Page 82 of Lost

“Did you tell them that there was another?”

“Oh, for shit’s sake, no. Like I said, I’m tired of people being slaughtered by the Red Army,” Aphrodite said.

“But you are still telling Neferet about your visions,” Dragon said.

“I’m doing what I have to do to survive. Just like you.” Aphrodite paused and then had to ask, “Is Anastasia okay?”

“Yes. She is safe.”

“Tell her I’m glad.”

He kept staring at her before saying, “You could join us, you know. After what you did here today, we’d accept you.”

Aphrodite ignored the flutter of hope she felt.What would it be like to be part of something noble like the Resistance? To have friends? To not be so alone all the time?

But they wouldn’t want her. Not if they knew the truth.

“I’ll keep that in mind. And, um, thanks for the invite.”

He nodded with a grunt before turning away and getting back in the creek. He motioned for the line to get moving again, and Aphrodite watched them disappear as the water curved to the right. Then she brushed dirt and leaves and Goddess only knew what off her butt and limped back up the bank and out into the hayfield.

Stark and Kevin were standing in front of the lead Hummer. The rest had disappeared—presumably into the grove across the street.

With no hesitation Aphrodite marched up to Stark.

“I’m leaving.”

“Sorry. No. This night’s just getting started,” Stark said.

“Oh, you misunderstand me. I didn’t ask your permission. I don’tneedyour permission. I am a priestess and a Prophetess of Nyx. Our society is still matriarchal, correct?”

Stark looked surprised at the question. “Yes, of course it is.”

“Exactly. So, I outrank you. Actually, I outrankall of youexcept for Neferet. So let me repeat. I’m leaving. Oh, and this stinky kid is going to drive me home. I am feeling the Xanax and booze—best I don’t drive.”

“Look, Aphrodite, Neferet said you are supposed to—” Stark began, but Aphrodite shut him up with one abrupt gesture.

“I know exactly what Neferet said. I was supposed to join you on this mission. I did. I was supposed to locate the correct field for you and your red creatures. I did that too. And now I’m done. I did not come here to camp. I did not come here to sit around and ‘Kumbaya’ with a bunch of soldiers.And I just broke a boot that cost almost two thousand dollars trekking around in nature.Goddess! I just can’t with this anymore. I’m leaving. And you, General Bow Boy, may go straight to hell.” She looked at Kevin. “Let’s go, Stinky.”

Kevin glanced at Stark. Stark ran a hand through his thick hair and sighed. Again. “Fine. Go. But I’ll let Neferet know that I advised you stay.”

“Whatever. Like you think Neferet would stay out here all night if there wasn’t any action?” She turned her back to them and went to the passenger’s side of the Hummer, where she waited, foot tapping manically, for Kevin to open the door for her, which he did before jogging around to get behind the wheel.

She let him maneuver out of the field and start down Lone Star Road before she spoke.

“Tell me everything. Now.”