20 Epilogue

A couple of weeks later, Dmitrei and Elena were visiting Ann and Elric, discussing their house hunt and enjoying lunch. Dmitrei had brought Sebastian over to see what he thought about Peony, but at the moment, the cats were hiding under separate pieces of furniture, trying to decide what they thought about one another.

Since The Oracle had said she was sending a new gargoyle, they had all been waiting with bated breath. Elric squared his shoulders, taking a deep breath as he walked over the sparkling granite entryway to open the door. He took one last look over his shoulder at them before swinging the door open. Standing on the step, hands in pockets, looking more relaxed than anyone else in the world, was Guarin Cormaunde. Dark, burgundy red hair that shimmered almost purple in the sun. Bright, piercing green feline-like, almond shaped eyes. Smooth, tan skin. Tilted nose. High cheekbones. A tall, muscular body.

As per usual for the most sexual gargoyle ever born, Rin looked good. Even Dmitrei could admit it.

Elric, however, was less than pleased. He drew in a deep breath, took a step back, and slammed the door shut in Rin's face. He strode back to the rest of them, shaking his head.

"I'm going to call The Oracle right now. D was one thing. I'm not taking Rin. He's not staying in my house, with my mate."

"I won't seduce her," called a pleasant voice from the porch.

"Who was that?" Ann asked, eyes wide.

"Oh my gosh, he was beautiful," Elena commented.

Dmitrei narrowed his eyes and she flushed. "I mean, not as beautiful as you. I meant more objectively, like a piece of art." Dmitrei didn't appear mollified and she pulled him close. "Oh, come here, you. You know you're the only one I want."

They snuggled into each other and Elric paced, letting out a sigh, "I'm going to send him right out on the street where he belongs."

Ann put her hand on Elric's. "Hey, come on. You're a leader, like it or not, and you're supposed to help the other gargoyles get used to this world."

Elric muttered something unintelligible, then she rose on her toes and kissed his cheek, stroking a hand through his hair, that was when he melted. "Fine. I'll help him at least find a place to get settled. But that deviant isn't staying anywhere within ten feet of you. Hear me?"

She giggled and nodded, looking over at Elena, "So jealous."

Elena gazed up at Dmitrei, "Wouldn't have it any other way."

"Nyelric! Dmitrei! Come out and let me meet your wenches! We can share!"

Elric's face went pale and he rolled up his sleeves, headed straight for the door to lay out a beatdown. Dmitrei chuckled, grabbing Elric by the jacket and pulling him back.

"Calm down," he said.

"You heard him," Elric snapped.

"He isn't from here," Dmitrei reminded. "We'll teach him the rules."

"Like that will do any good. He's a wacko."

Dmitrei looked at the door. He didn't know Rin well. He knew some of his powers and knew he was renowned for his beauty and sexual prowess. He had always thought those were off gargoyle powers, but if The Oracle sent him, that meant she thought there was something he could do for this world.

"Good point," Elric agreed having heard Dmitrei's thoughts. He inhaled and let out a deep breath, then stormed to the door, opening it up and blocking the way with his huge body. Dmitrei stayed back with Elena, while Ann moved forward to take a peek.

"No, you're not coming in yet," Elric's voice boomed. "Not until we get some things straight. No. Shut up a minute." Rin said something unintelligible, and Elric moved forward, shutting the door behind them so the others couldn't hear much of what was said. They did hear Elric tell something about their mates not being "wenches" just as the door slammed shut.

"That's going to be interesting," Elena commented, eyeing the door.

"Yeah," Ann replied . "Elric might want you two to stay if there's going to be another gargoyle."

"I suppose we can see how that goes," Dmitrei said. "I don't know Rin well, but after everything you did for me and Lena, we're happy to help. However we can."

Ann have him a grateful smile, then her eyes darted to the door. "I'm going to sit from a side window. Want to come?"

He shook his head and wrapped an arm around Elena's waist as Ann ran off.

"You don't want to go?" Elena asked looking up at him.

He sat in one of the large chairs in the entryway and pulled her into his lap, "I'm fine right here. Whatever comes, we'll handle it."

She snuggled into him and he smiled as he contemplated all the adventures that were coming. The other gargoyles. The fights against evil. All of it sounded exciting.

A new world, a new Dmitrei, a new love. With Elena by his side, everything was possible.