Page 19 of Gargoyle Defender

“But he doesn’t know—”

“Of course he doesn’t,” Ezekiel snapped, not looking up from his work as he uncorked the green bottle. “However, that doesn’t change what he is. Now, please. Both of you, step outside. I’ll call for you the second I have an update on his condition.”

Cassiel tugged gently at Ronen’s arm. For a moment, he couldn’t move. The idea of leaving Tanner’s side felt like cutting off his own limb. But Ezekiel’s words echoed through his mind. His presence was hurting Tanner, not helping him.

“Ronen,” Cassiel’s voice was gentle but firm. “We need to let Zeke work.”

He nodded numbly and allowed her to guide him from the room. Each step away from Tanner was agony, his body physically resisting the separation. As the door closed behind them, Ronen pressed his palms against the cold stone wall, trying to ground himself.

“He’ll be okay, Ronen.” Cassiel rested her hand on his shoulder. “Zeke’s the man, am I right? He saved you, and I’m not gonna lie, you were wrecked.”

Ronen’s throat tightened. “I know. Only… I just found him, Cassiel.” Tears threatened as he turned to her. “What will I do if I lose him forever?”

Tanner could barely open his eyes, was weak as fuck, and the hungriest he could ever remember being. Bizarre. He’d been unrelentingly nauseous for so long, he’d forgotten what it was like to be ravenous.

His eyes flew open. Wait a minute. Not only was the nausea gone, but so was the fucking bitch of a headache.

“No way,” he whispered.

A gasping snore startled him, and Tanner sat up in what was a very large, very comfy bed filled with fluffy pillows and adorned with a velvety, burgundy red comforter. He rubbed his palms along the sinfully soft fabric.

Wow.

Clearly, he was hallucinating because he’d never slept in such a luxurious place before. As he took in his surroundings, he mused that the room reminded him of a king’s bedchamber in a medieval castle. The walls were lavishly decorated with magnificent tapestries depicting battle scenes and grand landscapes, and several ornate cast-iron standing candelabra cast a golden glow. One of his favorite video games had a similar look.

Another sputtering snore drew his attention, and Tanner spotted Ronen slumped in a chair beside the bed. The man’s broad shoulders were hunched forward, his chin resting on his chest as he dozed. Long strands of wild, honey-colored hair fell across Ronen’s face, and Tanner found himself longing to see those intense eyes again—the way they’d locked onto him with such fierce attention.

A strange warmth bloomed in Tanner’s chest at the sight. Ronen had stayed with him. His memory was fuzzy on the details, but through whatever had happened, this virtual stranger hadn’t abandoned him. Tears burned in his eyes, and he swallowed past a lump in his throat. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had cared enough to stay by his side when he was sick. His roomie back at the dorm would’ve just called campus medical services and gone about his day.

“Ronen?” he called softly, his voice raspier than expected.

Ronen jerked awake, nearly toppling from the chair before his eyes focused on him. The relief that washed over his face was so raw and genuine that Tanner thought he might cry.

“You’re awake,” Ronen breathed, moving to the edge of the bed. “How do you feel?”

“Tired, but so much better. I’m also hungry enough to eat all the fish in the ocean.” Tanner smiled, his emotions rising, making him feel giddy. “The best part is the headache is gone. Like it never existed. Same with my nausea. It’s a miracle, for real.” He glanced around the room again. “But where am I? No way this is a hospital. How did I get better so fast? What was wrong with me in the first place?”

Why do I want to grab you and demand you fuck me into the mattress?

The last thought came out of nowhere, shocking Tanner. His face grew hot, and he ducked his head, pretending to examine the fancy comforter.

Ronen clutched Tanner’s hand. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you’re feeling better. There’s much to tell you, to explain. Right now, you’re completely safe. I brought you to the local lair because you had a violent seizure.” Ronen’s breath hitched. “I had no choice, Tanner. I was losing you, and your only hope was for me to get you here to our healer.”

Tanner blinked several times. “Hold up. Did you say lair?” He snorted. “Like an evil villain?”

Ronen gasped so loud it made Tanner jump.

“No! We are not the evil ones! We work with the angels and the Most High to protect humanity from the dark forces.” Ronen pounded his fist into his open palm. “As a gargoyle, it’s my sworn duty to protect humanity, to banish evil.”

Tanner’s shoulders slumped. Damn. Why does it always have to be the hot guys who are psycho? Although his cock didn’t seem to be bothered by this breaking news. The fact that Ronen was as cracked like a walnut beneath a steamroller hadn’t diminished his woody in the slightest. His hard-on was actually becoming quite uncomfortable. Not only that, but why weren’t there at least fifty cheeseburgers in front of him right now?

“Okay, sure. Cool.”

Tanner cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn’t sure what his next move should be. All he had on was a short gown, like those worn in hospitals. However, he’d never seen ones made of silk before. He didn’t know where he was, had no transportation, and no idea where his phone and wallet were. Playing along until he’d gathered more intel seemed like the best move for now.

Ronen scrubbed his face with both hands, his features pinched. “Oh, man. Cass and everyone are going to kill me.”

Tanner tensed. That didn’t sound good. “W-why would they kill you? Are they connected to my job?”