Page 22 of Gifted Destiny

Etienne watches stoically until Ansel’s body is properly positioned and motionless. “Thank you for granting George’s soul eternal rest and for the addition to our clan, MistressLibrarian. We are always here if you need us.” His words carry genuine warmth.

“Thank you, Captain, for everything you and the others do,” I reply with the utmost sincerity. I can scold a rude patron until I’m hoarse, but the sight of the stone beasts is a quicker, more intimidating threat. Etienne’s stone features display a small smile like Ansel’s as he nods and hops back onto his perch. His body is incredibly agile for being composed of solid rock.

In seconds, the gargoyle transforms into an immobile fixture of the library. His utter stillness nearly makes me question whether the last hour was a dream.

Chapter 13

Zosia

The sunset sets the trees on fire to the west, and the light autumn breeze lifts tendrils of my hair. I sigh and close my eyes for a brief moment. I know I’ll have to get back to work soon, but I just need a minute.

Except for Bren’s magical storm, I haven’t been outside for days. This time, the wind doesn’t want to blow me off the roof, and I understand why the men come here so frequently. The fresh air feels restorative, the library’s magic is still present, and we can’t be seen from the campus below.

“Are you all right?”

My minute is over. I open my eyes to see Garrett studying my face. My sudden calmness unnerves him, especially because he can’t sense my serenity through the bond yet. The vampire is similarly restful, still positioned behind me with his hand on my shoulder. Kodi flies lazy circles around the central dome.

I jolt with surprise when I see Bren. He’s lying on top of the dome with his hands cupped around his face, peering into the library below. My immediate, automatic concern for his safety is quickly rejected. Sage would never let him fall. It’s amazing how easily my brain accepts that certain situations are magical but randomly resists others.

Can the mage see anything? The stained glass is nearly opaque in certain areas while other segments reflect glimpses of the sky. I imagine the books look magical when viewed through a colored section.

I inhale the last breeze of summer before returning to Garrett and offering him a soft smile. “I just realized I haven’t been outside since I arrived – except for earlier today. It wasn’t as pleasant then. I don’t think I want to go back inside just yet.” The decision is impulsive but true.

“Picnic!” Bren yells, even though he’s only a few feet away. I’m not surprised that he overhears us. Despite his tendency toward distraction, he’s remarkably good at multitasking.

My smile widens. “That sounds lovely, but we need to get food up here?”

I nearly smack my forehead in aduhmoment when a blanket and several baskets appear between the dome and my chair.

“This is still the library’s domain,” Garrett murmurs.

I barely hear him because my mind is replaying the events of the day. Why didn’t she shelter us when we were nearly drowning in the storm? And the stairwell …? Her assistance would have been greatly appreciated while I fumbled with my wet clothes. Sage replies with faint amusement when my suspicious thoughts reach her.

Apparently, the sentient building has an attitude and a penchant for playing matchmaker. I can’t be too mad at her. I’d been embarrassed, but I’d also received some amazing kisses. The romantic interlude with the brothers had been the high point of the stressful day.

The brothers relocate so quickly that I barely see their movements before they are sitting and pulling food out of the baskets. Kodi joins us despite not being able to eat, but Avery remains behind me. I don’t think he’s eaten since last night.

“Aren’t you hungry?” I ask my vampire mate as I twist toward him.

Surprisingly, rosy color blooms on Avery’s pale cheeks. The strength of his embarrassment makes me wonder if he’s been suppressing other emotions.

The vampire leans closer to me as if imparting a confession. “I haven’t had an appetite for substantial food since I tasted you.”

My cheeks heat as my mind plummets into the gutter. I picture his head between my legs before I remember his fangs in my neck. I’m sure he means the second.

A hacking sound causes me to whirl around. Garrett’s face has gone red as he coughs and nearly chokes on the food he just shoved into his mouth. Bren nonchalantly slaps his brother on the back and hands him a drink.

“I don’t immediately think of blood when I hear that,” Kodi muses. My cheeks burn hotter. “Maybe that’s a good thing, but maybe we also don’t need to know?” His tone is uncertain, and it’s clear he doesn’t have an answer either.

“We live together,” Bren points out. His mouth is half-full of the food he’s found, but he isn’t gross about it like the kids at the orphanage. “Because of this, we’ll be together often and share many things. Acting all secretive-like would cause problems, and talking openly about sharing Zosia might help us acclimate.” He delivers the words in a matter-of-fact tone.

The shifter, recovered from his coughing fit, grunts. He might not agree, but he’s still dealing with his beast’s jealousy. He manages to keep the words inside him.

Bren cocks his head with a frown. “Do you need help getting to the ground?”

I shake my head resolutely. They’re already sitting down, and I’ve relied on their kindness several times today. I set the brakes on my chair and scoot my butt forward, moving the footrests outof the way. My shoulder nearly dislocates when my tired legs refuse to support me.

Avery shoots forward when he senses my pain and rams his shin into one of the footrests in his haste. My graceless maneuver ends with my tailbone hitting the stone floor hard. When I glance up again, all four men are frowning with disapproval, and Avery is rubbing his shin. Their expressions fill me with guilt.

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