I stepped toward him, beyond thinking, and he pushed me back again. And again. Pain tore through me. Physical? Emotional? I didnt know. Youd kill her?
I wouldnt want to. The blue of his eyes glowed. And thats why Im doing everything to avoid that. Putting her on the Elixir gives us time, Aiden. And we need time. I need time, because I have six family members ready to rip into the mortal world. I cannot be here, waiting for Alex to manage an escape or for Seth to figure out a way to connect with her.
No one is asking you to be here, Apollo. I have it covered.
He shot me a dubious look. Youre not getting it. The gods know they cant kill her, but that doesnt mean that will stop them from trying. And while they might not be able to kill her, they will harm her.
Leaning against the wall, I pressed the heels of my hands against my temples. All I wanted was to go down there, get Alex, and take her far away from all of this. Youre asking too much.
Apollo sighed. You need to take a step back from this, Aiden. Look at this from the perspective of a Sentinelhow you were trained.
I lifted my head, pinning him with a dark look. Youre asking me to be objective now?
He barked a short laugh. Yes, I know Im not the most objective god, but you have a job to do, Aiden. A job to protect mankindand to protect the Hematoi. That is your duty. And you know what the right thing to do is.
So I need to choose between my duty as a Sentinel and my duty as a man? To Alex?
Yes and no. You need to choose both. Apollo leaned against the other wall, still towering over me, and I was a good six and a half feet. Marcus is right. Apollyon or not, she cant last much longer like this. Not eating? Not sleeping? Has she even been drinking water?
I closed my eyes. Twice. She drank water twice when she thought I wasnt watching.
He cursed under his breath. She needs to rest. She needs a break from this, Aiden. And we need time to find a way to end this.
Or whatyou will kill her?
Apollo didnt answer.
Gods. I listened to the feet of Sentinels on the floors above for a few moments. Who knows about what you can do?
Only my sister Artemis and possibly Zeusif hes been paying attention, which is up in the air, he said. I have gotten the six to agree that if we put Alex on the Elixir they will back down. Its not just about her, Aiden. Its about millions of people.
I nodded, pushing off the wall, pulling myself back together. Duty and love had never really mixed well before, but thered always been an in-between. I need time.
Aiden, we dont have time.
Im not asking for days. Im just asking for tonight. I started toward the basement door and paused. I need to try one more time.
I cant fault you for that. He grinned. Ill give you tonight. Then Ill be back tomorrow morning.
Nodding again, I opened the door. Apollo was gone when I glanced over my shoulder, and I was alone. Alone with a decision I knew I could never live with if I made it.
Alex was lying on the mattress, curled on her side, back to the door. She didnt start demanding that I let her out or start cussing me like shed done the last three days or so. She didnt even acknowledge I was there.
Maybe she was sleeping, but my heart rate picked up as I reached into my pocket, pulling out one of the three keys to the door. Alex?
Nothing. Not even a flicker of a muscle.
Hopefully, she was sleeping, but my hands shook as I turned the lock and slipped inside, quickly closing and locking the door behind me. I called her name again as I slid the
key back into my pocket. There was no answer, and by now, Alex wouldve been all over me like a daimon after aether.
Something was wrong.
I rushed to her side and knelt on the edge of the mattress. A mess of hair hid her face. Pulse pounding, I placed my hand on her still shoulder. Alex, are
Flipping onto her back, she slammed her bare feet into my stomach. Air rushed out of my lungs in a grunt. I fell back, catching myself as she popped up on her feet.
Dammit . I shouldve known she was like a daimon playing possum.
With a near-feral sound, she came down on me, knees first. I flipped to the side, and I couldve taken out her legs, but hurting her wasnt something I would do. Hitting the floor beside me, she threw her leg over mine, locking it between her thighs.
My brows shot up. What are you doing?
Shut up, she hissed, grabbing my hand closest to her.
Really, if you wanted to hold my hand and snuggle, all you had to do was ask.
Anger flushed her cheeks as she rolled on top of me, straddling my legs. Silent and scowling, she went for my pocket.
I grabbed her wrist. Geez, Alex, normally Id love you being all grabby, but knock it off.
She sneered as she tried to pull her arm free. Didnt know you were such a pervert.
Smiling tightly, I twisted my other arm free and caught her hand when she tried to slam it into my throat. You know exactly what I am.
Dont remind me. Using her weight and what strength she still had, she tore herself free. Scrambling to her feet, she balled her hands into fists. Let me out of here, Aiden.