Page 11 of Fated to the Gargoyle
ThenIturned back toDumont.
“Comeon,I’llshow you to your room.”Hetipped his head toward the door.
Asudden awareness thatI’dbe alone with this gargoyle came over me.Withthe strange sensations fluttering about inside,Iwasn’t sure howIfelt about it.
CHAPTER 6
DUMONT
Myfeet felt as if they had wings of their own asIwalked withEloisedown the hall to show her to where she’d be sleeping.Thescent of her enveloping me in this narrow space and her closeness set my pulse racing.
“It’sthis one right here.”Imotioned to the door on my right and opened it, welcoming her in.
“Thankyou.”Shestepped inside the guest room, which now seemed so spartan with little more than a bed, chair, and dresser.Sheshould have so much more—quarters fit for a queen.
“It’snot much,”Iapologized.
“It’sperfect,” she said after circling halfway, then smiled at me.
Mythroat tightened andIswallowed. “Ifyou need anything,I’mright down the hall.”Ipointed at the entrance and to the right.I’darranged for it to be the closest available room near me.
“Iappreciate it,Dumont.”
Withher gaze fixed on mine, my hands felt clammy.Whatwas wrong with me?Commanderof theStoneSentriesgetting flustered by a tiny human’s smile.
Itipped my head. “I’llleave you now.”AsIwalked to the door, my heart thundered harder.Ididn’t want to leave her.Stoppingat the threshold,Iturned to her. “I’llbe busy through the night, but perhaps you can meet me for dinner tomorrow evening?”
“Umm…”Shebit her bottom lip and avoided my gaze.
Mytongue felt too big in my mouth.Imight as well have put my foot in it.Whywould a human want to have dinner with a gargoyle?Afterall, she’d run from me in fear earlier.
“Thatwas a foolish question,”Ideclared. “Ofcourse you’d rather spend time with your sister.”
Sheraised her hand palm forward as if stopping me. “Iwould love to join you.”
Iblinked twice. “Youwould?”
“Yes.”Shegave me a smile, one so luminous, my stone almost crumbled to dust.
“Goodnight,Eloise.”Ibowed and stepped outside her room, closing the door gently behind me and then sagging against it, my breath coming heavy.
Ihad a date tomorrow.Adate with a human who didn’t know she was my mate.
Thehours tickedby in an excruciating crawl asIcounted down to the minutes untilIsawEloiseagain.AlthoughIhad plenty to occupy me with communicating with my team and making sure we had coverage in as many areas of the city as possible, the distraction wasn’t enough to drag my anticipation away from seeingEloisethat night.
Ioften dined alone in my private apartment, butI’darranged for her to join me in a common dining area with the spectacular view of the city.Nosentries would interrupt us asItold themIwas using the space but left out the particulars.Theydidn’t need to know my personal business.
Ilit candles with matches, their distinctive scent wafting around me.WhenIstepped back, the romantic vibe was clear.Shemight thinkIwas coming on too strong, soIblew them out.Thesoft music wouldn’t be too much, would it?Ididn’t think so and played an easy listening playlist at a low volume in the background.
ThefoodI’dordered was staying warm in the oven, and the rich aroma of baked bread and spices filled the room.Whenshe walked in, wearing a light-blue shirt that pulled just enough for me to see the curve of her breasts, my breath hitched.Itore my gaze away to avoid staring.
“Welcome,Eloise.”Ipulled out a chair for her.
“Thankyou.”Shesmiled before she sat down, the brightness of it reaching her magnificent jade eyes, even though they were shielded by her glasses.
Herfeminine scent reached me, once again sending a strong signal to my internal systems that she was the one.Theone for me to protect.Theone for me to care for and share my life with.Theone and only for me.Mymate.
HowwasIsupposed to deal with that inconvenient discovery now?WhenIshould be on higher alert for any threats, considering that was the entire reason she was here.
