Page 23 of Shadowed Spirits

“Oh, shit.” That’s incredibly cool that Cain is that powerful. I can see why Hades was cautious around a very pissed-off hellhound. The toxic bite thing might be an issue, though. “Wait. Does that mean Cain can’t complete the mating bond with me?”

“No. Hellhounds have to activate the toxins in their bite, so his wolf will be fine to mark you. However, his hellhound side doesn’t mate with a bite. They share some of their hellfire with their mates. I’m not sure what method he’ll use to mate with you.” Levi gazes at Cain thoughtfully, who sits like a statue underneath me. Only the subtle rise and fall of his chest against my back lets me know that Cain is still alive and not turned to stone.

I try to twist back to look at Cain, but his strong hold on me prevents it. It’s shocking and disorienting finding out you aren’t what you thought you were your whole life, so I just want to make sure he’s doing okay. With how private he is, Cain would probably appreciate me checking up on him when we’re alone.

“Can we please stop talking about mating?” Zeus looks a little green at the mention of Cain and me completing themating bond. Seph shakes her head at him and gives me a commiserating look.

I chuckle. “Sure thing, great-granddaddy. If hellhounds can killcura, why don’t they rule?”

“Never call me that again.” Zeus visibly shudders at the name I only said to irritate him. “The simple answer is thatcuraoutnumber hellhounds, and hellhounds have no interest in ruling.”

I tilt my head curiously. “What’s the more complicated answer?”

Zeus huffs a laugh. “One that would take many weeks to explain. If you’re that interested in hellhound-curarelations, I have some books from my library that you can start with.”

It’s crazy learning about so many other species that I never knew existed in a realm I thought was only a myth. Call me a nerd, but I would love to know more about it. “That would actually be pretty cool. Do you have any other interesting books in your library?”

Zeus looks surprised I want to take him up on his offer. I brace myself for him to tell me that he doesn’t want me messing up his library. He doesn’t. Instead, he gives me a warm smile. “I do. You’ll have to check it out before you leave.”

“I’d like that.” I duck my head, needing to get away from his sincere attempts at connecting with me. I know I’ll only disappoint him once he actually gets to know me. That’s what I’m best at. Being a massive disappointment.

Shaking my head to clear it of my depressing thoughts, I tuck into my mac and cheese again as the conversation resumes. Cain’s lap is surprisingly comfortable to sit on, considering the boy is made of pure muscle. Along with Zeus and Poseidon, the othercurachime in to ask me questions or tell me cute stories about their grown kids.

The infectious laughter, easy camaraderie, and genuine love for each other is easy to get swept up in. Especially when they all make every effort to include me. I know I have a stupid smile on my face the whole time, but I can’t help it. Later, I’ll remind myself that there’s no way they actually like me. Right now, though, I’m going to enjoy feeling like a part of this group.

When everyone is done eating, the same uniformed staff from earlier retrieve our plates and clear the table. With the super fancy meal, I thought there would’ve been desert, which is by far the best part.

I don’t have time to be too bummed about lack of sugar, because Hades hops up from his chair. “If everyone is finished here, let’s retire to the gardens for dessert.” He strides over to Seph and offers her a hand up before Zeus and Poseidon can. When her back is turned, they flip Hades off.

I snicker at their interaction, earning me a mock glare from Zeus. I move to get up, forgetting that Cain’s currently doing his best impression of a steel seat belt. When he feels me trying to move, Cain stands up smoothly, still holding me. His warm hands stay on my waist until I’m steady. He reluctantly lets me go but stays by me. Levi flanks me on my other side, and Bishop walks a step behind me.

Luca and Archer wait for me on the other side of the table. They fall into step next to Bishop, all three of them talking in hushed whispers. I can’t make out their conversation, but I know they’ll tell me anything important later.

We’ve been walking for a few minutes when Hades drops back from where he was walking with Saturn and Demeter. He wedges himself between Levi and me, much to Cain’s displeasure, if his growl is anything to go by. “Oh, calm down, hound. I’m not going to hurt your mate. I just wanted to ask the earthling if she likes dogs.”

Even though the question wasn’t addressed directly to me, I still answer with a shrug. “I mean, yeah. Who doesn’t?” I love animals of all types. Dogs, cats, ostriches, alpacas, narwhals, and pretty much everything else. You’d be hard-pressed to name an animal I don’t like. Now, insects on the other hand? Not my cup of tea. If I never see another spider in my entire life, it’ll be too soon.

Hades snickers. “I should’ve assumed that was the answer, considering three of your mates are canines.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Is there a point to your question, or are you just trying to get a rise out of my mates?”

“Can’t there be a point, along with the enjoyable benefit of messing with you? But the point is that my dog will be outside. I’ll introduce you to him, but don’t be offended if he doesn’t like you. He’s very selective about who he approves of.” Hades’s chest puffs up in pride that his dog only likes him. It’s weirdly endearing for Hades to care so much about the opinion of an animal.

I shake my head at his antics, but I’m definitely interested to meet an underworld puppy. Even if he has five heads, eight eyes, and three legs, I know I’ll find him adorable. We walk in companionable silence, everyone else chatting quietly around us. It’s only a minute or two more before we walk through tall glass doors out to the garden.

The garden consists of a red paver patio with furniture scattered across it. The patio looks out onto a grassy area and small forest. The grass is the same neon purple from outside, and the trees are pitch black, with glowing green leaves dotted across the branches. Twinkling string lights cast a gentle purple glow over the charming space.

Hades lets out a piercing whistle right next to my ear, causing me to flinch away from the sound. I glare at him, but his focus is trained on the forest. I see why a few seconds later, when anabsolutely massive dog comes bounding out of the trees. Not only is the dog probably twenty-five feet tall, but he also has three heads and glowing red eyes. Shiny black fur covers his muscular body and is excitedly wagging his tail. He looks like a demonic Clifford the Big Red Dog and is strangely adorable, even with the wickedly sharp teeth I can see from here.

When I lock eyes with him, the whole world goes hazy, like I’m suddenly underwater. I’m not in control of my movements as I take off at a sprint toward the dog that will probably use me as a chew toy. Something I don’t understand is tugging me toward the massive, very unfriendly looking canine.

“Izzy, stop!” Levi shouts, sounding far away. “Don’t approach him! He’s known to attack strangers.”

I don’t heed Levi’s warning. Instead, I continue on a collision course with the dog that’s probably going to eat me as an evening snack. He lowers his heads as I approach, and I squeeze my eyes shut as I prepare to get up close and personal with his stomach.

CHAPTER 13

IZZY

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