Page 44 of Crown of Olympus
Deep breath in.
I yanked the arrow free and leaped back as his jaws snapped shut at the space I’d just occupied.
But the snarl faded. He turned, licking at his wound, initiating his body’s healing processes with saliva. I watched with rapt fascination as the gash closed over before my eyes, leaving only bloodied fur as proof he was ever injured at all.
Then he turned to me once more, meeting my gaze. Hisgolden eyes clashed with the silver of my own. I dared not move, dared not breathe. I knew I could burn him in an instant with my lightning, but I was desperately unwilling to do so.
The decision is in your paws now, buddy.
The wolf bowed his head and nuzzled my shoulder with his nose. I figured he was giving me his version of wolfy gratitude — until a blistering burn spread down my unscarred arm and up the side of my neck. It felt like lightning tearing across my skin —my lightning.
I cried out.
And just as suddenly, the pain stopped.
Breathing heavily, I ripped my shirt half open to inspect the damage, then froze. Three thick, white slashes had appeared across my skin, like claw marks. Yet the beast had not moved, and my shirt was still whole.
“Impossible,” I breathed.
Not impossible. Just unprecedented,said a deep, male voice, ricocheting through my mind.
Impossible.I thought, sure I had imagined it.
Must I repeat myself, godling?the voice rumbled again.
Brows raised in disbelief, I met the unflinching gaze of the wolf.
“How are you in my head?” I asked, not entirely sure I was still of sound mind.
The bond allows me to speak directly into your mind, and you to mine, Silver One.
“Bond…” I breathed. “Youchoseto bond with me?”
Evidently. Though I am beginning to question that choice with every passing second,he drawled.My name is Lykos, and I am the last of the Khionian wolves.
He dipped his head; both golden eyes locked onto my silver ones.
Do not make me regret this decision, godling.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I muttered bewilderedly.
With Lykos’ warning looming over my head, I summoned Hermes.
The god appeared with asnap, his eyes widening as he took in the giant wolf by my side.Mygiant wolf.
“You will surely have made your parents proud with this one,” Hermes smirked. “Place a hand on your beast?—”
Lykos interrupted with a growl, causing Hermes to flinch. I smirked, thoroughly enjoying the first reaction to my bonded companion.
“It is forbidden to touch another’s bonded without permission. And I’m not stupid enough to try. Place a hand on yourwolf.”
I did as instructed.
The god of travel clasped his fingers around my forearm.
With a secondsnap, the three of us vanished from the forest, the faint ringing of a bell echoing behind us as we reappeared in the Parthenon’s hall.
CHAPTER 13
