Chapter Eleven

Amir paced up and down the hallway of the gargoyle lair's private quarters. Being stuck in the lair while the gargoyle Slayers handled the aftermath of the battle meant that he and Dante hadn't been able to relocate to their new home. After a lengthy discussion and consultation with the archangel Michael, they'd decided to accept the guardianship in the Northern Cascade mountains.

He rubbed his lower back, wincing as another wave of tightness rolled through him. So much had happened over the past few weeks that very little had been discussed regarding the birth. However, he was ninety-nine percent sure that the pain that suddenly hit him in the last hour was a contraction.

If Dante didn't return soon, he'd miss the birth of their first child.

Amir's lower lip trembled, the worry that Dante wouldn't be by his side when he gave birth hurting as much as the contractions that were building in strength. His thoughts were interrupted as another contraction sliced through his body. He clutched his swollen belly, grimacing. His breathing came out in harsh pants, and the stone walls of the lair seemed to close in on him.

"Ezekiel!" he called out, his voice echoing through the dimly lit hallways. The gargoyle healer was already preparing for the birth, but this sudden onslaught of pain indicated that the baby wasn"t planning on taking its time.

The sound of rapid footsteps approached, and Ezekiel appeared a moment later, his stoic face betraying a hint of concern. "Amir," he began, his voice steady and grounding. "I fear your little one is in a hurry to enter this world."

Ezekiel wrapped an arm around his shoulders, his strength helping Amir keep upright as the contractions came faster. An idle thought passed through Amir's mind that Dante would have a fit because Ezekiel was touching him. He started to laugh but ended up gritting his teeth instead.

As Ezekiel Amir led Amir to their makeshift birthing suite, his heart thundered as the reality that he was about to give birth sunk in. Of all the unexpected changes he'd gone through in the past month, that one beat all.

When they reached the cool and dimly lit room, Ezekiel guided him to a large chair, similar to what a dentist would use, but with an opening in the seat. Amir's eyes widened as the purpose of the unusual piece of furniture struck him.

He dug in his heels. "Wait!"

Ezekiel paused, gazing down at him with a creased brow. "What's wrong? Has the baby stopped moving?"

Amir opened his mouth to speak, but Ezekiel's cryptic remark knocked the words right out of him.

"I-I don't know. They were kicking a bunch this morning, but then I couldn't get comfortable in bed, so I started walking around, thinking I'd slept wrong or pulled a muscle. Of course, that was probably the labor starting, but…" Tears filled his eyes. "I've been focusing on the pain and…"

Ezekiel patted his shoulder. "That's all right. I didn't mean to worry you. Sometimes, they still as they get ready to travel down the birth canal. Your womb is probably opening while the rest of your body adjusts. Your passage will temporarily close off to allow for the birth.

Amir had purposely not asked for details, and now he knew why. "You're an expert at delivering babies, though, right?"

Ezekiel jerked back his head as if Amir had slapped him. "You would question my abilities after I saved your life?"

Amir's cheeks heated. He probably shouldn't piss off the guy who was delivering his baby.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." He lowered his chin. "I know you're amazing, but I'm so nervous."

"Amir," Ezekiel said softly. "Everything will be fine. But I need you to get in the chair so I can scan you."

Amir chewed on his lip as he took stock of the black padded chair. He poked at the seat, and his finger left a small dimple. The frame was covered in a soft material, almost velvety, but he couldn't imagine a fine material being used where someone was going to give birth. But then again, he hadn't been able to imagine most of the bizarre events of the past month, either.

"Amir?"

He nodded shakily, but as he climbed on the piece of equipment with Ezekiel's help, he still wondered why it was necessary.

"I thought I'd be having the baby in bed. Wouldn't that be more comfortable?"

Ezekiel gave him a warm smile. "Actually, this will help support and place your body in a more natural position to deliver the baby."

Amir drew his eyebrows together as he considered the situation. He truly did trust Ezekiel, and the chair was pretty comfy. "You'll be sure to catch them?"

Ezekiel laughed lightly. "Of course. You're strong and healthy. This has been a smooth pregnancy, so there's nothing to be concerned about."

He made his way across the room, his footsteps muffled by the thick, burgundy rug covering the main area. The chair was perched on a raised section made of stone. Amir stretched his neck to see what Ezekiel was doing, but then another contraction hit, this one much worse than the ones before.

"Oh…oh…"

He gritted his teeth and screwed his eyes shut, trying to do the breathing exercises he'd learned. But he was flustered and upset that Dante wasn't with him and had no idea if he was doing them correctly. He gripped the chair arms as the pain hit the peak, then slowly tapered off.

When his eyes fluttered open again, Ezekiel was beside him. He placed a cool, wet cloth on his forehead, and Amir relaxed against the chair.

"Does Dante know that the baby's on the way yet?"

"Give me a moment, please."

Ezekiel closed his eyes then held his palms a couple of inches above Amir's belly, using his healing energy to scan the baby as he'd done several times before. He found the process so interesting. He'd been told he'd develop attributes specific to angels as time progressed, but he hadn"t noticed much of anything else besides the tingling where his wings would eventually sprout.

After a few minutes, Ezekiel nodded then opened his his eyes. "The baby is doing well. I don't detect any stress on them, so we're going to let everything progress naturally." He handed Amir a robe that was draped over his arm. "I'll give you some privacy to put this on. Leave the back open." He pointed to an ornate brass bell on a tray next to the chair. "Ring this if you need me. It will resound throughout the lair."

Other than the fact that the material was of a finer quality, the gown could've come from any typical doctor's office. As Ezekiel was leaving, he turned and asked, "Would you like some music? I have a lovely recording by the angelic choir of the Sixth Heaven. They performed last year at the annual Slayer and Nephilim mixer."

"Wow, really? Do you go to that party every year?"

A cloud passed over Ezekiel's features. "No, I've never been. That gathering is reserved for mated pairs." He gave Amir a melancholy smile. "But you and Dante will get to attend this year. You'll have to tell me all about it." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, I'll leave you to rest now. As soon as Dante arrives, I'll bring him right to you."

Amir felt sad for Ezekiel. He was so nice, so giving. It didn't seem fair that he didn"t have a mate yet when he so clearly wanted one.

"Thanks, Ezekiel. I appreciate everything, I hope you know that."

With a nod of his head, Ezekiel left, closing the door behind him. The onset of another contraction began, and Amir braced himself. Putting on the gown could wait a minute until he'd soldiered through another labor pain.

He shouted in his mind, used all the energy he could muster to send his thoughts into the universe.

Where are you, Dante? I need you!

Dante froze, his senses on alert from a strange hum in the cosmos. He had just stepped through the sliding glass door to take in the view from the home he hoped to have ready for Amir once the baby was born. He'd finally been able to steal away and check in with the worker gargoyles who were remodeling the cedar wood log cabin—although the word cabin wasn't the best description.

The two-story wood and rock home boasted five bedrooms and three baths, including a jetted tub in the primary one. Downstairs featured a playroom, along with an expansive living room, river rock fireplace, and gourmet kitchen that featured the latest in high-end cooking accessories.

Now that he'd gone all in on having a mate and family, he was excited to add more children to their family. Amir wanted six, but he thought they should start with three then see how it went from there. As thrilled as he was with the new direction his life had taken, he still had some adjusting to do.

But something was tugging at the back of his mind, an unease low in his belly. He gazed out at the gorgeous view from the redwood deck that looked out on the Cascade range. The sun was beginning to set, casting a saffron and blood-orange hue on the horizon. The barest hint of a few stars emerged higher in the sky, but it would be a dark night. A new moon would rise, matching Dante's contented musings.

He crossed his arms, frowning. At least he had been contented. Anxiety built like an electrical thrum beneath his skin. The face of Ezekiel popped into his mind and he gasped. This was exactly what he'd feared would happen when he reluctantly left that morning. Amir was in labor and was about to have their child at any moment.

Dammit.

His wings whooshed open with a loud snap as his body hardened. His human skin became a pebbled leather-like covering that was thick and rugged, excellent protection against the dark beasts and demons he so often had to battle.

As he soared over the range, he berated himself for leaving for a day so he could examine their new home and determine if anything else needed to be done before they moved in. Ezekiel had checked Amir before Dante left and felt that he still had a few days—particularly because this was his first time.

He was irritated with Ezekiel—primarily because he was usually irritated with the healer—but in truth, he was angry at himself. How could he protect Amir and their child when he was off fussing over their cabin, checking to see if the heated floors were working in the bathroom or if the nursery had the custom crib mobile with the dancing gargoyles and angels?

I'm an idiot.

Dante veered west when he reached the California border, his heart thumping wilder as he massive wings sliced through the air. Why did it feel like he was flying through quicksand?

Hold on Amir, I'm on my way.

His thoughts were so powerful, so concentrated, that they cut through the air with an intensity that outmatched the strength of his flight. Even the universe seemed to respond as a gust of warm air thrust beneath his wings, urging him forward with an accelerated speed.

Worry gripped him—worry that he'd arrive too late, that he'd miss the birth of their firstborn, leaving Amir alone at a moment when he needed him most. Dante hadn"t been vulnerable in centuries, but this situation laid bare emotions he'd forgotten he could feel. He clung to those fears, using them as fuel for his frantic flight.

Landing in the courtyard of the Mission with an earthy thud, Dante barely wasted time to fold his wings back into their resting position on his back. His thoughts were clouded with Amir. Every step he took towards the entrance felt as though his feet were made of cement blocks. Once he made his way into the lair, it was safe for him to revert to his human form, and he raced down the hall to the birthing chamber.

As he burst through the door, the first thing he noted was Ezekiel arranging herbs and oils on a stone table in the main area. He jumped as Dante stormed in before giving him a wide smile. "Dante! I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly. Amir is doing well—"

But Dante had already pushed past him, four long strides bringing him to Amir. The sight of his mate in the birthing chair. cheeks flushed with exertion, and eyes shining with fear and anticipation were enough to bring him to his knees.

"Dante…" Amir sighed, his features relaxing as if he was relieved.

As soon as Dante clasped Amir's hand, it was like a balm to his frazzled nerves. The pressure of Amir's grip increased to a surprising strength as he screwed his eyes shut and bared his teeth.

"I'm here, sweet angel," Dante murmured, running his fingers through Amir's dark curls. "I'm here." He peered over his shoulder at Ezekiel. "Do something. He's in pain! What kind of a healer are you?"

Ezekiel sighed as he approached them on the raised area. "The kind that's going to deliver you a healthy child if you'll allow me some room."

Dante was about to bark a retort, but Amir squeezed his hand again in a punishing grip. For such a tiny man, he sure could pack a wallop. A strangled sound caught in Amir"s throat, and he turned pain-filled eyes to Dante. The desperate plea in them broke his already frayed patience.

"Ezekiel," Dante growled, glaring at the healer, who gave an exasperated shake of his head, rolling his eyes as he moved closer to Amir.

"I"m going to need you both to stay calm," Ezekiel counseled, beginning to prepare for the birth. "The child will sense tension."

Dante took a deep breath and nodded, attempting to maintain some semblance of control. He returned his attention to Amir, wiping the sweaty curls off his forehead.

Without looking up, Ezekiel jerked his head to the table next to Dante. On it was a marble bowl filled with water, with a small cloth draped over the brim.

"I refilled it right before you got here. The water should still be cool."

Dante drew his eyebrows together. "There aren't any cups for him to drink from?"

Ezekiel had taken a seat on a small stool in front of the birthing chair, and between Amir's legs, his mate's gown bunched up above his knees. Dante shoved down his irrational jealousy so he wouldn't upset Amir or the baby.

Ezekiel glanced up from whatever it was he'd been doing. "The water isn't for drinking. Soak the cloth and place it on his forehead." Once again, he rolled his eyes then went back to helping Amir.

Dante pressed his lips together but followed through on helping his mate. "I"m here, my love," he reassured, his voice rough with emotion. "You"re strong. You can do this."

Amir peered up at him through pain-clouded eyes and nodded slowly. Dante let out a shaky breath as Ezekiel worked, a vision of calm efficiency.

Dante continued to hold Amir's hand in between refreshing the cloth with more water. Time stretched on, an unbearable agony that was foreign to him. He'd released the concept of the passing of time centuries ago. But how much longer could Amir tolerate what his body was putting him through?

Ezekiel rose, wiping his hands on a towel from the tray he'd set by the stool. The mysterious herbs and oils Dante had seen him mixing when he arrived were also included. Ezekiel tossed the towel into a basket, then wiped his forearm across his own sweaty brow.

"We're close. I've finished massaging his rim, so it should be nice and loose for the delivery."

"What!" Dante balled his fists, gritting his teeth so hard he thought they might crack. "How dare you touch him like that!"

Ezekiel puffed out his chest then advanced on him. "Listen, you insufferable, clueless, stone-sucking, puffed-up bully—I've had enough of your shit. Do you have any clue what the mechanics are for having a baby? How do you suppose your small mate is going to push a half-gargoyle infant through that tiny hole, huh?"

Dante's knees wobbled, a wave of nausea passing through him. "Umm…" He had nothing. Dante cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can he at least have something for the pain?"

Ezekiel exhaled loudly, his exasperation clear. "He's had the herbal salve on his lower back, and he's progressed to the stage where he can inhale the calming oil that dulls the pain."

Dante shifted his weight to his other side, raked his fingers through his hair then shifted back again. Ezekiel arched his eyebrows at him.

"Well? Would that be to your satisfaction?"

"Yeah, great. Sorry," Dante mumbled. "Carry on."

While Ezekiel went about his business, Dante returned to caring for Amir the best that he could. But he felt so helpless, inadequate. Was hand-holding and a wet cloth making that big of a difference? He'd never put poor Amir through this nightmare again. No way. Plan or no plan, they were having one, and that was it.

Ezekiel had returned to his position on the stool while Dante continued to whisper what he hoped were soothing words to an exhausted Amir. His poor sweetheart looked wrung dry, and he was beginning to feel like the biggest asshat in all of eternity for knotting him in the first place.

"Oh," Ezekiel broke into a wide grin. "The baby's crowning."

The fuck? He had no idea what that meant.

Dante stretched his neck, trying to sneak a look below the gown while still holding Amir's hand. Amir screamed at a volume Dante hadn't known his mate was capable of. He swallowed hard, not wanting to interrupt Ezekiel at what was clearly a crucial moment.

Ezekiel regarded him with a happy smile. "Want to see your baby enter the world?" He then looked up at Amir. "Come on, Amir. Take a deep breath and push harder than you ever have. One more, and your little one will be here."

Dante took a step closer to get a better look. He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening and throat closing up as he swayed on his feet. Ezekiel's urgent words barely permeated his consciousness.

"Hey, tough guy. If you're going to keel over, do it somewhere else."

Dante steadied himself while Amir gave one final push, growling through what had to be excruciating pain. A wail echoed throughout the chamber, and Ezekiel held up a tiny creature, crying angrily as he fought for breath in this new world.

Dante"s heart pounded as he watched Ezekiel wrap their child in a warm cloth and hand him over to Amir, who appeared utterly exhausted but incandescent with joy. Dante moved closer to see the baby.

His baby. His and Amir"s. He was beautiful, a tiny, screaming miracle.

Amir peered up at Dante with an expression of utter adoration and handed him their child. "Dante," he whispered, "meet our son."

Dante grinned like a fool. Their son. The words echoed through his mind, leaving him awestruck. He carefully cradled the infant in his arms, marveling at how small and precious he was.

"Hi, little one," Dante murmured. He stroked the baby"s downy head gently with a single finger, causing the baby to blink open his eyes, staring at Dante as if he recognized him.

Something shifted inside him. It was as if all his previous understanding of what love meant was nothing compared to the joy of having Amir and their child in his life.

Ezekiel had been cleaning up while he and Amir cooed over their baby. He returned to their side and carefully repositioned the chair, so it became a narrow bed without the opening. It allowed Amir to rest more comfortably but still provided a reclining back and arms for him to rest his elbows while cradling the baby.

Amir was back to holding their squirming infant, and Ezekiel peered down at his wiggling form. He closed his eyes, using his palms to briefly scan both Amir and the baby before straightening again.

"You're both healthy and strong." Ezekiel gave Dante the side-eye before continuing, "You remember what we discussed about nursing? It would be good to start feeding him right away."

Amir blinked several times as if trying to rouse himself from sleep. "Oh! Of course. Here Dante, could you hold him for a sec?"

Dante accepted his child into his arms, musing that he would hold him for an eternity if he could. Amir started tugging at the hem of his gown and pulled it all the way up, completely exposing himself. Dante tensed.

Ezekiel held up a hand as he spun on his heel. "I know, I know. I'm leaving."

Dante loudly cleared his throat. "Uh, hey. Zeke?"

Ezekiel paused at the doorway then turned around. "Seriously?"

Dante winked, smiling. "Thank you. I mean it."

Ezekiel chuckled. "Well, well, well. There's hope for you yet." He dipped his chin. "You're welcome."

After Ezekiel closed the door behind him, Dante went back to gazing in wonder at his family.

Family.

There was a word that had held little meaning to him until now.

He leaned against the chair, resting his arm along the top, watching in fascination as their son suckled on Amir. Dante caressed Amir's hair.

"Did you still want to name him Leonardo? It was a name that held significance for them. DaVinci was Amir"s favorite artist, and Dante"s gargoyle lineage could not ignore the genius who had once studied their kind.

Amir gazed up at Dante, nodding slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I think it's perfect."

"Good. Leonardo it is." He kissed the top of Amir's head. "I'm so sorry you had to suffer like that. I promise to stay away from you when you're in heat. I'll never make you go through that again."

Amir gasped, staring at Dante as if he'd lost his mind. "Are you kidding? I thought you wanted more kids?"

"Well… I know everyone thinks I'm a selfish prick, but I couldn't bear seeing you in so much pain."

Amir grinned. "What you are is a big softy."

Dante pressed his lips together. "Am not."

"Are too." Amir laughed. "But don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Dante grunted. "Brat. But I'm serious. I don't want you to feel like you have to get pregnant again for my sake."

One corner of Amir's mouth quirked in a smile. "What if I want to get pregnant again, for my sake?"

Dante winced as the visual of the baby coming out flashed through his mind. "Um…Really?"

Amir laughed again. "I love you, Dante. I'm so happy we found each other."

Dante cupped Amir's cheek with one hand. "I love you too, sweet angel. More than you'll ever know."

They shared a soft kiss then returned to staring at their perfect baby boy. Dante chuckled to himself, willing to admit that he'd been such a monumental idiot. What if he'd continued to avoid his destiny, had forged ahead on his own? Then he never would've discovered what true happiness was.

He smiled in perfect contentment. Maybe the Divine Spark knew what They were talking about after all.

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