Page 86 of Junkyard Dog

The new bartender.

Daniel had been at the tavern for over a month, his presence a constant in the old lounge. Frat-boy cute, he already had a dedicated following of high tipping, flirtatious women with expensive wedding rings adorning their hands.

She didn’t care much for him and his vinegar-forgetting ways.

Becky rose from her chair as they arrived at the table, shuffling to the next available seat and bringing Charlotte into the conversation immediately.

No amount of reassurances had eased Becky’s guilt since the earthquake, and the woman had gone above and beyond to make unnecessary amends.

Charlotte wasn’t about to complain. Having a female ally who laid into Max on a frequent basis was kind of refreshing.

Becky leaned close to her, pointing her drink at a group of men a few tables over. “I’m thinking the one in the blue.”

Looking them over, she shook her head. “They’re cute, but—”

“No buts,” Becky chastised. “Standalone, no comparisons. Those boys are cute, period.”

“I’m not quite there.”

Her coworker squeezed her hand and turned to get the Montana mumbler’s opinion. She tossed her credit card on the table and smiled politely as Daniel set her drink in front of her and slipped her card into his pocket.

Max lifted his shot in the air. “To us, Chuck. May the gods of the hunt smile down on us tonight.”

*

Alex strode intothe reception room and slowed, eying Hades warily as he took in the scene.

Ryan and Bo sat beside the throne in hound form, Persephone’s fingers absently stroking Ryan’s ears as Bo shifted restlessly at his master’s knee. Neither brother would look at him, their gazes locked on the marble floor.

Hades motioned to him. “Walk with me, Alexandros,” he called across the room. “We were just discussing your return topside.” When Alex remained motionless, Hades rose to his feet, his expression hardening. “I did not ask.”

Bowing his head a fraction, he walked to the center of the receiving area, kneeling in deference. “Apologies.”

Seph’s expression was unreadable, her bright eyes shielded by the slight turn of her face toward Ryan as she continued to pet him. “Hades.”

“I know, dear,” Hades growled, nodding toward the banks of the river and leading Alex over, his voice growing quiet. “I’m facing quite the conundrum, sending you back into the belly of temptation.” His eyes traveled the length of the river into the darkness of the distant entrance. “Cerberus belongs to me. You exist as three separate beings solely on your mistress’s whim. Beautiful, golden perfection in this dark hell.” He glanced back at his wife and smiled at her as she scratched under Bo’s chin. “As you are, dear.”

Persephone drew in a deep breath and nodded in acknowledgment.

Alex forced his clenched jaw to release, bowing his head in deference. “I know my place.”

“Of course you do.” Hades chuckled. “The problem lies in the disconnect between what your mind knows and what your heart accepts.” He looked back at Seph. “I am well versed in that dilemma.” When Alex didn’t respond, he stepped in tightly to him. “I’ve lost my following. My strength. My position of power in the topside world. And selfish as it may be, I am not prepared to lose my guard dog. I’m sorry, Alexandros.” Taking a step back, he straightened his back, his voice booming through the reception hall. “You are forbidden to seek the woman out, forbidden from seeking contact. Your mission takes priority, and disobedience will be met with swift consequences for you and your brothers. You are dismissed.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Alex ran hishands through his hair and looked up at the towering rocks of the Chasm.

“At least this time, our clothes are still in style,” Bo grumbled, tearing his shirt off over his head and tossing it aside.

“I doubt any of our stuff is still at the campsite,” Ryan murmured, looking at the sun’s position in the sky. “We’ll be best off dogging it to Alex’s trailer.”

“If it’s still there,” Alex stated, halfheartedly scanning the area for signs of a beautiful brunette park ranger before he snapped his attention back to the task at hand. “My SUV’s probably been impounded. My wallet. Phone. It’s been over a month.” He glanced over at Ryan. “You think you still have a job?”

“Unlikely.”

Bo snorted. “You’d think Hades would tuck a few gold coins into our pockets or something.” He peeled his jeans off and flung them over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Ryan stripped down with deliberate slowness as Bo transformed, folding each item before placing them on a rock. Alex followed suit, swatting at Bo when he nipped at his ankles.

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