Page 51 of Saving Destiny

“That is part of your job, ghost,” Duggar agrees. “We would prefer that the guardians handle any problems so Sage doesn’t resort to throwing books at anyone. The books don’t deserve that. We ask that you do not scare the literal shit or piss out of our patrons, however. No one wants to clean up the mess.”

Evidently, we all have young and immature minds because several of us snicker.

“Remember that you are a team,” Duggar continues once we’ve sobered again. “If any of you require a break, let everyone else know that you’re leaving the floor. There are four of you and it’s unlikely that all four of you will be needed at all times. The gargoyles manage the exterior and the steps so there’s never a need to step beyond the foyer. This might go without saying, but rest assured that your personal rooms aren’t accessible or visible to the public.”

I glance toward Bren and see him staring absently into space. I’ve worried that this will be more difficult for him than any of us. His main task is the study rooms, but those won’t be needed until a couple weeks into the term. We’ve all silently agreed that he shouldn’t be posted at the circulation desk or the main doors since both can be overwhelming or too stimulating. His brother has also suggested that he retreat to the archive room and book drop that is behind my work area if he feels it necessary. The small area will distance him from the frenzy of activity.

Over the last few days, I’ve reassured him and offered solace when he seemed worried, but he’s only nodded and smiled affectionately. Perhaps the men still like me, but something is definitely bothering them. I resolve to find out what’s wrong tonight. Hopefully, we can work through any issues before the start of our shift tomorrow.

When the goblins allow us leave, we retreat to our apartment where a warm meal is waiting on the table for us. While learning our responsibilities, we’ve grown more accustomed to sharing our living space, but the library’s magical help smooths many difficulties. Unlike normal roommates, we don’t squabble over who does the dishes, who is making the next meal, and who is responsible for cleaning the common rooms. Since we have private bathrooms – except for Kodi who doesn’t need one – we don’t have to worry about who left their hair in the shower drain or who didn’t put the toilet seat down. Do the wealthy hire servants so they don’t fight over the small things as well?

I can’t decide if our meal is celebratory or meant to pacify us before everything gets difficult, but it’s a magnificent feast compared to the usual fare. Roast chicken is paired with mashed potatoes, vegetables, soft rolls, and fruit. A freshly baked pie waits on the counter for after we’ve finished the main course.

If I didn’t burn a ludicrous amount of calories every time I shifted and flew to the ninth floor, I might have worried about my weight. The food is so delicious that I probably wouldn’t care, though. Although Kodi can’t eat, he’s made a habit of joining us for the evening meal. I’m grateful for his presence because the occasion would feel incomplete without him.

I purposefully wait until we’ve all filled our plates and the men have started eating before I set down my fork. The sound is louder than I intend and it draws everyone’s attention. My chest burns with indecision and reluctance. Perhaps I should just forget my worries? I banish the thought before it can take root. I’m not a coward, I remind myself.

“I wanted to talk about something before we opened,” I manage. When the men just stare at me, I plunge directly into the conversation. “Something feels different since we visited the top floor the other day. I know we’re all busy and preoccupied and we’ve been going nonstop, but I get the sense that something’s wrong or on your minds.” I direct my look to the brothers and they look at each other. I wonder if they can communicate in their minds and haven’t told me because they definitely seem to know what the other is thinking. I wonder if they can communicate telepathically without me.

When neither of them speaks, I sigh. “I know that this is weird and we still barely know each other, but we are co-workers if nothing else. Whatever you’re not telling me is bothering me and distracting me from my work.” My tone is more professional than personal, but their persistence is beginning to irritate me.

They might have difficulty lying, but they can choose to stay quiet, and I can’t do much more if they don’t want to talk. Garrett sweeps a hand across his head and sits back heavily in the chair. He does that a lot – rubs his palm over his almost shorn head – and I wonder how it feels. My fingers tingle with the desire to copy the motion.

“I’ve been thinking a lot. Carrying on the legacy of the sphinx is a lot of pressure.” He says the words with deliberate caution and I wonder if he’s trying to lie. The statement itself seems clear, but I sense that there’s more to it.

“I worried him,” Ben blurts. “I talked about how our DNA was messed up. We’re already at a disadvantage; as much as we try to deny it, we’re still Addington’s sons. We’re fairly certain he tampered with our DNA in utero – Garrett’s, mine, Avery’s, and even Kodi’s although he couldn’t sire children regardless.”

I’m momentarily grateful I haven’t taken any bites yet because I’m certain the food would have choked me. The implications in his explanation bother me, but I focus on something else. “That was two days ago. Why haven’t either of you said anything?”

Garrett shrugs. “We didn’t want to worry you, especially not during the opening of the library. You’ve been so busy, and it seems like something that can wait. It’s a future worry.”

“Maybe so,” I agree, “but I could feel both of you distancing yourself from me. That isn’t a future worry, especially when my mind conjures up fantastical explanations for why you might be doing it. I generally veer into the negative based on my past. This entire experience is overwhelming for all of us, and I know that many of you didn’t understand what you were getting into. But you’re all I have.” I mutter the last words at my plate and I might as well have been talking to my chicken. “That sounds more pathetic when I say it out loud.”

Avery, who sits to my left, stretches his arm toward me and offers me his palm. On my right, Garrett echoes the motion. I oblige by setting my hands into theirs. A strange current rushes between us, and I almost feel like their energy is enhancing mine even though that’s impossible. Instead of focusing on that, I concentrate on the obvious differences between their hands and touch. Avery’s hand is pale and his fingers are long and slim; his skin is dry and feels cool against mine. Garrett’s huge hand engulfs mine and his skin radiates heat; calluses roughen his fingertips and palm.

The wheels of Bren’s chair squeak as he pushes it out. For a second, I’m worried he’s going to walk out but he comes to stand between Garrett and me instead. He rests a hand on my shoulder. I watch Kodi closely. His expression turns sour, but it’s fleeting and he manages a mostly convincing smile. The attempt gives me hope that his mood might be improving. His body leans closer to us, but I’m not sure he’s aware of it.

“You’re all I have too, princess,” the ghost says.

I’m partially the reason for his solo nature, but I push the thoughts away before they can crowd my mind. Our theory requires that we need to overcome the blame and guilt associated with his life and death if he is to become solid – however temporary that state might be.

“We’re all the same now, little lioness. We only have each other. ‘But we are strong, each in our purpose, and we are all more strong together.’ Bram Stoker said that – improper grammar and all.”

Although the quote is apt and inspiring like always, Bren’s first words make me frown. That’s my fault too. I open my mouth to accept the blame but Garrett’s strong hand squeezes mine and his chest vibrates with a growl that halts the words in my throat.

“Don’t you dare apologize, sphinx. Our lives were shit before we met you and you’ve given us a better option. My brother and I were sired by one of the cruelest men in the world. He considered us tools – not sons. My plans for power were just a fantasy to give me some hope of changing our circumstances.”

“Garrett is right. I was indebted to a cruel master before you broke Dighit’s contractual bond,” Avery adds. “I do not consider this arrangement similar in any way. I chose to be here and now I am not alone. You have given me more than a purpose to fulfill my days. You’ve given me a family too.”

I smile at Avery. He may not be able to see my lips curve, but he must see some sign of it in my energy because he always responds in kind.

“I didn’t mean to suggest that we regret being here,” Garrett continues. “There was simply a concern that we’re accomplishing part of Addington’s agenda by being here. This might be especially true if you ever bear a child. You are the last remaining sphinx and you carry on the lineage. What if the babe is …?” He trails off, but he doesn’t need to finish. I can imagine the horrors he’s alluding to.

I’m nineteen and have no intentions of bearing a child any time soon. I can’t even imagine it, so I distance myself from the thought and consider it clinically. “Addington wasn’t happy when he learned that you were guardians; I am sure that wasn’t part of his plan. In the end, your presence here doesn’t benefit him unless he can control you or claim your loyalty. Walthers admitted that their ultimate intent was to make slaves that did their bidding, and that hasn’t happened. As far as we know, all of their experiments have resulted in supernaturals with free will.”

I pause and inhale deeply, drawing on their touch and Kodi’s presence for strength. It’s more difficult to distance myself from the subject than I thought it would be – especially when the reclaimed memories are fresh in my mind. “Your concerns about a child are valid, but sphinx genetics are powerful. We saw evidence of this in the legacy room. It’s supposedly so powerful that it nullifies vampire, shifter, and mage DNA. Not only does it annul all other contributions to create a hybrid shifter – a sphinx in particular – but the chromosomes also guarantee a female child. Furthermore, it creates a female who is heterosexual or bisexual; the lineage wouldn’t continue otherwise. This makes me believe that sphinx genetics are dominant enough to counteract any tampering – whether it’s within me or the potential father.”

Bren leans close enough that his breath ruffles the hair around my ear and goosebumps rise along my arm. “You’re brilliant, my little lioness, and I’m disappointed I didn’t come to the same conclusion. The thought of that man succeeding eclipses my problem solving skill. I’d go one step further sand say that sphinx DNA has safeguards in place to prevent corruption because it’s so vital to the evolution and survival of their – your – species.”

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