“To be fair, it’s not about the gas station but the old ladies that seem to haunt every gas station we stop at.” I tilt my head back.
“Old ladies…”
“It’s probably best if you don’t know. I don’t want to invoke them and traumatize the boys further.” I giggle.
“She never beats you with a stick,” Greyson grumbles.
“I think I do a fine job of getting injured all on my own without Aggie’s help, don’t you?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“That’s fair.” Greyson nods.
“This is where you leave me.” Randall pulls the SUV over next to a building with a watch tower.
“Thank you, Randall.” I hold out a hand for him to shake.
“No, thank you. You did even more for my pack this time than I could have hoped for. I’ll have reinforcements to the academy as soon as possible.”
“Every little bit is much appreciated.”
“Absolutely.” He nods and jogs into the building.
“All right, let’s go get a beatdown by the fates.” I chuckle.
“What do you think they’ll tell us this time? Because we are almost certain to see them unless they’re busy watching the civil war happening in Olympus.” Raven hops in the front seat.
“I don’t know. Maybe they’re done with me because we’re so close to the end.” I shrug.
“I doubt that. Plus, there’s the shifter war that you know you’re going to involve yourself in.” Raven points at me from the front seat.
“Like you won’t?” I shove her shoulder. “A child of Ares is always up for a fight.”
“My mate is a shifter, Beth. Of course I’m going to be there to help.” Raven leans back in her seat.
“And you all expect me to just sit this one out,” I huff. “Not happening. If I’m needed, I will be there.”
“Then we will try not to need you.” Greyson pulls away from the building.
“I think you have earned a break.” Raven raises a brow at me. “You nearly killed yourself earlier to stop a giant.”
“We’ll see.” I shake my head as my stomach rumbles again.
“We’re headed to the nearest gas station. We need gas and more snacks.” Greyson adjusts his grip on the steering wheel.
“Don’t go out of the way to find one. We can probably get at least into Wyoming before it becomes a problem, right? We’ve delayed too much already.”
“Yeah, we’re at about half a tank. I think we can get another hundred miles out of it before it becomes a problem.” Greyson nods.
We travel north in silence. I lean my head against the window, watching the scenery flash by. There are less cars dead on the side of the road, but the reports only become more dire.
Elevators all over New York City have stopped working altogether. There are reports of people being stuck for twelve hours or more and evacuation crews are spread thin to help them in a timely manner. The department of public safety has issued a warning to all citizens. If you can avoid elevators, you should use the stairs instead.
It’s not just New York City. This is happening everywhere. It’s just more concentrated in large cities with tall buildings where elevators are necessary, the radio host cautions.
“Elevators are breaking down now? People are trapped. Shit.” I point out the window. “Look, there’s a gas station.”
“It looks deserted,” Draven says with a relieved sigh.
“I wouldn’t get my hopes up.” I unbuckle my seat belt as Greyson pulls in next to a gas pump.
