A flicker of something unreadable passed over Aphrodite’s face. Then, her lips curled into a small, sly smile.“How industrious of him. He’s always liked keeping busy with his little projects.”
“Is he doing okay?” Geri leaned forward. “I mean, with everything going on?”
Artemis nodded. “He’s been helpful. Whatever else is going on, at least I can always count on him to be thorough when it comes to his work.”
Aphrodite let out a light chuckle, though Geri thought it sounded a bit forced. “Yes, thorough.” She lingered on the word as if it held secrets only she understood. After a moment, her expression softened. “Well, at least he’s staying out of trouble.”
Geri glanced between them, feeling awkward as the silent undercurrents swirled around her. “It seems like his inventions are impressive,” she offered, trying to keep things neutral. “Apollo told me about the time Hephaestus made a chariot for the sun, but it ended up with…mixed results.”
Aphrodite rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched into a genuine smile. “Yes, one of his less elegant endeavors. But he always means well.” Her eyes flicked back to Artemis with pointed interest. “And if he’s helping Cade, then he’s definitely doing something right.”
Geri sensed Aphrodite’s curiosity wasn’t just about Hephaestus. There was an edge to her questions, a glimmer of interest about Cade, too.
“So…this pack, Cade’s pack.” Aphrodite arched a finely shaped eyebrow. “You spent a lot of time there, didn’t you? After the wedding?”
“They’ve needed help with some issues lately,” Artemis said. “That’s all.”
Aphrodite’s piercing gaze lingered on Artemis. “Of course.” She took another sip of her drink, then turned her attention to Geri.
“You know,” Aphrodite swirled her espresso martini, watching the creamy foam settle back into the glass, “these martinis are quite the contradiction. An upper and a downer all in one. Mortals do love to keep things interesting, don’t they?”
Geri let out a laugh, grateful for the lighter turn in conversation. “Yeah, something to keep us unbalanced and on our toes. Always needing that extra bit of chaos, I guess.”
“So, Geri, what have you been up to lately?” Artemis said, “How’s life treating you here in Olympus?”
“I’ve been starting a garden, actually. It’s been nice to have something to keep me busy during the day. Something grounding, you know?” She paused, a flicker of memory crossing her face. “It reminds me of working in my plant shop back in New York. I like getting my hands in the soil and watching things grow. It’s something I can spend hours doing and not even notice the time pass.”
“And where’s my dear brother during all of this? Does he help out?”
“Oh, he tries, but he’s hopeless,” Geri snorted softly, a grin tugging at her lips. “He doesn’t quite understand the concept of patience when it comes to plants. I caught him singing to the seedlings last week, thinking it would make them grow faster.” She rolled her eyes, but a tenderness crept into her voice, and as she spoke of Apollo, she felt that familiar warmth of the bond unfurl in her chest.
Aphrodite leaned forward, pointing a manicured finger at her, her laughter rippling through the room. “Well, look at that. Your eyes are glowing, Geri. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a while.”
“They are glowing! Why is that?” Artemis asked.
Geri’s cheeks warmed, but she didn’t try to hide her pride. “Yes, they do. It’s a thing with our wolf pack. If our inner wolf approves of a love interest, if they feel like it’s a bond worthpursuing, our eyes start to glow. It’s like a sign that they’re happy with our choice, that they trust the bond.”
“That’s beautiful,” Artemis murmured, nodding slowly. Geri noticed the goddess’s eyes growing distant, as if her thoughts were far beyond the cozy room.
“It’s like having a little reassurance from within, you know?” Geri continued. “That what you’re feeling is real and right. It’s comforting, especially in a place like Olympus where so much is uncertain.”
Aphrodite lifted her glass, her smile gleaming. “Love is always something special, whether you’re a god, a mortal, or somewhere in between. It’s good to see it’s alive and well among you shifters, too.”
Artemis raised her glass as well, and Geri clinked hers to theirs, feeling the glow of companionship settle around them like soft starlight.
But even as they sipped their drinks, Geri couldn’t help noticing how Artemis drifted off into silence again, her gaze shadowed, and wondered what—or who—was lingering so persistently in the goddess’s mind.
Chapter Eight
Apollo
“How was girl’s night?” Apollo asked as Geri staggered into their bedroom. It had been a few hours since he left the ladies, and after he demolished his personal charcuterie board, he went upstairs to read in bed and wait for his mate.
“It was good. But I may have had too many espresso martinis.” She grabbed onto the nearest thing within her grasp—a decorative shelf next to the door. “Yeah, I think I had one or two over more than I needed.”
Apollo made a motion to stand. “Do you need help over there?”
“Me?Pshaw.” She waved him away and then stumbled over until she plopped at the foot of the bed, face up. “I’m not usually a lightweight…but I think there was something else in those martinis?”
