Page 21 of Gargoyle Defender

“A lair under a church.” Tanner worked to keep his tone free of doubt. “Like, underground?”

Ronen nodded. “That’s correct.”

Tanner rubbed his chin as he drew his eyebrows together. “So, you're really a gargoyle? Like, those stone things on churches?” He shook his head. “But you look completely human.”

“We can shift between forms,” Ronen explained. “Our gargoyle form is our natural state, but we’ve adapted over the centuries to blend in with humans when needed.”

Tanner realized he had to pick a side. He could reject everything Ronen was saying and plan his escape. Or he could accept that the supernatural, secret world in which Ronen existed was the reality, and become one with the concept. He couldn’t have it both ways.

“Okay then. I need a visual aid.”

Ronen’s eyebrows shot up. “A what?”

Tanner shrugged. “I’m a visual learner. I do better by seeing rather than by reading or listening to lectures. I’m hands-on.”

Ronen’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Oh, I see.” He glanced around. “Let me move into the middle of the room where there’s more space.”

As Ronen got up from the bed, Tanner was struck by a moment of panic. A big part of him had assumed Ronen would make an excuse as to why shifting into a gargoyle was impossible right now. In a few minutes, if what Ronen said was true, nothing would ever be the same.

Ronen paused halfway between the end of the bed and a large armoire that took up most of the wall on the other side of the room. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

Tanner swallowed hard. “After everything I’ve been through, I need to know what’s real and what’s fake. I’m sure.”

Ronen closed his eyes and froze where he stood. For a moment, Tanner thought that was it, that Ronen was fantasizing he was a gargoyle and Tanner was royally fucked. But then, Ronen’s skin hardened, muscles undulating and expanding as if they had a mind of their own. Wings unfurled from his back, stretching toward the ceiling as his body grew taller, broader. The change rippled through him fully—face elongating, teeth sharpening, fingers extending into claws.

When Ronen lifted his lids, they glowed a fierce gold, like molten metal in a forge. His entire body was covered in what appeared to be granite, deep blue-gray with patterns like veins of quartz running through the stone.

Tanner's mouth fell open. Holy. Fucking. Shit.

This was real. All of it was real. His breath caught as he stared at the transformed being before him. Ronen stood at least seven feet tall now, his wings majestic and powerful, spanning what had to be ten feet from tip to tip in the cramped confines of the bedroom. His tail curled around his body, with a light swishing sound.

“This is what I truly am,” Ronen’s voice rumbled, deeper and more resonant than before, yet still recognizably him.

Tanner blinked several times, licking his too-dry lips. His brain struggled to process what his eyes were seeing. The creature—no, the gargoyle—before him should’ve been terrifying, but instead, he felt an inexplicable pull toward him. The gargoyle was magnificent, powerful, and somehow beautiful in a primal way that made Tanner’s heart race.

“You’re amazing, Ronen.” He surprised himself with his own words. “I mean it. I wasn’t sure how I’d react if what you said was true, yet here I am.” He laughed, a real laugh, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks. “And you’re remarkable. And this is real.”

Even with his hardened, gargoyle features, Ronen appeared relieved. It must’ve been so scary to show his true self.

“I’d like to change back,” said Ronen. “I wish to be next to you, but…” he indicated to his form with both hands. “I might annihilate the bed. I’m not familiar with this lair and their standards.”

Tanner barked out a laugh. “Yes, change back.”

The process reversed itself, taking about the same amount of time. However, one main thing caught him off guard.

“Your clothes,” Tanner waved his hand at Ronen. “They reappeared. How’s that possible?”

Ronen climbed onto the bed next to him, and a flush of heat traveled up Tanner’s chest and into his cheeks. Damn, but the gargoyle man was sexy.

Ronen gave him a half smile. “Out of everything you just witnessed, that was the most unbelievable part?”

Tanner laughed again. “Fair point. It’s just—” He dragged his fingers through his somewhat tangled hair. “There's so much to process. Gargoyles, demons, me being part angel... and somehow the magical clothing is what my brain decided to question.”

“The clothing shifts with us.” Ronen settled more comfortably beside Tanner on the bed. “It’s part of the transformation magic. Very convenient.”

“I bet.” Tanner was suddenly aware of how close Ronen was sitting. Heat radiated from the gargoyle’s body, and Tanner found himself wanting to lean into that warmth. The urge to touch Ronen was almost overwhelming, which was bizarre considering they’d only met yesterday. Or had it been longer?

“How long was I out, anyway?”