“She does have that effect on people,” Apollo chuckled, giving Cade a sympathetic pat.
Cade sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not that, Artemis. It’s just…this is pack business.”
Geri reached over and placed a hand on her brother’s arm. “Cade, please. This will help me feel better knowing you have someone else to help you.”
Cade exchanged a look with Xavier, who shrugged. He took a deep breath and turned back to Artemis. “Alright. Let’s work together on this.”
Artemis smiled. “Thank you, Cade. And Geri, we’ll get to the bottom of this, I promise.”
Apollo gave Cade an appreciative nod. “Artemis will be a valuable asset.”
Cade managed a small smile.
“Oh,” Artemis said, rubbing her hands together. “I love a good hunt.”
Geri nodded, still worried but feeling more at ease. “Okay. I trust you both. Just…be careful.”
“We will.” Cade gave her a reassuring smile. “Go and start your new life, Geri. We’ve got this.”
Apollo stood and stretched, offering his hand to Geri with a grin. “Come on, let’s go get a drink.”
As she slipped her fingers into his, Geri glanced back at her brother. Cade was scowling at Artemis from across the table, his jaw tight. She sighed inwardly, hoping—maybe foolishly—that things would work out.
Chapter Five
Geri
The wolf padded silently across the sun-drenched grounds of Apollo’s home in Olympus, its sharp eyes scanning every detail. Ornate columns rose like trees in the distance, and marble pathways gleamed under the golden light. Immaculate gardens lined the walkways, bursting with radiant flowers in impossible hues. It was beautiful—but not wild. Not home.
It’s big,the wolf grumbled.But it’s not Alaska.
You’re the one who chose him as our mate,Geri’s voice echoed in its mind, teasing. Amusement colored her tone.Don’t blame me now.
The wolf huffed in response, and Geri snickered.
"Hello, wolfie," came the overly cheery voice that made the wolf's ears flatten.
It turned slowly, already bristling at the nickname.
The Sun God stood casually, hands in his pockets, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. The wolf huffed again.What is withthose stupid nicknames?it grumbled to Geri, who only laughed harder.
Apollo held up his hands. “Can I talk to my mate?”
The wolf promptly ignored him and resumed its pacing.
“Okay, come on—it can’t bethatbad here.”
The wolf turned, fixing him with a glare so pointed that he blinked in surprise.
“Whoa. That’s the same look Geri gives me when she’s annoyed.”
Another huff. This time, the wolf’s tail gave a slight twitch.
“Alright, alright,” he said, backing up slightly with a chuckle. “How about a run? There are woods here in Olympus, you know.”
The wolf didn’t move.
He sighed. “Okay, I’m going to have to touch you to teleport you there. Don’t bite me.”
