Page 19 of Gargoyle Reaper

They locked eyes, and the pull to kiss Archer was almost unbearable. To be locked in his arms, to touch and taste his mate - to fill him with his seed. Archer moved closer until they were less than a few inches from each other. He lowered his eyes, rubbing their noses together. The gesture was unexpectedly soft and gentle from the growly man he’d first encountered that morning. They’d been through an excruciating day, and Archer had to be drained.

“Come on, let’s grab a room so we can get some rest.” Ezekiel wrapped his arms around Archer’s waist, their foreheads pressed together. “Let me take care of you tonight.”

Archer pulled back, holding Ezekiel’s gaze. “Take care of me the way I want?”

Ezekiel paused, not sure what the best course of action would be. When he went to Archer’s home that morning, nothing could’ve prepared him for what meeting his Fated One would entail. Archer didn’t seem to be in the throes of an agonizing heat, which was probably related to the energyhe’d drained from the healing. In many ways, it was for the best. Not only because it gave Archer a chance to adjust to his new circumstances, but Malachi’s admonishment still rang in Ezekiel’s mind. He had to reveal to Archer what would eventually happen.

“Follow me.” Ezekiel laced their fingers together. “We’ll find a room, relax, grab a bite to eat. I could use a shower, too.”

Archer nodded, allowing himself to be led out of the room. “I could use one, too. And I’m definitely ready for something to eat.” He squeezed Ezekiel’s hand. “When we get to the room, I need to confess something to you I didn’t think was possible.”

“Oh yeah? I can’t wait.”

Ezekiel headed to his favorite guest suite in the Boston lair. He doubted it was already occupied. With Michael, Malachi, and the other forces leaving for Mt. Shasta, plus the remaining Slayers in the infirmary, that only left Darius and Cassiel. This was their home base, so their quarters would be in the section at the opposite end of the long hall.

They reached the door, and Ezekiel gave it a light tap before entering. Archer froze once they crossed the threshold.

“Damn,” he breathed. “What a magnificent room. The artwork…” his gaze darted around the suite. “These woven tapestries, so medieval. It's like stepping into another world from a different era,” Archer murmured, his eyes wide as he took in the opulent surroundings. He wandered throughout, pausing to run his fingers along the intricately carved mahogany bedpost of the luxurious four-poster bed. “This embroidered satin duvet. Remarkable. Such detail with the fleur de lis and…griffins?” He peered up at Ezekiel. “Should I ask?”

“Another time,” Ezekiel smiled. “I still have a lot of other things to tell you first.” He lifted an eyebrow. “And I believe you had a confession to make?”

Archer sank onto a side chair covered in a rich, forest green velvet. “I think I need that shower and some food first. Exhaustion is finally taken over.” He yawned. “I’ve been up for almost thirty-six hours.”

Ezekiel sucked in a sharp breath. Already he was failing at caring and providing for his precious mate. “Let me run a bath for you, angel. You relax while I get us something to eat.”

Archer shook his head. “That’s all right. I can just jump in the shower.”

Ezekiel pressed his lips together. “No. I insist.” He made his way toward the ensuite bathroom. “You stay there, and I’ll get it ready.”

Archer sighed. “That’s ridiculous. I’ll help you,” he said as he pushed up from the chair.

Ezekiel rushed forward, placing his hands on Archer’s shoulders and encouraging him to sit down. He didn’t face much resistance.

My poor angel.

“Don’t argue,” chided Ezekiel. “I’ve waited centuries for a mate to care for. Don’t rob me of this moment.”

Archer lifted his eyes. “Centuries?” He scrubbed his face with both hands. “Yeah. Absorbing all this info is going to take a minute. Griffins can wait.”

Ezekiel chuckled, kissing the top of Archer’s head. “That’s my good boy.”

“Boy? Ha! I don’t think so.”

But Ezekiel didn’t miss the quirk of a smile from his less growly mate. “I’m not much of a cook, but I can scrounge up some smoked meats, there’s never a shortage of that. Probably some cheese and bread, too.”

Archer closed his eyes, his head lolling to the side a bit as he relaxed against the velvet chair back. “Mmm… Sounds great.”

Ezekiel couldn’t resist pressing his lips to the top of Archer’s head one more time. “I’ll be right back, dearest,” he whispered.

As he made his way down the corridor to the kitchen, his body seemed lighter than it had in a while. Finally, after a seemingly endless amount of time, he felt as if his life had truly begun. He only hoped that Archer would feel the same after he learned of his role in their pairing.

Chapter Seven

Archer groaned in appreciation from the soothing heat of the bath. Lying in the opulent marble bath in a steam-filled oasis was not how he’d expected to end such a chaotic day. However, he was extremely grateful.

“I brought you some fresh orange juice.” Ezekiel's voice cut through the haziness of his thoughts.

Archer’s eyes flew open, suddenly aware of his nudity. He’d never been particularly modest about such things. But he still felt out of sorts from the events of the day. In his fantasy that had arisen about being alone with Ezekiel, he’d wanted to present himself in a more enticing way.

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