Page 34 of Fated to the Gargoyle
Ourmates.
Thatwasn’t somethingI’dshared withEloiseyet.I’dalmost told her last night, and on some level,Iregretted not doing so.Knowingwhat a serious declaration that was,Ifeared how she might take it.Ialso hadn’t told her about the demons orCalix.Thelast thingIwanted to do was frighten her.Whatgood would it do to have her worry?Itwouldn’t change the situation, only add to her distress, and allIwanted was to make her happy.
WhenAnyaentered the dining area and greetedHugowith a kiss on the cheek, a pang of longing hit me.Iyearned for the same fromEloise.Tohave her here with me every day, where we’d share meals, share a bed.Ihad to summon the courage to tell her.Iwanted more from her.Somethinglong lasting.Arelationship.Acommitment.
AndIhoped like hell she wouldn’t reject me.
Isipped my ruby wine and picked at a warm piece of baguette whileIwaited forEloiseto arrive.Afterseveral more minutes,Ifinally voiced my concern. “Eloisesaid she was joining us, right?”
“Yes.”Anyanodded. “Iwonder what's taking her so long.”
Idid as well, especially with the recent developments, butItried not to let those feelings escalate.Eloisewas coming to dinner, andIdidn't want to hurry her along.Somethingmust've detained her.Itook a long, slow breath and told myself to be patient.
HugoandAnyaspoke, butIcouldn't pay attention.IdoubtItook in a word.Allmy thoughts coiled onEloise.
Ihad to see her again soon.Theurge to go to her grew stronger.Justhaving her near me soothed my soul in a wayInever thought possible.Iyearned to be close to her again.
Severalminutes passed.Ifinished the glass of wine and resisted pouring another whileIwaited for her to show up.Myleg bounced beneath the table.
Anyastood, jarring my attention. “I'llgo check on her.”Shegave us a small smile and walked out of the room,Hugo’sgaze trailing after her.
Heturned to me and tried to keep up a light conversation while we waited.
“I’msure it’s nothing,” he said. “Womenand their rituals with hair and makeup elude me.”Helet out a small chuckle.
Iknew he was trying to calm my nerves, but it didn't help.Thesense that something was wrong unsettled me.Istraightened in my chair.
“Somethingdoesn't feel right.”
Thesmile he’d plastered on his face vanished.
“Whatdo you think it is?”
Igrunted. “That,Idon’t know.”Istood and paced the dining room, rubbing the back of my neck asIwrestled with what to tell him.Iwas his commander and didn't need to confide in him about my personal affairs, but with the rising tension swirling in my veins,Ihad to do something other than sit there and wait.
Unableto rein it in any longer,Ibegan. “Hugo, there's somethingI'mgoing to tell you, but keep it to yourself for now.”
“Ofcourse,Commander.”Hegave me a solemn nod.
“Eloise…”Itook a deep breath and slowly released it. “Eloiseis my…mate,”Iadmitted.
Hestared at me with widened eyes before he blinked. “Truly?”Hisexpression brightened. “That'swonderful,Dumont.”
“Isit?”Ireplied with doubt. “Becauseit seems to make this mission one thousand times harder.”
“Howso?”Hefurrowed his thick brows.
Iran a hand through my hair and then pounded on the hardwood of the table in frustration.
“Myduty,”Iconfessed. “I’mconflicted by the desire to rush to her and keep her safe while tormented by the knowledge thatIshouldn’t allow myself to be distracted by anything.Itook a vow to keep this city and all who are in it safe.Andwith the increasing threats…”
“Don’tforget that finding your mate is a gift,Dumont,”Hugosaid in a near wistful tone. “Onethat not all gargoyles are lucky enough to experience.”
Igroaned. “Perhapsfor good reason.Ifthey have other responsibilities to tend to, they should focus on those.”
Footstepshastened down the hall beforeAnyaappeared in the doorway, breathing hard.Sheheld up a note.
“It'sEloise,” she said between heavy breaths. “She'sgone.”
