“It’s not like that,” I protested, though I wasn’t entirely sure that was true. “It’s just part of the bond. Eventually we’ll learn to block certain things, but right now everything’s still new.”
Tye whistled low. “No wonder they look like they want to murder me. They probably think I’ve seen you naked.”
“Which you haven’t,” I clarified quickly.
“Thank god for that,” he agreed emphatically.
We swam for another hour, the conversation drifting to other topics—classes, the upcoming combat trials, Lydia’s ongoing flirtation with Rafe and his shield.
As we finally climbed out of the water, exhausted but refreshed, I caught Tye looking at me with an unexpectedly serious expression.
“What?” I asked, wringing water from my hair.
“Are you happy?” he asked quietly. “With them, I mean. Is this what you want?”
I considered the question carefully. A few weeks ago, I would have said absolutely not. A week ago, I might have been unsure. But now...
“I think so,” I said, surprising myself. “It’s not what I expected or planned for, but... yes. I’m happy? Maybe.”
He nodded, seeming satisfied. “Good. Because if they hurt you, I’ll kill them all, and I don’t care how many fancy medals they’ve won.”
I laughed, throwing my arms around him in a wet hug. “I know you would.”
As we gathered our things and prepared to head back to campus, I felt a familiar tug in the back of my mind—four familiar presences stirring with varying degrees of curiosity and possessiveness.
“Speak of the devils,” I murmured.
“They checking in?” Lydia asked knowingly.
I nodded. “They do that. Usually when I’ve been gone too long.”
“Territorial much?” Tye commented.
“You have no idea,” I said with a laugh. “Come on, let’s head back before they send out a search party.”
Through our bond, I sent a simple message.I’m coming home.
The response was immediate, four separate emotions washing over me—relief, anticipation, desire, and contentment. But under it, there was a hint of wariness, coming from Percy. I was reminded, like a bucket of ice water on my head, that his parents were due to arrive soon.
TWENTY
Jupiter
I staredat my reflection in the mirror, examining the dress I’d chosen for meeting Percy’s parents. It was simple but elegant, black and fitted, with a neckline that wasn’t overly revealing and still showed off the serpent tattoos curling up my arms. My hair fell in soft waves down to my hips.
“You look beautiful,” Draco said from the doorway of my room. His eyes met mine in the mirror.
“Enough to meet the illustrious Whitlock family?” I asked, smoothing the front of my dress.
He smiled slightly. “They’re the ones who should be worried about impressing you, not the other way around.”
I turned to face him, anxiety churning in my stomach despite my outward calm. “Percy’s been pacing for the last hour.”
“He hates his father, and with good reason.”
I nodded, remembering everything Percy had told me as we lay tangled together in his bed. How his father had pushed him relentlessly since childhood, viewing him as nothing more than an extension of the family legacy. How his mother had stood by and watched, occasionally offering comfort but neverintervention. How his younger sisters had learned early to parrot their father’s views and ambitions, becoming perfect little echoes of his prejudices and priorities.
“Is it time?” I asked, glancing at the clock.
