“Joining him…Artemis…that means someday you’ll…” The words got stuck in his throat, as the realization struck him like a blow to the gut.
“Yes. Yes, I will.” She inhaled a sharp breath. “But I’ve made my decision, and it’s not one I take lightly. If I only have a few more decades to live, then I want to do so with my mate and my children and grandchildren.”
The protest began to rise in him. He didn’t want to lose her. He and Artemis had been together since the beginning oftime, thousands of years, linked through the womb they shared. He never knew a moment when she didn’t exist and didn’t prepare himself for the possibility that she would not be around. Before he could say anything, Geri’s hand came over his, and the warmth of her love flowed through their bond. Out of everyone he knew, she would understand the most what this meant, and what he would be losing.
“I know it’s hard to think of that,” his mate began. “But it’s not really goodbye forever. You’ll be able to see each other in the Asphodel Meadows one day.”
“I suppose…” A different realization popped into his head. “Wait. The prophecy—”
“Only mortal children from your womb.” Artemis’ eyes shone with tears as she smiled. “Yes, I realized it. The Fates were right.”
He couldn’t be selfish, not when his sister was finally getting what she wanted. After all, he did tell her that one day, she would be the best mother in the world. So, he pushed aside his own sorrow for now. “I’m happy for you, Artemis. I really am.”
“And for Cade, too.” Geri let out a long breath. “I didn’t think he’d ever find love again, not after his last disastrous relationship.”
Artemis nodded. “Yeah, he told me, and I understood why he was so scared of falling in love with me. In fact, he pushed me away, you know? After the whole Arcane thing.”
“Really?” Geri asked, incredulous.
“Yeah, but he made up for it.”
“I hope you made him grovel.”
“You bet I did,” Artemis said.
“Good. Because if you’re gonna help him lead the pack, you can’t let him walk all over you. Cade is stubborn and strong-willed—”
“Have you met Artemis?” Apollo joked. “She’s the immovable object to his unstoppable force.” If he knew his sister as well as he thought, Artemis likely already had Cade wrapped around her finger, doing her bidding. “Or maybe it’s Stockholm Syndro—hey!” That comment had gotten him another flake of popcorn, this time between the eyes.
“You deserve it,” his sister said, sticking her tongue out at him.
“Children, please,” Geri said sarcastically. “Anyway, as I was saying, while he’s all those things and will frustrate you, he’s very loyal, especially to those he’s pledged to. He’ll never give you cause to doubt him.”
“I’m learning that,” she replied, the glow of love on her face evident.
The she-wolf beamed at her. “I can’t tell you how happy I am. Now, at least, I don’t feel so guilty about being up here and leaving him alone.”
“I’ll take good care of him for you.”
“Hey, aren’t I supposed to be the one saying that?” Apollo said. “And shouldn’t Cade come to me for permission or something?”
“Permission for what? To bang me?” Artemis said dryly.
“Ew! Gross.” Apollo stuck his fingers in his ear. “Lalalalala, I didn’t hear that.”
Artemis and Geri laughed. “I’m so relieved to finally let you guys know,” Artemis said with a sobering sigh. “I was nervous. Especially telling you about—”
“I know.” That small knot in his gut remained. But he supposed he would learn to accept it. And he wasn’t about to waste any more time. “Do you have to get back to Cade right away?” he asked. “I mean, there’s still five more episodes until the season finale of Infatuation Isthmus.”
“No, Cade’s actually in meetings all day. I could stay for five episodes.” Settling back on the couch, Artemis grabbed Apollo’s bowl of popcorn.
“Hey, that’s mine!” He yanked it away from her, but her grip was too strong.
“You can make another bowl,” she said.
“And while you’re at it, make me one too, please?” Geri added, batting her eyelashes at him.
“But I wasn’t the one who spilled—”
