Disney/Buena Vista own the Gargoyles and all respective supporting gargoyle characters and themes on the show – the new characters and situations are developed by my massive imagination.
Ratings Warning: This chapter has some suggested mature material. There is no coarse language. There is some smoking and social drinking. Just so you know.
Looking over my shoulder, Brooklyn asks, "What the heck is a merlon?"
Lex answers, "A merlon is the solid section between two crenels. A crenel is the open space/notch between two merlons in a battlement or a crenelated wall."
Broadway scratches his head. "You're joking, right?"
"Sounds like a lot of fancy words to say the top of the battlement," quips Brooklyn.
The writer sticks her tongue at her favorite gargoyle and keeps writing.
Trivia: 1999 was the year the internet broke through and really went worldwide. For the purpose of this story, obviously the twins were in a country where it was not available.
Duel Intent
Chapter One - The Twins
1999 - Summer
"Hey, Goliath!"
Goliath stretched. It had been a long night. Besides helping Elisa with another robbery in lower Manhattan, there was the ongoing friction between Brooklyn, Broadway, and Angela to deal with when he returned home. If Broadway had kept his distance, Goliath was sure everything would have smoothed over sooner. For some reason he just wouldn't let it go. When Angela had tried to patch things up, things had gone from bad to worse, leaving Lexington in the middle.
Hearing Brooklyn's voice now was a comfort. Devoid of contention, he sounded like his old self. Sometimes, Goliath mused, I wish we could go back, and the trio could just be the trio again.
"Yes, Brooklyn?" he heard his voice without realizing he had spoken.
"I've been thinking. Maybe it would be best if I helped Elisa every night for awhile, instead of trading off."
"Oh?" Goliath asked, surprised.
"Yeah, well… it seems the more I sit around here, the more time I have to think. Thinking seems to get me into, ah, trouble."
Goliath chuckled. "I see. You have been 'in trouble' quite a bit lately, haven't you?"
Brooklyn shrugged. "Guess we're all having to adjust."
Goliath smiled at his young charge. Brooklyn had matured considerably in the last few years. A more experienced warrior now, his cunning skills had sharpened, and he had more faith in his schemes than ever before. A bit taller and more filled out, he was beginning to remind him of the gargoyle he was sure had fathered the egg Brooklyn hatched from all those years ago. Ferocious, yet intelligent had been that gargoyle's key attributes to the clan. They hadn't been close, as the gargoyle had been considerably older, with Brooklyn being his third egg. He had died in battle long before the egg had hatched, but Hudson had known him well.
"It's harder to watch others move on without you," Goliath tentatively offered, hoping Brooklyn would share the feeling festering beneath the surface.
"That's just it. I'm not even sure that's the problem. If it was jealousy I could handle it."
"But this isn't jealousy?"
"Nah. Angela made her choice over a year ago. I'm over it. Over her. When Broadway made his comment about 'what good is a second in command that never leads' though, I wanted to strangle him."
"Yes. The contention has been felt by all."
"Exactly. I think everyone could use a break."
"Hmmm. Maybe you're right. Separation is sometimes beneficial."
They both sat in silence a moment, Goliath contemplating what Brooklyn offered. He didn't like the idea of splitting them up – sometimes separation created larger rifts, some never mending. Still, there was something to be said for time healing wounds. There had been a time Goliath had thought nothing would ever come between them. Now, as they grew closer to mating age, friendship gave way to aggressiveness – Broadway trying to trump Brooklyn in an emotional battle, hoping to retain Angela's love. Which is ridiculous, thought Goliath. She loves him – there is no going back. Even Brooklyn understands that. Why is Broadway so insecure?
"Alright – go ahead," he finally agreed.
"Thanks Goliath. I'll start tomorrow night!" The red gargoyle's relieved smile penetrated Goliath's heart.
"It is only temporary. Until you and Broadway can come to an understanding."
"Sure. No problem. Mind if I tell Lex?"
"No. " Brooklyn started away to find his small friend when Goliath had a thought.
"Brooklyn."
"Yeah?"
"A second leads when the leader is incapable. He also advises the leader of things he can't see or doesn't have time for. You are my second, and tonight, as always, I am pleased with my choice."
Brooklyn smiled.
"Thanks."
One week later:
A black limo sped away from the JFK airport. Inside were two curvaceous women, with long strands of blond hair framing their matching heart shaped faces. One pulled out her sequined purse to grab a compact. Her companion watched with mild interest as voluptuous lips were lightly coated in candy apple red, followed by a bright sheen.
"Sadie, try to show a little class. He's going to think you're still in love with him."
Sadie gave a sardonic chuckle.
"Who says I ever loved him? Although I'm sure I proclaimed it every now then during a, um… momentary lapse of judgment."
She eyed her companion with a even stare, watching for a reaction. She was disappointed.
"Sadie, I really don't want to hear it. He was dating both of us at the same time, remember? I'm just saying, show some dignity." She waved her hand in disgust as she talked.
Sadie chuckled as she pulled out a cigarette from a small cigarette case, and used the matching solid gold lighter to light it. She flicked the lighter shut with a flick of her dainty wrist, pausing to admire the craftsmanship while placing the cigarette to her lips to produce a long drag.
"You have to admit, Sabine, he has good taste," she said, flashing the lighter at her as she let smoke fly out of her nose. "And I am showing dignity. It just so happens I'm showing dignity with a little leg. After all, it doesn't hurt to remind him what he gave up."
"And what was that?" Sabine snapped at her, regretting the words as soon as they left her mouth.
Sadie gave her an evil grin. "You remember."
"You're still stuck on David, aren't you?" Sabine sadly asked her, quickly changing the distasteful subject. Xanatos' betrayal with Sadie was a thing of her past, and she liked to keep it there. Normally she had a vengeful heart in such matters, but this time she had felt it was better to just drop it. So she had hidden herself away in the dirt in South America, looking for something that apparently wasn't there. As smoke traveled to her nose, she found herself wishing for the thousandth time her sister would give up her nasty habit with a wave of her hand, hoping to dissipate the foul fog from her face.
Sadie choked on the drag she was working on, and coughed a little before managing to get a disdainful "Hardly" worked out of her spasm.
Sabine gave her an evil grin. "Good. I was a little worried - he is married after all."
Sadie laughed before sucking in more nicotine, letting the smoke fester in her lungs before exhaling. "I doubt that changes anything."
Sabine watched the streets slowly crawl by as the limo made its way off the expressway towards the Triborough Bridge.
"Well, let's not judge him before we see him. After all, he is funding the expedition in South America. Without it, I couldn't look after my special project in the West..."
"Hmmm. But look at the price tag."
"An evening in Manhattan with him and his family is not too high of a price. In my humble opinion, that is."
Sadie rolled her eyes, using her fingers holding the half consumed cigarette to tug at the slit up her dress that showed extra thigh.
"We all know how humble your opinion is. And is it really just one evening? You know David."
"A girl can hope."
"Everything is made up to your specifications, Mr. Xanatos."
David Xanatos looked ecstatic while he sifted through some papers on his desk, his wide open smile framed by his nicely trimmed beard.
"Excellent Owen! I can't wait to watch tonight play out."
"Of course. But I suspect, sir, that Fox is a little less enthusiastic?"
Xanatos got up from the chair and walked around the desk. His tall, broad frame overtook Owen's staunch figure.
"Owen, somehow I doubt very seriously if Fox is threatened by either of my old flames. Besides, she's completely privy to my intentions."
"Perhaps she's not threatened by Sadie, sir, as that was all... physical. But Miss Sabine?"
Xanatos shifted uncomfortably.
"Let's just say Fox doesn't realize there's a difference." Xanatos narrowed his eyes at his stiff employee. "And let's keep it that way, okay Owen?"
"Of course sir," Owen complied.
The limo stopped outside of the tall skyscraper, the Eyrie Building. The driver came out and opened the door, offering his hand to Sadie. Her stilettos emerged from the elongated car first, followed by her lithe body. The sparkling blue dress clung to her body with the slits in both sides revealing peeks at her hard upper thighs. Her blond hair flowed behind her head, with just a hint of curl at her nape. Black gloved hands picked up her dress to allow her to move with ease onto the curb, quickly moving out of Sabine's way.
Tall red heels emerged, and the exact likeness in Sadie followed. Sabine's locks fell softly around her face. Unlike Sadie's grand red lips standing out declaring their voluptuousness, Sabine's pink lips shinning with regular lip gloss were inviting in an understated way. The red dress was of a soft jersey-like rayon material outlined in white sequins for a little bling, so that the form fitting dress spoke for her. Her slit, not quite the daring height of Sadie's, still showed enough to make the limo driver squirm. Instead of covering her hands with gloves, she had chosen to keep them bare, showing off a unique opal ring on her French manicured hand. Both women's necklines plunged deep, with matching emerald pendants hanging around their necks.
They stood outside of the limo for a moment in silence, each lost in her own thoughts. Then, hearing Sabine sigh, Sadie linked arms with her as if to create a formative front, and walked to the door facing the first obstacle in David Xanatos' security.
"Ladies, you look incredible."
Sadie's eyes revealed pleasure while she drew her face into a pout. Sabine showed no expression, carefully hiding her feelings.
Xanatos nonchalantly poured two glasses of wine and used them to approach the women.
"Drink?"
The girls glanced at each other slyly, as they took the offered glasses from Xanatos' hand.
"Hello David. Good to see you," Sadie finally oozed as she kissed Xanatos's cheek with fake sincerity oozing from her demeanor.
Xanatos chuckled. "Uh-huh." He then turned to Sabine.
"And how's my favorite twin?" he winked at her.
Sadie's eyes narrowed as she bit her lip, but neither Xanatos nor Sabine noticed. A frown creased on her forehead, the only sign of the anger boiling beneath the surface. Sadie quickly smoothed it, while the others were distracted, leaving Owen as the only witness to her quick display of temper.
"Cut the crap, David. We're here so you'll keep funding the expedition. Let's not pretend, okay?" Sabine tossed her hair as she glanced at Owen Burnett. "Hello, Owen."
"Hello Sabine," he replied with a courteous nod.
Xanatos leaned close to her. "Be nice. You never know when my friendship might come in handy."
Both women raised their eyebrows at Xanatos, but neither smiled.
"Like funding the expedition?" Sabine asked him directly.
He shrugged. "Among other things."
"Like what?" Sadie demanded.
One side of his mouth curled up, enjoying the verbal cat and mouse game with them. "Not until after dinner," he teased.
Sadie stood and placed the half full wine glass down beside him. "Well, let's go then. I'm starrrrving." Her sarcastic demeanor caused his eyes to grow cold, leaving her with a triumphant smile on her face.
Sabine cleared her throat.
"You know, David, Sadie never was much for idle chit chat," she reminded him, lifting herself from the couch with gracefulness even Owen admired from across the room.
Xanatos smiled at her interlude, appreciating the out she offered him. Still, he couldn't stop himself from one last jab at the worldly twin.
"Ah yes, you're right, of course. Sadie was always a woman of action." Swiftly he downed the last of his glass. "Well then, I think it's time for dinner."
Sadie shook her head and mumbled something unintelligible as she stiffly walked by him, headed out the door, followed by Owen. Sabine returned the glass to Xanatos, retaining him from his exit for just a few seconds more.
"What are you up to, David?" she asked, her voice laced with apprehension.
Xanatos put his arm around her and steered her towards the quickly disappearing Sadie.
"My only objective tonight is to see the delight on your face when you see a project I've been working on. After that, we'll talk about the expedition, and then you can go back to playing in the dirt. That is, if you'll want to."
Sabine's eyes narrowed. If I want to? she replayed his words in her mind. Why wouldn't I want to? If there were one thing she had learned in her dating spree with David Xanatos, you watched every word he said, and always be aware it might have a duel meaning. She stopped in the hallway as an idea occurred to her. He turned back, a little startled.
"David, you're not thinking of rekindling anything, are you?" she tentatively asked him.
"No," came the definitive answer, after a long pause. "I'm really in love with Fox, Sabine." He held his hand up when she opened her mouth to speak. "I know, I didn't think I was capable of it either. It seems I'm just full of surprises."
She gave him a soft touch on his face, ignoring his prideful remark. "Then I'm glad to hear it. I always knew there was a heart in you."
"You should have warned me - it came as quite a shock."
She chuckled, letting her hand drop.
"I bet."
"David, this is 10th century architecture!"
The exuberance in Sabine's voice was unmistakable. Sadie, Xanatos, Fox and Owen watched Sabine run her fingers over the old stones, sensually feeling their rough surface.
"It's real isn't it? Not a replica..."
"You know your stuff, don't you?" Xanatos verbally applauded her. "You never cease to amaze me, Sabine."
Sadie sniffed. "I don't get it. So you've moved a few old rocks to New York and incorporated them into your building. This is your 'project'? Big deal."
Xanatos laughed. "If you had any idea what this castle cost me to move, you wouldn't think it such a minuscule task."
They emerged onto the upper level of the tower house. Dinner with Fox and Alexander had been politely pleasant, with innuendos flying around from the mischievous Sadie. Xanatos has tried to ignore the jabs, but to be completely honest with himself, he was glad to finally be here, among the gargoyles. The highlight of his evening was watching Sabine run towards the edge of the battlement, staring at the mammoth figure of Goliath in stone. Sometimes he had to remind himself his wife stood beside him.
"Oh look, Sabine," Sadie sarcastically stated, swaggering up to the grimacing stone face of Hudson, "David has a whole collection of gargoyles. Too bad you're not fascinated with them like you used to be." She glowered at Xanatos, loathing him all the more. His obvious catering to Sabine throughout the night had made her nauseous, but this took the cake. Gargoyles… she mentally rolled her eyes.
Xanatos remained still, refusing to rise to Sadie's bait. Instead, he folded his arms and arched his eyebrow towards her, showing her he was up to any challenge she threw at him. Her eyes narrowed with anticipation.
While the silent tug of war went on between her twin and Xanatos, Sabine scanned the figures of Bronx, Hudson, and Lexington on one side of Goliath before walking past Angela and Broadway to stand under Brooklyn, a fierce figure scowling into the setting sun. The warm summer wind blew her blond hair into her face, obscuring her view. She pulled it back impatiently, letting her hand fall and rest on the red gargoyle's talons that were holding his weight up.
She took a deep breath.
"Sadie, it's Castle Wyvern."
It was a quiet statement of fact, declared in just above a whisper.
"Hmmm..." came Sadie's reply. She looked a little closer at Goliath, remembering some stories Sabine had told her. She was ready for the night to be over. She let her eyes leave the stone figure, and leaned over the edge of a crenel between the stone figures of Goliath and Angela to enjoy the lights beginning to pop up in the twilight moment. A gasp sounded behind her, causing Sadie to start.
"David! You rose the castle above the clouds! You crazy..." Sabine declared, her voice drifting off in wonder.
Xanatos grinned at Fox, enjoying Sabine's exuberance. Fox put her hand on his arm, letting him know she understood what he was up to. The affluent couple stood together, watching.
Sabine stared a moment longer at Brooklyn, something stirring under her expression of awe, before glancing up at Goliath again.
"Did it work?" she quietly asked Xanatos.
The grin still in place, he motioned for her to join them.
"Step back and watch."
Sabine scanned the horizon, for the first time noting the sun had finally set for the evening. She quickly darted to stand near Xanatos, grabbing Sadie's arm as she moved, dragging her sister with her.
"Any moment now..." Xanatos murmured.
The sun dipped past the horizon. Sadie stood calmly waiting while her sister held her breath in anticipation. Suddenly cracks began to appear on stone faces of the gargoyles. Sharp noises were heard as the cracks deepened and grew along the figures until in a burst of fury, Goliath broke free from his slumber with a loud yawn resonating in his diaphragm, sounding like a giant roar. He stretched in the night air, his muscles rippling in the movement, giant wings fanning out in an awesome display of strength. One by one each gargoyle of the Manhattan clan broke free in like manner, until all were awakened, staring at the small group standing at the base of the massive doorway leading into the castle on top of the New York building.
Xanatos watched the twins intensely. Sabine was obviously enamored over the aspect of the legend of the Wyvern clan being true, something Xanatos had anticipated before inviting her to come. It was Sadie who puzzled him. He had half expected fright, or maybe scoff anger to hide her fear. He knew the remote site in the jungles of South America were devoid of internet, so unless someone from the outside had mentioned it, which, given Sabine's reactions, they had not, there was no conceivable way for Sadie to have heard reports of live gargoyles in New York. He found it disturbing that she looked disinterested. I'll have to think that over later, he decided, choosing instead to concentrate on a suspicious Goliath eyeing them with curiosity.
"Goliath, I'd like you to meet two very special people from my past, Sadie and Sabine. Ladies, please meet the Manhattan clan."
"Man, am I bushed," complained Lexington.
"What for? You didn't do anything, except talk to Sadie all night," Angela reminded him.
"Exactly. She drives me nuts. I think I'd rather of hung out with Sabine."
"Ye probably did Xanatos a big favor tonight, lad. I think Xanatos was a bit more interested in her company than the sister's." Hudson teased.
Lexington was not amused. "Great. That's what I really wanted to do – help Xanatos out." He rolled his eyes. "Wish Brooklyn were here," he mumbled, "he'd have handled Sadie better."
Hudson overheard him loud enough to give him a silent scowl, but Angela seemed oblivious to the mention of the red gargoyle's name.
"Well, I think Sabine was really sweet. She asked all sorts of questions about our clan."
"Aye, makes me nervous when humans get nosey," Hudson interjected with his Scottish brogue.
"It didn't feel like that, Hudson. It was more like she was confirming answers she already knew."
"That is interesting." Hudson mused. He reached down to pat Bronx on the head. "We'll have to see what Goliath thinks of that."
"Sabine wants to talk to him. I heard her talking to Xanatos," Angela continued.
"Really? All I heard her talk about was Brooklyn, when Sadie wasn't asking questions about Alex. Sabine seems fascinated with him or something. It was weird," Lex added.
"What are ye saying lad?"
"I know," Angela agreed, forgetting to answer Hudson. "I didn't want to say anything, but she asked a few questions about each of us, like she was being polite. But when she started asking questions about Brooklyn, she was pretty intense."
"Intense how?" Hudson rephrased his question, becoming alarmed. Why would a human be so interested in a particular gargoyle? he wondered. Goliath would make more sense...
"It was like she was sizing him up without his even being there. She asked how well he did with the police, what kind of fighter he is, how he became Goliath's second…" Lex explained.
"And what was really odd was the way she seemed pleased about it. Like he had passed some sort of test," Angela finished.
"That is peculiar." The old gargoyle leaned back against the ancient wall with a sigh. Xanatos always brought them challenges, but this time it was too odd for even him to figure out on his own. "Perhaps Goliath should speak to her."
Angela and Lexington nodded, confident in Hudson and Goliath's abilities to make everything alright. They bent their heads together, talking in quiet tones as they left Hudson to ponder over the situation. Hudson watched them leave, wishing the younger ones would make peace. He knew Angela held no animosity for Brooklyn, nor he with her and Broadway. Broadway's jealousy seemed only to get worse with Brooklyn gone, especially if Angela were around when he returned. He's got to let that night go, he mused. Or he's going to drive our young second away….
Brooklyn looked around her apartment, searching for the right words. He always came to Elisa with human issues. Goliath was still learning, Hudson still lived in the past for the most part, and going to Xanatos was out of the question. He needed some solid answers. Brining Elisa home after working together served two purposes for him. The being that he didn't get home until almost sunup. The second was having a few moments alone to ask questions like the ones burning in his mind.
"Remember those sisters Goliath told you about?" he started.
"The ones that Xanatos introduced to the clan a few weeks ago?" Elisa queried.
He simply nodded.
"Okay, so what about them?"
"I need you to you to check them out for me."
Elisa wore an irked expression.
"Brooklyn, I did that for Goliath a few weeks ago. "
"And?"
"They're clean," she told him, exasperated. "They've spent the last few years digging around in South America on some sort of excavation project."
"What are they excavating?"
"Some ancient city. I saw pictures of it last week - it's the real deal."
Brooklyn stood silent for a moment. Elisa leaned against her kitchen counter, letting him process the information. Goliath had been so sure there was something sinister about the two sisters he made Elisa research them with extra care. Now Brooklyn was asking the same questions, which surprised her. She had been sure Goliath would confide in his second.
"Xanatos must have a reason for bringing them to the castle. He wouldn't have shared our location with just anyone."
"True," Elisa responded. "But Xanatos' schemes aren't exactly on public record."
Brooklyn shook his head. "Yeah, guess not."
"Look, I know you're all irritated with them…"
"It's not just that, Elisa. I really need to know what their game is."
"Game?" Elisa asked, alarmed. "Come on, Brooklyn. What makes you think they're playing games?"
"I don't know – something just doesn't feel right. Sabine's okay, but I feel like she's sizing me up." He walked to the sliding glass door to stare out.
"Maybe she's attracted to you," Elisa suggested.
Brooklyn glared over his shoulder.
"Not likely," he commented.
"Oh, I don't know." She sauntered forward, putting her hands on her hips, moving her eyes up and down his body in the manner he had described. "Tall, red, muscular. I know some human girls that would give you a run for your money. Interested?" she teased him with a smile.
"Pass," he responded, appreciating her humor. "I'm not that hard up."
Her smile deepened, and he quickly realized what he said, blushing terribly.
"I didn't mean that… I mean, you and Goliath are fine. It's just, uh… " he sighed deeply, giving up. "Oh, never mind."
Elisa laughed.
"It's okay. Not everyone is attracted with someone outside of their own species."
"Hmmm…" he answered, refusing to commit himself further.
He's learning a lot from Goliath, Elisa chuckled to herself. She placed her hand on his arm, hoping to bring her friend comfort.
"Look, I know Xanatos is shady, and I know we haven't been able to trust him in the past, but the facts are everything he says checks out. He dated Sabine way back, she was a student of Scottish and Celtic lore, told him where the Grimorum was, and shortly after breaking up, she and Sadie went to South America. A year later he moves the castle to New York, and here we are. It's airtight."
"Nothing Xanatos does is airtight," Brooklyn growled.
"No, but Sabine hasn't done anything to show she's in the same boat. After all, she did break up with him."
Brooklyn snorted. "Well, at least we know she's not terminally dense."
"That's something isn't it?" Elisa laughed.
He grinned back – he always felt comfortable around Elisa. It felt good to be able to speak his mind after having to walk on eggshells at home. She in turn enjoyed his relaxed demeanor. It's been too long, she thought.
Out loud, she promised, "If it makes you feel better, I'll come around a bit more. That way I can see for myself what's got you so worried. Fair enough?"
Brooklyn looked down at his favorite human, reluctant to give in. Elisa looked sincere. It bothered him a little that Goliath hadn't told him of Sabine's background check, but, the gargoyle argued himself, he had been busy from sundown to sunup away from the castle. Perhaps Goliath simply hadn't had time to share the information. He nodded his assent, shoulders and wings sagging just a bit in defeat.
"Alright. Thanks Elisa."
"Sure. Glad you stopped by."
Brooklyn exited via the sliding glass door, quickly hopping into the air, disappearing into the night.
"Oh boy," Elisa said to Cagney, observing Brooklyn's exit. "Just when Goliath thought things couldn't get any worse."
Brooklyn sailed back to the castle, a great weight off his shoulders. He hadn't been completely honest with Elisa. He did have some concerns about the twins, but he wasn't sure how he felt about sharing them. Aside from the odd flirtations all of them had received from the two women, Sabine's questions about his personal affairs had him worried the most, especially when she started in on that leaving the clan nonsense.
Brooklyn snorted at his own thoughts. Leave the clan! They were his family, his home. Why would he leave them? He remembered their conversation the night before, giving him an unfamiliar feeling into the pit of his stomach. One that made him question which bothered him more...
"Brooklyn, what if it was the only way to find your mate? I mean, there isn't really a whole lot of females around here, is there?"
"That's one way of putting it," he told her, sarcasm dripping from his words.
"So it stands to reason you're going to have to go find her. Right?" she had stepped closer to him, both her human hands gripping his arms. He looked down at the opal ring that she never seemed to take off, feeling disconcerted. Sabine's overtures bothered him. No other human female had a right to touch him like that except Elisa, unless he gave permission. And he hadn't done that.
"Doesn't mean I'd leave my clan," he remembered answering, forcing his voice to sound more relaxed than he felt. His talons had removed her hands from his arms as he took a step away from her. " I'd bring her back here. Or maybe Goliath will bring her like he brought Broadway Angela."
"But don't you see? Goliath left to find Angela! Why can't you leave?"
Brooklyn began to be impatient, an edge forming in his voice. "Because I've got no reason to!"
At that moment Broadway and Angela had entered the room, casting glances in their direction.
"You don't think finding a mate is a good enough reason?" Sabine continued on, ignoring the presence of the others. "I don't believe that."
"I don't care what you believe. Goliath's our leader – I do what he tells me to. As for the rest of it," he said, unwilling to talk about mating in front of the gargoyle couple, "it's none of your business." His voice had lowered into a warning growl, letting her know he was pushed too far.
She wisely had dropped the conversation, taking the warning seriously. Angela and Broadway had pretended to be interested in a copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, but Brooklyn wasn't fooled. Embarrassed and confused, he had left the room, mumbling to himself as he went. He hadn't had the courage to face them since.
Brooklyn stopped atop an old building that was close enough to observe the Eyrie Building. He leaned against the edge, allowing his mind to wander where he had refused to let it before. What if Sabine's right? It's not like I've got a choice is there? What if my only chance of finding someone is by leaving?
His mind turned to Angela, and Maggie. It was true he never had any real feelings for either – but availability had blinded him to that fact. Not to mention the painful stabs their rejection had taken to his pride, which took his thoughts on another trail he preferred to stay off of. What if I did leave the clan, and sought a mate out. Would I find one interested in me?
Feeling the melancholy settle over him, he stood and shook his body, fanning his wings out as if to fling the thought away from himself. Yeah, right, he assured himself, striking his best sexy gargoyle pose against the concrete edge. Good looking as I am, it's just as well we don't have females around. Feeling better, he stepped off the roof, taking flight. As the wind rushed past his wings, so did his confidence. He soared higher into the clouds, nearing the castle once again.
In his mind, he heard plainly words he hoped he had squashed.
I'd give anything to find out.
End Chapter 1.
Reviews are welcomed and encouraged! :)