As I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, I saw it wasn’t even midnight yet.
“I’m going to call—”
Zotera’s hand closed over mine. “Trust Father. He will keep you safe.”
Another boom shook the house.
“I know he will. I was just thinking he might be able to use a little help.”
She gently pried the phone out of my hand. “Let’s go watch some TV so you don’t distract Father.”
I frowned a little but followed her from the bedroom. Would Megan really have been a distraction instead of a help? Doubtful. Otherwise, Hades wouldn’t have sent her after Thanatos in the first place.
Zotera grabbed the remote and guided me toward the sofa. A cooking show turned on a second later.
“Why would Megan be a distraction?” I asked.
“She wouldn’t be,” Zotera said. “But considering the looks Oanen was giving her, she might be distracted if you call her now.”
“Oh. Right.” I stared absently at the cake on the screen. “But getting Megan to come over and help isn’t the distraction, then what is?”
Zotera looked at me blankly.
“You said we should watch TV so I don’t—”
Another boom and flash of light shook the house.
“So I don’t distract your father,” I said, purposely not using his name. “How would I distract him?”
“By worrying,” Zotera said, taking my hand. “He doesn’t like it when you worry or are afraid. Should I make this for your breakfast?”
Understanding that she was trying to distract me, I focused on the show and talked to her while waiting for the next boom. The neighbors had to be awake with all the noise. But no one came to knock on the door to complain. Not in Uttira.
So I pretended to calmly watch a cooking show as I periodically watched the time.
Before the hour ran out, Hades appeared in the living room. His bare red chest heaved with every angry inhale as he ran a black, claw-tipped hand through his hair. The horns gracing his head gleamed in the light cast from the television.
“Hey there, handsome,” I said, standing. “Looks like you could use a hug.”
“Say my name.”
I smiled slightly.
“I would like you to hug me before you leave me, Hades.”
He let out a great exhale and opened his arms. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close.
“Was it one person or two?” I asked.
“One.”
“You know Megan wouldn’t mind helping.”
“Zotera was right. She is with her mate now and would be distracted if we pulled her away.” He leaned in to kiss my forehead. “I will return soon.”
I dropped my now empty arms to my sides and went back to the couch.
“How had he known what I said to you? Could he hear it from outside?”
