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Crew looked annoyed but stood anyway.
“Wait, no. I can’t protect you both,” Stravos challenged. “My orders are to protect Harlow at all costs.” His panic had me raising an eyebrow. Layne walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, which wasn’t easy since he towered over her significantly.
“Look, my growly friend. Unless you plan to come join us, you weren’t invited anyway,” she stated. “But let me know if you ever do want to join. Harlow might be onto something, fucking these monsters...” She yanked Crew with her to the elevator. I’d never seen a gargoyle so stunned, and I gave him a sympathetic smile as I walked past. They argued as they stood in the elevator waiting, not caring if we overheard. The couple had some things to figure out if she would try and give Stravos a chance.
“She’s honestly great, you should go for it,” I offered before piling in with Roman at my back. Stravos followed us but his eyes were burning a hole into Layne the entire time.
When the elevator reached the basement, we all stepped off, Layne and Crew making a beeline for the kitchen to slip toward the maintenance hall. At this point even the staff didn’t yell out any protests, simply ignoring them. They’d been through so many times I doubted the staff even cared.
As I piled my tray with an insane amount of food and walked to the table, I caught more than one conversation about classes or therapy.
“Did anyone notice they’re acting like it’s business as usual here?” I hissed at Roman.
Stravos cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I think I can help with that. They’ve been shielded from the supernatural so other than the courtyard being off-limits for renovations, they’re none the wiser. If they looked down from their rooms, it would look like construction.”
“You can do all that?” Roman questioned. Even I was shocked to hear it. So far I had learned little about gargoyles. Kol was more intent on telling me I’m his mate and fucking me than trying to actually talk.
“No, it’s the demon’s work,” he admitted. “Demons are the masters of illusion and disguise. We’ve got strength and wings on our side, and we’re made to kill demons, so there’s that.”
“Interesting,” I said with a nod.
“I’m team gargoyle,” Roman joked. We both burst out into laughter.
“I guess I have to be team why choose,” I deadpanned. “I’ve got a demon, a half demon, two humans, and a gargoyle in my bed.”
“Hiro and I need to up our supernatural game to compete,” he joked, though I could see a bit of unease there. Roman seemed to doubt himself more lately. I put a hand on his arm, waiting to speak until he looked up at me. I hated the vulnerability there.
“Hey, I like that you’re human, Roman. If you haven’t noticed, so am I. And stop doubting your ability to keep us all safe. You’ve proven you’re capable more than once since I’ve met you.” My voice was firm, and he looked away, not saying anything as he placed a hand on my thigh, squeezing slightly.
The doors slammed open, the cafeteria falling silent as Drake burst in. He looked right at our table before his face shifted to fury and he power walked over.
“I told you not to leave,” he asserted. “Not after the last attack.” Somehow he kept his voice both scathing and quiet, so the others couldn’t hear us as well.
“You’re not my warden, Drake,” I told him, matching his energy. “I wasn’t going to stay in that room perpetually. I had to get out and I’m with my freaking bodyguard.” I pointed at Stravos who nodded solemnly.
“I don’t give a fuck who you’re with. Do you not realize what we’re up against?” he continued.
“You’re being a bit harsh,” Roman cut in. “She’s not alone or reckless. Look around, Drake. We’ve been hiding away but they’re living life like normal. What good are we doing there?”
“They have no clue what they’re up against,” he argued. “Youdo. You’re too important, Harlow. Not just to us, but Hel.”
“Why?” I demanded. “She still has yet to give me any real fucking reason why.”
“I have no idea, but I don’t question someone like Hel,” he said before dropping into his seat. His green eyes were dull and shadowed, dark circles coloring the flesh beneath them.
“Have you slept? Or ate?” I demanded. He looked up and scoffed. “Answer me.” He thought he could order me around but ignore me. Not fucking happening.
“I’m looking for Vane,” he argued. “Demon blood, remember? I’m fine. This isn’t about me.”
“Well maybe it’s fucking time someone started to think about you,” I expressed. He looked confused as I stood and stalked toward the buffet line. He was on my heels in seconds, demanding answers and getting increasingly more annoyed. By the time I made it to the end, he was vibrating with frustration, ready to explode from me ignoring him for a few moments. I shoved the full tray in his hands and stalked back to the table.
“What the hell, Harlow?” he asked when he dropped it on the table.
“I know you’re not an idiot, Drake. Fucking eat.”
“That’s not the feeding he needs to do,” Stravos said. Again, my angry half demon was on his feet, right in Stravos’s face despite the height difference. His demon form coming out to play. I appreciated the gargoyle’s honesty. He gave me more information than any of the others were willing to give.
“Mind your fucking business, gargoyle,” he said in an icy tone that had me shivering. Stravos didn’t back down, but three more gargoyles were by his side in seconds, claws and fangs extending as they prepared for a battle.
