’s a park across the street so we can have some privacy.”

A momentary pause. “We’ll have Victor to deal with. He’s not going to like any of this.”

“Victor can shove it,” Ronen growled. “Whether he fucking believes it or not, this is my mate we’re talking about. He’s terrified and sick from whatever those bastards are doing to him.”

“We’re on the same page, dude. Just putting it out there. So, I'll round him and Marcus up, and we’ll meet you at the park in twenty.”

Ronen ended the fake call, pocketing his phone as he returned to the table. Tanner seemed to have managed a few more bites of his meal but was now back to pushing the food around his plate.

Tanner glanced up as Ronen sat down, his expression hopeful.

“My colleague will be here soon. We’re supposed to meet in the park across the street.” Ronen signaled for the check. “Should I ask them to wrap that up for you?”

Tanner shook his head. “No, I’m good. I don’t have enough room in my mini fridge, and I couldn’t reheat it. We only use the little microwave for pre-packaged stuff.”

Ronen tucked one side of his hair behind his ear. “I’m not trying to be pushy, but I don’t think it’s safe for you to go back to your dorm. I’m sure your employers know where you live.”

Tanner’s eyes widened. “Oh, shit. You’re right.” He knuckled his eyes, sighing. “I’m so crashed out I’m not thinking straight.”