Page 63 of Gifted Destiny

“And you are dead. When Zosia kisses you, is she kissing a corpse?”

“Holy shit,” Kodi breathes with wide eyes.

“I know we just discussed our tendency for distraction, but let’s not get sidetracked by bestiality and necrophilia. In fact, let’s not mention those subjects ever again. We’re magical. Those concepts don’t apply to this situation.” I pause deliberately before switching the subject. “Garrett, how did the call go?”

The shifter’s composure switches to serious. “Tremayne agrees that the false book is a trap and that we shouldn’t touch it. A magical means of destruction is the best course. As for the soul, he’s uncertain. He thinks that the library and our lives should hold priority if there is a choice to be made.”

I nod absently, staring at the book and wishing I had more information. “Agreed.”

“There’s something else,” Garrett says in a near growl that makes me shiver with dread. My head swivels toward him. “Addington is on campus. He’s with Walthers.”

My vision blurs as I contact the gargoyle captain. Etienne confirms that they are aware of the situation and on high alert, but nothing of note has occurred. He offers a hesitant no when I ask him whether he’s spoken with Sage.

“What if one of the goblins is trapped inside the book?” Kodi asks with horrified sincerity when I relay the information. “She wouldn’t destroy it if that was the case, right?”

Avery’s headshake is immediate. “The energy I sense is different than the goblins’ energy. The goblins aren’t … like us.”

I’ve rarely seen the vampire struggle for words, but I understand his consternation. I’ve noticed it and I can’t describe it either.

“I don’t believe they live and die like us, so it wouldn’t bear the scent of death. I cannot determine whether the soul died before or after it was trapped. As you all know, souls aren’t meant to be contained.” The vampire’s eerie gaze settles on Kodi. It takes me a second to realize he means the tether and not the ghostly form.

“When a soul’s trajectory is altered from the norm, it starts to undergo unnatural changes. This soul’s resemblance to its original self will depend on how long it has been ensnared.” Avery’s emotions suggest a rare dip in self-esteem. “All of this is theoretical, of course. I’m not an expert by any means.”

I nudge his hip with my head. “It’s more than any of us have,” I reassure him. The others nod in agreement. “I have a proposal. Right now, the stupid thing isn’t hurting us – as far as we know. Let’s delay a decision on its fate while we research what it might be. The arcane books on the tenth floor might provide us with more information about how to destroy the thing or free the soul. Does anyone object?” I’m not comfortable being an authoritative leader. My men are equally – sometimes more – capable than I am.

“I agree with you if we add two amendments. It should be guarded continuously, and we should set a deadline. Without one, it might sit here for a long time, and we have no idea what might happen now that it’s open. The soul or another soul could escape. We should also determine whether any other magic was triggered alongside it.” Garrett’s intentions aren’t to scold Kodi, but my ghost mate still pouts.

“I mean no offense, ghost. You saved all of us by finding it,” Garrett adds gruffly. My tail curls around the shifter’s ankle in appreciation – completely on its own.

“Garrett has a point, Kodi. If it were anyone else ….” I can’t finish that sentence. “Thank you.”

Kodi brightens noticeably. Now that their sensitive egos have been soothed, we agree upon a schedule of protective duty and other tasks. The men listen to each other and me with respect. They haven’t said they love me, but they trust me, which feels equally important. Love can be naïve, but trust usually isn’t.

My heart swells with gratitude, and I’m no longer ashamed of my verbal slip. I hadn’t lied. I love them and I trust them. I want to relay my feelings in a more sincere manner, but we are living in crisis mode. There’s little time for sincerity.

The past week or so has proved that we are capable of managing stressful situations together, but I want more time to relax and enjoy them. If we can’t address the current situation, however, we’ll never get the chance.

Chapter 29

Avery

Our adorable sphinx doesn’t understand that we return her tender feelings, and the mere suggestion of love flusters her. I don’t share her belief in what she terms ‘insta-love,’ not when greater forces have pulled us together. The library and the sphinx are my destiny. Knowing this, nothing limits my emotional depths.

The librarian has adapted well to her new position. She might complain about distraction, but she can easily transition from sarcastic or loving to her management duties. Kodi is instructed to monitor the book while I join Zosia on the top floor. Bren and Garrett head to opposite levels. The mage wants to speak with the gargoyles, and the shifter believes he can use the messaging device to research Addington’s presence on campus. Zo only agrees to this after he promises not to leave the library.

I nearly lost my mind and ripped his head off when he disrespected Zosia this morning. My mate’s firm insistence that she’d manage the irritable shifter was the only thing that pulled aside the shroud of red fury. Our sphinx is not weak, though, and I’m certain he groveled before they sealed their bond. Their connection bears a calm surety that arises from sharing an intimacy of the heart, not just the body.

Their new bond fills me with relief. With each day that passed, she grew more insecure, and he grew more jealous. Now, I know he’ll never speak that way to her again.

“Was that a hint of anger? What are you thinking about?” Zosia’s question pulls me from my thoughts as I follow her bright energy through the maze of bookshelves. The magical energy on this floor nearly forms a physical barrier to my sight, and using the sphinx’s magic as a lodestone is easier than avoiding obstacles.

“You are not the only one whose attention wanders,mon trésor. I was contemplating the events at the breakfast table this morning. Garrett’s insults nearly sent me into a fit of irrational rage. I’m ashamed of my momentary loss of control. You handled the situation quite well, and I should have trusted you.”

Her energy brightens briefly, and I wonder if it indicates a blush. I’ve been forever changed by the images she’s gifted me. I find myself yearning to see her when I return to my customary state. My few memories of her prevent waves of self-pity, but they are too brief to provide insight. How does she move? Which gestures are specific to this form? I’ve caressed her soft feathers and felt her tail swish against my calves, but I haven’t explored her expressive ears.

“An apology is unnecessary, Avery. While I appreciate your defense of my honor, I don’t want to see my mates fight. You needn’t worry about a repeat, either. He displayed honest regret and remorse and explained his reasoning. I didn’t permit excuses, but he said his restrained desire and his beastly nature influenced his poor judgment.”

Her voice and emotions betray a hint of insecurity. She has matured and grown more confident since I met her, but she’s still predisposed to believing the worst.

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