“You need to stop doing that,” she croaks, a hand searching for her glasses on the side table.
Grumbling, I relax, loosening my wings.
“All I want to do is sleep for another five hours.” Her voice sounds so muddled and sad.
I offer a light smile. “What can I do to help?”
“Did you sleep at all?”
“No. I did not need it, and I would not even if I did. This place is too crowded for my liking. There should be more than a door and a lock separating us from other humans.”
She pouts. “I’d kill to have the energy you do.” She shoves the blankets aside and throws her legs off of the bed, sinking her feet into a plush pair of bat slippers she bought several months back. Looking up at me with pleading eyes, she sucks in her lower lip.
“What?” I ask.
“If you want to help… could you make me a cup of coffee?” She points to a device on the other side of the room. “I would greatly appreciate it.”
“Coffee is love.”
“Yes. Yes, it is! I’m glad you’re finally seeing the light.”
I scrunch my face, making her laugh, the sound sending shivers of delight down my spine.
As she turns for the bathroom, I take action, setting about the job she asked of me. I hear the shower run as I lift the coffee packages to read them. By the time the water turns off, I have her bitter drink ready. Steam drifts out from under the door as I knock on it.
With a fluffy white towel clutched around her, she opens it and startles, placing her hand over her chest.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“I’m not sure I will ever be used to your form shifts.” She takes the cup and places it on the bathroom counter.
“It is strange.” I look down at my human body and flex my muscles.
“You’re naked. I think that’s the hard part. When you’re a gargoyle I don’t notice your nudity as much. Maybe it’s because you were that way as a statue. Maybe it’s because your gargoyle form has a…”
Her gaze darts downward and she blushes.
“Retractable cock.” I finish for her.
“Yes.” She chuckles, forcing her eyes to meet mine. “Now, step aside guardian. And put on some clothes! You’re too distracting, and I need to get dressed. Today’s a big day.”
The morning moves fast. Summer spends the next hour fretting over every detail of her dress, make-up, and hair, insisting that she look perfect for her friend’s ceremony. There’s going to be a lot of people and she wants to make a good impression. And at the same time, she doesn’t want to stand out. I don’t know what she’s worried about. She’s beautiful with or without clothes, make-up, or an updo.
But by the time she’s done and asks me what I think…
I don’t know what to say. My eyes widen, scanning her from head to toe several times over.
“Zuriel?” she prompts, her brow furrowing. “Did I overdo the make-up?”
I shake my head. “No. You look like an angel.” My voice comes out breathy and hot.
She’s in an emerald dress that shows off her bodice and hugs her curves. Against her pale skin and ringlets of hair that frame her face, she looks like a living gem. Beautiful, eye-catching, mesmerizing. Her lips are a deep ruby red, her eyes lined with black, her cheeks subtly pink… It would make any male crazy. Strands of her hair stray from her bun, slipping across her shoulders. I reach out and swipe them back.
When she smiles up at me, my chest tightens. “I would kill for you,” I rumble. “If I were still petrified. I would kill for just a glimpse of you like this.”
Her smile widens into a grin, and she pushes at my chest teasingly. “Good thing you’re not petrified.”
I smirk. “Oh, Summer, but I am.”
