Page 52 of Bewitching the Dragon
“I could go out there and replace his memories, couldn’t I?” Becca asked.
Argyle hesitated and then nodded. “Though I’d advise against it. He is human, Rebecca. His mind may not be able to handle the trauma.”
Becca’s shoulders slumped. “I suppose I have to be content knowing he’s happy.”
“That would be best,” Argyle said.
“Did my mom know? That you’re my dad? Wait, of course she did.”
Argyle and Pacey exchanged a look, and then Argyle said, “Yes, she was aware. She was a Daughter of Light as well and aware of her own status, so if I had tried to alter her memories, I doubt it would have worked. It only worked on you because you weren’t aware of who—what you were, at the time.”
“Yeah, speaking of, if my mom knew how important we are to safeguarding our species, why did she agree to let me believe I was human?”
Argyle’s stone façade slipped, and for a moment, he was no more than a weary old man. And then he straightened, his cool demeanor returned, and he said, “Because I demanded it be so.”
“Why?”
“Because of my status. Because of who I am. Because of what I do.” He paused and looked around at his audience. They were all hanging on every word. Even the kids appeared fascinated.
“I too am descended from the gods.”
“Whoa,” Rahu blurted. “Didn’t see that one coming.”
Becca grabbed his hand and laced her fingers with his. “This changes nothing.”
He grinned but it was replaced by a frown when Argyle noticed.
“I am not allowed to sire offspring. If my leader finds out, I would likely be excommunicated. That is why I did not tell him about you when you were born. Not only that, but because I am a demigod, there is a chance they will decide I should be eliminated, for they will fear I may seek revenge for their decision.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Becca pronounced.
“It is the way of the gargoyles.”
“If you aren’t allowed to sire offspring, how do you maintain your population?” Becca asked.
“Not all are disallowed, only those who are assigned to my line of work. Additionally, we are immortal, so procreating is not necessarily a priority.”
“Wait,” Becca said, her heart rate kicking into overdrive, “I’m going to live forever?”
“Forever?” Rahu said, frowning.
“Before you let your self-doubt rear up again,” Argyle said, speaking to him. “If you are truly her mate, she has the ability to make you immortal so that you will be together forever.”
“Cool,” Becca said, squeezing Rahu’s hand.
“Unfortunately, this tale does not necessarily have a happy ending,” Argyle said.
“Uh-oh,” Delilah muttered around a mouthful of popcorn.
“If my employer becomes aware of you, they will insist you join us and become a protector, as I am.”
Becca shrugged. “That’s not so bad. Is it?”
“It is if you are the only remaining Daughter of Light in this world. Your destiny is not to protect those who need it most. Your destiny is to protect your own people. Witches.”
“Isn’t that what gargoyles do?” Gabe asked.
“Gargoyles don’t hunt down and kill warlocks, though,” Becca said before Argyle could answer. She looked up at Rahu again. “I think he’s saying I have to leave New Orleans.”
