Issue # 40- A Shattered Clasp

A Shattered Clasp
*~~~~*

Mikel descends down his stairs, keeping his shimmering gaze from the man who waits by the front door of his keep. Gallo scents the air as the mountain of silent male and whipping onyx leather stride past.

“Had to grab a snack before we went guardian?” Gallo asks with a smug smile tugging at his lips. The smell of feminine perfume was strong and pleasant to his nose. Amber eyes crinkle with merriment when Rayvenwing stops, points a long finger at him, then says nothing before stalking outside into the bitter cold.”Did she berate you before or after your feast?”

“I warn you now bestial that the less you say about it the better you will fare,” Mikel growls over his shoulder. A quick dry snort accompanies a scathing perusal of the Guardian`s battered vehicle from the ani-morph.

“I understand guardian,” Gallo comments as he takes his seat in the icy cold Rover, tossing a fast glance through his wind-whipped gray hair at Rayvenwing.”Perhaps you should eat her and not in the way you just did. I find they harp less when they`re ingested.”

Mikel turns his head sharply to find the bastard smirking at him.”Your attempts at humor are poor ones beast!”

Gallo shrugs powerful lean shoulders under his parka as the Rover rolls over roughly.”Perhaps.”

“Do not make me shoot you,” Mikel comments palming the cold steering wheel in a tight circle then chewing some gravel as they leave his estate behind in the moon`s light. Gallo reaches over to turn both the heater and the stereo up. They ride into town, both men lost in their own thoughts. Ozzy Osbourne`s ‘Mr. Crowley’ thrashes loudly and the icy cold wind whips their long hair unmercifully.

“I must ask,” Gallo interjects as they cruise closer to the underpass,”What exactly happened to your ride? Or will that query get me a bullet?”

Mikel slips into the curb then turns silver eyes to the male beside him.”My cousin mildly irked a dragon mistress.”

“Ah! I can see how that would happen. Your cousin raises being irksome to an art form,” Gallo responds as he exits the Rover.”Don`t forget to lock it,” he adds glibly before his muscular legs propel him from the curb.

“Miserable wiseass,” Rayvenwing mutters moving towards the concealed gate. Mikel inhales deeply as he approaches the wall of concrete while Gallo`s keen vision moves over the area lest any humans wander by.

The Guardian steps forward and places both large hands on the frigid cement, his lashes close and the power granted him by the Echelon simmers forth through his hands. The once insubstantial gate materializes to tower over the two who seek entry into the forbidden realm. Mikel traces the ornate clasp, the tumblers click and the lock falls open. Wrapping strong hands around the warm metal rungs Mikel tugs heartily. Hinges creak and the aroma of brimstone and roses billows out.

“After you Guardian,” Gallo says with a wave of his hand.