Page 65 of Saving Destiny

“The goblins did mention something like that,” I mutter.

“Your destiny wouldn’t offer you multiple partners without the capacity to want all of them,” the mage says so matter-of-factly that I can’t argue. I’m not as certain as he is, but his answer helps me cope with some of my embarrassment.

I study Garrett’s rugged features since he’s still in front of me. I can’t decipher the others’ emotions as easily as I can with Avery, but the shifter’s tension reappears when I release him. “You’re worried about something more?”

He swipes his hand over his shorn head in the habitual gesture I already know so well. Living with the men has given me insight into their personalities and characters.

“I know Addington,” Garrett replies. His jaw is tight. “Our minor victory the other day will anger him. He’ll want to retaliate to regain higher ground and recover his pride. He won’t just sit idly after Bren and I rejected him. The moment we open those doors, he can waltz right in or send someone we won’t expect.” He pauses, his gaze darkening, and I think he’s reliving memories instead of seeing the present moment. “I’ve grown complacent because I haven’t had to deal with him. It was too much of a relief not looking over my shoulder or second guessing every move for a couple days.”

I address his concerns as I start moving toward the table where my coffee and breakfast waits. “You’re not the only one who’s grown complacent,” I sigh. “I’ve been so focused on my job and other things that I’d almost forgotten about Walthers and Addington. Almost,” I amend as I rearrange my braces and sit down. I can’t fully forget the people who injured me because I’m reminded of my injuries every time I move.

“But we’re not defenseless here,” I continue in a stronger tone. “Sage and the goblins have a plan if they try to interfere. Our assignments allow us to be hyper-aware of each person that enters the library. If something happens, Sage will kick everyone out and close the doors early. We have flexibility because the library doesn’t have to follow orders or answer to anyone.”

Garrett offers a terse nod and returns to the blender, but the rigidity of his shoulders implies that I haven’t eased his worries. The library has given me breakfast sausage alongside my cereal. My lips twitch as I question whether the extra calories and protein compensates for the energy expended in sex or blood loss.

Bren skips back to the table, takes a huge bite of cereal, and returns to the kitchen. Watching him makes me dizzy, so I turn my attention to eating. Once I’m sitting, Avery extends his hand toward me. His gentle touch eases the lingering nervousness affecting my appetite. I smile at the vampire and lean closer to kiss his cheek.

“I have a mark this morning,” I tell him. My voice is quiet, but Garrett has no trouble hearing. He starts the blender to indicate his disinterest.

Bren, meanwhile, skips back to the table. “Let me see!”

I turn my hand over to bare my palm, but I send a wry look in Kodi’s direction. “Of course, it’s on my wrist,” I say to no one in particular.

Kodi’s lips tilt. “Of course,” he replies drily. If our interaction confuses the others, no one comments.

Still holding Avery’s hand with the one that isn’t marked, I send an image of the golden-blue lotus to him. The vampire’s smile is tender and satisfied. “The mate bond is complete. I feel closer to the library,” he replies.

“Gilly insists that it will help us today, but I can’t say how,” I tell him.

Avery nods with understanding, but Bren’s fingers distract me as he traces the mark. His gentle touch creates goosebumps on my entire arm, and I eye him with more hunger than I offered my breakfast. The mage is wearing a fitted, white t-shirt and dark blue jeans. His pale green eyes shine with fascination, and the fall of his dark hair makes him look like a model. The young female students, and maybe several male students, won’t be able to take their eyes off him.

I try to prepare myself for the inevitability, but it’s not that easy. He isn’t the only guardian that will attract appreciative gazes. Garrett is dressed in his usual ensemble of dark jeans and a long-sleeved Henley. Both emphasize every muscle and his rugged looks emit protector and bad-boy vibes. Only one is accurate, but he’ll still draw attention.

Then, there’s Avery. He wears a tailored suit jacket over a crisp, white linen shirt. His black jeans look tailored as well, but I don’t know if that’s possible. His pale hair is contained in its typical braid, and his silver eyes shine with a satisfied confidence that completes the look. Kodi is similarly handsome, but no one can see him unless he wills it. I’m certain I’ll be the object of envy if anyone realizes all four men are beholden to me. I don’t blame them; I can hardly believe it either.

“Where’s your mark?” Bren asks Avery, and I don’t know why the question surprises me. I’ve only been thinking about myself, but of course, he has one too.

“I assume it will be on my back,” the vampire replies casually as he stands and removes his suit jacket. His lean muscles flex under the dress shirt as he unfastens each button while his gaze remains on me. My mouth dries as if he’s offering me a private show, and I almost forget that I’m at the dinner table and surrounded by people. An image of last night rises in my mind – him moving above me and inside me. Sudden heat flares to life inside me and nearly drowns out the sound of something slamming in the kitchen. I’m too focused on the vampire and his seemingly innocent movements to concern myself with the shifter’s jealousy.

After Avery removes his shirt, he turns around. My desire is abruptly overtaken by awe and disbelief. “No freaking way,” I whisper.

I don’t know if it’s my comment or Avery’s mark that overrides Garrett’s jealousy, but he exits the kitchen and stands next to his brother. All three of us gape, but Kodi doesn’t appear surprised. I’m sure he already sneaked a peek, based on his smug look and peeping-tom tendencies.

The tattoo I pictured in my mind now covers Avery’s back. The mark bears a few minor adjustments and it’s more beautiful than I envisioned. A pair of perfectly etched wings decorates his back with one on either side of his spine. The shapes of feathers trace his scars, but they’re still visible if one knows what to look for. Those lines are thicker. Unlike the black image I imagined last night, though, the tattoo is gold. The color blends into Avery’s pale skin, and it resembles fine threads of gold jewelry on a silver tapestry.

“That’s a mate mark?” Garrett’s shock thickens his words and startles me into a nervous laugh.

“I imagined something very close to this last night because Avery is self-conscious of his scars. I can’t believe ….” I pause to take a breath. “Avery, did the magic create this because it’s what you wanted?” Suddenly realizing that he can’t see it, I reach for his hand and send him a snapshot of his back.

The vampire doesn’t respond for several minutes. When he does, his voice is thick with emotion. I sense awe, pleasure, and gratitude. “It’s more beautiful than I imagined, and yes; I’m certain the bond created it based on my wishes. The color of the lines matches your aura.”

“Did it hurt?” Bren asks. I feel selfish for not considering the question.

“Not at all,” Avery replies with a shrug. The lean muscles in his back flex with the movement, and the wings shiver like he’s about to take flight. “It must have happened while I was sleeping because I felt the raised skin when I showered this morning.” He reaches over his shoulder and touches the tip of the wing on the right side. Almost without conscious thought, I show him the motion so he can correlate the position with the image.

“That is … um….” Garrett’s throat bobs noticeably as he swallows. “That is the biggest mate mark I’ve ever seen. They’re usually smaller than Zosia’s. Will that happen to all of us?”

I frown while I try to unravel his emotions. Is he upset … worried … pleased? Avery squeezes my hand before he releases it and reaches for his shirt. I’m disappointed to see the beautiful mark and his skin disappear as he redresses.

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