Taking the new book back to my chair, I opened the thin volume to the first page and started reading about harpies.
When I felt a cool breeze on my neck along with a mild tingle of annoyance that shivered over my skin, I remained focused on the book. When a heavy hand knocked on the door moments later, I ignored that, too. I wasn’t in the mood to acknowledge Adira or face Oanen.
The breeze vanished, and the knocking stopped.
I glanced at the high window above the shelves. Plenty of daylight still remained. That meant it was lunchtime. Although my stomach voted for food, I voted for more seclusion. I needed time to just be me. Time to calm down so when I saw Oanen next, I wouldn’t melt the rest of his hair.
Focusing on the book once more, I spent the next hour reading.
“Yet another race screwed over by the gods,” I said, taking my hand from the book.
I stood with a stretch and grabbed the next one as I glanced at the window. Lunch would be over by now, and the next session in progress. I decided to stay another hour then bail.
My intentions flew from my mind when I opened the book and read the first line.
Like most creatures of the gods, griffins do not reveal the secrets of their existence lightly. The information contained within these pages has been documented at great personal risk. Make no mistake; if any griffin finds this book, any person known to have read these pages will be brought before the Council to have their memories wiped. Read on at your own peril.
James Whitenmore ~ 1927
Since Adira knew what was in the library, I knew I’d suffer little peril. However, as I turned the page and began reading again, I did wonder what had happened to the author since the book now resided here.
Griffins were created for a single purpose: to guard and protect humanity against those creatures who would destroy us humans. However, there are not many griffins in existence. Their low population is perhaps due to all griffins being male. Based on my research, they are able to compatibly mate with any race. However, they only produce one male offspring with their chosen life-mate. Offspring are typically conceived not long after the bonding flight, the first flight for both the griffin and his life-mate, which they take together. A bonded pair…
I turned the page, eager for more, and found a blank sheet. Close to the spine, I spotted the jagged remnants of missing pages.
“Come on! Isn’t censorship against the constitution?”
Releasing the book, I let it fly back to the shelf. I’d discovered enough to know I wanted to leave before the next session break.
I quietly left the library, collecting my things from the basket in the hall before scurrying down the empty corridors.
Outside, I went to where I’d parked my smashed car and found an empty spot.
“Smashing and now stealing?” I mumbled.
I lifted my phone, ready to message Fenris for another sniff-check, and found several missed texts from three of my four contacts. I read Eliana’s first.
I told Oanen you know. Please don’t hate me forever. He made me promise weeks ago. Please call me soon.
My stomach twisted with anxiety. Yet, I knew that Oanen knowing that I knew about the whole mate thing was probably for the best.
Closing her message, I opened the one from Oanen.
Saw your windshield and had someone pick up the car to fix it. I’ll give you a ride home. We need to talk.
I growled and set off at a jog through the trees. Yes, we obviously had to talk. I just needed to postpone it for a while and give him more time to heal because I didn’t trust myself to stay in control during that discussion.
More than twenty minutes later, I sat down on my kitchen chair with a relieved sigh and opened Fenris’ message.
I know who it is. He won’t bother you again.
The fury in me wanted to demand a name. I went for a brownie to shut her up.
For the next several minutes, I relaxed and composed a carefully worded text to Oanen so he wouldn’t come looking for me when the final session ended.
No longer need a ride. Don’t call me. I’ll call you.
I hit send and leaned back into the couch.
“That wasn’t so bad.”
My phone immediately started ringing.
“Crap.” I didn’t touch the thing until the call went to voicemail.
A new text came through from Oanen.
I’m coming over.
The air around me started to smell like an overheated dryer. I quickly stood from the couch and sent him a reply.
Back off, fly-boy, or I’ll rip your wings off.
I stared at the phone. Just when I thought Oanen wouldn’t respond, a new message came through.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
“So how long exactly do you plan to avoid him?” Eliana asked.
I propped the phone up with my shoulder and turned off the TV.
“It’s only been an hour since I texted him. I wouldn’t call that avoidance.”
“You threatened to rip his wings off.”
“He threatened to come over.”
“That wasn’t a threat,” she said. “He’s worried about you.”
“Well, I’m worried about me, too. I almost toasted my couch.”
“Seriously. It’s only going to get more awkward. Just talk to him.”
I stared at the dark TV screen. There was no denying how much I wanted to talk to Oanen. My insides went hot just at the idea of seeing him, of being near him. I wanted it so much. And that worried me.
“I can’t,” I admitted. “Not until his face is healed.”
“You don’t have to talk to him in person, you know. You do have a phone.”
There was something about her tone and her persistence that gave her away, and I sighed in understanding.
“He’s standing right there, isn’t he?” I asked.
“He is,” she said, sounding only a smidge guilty.
The phone became muffled as it switched hands, and my chest tightened in anticipation. How pathetic was I? I’d burnt Oanen so badly he was still sporting scabs, and guilt ate at my insides every time I pictured his face. Yet, I couldn’t wait to talk to him or see him. Why couldn’t I stop wanting him so much?
“I just need to know you’re all right.”
The low sound of his voice broke me as much as his words.
“I’m not,” I admitted softly. “I don’t know what to think, and what I feel is all over the place. I feel crazy and out of control. Why didn’t you tell me that helping me off the roof would bond us? What if I don’t want to be bonded? I’m not even sure I am ready for dating.”
The one thing I did feel certain about was that I’d trapped Oanen into a relationship just like Aubrey had tried trapping Fenris. I angrily wiped away the moisture from my cheek, smearing blood across my fingers.
“Please don’t cry,” Oanen said. “The sound of your tears hurts more than any burn you could give me.”
“Well, they aren’t making me happy, either.”
“Let me come over.”
“No. Don’t. I just need some time.”
“You’re saying no with your words, but I can feel your pain. Your need for me.”
“You can feel me?” I said, freaking out even more. “There has to be a way to undo this, right?”
“This is why I didn’t want Eliana to say anything. There’s so much I need to tell you. Talking like this isn’t helping. Please let me come over. If not tonight, tomorrow. You won’t hurt me. I promise.”
“No. I need more time. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
I listened to his slow exhale, wishing he were right beside me instead of across town. I imagined his arms around me and another quiet tear fell.
“Don’t make me wait too long.”