Broken Destiny

by Serena Lindahl

  “Walthers?” I ask with a fake shudder. “That, I believe. The man has a twisted mind.” I only caught small glimpses when I was tethered to him, but it was enough to scar me for my afterlife.

  “Does he have any power over the library with his position? He certainly knows what we are.”

  The seer shrugs in response to the vampire’s question. “I’m uncertain. It depends on who his contact on the delegation is. His conversations with our father are not looking good.” He shares a look with Garrett. I assume they have far more information than they’ve shared already.

  “So we need more knowledge,” Avery observes.

  Bren nods and flashes the vampire a blinding smile he can’t see. “Precisely, my friend. There can never be enough of that. Now, what about our living arrangements?” He changes subjects so fast, it makes my head spin.

  Duggar shrugs. “The library will arrange it as she sees fit while you're sleeping. Now that Zo has her full complement of guardians, the library will open at the beginning of the term in two days. You’ll all need to be prepared to work and to gather any information that may assist those who will protect all species on this planet. Regardless of what some supernaturals think, humans have become an integral part of modern society. To eradicate them would have negative repercussions for all races.”

  I shiver, feeling that weird, squirmy sensation I get when Zo accidentally flows through part of me. Eradicate is a horrible word, especially when applied to living beings.

  “So the library will arrange the walls as we sleep? In our sleep?” Garrett repeats, stuck on that small detail. Bren shakes with amusement. He reminds me of an excitable teenager in some ways. The look in his eyes when he watches Zo is far from boyish, though.

  “Welcome to living in a magical building, brother! Isn’t it exciting?” Suddenly, the seer stands. “I’m going to look for something.” And he runs toward and up the stairs as if he has an overabundance of energy to burn. Garrett watches him before he sighs. It’s a long-suffering sound, as if he’s used to years of his brother’s erratic behavior. Clearly, they’re very close. Did I have family like that? I can’t remember.

  “Where is our boss now?” he asks, looking at me as if I can see through walls as well as being able to pass through them.

  “You should be able to feel her after signing the contract,” Avery points out.

  “Feel her?”

  I roll my eyes. “Extend your senses. What do you feel? See? Don’t look with your eyes.”

  He sniffs, and I restrain a laugh. “I suppose you could use your shifter senses as well, but you shouldn’t have to be so obvious.” He looks at me with suspicion but closes his eyes.

  “The bright spot over there?” he points vaguely toward the area behind the desk where Zo’s apartment is located.

  Avery nods, even though he can’t see the direction Garrett is pointing. “Her energy is calm. She’s sleeping. Breaking Kodi’s magical tether took a lot out of her yesterday. It depleted her magic, and her magic is what keeps her going after her physical body fails.”

  Hmmm. That’s insightful. I never considered that before. I float slowly toward her room. “I’ll check on her,” I mumble as I go. Zo is practically swallowed by the fluffy covers in the center of the massive bed, her lashes dark against her golden skin. She has one of the library books resting beside her on the mattress, and I assume she fell asleep while reading like she’s done before. I’ve watched her sleep a thousand times, but every time I do, I’m amazed at the peace that surrounds her. There aren’t any nightmares, despite the memories that simmer in the back of her mind behind some closed door.

  After I’ve assured myself of her safety, I drift out again. The men mentioned spying. Who better for that task than someone who can’t be seen?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Zosia

  When I wake, something feels different. I can’t put my finger on it right away, but it’s different than yesterday morning when Kodi was in my bed, solid and warm. I instinctively look for him when I open my eyes, feeling sad when I don’t see him.

  Things have changed, though. My huge bed is now enclosed by four walls, with the door to the bathroom off to the side. I can no longer see the little kitchenette or the sitting area set up with the bookshelf. What does it mean? Am I isolated further?

  The thought immediately depresses me, so much so that I barely notice Kodi pop in and sit beside me until his static buzz causes an involuntary shudder.

  “What strange, and probably incorrect, thoughts are running through your mind?”

  I shrug, avoiding his gaze as I pick at the coverlet. Delicate blue roses are embroidered on the fabric. It’s a beautiful piece of material. Kodi never lets me wallow, though.

  “Spit it out, Princess.”

  “I was just feeling lonely last night, and now I’m even more closed off.” I glance up just in time to see the ghost roll his eyes dramatically.

  “You’re practically part of the library, Zo. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and find out what’s actually going on.”

  If Kodi’s intent on irritating me, he’s doing a pretty good job. I glare at him and close my eyes. I don’t look because I don’t have full control over that power yet. Last night, I realized my strange sight doesn’t extend in my rooms or the men’s apartments. I could have spied on the guys when I saw them having the conversation in the main room, but I trust them to tell me if they decide I need to know. Soon after ensuring they were all getting along, I’d read one of the books Gilly left for me before falling into such a deep sleep that I don’t remember waking from until that morning. The dimensions of the rooms feel different, but without vision I can’t exactly tell. The only thing I can see is that three of my guys, except the one currently on my bed, are much closer than their private rooms.

  I reopen my eyes. “I can’t really tell, Kodi. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Kodi shrugs an opaque shoulder. If a ghost could look tired, he would. It’s nothing like the drained look after that asshole tried to steal his energy, but he seems weary. “The library decided we all needed to be closer. The separate apartments were a waste of space and resources. Now, all the bedrooms are situated around the main room where the kitchen and living areas are. It’s really quite nice, better than our former spaces. I even have a bedroom - not that I can sleep in it.”

  I stare at him, trying to process what he said. “So…if I leave the room right now, the three men who are still strangers to me might be just outside that door?” I listen but I can’t hear anything besides water ticking in the pipes in the bathroom. It’s a quiet building; the sound from outside doesn’t penetrate. “I can’t hear anyone.”

  “Well, that’s probably because all the bedrooms are soundproof. Can’t imagine why that would come in handy.” The sarcastic statement is accompanied by a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows. I want to punch his arm for messing with me, but it would be pointless.

  “Okay,” I respond slowly, stretching and pushing the covers aside. “I’m not sure how to feel about that yet,” I admit. Kodi’s gaze slides down my legs. I don’t know what he sees when he looks at me - broken limbs or something else.

  “How are you feeling?”

  I continue stretching, testing for soreness in my muscles. “Much better,” I reply with a smile. “The sleep was definitely restorative. I think I can handle my crutches today.”

  “Good, because there’s a lot to do!” Gilly’s sudden words make me shriek and clutch the blanket to my chest. My heart tries to escape my ribcage and the blood roars in my ears.

  “Please don’t do that. I might die of a heart attack.”

  The tough little goblin gives me an unimpressed look. “Doubtful. Your heart is strong enough to take a couple of scares. Out, Ghost. Zosia has to prepare for the day. Find someone else to haunt.”

  Kodi looks pissed off at first, but then he gets a familiar look in his eyes. I shake my head. “Please don’t scare the shit out of my other guards.”


  “Why? It’s no fun if I don’t.” He laughs as he travels through the walls. I listen for manly screams before I realize that I won’t be able to hear them.

  “All right,” I tell Gilly, squaring my shoulders. My heart has finally resumed a normal rhythm. “What’s on the docket for the day? Exploring the upper levels? A lesson in diplomacy? Card catalog?”

  “Shifting.”

  My heart stops again, this time with fear and anxiety. Gilly’s serious gaze matches her firm expression.

  “So soon?” The words emerge as nothing more than a squeak.

  “Life will get busy very soon. Actions will need to be taken. We need you at your full strength. The memories don’t have to come all at once, but you will have to tackle the worst before you can find your beast. You need to shift before the library opens in two days. If you don’t, everyone will perceive it as a weakness.”

  I release a breath that stirs the hair on my face. “Two days,” I repeat. No time at all. Nervous apprehension sparks through me; my stomach turns with butterflies. Gilly pats my hand where it rests on my leg.

  “It will be easier than you think, child. Now, into the bath and then out of your room for something to eat.”

  I follow her instructions woodenly, my focus set on anything other than what I’m doing. I’m so worried about shifting that I’m surprised when I step out of my bedroom. I’d forgotten everything changed overnight. Kodi spoke the truth.

  The last apartment had been sparse in many ways, but the newly improved space is gorgeous. It’s still set up to serve whether I choose my crutches or my chair, but the heavy wooden table sits five and two comfortable couches surround a TV and gaming console in the corner. It surprises me that the library is providing an alternate source of entertainment, but I love playing the damn thing, and I hope one of the others will join me. None of the kids at the orphanage could beat me at any of the racing ones.

  The smell of rich coffee emanates from the kitchen, which hasn’t changed much except to accommodate more people at once. Bren sits at the table, a frown on his face as he reads the book in front of him. Kodi hovers in the corner, looking smug. I shoot him an accusatory glance.

  “What did you do?” I mouth at him, but he just shrugs and grins.

  Bren looks up and gives me a smile that melts all my insides, totally eliminating all thoughts of ghostly pranks, shifting, and memories. His pale eyes sparkle as he rises from the table and kisses my cheek as if it’s something he does every morning. His lips are warm and light, making my body shiver with pleasure. He still has that unidentifiable scent, something that can only be described as home and unpredictability, even though that’s the ultimate contradiction.

  “Did you sleep well?” he asks. I struggle to keep my balance because my knees are suddenly weak, and I can only nod in reply. He helps me into a seat at the table and brings me a cup of coffee. When I notice it’s lightened with cream, I shoot him a questioning glance. He shrugs and a tinge of color reddens his cheeks. “The ghost told me how you like it. What do you want for breakfast? There’s cereal, bagels…” He goes on, but I glance at where Kodi was, wondering how that exchange went. Did he tell all the guys my favorites? He’s disappeared. I miss him and dislike that he can escape any conversation at any moment. He never needs to worry about awkward exits.

  I return my attention to Bren. “I’m perfectly capable of getting my own breakfast,” I protest.

  “Of course you are, but I want to help.” His interest is so sincere, I have to comply. On my crutches, I will struggle to get a bowl of cereal together and carry it to the table, but I worry about putting him out. It’s just a different struggle.

  Somehow, he seems to read my mind. He bends nearer to me, his eyes capturing mine in their snare. “Don’t think of it as an imposition, little lioness. I’m going into the kitchen, and I’ll just grab what you tell me to.”

  “But you were reading,” I continue, ignoring the nickname that makes my chest heat. This is the worst part of being even slightly handicapped. People ignore me, or they try to do everything for me as if I can’t even tie my own shoes. Then there’s this - people genuinely wanting to help and never knowing if they’d still ask if I were one hundred percent capable. I remind myself of something the counselor I was required to see as part of living at the orphanage told me. Sometimes people help each other even when they’re perfectly capable. Even “normal” people have help.

  I clear my throat, fully aware that Bren is waiting patiently. I tell him what I want, and it takes him two seconds to grab cereal, a bowl, and milk. All in all, it’s a much shorter time for him than me sitting around protesting his help.

  “Thank you,” I respond honestly as I pour the sugary cereal into a bowl. I have a few guilty pleasures. Sweet cereal is one.

  Bren surprises me by sitting next to me and pouring a bowl for himself. He looks like an excited boy as the bright pebbles tumble from the box. “It’s so pretty,” he murmurs and I can’t help but giggle at his joy. He glances at me with a half-smile. “I wasn’t allowed to eat food like this,” he confesses.

  My eyes widen. “How old are you?” Damn my uncontrollable mouth. I can be so rude sometimes.

  “Twenty. And yes, that should mean that my food isn’t controlled like a five-year-old, but it doesn’t matter. Father told our housekeepers and cooks that processed food encourages hyperactivity of the mind.”

  I almost choke on my spoonful. “Does it?”

  He shrugs and takes a bite of the crunchy cereal. “Let’s find out.” His joy is so contagious, I can’t help but laugh.

  We’re still laughing and eating together when Garrett emerges from one of the rooms, grumbling to himself. His hair is wet; the t-shirt and jeans cling to his muscles like he threw them on while he was half damp. He glances at us, mutters something under his breath, and turns to the kitchen.

  “I hope there’s something besides junk to eat,” he grumbles a little louder.

  “He’s a bear in the morning,” Bren whispers to me in a conspiratorial voice.

  “Just in the morning?” I ask.

  “I heard that,” Garrett shoots the words over his shoulder as he pulls a large tub of something that looks like protein powder and a small blender from the cupboard. Then, he proceeds to pull a bag of leafy greens and a ripe banana from the fridge. After everything is assembled on the counter, he stands motionless and stares at it. “This is exactly what I would make at home.”

  “Welcome to a magical home!” Bren remarks with excitement. I thought it just catered to me, but that’s a selfish assumption. Honestly, the power of the library surprises me at every turn. “It’s fascinating, isn’t it?”

  Garrett continues to stare at the ingredients in front of him. “It almost seems like a trap,” he murmurs, but I can hear every word from his mouth. “Too good to be true?”

  He’s not asking me, but I can’t help but respond. “We’ve basically signed our lives over to the library,” I point out with a shrug. “Maybe this is her way of giving back?”

  “I’m also assuming it’s payment,” Bren adds.

  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.