Page 32 of The Gargoyle's Gift
Our relationship had only been ours to this point. There was speculation, sure, but we’d had a tiny, insulated world inside this hut for ourselves. And that was over now. There was no going back.
Gaius sighed, the depth of it echoing the worry I carried. He kissed my temple. “I know, Little Dove. We will. Soon.”
Chapter 16
Gaius
“Soon” came with the sunrise.
It was early, and we were focused on one another as we left her apartment instead of our surroundings. I had my hand at the small of Lovette’s back as we walked, my cane assisting with the trek per her nonnegotiable orders. I’d leaned in close to whisper one of my intentions for our time alone later on. It made her blush and blurt a laugh just as Magnus and Imogen came around the edge of the building together.
“Oh! Good morning,” Lovette greeted them, the hand that she’d placed on my arm dropping slowly to her side. “I was just about to check on the patients.”
Magnus’s gaze traveled between us, surprise and something darker flashing in his eyes. Imogen seemed to be bracing for her father’s response more than anything, which I understood. She’d been the one to give me the gift suggestions, after all, so she clearly knew there was something between us.
“Good morning, Lovette, Gaius.” Magnus’s eyebrows drew together. “No need, the councilmen have been transported back to d’Arcan for further detainment.”
“The collegium? Not the camp?” Lovette asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other under her father’s stare. “Were they healed enough to travel after stone sleeping?”
“Yes, they were perfectly well, the lucky bastards. We’ve invited the archmage and his brother to serve as neutral parties for their imprisonment while the council decides next steps. The labor camp seemed a bit too aggressive to the council and the outpost too high risk as far as a possible unknown ally on the inside.”
“Seems wise.” I nodded.
“Did you already eat breakfast?” Lovette asked.
“Just finished,” Imogen answered. “If you hurry, the bread will still be warm.”
Magnus crossed his arms, widening his stance as he did so. I recognized the posture, and my blood rose in response, needing nothing further to prepare to defend my mate. Lovette saw it as well and patted my arm in much the same way Imogen reached out to grip her father’s shoulder.
“Is there… awebetween the two of you?” Magnus asked, his attention focused on Lovette. I wasn’t sure if he was covering rage, disgust, or some other emotion, or if he was truly just asking a question. Either way, I didn’t care for the tone he used. It made the bond flare to angry life, and made every little hair on my body standing straight up.
“Don't do that,” I gritted out.
“Sorry? Do what, exactly?” Magnus's head tilted a bit as his eyes shifted between me and his daughter.
“There’s no reason to speak to her that way, General.”
His frown deepened. “What way is that, Gaius?”
“Like you’re accusing her of something sordid.”
“I did no such thing.”
“Hey,” Lovette interrupted, one arm out to each of us, as though interrupting a fight that hadn’t yet begun. “There’s no need for this, truly.”
“I’m just asking if my daughter has become romantically involved with someone. A man I believed to be a friend. This isn’t some ploy, is it, Gaius? I believed your apologies were genuine at the Empty Cask. Were they? Or were there ulterior motives at play?” He scowled, eyebrows drawn together and mouth a firm line.
“They were genuine, and nothing about our friendship has changed as far as I'm concerned. But you will not speak to or about my mate in a disparaging way, Magnus. Not even if she is your daughter. I won’t allow it. She’s mine and I will protect her, even from you.”
“I have not spoken to her inanykind of way.” He paused, staring me down while he considered the whole of what I’d said. “Lovette?”
“I appreciate the gesture, but I can handle my father on my own,” she told me, warning in her eyes. “You heard right, Father. Gaius is my mate.” She said the words plainly, her shoulders back and head held high. There was no shame in them, no fear. I was awed by her beauty and confidence in that moment, like so many others. My bond burned under my ribs, pride inflating my chest with her bold claim.
“Mates,” Magnus said, slightly breathless. Imogen blew out a breath as though she too had been nervously awaiting this moment.
My instinct to lash out was too strong. I found offense where there might not be any, in an effort to protect myself. I bit out, “Am I not allowed to have even one, General? You’ve been gifted two after all. Do you begrudge the rest of us from finding what you have?”
“Of course I don’t, Gaius.” He frowned, hurt in his voice. He relaxed his stance. “Are you comfortable with this match, Lovette?”
