Page 54 of Gifted Destiny

“We should open soon. Is everything ready?” Zosia asks after the tender kiss with the vampire.

I glance at the clock, but time has little meaning for me and the library mostly agrees. There aren’t any posted hours because she wants us to open and close when we’re ready. Zosia wants predictability for the students sometime in the future, but we aren’t ready yet.

“There’s no rush,” I reassure our librarian as I find my voice and my feet. “Whenever we choose to open is the right time.”

Zosia shows the first sign of uncertainty as she glances at me, perhaps remembering what is in store for the morning. Her eyes glaze over, indicating that she’s accessing the gargoyle’s sight. The creatures are more reliable than electronic security cameras.

“Three students are waiting,” she tells us with a sigh. When she frowns, I predict her next words. “The two detectives are already here too. Tweedle-Dum – um, I mean the one we didn’t talk to last night – is pacing in front of the steps.”

“What did Addington offer him?”

“It could be a threat,” I remind my growling brother. “Not everyone can be bought, and the man seemed desperate.”

Zo’s gaze clears as she focuses on me. “You’re right, of course. What if his family is in danger?”

“If that’s the case, it would be the BSP’s problem.” Garrett’s matter-of-fact tone reflects the way we were nurtured. “Our focus needs to be on the library. We can’t save everyone that Addington bribes or blackmails.” Although he raises a salient point, I foresee this being a future argument. Zosia will want to save everyone. It will be a moot point if we can rob Addington of his influence.

Before Zosia can announce the opening, I swoop in to kiss her. My lips are gentle because I’m certain her mouth has received plenty of attention. Despite my tenderness, I try to convey my emotions, and I think I succeed. Desire warms her cheeks when I pull back, even though she’s been fully sated. I crouch in front of her chair, my hands on the armrests to maintain my balance.

“I have a quote for you.”

My heart skips a beat when she matches my mischievous grin. Both of us ignore Kodi’s and Garrett’s synchronized groans,

“I’m ready.”

“Aristotle Onassis said, ‘We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.’”

“That does not sound reassuring,” Kodi sighs.

My gaze never wavers from Zosia’s as she considers the words. The golden light in her eyes is stronger than ever this morning, and it lights her entire face.

“I’ve been sailing in high winds my entire life.” Her tone conveys relief and dismay.

“Exactly. You’re no stranger to hardship, little lioness, no matter the form it takes. When you have something valuable, challenges and enemies are inevitable. Each storm improves our navigation skills and helps us stay afloat. Today’s won’t be any different.” I pause to let her absorb my meaning. “I refuse tohide from the detectives if it will make matters more difficult. I’ll leave it up to you.”

Her hand covers mine on the armrest. The simple touch, performed automatically, is a sign of her progress. A few days ago, she was scared to touch me.

“Can you stay out of sight unless we need you?”

“Of course, but be careful. I’m wary of the detective Addington has manipulated. Desperation makes men unpredictable.”

“Thank you,” she murmurs. “I’d like to hide your identity as long as we can. Rumors will spread fast among the students, and they have access to powerful people through their families. You spoke of something valuable – imagine the combination of the library and a weather mage.” Her attempt at humor is tempered by her worry. “Maybe we can keep the enemies to one at a time?”

My lips twitch. “It’s probably too late for that, but I’ll only reveal myself if it’s necessary.” Unable to resist, I steal another kiss as I regain my feet. Before I can step away, she catches my hand in hers.

“Bren?”

Her gaze shifts away, and her cheeks redden further. I lean closer, mindful of our audience. “Yes?”

“There’s a hole – right here.” She grimaces with pain as she presses a clenched fist between her breasts. I’m immediately drawn toward the view of her cleavage and the hint of a tattoo above her collar. The action molds her full breasts into enticing curves and utterly confuses me. At first, I seek a literal hole. “Something feels … I feel incomplete without you.” Her stuttered explanation fixes the frayed connection between my brain and my sex drive. “Can we discuss our bond after this is handled?”

My eyes widen with surprise at her courage. I also thought she’d need more time, especially after adding Kodi and Garrett.“I’ll move at your pace, Zo. I don’t want to hurt you by moving too fast.”

“Is that your only concern?”

I crouch again as I contemplate my words. I need to answer honestly, regardless of whether the library will expose my lies or not. She deserves the truth. “I’ve struggled a little, but I think I’ve identified the triggers to my past trauma. I’ve known you for most of my life, and I don’t doubt you or our bond. If I don’t feel like you’re coerced or pressured, my heart and body will accept you without question. Otherwise, it reminds me of the past.”

After a brief pause to consider, she nods. “I think I understand. The situation – knowing we have to bond – does that remind you of the past?”

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