Page 81 of Bargain with Fate
“I can manage with a cup of coffee.” Vale’s library was a bookworm’s dream. If I had to set foot on the mainland again, perusing those stacks would almost make the trip worthwhile.
Almost.
The Protectorof the Region’s headquarters was a gorgeous historic home that overlooked one of Savannah’s picturesque squares. It was the kind of place you stepped inside and felt immediately at home, despite the fact that it belonged to a demigod. In my experience, demigods and their ilk weren’t known for instilling warm and fuzzy feelings. Most of them were cold and indifferent to human suffering, which was why they treated mortals like fodder for their enjoyment. The world was their game board and people were the pieces. Humans’ perceived weakness was arguably the reason for the Old War of Attrition. The Fates and the gods decided that mortals were easier to control than the fae, so they sided with humans and forced the fae underground to the Sídhe, where most of their ancient race still resided—with occasional exceptions like the Coranians.
“First and foremost, I want to know how to kill them,” Vale said.
“Sounds like your father talking.”
He glowered at me. “It’s not for bloodlust, Maya. It’s for the safety of the territory. If they can’t be killed by weapons, then what are the options? There has to be something.”
I hated the idea of more violence. Once upon a time, it had been my way of life, but I’d escaped that world by the skin of myteeth. Tonight’s brawl brought up old, uncomfortable feelings I’d tried to suppress.
The scent of leather calmed my nervous system. Vale’s library was my favorite room in the house, not that I’d explored every nook and cranny. Bookshelves that went from floor to ceiling, a cozy fireplace, upholstered furniture, thick tomes filled with knowledge, and a hidden bar were only a few of the reasons I longed to lock myself inside and never return to real life. In an ideal world, I’d have a library of my own, where I could quite happily wile away the hours with my nose in a book.
This was not, however, an ideal world. Far from it, in fact.
I noticed Vale watching me closely. “Don’t worry. I won’t dog-ear a page or anything.”
“It isn’t that.”
I turned to give him my full attention. “Then what?”
“You look almost happy. I swear I saw your mouth start to turn up at the ends.”
My mouth automatically shifted into sour mode. Contrary, thy name is Maya.
“It wasn’t meant as an insult. I like that you’re enamored. I wasn’t sure you were capable of it.”
“I’m not here to be enamored. I’m here to research.” With exaggerated movements, I began to explore the books in the Celtic history section.
Vale seemed to recognize that he’d hit a nerve and scanned books at the opposite end of the room. It wasn’t that I was offended; I didn’t mind being identified as a book nerd. It was the reason for my rapt appreciation that bothered me. The lack of a formal education beyond elementary school. I’d developed a love of reading early on, and that was ripped away after my father died, along with the rest of my childhood. During my time on the road, I’d pick up books wherever I went. The Fates called me “skoulíki,” which was Greek for “worm.” Bookworm. Oneof their preferred punishments was burning whichever book I happened to be reading when I displeased them. They were Cinderella’s stepmother on steroids.
“Anything?” Vale asked.
“Not since the last time you asked me, five minutes ago.” I shut another book. “I’m beginning to think you don’t have the type of reference materials we need.”
“I’ve been advised the fae weren’t of interest to my brother.”
“Then your brother was a fool. The fae should always be of interest.” The Fates never took their finger off the pulse of fae movements, not since the end of the Old War.
“They haven’t bothered this area in centuries,” Vale continued to argue. “He had no reason to worry.”
“They’ve been biding their time. Gathering strength.”
“You sound like you know them well. Are you sure we need books?”
“I told you; I don’t have direct experience with Coranians.”
“We could try the public library.”
I frowned at him. “First the internet, now the public library. Vale, you disappoint me.” An idea bloomed. “I can try Stella’s library. I’ll take a look and report back to you if I learn anything.”
“Wait. You can insert yourself into my project, but I can’t insert myself into yours?”
“Sounds like a personal problem.”
He ignored the joke. “Stella already showed you her books were mostly leather-bound romance books. Maybe Harriet can help us.”
