Page 23 of Monster Whisperer
“My cell is perfect, though. I can make a lovely web in here.”
“Tryphon and Pavlina need something acceptable to eat. Whatever you are feeding them is not appropriate while they are like this.”
“What do they need?”
“A wicked person, my pet.”
“Samesies,”I said.
“They both want an unpleasant person to eat.”
I loved that she didn’t look turned off about that. She wasn’t judging us for our diet. She knew we were predators and ate a certain way. She just got me.
“I think I can manage that.”
“What about two of those people that were betting on the fights and throwing things at Kimon?” River suggested.
I felt this little shiver go through my body. I think I was falling in love with this woman. Not only did she not care what I ate, but she was also handpicking my dinner for me. We could have so much fun later if I ever got this collar off.
Hades' lips split into an evil grin.
“I think I can pick two out of the audience to feed to Pavlina and Tryphon.”
Could this girl get any more perfect? And would she look at me differently once she watched me hunt?
Chapter 16
River
A
s much as I was enjoying Kimon in a sheet, I really needed to talk to Hades. The cell closest to Tryphon’s pool had been turned into a rec room of sorts. When the food came, I asked him to stay so we could talk. I just ignored the fact that after Hades made a few phone calls, two people in chains showed up for Pavlina and Tryphon. I wasn’t upset about it. I was still pissed they threw fruit at Tryphon.
I just ignored the screams and crashes from Pavlina’s cell and the splashes and sounds of ripping flesh from Tryphon’s. I needed to talk to Hades. He elegantly crossed his legs and swung his ankle.
“Ready to run, River?”
“No. I’m ready to fight, to be honest. Talking to animals and monsters is not my only gift.”
“Oh, I’m aware. What gift would you like to tell me about?”
“I’m immune to fire. I think if I can get close to Demeter’s dog, I can save him from her.”
Hades looked totally disappointed.
“I already knew you were immune to fire. I was hoping you would tell me something interesting.”
“What the fuck? I was hopingyouwould tellmesomething interesting since you know what I am.”
“You aren’t just immune to fire. You should be able to call it too. As for the rest, I don’t know. You’re half human.”
“Charley knew what I was and didn’t tell me. Did you make her do that?”
“Hardly. Your father made that choice. He decided since you were in the Underworld, you should partake in a quest like the old demigods.”
I crossed my arms and glared at him.
“So, what’s my quest.”
