Page 2 of Zeus' Spark
I tap my fingers on my desk briefly, trying to decide if I want to be the know-it-all in the class, before finally putting Mr. Cross out of his misery and raising my hand.
“The skin of the lion is impenetrable to any weapon, sir. Heracles actually did try with a bow first, but when that didn’t work, he had to find a different way to go about it.”
“Very good, Bethany.” He beams a smile at me, and I roll my eyes.
“It’s Beth, sir.” I hate being called by my full name.
No one calls me that except for my mom, and that’s baggage better left packed away forever.
“Okay, Beth. I want everyone to spend the rest of the class reading the ancient texts on Heracles. I want a two-page paper on the truth versus the myths that humans don’t believe in by our next class.”
The entire class groans with the exception of me, and I read the true story of the Nemean Lion until class is over, tapping my foot the entire time.
I know I’m probably irritating the hell out of Raven, but I can’t help the anxiousness in my gut. There’s got to be something weird going on here. Most of the seats are still empty, and no one’s bursting through the door while hoping Mr. Cross won’t notice.
The bell rings, startling me from my thoughts, and I pack my book and notes away before following Raven out the door.
“There’s something weird going on, Raven.”
“I know. I mean, I could see one or two students missing class, but there were five open seats when that class is always full.” She grabs the railing, rushing down the stairs.
Despite the weirdness in the air, excitement fills her every expression as we race out of the building to the training yard.
Tall trees surround us as we make our way down the dirt path that cuts through the forest. The trees part into a clearing where the clang of weapons fills the air.
Jayden is standing fifteen feet away, scanning the area.
I fidget uncomfortably and glance back the way I came. I can’t leave; I need to train. I don’t want to be around Jayden though.
“What is he doing?” I ask, confused.
Jayden, the stupid, cheating asshole, seems lost as he scans the training yard.
“I don’t know. Why don’t we ask him?” Raven’s smile widens at the prospect.
She’s been trying to get me to talk to Jayden since Halloween, but I refuse.
“Go ahead and ask him.” I shrug, examining my chipped nails.
I hate his stupid, sexy face. His blue eyes are constantly watching me. Even now, the hair on the back of my neck is standing on end. I’m being watched, and I know it’s him. It’s always him.
“You two are hopeless.” Raven’s exasperation bleeds through her tone.
Shrugging, I follow my friend as she makes her way to a confused Jayden.
He runs a hand through his white-blond hair, scanning the training yard again.
“What’s going on?” Raven asks.
“Dustin was supposed to meet me for a private sparring session, and he’s late.” Jayden scans the area again and frowns.
I don’t know Dustin very well, but I have seen how much the guy trains, and it doesn’t make sense that he’s not here.
“Isn’t Dustin a Hermes kid?” I ask. “He could be strengthening the wards and forgot.”
“C’mon, Beth, let’s go spar.” Raven is bouncing on the balls of her feet.
I grimace because any time I spar with her, I end up on my ass. Never get into a fight with a daughter of Ares. They are way too adept at fighting and weaponry.
