“What?” I ask. “No, I didn’t get the chance. Their expectant stares weighed me down too much, and Dax threw a fit.”
“Apollo sent me to have girl talk with you and he may have let something slip. You and Jayden are the first mates in the history of demigods. You will feel it if he’s in real danger. To top that off, you’re like a supercharged demigoddess now. You can do anything.”
“So, you’re telling me to quit being a baby and throwing a pity party?” I raise a brow at her.
“Absolutely not. If you want to rage on the world, I’m here for the chaos. You know I’m always down for a bit of mayhem. If that’s what you really want, I’ll bring my lion and we can make it a party.” Artemis grins, bumping my shoulder with hers.
“The lion I took out a whole-ass zoo for you to take?” I raise a brow.
“The humans are searching for him until this day. He’s somewhat of an urban legend in Oklahoma City now.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I giggle and it feels good to laugh.
The weight of everyone’s expectations fades away for this small moment of levity before a war that will change the world.
“Well, he did escape during a blackout and has never been seen again. People think they’ve seen him stalking the woods sometimes.” Artemis shrugs.
“Do they really think that, or did you have something to do with it?” I raise a brow.
“Me? I have more important things to do than to terrorize humans.”
“Somehow I doubt that very much.” I lie back on the grass, staring up at the blue sky.
“In all seriousness, though, we both know what you will end up doing, so why are you letting it destroy you like that?” Artemis asks.
“Wow. You just go for the jugular, huh?”
“I am the huntress.” Artemis lies back beside me. “Answer the question.”
“I think I have PTSD,” I say.
“After what you’ve survived? Impossible. To be honest, if you didn’t, I would think you’re a robot. Even I have a bit of it and I’m not human.” She squeezes my arm.
“From what happened with Orion?” I ask.
“Yeah…”
“I can’t do that, Artemis. I can’t watch him die. He almost died once, and I said fuck everything else. If it comes to that again…” I stare at the fluffy clouds in the sky, blinking back tears.
“Fuck the world,” Artemis agrees. “I would too but just remember that you and Jayden are the first demigods to have an actual mate bond. It’s something I gifted to my wolves, and it’s worked for them. It will work for you and Jayden too.”
“Beth?” Jayden calls from the forest.
“Your love is looking for you. Spend the time you have together wisely because we both know what decision you will make.” Artemis disappears.
“Hey,” Jayden says, sitting in the spot she just vacated. “You okay?”
“No, but Artemis offered to help us run away.” I shoot him a watery smile.
“You know we can’t do that.” He sighs.
“I know, but the thought that someone offered it is nice.” I wipe away the tears.
“Do you want to know what I think?” Jayden asks.
“Always.”
“I think if there’s a possibility that we can limit the loss of life, then I should stay.” He grabs my hand.
