The Gauntlet

**Dante POV**

*Bzzzt. Bzzzt. Bzzzt.*

The incessant, grating vibration of a cell phone dragged me out from the depths of the most satisfying slumber I had experienced in years. My body felt heavy, anchored in a rare state of total relaxation. I kept my eyes closed for just a second longer, instinctively tightening my hold on the warm, soft weight pressed flush against my bare chest.

I buried m