Page 73 of Wrath

“He doesn’t like to talk,” I explain with a sad smile.

“Right now, he wants to be left alone.”

I frown. “He said that?”

“Look, you really need to rest, Wynter. Your tests came back just now,” she says gently. “Did you know you’re pregnant?”

I gasp, and Summer grips my arm. “What?” I whisper.

“So, you need to rest and take it easy. You’re eight weeks.” I have no idea how long a woman is pregnant for, and when I stare blankly, she smiles. “Women carry a healthy pregnancy for nine months full term. That’s about forty weeks.”

“Oh.”

“I’m six months,” Summer announces proudly. “I had a scan.”

Anita smiles. “Rest, girls. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

The second she leaves, I head for the door. Summer grabs me back. “What are you doing? You heard what she said.”

“I have to see him, Summer. He needs me.” I kiss her on the cheek. “Sleep, and I’ll be back soon.”

I go to the next room and tap on the door. It opens and Zeus’s annoyed expression immediately softens at the sight of me. “Is Ares with you?”

He shakes his head and points to the room across from mine. “Try there.” I turn to knock, and Zeus adds, “You did good today, Wynter. Thank you.”

I’m still smiling when Ares opens the door. His eyes focus on Zeus, and he scowls before taking my arm and pulling me into his room, slamming the door closed. I giggle. “You can’t keep me to yourself, Ares. Zeus is my friend.”

He pulls me to him, holding me tight against his chest, and my smile fades as the heaviness of everything takes over. Tears swell in my eyes, and I blink them away. “Are you okay?” I whisper.

“Are you?” He pulls back slightly to look at me.

I shake my head. “Not really. Everything feels so big now.”

He nods in understanding. “I hate being away from you,” he admits.

I smile again, kicking off my shoes. “Lie with me?” I ask, leading him to the bed.

I settle against the soft pillows, and he climbs in beside me, groaning in pleasure. The mattress he’s used to was nothing more than a mat, so I imagine this feels like heaven. I snuggle into his side, and he wraps his arms around me. “The only time I feel at peace is with you,” he mutters, pressing a kiss to my head.

“At least they’re taking us seriously, because honestly, with each new thing I tell them, I realise how mad it all sounds.”

“Yeah. I spent hours being questioned about the ceremonies.”

I stiffen slightly. “How come?”

“I guess they need to work out if I did all that of my own free will.”

“I told them you had no choice.”

“Without the forefathers to answer for their crimes, they only have our word.”

“And the words of all the villagers.”

He rubs a hand down my back, his fingers caressing me gently. “Let’s pray they’re honest.”

“Do you regret it?” I ask, glancing up at him. “Ending them?”

He smirks, shaking his head. “Not even a little.”

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