Chapter 34
Seth
Before I zapped Caleb back to the Underworld with a god bolt, I pulled Deacon aside while Josie sat with Luke and listened to Deacon regale them with tales of the Underworld, Nintendo edition.
He had the info that I needed.
The name of the warehouse was in fact an abandoned warehouse just outside Piney Woods. That was where Josie had been held, along with the other two, and it was most likely where I would find Hyperion.
Something told me that if he sensed me, he would come. He was a dumb motherfucker like that.
“What are you going to do?” Deacon asked as he glanced over at the group. “Do some scouting? Free the demigod?” He paused. “Call out Hyperion and kill him?”
I shrugged a shoulder.
Deacon tipped his head back. “You don’t have to tell me, because I’m sure I already know.”
“Is that so?”
He nodded. “I don’t blame you for it.”
I started to ask him what he wasn’t blaming me for, but I stopped as my gaze landed on him. Those silver eyes were far too observant. Sometimes I forgot just how tuned into things Deacon was. We all did.
“Just make sure you come back,” he said, looking away—looking at Josie. “She doesn’t deserve to be left again.”
“I know,” I said, following his gaze. “And I will come back.”
~
Kissing Josie on the cheek, I closed my eyes and forced myself out of the bed. It was a hard thing to do. The warmth of her bare skin against mine and the taste of her on my tongue was a lure that was hard to resist.
But I had to, because there was something I needed to take care of before she woke.
I changed quickly, leaving the daggers on the dresser. I would not need them. Not for this. Before I left, I allowed myself one more long look at her.
She was so beautiful to me.
Curled on her side with her hands snug under her cheek and her long hair sprayed out across the pillow, she looked like an angel to me. And she really was my own personal angel. I knew if she was awake and knew of my plan, she would advise me against it. Josie might even manage to sway me. After all, she was a calming presence when I wanted to Hulk-smash the world, but I didn’t need to be calm.
I was going to end Hyperion.
The world could call me selfish and reckless. I simply did not care. Whatever the consequences for taking out Hyperion would be worth it.
I wasn’t like Apollo. I wouldn’t sacrifice the only people I cared about to protect the many.
I was doing this for Josie.
I was doing this for our child.
Because I would not allow her to live one more day in fear of Hyperion and I sure as hell would not allow my child to grow inside her and to be born, forced to live with that kind of terror.
Exhaling slowly, I willed myself out in the hallway and immediately swallowed a groan.
Aiden stood outside the room he shared with Alex, arms crossed against his chest as he leaned against the wall. He was dressed as a Sentinel, daggers and all, and I knew he was ready.
Walking toward him, I glanced over my shoulder, and then my gaze settled on him. He opened his mouth. “No,” I said.
His eyes narrowed.
“You’re not going with me.”
Unfolding his arms, he pushed off the wall. “You’re going to that warehouse and I’m going—”
“To make sure I play well with others?” I cut him off. “I’m going to find the guy named Mitchell.”
“Yeah. Like you really give two shits about that guy,” he said, and well, I really couldn’t argue that. Aiden squared off with me. “You’re going because you hope it’ll draw out Hyperion.”
I raised my brows.
Aiden seemed to take a deep breath. “Either we got lucky with Perses, or we just don’t know what that fallout is, but Hyperion is one of the first twelve Titans. There is no way that taking him out isn’t going to do something really bad.”
“I feel like we’ve already had this conversation,” I mused.
His eyes turned quicksilver. “Hyperion is the god of wisdom—”
I snorted.
Aiden was undaunted. “He is the god of wisdom, watchfulness and light. Now the first two things probably aren’t going to be a big deal, but the light part? I’m guessing his death will have some impact on that.”
Staring at him, I worked a kink out of my neck. “So, I’m guessing you want to hear me say I care, but I’m also guessing you already know that I don’t. So, can we please end this conversation? I’ve got shit to do.”
“I know you don’t care,” he replied, voice flat.
“Look, I get that you’re about saving the world and shit, but we already had this conversation. You and I both know that if Hyperion did that shit to Alex, you’d be gunning for his ass. Just because those shoes aren’t on your feet right now, don’t think for a second I don’t know what you’d be doing.”