Page 45 of Goddess of Storms

"Too much time on the sea? You need to up your cardio game, brother," I jab.

"Shut... your...mouth..." he rasps.

Phoenix speaks up, his voice a little more than a whisper, "Shit, you trying to get us caught? We could've just walked up to the front door and rang the bell."

"Weapons at the ready?" I ask, holding up my hammer.

Nile taps his trident tattoo and as if it was magic, a metal one materializes.

"Well, that's handy, how'd you get that? I'll never lose my hammer that way," I remark.

"You two can compare notes later. Harper is waiting for us to rescue her," Phoenix reminds us.

"After you," I tell him.

Harper

Hermes paraded me around the town as if I was a prize. All the people in the community had to put a hand on me. I don't think there is a bath long or hot enough to sanitize my skin.

"I told you that everyone would love you. Won't you be happy here? Adored by everyone here?" Hermes smirks.

"You're not going to talk me into staying. I don't belong here, Stone is searching for me even now. You really have some balls. You don't think kidnapping me will piss Father off? I'm surprised my mother hasn't zapped your ass yet. You know that Stone is the son of Hephaestus right? You don't think that his father will side with him and pound you into dog food for Cerberus?"

He throws his back in laughter, "You really think I'm an idiot don't you? I have this place warded from all of our family. No one will find us here."

Fuck my life, he really doesn't want to let this go.

"Once I get this off," I tell him as I point at the necklace. "I'm zapping your ass and getting out of this sickly sweet town."

The words just roll off my tongue as a siren sounds. Instead of panic, elation fills me, that can only mean my guys are here. I can't wait to see the look on Hermes's face when he sees that Stone is not alone. A smirk tips up my lips.

"Why are you smiling? Come with me now," Hermes demands. "Someone's broken in and I have to get you to safety."

"You know it's Stone, right? You're crazy if you think that I'm going anywhere with you. I'm content to stay here until I see his face. And trust me he will kick your ass, God or not.”

"You really think that I'm scared of a lone demi-god and a bound goddess?" Hermes laughs.

I keep my smirk hidden, I'm not going to give away that I'm no longer bound or that I have a weapon around my neck. At least not until he least expects it. I wish I had my phone to capture the look on his face when it's not just Stone. I know that Nile will come for me, but not Phoenix.

My gut tells me that Phoenix will come for me, but my heart isn't sure. He just took a step towards me, but then this asshat had me kidnapped.

Hermes steps towards me and grips the underside of my arm, "Come on, you think that I'm going to make this easy for your lover boy? I'm not a trickster for nothing, if he wants you, he will have to find you."

I struggle against his grip but he only tightens it more. If only I could zap him, but it's not time to surprise him yet. I don't go willingly but he drags me towards his mansion, anyway. On the way there, I sent a silent prayer to my father.

Zeus, if you can hear me, please help protect my men as they make their way to me. Keep the innocent safe from my brother Hermes. He is mine, don't be upset when I zap his manhood and he can't give you any godchildren. I warned him, but he didn't listen. It is almost time to unleash the bolt.

Hermes pulls me into the house, the locks click behind us.

"I never took you for a coward. I mean having the cult do your bidding I should've known, but ball up, man. No woman wants a man that acts like a pussy and hides from a fight," I taunt him.

"Good try, sis, but your words are not going to get me to run out into a fight. I am smarter than you give me credit for. I'll wait for them to come to me." He smiles.

That worries me, what does he have planned for them? He let go of me, I wonder if I can get by him or not. I sure as hell am going to try, he thinks I'm going to go out the front door, but I duck back to my room. He gives chase. As soon as he appears in the doorway, I smash the glass and hop out. The glass slides along my thigh but it's just a flesh wound, so I jump and run into the grass.

He doesn't follow my escape, instead he runs back to the door and I hear the locks unclicking as I run back to the main road. I'm tired of playing the helpless goddess, but once I lay my eyes on my mates, I hope that will be the charge I need to bring Hermes and his lackeys to their knees.

I run towards the gunshots and pray I'm not too late. I can't bear the thought of finding their bodies lifeless in the street. As my legs carry me, I rip the stupid pendant that once contained my powers from my chest. I'm surprised at the energy that returns as I throw it towards a trash can on the side of the road.

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