Chapter 5
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I raised both hands, palms forward. “Why would Ineed protection? I’m just a librarian.” No one special.
Hugogazed at me for several seconds before he replied. “I don’t know the reasons why.”
Withall that happened tonight, my brain was on the verge of imploding. Each minute turned more surreal than the next, from unbelievable to even more unbelievable, most of which was centered on the gargoyle-come-to-life standing before me. Fear clashed with gratitude. The urge to bolt warred with the instinct to help him recover. Not only had he saved me from my assailant—which he described as a bewildering demon hybrid—but he was shot doing so. Yet, I didn’t see much of an injury, and he appeared relatively unharmed.
Ifthat hadn’t been shocking enough, this gargoyle, who apparently called himself Hugo, declared he was there to protect me. He’d taken a bullet for me. And then he’d transformed before my eyes. Gone was the hard, imposing form that appeared to be carved from stone. Now he appeared more human but with curved horns, slate-gray skin, magnificent wings, and a tail. When he’d first sprung from the stone pedestal, he’d looked so monstrous and intimidating, but now… I scanned his broad chest and chiseled abs, and my body warmed.
Whatwas wrong with me?
Ineeded more answers before my brain exploded. Taking a step backward, I asked, “Why are you protecting the library?”
“Adelaide hired us for protection. She knew traditional human technology wasn’t enough. Especially with valuable items within that would be coveted by those in the magical community.”
“M-magical community?” I stammered.
“Yes. In addition to being an incredible investor and patron of the arts,” Hugo explained, “Adelaide was a witch.”
Whoa. I’d never heard her referred to as a witch.
“She was gifted with the elements and able to work with the earth’s energy.” He nodded to himself. “Quite brilliant in many ways.” His voice sounded wistful.
“I never met her,” I admitted with regret.
“I only did so a few times,” he replied. “And when we spoke, she told me that one of the most important aspects of her arrangement was that we not only protect the library and all in it, but we must also protect you.”
Mybrain whiplashed. “Why? I didn’t know her. She didn’t know me. I hadn’t even started working here when she died.”
Hugo’slips tightened before he shrugged. “ThatI don’t know. But it’s said she had the gift of foresight.”
Mybrows shot upward. “Meaning she could see the future?”