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Chapter 58: To the Rescue
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When Gargoyles Love Chapter 1: Prologue: Destiny of a Gargoyle
Chapter 1 PrologueIn the time when fairies ruled the Earth.Donal Foley grumbled and cursed his father as he trekked through the dunes on the shores of Connaught in what is now part of County Galway Ireland. He was there to see the Queen of the Fairies, a fair-headed lass with a temper. He didn't have good news and he dreaded telling her. As a gargoyle, he was sworn to protect fairies, but his father, Seamus Foley, a man prone to drink, had deflowered a fairy and she was now carrying his child. As the oldest of Seamus' three sons, it fell to Donal to tell the Queen that he had relieved Seamus of his duties as the head guard of the land of Connaught. He stopped to gaze out at the ocean, its blue waves crashing in anger against the white sand. The sea reflected the reaction he expected from the queen.The Foleys had been guarding the fairies for generations and never had there been a problem. Donal pushed his black hair away from this steel blue eyes. Putting off the task would not mak
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 2: The Church
Meg Boyle drove out of Leenane in County Galway for one last glimpse at the site she'd chosen for her company's new wool processing plant. Wild Woolens based in Pennsylvania had tasked her with finding a place to build closer to the source of their world-famous wool products. Meg glanced at the sheep on either side of the road. "Can't get much closer than this to the sheep." The site sat across the street from the beach, right next to a church that was in disrepair. She figured Wild could knock down the church and build a plant as big as they might need. It was rocky terrain, but things could be leveled. She stopped her car by the church. Getting out she sniffed the salty North Atlantic. The only problem might be the fact that tourists were fond of this road. If the plant could be back from the road it might work out. She didn't want to spoil the countryside.With her car parked along the Wild Atlantic Way, Meg trekked up the small hill to the church. Where her gargoyle friends sat l
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 3: Trouble
Her phone rang as Meg walked up to her room at the Leenane Hotel. The place faced the Killary Fjords in County Galway. The hotel rooms weren't huge, but the place was clean and picturesque. Meg had already taken a ton of pictures just from her window."Hello."Her feet padded on the carpeting in the hallway. It wasn't too late so she didn't have to be quiet, but something about the hotel made her want to whisper. It had an air of elegance about it. "Meg Boyle?"Who else would it be? You called me. "Yes.""This is Harriet Witherspoon.""Okay. Nice to meet you. Who are you?""I'm your new boss."The words needed a minute to sink in. Meg had been sure that she was getting that job. She'd never entertained any other scenario. "What happened to Leslie?"Her boss had promised to let her know before she retired. Why hadn't she said something? Meg hadn't missed a call from her. "She retiring at the end of the week.""The end of the week?"Why so soon? What had happened? Leslie had insisted
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 4: Miss Opportunity
"Shite" was Donal's first thought. He'd run out of time. The brothers hadn't come up with a plan and Donal had assumed he'd have more time. "Did you hear that?" he said to his siblings."Yep.""Guess you're out of luck.""Thanks."They were no help. Meg stood below them, looking out over the ocean. Even if she wasn't facing him, Donal knew she was the most beautiful fairy he'd ever seen. Freckles dotted her nose and her red hair whipped in the wind. "I can't believe my boss retired without telling me. I thought I was the ideal candidate for her job. She'd been such a mentor to me. I'm sorry to see her go."Meg sighed. Donal could feel her distress. That's how he'd known she was his fairy. He'd sworn an oath several thousand years ago to protect her. When he knew he was destined to protect her, he'd promised to keep her safe for all time. Which he couldn't do if he were in stone.He remembered that he could be with her for a whole day and he could come to life, but if she was across
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 5: Journey Home
Meg carried her bags into her apartment, exhausted from the day of travel. "There has got to be an easier way to do this."She dropped the bags on her floor. All she wanted to do was shower and sleep, but it was the middle of the afternoon. Her body thought it was later in the day."That's what being in another time zone does to you," she said to her empty apartment.Rationally it looked the same as when she left, but now it felt lonely. She blew out a breath, looking around. Never in her adult life had she wanted anyone to come home to. Her career had always been her lover. Not that there hadn't been men along the way, but they had been as committed to their careers as she was. She rolled the biggest of the suitcases into her bedroom. "Might as well unpack."She pulled all of her dirty clothing out of the bag and put them into a basket. A trip to the laundry room had to be on her agenda. "I might have nothing to wear if I don't. At least no underwear."Meg's phone rang. "Hey, Col."
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 6: Discovery
Oh. Feck. He'd been discovered. He looked down at the man the first rays from the sun illuminating his face. He was dirty with unkempt hair. "Uh," Donal said.The man squinted at him then shook his head. "I must have had some bad hooch last night. Sorry." He thrust out his dirty hand. "Name's Tex."Donal looked down at the hand coming his way. He had to make a quick decision. Tex could be his friend or his enemy. Donal grasped the hand. "Donal."Tex let go. He spread his arms out wide. "My home is your home."Donal looked around. "What?"Of course, he would prefer to be on the roof. He was a gargoyle. Frankly, he didn't have much choice either. With no identity and no money, he couldn't exactly rent a flat. "You live up here?" Donal said. "Yes. It's the only place that I can find shelter, food, and no cops bothering me.""Food?""Yeah, the building has a garden. I try not to pick vegetables from the same plot every day. That way no one notices."Tex was right. Donal hadn't seen it i
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 7: Friends
"Of course," Colleen said. "I cannot wait to hear all about Ireland.""It's a beautiful country."They carried some platters into the living room. With the food settled onto the coffee table and their wine glasses filled, Meg sat on her loveseat. Colleen chose her usual spot on an antique rocking chair. Meg's grandfather had made it when she'd been adopted by her parents. "I bet. Do you at least have pictures?"Meg pulled out her phone. She found her Irish Trip folder before handing the phone to Colleen. Her friend swiped to look at each picture while Meg sipped her wine. "It is beautiful. I am so going there this year.""You haven't taken a vacation in five years."Colleen laughed. "I know, but I plan on one this year. My boss has insisted. I have too much accumulated.""I'd go back in a minute." Meg settled back in the cushions. "It felt like home.""Mm. I've never been anywhere that felt like that besides home, of course."Colleen brushed her reddish-blonde hair out of her eyes. M
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 8: Questions
"Is that comfortable?" Tex said from behind Donal.Donal glanced over his shoulder. "What?""Being perched like that.""Uh, yes."Donal hadn't thought about how he was crouching. It was just something that gargoyles did. He'd never questioned it. Being tall, they wanted to make themselves less visible from a distance. Tex leaned against the low wall surrounding the roof. "Can I ask you a question?""Sure.""I've been going over and over what I thought I saw last night," Tex said. Uh. Oh. "Yes?""You did fly onto the roof."Donal weighed telling the man the truth. He'd been his only friend so far. "Yes. I did."The man didn't flinch. "What are you?""A gargoyle.""Like on Eastern State Penitentiary? Come to life?"Donal didn't know the place the man was talking about, but he could explain his story. "I'm not from there. I'm from Ireland.""Well, yeah. The accent. I get it."Donal smiled. He listened to the girls' conversation winding down. Meg would be asleep soon. "Do you want to hea
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When Gargoyles Love Chapter 58: To the Rescue
Declan banged on Colleen's door, knowing full well that Fiona wasn't there. He figured if she was with her friends, he could check out Brent a little more. Then he felt some distress from her, but couldn't tell where it was coming from. It was there, some kind of link, even if she said she hated him. Yes, something was wrong. His phone was dead so he couldn't locate her that way. Damned new technology. No, this was different."The feckin' goblin is blocking me."He didn't know how, but he knew it was Brent. Something more than a gut feeling overtook him. Why hadn't listened to the lessons he'd been supposed to learn? Declan banged on the door again then tried the knob. It opened in his hand. He looked up to see Colleen on the other side. "Where is she?"He stormed into the apartment, feeling like a caged animal. He could feel that Fiona was in some kind of distress, but he couldn't tell what. "She left us. She ran out and I assume she went home, but she didn't pick up when we called,"
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 57: No Protection
Declan wouldn't own Fiona. No man ever would. Which made her mind turn to Declan and it still made her mad that he thought some fancy story would get her into bed. Couldn't a guy just like her for who she was first? Men were poopyheads.Fiona pushed open the door. She found Colleen on the other side, a wine bottle half uncorked in her hand. "Hey."They hugged. Fiona felt relief wash over her. Meg yelled from the balcony. "Hey, Fi."Snacks were arranged on a low table between three lounge chairs. "Go out. I'll be there as soon as I wrestle this wine bottle."Fiona hugged Meg tightly, then plopped onto one of the chairs. "How's the job hunt going?" Meg asked. Fiona shrugged. "Not great, but I have a few weeks before I have to worry." She paused, not sure why she was reticent to tell them about Brent. "I had dinner with this guy.""A date?" Colleen said, walking out with the bottle and three glasses in her hands. "Nah. He wants to sponsor me and my art."A smile broke out onto Meg's f
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 56: Goblins Again
The goblin was trying to distract Declan. "I want you to leave Fiona alone. Don't contact her. Don't talk to her."Brent laughed then sipped some of his drink. "You know that I can kill you right now."The goblin could and it was arrogance and maybe youthful exuberance that had brought Declan to his door. He began to back away, closer to the door. "Then it won't be as fulfilling for you if you can't kill her in front of me.""I could live with that."Declan had underestimated his opponent. A rookie mistake for sure. Brent had been right about his inexperience. He'd made a tactical error and now not only was Declan going to die, but Fiona would, too, without having any idea why. His brothers might never know what happened to him since he'd never told them who the goblin was. Feck.Without a glance backward, Declan hurried to the balcony, unfurling his wings as he went. A rush of air almost enveloped him, but he was out of range fast enough. The surge of energy bypassed him as he flew a
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 55: Questions or Lies?
Fiona held her breath. Why did his opinion matter? She'd just met him, but he had seemed concerned about her from the beginning. Genuinely. Not that fake concern to get into her bed. She picked up her wine glass again to have something to hold."I see. Did you at least meet him in a public place?"She responded with a tilt of her head. "I'm a single girl living in the city. I'm not stupid."He picked up his wine glass and leaned back. Staring at her over the glass, he sipped. "The one I warned you against.""Yes. You're not my keeper, Declan. I can do what I want.""Even if it puts you in danger?"She rolled her eyes at him then let out a breath. "Declan. You're so dramatic. He's a nice man who just likes art." And maybe me a little bit, but Brent would get past that. "You aren't my brother or a boyfriend. You have no say."He nodded then sipped. After putting down the wine glass, he placed his hands on the counter. "I have something I need to tell you.""You aren't going to give me a
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 54: Down To Business
Brent leaned back in his chair, his gray eyes looking as if they were memorizing her features. "Business first.""Business, Brent. I don't mix that with anything else. I'm a serious artist and if you're serious about your offer, I want to know exactly what it is."He snagged his wine glass then swirled it in his hand. A wry grin creased his face. "I like you, Fiona. You know what you want.""I do and if you aren't my means to that then I need to move on and not waste either of our times."She glanced out the window again. They sat at a table for two and the streetlights were below them, illuminating the sidewalk. Fiona didn't notice anyone lingering. The building across the street was dark, but she couldn't see on the roof. When had she become paranoid?"Pragmatic as well as beautiful.""Seriously Brent. This isn't a date. You don't need to flatter me. You know I have no job and you have the upper hand. Let's get to what we need to discuss."He chuckled as he put down his wine glass. "
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 53: A Sponsor
She'd only ever done art for Damien. Her stuff never left her apartment. She looked around her bedroom to make sure none had left on its own. Silly as that idea was, she couldn't figure out how he would know what was hers and what was Damien's. "I've been around the art world for a few years. I know what goes on. Even if it has Damien's signature on it, I know it isn't always his. The colors you use are more vibrant than most of his paintings. I've been drawn to them and finally figured out that was the difference. You keep to his style, but his colors are more muted. As are those other assistants he has."Okay. So he knew what went on with artists. Fiona wasn't going to confirm or deny anything, but then she remembered Damien had fired her. That let her out of her contract. He'd broken it not her. "Okay. I'll admit that we often battled over color."Brent let out a guffaw. "I've known Damien for a few years. I think battled is a good word.""You know Damien?"Was this a setup? "Yes.
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 52: Carrying a Fairy
Declan's heart was beating fast. Not because of the exertion, but because of holding his fairy in his arms. He didn't want to feel this way. He should be detached, but Fiona had already gotten under his skin. As if she belonged to him. He unlocked the front door of her apartment building then carried her up the steps. She was singing the whole time. Hopefully, no one was sleeping.He put her down to unlock her apartment door. She fell against him, but he was able to get her into the apartment and lock the door behind them. He looked around having been too busy looking at Fiona when he'd picked her up the other night. He dropped the keys on a table then picked her up again. "Declan, you're carrying me to bed?""Just to sleep."Not that he wouldn't want to be with her. She was a beautiful woman. He'd never get tired of looking at her. He set her down on the bed, then went to work on her shoes. She leaned down and grabbed his hair. "I'm up here, buddy.""Fiona, let go of my hair."She d
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 51: What Now?
Damien must know about her conversation last night. She could lie and blame it on Declan, but she didn't. "Oh?""I know that you were checking out possible sponsors last night."Had she been set up? Had the man who approached her told Damien for some reason? Did her potential sponsor want her to be in a crappy position to negotiate? "I spoke to one man about making some art for him. Nothing was agreed upon."He smacked his hand on the desk, making her jump. "You know you can't create art for anyone else while you are under contract with me.""That contract will be up this year. There is nothing in it that says I can't lay the groundwork for that now."She'd read it again last night just to cover her butt. Damien shook his head. "I think you think that you are better than you are, Fiona. On your own? Mediocre. Maybe slightly better with my tutelage."God, he was arrogant. What had she seen in him? She remained silent, letting him get out whatever he wanted to say so she could go back to
When Gargoyles Love Chapter 50: Trouble Ahead
The nerve of him! was all Fiona could think as she scoped out the ballroom. There were only fifteen minutes left in the cocktail hour and then people would populate the tables. If she made contact with the person here, would it get back to Damien? This was a public place as Declan suggested. Feeling angry and petulant, Fiona wanted to leave Declan in the dust. Were he just some guy she might. Too bad he was the brother of her best friends' significant others. Get-togethers would be awkward. She roamed around the ballroom, deciding that settling at the bar might help her chances of someone talking to her. This was different than just picking up a guy. She could do that without breaking a sweat. No, this was business and important to the rest of her career. Hopefully, she wouldn't say something stupid.Fiona stopped at the bar and ordered a soda. "Make that two," Declan said next to her. "I never said you didn't have talent, Fiona."He hadn't. She'd read into his words and come up wit
