Page 36 of Broken Destiny

I consider his words before nodding in agreement. Everything I could ever want or ask for is here. It makes sense.

“What about the motorcycle I’ve always wanted?” Garrett asks as he finally starts piling everything in the blender. The sight of all those vegetables for breakfast makes me want to gag, but I have to admit I like the effect. He has to maintain that body some way.

“Valid question,” Bren answers. I’m glad he does because I don’t have any clue. “Do you still want that motorcycle?” he asks slyly.

Garrett pauses and frowns. “Yes. No? It’s like I still want it because I’ve wanted one for a long time, but I no longer want to use it. I just want to look at it.”

While my brow arches, Bren nods. “That makes sense. I assume we’ll still be provided for within reason. I’m certain the library doesn’t want a petting zoo in her basement if that’s what one of us wanted. But we’ll need a way to travel for library work now and then.”

“She’s very powerful, but she can’t create or change living things, so the petting zoo isn’t an option,” Gilly says as she pops in and back out. It’s weird to think of the little goblins eavesdropping all the time, but they’re useful when we need information. I frown down at my legs. Of course that would be the case. Funny that I hadn’t even considered the option of asking the library to cure me. It used to be the only thing I wanted.

The conversation stills as Garrett pushes the button on the blender, even though it’s surprisingly quiet. I frown as he pours the thick, green liquid into a glass. He turns back to us, leaning against the counter. His eyes scan me for the first time, and I feel uncomfortable under his perusal. What must I look like to him? My hair is still wet. I didn’t bother with makeup, and my clothes are what the library provided - leggings and a loose-fitting tunic shirt that plunges rather low on my chest. I hadn’t even noticed until his eyes dip down and back up.

“She?” he asks. His gaze remains fixed on me; it appears heated and interested.

“What?” I’m thoroughly flustered, so much that I forgot what we were talking about.

“The library. It’s a she?” he clarifies.

This time, I do blush. Yes. That’s what we were talking about.

Avery steps into the room from the hall that I assume leads to the other bedrooms. He navigates the room, counting under his breath. I don’t think he needs to, but I suppose it supplements the vague auras he sees. We’re quiet as we watch him. He fumbles a moment in the kitchen, his cheeks a little pink as he senses our attention. The dishes aren’t made of living material, and he has a moment of uncertainty. I prepare myself to rise and help, but Garrett surprises me by taking him by the shoulder. In a quiet, non-condescending voice, he explains where everything is, gently guiding Avery’s hand when needed.

Avery releases a small breath when the tour completes. “Thank you.” He nods to Garrett as he gathers a bagel from a bag on the counter.

It’s such a mundane moment, us sharing breakfast, that it feels surreal. I never expected to be doing this with anyone, much less three hot men. Where’s Kodi? There should be four. He floats in as if my thoughts conjure him. He sits at the table as if he were real, the bland monotone shades of his body sharply contrasting with the natural colors that decorate the room.

Avery and Garrett join us at the table, and my chest warms. This is what I wanted - a sense of home and belonging. It’s what I was longing for last night as I fell asleep. I send a silent thank you to the library as I absorb the moment. It might not always be like this, and I want to remember every second.

“Garrett was asking if the library is a she,” Bren says, resuming the conversation.

Kodi snorts. “Of course she is. Nurturing, accommodating. Come on. She has clothes and food for each of you, all of your favorites.” He nods toward the cereal box that Bren is pouring a second bowl from. “No male is that considerate.”

“I beg your pardon,” Avery interrupts formally, but he’s not really upset.

The ghost rolls his eyes, even though the vamp can’t see it. “Okay then. Not all men.” He ends the statement with a snort for added effect.

“Don’t you know the legend?” Bren asks in surprise, his eyes scanning each of us for the answer. When no one responds, he smiles gleefully. “This library was constructed from the bones of the first sphinx.”

I wince reflexively. “We’re sitting inside a skeleton?”

“It’s not that literal,” Bren tells me, managing to sound not a bit condescending at my naiveté. “The magic was absorbed from her body after she died, and a spell was created. It mingled with the original building to create this magical space. The structure was built from trees and stones that originated in the sacred isle of Avalon, where many supernaturals lived in secret. When the library wishes to move, she does so magically, transporting herself and everything inside the walls to a different location. She has a boundary that’s considered her territory; the Eastern library has one as well.”

“Is that one made from dragon bones?” I ask, truly curious. I’ve wanted to meet a book dragon since Kodi told me what Ansel said.

Bren grins. “Dragon scales.”

Of course. “When I die, do I become part of the library too?” The thought is comforting, much better than being buried in the cold ground or burnt to ashes.

“All faithful librarians become a part of her when they die,” Bren answers solemnly.

Hot tears prick my eyes. “My mother?” My voice cracks on the word. I don’t know whether or not she was ever a librarian.

“Your grandmother,” Gilly answers as she pops back in. I’m almost ready for her this time. I’m starting to recognize that moment right before the air shifts.

Garrett, however, grumbles and nearly chokes on his protein shake. “Y’all need to quit doing that. And you…” He shoots a look at Kodi. “Stay out of my room when I’m sleeping. I’ll have nightmares waking up to your pasty face over mine.” The troublemaker in question chuckles and I give him a reprimanding look that he ignores. Garrett isn’t done yet. “Turnabout is fair play, Ghost. Solid or not, I’ll find a way to return the favor.”

Kodi smiles broadly like he welcomes the challenge. Something passes between the men - a sense of camaraderie that makes my chest clench.

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