Page 91 of Gifted Destiny

His words are ominous, but I’ve already guessed as much. He glances around furtively, his nostrils flaring, before he continues. “Your library is different. I might be a shifter, but I can smell power. I want to believe this power prevents Cronos from spying inside it, but I can’t say. My fate is already determined, so I’ll say my piece. If Cronos is unknown in your world but has revealed its presence to offer you help, their assistance will cost you.”

The man sinks against the elevator wall with a heavy sigh. “I betrayed the love of my life because the corporation offered me an ultimatum. It was a temptation and a threat. I might be answering to crimes I didn’t commit, but losing Karasi, my family, and my friends hurts far worse.” J’s voice conveys clear remorse. I sense the brothers’ struggle to reconcile this man with their father, and my heart aches for them. It must be difficult to see the man you’ve sworn to hate display a softer side.

My lips thin. “It’s not like we could have denied their help,” I retort. “We didn’t have any other options or the opportunity to ask questions. The Timekeeper seemed ignorant.”

J nods. “That is the way they operate. I couldn’t really fight their ultimatum either time it was presented to me either. They control time, which means they control the people who live according to time.”

The elevator has stopped moving, but the doors remain shut. Sage must want to hear what J has to say about this shady organization as well.

“No one can control time,” Bren argues.

J studies Bren, his gaze softer than our world’s Addington could produce. My mate fidgets under that stare, and I press my body into his side, offering comfort. His hand sinks intothe thick fur at my shoulders. “You might be right, but imagine the power to replace any person with someone indistinguishable – even down to that person’s DNA. Then, imagine that this replacement has no choice but to follow their orders.”

The dread that fills my chest is multiplied by five. Although I’d reached a rough understanding of Cronos’ power, I haven’t had the time to absorb the full implications. J’s words permit this, and the resulting horror nearly cripples me.

“Why am I here? If I don’t comply, my children and Karasi will suffer. I may not be with them, but it doesn’t matter. Karasi drove the darkness from my soul when I thought all hope had vanished. She loved me and chose to trust me even though I’d betrayed her once already. Because of her forgiveness, I was able to be a father to my sons. Karasi saved me, and this is how I am repaying her.”

Garrett exhales forcefully, scrubbing his hand across his shorn hair. “No one is going to believe this is Addington,” he mutters.

Surprisingly, Kodi chuckles. “I thought all those poems and songs about love changing a man were bullshit. Maybe it’s not as crazy as I thought.”

J regards Kodi thoughtfully. “Cronos must despise the anomaly you present. They can’t replace a ghost.”

Kodi’s chest puffs out, even though there’s no air in his lungs. “That Timekeeper did say I am one of a kind,” he boasts.

The man cocks his head, uncertain about my ghost, and glances at the man who looks nothing like his son. “I will play the part that’s required of me,” J reassures us with more arrogance than he’s displayed thus far. “I know what must be done to protect my family, and I’ve been given all of the details. I know the location of your Addington’s dungeon and his secret files. I’ve also memorized the identities of his accomplices and thelengthy list of people he’s bribed and blackmailed. The crimes shall be settled.”

“How do we fight Cronos?” I ask. “The Timekeeper said their goal was protecting the three libraries. We only know of two – the Eastern one and ours. Do you know the location of the third?”

“I’ve heard rumors of other inhabited planets in our solar system, but Cronos usually shuts them down before they are confirmed. As for their desire to protect the libraries ….” His voice trails away but his gaze is intense. Although I project an aura of calm, it’s difficult to look into his hazel eyes and not see my childhood captor. “Their protection will not help the common people or the librarians. They will only grow more powerful if they gain control of the libraries.”

I shiver. I think I’d know if they replaced any of my mates, but what if they try a different tactic? Will we live our entire lives in fear of their interference and retribution? I’d hoped that once we’d rid ourselves of Addington that we’d be able to live the rest of our lives in peace. But how do we fight something we don’t understand? Cronos claims to be on our side and possesses a strange magic to replace people, if this man is telling the truth.

“You’re not alone,”Avery reminds me along our mental link. His hand gently soothes the agitated fur on my spine.“We’ll figure it out together.”

The others nod and offer reassurances, but my mind is still uneasy when the elevator doors finally slide open. I’ll feel better after we find answers; they must exist. Avery’s right, though. I’m not alone anymore. With my mates at my side, we will succeed.

Chapter 42

Avery

Zosia’s gratitude follows her spike of worry and distress after I offer reassurance. Our understanding of our existence has grown more complicated, but I believe we are traveling the right path. Destroying Addington in this world had become an impossible task, and this unidentified corporation has offered a favor. I share the discomfort of owing a debt, but it’s a concern for another day.

Fresh air accompanies the unfamiliar sound of the elevator doors opening, and I call the detective while Garrett continues to monitor our guest. The Bureau forwards my call to the detective’s mobile phone, and he doesn’t waste time asking questions.

After I terminate the connection, I turn toward the pulsing knot of energy that consists of my family and the doppelganger. If I hadn’t been granted sight during our brief trip, I might not have identified the man as Addington. The brothers’ birth father has a dark aura overwhelmed by corruption, selfishness, and a disregard for all life. J’s energy is darker than my companions’ auras, but it’s not threatening. The contrast between the men’s energies provides a flaw in the Corporation’s duplication.

“The Detective will be here shortly,” I report. “Should we call someone to restrain Walthers?”

Zosia’s golden energy shivers in response. “I don’t believe that will be necessary. The gargoyles can see him approaching.”

My lips twist in disgust. “He shouldn’t be permitted entry. His aura is diseased with decay and corruption, and it has grown worse since his last visit. I fear for the library’s health.”

“Let’s move this little meeting to the foyer,” Zosia replies without skipping a beat.

I’m still unused to anyone respecting my opinion so readily, and I give more thanks to the stars above for the gift I’ve been given.

“I wasn’t surprised to see Jerome Walthers’ name on the list of accomplices. He was always trying to curry favor because he’s Brennan’s uncle,” J’s tone is disgusted.

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