“That’s true.” I nod and take a seat.
Kira comes over and sits across from me with Draven and Dax. Adrian and Thad whisper to each other as they follow. It’s an ending to what we’ve all been going through with the queen and her minions but also a new beginning. They are going to be taking off on their own adventures soon and leaving us behind. It’s bittersweet.
Hermes pops in next to me, leaning his elbows on the table. “You did good, little sister.”
“Not really but thank you.” I shake my head, still guilty for not making the right choice.
“I want to argue with you, but I have a feeling it won’t do any good and I’m not really here for you anyway.” Hermes grins.
All conversation at the table dies as everyone notices our new arrival sitting next to me.
“Who are you here for?” I ask.
“Them. I have a message from Olly. He’s in Virginia near your old pack. Now that the queen is gone, it’s time for you all to find him and be reunited.” He raises a brow at Kira.
Kira gulps. “My family’s pack? Why would he be there?”
“Maybe it’s time for you to reunite with them as well?” Hermes says and disappears.
“No rest for the wicked, right?” Kira rubs her forehead. “I guess the shifter war is escalating faster than we thought.”
“You’re right.” Raven jogs up to the table. “The wolves just left. Randall is dead and Derek took over his pack. The war is coming faster than anyone realized.”
30
One month later
“I hopeKira and the guys are okay,” I sit back in my chair next to the cozy fire, staring out the window at the snowy landscape.
Raven pats my shoulder as she passes. “They’ll be fine, B. You gave Kira the shell to call whenever she needs us, and Adrian called last week to give us updates. She’s not calling unless there is no other possible option.”
Strong arms lift me up from the chair and Jayden sits with me positioned on his lap. “We’re on vacation, love. A much-needed one after the last year. You need to enjoy it. Stop worrying about what’s happening with the others. They all want you to rest and have some relaxation.”
“You’re right. It’s weird having so much time off and nothing really to do with it, though.” I shake my head.
“It’s only for another week and then the new term at the academy starts. Are you excited about the new position you’ll have there?” Jayden asks.
“Excited?” I ask. “No, I’m terrified. Who am I to teach demigods how to fight and use their magic?”
“I mean, we did save everyone and taught everyone at the academy discipline and how to fight for the war,” Raven says.
Chiron decided to stay at the academy and act as headmaster after the war and asked us to all return as instructors and staff for the new students. We weren’t sure at first if that’s what we wanted to do, but Adrian called last week and told us that we should stay close to the academy. Their own war is heating up and the wolves might need us before the end.
We agreed to Chiron’s request and Jayden, as the new recruiter, has been working to locate demigods and offer them a place at the academy. That’s why we’re vacationing in the Swiss Alps. There was some Greek monster activity recently and we need to find the demigod in question and offer them a safe place to learn about themselves and train.
“Any luck finding the kid the monsters have been sensing?” I ask Jayden.
“Nah. Greyson thought he smelled something, but when we tracked it, we lost the trail. They are really good at hiding which makes me wonder if they are super powerful.” Jayden’s arms tighten around me.
“Adrian would be able to point us in the right direction if he were here.” I lean my head back against his chest.
“Adrian is off living his own story now instead of coming along with us. He’ll be okay, plus he had that look before he left.” Jayden chuckles.
“Yeah, I think he and Thad are both about to have a big surprise.” Raven plants her feet in front of me. “Don’t we have plans tonight anyway? The new kid can wait.”
“Plans?” I ask. “What kind of plans?”
“The surprise kind of plans.” Jayden stands up with me still in his arms and carries us out of the villa.
