“SayCh-ar-on. Now.”
“Charon.” I swallowed thickly. “Sorry, sir.”
He inhaled sharply.
His Chthonic eyes filmed over with blood.
A streak of white-hotsomethingexploded in my lower stomach. The sensation was powerful and foreign, like it hadn’t come from me.
I panted, squinting up at him with confusion.
He released me like I’d scalded him and took a step back. Dragging his tattooed fingers roughly through his messy hair as his eyes returned to normal.
For a long moment, we both breathed heavily.
A strange tension unfolded between us. It was charged. Volatile.Terrifying.
“Don’t forget what I told you before.” His voice was gravelly and had a menacing undertone. “Stop lying. Let harm befall you, and I’ll make your life so miserable that you’ll prayto Kronos for death.”
Too late. I’m already doing that.
Shaking my head, I took a deep steadying breath.
I will not be gaslit by a man with a skeleton tattoo. I’m better than this. I didn’t try to get hurt.
“But,” he said slowly, “you did beat those boys to a bloody pulp. I’m almost... proud, carissima. But don’t you dare fucking do it again. Remember—I’ll be watching you.”
Before I could respond (start crying), he stalked out of the kitchen.
I was alone.
His cold mocking energy still lingered insidiously.
Please don’t be proud. Please don’t watch me. Actually, never look at me ever again. Also please don’t call me “dearest” in Latin. Thanks.
Once again, the infamous son of Artemis and Erebus had left me reeling at the kitchen table.
“Bye, Karen,” I whispered spitefully.
The strange sensations in my stomach slowly dissipated. I slumped over with relief. The moonlight and sea breeze felt softer, less insidious.
“Holy crud,” Nyx hissed against my right ear. “Wow—talk about a real mate. I haven’t felt that type ofenergyaround a man in ages. Although, Augustus does have similar protective instincts. They’re good men Alexis.”
I choked.
Were the good men in the room with us?
“Uh, hard no. He’s a literal psychopath,” I said in disbelief.
“Exactly,” Nyx hissed. “He’s driven and relentless—he’s not one of those sissy boys today who don’t even know how to kill.”
What a take.
“Whoever he loves—will be protected for the rest of their lives.”Nyx sighed like it was romantic. “He’d be... devoted... possessive—if you know what I mean.”
Laughter bubbled up my throat.
No, I did not know what she meant. At all. Head in hand, I chuckled uncontrollably at the thought of Kharon in love. He’d probably kill people, then gift his lover chopped-up body parts.
