Page 44 of Protected By Artemis

She nodded, her expression shifting into one of focus. He recognized that look; it was intense concentration and determination. He called it her hunter’s face.

“Alright. Time to hunt.”

He watched as she moved into the clearing, her steps silent and calculated. She was a natural, her every movement purposeful. It was mesmerizing to see her in her element, and he found himself captivated by the sight.

“Good luck,” he said softly.

As Artemis began her hunt, he took a moment to appreciate the scene. She was powerful, confident, and in complete control. It was a side of her he hadn’t seen before, and it only deepened his admiration for her. The way she moved, the way she focused—it was a reminder of her strength and skill and how it was only a fraction of her power.

He settled back, keeping a watchful eye on her. This run was meant to ensure the pack’s safety, but it had become so much more. It was a moment of connection, and as he watched her in action, he felt a sense of contentment and belonging that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Soon enough, a caribou moved through the underbrush. With practiced ease, she drew her bow, nocked an arrow, and took aim. In a swift, fluid motion, she released the arrow, which flew true, striking the caribou with a clean, precise shot. The animal fell with a thud.

They approached the downed caribou, and he admired the clean shot. “Impressive,” he said.

Artemis smiled, obviously proud of her marksmanship. She quickly did the field dressing and put the innards in a plasticbag to be thrown away. Once she was done, he lifted the carcass effortlessly, carrying it as they made their way back to the lodge. They dropped it off outside the kitchen so that it could be prepped for the pack’s meal.

“We’ll be eating well tonight,” he commented, smiling at her.

“Indeed. I’m going to watch the butchering,” she said before kissing his cheek. “It’s just something I like to see.”

“Okay, I’ll get cleaned up then,” he said and went to his room.

By the time Artemis got to his room, he was lounging on the couch and checking email on his phone.

“Hey,” she said and sat next to him, her eyes bright with a playful glint. Without warning, she pulled out her phone and started taking pictures of him.

“Hey,” he protested, turning away from the camera.

She giggled, capturing his reaction. “Come on, just a few. After living for millennia, some memories get fuzzy. I don’t want to forget this.”

He sighed but smiled at her earnestness. “Fine, a couple of pictures.”

She scooted closer, holding the phone out to take a selfie of the two of them. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. They smiled for the camera, the warmth and connection between them evident.

She snapped a few shots, then looked through them, a satisfied smile on her face. “These are great. Thank you.”

He glanced at the photos, seeing the genuine happiness in their expressions. “Yeah, not bad,” he admitted.

She leaned her head on his shoulder, looking up at him. “These moments…they mean a lot.”

He kissed the top of her head, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “They mean a lot to me too.”

“I’m a little hungry,” she said before conjuring up a plate of cakes, their golden sweetness glistening in the soft light. He looked at them with curiosity.

“What are these?” he asked, picking up one of the small cakes and examining it.

She smiled, taking a bite. “Honey cakes. They were one of the offerings ancient Greeks would make when praying to me. I still enjoy them, even though mortals don’t offer them to me anymore.”

He took a tentative bite, the rich sweetness surprising him. “They’re really good,” he admitted, finishing a piece. “How do you feel about not receiving offerings anymore?”

Her expression grew thoughtful as she considered his question. “It used to hurt,” she admitted. “In ancient times, the offerings and prayers were a reminder of my importance and connection to humanity. But over the centuries, as mortals’ beliefs and practices changed, I had to adapt. I’ve made my peace with my role in modern society.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. “It’s hard to imagine the world changing so much around you.”

“It is, but it’s also a reminder of the resilience and adaptability we all have.” She squeezed his hand, her gaze steady. “Just like your pack has adapted to modern times while keeping your traditions alive.”

He nodded, feeling a deep respect for her strength and wisdom. “I guess we’re not so different after all.”

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