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I glance over his shoulder, seeing Kyros and Adrian leading the others away, giving my father and me at least a bit of privacy. Unsurprisingly, Maximus just waits off to the side, propping himself against a marble wall, refusing to let me out of his sight. And I can’t help the slow grin that stretches across my lips.
“We’re going back to the manor for dinner if you want to come?” I ask hesitantly, pulling back to see his eyes, unsure if it’s the best idea, given how often he and Mateo are at each other’s throats. Yet, at the same time, I want my father to be a part of my life here. I want him to have dinner with my guys or my friends … you know, normal stuff—well, as normal as it can get having four mates.
“I can’t just now, I have to organize with the guardians and figure out what sort of mess we’ll have to deal with now.” He grimaces, and Helene’s words float back through my mind, that they already made arrangements for the last trial. I purse my lips, unsure what exactly that may entail or if we’ll have enough time to prepare now. “But you enjoy yourself, you deserve it after today.” He leans back, squeezing my shoulders lightly before his hands drop away.
“I’m proud of you, Olivia,” he says, eyes softening as he gazes down on me. The look only lasts a moment though, and he straightens a second later, as though just remembering we’re in public. He smooths his hands over his crisp suit to center himself and pulls on the mask of the leader of the light majors.
I nod in understanding, seeing now how he needs to pull on that mask of authority. Grateful that I get to see beneath that mask from time to time, to know that he loves me.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says in departure, nodding at Maximus in thanks before turning back to his waiting guardians, still standing at the ready.
Maximus gracefully lifts from the wall as I approach, wrapping an arm around my waist to draw me closer to him. A shiver of desire runs up my spine at his touch.
“You’re lucky you’re so strong and closed that portal in time,” Maximus grumbles darkly, his hand squeezing tightly around my waist as though he’s reassuring himself that I’m still here.
“I’m lucky? What would have happened if I hadn’t been?” I chuckle, looking up at him while I keep pace beside him.
He comes to an abrupt halt, turning me to face him. His emerald green eyes are hard as stones, holding no trace of amusement.
“You’re lucky because if he had taken you, I would have ripped the worlds apart to find you.”
A chill runs over my body and a pained shadow crosses his face for a moment before he quickly schools it. The honesty in those words fills me with dread because even though it would kill him to do it, I know he would. And I would do that same thing for him or any of my other mates.
A tremor runs through his body, his hand shaking against my back as his eyes haze over.
“Hey,” I say softly, reaching a hand up to caress his cheek, his body calming at the comforting touch. “I’m here, you don’t need to do anything, my big bad god of destruction.” I huff out a soft laugh, hoping my words will ease him further.
I inhale sharply as he crushes me to his chest, his muscular arms wrapping tightly against me. Relaxing into his embrace, I feel his heart beating against my skin, like a constant, steady force grounding me.
I reach up, cupping his face with both my hands now, tilting his head down to meet my gaze. I’m going to be that steady, calming force for him too. Because at this moment, it’s clear the two of us could either ignite the world together or be a solid foundation for one another, keeping our feet firmly planted in the here and now.
“Never,” I say sincerely, reminding him of the promise I made. And with that word alone, the last shred of anger dissipates, his face softening under my hand.
His mouth descends on mine, hungrily devouring me, relaying all his pain and relief into this one kiss. I melt into the touch, craving him just as much, craving the reassurance that he is safe too.
I reluctantly pull away, the move eliciting a growl at the loss of contact.
“There will be plenty of time for that later … maybe somewhere less public.” I huff out a breath of amusement at his reaction, taking great joy in the fact that I could evoke such a response.
He clears his throat, darting his gaze around the empty hallway as though he completely forgot we’re in a public place right now.
“I guess you’re right,” he says begrudgingly, one arm dropping away while the other slides down to the small of my back, resting there comfortably. A chill runs over my body at the loss of contact, craving his warm body pressed up against me again.
He leads me towards Adrian’s unused office, having seen the other’s file in before. Everyone is crowded in the small room. I’m not sure what I expected, but it definitely wasn’t for all of them to still be here, crammed into the tiny space. My gods take up most of it with their muscular frames, so with the addition of Maximus, there really isn’t much breathing room.
“Just wanted to make sure you were safe, angel,” Adrian chuckles, his gaze moving between Maximus and me with a knowing smirk. A grin slides across my lips, and my cheeks heat at his look, still finding myself wary on how they’ll act towards another showing affection towards me.
“Plus, it would be easier with two more gods that can dissipate,” Kyros adds, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. Through our lessons, I’ve learned that demigods can dissipate, it just takes more power and control than it does for a god. Meaning my friends will have to hone their abilities and practice a lot more in order to move through space like we can.
“I’ll go with Liv,” Domenic says excitedly, rushing forward.
“Oh no you won’t,” Mateo interrupts, lifting out an arm in front of him. Domenic reels back at the last minute, mere inches from being clotheslined by Mateo’s muscular arm. “You’ll go with me.” Mateo smirks, letting loose an amused chuckle. Yet I can see the disappointment pulling his eyes down, clearly upset that Domenic had stopped his momentum at the last moment.
Mateo clasps Domenic’s arm, air moving around them for a moment before Mateo dissipates them back to the manor—hopefully.
“Uhh … we should probably go after them.” I laugh nervously, reaching out to clasp Kali’s hand. Hopefully, Domenic will still be in one piece by the time we get there …
* * *
