Page 65 of Wicked Warlock
“You’ll know when you get there.” He chuckled. “It’s pretty exciting if you think about it.”
“Yes, it’s what I always wanted to do. Agree to something that I have no idea what it entails or what sacrifices you’ll demand.” She sighed and looked toward the sky. “Would it be too much to ask to have one good family member? Just one?”
Beckett cleared his throat. “I can think of three.”
“Besides you guys.” Penny gave him a smile.
Zeus rose to his feet and chugged the remains of his glass. “I’m growing bored. Take it or leave it.”
Penny turned toward to me. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She faced Zeus. “I’ll take it.”
“Penny, no, there’s got to be another way.” I didn’t trust this. Of all the Greeks I’d met, there was one thing that held true for every single one of them—they could not be trusted. They were all shady in some way, shape, or form. They were the type of people who were only out for themselves.
Zeus threw back his head and chuckled. He reached out his hand toward Penny. “If it’s a deal, you have to shake on it.”
She took his hand and her body jolted. Tiny bolts of lightning ran up her forearm, zapping her like needles. She yanked away her hand and pulled up her sleeve. A branded in the shape of a thunderbolt marked her arm, still slightly steaming on her burned flesh. “Are you kidding me?”
“Now you can’t break your deal.” Zeus’ face broke out into a breathtaking smile, and I never wanted to slap something so much. He jabbed a finger in Penny’s face. “Or I’ll own your ass.”
“Careful what you wish for… Dad.” She spat the word like it was a curse.
He ignored her. “If you want to become immortal, there are two things you need. To have the blood of a Greek running through your veins—which you do. And to have the power of a certain river in the underworld.”
No, not back there again. No. Hades is going to kill us this time.
“More specifically, the River Styx. But don’t be a moron about it and leave your heel sticking out. Completely submerge yourself from head to toe. Not even a hair out of that water and you will get what you want. You will be changed into one of us. But you will have to leave behind your little warlock world.”
Penny narrowed her eyes at him. “How do I know this will work?”
He pointed at the mark on her arm. “That’ll make sure it does.”
“How?” She put her hands on her hips.
Zeus shook his head. “That’s for me to know and for you to never find out.”
Professor Charles stepped forward. “And if this doesn’t work, what are your consequences for not holding up your end of the deal?”
“Then she,” he pointed toward Penny, “will be granted three favors from me. But it’ll work because I don’t do favors for anyone.”
But yourself.
“Thank you.” Penny held up her hand and a portal dropped down from her fingertips. “I know what we have to do.”
“Good. I’m bored and you need to leave.” Zeus waved us away. “I’ll be seeing you, Daughter.”
A dark chuckled escaped Penny’s lips and a chill went down my spine. “You can bet your ass on it, Father.”
She motioned for us all to get into the portal. “Beckett, I hope you’re ready for what we have to do next.”
“Anything you need. For the both of you.”
“Good.” She smiled. “I’m counting on that.”
Chapter 32
Astrid
“No, not this again.” I shook my head and took a step back. My body was beginning to feel like I was getting the flu. I ached all over and I switched from being hot to cold. Exhaustion tugged at me, and the last thing I needed was the boat ride from hell, literally, again. Penny held out her hand and manifested those golden coins that Kylian had stolen the first time we were here.
