Page 63 of Protected By Artemis

“It seems like his inventions are impressive,” Geri glanced between them, clearly feeling a bit awkward. “Apollo told me about the time Hephaestus made a chariot for the sun, but it ended up with…mixed results.”

Aphrodite rolled her eyes, her smile growing. “Yes, one of his less elegant endeavors. But he always means well.” Her gaze flicked back to Artemis. “And if he’s helping Cade, then he’s definitely doing something right.”

She could tell Aphrodite’s interest wasn’t just about the god of fire and forges. There was an unspoken curiosity about Cade too.

“So…this pack, Cade’s pack,” Aphrodite arched an eyebrow. “You spent a lot of time there, didn’t you? After the wedding?”

Artemis straightened. “They’ve needed help with some issues lately. That’s all.”

Aphrodite’s piercing gaze didn’t waver. “Of course.” She took another sip of her drink, her eyes lingering on Artemis a moment longer before she turned her attention to Geri, who was watching the exchange with quiet interest. She swirled her espresso martini, watching the creamy foam settle back into the glass. “You know,” she began, eyeing the drink with a curious smile, “these martinis are quite the contradiction. An upper and a downer all in one. Mortals do love to keep things interesting, don’t they?”

Geri laughed, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, something to keep us unbalanced and on our toes. Always needing that extra bit of chaos, I guess.”

“So, Geri,” Artemis said, happy for the shift in the conversation, “what have you been up to lately? How’s life treating you here in Olympus?”

Geri smiled warmly. “I’ve been starting a garden, actually. It’s been nice to have something to keep me busy during the day. Something grounding, you know?” She paused, her expression softening. “It reminds me of working in my plant shop back in New York. I like getting my hands in the soil and watching things grow. It’s something I can spend hours doing and not notice the time pass.”

“And where’s my dear brother during all of this?” Artemis raised an eyebrow. “Does he help out?”

Geri chuckled, shaking her head. “Oh, he tries, but he’s hopeless. He doesn’t quite understand the concept of patience when it comes to plants. I caught him singing to the seedlings last week, thinking it would make them grow faster.” She rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a tenderness in her voice, and as she spoke of Apollo, her eyes started to glow faintly, a soft, warm light emanating from within them.

“Well, look at that,” Aphrodite said with a knowing smile. “Your eyes are glowing, Geri. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a while.”

“They are glowing! Why is that?” Artemis asked.

Geri’s cheeks flushed a little, but she smiled proudly. “Yes, they do. It’s a thing with our wolf pack. If our inner wolf approves of a love interest, if they feel like it’s a bond worth pursuing, our eyes start to glow. It’s like a sign that they’re happy with our choice, that they trust the bond.”

“That’s beautiful,” Artemis nodded slowly, fascinated by this new information. Her mind wandered to Cade yet again, and she remembered how his eyes had glowed in the field the other night. She couldn’t help but feel a pang in her chest. Did his eyes glow because of her?

“It’s like having a little reassurance from within, you know?” Geri continued, unaware of Artemis’s inner turmoil. “That what you’re feeling is real and right. It’s comforting, especially in a place like Olympus where so much is uncertain.”

“Love is always something special, whether you’re a god, a mortal, or somewhere in between. It’s good to see it’s alive and well among you shifters too.” Aphrodite raised her glass and offered a toast.

Artemis joined in the toast, and she tried to keep her smile bright and genuine, focusing on the moment and her friends.Still, the conversation had sparked something within her, a longing she couldn’t quite ignore.

Had Cade’s eyes…glowed?

“You’re strong and loyal, and you chose me. After all the time you’ve been alive, you decided to be with me.”

She could’ve sworn they had when he’d spoken about her. Is that why he ended things? Did he know what it meant and panicked? Was that why he broke up with her—because he feared what the bond might mean? And now…did he want her back because he realized that he had pushed her away?

The thought made her heart clench. She remembered the look of confusion and fear on his face in the clearing and then the pain in his voice when he had prayed to her. He had been so distant, so conflicted—and yet, something in him had reached out to her like his soul was trying to speak through the turmoil.

Was that why?

Artemis felt a pang of frustration. She couldn’t be sure. All she knew was that something had changed in him, something powerful enough to make him run—and now, something strong enough to make him come back. But could she trust it? Could she trust him?

The questions circled in her mind, but Artemis shook them off as she realized Geri and Aphrodite were watching her again. She pushed the thoughts of Cade aside, but they lingered just beneath the surface, waiting for her to confront them.

Chapter 13

Cade

Cade went over his mental checklist again as he adjusted the bag on his shoulder—bow, arrow, deer horns. He looked around, taking in the remnants of the ancient Temple of Artemis Amarynthia. Time had worn down the majestic columns, and stones lay scattered about, but the altar stood tall ahead of him, weathered but solid.

With a steady breath, he started toward the marble structure, ticking off the items he had brought. He had gone to great lengths to find everything he needed. The statue of Artemis, carefully chosen from the Parthenon Museum gift shop, rested in his bag. The honey cakes—thankfully, there was still a bakery in Athens that made them. Next on his list: wine, grilled lamb, and the final piece…the goat.

The rope in his hand tugged gently, reminding him of its presence. He glanced at the animal on the other end, which stared up at him with calm, indifferent eyes.

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