Page 26 of Gifted Destiny

Addington trained his heir well, whether that was his intention or not. Garrett doesn’t admit to any wrongdoing, he’s careful not to offer names or specifics, and he uses the detective’s own words to remind him of his pledge.

Brief silence greets us as the detective contemplates Garrett’s question. “I require clarification on two points before I can offer you an answer, Mr. Kennard. Firstly, will this contract exist within the library’s sacred book – as a magical oath that can’t be broken without severe consequences? The second question refers to the integrity of the stored magic after the transfer. Can it be stolen or used in any way by those not bound under similar contracts?”

The detective’s questions showcase his cleverness, and a moment of silent communication passes between us. The lack of information on tethers and magic transference makes the process speculative. The clearest answer is that Kodi can’t risk the possibility of being tethered again if Bren succeeds in transferring his magic. I’m also pleased no one seriously considered placing excess magic into an object because it seems this wouldn’t have sufficed.

“Yes – in answer to your first question. The contract will be included in the sacred book of oaths. As to the second question …,” Garrett pauses intentionally. “The magic will become a part of the library, and it will stay safe as long as the library’s safety is maintained. The steps we are suggesting will ensure this outcome, Detective Marks.”

“Very well, Mister Kennard. A contract will be sufficient if the terms are clearly stated. It should say that the magic will be siphoned withinxnumber of days from today and repeated everyxnumber of days as the mage refills their energy stores. Once the library secures the magic that fueled the storm, it will exist outside of the BSP’s jurisdiction, and the mage will no longer be considered a threat. Furthermore, the library’s categorization as a deity with inhuman, and therefore unquestionable, integrity protects it from further prosecution.”

The detective might be preparing a case to appease his superiors, but the words bring relief. Sage seems to exhale in tandem with her librarian. Although it doesn’t remove their worry, the compromise is satisfactory. Bren’s aura is often too frenetic to read, but he also seems encouraged.

The detective continues. “If at all possible, the contract should be written and signed before our return in the morning. It should also dictate a relatively immediate transference, ideally within five days.”

“Your requests are reasonable.” Garrett doesn’t promise to comply because it isn’t his promise to make. Zosia’s body jerks again as she relays something to the shifter. “The library extends her gratitude for your assistance, Detective Marks,” he translates.

“It’s an honor, Mister Kennard.” I expect to hear the detective end the call, but he clears his throat instead. “As my primary duty is to protect supernatural citizens, I feel compelled to offer a warning to the library and her caretakers. The contract does not eliminate all danger. If the Bureau’s integrity is in peril, all must proceed with caution.” An automated dial tone immediately follows his words, and the ancient, unnatural sound adds to the grim warning. Thankfully, Garrett silences the noise with an equally discordant crunch and rattle of plastic and metal.

“That ... that … grr.” Zosia settles for a feline growl as she gathers her thoughts. “He’ll never stop.”

Tension, irritation, and frustration seep back into her body and emotions. I continue to knead her shoulders, attempting to comfort her. “He will not win,” I vow with steely determination and convictions I cannot explain. I’ve felt invincible since I bonded with Zosia. As she bonds with the others, the feeling will grow, and the others will begin to share my confidence. “Our trials are not yet over, but we will defeat him if we remain steadfast.”

“You’re both right,” Garrett confirms as he approaches us. His aura rarely wavers. It remains stable unless he is overly worried about his brother or his mate. Right now, it is clear and resolute. “Addington will fight until he’s dead or his magic is nullified, but our resources give us an advantage. You love to read, right, Zosia? Doesn’t good always triumph over evil?”

Kodi chuckles wryly. “I’ve never considered myself one of the good guys.” The ghost’s energy solidifies more with each passingday, but his emotions remain muddled. Bren’s power might not be necessary for him to maintain a corporeal form for a time, but it will offer added security – if it works.

I understand Kodi’s amusement. I consider myself an honorable, compassionate man, but I’m also a vampire. My species feeds on other species to survive. Therefore, vampires are rarely consideredgood.

“‘The battleline between good and evil runs through the heart of every man,’ said Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.”

“Well … that’s not very reassuring.”

“I wasn’t done yet.” Bren’s tone and aura don’t display the slightest hint of irritation at Kodi’s rude interruption. He has a wealth of patience when his senses aren’t overloaded. “Eric Hoffer said, ‘Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.’ Taking both quotes into account, it means that when we act with kindness and compassion, we become the good guys.” He pauses intentionally to let his borrowed wisdom seek in before his energy spikes with a burst of excitement. If I still harbored doubts regarding his willingness, his aura would erase them.

“Now, where’s the contract book?”

I smile when I realize Bren exemplifies his last quote. How many supernaturals would gleefully surrender such formidable power? Both brothers find satisfaction in obstructing their father’s schemes.

Addington sought to rule the world and he wanted his offspring to aid this endeavor. They chose the opposite, and they might be the deciding factor in the battle’s outcome.

I don’t enjoy the pain of others, but Addington’s demise will be different. The damage he’s perpetrated on my mate and countless others should be served back to him. Since our justice system is not an eye for an eye – or a leg for a leg – I will settle for the exposure of his crimes and the stripping of his power andstatus. A man with his pride will likely find this a more horrible punishment.

Chapter 15

Zosia

We have a chance – not to win, necessarily. I am not looking that far ahead. But the likelihood of Bren being torn from me tomorrow morning is much lower now, and I am grateful for the reprieve.

Addington’s far-reaching influence and power had me worried that it would be us against the entire supernatural community. Detective Marks’ words confirmed that we aren’t alone. Other honest people exist; they’re a valid reason to keep fighting.

Bren’s obvious eagerness to transfer his power eases the lingering doubts in my mind. Thankfully, writing the contract isn’t one of my duties. My mind is too full to consider formulating the precise wording of a magically binding agreement.

When Duggar appears suddenly, I jolt in my chair and realize I’ve been lost in my thoughts and the magic of Avery’s hands. He’d almost lulled me into sleep.

For the second time that evening, Duggar opens the massive book to the proper page. Outwardly, the tome doesn’t reveal its magical and historical content. The binding is modern, but the first third of its pages are yellowed and rough-edged. Neither therust-red cover nor the spine bears a title or description. For an unassuming book, it has altered my life in immeasurable ways. It is about to do so again.

Before I can fully process the cascade of emotions that my exhaustion inspires, Avery circles my chair to crouch before me. His silver irises glow with concern. The vampire’s solid and unwavering support has been crucial to my well-being all day. It’s unfortunate that I’ve barely had a moment to reminisce on our time together. Memories flood my mind at his nearness.

I doubt my impressive imagination could have created a more extraordinary experience for my first sexual encounter. I’m honored because the media and accounts from other women had led me to believe this was rare. Perhaps my night of intimacy was normal by supernatural standards, but it had exceeded my mostly magicless expectations.

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