Revelation (16 page)

I don’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. 

“Humans can’t mate with gargoyles?” Aria asks.

“They can, they just can’t have children,” Abby
answers.

“All of these things enable us to be protectors. We’re designed to ward off evil and act as guardians,” Keegan offers with a proud air.

“Are all gargoyles protectors and demon hunters?” I ask.

“Yes and no. All gargoyles are ruled by the laws of The Royal Gargoyle Council of Protectors. There is a law that no gargoyle can harm humans. However, there are those like us who have chosen to align with The Spiritual Assembly of Protectors. We take divine assignments frequently. Then are those who still harbor ill feelings with how our kind was treated after the first war. They choose to belong to The Secular Council of Protectors, meaning they have no affiliation to Heaven or Hell. They work for both, either, or none,” Keegan offers, his jaw ticking.

I watch Aria, amazed that she’s taking this all so well. I, on the other hand, need a break from all the crazy. Archangels, godly bloodlines, tattoos that connect people…I’m starting to feel lightheaded.

“I think she
’s had enough for the day.” Asher sounds annoyed.

I stand up
and push my chin out. “Hey, you don’t get to decide when I have or have not had enough. You might be a protector or gargoyle or whatever it is you are, but that doesn’t give you the right to decide what I’m feeling or what I need, link or not.” I turn back around to everyone else.  “Just please tell me again that none of you change into some type of freaky gray statue.”

“No
t unless you’re a half-demon, which none of us are. With this clan, what you see is what you get. We’re human in appearance and we don’t change forms,” Keegan simply states.

“Okay.” I breathe. “I’m just going to go outside for a minute and get some air. I need to process, again.”

“Do you want some company?” Aria asks hopefully.

I shake my head. “I just need a minute, okay?”

“Sure,” she concedes.

I make my way to a lounge chair near the pool and curl up. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, attempting to ward off a
nother migraine. This is all so mind-blowing and yet logic tells me it’s true. After about twenty minutes of contemplation, reality sinks in.

“It’s cold out here
. You should come back inside,” Asher commands in a gentle tone.

“
Are all gargoyles bossy or just you?” I question flatly.

He wraps a blanket around me. “I knew you’d be stubborn,
but I figured you might want that for warmth,” he says, straddling the end of the lounger and facing me.

We stare at one another. “Talk to me,” he gently coaxes.

“Is there anything else I need to know?” It comes out harsher than I meant it to but I’m tired of being lied to.

“Eve, we didn’t intentionally keep this from you. It’s not something we go around announcing, especially to humans. People don’t tend to take this kind of information well,” he muses. “If it’s any consolation, I think you’re taking all this admirably.”

“Is Aria still in there?”  I ask, picking pretend lint off the blanket.

“Yes. Callan let it slip what you are so now they’re explaining it all to her.” He waits for my tantrum.

My eyes widen. “Oh great.”

He chuckles
. “I think she can keep these secrets. They’re also letting her know about Leo. Imagine being him when he finds out she now knows that he’s a werewolf.”

“Does this mean everything is real?
Vampires, werewolves, fairies, succubus, all of it?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“Yes, I think you’re all caught up on the supernatural world and your part in it
.” His tone is light.

I exhale. “So
, to sum up, I’m a weapon for Heaven, you’re a gargoyle, and the entire demonic legion is after me. Did I miss anything?”

He looks pensive. “Nope
, I think that covers it.”

My eyes meet his. “Is that why we can’t be together? Gargoyles don’t mate with humans?”

His face softens. “No, Eve. We could mate, we just wouldn’t produce a child because our DNA is not compatible, but everything else in that aspect is the same. Trust me.” He smiles, giving me his bedroom eyes.

I laugh.

He inhales, closing his eyes. “I love the sound of you laughing. You should do it more often.”

Opening his eyes
, he locks them on mine. Moving closer, he relocates a strand of hair behind my ear. “We can’t be together because it confuses the bond link and, therefore, my ability to protect you becomes hindered. I’m loyalty bound. I took an oath to shelter and protect you above all else. We simply can’t be, no matter how damn beautiful you are, or how much I want to feel your lips against mine again. Your safety is my priority. I will protect you, always.”

My lips part
and my heart clenches.

I barely whisper
, “Can I see them?”

Confusion crosses his face. “See what?”

“Your wings.”

“Are you sure that
’s something you want to see?”

I nod my head as he stands and takes off his t-shirt. “Okay,” he says as his black wings emerge
from his back.

They make no sound
but retract effortless and silently. They aren’t like I imagined. They’re shiny, raven black and look stiff, not soft and fluffy. They remind me of eagle wings, spanning just above his head to his waistline.

I stand
and timidly walk to him. “They’re striking. You’re stunning,” I whisper softly, placing my hands on his bare chest.

He swallows
harshly, causing his Adam’s apple to move. “Eve, don’t touch the tattoo. It’s meant to draw you in through the connection and once you do, you strengthen the bond and heighten our current emotions.”

My eyes hold his
and my right hand caresses the dragon as he closes his eyes with a sharp intake of breath.

“You really are a gargoyle
,” I state in admiration.

His eyes open
and mine plead with his, expressing my need for him.

“
Eve,” he says roughly but doesn’t move me away.

“Asher
.” The tattoo is humming with the energy between us.

“You’re not helping,
siren,” he scolds while gripping my wrists and pulling them away. Then he pulls his wings back in.

“I know,” I retort
, holding my position.

“Focus
.”

“Fine.
” I pout, stepping back to put space between us.

“This is for your protection,” he says in a gentle
voice, putting his shirt back on.

“Fine
,” I repeat breathlessly. “Why do we have a connection but not are not bonded?”

“It’s the way Michael and I set up the protector bond
. It breaks when I no longer need to protect you,” he says.

“How does a normal mate bond break?”

“Death.”

I still. “Is that why I feel heat and a humming energy when you’re near?
The bond?” I question, my voice still breathy from touching the tattoo.

“I don’t know
. I’ve never been bonded this way to a female charge.”

I smile and raise my eyebrows. “Asher St. Michael, are you saying I’m your first female?”

He laughs. The sound is beautiful. “You’re my first female bonded charge.”

“I see
.” I lean closer to him but he pulls away.

“EVE COLLINS, HOW COULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?” Aria yells. “That’s right
. All these hot, badass gargoyles told me all about your little secret. Inside. Now. We need to talk,” she barks at me, storming angrily toward me.

I turn to see her in all her pissed off glory
, hands on hips, eyes narrowed, and her pink pixie hair sticking in all directions.
Crap, it’s going to be a long night
.

14
In The Shadows

“Why do you think Kenna calls you th
e blood of Eden?” Aria whispers from across the library table.

I look up from my laptop
, grateful she’s talking to me again even if it’s during our study session. It took me an entire month and a very awkward Thanksgiving dinner with her family to calm her down after the clan told her about my ascension and meeting with the Archangel Michael.

“I have no idea,” I whisper back.

She starts typing frantically as I roll my eyes, knowing she’s probably searching for answers online. “Well, here you go. The Garden of Eden is where Eve was created by Adam. Jeez, Eve, pick up some literature and get some background information on this stuff, would you?” Aria huffs with annoyance.

I look around at all the students who are trying to get their assignments done before we leave for winter break. “Aria, I
’m really not interested in the why of all this.”

Her chocolate orbs stare
at me. “You should be. In a way, this is a huge honor, Eve. I mean, for goodness sake, you’re the savior for mankind. Named after the original Eve. Woman up.”

“Sh
h.” I put my finger to my lips and look around to confirm no one heard her.

Aria
rolls her eyes. “Doesn’t that even make you want to, I don’t know, learn about it?”

I sigh. “No. It makes me want to finish my paper, go home
, and open Christmas presents with my pretend aunt.”

Her
expression goes stern. I’m saved from another lecture on why I should be taking this more seriously when Leo plops down next to Aria.

“
Ladies, how are we this afternoon?” he asks.

“Hi
, honey. We’re good,” Aria says, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Aria and Leo have been exclusive for the past month, despite his being able to turn into a
large dog. This basically means she is exclusively allowing him to maul her in public, curbing the promiscuous Aria we all used to know, thirty days ago.

“
You coming to Katana tomorrow night? I know someone who can get you in.” He wiggles his eyes in a suggestive manner at us.

Aria turns to me. “Yes, right?”

I nod my head. “Yes, definitely.”

She claps her hands as we get shushed.

“When do you leave for winter break?” Leo asks Aria.

“Wednesday.
I really am going to miss you though.” She pouts, twirling her short hair and batting her chocolate eyes.

“Aw
, baby, it’s going to be okay. I’ll call and text you every day. Plus I’m looking forward to you coming to meet my family next weekend.” His smile is bright.

I feign gagging.

Aria throws stink eye my way. “Ignore her. She’s just jealous that she and the gargoyle can’t get it on.”

“Aria!”
I whisper shout.

“What?” She feigns innocen
ce.

“First
, would you stop using the terminology we are not supposed to use in public, someone could hear you.” I look around to make sure no one is listening and drop my voice. “Secondly, for the record, Asher and I are just friends.”

She stares at me before
bursting into a fit of laughter. Leo puts his arm on the back of her chair and smiles at me.

“Listen
, Eve, you and Asher are far from,” she leans closer, “friends. Whenever you two are in a room, the rest of us choke from the sexual tension.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”

“No, it’s true. I’m a werewolf. I can smell the attraction on both of you. It’s actually pretty stifling,” Leo adds.

I give him my best ‘fuck
off’ look. “Gross. Listen, mutt, stop sniffing us.”

He laughs. “Alright, I’ll let you ladies get back to ‘studying
.’ Stay out of trouble before I see you tomorrow night. Call you later, baby.” He plants a kiss on Aria’s cheek and sniffs at me. “You reek of Asher horniness.”

I throw a piece of paper at him. “Fetch,
Leo. Go on, fetch.”

“EVE!” Aria whisper shouts as we get shushed again.

“I can’t help that you’re into bestiality. It’s gross but whatever floats your boat.” I laugh quietly.

Aria sighs. “You know, I really like him.”

I smile at her. “I know you do. Aside from the dog thing, he’s really great.”

“I think Asher is pretty great too. He’s trying to protect
you and I get that but, Eve, he’s really into you. You both have tunnel vision when the other is in a room full of people. Abby told me that the weekend you and she came with me for Thanksgiving, he was a wreck with worry.”

I exhale.
“Yeah, but he has his rules and we’re following them, so that’s that. I’m sure he was more a wreck about my safety than me being gone for a few days to avoid my aunt’s house.”

“You going to be okay
there for winter break?” she asks.

I sigh. “I have to face her and the elephant in the room some time
, right? Besides, I can’t hide out at your place all winter break. No offense but your mom is pretty intense.”

She waves me off.
“None taken. If I could hang out with you on the Vineyard all break, I would be there in a heartbeat.”

Aria watches me
for a moment. “Okay, then. Girls night at Katana tomorrow and tons of dancing!”

“Definitely.
A normal college activity. I like it.” I smile with sincerity.

***

I take one last look at myself in the mirror before we head to Katana. My hair is down, slightly
curled at the bottom, and my make-up is light tonight. Thank goodness Aria didn’t go all smoky eye on me again. I have to admit, the red long sleeve mini dress with nude heels, all courtesy of Abby, makes me look and feel really sexy. The back cuts low into a V, showing my bare skin. Pleased with the results, I head out to the lounge area to meet up with the girls.

Aria has on a strapless aqua dress that hugs all her curves and
, of course, her black fishnets and combat boots. Her blue shades of smoky eyes really make the brown of her irises pop. McKenna is wearing black leather pants, knee high boots, and a white sequin halter-top and Abby looks chic, as always, in a shimmery, one shouldered silver dress and heels.

McKenna opens the door. “Let
’s do this, bitches.” With that, we’re off and running. She pulls up her Range Rover to the valet in front of Katana and we all get out.  Leo and Tadhg are back at the door and waving to us, though they look frozen. It’s like twenty below out here.

Once again
, we bypass the long line and head to the door. “Feeks, yar all lookin’ beautiful ‘tis evenin’,” Tadhg says, smiling.

Aria sa
unters up to Leo, planting a long kiss on him. “Just showing all these girls he’s taken.”

I roll my eyes. “Dog,” I greet Leo.

He smiles. “Blood of Eden.”

I drop my smile. “Hey, mean.”

He feigns annoyance. “You called me a dog.”

“I could have meant a cute little puppy
. Jeez, Leo, take it down.” I smirk at our playful banter.

“Alright
, let’s go. Gentlemen, see you later,” Abby says, pushing us into the club.

“See you later
, baby,” Leo says to Aria as she does the five-finger wave.

Once inside
, we head to the table that Keegan held for us. Even though all three brothers own the club, I’ve learned that Keegan manages the day-to-day responsibilities. They also explained that most of the clientele is of the supernatural nature, mixed in with humans who are unaware, which was the reason Asher didn’t want me in the club last time. This time, I have his highnesses permission.

The cocktail waitress comes over
. “What’ll it be tonight, Kenna?”

“We’ll have wa
ters all around, four fiery bananas, and four Tom Dows,” McKenna orders.

“What’s a fiery banana?” I ask.

“It’s a shooter with banana liqueur and sambucca and the Tom Dows is vodka and lemonade,” she offers before I can ask.

“Sounds fruity,” I say sarcastically.

“Hey, you wanted a ‘normal college girls night’ so fruity cocktails, shots, and dancing it is,” McKenna says with confidence.

I put my hands up in surrender as the cocktail server brings the drinks. We
each snag a banana shooter and take the shot.  It just tastes like banana. Then she takes our empty shot glasses while we work on the lemonade drinks at a slower pace.

“Those are yummy
. We need more fiery bananas,” Aria says in a rather boisterous voice.

“I’d be more than happy to get you ladies whatever you need,” a smooth voice says over the
sensual music.

I look up to see Gage staring at us. McKenna and Abby become
stiff.

“Who let you in?” McKenna snaps.

He gives her a smoldering smile and lights a cigarette. “It’s nice to see your manners haven’t improved, Kenna.”

Aria offers her hand to Gage
. “Hi, I’m Aria.”

He takes it, bringing it to his mouth slowly
then kisses it. “Charmed, Aria. I’m Gage.” He blows smoke toward the table. “An old friend of the rest of the ladies.”

Aria’s eyes shift to me. “How do you know Eve?”

Gage looks at me before answering. “We’ve had coffee a few times.” He smiles sexily. Damn, my hormones. He is like sex on a stick.

“So what can I get you ladies to drink,” he offers graciously.

“Nothing. We’re good. Thanks anyway, Gage,” Abby dismisses him in a polite voice. 

“Well
, then, Eve, how about a dance, love?” Gage extends his hand to mine and waits.

Since the alcohol is starting to influence my logical thinking, I take it while McKenna shoots me her famous dagger glare.

Gage helps me out of the booth and peruses me up and down before taking in a sharp breath. “Eve, you look.” He pauses for the word then a sly smile hits his lips. “Forbidden.”

I laugh at the innuendo. It could be the fiery bananas, but I thought it was funny.

After putting out his cigarette, he leads me to the cramped dance floor as the music changes to something slow and sensual.
Crap
. Once in position, he turns and tugs my hand gently, causing me to stumble into his arms. My left hand grips his shoulder as my body is pressed against his. He places his right hand on the small of my back, compelling me to him. With my other hand in his, he brings the entwined pair into the crook of his neck as he gives me his best bedroom eyes.

Faintly
, in the back of my mind, I hear whispering to stop this. It’s dangerous but between the heady scent of spice and cigarettes and the way his hips are moving against mine, I can’t. All I want is to be here in his arms, dancing like this, feeling his body move with me. My eyes flutter involuntary.

“Wher
e have you been?” I ask breathy, not realizing how he is affecting me.

“In the shadows,” he says
, his tone laced with mystery and seduction.

“What does that mean?”

“I’ve been hidden in the shadows, watching you. It’s a shame that your gargoyle doesn’t let you off your leash very often,” he reprimands.

I pull back a bit. “How do you know what he is?”

He gives me a smile that I’m pretty sure just melted my panties as he leans down and whispers in my ear. “It takes one to know one.”

Realization dawns on me as I study him, his body pushed against mine.

“Did you get all the facts yet, love?”

“I believe I have them all,” I say
with confidence.

“I hope so, because you will need to pick a side soon
.” His tone is serious.

“And what side are you on
, Gage?”

“Whatever side suits my mood
.” He shrugs casually.

I just watch him
as he leans closer to my lips. “You’re very illicit, love.”

My heartbeat kicks up
and breathing becomes difficult. I swallow roughly as he leans me into a deep dip while softly kissing a spot on my collarbone. My eyes close, savoring the feel of his lips on my skin.

With ease, Gage
brings us back up to a standing position and stops moving. “Looks like I’ll have to stay out of sight and go back into the shadows for a bit.” He nods his head, motioning behind me. Leaning close to my ear, he traps me against his lean body. “Your gargoyle is here and looks pretty pissed off. Why would that be, Eve? Since currently, I mean you no harm. I wonder,” he whispers and then releases me.

“
Always a pleasure. Thank you for the dance, love.” He nods to Asher then swaggers away.