Page 29 of Goddess of Storms

“Well, I knew it wouldn’t be you cooking.” Stone smirks.

I stick my tongue out at him, “I’m a Goddess, I don’t cook.”

Standing, I finish dressing and fold up the blanket as Stone slips his shirt over his head.

“How jealous do you think Nile will be?” he asks.

“For being a son of Poseidon, he has the temper of Ares. But he made his choices and now he has to pay for them.” I reply, handing the blanket back to Stone, who takes it...and my hand as well.

“You may want to smooth down your hair. You have grass in it, too.”

I let go and pull my hair up into a messy and high ponytail. “The grass will have to wait. I’m ready for dinner.”

“I only hope that Phoenix is a good cook.”

Phoenix

Working in the kitchen never bothered me, it kept my mind off the bond and whatever Harper and Stone were up to on their walk. I was busy browning the meat and tasting the sauce, the door swung open and Nile came in with a handful of firewood.

“That smells good, I’m a little surprised,” he spouts off.

“You’re just jealous of my skills.”

“What do you think Stone and Harper are really doing? I doubt it is just walking,” he complains.

“That is their business,” I counter.

“It’s our business, we are bonded to her,” he spits.

“Even if that may be, if this will work with all three of us, space is important. Every relationship needs time. So, stop your whining and get that fire ready. Dinner is almost finished.”

“Yes, master. Your wish is my command.”

“Damn, Phoenix, what did you say to Nile?” Harper asks. “He never listens to me.”

“I hold the food, plain and simple.”

“Hum, I hold other things, guess he doesn’t need what I have any more,” she shrugs.

Stone pipes in, “I’ll take it if he doesn’t want it.”

“Hey now, I never said I didn’t. She doesn’t seem to want to share it with me,” Nile comments.

“We’ve had that talk, now let's eat. I’m ready to shower and sleep on a real bed,” Harper says.

“You’re just in time, it’s ready now,” I tell her as I ladle the chili into bowls.

Harper grabs two of the bowls and carries them to the table, as I take the other two and set one in front of Nile.

“Smells delicious, Phoenix!” Harper exclaims as she digs in.

It is a quiet and awkward meal. The others seem to like the chili. Their grunts are the only compliments I get. Harper finishes her meal first and gets up and starts on the dishes.

“Harper, you don’t have to do those,” I tell her. “I was going to clean up my mess.”

“Oh hush, you enjoy the chili. A few dishes are no match for me,” she comments.

Stone finishes next and starts drying the dishes, they are a great team.

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