Page 28 of Thanatos' Craving

I tilted my head in confusion.

“Kronos, how long have you been out of the loop, brother?”

A while. I don’t remember the last time I had just strolled Earth or Bergarian in my human form just to know the lay of the land and culture. I barely have time for all that now, anyway. I’d rather stay in my cave and tend to my duties. It was better to be hidden and not have gods find me and ask for favors.

Hypnos sighed. “It’s slang for vagina.”

I nearly gasped. “I am not a woman’s private area. Why would she call me that?”

“Well, did you do or say something for her to call you such a thing?” My brother smirked.

“I wanted to know if she was in pain. I tried to convey concern, but I might have yelled at her.” I crossed my arms.

My furry companion sensed my unease. Fluffy jumped down from the couch and rubbed his head next to my leg.

“Are you really that out of touch with your emotional side? You do not know how to convey compassion at all?” Hypnos rose from the couch and strode over to me. He put his hand on my shoulder.

He hated the form I gave myself centuries ago. Mortals continued getting me confused with other gods and legends. My name was not popular, and why would it be? I had no large legends to my name. Mortals often confused me with Hades when I came to collect a soul because of my dark hair and wings, and they would call out his name, which was disappointing.

Then, when Christianity became popular, they thought I was Lucifer.

If only they could see that Lucifer was born this century and wasn’t some fallen angel from a thousand of years ago. I think Hades purposefully named his son to take a jab at the Christian community.

His mate does not know about that religion since she grew up believing in the gods of old.

Hades had a sick, twisted sense of humor.

“I’ve lost any sort of emotion.” I stepped away from my brother and picked up the tomes I’d continued to knock over out of agitation. “Good emotion anyway. I know fear, anger, jealousy, sadness.” I turned to see the two most important people in my life. Did I know, love?

I knew I had a strong regard for both of them, and that I would do everything in my power to keep them safe. It was a possessive drive to keep them safe, but with Juniper–

My empty ribcage constricted itself.

Athena made me realize in her office that Juniper may be my mate. But I swore, it was just hopeful thinking. Why would the Fates bless me with such a gift when so many others were more deserving? Such as my brother?

“Thanatos?” My brother stepped toward me. “You lost yourself in thought.”

I growled and knocked over a pile of tomes to the floor.

We were not identical twins, but being womb mates was enough for us both to sense when the other was undergoing trouble. Hypnos struggled for years, wanting, and I have done my best to always be there for him. I never needed him to take care of me.

Now, I fear I may need his help more than ever.

“I think your skull might crack,” Hypnos joked. “Why don’t you switch back to your skin? I think that may be your problem. You can’t feel when you are hard as stone.”

I wiggled my fingers together, hearing them clack together. This was my shield. This kept the gods away. No one could see my face, my emotions.

“Thanatos!” The angelic voice called from my bedroom.

My breath quickened at the sound of my name on her lips, but a roar of anger overtook my concern and what little excitement I had. My brother was in this room, and while I cared about his well-being, he was a good-looking male, and I would not have my female look upon him and find him appealing.

I snarled. The sound resonated in the air, as my powerful wings unfurled and propelled me forward. With a forceful surge, I slammed Hypnos into the cold, unforgiving wall. His eyes widened in both surprise and fear, reflecting the intensity of the moment. As my hand wrapped around his throat, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me, heightening my senses. I felt the heat of anger surging within me, fueled by his nonchalant smile as if this were all just a game to him.

“Brother, green is not a suitable color for you.” Hypnos pulled on my robes around my wrists to gain a better grip.

“Thanatos?” her tiny voice came from around the curtain until she saw me with my brother's throat tightened in my hand.

Juniper’s eyes were wide, her hand clutching the ankle-length white gown. She looked like the light I have always sought after.

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