Page 14 of Hades' Shadow
“Why?” I ask, frowning in confusion.
When I got here, everyone loved Jayden. He was the most popular guy on campus. Why would they think he would do something like Draven is claiming?
“It’s because he’s a son of Hades, Beth. They believe Hades would do anything to be king so his son must be the same way.” Adrian’s expression darkens as he says the words.
He knows that Jayden would never do the things they are accusing him of and it’s stupid.
Raven scoffs, “That’s idiotic. Jayden barely even tolerates his father.”
“They don’t know that. He has always been the popular loner. He never even socialized with anyone before you came to the school, Beth.” Adrian pats my shoulder.
Oh gods. Why did he have to say that to me now? So basically no one in the school knows Jayden like we do. It just figures that Dax and Draven are doing everything they can to get between us.
Shit. I mean, do I care though? I tentatively trusted him, but did he trust me when I was attacked with Dax’s lips? No, he didn’t. He has been an ass and I’m done with guys for a very long fucking time.
“Look, I don’t like this any more than you do, but we need Jayden for this, and I may have a bit more of an idea what we are going to be asked to do this time,” Adrian says with a shudder.
“Was I right about the darkness?” I ask, grinning.
“You were, but you won’t be grinning when I tell you why.”
4
“Maybe we should get Jayden for this?” I raise an eyebrow at Adrian.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Everyone is volatile right now. Maybe you all should just cool off and we’ll talk at dinner?” Adrian pats my shoulder in sympathy.
Raven threads her arm through mine and bumps me with her hip. “I think that’s the best option. He’s being an ass even though we stopped the damn idiots.”
“Jayden can think whatever he wants. I don’t care,” I spit the words with venom.
“Are you sure about that?” Raven scoffs.
“As long as he doesn’t mess up the mission with his pettiness.” I shrug. I don’t even know if I believe my own words. “That’s all that matters.”
“Okay then, while he’s cooling off, do you want to track down Cross?” Raven asks.
Adrian puts a hand on my arm. “Why are you tracking down Mr. Cross?”
“Did you see him today?” I ask, turning to Adrian. “He looked run-down.”
Raven pulls at my arm that’s threaded through hers to keep us moving away from the training center. “He has been ducking us since class got out. I’m not sure what’s going on with him.”
“I may have an idea.” Adrian runs a hand over the back of his neck. “C’mon.”
He changes course, leading us around the side of the admin building. I frown at Raven.
Her eyes are wide like she knows where we are going. “You know this is against the rules.”
“I thought you were a rule breaker, Raven.” Adrian turns, smirking at us.
“What is going on here? I’m lost.” I glance between the two of them. They are staring each other down.
“This is the way to the staff apartments. We aren’t even allowed behind the admin building.” Raven turns to me, breaking her stare-off with Adrian.
“Okay, but if Adrian knows where to find Cross and has an idea what’s happening, shouldn’t we at least try?” I ask, squeezing Raven’s arm.
“Is whatever is going on with Cross really that important? It could be just that he’s weakening like the others?” Raven asks, peering at Adrian again.
