“I have two rules you don't break in my Library.”

“Don't disrespect my Library…and don't ever disrespect my people.” I glower at the man in front of me as he flinches.

“Anyone that has a problem with my Guard has a problem with me. Understood.”

I make sure to catch the eyes of every supe in the room as I make my point clear. I then turn to the spindly man one final time, my disdain and contempt for him etched across my darkened features, a warning in the glare I give him.

Addressing the entire group, I clear my throat and raise my voice.

“Before you arrived here and the communication artifacts were blown. I had just finished speaking to a member of the Council, Barius, who was aware of the attacks.” Murmurs and sighs ring out across the room.

“He had already sent out reinforcements, though there may have been delays due to the other attacks.”

Noises of relief and a calmness spread through most of the group, but some start to question my words; murmurs seeking more information become more vocal. Before the onslaught of questions about the when’s and whys, I place my hand in the air and shake my head.

“I have no new information yet. We have to trust they are on their way but not rely solely on them. We will protect the Library and everyone here. No one will get in and past me and my people.” At this, I look to Isaac and Mirin, both giving me a knowing nod.

I know I can’t completely convince them, but at least they can be slightly calmer knowing help will come and that we will do all we can here.

I look to the windows, the night stars shining in on us, telling us it’s late and time to rest. I turn to the chattering group before me.

“We have spare blankets in the storeroom. Unfortunately, we’ll have to make do with what’s here for the night.”

I look around the room and grimace. The majority of the chairs are writing tables with only a couple of comfortable spots by the arched windows to use for resting. But I didn’t feel comfortable allowing these unknown people into the rest of the building and my home. If the lanky ass was any indication, then not all these people were trustworthy or deserving of such faith.

I feel a light tug on my hand, pulling me from my thoughts, completely forgetting Jace by my side, his warm hand a soothing reassurance.

Isaac notices his hand on mine. His eyes widen and then furrow as they quickly flicker between Jace and me, giving me a questioning look. Mirin turns toward me as well, noticing Isaac's gaze, and I quickly release Jace’s hand before it draws her attention.

I didn’t need her jumping to her own assumptions and start asking questions about him, why we came here together, why he was touching me, or her jumping swiftly to sex questions and positions, loudly and in front of the whole Library.