Page 51 of Protected By the Gargoyle
He grimaced. “It will heal.”
Still fretting over him and unwilling to let go, she took his hand and headed toward Larissa and Roman. “Are you okay?”
She motioned to her side. “The bastard got me good, but I’ll be fine.”
“What happened?” Janie asked.
“I stunned the demon with my magic. It was strong and recovered quickly, swooping down to nab me off this roof. Fortunately, Arto reacted fast. When he clashed with the monster, the movement knocked me loose. I was banged up in the fall, but it wasn’t that far and I’ll be okay.”
Roman’s gray eyes were red rimmed. He turned to Arto. “Thank you. Are you alright?”
Arto nodded. “Aye, Commander.”
Roman’s hardened gaze traveled to the book on demonology Janie had dropped and then to her.
“You got the book out of the safe?” His voice was deeper. Incredulous.
She raised her chin. “I had to. I’m sorry. I know you’re angry, but I couldn’t let the demon hurt them.” She turned away.
Larissa warned, “Don’t be mad at her. I’m the one who told her where it was. We were trying to help.”
“I’m not mad, I’m—” He squared his jaw, his stony expression unreadable. “How did you figure out the code?” His voice then sounded more curious than angry.
Janie’s lips curled up in a semi-smile. “We both love the same person.”
“Ah.” He nodded. “Good thinking. I’m going to take Larissa inside and treat her wounds.” He glanced at Arto. “More sentries are on the way. They can help you.” Then he scooped his mate in his arms and carried her to the doorway off the roof. He unfurled his wings, and they retracted into his back as he shifted to human form.
Larissa called over his shoulder. “Janie, we’ll talk soon.”
“We have lots to talk about,” Janie agreed.
Larissa added, “Overlotsof comfort food.”
When Arto limped over to open the door, Janie rushed forward and helped. Once Roman and Larissa walked through, she turned back to Arto.
“I know you don’t want to be my mate.” His mouth turned into a grim line. “I’m sorry I claimed you like that, but I couldn’t let them take you.”
She blinked at him. “Oh, Arto, you’re so wrong.”
He furrowed his brow area.
“I came running out tonight to tell you that I made a mistake. I was scared and overwhelmed.” She exhaled and slumped her shoulders. “But what scares me more than anything is losing you.”
“I feel the same way.” He caressed her cheek with his roughened gargoyle hand.
Tears pooled in her eyes. “Did you hear me?” she asked. “When I said I love you?”
His gray eyes widened. His mouth opened and closed as if he didn’t know what to say. “I wondered if I imagined it.”
“No, that was me. I sensed that it reached you. That we’d somehow connected before you even said the words. Because I finally admitted to myself that I’ve fallen in love with you. I love you, Arto.”
He exhaled. Warmth and gratitude swam in his eyes.I love you, he communicated telepathically.
“Say it out loud, Big Guy,” she said with a smile.
“I love you, Janie. I’d do anything for you.”
Such intense emotions burst inside, she thought she’d explode. She threw her arms around him in his massive form, but stopped herself, remembering his injury. He surprised her by lifting her off the ground.
