Page 57 of Gifted Destiny

I fidget with the pens on my desk as I contemplate my next words. “I might have some useful information on another matter.” I don’t add more, uncertain if the turncoat can hear us.His stillness mimics the gargoyles, but I can’t assume that he’s unaware.

Either Marks has perfected a stony expression or he’s unsurprised by my admission. “I shall return for a conversation after my ex-partner has been remanded into my superiors’ care.”

I nod again. Parks might not have acted alone, but I want no part of it; the Bureau’s affairs are their own. When Marks gestures to his former comrade, the man follows like a puppet on a string. His eyes are blank and his face is slack. Is the magic chain capable of doing that to anyone, or is it specific to BSP employees? I am in Tremayne’s debt. His arrival and subtle nudges yesterday prevented Bren from enduring the same treatment.

Shortly after the detectives leave, several students milling around the entrance also escape. Sometime during the excitement, the doors had locked without my instruction. It must have been an automatic response to the threat.

The few students remaining whisper to each other. Providing the academy with ample gossip and drama wasn’t on my list of duties, but I can’t seem to prevent it.

Chapter 26

Zosia

“What just happened?” Kodi mutters. He must gain visibility at the same time because a nearby student screams. The sound is shrill and unexpected but also eerily familiar. She must have screamed earlier, too. She nearly trips over her feet as she runs from the library.

Once she’s out of sight, I glare at the ghost. “Are you trying to give people a heart attack, boo? Please don’t do that.”

I doubt Kodi hears me because he’s doubled over with laughter. He never fails to find spooking hilarious, but he sobers at my scowl. Although his emotions are no longer sad imitations of the living, they’re less pressing than my other mates’ emotions.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know she was there.” His answer is absent, and I’m sure he wouldn’t care if I didn’t. “Let’s get back to what just happened. Did that douche really think he was going to steal a book? From the library? Or burn it?” His tone and expression display more disbelief with each question.

I can’t answer him because I share his confusion.

“Jim Carrey, the great mage who also dabbled in acting, once said, ‘People need motivation to do anything. I don'tthink human beings learn anything without desperation.’” Bren emerges from the archive room. His tone is serious and steady, but sparks of magic flicker on his skin. When he looks at me, his eyes appear more blue than green.

I immediately swivel toward him, frowning. Although his magic seems agitated, he isn’t out of control like yesterday. “Are you all right?” The worry in my voice draws Garrett back to the desk.

His brother’s appearance rouses Bren from his thoughts. He shakes his body like a dog shaking off water, and blue sparks evaporate in the air around him. When he looks back at me, his eyes retain a few streaks of blue. Although the color is eerily similar to Kodi’s, it looks incredibly distinctive on each of them.

“BSP detectives aren’t foolish.” Bren draws close, speaking quietly and reminding me that we aren’t alone. “What if his behavior was just a distraction?” His intense gaze captures mine. “Is anything amiss?”

With my men surrounding me, I close my eyes and reach for Sage. She is quiet and less responsive than usual, but she has faded into the background more and more as my bonds evolve. She is shaken after the incident, as are the gargoyles, but neither seems overly alarmed. The goblins are scarce, but they typically hide during opening hours. I don’t sense any alarm.

Having assessed my employer and colleagues, I turn to our patrons. Three of the students inside the building have access to floors two through nine, but their actions appear normal. A few others mill around the reference texts on the main floor.

After a thorough investigation, I reopen my eyes. “Nothing is wrong ….” I frown. It almost sounds like a lie, but it’s ambiguous and baseless.

My answer doesn’t soothe Bren entirely, but he assures us his magic is under control. Afterward, we manage to commencenormal operations, but as the morning drags on, it becomes clear that something is amiss.

Our moods worsen with each hour. Garrett snaps at Kodi over nothing, and the two almost come to blows before I intervene. I feel irrationally angry and irritated, almost like PMS, but the timing is wrong.

A student, one who seems younger than me, asks a genuinely curious question about my sphinx form while checking out his books. Instead of replying nicely, I growl and snap at him. His white face prompts an immediate apology, but he continues to look terrified until he’s past the front doors.

After he leaves, I take a deep breath and try to find the cause of my short temper. My rapidly waning energy might be the culprit. It’s not surprising since I barely slept last night, expended a ton of calories, and didn’t finish my breakfast. But we’re only halfway through the day, and I should be able to draw on my guardians’ strength and energy. Right now, that’s only the shifter and the vampire; Kodi has no energy to pull from.

Garrett and Avery have energy to spare, but Avery is hungry – and furious at himself. Taking advantage of a lull between patrons, I turn toward him. “It’s okay, you know. You’re allowed to be hungry.”

My comforting words sound ridiculous, but my insight doesn’t shock my vampire mate. His immediate acceptance of the bond has allowed him to adapt more easily than the others.

Avery gently pats my hand. “I believe your words,mon trésor, but I feel your exhaustion. Also, I fear coddling this hunger. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced.” His beautiful silver eyes flash with frustration that I feel through our bond.

My stomach flips. I don’t know when it happened, but I’ve transformed from a timid human to a supernatural sphinx – one who is aroused by her vampire mate’s hunger. This isn’tnecessarily a complaint. Even if certain aspects of my life have grown more difficult, it’s still improved.

“Maybe it’s just an adjustment period? Your hunger might abate after a few feedings.” I don’t have any facts to bolster my half-hearted reassurances, but I want to comfort him as he does me.

“Perhaps.” His head lifts as he scans the area. I’ve realized this is how he seeks other people. Whereas sighted people rely almost completely on our vision, his special sight gives him an advantage. He can sense lifeforms even if they are hiding. A shifter’s enhanced senses should offer them equal footing, but I’ve gathered that most don’t use their full potential. Our vision offers false comfort.

After ensuring we are alone, Avery continues. “It might be possible to draw sustenance from the shifter or mage, but the shifter is unwilling and the mage ….” His words trail off.

---