Page 60 of Gaga for the Gargoyle
“Xander? Where are you?” her tiny voice croaks out, followed by a cough.
I use the bond to locate her amid the smoke-filled room and find her underneath part of a collapsed wall.
I lift it as if it weighs nothing.
“Are you hurt?” I ask, scanning her body.
“I have a cut on my head, and I think my leg is broken.”
I help her stand, and she hisses when she tries to take a step.
“Yeah. Definitely broken.”
I scoop her up in my arms. “It’ll heal within a day.”
“Really? Oh, right. The bond.”
“Yes, you will heal from injuries faster now, just like gargoyles.”
I move through the ruined dining nook into the kitchen and clear the island of debris before setting her down.
“Well, hello, little brother.”
The sound of Magnus’s voice has me moving in front of Evangeline to shield her.
He stands just inside the penthouse, where a massive hole replaces the wall of windows. The wind whips his long hair around his face. Behind him outside, dozens of creatures hover: gargoyles, a rogue angel, a handful of harpies, and I think I see a griffin too.
He’s acquired a small but mighty army.
Mine is mightier.
My soldiers can sense my alarm, and they are already gathering to implement Locheran’s battle plan. My commander still hasn’t emerged from the debris and worry nips at my nerves.
“I’ll go find him,” Evangeline whispers.
I must have unknowingly broadcast my thoughts to her. It’s a part of the bond I’m not yet used to.
“No. Stay here so I can protect you.”
She slides off the island, avoiding putting pressure on her injured leg. I want to hold her, steal her away, but I can’t take my eyes off my brother.
“You handle this. Let me find Locheran.”
“Your leg–”
“It’s fine. I’ll use whatever I can find along the way as crutches.”
She hobbles away before I can argue.
I slowly walk into what used to be the living room, now a pile of debris. I’m surprised the floor hasn’t collapsed yet.
Police and fire sirens sound from a distance. Some of my soldiers should be there ready to intercept the first responders to stop them from coming up here.
They’ll also need to do damage control on the ground. I doubt Magnus and his small army are masked. Hewantsour kind to be discovered.
“Brave of you to show your face here after attempting to kill my mate.”
“You mean after a human attempted to kill your mate?” He tosses up his hands. “I’m innocent.”
