Awakening Book One of the Trust Series(71)
Garrett banged his fist on Declan’s desk obviously annoyed at the truth of that comment. “All you care about is getting another one of your little soldiers in this fight against the Cine Tofa.”
The tension in the air was thick. Declan was tired of hearing Garrett under estimate Caitlyn. “That is not true. She’s not a fragile flower, Garrett. The sooner you get that through your head, the better. Caitlyn is a lot stronger than you have ever given her credit for. She learns faster than I ever did, ever will. I won’t deny that she will be an incredible asset to the Trust, but I have never once encouraged her, tried to persuade her to get involved beyond what she was comfortable with. She wants to take part. As her mentor, it’s my job to open her to all available options.”
“You would send her to her death if it meant helping your cause.”
Declan was tired of this. Declan stood up, bringing himself to full height, his palms flat, securely on the desk. “I would never hurt Caitlyn. Ever.”
Garrett snorted at that. Declan continued. “Garrett, you need to stop looking at her from the boyfriend perspective. Why do you think that Caitlyn accepted another mentor so readily? It’s true that I could naturally teach her more because of my abilities, but there were underlying reasons beyond that. You did not even try to push her, try to make her think outside the box. Our minds are a puzzle that none of us have even begun to understand. You taught her the definite, ‘You can do this, you can’t do that.’ But somewhere in Caitlyn’s newly transformed brain, she understood that she needed to be pushed, needed to question what was really possible. It’s not that I think I am necessarily stronger or more talented than others, but my mentor taught me to look beyond, don’t let others dictate what I think I am truly capable of. I am giving Caitlyn that gift. You did not want to because you were afraid that by doing so, she would grow beyond your abilities and then you could not protect her. Well, guess what? Caitlyn does not need anyone’s protection.”
His opponent was quiet for a moment. He knew the words he had spoken had stung. “You are giving her a God complex. You are as bad as some people in the Cine Tofa. She thinks she is invincible. She doesn’t realize that she needs to be cautious. I am not opposed to thinking outside the box, Declan, but there is something to be said about proceeding with caution. You have thrown that completely out the window with her.”
Declan knew his lips formed a tight line as they always did when he was upset or in deep thought. He thought that Caitlyn was not taught caution? Caitlyn was always taught caution! She was well aware of the responsibility that came with this life. “Again, you underestimate her. Caitlyn is very vigilant but she is also aware that sometimes things require calculated risks.”
“Caitlyn does not need calculated risks.”
“Caitlyn does not need a lover who is controlling either, but here you are, trying to pull the strings on a puppet that doesn’t need it or want it. I’m sure she would not be pleased that you are here, Garrett. Really, what is your intention here, what is your purpose? Because it seems like right now, you just want to have a pissing contest with someone who you deem to be a rival for her affections.” He decided to get to the heart of the matter. It’s what he suspected Garrett was really here for anyways. Garrett was worried that something was going on between the two of them. Blind fool. Did he not see how dedicated she was to him? He made that last comment hoping to confront Garrett straight on.
Garrett did not disappoint. His nostrils flared and he took a step towards Declan. Declan stepped out of the way keeping his abilities at bay. He did not want a fight. “Rival for her affections? It’s exactly what I thought. You spend more time with Caitlyn than I do. And when I am with her, Caitlyn is constantly talking about you, what a terrific mentor you are, and how amazing your talents are. You have her tucked neatly where you want her, waiting for her to come to your bed. You are a conniving bastard.”
Declan saw the fear that was underlying beneath all that hate that was in his eyes. He could see he was terrified that he would lose her. He immediately felt remorse for going about this the way he did instead of coming straight out and alleviating Garrett’s fears. Garrett was just a man in love. Declan could never fault him for that. Everything regarding his character he had known previously, and from his in depth conversations with Caitlyn, indicated that he was a good man. Declan took a deep breath. “It’s not like that at all. I am not looking for Caitlyn to be in my bed, Garrett. She is a good person, one of the best I have ever come to know. But trust me when I say that she is completely devoted to you. I won’t deny that Caitlyn and I share something special, but it is the natural bond between the mentor and the student. I have to trust her and she needs to trust me. I need to know her inside and out, and she needs to know me the same way in order for this to gain the most benefit. Surely, I would hope that you understand this from your experience with your mentor.”