Chapter 14
AsI sat at the reference desk, regrets seeped in. HadI overreacted by running away from him? Hearing him tell me I was his mate had signaled the start of my freakout, but learning that he’d been the one who’d rescued me from the fire, yet been unable to save my parents, triggered it fully. The connections between us were so significant, dating back decades. AlthoughHugo believed in mates, I wasn’t sure I did. Yet, now I started to wonder.
HadI made a mistake by fleeing from something that could be so magical? Something many go through their lives seeking, and yet, I’d turned on it?
AfterI locked the library, I headed over to the stacks where Hugo had showed me how to access Adelaide’s hidden space. I recalled him telling me which books to move. AsI pulled them out, anticipation rushed through my veins. Would it work?
Whenthe bookcase began to move, I let out a small squeal of joy and surprise. ThenI stepped into Adelaide’s hidden world. Books and magical components. My fingers cruised over the spines and then the baubles with mysterious contents within.
ThenI pulled out the book and sat on the burgundy velvet sofa. AfterI opened the book, I flipped through the sections. ShouldI try a simple spell? Why not?
Iscanned pages with shorter spells that didn’t require too many ingredients, and which I could understand the language. First, I’d try a basic protection spell. It required sage and salt and a circle. I followed instructions on clearing my mind and setting my intention, and then I burned the sage, drawing the unique-scenting smoke to the four corners of the attic space to represent the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. OnceI finished it, I nodded with satisfaction. Even the basic steps of following a procedure and breathing in the sage made me feel accomplished.
Thenext spell I tried was to move an object. Now this would be more complicated. WouldI really be able to move something? Might as well try. I centered myself, focusing on my inner energy, and then drew on it to move a book. When the book slid from one side of the table to the other, I squealed in bewilderment and delight.
Ipracticed several more basic spells in the book until my eyes grew tired. Perhaps that was enough for one day. WhenI picked up the grimoire to return it to the bookshelf, a cream-colored envelope fell out of it. It didn’t fall to the ground, though, but floated up toward my face. What on earth? I grabbed it from the air. How had I not seen that before? It seemed to move as if by—by magic.
AsI held it in my hand, letters in black cursive appeared faintly on the front of it. Then they darkened to read “Anya.”
Myname?
Howwould this envelope in a book out of place suddenly appear to float and have my name scrawled on it? Could it be enchanted to read the name of whoever found the envelope? Or was it specifically meant for me?
Onlyone way to find out.
Withtrembling fingers, I opened the envelope. AsI pulled a letter out, my palms were heated, sweating. The letter was written on parchment. Like the envelope, it was blank at first, but then handwritten letters began to appear in ink.
My dear Anya,
I’m sorry that it all had to be done in this way. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to have a close relationship as you grew up, but it was what I thought was best for your safety.
Ipaused and glanced around me. The sudden sensation of being watched left me wary.
Whenassured nothing was noticeably watching me or about to jump out, I returned to the letter.
You descend from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, soon after you were born, our family was targeted by nefarious beings who wanted to exploit our gifts for their personal gain.
Your parents were the first ones targeted. A dark sorcerer attempted to get to your mother. Your parents fought him spectacularly, but then he retaliated by burning your house.
She was able to hide you using her powers, getting word to me.
“They must be hidden,” she’d said before her death. “If he knows they’re still alive, he’ll come for them.”
Then she went silent. I knew she was gone. The only light in my overwhelming grief at my only child’s death was that my granddaughters had survived. I wanted to get you and care for you, but I knew what your mother said was right. The sorcerer would do whatever it took to find you and exploit you to do as they wished.
Ipaused and looked away from the letter. Granddaughters? Would the rest of the letter explain what she meant by that? I went back to the reading.
Your mother knew what was best. I had to let you go. I couldn’t lose you too.
I let the world believe that we all died in the fire—your parents, you, your sister, and me. And then I gave us new names, new identities. I shielded you with a charm that would block your abilities until your twenty-fifth birthday. By that time, you’d be better able to handle the truth of your background and make the decision as to what to do. I kept my distance to keep you safe, but kept watch over you from afar for all these years.
You’ve grown up to be a wonderful woman and made me so proud.
Ipaused to center myself. WhileI had been ripping through the letter so quickly, I could barely take in the astonishing things I’d been reading. I took some deep breaths and attempted to refocus.
Trust the gargoyles. I hired them for protection as they are the best at what they do.
What happens now is up to you. You can learn more about your abilities and develop your magic in this family grimoire.
Or you can close the cover and return to the life the way you’ve known it until now.
Just know that either way, I love you. Just as your parents loved you. AndI wish things could have been different, with us being able to live as a family, but the fates decided it wasn’t to be that way.
I’m incredibly proud of all that you have done.
I hope that one day you’ll understand why I had to keep my distance. I couldn’t bear losing you to the darkness. They already stole your mother from me. AndI would do anything in my power to keep you safe.
With all my love. Always.
Adelaide, nee Victoria
Wow.My hands trembled as I held the letter in them. I stared at a wall as I tried to process what I just read. After several minutes, I reread the letter, more slowly this time.
Adelaidewas my grandmother. And it sounded like I had a sister. Where was she? Nothing in the letter indicated who she was or where she might be.
Isat dumbfounded for several more minutes. ThenI forced myself to get up on wobbly legs. This was so much to deal with. I needed to get back to work and then maybe—maybe—I’d be able to start to untangle what I’d just read later this evening.
Afterhiding the letter back in the book, I curled up on the sofa. Tears pricked at my eyes, and I closed them. Still, they fell, rolling down my cheeks as I sobbed and sobbed.
* * *
My eyes opened with a jolt.I glanced around me, spotting the old books and table, and sat upright. I must have fallen asleep here in Adelaide’s space. OrVictoria. My grandmother.
Wow. It was a lot to take in. I exhaled and stood. What time was it? I glanced at the time. I only had about two hours before I had to open the library. That would give me just enough time to rush home, take a shower, and change out of the clothes I wore yesterday before getting back to the library.
OnceI’d done so and started my shift with an extra-large coffee, it was in a daze. Who could I talk to about what I’d learned? Anyone? It could be dangerous.
Isighed. Only one man. Or gargoyle, rather. I glanced at his statue. He was the only one who’d understand.
WheneverI remembered how Hugo had taken care of me, how considerate he was, how he looked at me with adoration and as if I were the most beautiful woman in the world, I questioned what I’d done.
Mate. I sighed. Instead of doing the rational thing and trying to better understand what that meant, I’d run away—just as I had when I’d first seen him shift from stone.
Perhapsit was time I stopped running and started acting brave. After all, he’d shown his courage countless times to protect me from harm. He’d taken a bullet for me. Entered a burning house to save me. I could learn from my courageous stone protector.
Wherewas he now?
Iglanced at the other gargoyles in the library. As far as I knew, these ones were simply stone. They didn’t have that bright, shining light within. But the ones mounted outside were part of Hugo’s clan. StoneSentries, he’d called them. MaybeI should go to the rooftop after dark and try to communicate with them.
Laterthat afternoon, a man walked up to my desk, interrupting my melancholic thoughts. He was strikingly attractive and maybe in his late forties. He had broad shoulders and long blond hair draping behind him.
“CanI help you?” I asked.
“Yes.” He smiled broadly. “I’m looking for books on the occult. Can you show me where to find them?”
Themuscles in my thighs tightened, a result of my unexpected discoveries as of late. I quickly scanned him before I replied, as if I could detect whether there was anything off about this request.
Hegazed at me with a friendly expression, one not at all menacing, as he patiently waited for me to respond.
Will you do your job and stop assessing patrons as a threat? I scolded myself. The last few days had left me anxious and on edge.
“Of course,” I replied with a small smile. “Follow me.”
AsI walked through the nonfiction stacks, I pointed to shelves that held our small collection of books on subjects that included astrology, modern magic, and supernatural mysteries around the world. “Here you are.”
Hebent forward and scanned the bindings. “Hmm.”
“Something wrong?” I asked.
Heturned to me with furrowed brows. “Is there another section where you’d store them?”
Theback of my neck prickled as I pictured the special collections. “Are you looking for something in particular?”
Hislips spread into a slow smile. “I heard of a special collection in this library. And since I’m a lover of books, I had to come and see for myself.” His eyes twinkled as he stared at me with a devilish gleam. “Do you happen to know where these books would be?”
Washe flirting? This handsome stranger intrigued me yet made me anxious. “If you’re referring to any of the books in the special collections, you’d have to put in a request.” I motioned to one of the computers available for patron access.
“Oh, too bad.” His voice lowered with disappointment. “I was hoping you’d show me now.” He fixed a steady gaze on me, one that left no doubt that he was coming on to me.
Somethingabout his vibe was off, and my skin prickled.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Once he put in the request, I’d have Robert handle it. I didn’t have it in me to deal with any odd patrons right now.
Thedevilish glint returned to his eye. “What time do you finish your shift tonight?”
Istraightened, taken aback by his question. “Why do you ask that?”
Hismouth spread wider into a suggestive smile. “BecauseI’d like to take you to dinner.”
Iblinked at him with surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Let’s go out to eat when you’re done here.” His brows raised slightly. “We can talk—books.” The way he said that word oozed with innuendo, one reinforced by his unabashed gaze raking down my body.
“Umm, I don’t go out to dinner with strangers,” I replied.
Hesmiled. “I’mCalix.”
Ipursed my lips. That didn’t change my response.
Whatwas going on? Was this handsome guy really asking me out in the book stacks? Although that was a book lover’s fantasy, this didn’t feel right. He was ridiculously attractive and way out of my league. Why would he be interested in me?
Iexhaled from heavy lungs, and my heart sagged. “I’m flattered, but no thank you,” I replied. The last thing I was interested in right now was a date, especially after I was still reeling from the aftermath of how things had developed and devolved so quickly with Hugo. With a gesture toward the books, I added, “Perhaps you’ll find something you like here. If not, please fill out the form requesting what you’d like.” ThenI turned to walk away.
“Oh, there’s something here I like all right,” he added, leaving no mistake about the innuendo.
Iturned over my shoulder. He still had that suggestive expression as his gaze cruised down my body. I narrowed my eyes and then pressed my lips together. How unusual. ThenI walked away from him and headed back to my desk.
Therest of my shift dragged on as my thoughts often circled back to Hugo. Where was he? Was he okay? Did he hate me now? Now that the shock of his admission about us being mates and the revelation about him saving my life had settled, I’d come around to wanting to explore our connection more. PerhapsI should try to find him so we could talk.
AfterI locked up the library, I walked over to Hugo’s statue. “Are you in there?” I asked.
Nothing. No movement. No sign of life.
“I found a letter. It was from Adelaide. She—she was my grandmother.” My voice trembled as I revealed that last part. I’d grown up without family. Her letter comforted me yet filled me with new loss. We could’ve had a relationship. We should have. ButI understand why she’d kept her distance—to keep me safe.
Justas Hugo had been attempted to do, but I blew it with him and ran away.
“AndI had a sister.” Where was she? Was she alive?
Ididn’t want to spend any more time in the library that day exploring and discovering anything else. My brain was ready to explode, and my heart was so heavy.
OnceI left the building, I strolled across the campus path, back toward the parking lot, my steps weighted with regret. Footsteps sounded behind me, and I jerked around. The blond man, Calix, from the stacks earlier, stepped out from the shadows.
Myhand flew to my chest. “Oh my god, you startled me.”
Hestepped closer. “The invitation for dinner still stands. Join me.” He extended his hand.
Inarrowed my gaze. Did he not accept my answer earlier? “No, I don’t go out with strangers. AndI’m afraid I have plans.”
Thefriendly gleam that had been in his eyes earlier was replaced by a harder one. He stepped forward and grabbed my wrist. “AndI’m afraid no is not an option.” He mimicked my tone and seethed with wrath.
“What are you doing? Let go of me!” I attempted to twist out of his grasp.
“Tell you what,” he said, tightening his grip and wrenching me toward him so that we were only an inch apart. “We’re going back into the library, and you’re going to bring me into the special collections area that I politely asked you about earlier. This time, I won’t be so kind. You’re not going to lie to me or play games.” His voice turned to pure ice.
“Ow, you’re hurting me,” I wailed. Tears stung my eyes.
Adark shadow passed overhead, edging out the illumination from the lampposts. We both turned to look up. Massive gray wings spread above us, blocking out the light of the moon. It was Hugo in full gargoyle form—awe-inspiring wings, carved muscles, curved horns, stone-gray skin, and massive tail. A piercing, deadly glint shined in his hard, silver-gray eyes.
Myheart jolted in relief. “Hugo,” I whispered.
“Let her go,” Hugo said in a steel-edged tone that seethed with fury as he descended toward us.
Calixshoved me away from him so hard I fell onto the ground with a painful thud, despite the cushion from the grass.
Hugohad come to protect me. My heart beamed with relief. Calix would surely run away in terror, possibly pissing himself as he did.
Butthat’s not what happened. Instead, he stared at Hugo and then chuckled—an eerie, humorless tone that made my skin prickle with anxiety. His body began to grow and reshape before my eyes. I gaped in shock as he shifted into a birdlike form. Gigantic wings unfurled from behind him, and then he ascended into the sky. Was he also a gargoyle?
Whenfire rippled along his wings, my throat clogged. What the unbelievable monsters from hell was he? He flew at Hugo.
Wingsof fire soared above me, the glow an unnatural brightness in the dark velvet sky. I stared in bewildered horror as this beast with fiery wings closed in on Hugo.
Fireburned. Fire destroyed. Fire eviscerated everything.
Mymouth fell open and I screamed. The creature shrieked an ear-piercing screech that drowned my voice, then raised a claw, and hurled a ball of fire at Hugo.