Page 15 of The Last Gargoyle’s Christmas Wish (An MM Monster Christmas #3)

CHAPTER 15

W hat is taking him so long?

Grady paced between the two rooms, stewing and worrying. Uzoth had been gone for hours.

At first, Grady’s thoughts had been consumed by the memory of Uzoth gazing at Grady’s half-dressed body and their two brief kisses. Uzoth hadn’t pulled away from either kiss. Nor had he looked at Grady in disgust afterwards. Although honestly, he didn’t know what Uzoth looked like when disgusted.

Still, it gave Grady hope that perhaps Uzoth felt something for Grady and that maybe he might want more kisses. And more in general.

Fuck. I hope so.

Grady thought of the massive gargoyle, of those broad shoulders, of all those muscles, those dark intense eyes, and that sizeable bulge beneath his loincloth. Grady kept playing over the kisses in his head, thinking of the feel of Uzoth’s lips, which contrasted with his fangs.

Grady shivered at the memory.

Usually, Grady didn’t have time for this sort of thing. But right now, it snowed with no sign of stopping. The bakery below and the stall at the Christmas markets had closed for the day. Maybe they would be closed tomorrow. And once Uzoth returned and told him Jack had made it to Avery’s, then all his siblings were safe and accounted for.

Then Grady would have time, time for just he and Uzoth to explore what this was between them.

But an hour passed, and Uzoth still hadn’t returned.

Grady’s mild concern morphed into genuine worry. Had something actually happened to Jack on the way to Avery’s?

He’d assumed Jack would get there fine and Grady was just fretting. Like usual. But the longer it took for Uzoth to return, the more worried Grady became.

After a couple of hours and Uzoth still had not returned, he began to consider that Uzoth had left and did not plan to return. Grady’s stomach twisted. Perhaps Uzoth had been disgusted by the kiss after all. Perhaps Uzoth wanted to get away from Grady as quickly as he could.

But Uzoth wouldn’t leave him in the lurch like that. He wouldn’t pretend to check on Jack to get away from Grady. He wasn’t an arsehole. So then where was he?

Grady paced and kept glancing out the window. The falling snow rustled against it.

Cas and Graal had gone into Cas’s room a while ago. They’d gone in before Uzoth left. From the noises coming from the room, it was pretty clear what they had been getting up to. But all had been silent within for a while.

Lachlan, Briar, and Wulfric remained in the main room, watching Grady pace. They spoke to one another, but Grady didn’t pay attention. The muscle beneath Grady’s left eye kept spasming. He rubbed at it.

What if something had happened to Uzoth? What if he’d been hurt or injured?

But that was foolish. Uzoth was an ancient gargoyle. He could defend himself. Snow didn’t affect him. Surely he would be all right. The idea that he could be injured was ludicrous. Still, fear’s icy fingers slid into his blood.

A shadow passed in a blur before the window. He raced to the door and opened it. Uzoth landed, dark wings tucked behind him. Grady stepped back, allowing Uzoth in.

“Jack is fine,” Uzoth said before Grady could speak.

Grady let out a breath.

“He reached Avery’s safely. Although, he looked very cold.”

“Thank you.” Grady closed the door behind Uzoth. “But what took you so long? You’ve been gone hours.”

“I waited on the rooftop to see if Jack remained inside or attempted to return to your apartment.” Uzoth lifted his chin. “I planned to escort him back if he decided to return. But after several hours, I thought it clear he would be remaining the night.”

Grady frowned. “Why didn’t you just knock and ask?”

Uzoth stared blankly at him. “I did not think to knock.” His brows lowered ever so slightly. “I am used to waiting and watching.”

Grady huffed a laugh. “Well, next time you can knock rather than wait outside. I started to worry something had happened to you.”

“You worried for me?” Uzoth frowned. “I am sorry for worrying you, Grady.”

“It’s fine.” Grady smiled. “But seriously, thank you. I’ll be able to sleep soundly tonight knowing everyone is safe.”

“You are welcome.” Uzoth inclined his head.

Lachlan and Briar added their thank-yous to Grady’s.

“If this snowstorm continues, I can go and check on your siblings again.” Uzoth paused. “I will knock and ask how they fare.”

Grady chuckled. “I think that would be more comfortable than waiting outside in the snow.” Grady took Uzoth by the elbow. “Now come.” And Grady led him to his room.

Now that Grady knew Jack was safe, his mind returned to their kiss. They entered his room. His pulse raced, and his palms began to sweat.

Grady closed the door, and they faced each other. Grady tried to read Uzoth’s expression. But despite having improved in reading Uzoth, he could not guess what the gargoyle felt or thought.

Grady swallowed. “Thank you again for checking on Jack.”

“Think nothing of it. I am pleased to be able to help you and your kin in any way I can.” Uzoth took a step towards him. “You kissed me.”

It seemed Grady was not the only one with the kiss on his mind. His gaze fell to the gargoyle’s dark-grey lips. “Yes. I did.”

“Why?”

A surprised laugh escaped Grady. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I am…” Uzoth trailed off. “I am not desirable or handsome. Gargoyles are intimidating. We were created to be feared. I know I am hideous.”

Grady shook his head. “No.” He reached up and touched Uzoth’s jaw, cold from the snow. “I mean, you are intimidating as all fuck.” Grady’s gaze ran over the horns and the fangs. “But that doesn’t make you hideous.” Grady slid his hand from Uzoth’s jaw, down his throat, and to his collarbone. “And I can’t speak for others, but I find myself very attracted to you.”

Uzoth’s dark eyes watched Grady’s every move.

“I want you, Uzoth.”