Page 28 of Gargoyle Defender

“That’s enough!” shouted Michael. “The angelic council has suspected all along the rogues had abandoned the relics in favor of something more precious.” He directed his gaze to Tanner. “The Nephilim themselves. A shadow gargoyle mating with a corrupted Nephilim would produce an almost unbeatable army of twisted supernatural beings, bred only for the purpose of destruction.”

Michael sighed, his features weary in a way Ronen had never seen on an angel. “All light would be drained from existence on the earthly plain. Our only priority now is to destroy that facility. From what Samir told us, this location is the only one of its kind. We’re fortunate in the sense that we’ve uncovered their devious intent before more such facilities were created.”

Michael regarded Tanner. “I’m afraid you were their guinea pig. If they had succeeded in corrupting you, then they would’ve repeated the process over and over.” Michael turned to Ronen. “This is why you were sent here, why you were given your mate before your required kills. Now that the stakes have changed, everything else will, too. I’m not sure what this means for the Shadow Slayers going forward, but I do know one thing. If we can destroy this facility before the evil can spread to others, then the rogues will have failed.”

“Holy shit,” muttered Cassiel. “You’re serious? Battling the rogues would truly be over?”

“They’ll have no choice but to slither back into the underworld and beg for Lucifer’s forgiveness.” Michael smirked. “Banishment to pure nothingness is more likely.”

Ronen’s thoughts were a swirl of shock, disbelief, and hope. Was it possible? Being a Shadow Slayer was such an integral part of who he was. He swallowed hard as he gazed down at Tanner. Was that true anymore? Loving his mate and being a father, having a family of his own—nothing could be more significant than that.

Cassiel let out a loud sigh. “I’m sorry, but I’m confused. Why didn’t they just have Victor ask Tanner out on a date or something? Setting up a huge enterprise and dragging the Secretary of War into the mix seems bizarrely over the top.” She grunted. “Even for rogues.”

Michael smiled. “Tanner? Want to take this one?”

“Oh boy.” Tanner bit his lip. “Yeah, it’s starting to make more sense now.”

Tanner rubbed his forehead, the weight of the situation seeming to drain him more than it already had.

“You don’t have to do this now, sweetheart.” Ronen squeezed his hand. “You need to build up your strength first.”

Michael cleared his throat. “I’m afraid that’s not an option. There isn’t time.” He gestured to Ezekiel. “That is why I’ve requested that Ezekiel remain at the lair, so he can keep watch over Tanner. Without Tanner’s inside knowledge, we’ll be at a great disadvantage. Could lose our one chance to stop this scourge before it spreads.”

Tanner squeezed Ronen’s hand in return. “It’s okay. I need to do this.”

Ronen reluctantly backed off. Even though he hated that Tanner was being forced to keep going, he also realized that it was the only way to move forward.

“Well,” Tanner began, “I was hired to hack into government systems. Ostensibly, it was to secure the country from corruption, to keep everyone safe from domestic and foreign threats.” He rolled his eyes. “But now it’s obvious that it was meant to do the complete opposite. To give them the knowledge and influence to seize power. To poison those in charge until they did the rogue’s bidding. I guess Marianne Walker was their first success story.” He lowered his head. “And I was about to become their second.”

“Hey.” Ronen placed an arm around Tanner. “You were fighting against a horde of darkness.”

“And I’m relieved you were able to hold out so long.” Michael shook his head with a chuckle. “This is all new territory we’re treading. I wondered whether we could get to you in time. You have amazing fortitude.”

Ronen bit back a retort that Michael had been risking his mate’s very soul. Yeah, he supposed it was the right thing to do, what with all of humanity at stake. But it didn’t mean he had to like it.

Cassiel rubbed the back of her neck, her brow furrowing. “This is so unbelievable. What’s our plan of attack, chief?”

Michael regarded her with a frown. “I’d rather you refer to me in a different manner.”

Ronen smirked. Michael had no idea what an opening he’d given Cassiel. Fortunately, she had enough sense not to take the bait.

Michael continued, “We strike quick and hard. One team will focus on taking Victor out. Another will remove Marianne Walker to a holding facility, see if she can eventually be rehabilitated after all this is over.” He turned to Tanner again. “I’m sorry to do this to you, but we’ll need as much intel as you can give us on everything to do with the facility. Passcodes, layout, who’s in charge. Absolutely everything.”

Tanner nodded, his features set with determination. “What kind of computer systems do you have here? It shouldn’t take me very long to hack into everything at the facility. I can upload a virus, give false intel, whatever you want. Plus, I can help with the facility's security systems. Once I get into their network, I can disable the cameras, unlock doors—give you guys a clear path.”

Ronen squeezed Tanner’s shoulder, his heart bursting with pride.

“But first,” interjected Ezekiel. “He needs some broth and juice.” He winked at Tanner. “Healer’s orders.”

Ronen narrowed his eyes at Ezekiel, but kept his mouth shut. The wink was innocent, the wink was innocent. He was going to explode if he didn’t figure out how to deal with his rampant possessiveness.

Michael rose, his body shimmering as his figure faded. “Expect reinforcements from lairs all over the world within the next several hours. We strike at midnight.”

With that final command, the archangel vanished completely, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the air where he had stood.

Ronen's muscles coiled tightly with tension. Four hours. Only four hours to prepare for what could be the most significant battle of their existence. His gaze fell on Tanner, who appeared pale but determined and resolute. The urge to shield his mate from what was imminent overwhelmed him.

“I’ll get you that broth,” Ronen said. “You need your strength.”