Page 28 of Gifted Destiny

“A-fucking-men,” Kodi grumbles.

I can’t formulate a response. Like an idiot, I’m still stuck on one thing.Our love for you.Does he love me?

Before I can banish this thought, Bren turns to Garrett. “Same goes for you too, brother. I’d forgotten that I’d seen this moment more than once, so I was more prepared than I thought. If I die while protecting the library, then so be it. The alternativeis rotting in a cell or becoming Addington’s puppet. He’d use all of you to make me dance to his tune.”

The grim acceptance on Garrett’s face echoes mine. We both know he’s telling the truth, but it doesn’t make the possible outcomes easier to handle.

“I trust the library,” he adds earnestly as he meets my gaze again. He won’t be satisfied until I’ve voiced some kind of understanding.

I scrunch my eyes shut to minimize the influence of his gorgeous face. Since he arrived, I can empathize with the ancient stories of men going to war for beautiful women. His heart is as beautiful as his face, though, which makes it even more difficult.

Pushing aside those thoughts, I focus on Sage. I don’t want her to speak. I want to understand the contract and her intentions. After several minutes of intuitive soul-searching, I nod and squeeze Bren’s hands.

“I trust your decision and I trust the library.” My words are barely more than a whisper. Bren leans forward and tenderly kisses my cheek. His lips are wet when he retreats, and I realize that my tears must have fallen without my notice. When he smiles, I nearly melt. The heat of my blush will probably evaporate any remaining wetness, so I don’t bother wiping my face.

Garrett doesn’t mimic my acquiescence. “This doesn’t mean we can’t ensure your safety. We have five days to research the transfer and experiment. The contract’s worst eventualities won’t manifest.” His confidence nearly makes me believe the declaration, but Bren studiously avoids his gaze.

“Who knew that working in a library would be so dangerous?” Kodi’s joke falls flat because he can’t disguise his worried tone.

Because I’m accustomed to disappointment, my mind entertains me with a glimpse of the worst-case scenario. Init, Kodi can’t absorb the power Bren offers and fades into nothingness. Bren’s magic backfires and creates a torrential storm inside the library. Every ancient, powerful relic and book is destroyed, leaving Sage weak and vulnerable. She doesn’t eradicate Bren though. Instead, Addington captures him.

I suck in a deep breath and shake my head to dispel the image. I’m certain Bren can offer me a quote about the mind being one’s worst enemy. It tortures me as easily as any human.

“Que sera sera,” Bren whispers as he squeezes my hands tightly.

Can he see my horrible thoughts? I look into his eyes and echo the words.Whatever will be, will be.The mantra isn’t meant to be comforting, but understanding that I can’t control everything silences my mind.

As if the slight lull is a signal, exhaustion slams into me like a freight train. “We all need to sleep. There’s no more to do tonight, and the library will open like usual in the morning.”

I don’t look at Garrett while I say this, but my casual avoidance doesn’t work.

“I haven’t forgotten your promise, kitten. We’ll do it in your room. I’ll give you ten minutes to prepare and change. I need access to your bare legs.” His last sentence is so nonchalant that my mind stutters.

Baring my legs to someone I’m attracted to is my worst nightmare. Actually … no, I amend. My worst nightmare changed an hour ago. My altered life has definitely changed my perspective.

“Why does that sound so dirty?” Kodi asks no one in particular.

“Because your mind is perpetually in the gutter,” I remark without pause, enjoying the distraction of our familiar banter.

The alpha shifter is intent on challenging my deepest insecurities, and arguing or delaying what seems to be inevitableis impossible. Garrett is as stubborn as Kodi and me. He feels certain he won’t reevaluate his attraction upon seeing the parts of me I consider ugly and broken, but I’m not convinced. My chest tightens as panic threatens to unravel my tight control. In my mind, his rejection becomes the beginning of my earlier worst-case scenario.

Chapter 16

Zosia

In the brief time that passes while I say goodnight to Bren and Avery and prepare for bed, my emotions continue to spiral out of control. My fatigue and overwrought mind have nearly reached an irrational, semi-hysterical state.

Garrett’s heavy knuckles rapping on my bedroom door vibrates in my bones. I alternate between scolding myself and freaking out, which doesn’t help my frazzled nerves or ease my exhaustion.

The only people I’ve allowed to see my legs are medical professionals, Kodi, and now Avery. Despite their best attempts to remain stoic, the doctors and therapists had difficulty disguising their pity and horror. As magicless professionals, they didn’t understand how I managed to survive the painful trauma – and they were only considering the physical aspects.

Not all of my guardians can be blind, however, and I can’t spend the rest of my life in the dark. Eventually, I want this man in my bed. This is a test, and it’s better to know now than experience his rejection while I’m full of lust.

A second knock makes me jump. I’m perched on the edge of my bed with a blanket covering my lower body; I refuse to greet him with bare legs. My new wardrobe boasts a couple pairsof shorts that I’d dismissed at first. I’ve never owned shorts because I am either covered by blankets or full-length pants. Although I sleep in an oversized t-shirt, my limited mobility prevents me from leaving my bed quickly. Kodi once joked that I’d stop to put on pants if the fire alarm woke me. He’s not wrong.

“Come in.” The words are barely a whisper and useless because the bedrooms are soundproof. I’d consider it a design flaw, but this is a magic building. He cracks the door open, and I wonder if he heard me after all.

“Can I come in?” The shifter’s husky question elicits something from my body that isn’t anxiety. The desire disappears faster than it arrived when I remind myself why he’s entering my bedroom.

---