“No, I think that’s everything for now. Felipe might have more ideas of how to expand our research, but that’s for another day,” Oliver said, returning the book of newspapers to the shelf. Following Gwen out of the archives with his notebook tucked under his arm, Oliver’s gaze slid over the darkened, locked tunnels that led to row upon row of evidence from decades and centuries past. Every time he entered or passed that part of the archives, he held his breath as if he feared he might wake some long forgotten spirit. The sensation of eyes boring into his back quickened Oliver’s pace.
“So did you ever find out what happened to that missing book?”
“Yes! You wouldn’t believe where, though. Someone managed to smuggle it out of the society, despite the spells on it, and tried to get it rebound. Luckily, the person they took it to was one of Mr. Turpin’s contacts, so as soon as she saw the book and the Paranormal Society’s mark, she took possession of it and reached out to him. She knows Turpin and Reynard do the majority of our repairs. She’s even sent a few to Reynard when she’s busy. He islividat having to restore the original binding and the other damage, and now, Turpin is considering different ways to bespell the rare books that don’t diminish with damage. No one is allowed to take anything rare or magical out of the library until the next step is decided.”
“Is there really a market for books like that? You said it was for a plantmancer.”
“Oh, people will buy anything. There are rich people all over the city, all over the country, who buy up rare and magical books just to have them. Some of them give theirdesiderata, you know, their shopping lists, to book hunters, who get a commission when they find the book and purchase it for them. Books like that one can be white whales worth a fortune. They’re ultra rare and very niche in terms of magic. Even if the person doesn’t have powers, they still own the book.”
“You own the book; you own the knowledge.”
“Exactly,” Gwen said, shutting and locking the archives’ massive doors behind them.
“It’s unethical.”
“Trust me, I know. At least if the book is here, anyone can come and read it. That’s why Turpin is such a pain about the special collections. Those are the books people are most likely to sell, even if they’re rarely used. Oh, just so you know, Turpin already warned us that we’re going to have to inventory the entire library in case this wasn’t the first book that was stolen.” Gwen groaned. “I’m not looking forward to having no life for as long as that takes. I want to get back to my research and our regularly scheduled coffee breaks.”
“I’m sure your vampires will wait for you, but if you need a hand with the inventory, I would be happy to help.”
“You are good at streamlining tedious tasks.” She flashed him a wide smile as she headed for the elevator. “I’ll let Turpin know. I’m sure he would welcome the help, especially from you. Tell Felipe I said, hello.”
“Tell your sister the same. Good night, Gwen.”
Waiting for the elevator to safely descend to the ground floor, Oliver stood in the empty hall and silently counted until he heard the ding in the foyer below. Only when he knew Gwen was safe did Oliver take the stairs down to the basement. He reached across the tether as he neared the lab to see if Felipe was awake. He had expected to find him dozing or reading, but he hadn’t expected to receive a stir of anticipation, sharp as a spark. Swallowing hard, Oliver quickened his pace.
Chapter Fifteen
Old Wounds
Unlocking the laboratorydoor, Oliver carefully picked across the room and through the closet in near blackness. At first, he wondered if what he felt through the tether was actually from Felipe or if he had imagined it, but when he came into his bedroom and found Felipe waiting for him with his shirt half open and his eyes glinting in the darkness, he knew it was real. The tether tightened around his heart in an iron grip as he quickly kicked off his shoes and set his notebook on the desk. He had barely touched his tie when Felipe’s hand slipped around his waist and his lips pressed against his shoulder and up his neck. Biting back a moan, Oliver’s hand slowed even as Felipe’s fingers found the buttons of his jacket and waistcoat.
“I missed you when I woke up,” Felipe whispered, his breath hot against Oliver’s ear as his hand slid across the other man’s stomach and side.
“I left— a note.” Forcing himself to turn toward Felipe, Oliver’s breath caught at the heat in his partner’s gaze. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”
“Long enough to decide what I wanted to do when you got back.”
