Page 21 of Gifted Destiny (Hidden Libraries #3)
Zosia
T he library’s command to wake brings me out of a slumber that I barely started. I am surprisingly rested, considering I only got a few hours of sleep.
Kodi’s stamina might have been extremely short the first time, but he made up for it several times over. We didn’t just have sex, though; we laughed, talked, and touched each other until the early morning hours.
I’d never dared to hope for this with him, and the return of his ghostly form reminds me that our time is fleeting. Although he might be able to toggle back and forth without magic from Bren, he’s hesitant. He’d expressed his fear that he’d fade while we’re intimate. It’s an understandable and rational fear. I’m not eager to feel the static prickle of his ghostly energy against the most sensitive parts of my body.
The thought of my sensitive areas prompts me to stretch. My thighs, hips, and in-betweens ache. Still, the soreness is barely noticeable when compared to my usual pain level.
Kodi’s eyes are closed, and he doesn’t stir when I wake and start to move. I didn’t think he could achieve this state while incorporeal. I can’t check his pulse or count his breaths, but his energy pricks my skin when I draw near. Satisfied that he’s as okay as a ghost can be, I allow myself to study him. Only his gray shoulders and arms are visible, and the lack of freckles is almost more jarring than the color. I know without looking that he’s naked underneath the thin sheet.
How does one get dressed while in this state? I imagine him popping into existence, butt-naked, to scare thieving students. It’s both hilarious and horrifying. I don’t want any of our uppity patrons to see him naked, but it would be funny.
I purposefully push aside any thoughts of what the morning might bring. Spending all night intertwined with my first love has created an intense rush of endorphins, and I could easily grow accustomed to my improved mood. If there’s a direct correlation between my energy levels and my mood, bonding with the others should provide similar benefits.
Kodi’s eyelashes flutter open, but nothing else changes. It’s eerie to watch. Brief resignation flickers into his expression when he assesses his ghostly form, but it’s quickly followed by satisfaction and … contentment? I might not have been able to identify the emotion without the bond. I can’t remember ever seeing it before, not even when he was alive.
“What are you smiling about?”
My grin widens. There are many reasons, but I decide to tease him and purposefully sweep my attention down his body. “I was imagining a naked ghost among the stacks. I doubt the faculty will approve.”
Kodi eyes the linens, but the twinkle in his gray eyes doesn’t fade at the reminder of his ghostly form, which defies physics. Why doesn’t his body pass through the blankets or the bed as it does with walls and doors? ]
Contemplating the paradox makes my head hurt, so I focus on other issues. Can he wrap the sheet around him instead of his clothes? My lips twitch into an amused grimace. A ghost in a sheet is too stereotypical.
“Maybe Bren can power me up again – just for the time it takes to get dressed.”
I roll my eyes. “Now you’re just being lazy. You’ve done it before, boo; you can do it again.”
My best friend’s gaze glides with smooth purpose to my cleavage and lingers. A thin sheet is my only covering, too, but I’m not worried about my ability to dress myself.
“I prefer to get hard for other matters.” Kodi pouts dramatically. “It’s such a waste if my only goal is to dress myself.”
Despite the fact that I am utterly spent from our night together, my nipples respond to his suggestive tone. Rigid peaks push noticeably against the sheet, and I’m suddenly aware of their sensitivity. I grit my teeth and push all the sexy thoughts from my mind. “I can’t have students run screaming from the library for the second day in a row. Encountering a ghost is one thing. Encountering a naked ghost is another thing entirely. You are perfectly capable without Bren.”
“Oh, yes,” he snickers. “I am perfectly capable – several times over actually.”
When I don’t respond to his boastful teasing, a mock scowl joins the twinkle in his eyes. They appear less shallow and more nuanced after last night, but I might be projecting my wishes onto him.
“Yes, boss lady librarian, ma’am.” His eyes flutter closed as he concentrates. The strange plasma of his form flickers like a sputtering candle flame before it regains shape.
He tosses the blankets aside the second he’s corporeal again. He must have called upon lust for assistance because he’s fully erect when he stands beside the bed. Although distracting, that isn’t what makes me stare at him with my jaw open.
Throughout the night, I’d traced the scars that swirled across his torso. Ink has overtaken the raised welts and made them nearly invisible. The beauty and intricacy of the design are masterful and decorate most of his chest and stomach, extending over his shoulders and halfway down his biceps. I’m transfixed by the complicated pattern, mostly because it looks like it’s always been there.
Kodi’s gaze follows mine, and he grunts. “What is it?”
“It’s your mate mark.”
He rolls his eyes. “I figured that part out, Zo. What is it, though? What does it mean?”
As if it’s become second nature, I sift through the available volumes of information. Several tomes are in different languages, but I translate them without difficulty. The search still requires several minutes because the answer isn’t simple.
Kodi memorizes the details of the design while he waits. Instead of black ink, which might have looked lurid on his pale skin, the lines are etched in rich copper. If it were a real tattoo, the time, price, and pain would be staggering. Similar to the vampire’s mark, Kodi’s includes his scars and makes them nearly invisible. The mate marks seem determined to erase my guardians’ brutal pasts.
“It’s a Celtic knot and is meant to represent the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Yours is extremely complicated, but true representations have requirements – no terminated lines, no beginnings, no endings, and no loose threads.” I smile with satisfaction. “It’s perfect for you, both the interconnectedness and the lack of an end to your existence.”
Kodi winces. “So far,” he grumbles. “Show me yours.”
I open my mouth to tell him I don’t know where it is when my chest prickles. A tug of the blankets reveals a simple Celtic knot directly over my heart. Although the design shares similarities with Kodi’s, mine exhibits only a tenth of the intricacy.
Kodi’s lips twitch mischievously as his gaze devours the mark and the curve of my breasts. I don’t identify the emotion that joins his hunger until the bond assists me; it’s possessiveness. “I can’t quite see all of it. Pull the blankets down more.”
The lie is so obvious that I don’t require the library’s assistance. I drop the sheet to free my hands. With his focus entirely on my breasts, he doesn’t notice the pillow hurtling toward him until it smacks him in the chest. I whoop with satisfaction.
Kodi clucks in disapproval. “Starting our mate-ship with abuse, princess? I can’t believe you.”
“Mate-ship?” His playfulness inspires the same from me, and my heart feels lighter than it has in years.
His eyes twinkle. “Of course. Do you have a better idea? Celebrities are shipped together, and you’re definitely a celebrity in the supernatural world. We just need a name. Kosia? Hmmm, that doesn’t work because you have more than one mate. Eventually, it will be ZoKoAveBreGar.” His face crinkles as he focuses on spitting out the horrid mashup without stuttering. “Of course, my name should always be first after yours.”
My sigh is only slightly exaggerated. “Get dressed. We have a busy day.”
Kodi reaches for his clothes, but his gaze remains on me while I pull the short robe around my body and crutch toward the bathroom. He feigns dismay when I close the door behind me.
The reflection in the large mirror surprises me when I turn toward it. It’s me, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen myself like this. I lean against the counter, attempting to study the view with an objective eye. I’m not wearing any makeup, although I don’t remember removing mine last night, and my hair is a tangled mess after a night of sex and sleep. My skin is glowing and blemish-free, however, and the lingering smile makes my eyes bright blue. The gold striations in my irises, usually dull and barely noticeable, are bright and prominent.
“I might be beautiful,” I whisper aloud and watch a flush creep across my cheeks. It feels wrong to admit it, as if my newfound vanity will turn me ugly, but the hesitant comment is not going to reassure me immediately. “What I mean is,” I add, “I guess I can just kind of see how the men might find me a little pretty.” The sentence feels correct, even if it gives a grammar teacher a heart attack.
As I prepare for my shower, I realize that I hadn’t given my legs a thought when I’d left the bed. Even though Kodi has seen them bare several times, I’m usually shyer about revealing them. The night left me feeling carefree, however, and I hadn’t wanted to ruin it by being overly self-conscious.
I can’t remember ever feeling this way – although the exact words to describe my emotional state are eluding me pre-coffee. I was excited when I found the library and my place within it, but the discovery was overshadowed with worries and uncertainty. Loving Kodi brings me nothing but pleasure, even when considering his variable state of matter. I think he feels similarly because he didn’t respond with his customary sarcasm and bitchiness while in my bed. I don’t believe it was just because he was finally getting laid – although he might disagree. He needed that sense of connection; both of us needed it.
Now that I’ve bonded with my first love, I feel more prepared to give attention to my other mates. Choosing either of the brothers before him had seemed wrong, like I was giving up on him. This is no longer a concern.
Reality creeps in while I wash my hair and prepare for the day. I still need to secure my bonds with the jealous shifter and the traumatized mage before their father steals them. The BSP detectives will return when we reopen, and one of them seems keen on aiding Addington’s plans. I won’t let him.
It’s unnerving when I exit my room. I don’t feel a speck of shame, but the endless teachings on monogamy and sin from our caretaker batter the back of my brain. I have slept with two different men the last two nights. I remind myself that our employment contracts practically make these men my husbands; they’re stronger than a church-sanctioned marriage. I’m also not magicless, I scold that stupid voice in my head. Different rules apply to my different life.
Avery stands when he feels me close. He draws me into a long embrace and places a chaste kiss on my lips. The bond suggests that he missed me. I melt into him, trying to convey my appreciation for his patience and tenderness. Adapting to his emotions has been easier than I thought it would be, but he exercises amazing control.
My vampire mate offers his gratitude for my reassurance with a beautiful smile that lights up his face. He seems more relaxed when he releases me and helps me to my seat at the table.
Once I’m seated, Garrett pushes a large glass of water and a packet of multivitamins in my direction, but he says nothing as he gulps his green shake. My lips twitch with amusement. The shifter’s actions transmit mother-hen vibes as opposed to alpha-shifter , but I’m not an expert on either.
I obligingly drink some water before lifting my coffee cup to my lips to appease the hulking man and turn my attention to his younger brother. Bren looks remarkably well after the explosion yesterday and the transfer last night. He offers me a wide smile as he spoons colorful cereal into his mouth with one hand and holds a book open in the other.
Immediately after my first sip of coffee, the mage pounces on me with an arsenal of questions. “Did you get another mark? Where is it? What is it? Did Kodi get one too? Are they both Egyptian symbols?”
His enthusiasm is so palpable that I can’t wait for Kodi. I don’t know where the ghost is; I only catch a sense of frustration from the direction of his assigned bedroom. Avery and Bren wait expectantly while Garrett attempts to appear uninterested.
My face heats as I tug at my collar, revealing both the mark and the curve of my breasts. It’s impossible to show one without the other. “It isn’t Egyptian,” I say aloud for Avery’s sake. “According to my research, it’s a Celtic knot. Kodi’s is … so much bigger.” I pause and decide to let the tattoo speak for itself. “Kodi? Come show the others your mark.” I don’t raise my voice, but I focus on placing emotion into my command. I’m surprised when it works.
“I have clothes!” The ghost announces loudly as he enters the room from the hall that leads to the other bedrooms. “I have a dresser and a closet! Maybe they’ve always been there?” His face blanks for a second, but he shrugs and continues. “I don’t remember seeing them before. Anyway, I’ve been wearing the same shirt and jeans for seven years. But I have new clothes – different ones!” His childish delight regarding something we take for granted elicits grins from everyone except Garrett.
The shifter maintains his stony expression. “It looks like you’re wearing the same thing.”
When Kodi’s face falls with disappointment, I shove Garrett’s immovable forearm. He glances innocently toward me, and I see his eyes twinkle. “He’s just teasing you, boo. I can clearly see the difference.”
His wardrobe is similar, but the shirt is a darker gray, and the pants aren’t as tight. The differences are slight, but I’ve been looking at him for years as opposed to weeks.
Kodi scowls at Garrett, but his irritation fades quickly. “And he’s a dude. Dudes don’t notice clothes. Plus, he wears the same thing every day too.” Garrett doesn’t argue, but I see Avery’s lips turn down. I imagine he would care more about clothes if he could see; the vampire is very fashionable.
“Show the men your mark, boo. I already showed mine.”
Kodi’s lascivious reply is cut off by Avery’s tentative question. “May I see as well?”
“Of course! I’m sorry I don’t consider that more often. I get lost in my own head.”
Avery shakes his head. “Please, don’t fret, mon trésor . You have much on your mind.” He starts to rise, but Bren halts him with a hand on his forearm.
“Zo, you should try to send the image without touching. I think you can do it now that you’re bonded. It’s probably similar to mental speech.”
“I guess I can try.” I frown with uncertainty, hoping that I don’t send Avery a random stream of consciousness. At least I know that my thoughts are safe with my vampire. “Kodi, take off your shirt.”
“Right away, Your Highness.” Kodi accompanies the husky, suggestive tone with a devilish grin. My body heats per his intention because the lust I feel helps him solidify. His body drops rapidly, like an astronaut suddenly encountering Earth’s gravity. The fall from several feet in the air draws a squeal from him.
Garrett snorts a laugh, clearly amused.
“Well, that’s new,” Kodi murmurs quietly, ignoring the shifter. When his new leather boots are resting flat on the floor, he shakes off his surprise and pulls off his shirt.
I study the design intently while also concentrating on broadcasting the image to Avery. I assume my experiment works when the vampire’s jaw drops open.
“Wow, that’s a …very large … tattoo.” The lack of amusement in Garrett’s comment pricks my joyful mood. I want to pry into the meaning behind his tone, but Avery interjects.
“It works!” The vampire crows with triumph and strides toward me. His lips find mine without hesitation, and his hot, firm kiss leaves me breathless. After he pulls away, I pant and reach for the glass of water. What was I doing before? I can’t even remember.
When Bren nearly chokes on a bite of his breakfast, I see that Kodi has reverted to ghost form. His shirt is somewhere between half-on and half-off.
I can’t hide a giggle as Kodi’s face contorts into a look of intense concentration. “Screw you guys.” Kodi throws us a dirty look and escapes to his room, but access to his emotions reveals that the anger is mostly for show.
I eat a few bites of food as I contemplate whether to confront Garrett or talk to Bren. Ultimately, I decide that the shifter’s moods can wait. “Are you worried about this morning, Bren?” For a few blissful moments, I’d forgotten our impending trials.
Bren’s dark hair flops to the side as he shakes his head. “Nope. The transference worked, so they won’t catch me in a lie or uncertainty regarding the contract.” His pale green gaze connects briefly with mine before flitting away. “It won’t be long before I’ll have to do another. Kodi can only take as much as I gave him, so I need to give the library more.”
I take another bite, but the taste doesn’t register as I nod with understanding. “I suppose a bond would help you release more power.” Bren doesn’t meet my gaze again, and it makes my smile shaky. “Will you let me know when you think you’re ready?”
“When he’s ready to fuck you? Because you need to fuck him to get his power?” Garrett’s growl vibrates the table and everything on it.
I almost cower out of habit and years as a magicless nobody, but my sphinx won’t permit me. I meet the shifter’s gaze with blazing fury and a growl that matches his own. I send a silent command to Avery, and he obeys even as fury flares in his aura. Within seconds, he and Bren are gone, and we are alone.
Along our bond, Kodi asks a wordless question. I reassure him this is my fight before refocusing my attention on the shifter. I don’t need to match his height or mass because my anger fuels my power.
“Say what you need to say, Garrett Kennard.” I hiss his name like a curse and set my face in a mask of deadly calm. He could easily snap me in half, but I don’t care. His comments were out of line, and he ruined the first good mood I’ve managed to maintain for more than a couple minutes. This conversation should have happened days ago, but it didn’t. Now, he needs to beg for my forgiveness.