Page 71 of Charmed By Apollo

She had become acquainted with Artemis over the last few months and really liked the goddess. Artemis, of course, had been their staunchest supporter on the council and pushed to allow Geri to become immortal, and for that, she would always be grateful. However, the goddess of the hunt tended to be a little…extra, which was be a mild way to put it.

While Apollo was easygoing and relaxed, his twin tended to be the opposite. She was passionate about things she cared about and never took no for an answer, often to the annoyance of the people around her. She had the personality of a bulldozer, though, a sunny, pretty bulldozer—if there was such a thing—and Geri wasn’t sure if people gave in to her because she was sweet or wore them down with her pushiness.

“You did give her permission to help with the ceremony,” Apollo pointed out.

“I know,” she groaned.

“Look, I know my sister can be a bit, well, too much,” he said sheepishly. “But all she wants is to help.”

Her future sister-in-law had arrived early this morning and had already started “helping,” much to the chagrin of Geri’s packmates, giving them suggestions on everything from the decorations to the food. It wasn’t that she was being critical—indeed, she was nothing but nice, but that’s why it was difficult to say no to her.

Her mate continued. “She’s done nothing for the last millennium or so, so she has this need to be useful.”

“I know, I understand.” Geri sighed. “And it’s only one day. What could go wrong?”

“Thanks,” he said. “I promise she won’t meddle in our lives…too much.”

She laughed. Some part of her did like seeing the siblings bicker, especially since Artemis usually won their little arguments. “C’mon, let’s head back.”

They walked back to the main lodge, the community center where the pack spent most of their day. It was already buzzing with activity by the time she and Apollo arrived. As soon as they reached the front door, a sleek black limo cruised up the long driveway.

“Looks like they’ve arrived,” Apollo said.

“I better text Cade.” Geri quickly typed a message to her brother and then put her phone away. She watched as the limo stopped in front of them, and the door flew open.

“I’m heeeeerreeee!” Adonis announced as he leapt out. “OMG, it’s the bride and groom!” He dashed over to them and hugged them both. “I can’t believe it! My Geri, about to get hitched!” He pressed a hand to his chest, then began to croon. “Is this the little?—”

“I swear to God, if you start singing showtunes, I will murder you,” Geri threatened. “And—what the hell are you wearing?”

“This?” Adonis gestured to his outfit—a white puffy coat with an enormous faux fur hood, ski glasses perched on his head, snow pants, and boots. “I thought you said we were going to Alaska? So, I dressed for the weather.”

Geri rolled her eyes. “It’s summer. We do get summer here. Hey, Persephone, Hades,” she greeted as the two other occupants of the limo alighted. “How was your trip?”

“It was fabulous!” Adonis said. “I’ve never flown in a private jet before.”

Geri glanced at Persephone. “A jet?”

“Yes, a jet.” Persephone came over to her to give her a hug. “A real one, in case you wanted to know,” she whispered. “No more glamouring this time.” They glanced over at Adonis, who was inspecting some of the flowering bushes. “I don’t think we needed it at all. He wasn’t bothered that we were going all the way to Alaska for your ‘wedding’ or why you had to leave for a year, only that he got to be flower boy again.”

“Thank gods for that,” she said. “I—oh, there’s my brother!” She saw Cade walking up to the lodge. “I texted him to say you guys were here. I wanted to make sure I introduced him. Cade! Over here.”

Cade trudged over to them, holding one hand up as he used the other to hold a phone to his ear. “…I know, I know.” His scowl deepened. “I don’t really care about this shit. If it’s easier for you, just do what she wants.” With a huff, he put the phone back in his pocket. “Sorry about that. I had to…deal with something.”

“What is it?” Geri asked, concerned.

“Nothing,” Cade grumbled. “Nothing important.”

Geri sighed. “Is it Artemis?”

Cade’s silence and glower answered for him.

Apollo burst out laughing. “You definitely look like someone who’s met my sister.” Clucking his tongue, Apollo patted Cade sympathetically on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry, soon that expression of frustration will be replaced by a look of defeat. Anyway, let me introduce you to our friends.”

Geri had been worried that her brother would be rude to Hades and Persephone, since he didn’t care much for gods, but to her surprise, he was polite and even welcoming. He did, however, refuse to call Hades and Persephone by any honorifics.

“Let me show you the barn where the ceremony will be taking place,” Cade said. “Unless you’d like to go to your rooms first and get refreshed?”

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