"I'm good, and yes, I thought we would walk together," he replied.
"I'll be ready in a minute." I got up from the couch, kissed Ben, and went to the restroom. When I returned, the thin line was not only on Devin's face but also Ben's. I guess they had continued the conversation about Roarke. I suspected the two may be mates, but not all was bliss.
"Ready?" I asked.
Ben nodded his head. We left and made our way to the master's office. When we entered, the Elder was already there, as were Master Stephen and another gargoyle I had never seen before. He was a few inches taller than the Elder, at least seven feet tall, and had dark purple skin and long black hair. He had well-defined muscles, chest, and abs bodybuilders would die for. This gargoyle radiated power and authority, much like Master Stephen.
"Good afternoon," Ben said, as we sat down in the chairs the master had indicated.
Ben looked to the new gargoyle, then to Master Stephen, and raised his eyebrows as if silently asking “who is this?”
“This is Chieftain Tomlin of the Chadwick Clutch here in Colorado. His clutch is closest to our coven and came to aid in finding the rogue.” Master Stephen said.
Chieftain Tomlin bowed his head to us in introduction.
Abruptly, Elder Atticus demanded, "Give me your account of how you were attacked."
Ben stiffened and looked to Master Stephen for approval before starting his account. Master Stephen gave a warning growl and glare to the elder, who appeared abashed. Then he turned and nodded to him and Ben, who started to speak.
"I was called to investigate a possible intruder in our territory. When I got to the location, I thought I caught a scent, so I moved to the alley to see if I could better identify it. That’s when the attack came from above, from a gargoyle about as tall as you, Chieftain Tomlin,” Ben said, tilting his head to the gargoyle.
“He had reddish-orange skin, white hair, and black horns. He wielded a dagger, and we grappled for control. First, he jabbed me in the ribs with his elbow, causing me to loosen my grip. Then he took advantage of my lapse and stabbed me with the dagger," Ben continued.
As he spoke, my dragon wanted to break free, track down and destroy the one who had hurt our heart.
"And you’re certain it was a gargoyle?" the elder asked. "Could you be confused? You were disoriented from the attack, certainly?"
Ben looked at the elder as if he were a fucking idiot. "I just gave you his damn description. I know what I saw. Yes, he was a gargoyle," he stated firmly.
“Elder, the description given is that of former Chieftain Bazer," Chieftain Tomlin said.
"We don't know that for sure," Elder Atticus barked, and glared at the other gargoyle, probably for giving that information out.
"Who’s this Bazer?" I asked, looking at Tomlin, who seemed more forthcoming.
"That’s not important. We don't know for sure," the elder interrupted.
"It damn well is important, if this Bazer is the one that attacked my mate. Now, who is the former Chieftain Bazer?" I demanded, my dragon coming to the surface.
The elder looked confused and shocked and didn't understand the power of my words. I was just a human to him. Tomlin didn'trecognize my beast either, nor the power flowing from me, but he realized he needed to answer.
"Prior to my taking over my clutch, Bazer was chieftain. I defeated him in a challenge. He was a cruel leader and despised non-gargoyles. Those gargoyles mated to non-gargoyles were kept as slaves and their mates raped and abused," Chieftain Tomlin explained.
"Those allegations are still under investigation; you may be chieftain because of your challenge, but it’s up to the Circle of Elders to decide if there is truth to your claims. As far as the attack here is concerned , I’ll need to investigate further." With those words, the elder got up, nodded to Master Stephen, and left.
Harper
Thesoundofwingsflapping caught my attention. As I turned to look out my balcony, I saw Atticus land on the rail. He was a big, blue gargoyle with large, curled horns, strong and fit, and like most of his kind, very muscular. He looked good for being called an elder. I smiled as I looked at his threadbare loincloth, remembering the large size of his cock. However, it was the scowl on his face that stopped me. This was not a booty call.
"What's wrong?" I asked as he jumped down on the balcony and stalked inside.
"The vampire is alive!" he bellowed.
"He must be strong; don't worry, he will be dead soon," I scoffed with a wave of my hand.
"No, you don't understand. He's alive and healed. Apparently healed by his beloved's blood. I think it's a crock, but I didn't scent a lie. So, tell me, witch; how does one survive a poison that kills paranormals and humans alike? A poison you said has no cure," he growled, grabbing my arms.
"That's not possible! No mere mate blood can cure the venom of a basilisk. Tell me everything."
