Page 5 of The NemeSis
“Why is she sad?” My hand moves to my hip. Why would they let her be sad?
Everyone around me laughs.
“She’s sad you weren’t here yet,” my father teases behind me.
“She’s beautiful, but a crier. This is the quietest she’s been since she arrived early this morning.” Arthur laughs.
“Can I hold her?” Apollo beams next to me. “I’ll be very careful.”
“If you sit down and promise to be careful,” Arthur walks over to the baby.
Apollo doesn’t waste anytime moving to the little couch along the wall. He sits with his back all the way back and holds out his arms. “I promise.”
Everyone laughs quietly as Arthur lifts the baby from her bed, she whimpers a little until placed in Apollo’s waiting arms. “She’s kind of chubby, but in a cute way. Like the puppies we saw at the party last week.”
I step closer to get a better look at her again. He’s right.
“Do you want to have a turn too, Ares?” Arthur asks.
I shrug, but move to sit next to my brother. I patiently wait my turn as the baby takes in a deep breath. When her lip quivers like she’s going to cry again, I ask if it can be my turn.
“Don’t take it personally if she starts crying.” My father teases as the baby is moved from Apollo’s arms to mine.
I carefully hold my arms around her. “What’s her name again?”
“Kyra.” Mother sits next to me. “It looks like she’s happy you’re here.”
My eyes stay focused on Kyra’s face. “Duh.” Kyra’s eyes open, a pretty light blue color stares up at me. “Hi, Kyra.” She makes a weird noise and stretches a little in my arms, but I’m careful to not let her fall. “Who’s going to look after her?”
“What do you mean, sweetie?” My mother questions.
“She doesn’t have a big brother like me. She’s so little, she needs someone.”
Everyone laughs again.
“She didn’t cry when either of you held her,” Demi speaks up nearby. “I think that means she knows you’ll be there to look after her.”
“They both will.” Mother nods next to me. “Her own little protectors.”
“I didn’t agree to that,” my brother argues. “I already have to deal with my brother.” He hesitates. “But she is cuter. Okay.”
“Don’t listen to my brother, Kyra. I’m a delight and I will always be here for you.” She may not have an older brother, but I can be something like that for her.
Dad says the Storey family is like family, so she can be like a little sister or a cousin. She can be like family, and I can help look after her.
Chapter Three
KYRA
Ihold my breath. Hesitant for a split second before I recover and smile. It’s small, then grows to spread across my face. The smile isn’t fake; of course, I’m happy to see him. I’m elated! More than that, though, I’m fucking shocked.
It’s been four years since I’ve set my eyes on Ares Drakos. I was seventeen the last time. That… well, that was a lifetime ago. I’m not the same person I was back then; I’m sure we both aren’t.
Ares looks different. The last time I’d seen him, his face was still smooth and boyish. Forever in faded band tees and swim trunks that hung low on his hips. His olive skin was always tan from preferring to spend time outside and exploring.
Now, standing across the room. I hardly recognize him. It’s him. But not. His brownish-blonde hair is longer at the top, tousled in an effortless way that looks deliberate. A full beard frames his strong jaw. He’s dressed in dark denim jeans, black boots that look worn yet well loved, and a leather jacket that looks like it was made especially for him.
His mom is the first to envelop him in a hug. She rushes across the room. “My baby!” Selene is nearly a foot shorter than him, and she’s taller than me. “All my babies under one roof. Please tell me you’re going to be here for a while.”
