Page 30 of Poseidon's Trident
I push open the door to the clear night sky. The stars shine down on us and my shoulders slump in relief. It’s a break in the ever present storm we’ve been in the last few weeks.
“No because if you’re a freak, that makes me one too and everyone knows I’m absolutely fabulous.” Raven grins.
Students dot the quad in small groups, taking advantage of the short reprieve from the storms. I wish we could tell them what’s happening without panic erupting through the academy. We wander past them, allowing them the simple pleasures while they still can.
“You definitely are, but now I need to go talk to a disgruntled and jealous demigod.” I roll my eyes.
“Good luck with that and make sure the asshole grovels.” Raven winks.
I trudge up the stairs to the door of the dorms and push it open. I stomp up the eleven flights of stairs to Jayden’s dorm, sure that he is in there sulking. As I get to the door to his room, I square my shoulders, preparing for battle against Jayden.
Knocking on the door does nothing but shove it open a little more. I push the door open and stare into the dark room. Shivers race down my spine when the skulls all seem to be glaring at me.
“Jayden?” I whisper.
He turns to me in the gloom, his blue eyes glowing with fury. “What do you want, Beth?”
“What do I want? Maybe I want you to stop being a jealous ass and talk to me.” I clench my fists to stop from zapping him.
“Why, when Thad is here to solve all our problems?” he asks.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I stomp forward. “He’s coming to help us. He’s already been helpful.”
“He wants you,” Jayden roars.
“So? I’m the only one who can decide what I want. And for some crazy reason, I only want you.” I ball my hands into fists.
“You don’t want him?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.
I throw my hands up in the air and stomp forward. Is he really so dense? What the fuck made him think that I want Thad? We’re just friends.
“Gods, Jayden. I don’t even know what to say to you. I thought we showed each other that we are good together when you stop letting your issues get in the way.” I turn to leave, but he grips my arm and spins me around.
“They aren’t just my issues, Beth.”
“Oh, they aren’t?” I laugh. “Did you forget that when we first got to the academy, you literally let Mia hang all over you every chance she got?” I poke him in the chest. “Other than when Dax kissed me and I pushed him away, have I ever let anyone else touch me?”
He hangs his head. He knows that the standard isn’t the same but he’s not budging.
“One girl, Beth. One. You have had three guys trying to get to you in a matter of months,” Jayden roars.
I take a step back. He really just screamed at me? He’s going to have a problem if he thinks he can talk to me like that.
“Yeah, and you know the difference, Jayden? Ineverled them to believe there was a chance with me. I let them know from the beginning of whatever this is between us that they didn’t stand a chance. Did you do that with Mia? No.” I stomp my foot.
“I was never with Mia.” Jayden stands and stalks to me.
“I was never with anyone else, but anytime someone shows the slightest interest in me, you punish me for it. How is that fair? I didn’t kiss Dax. He kissed me and I fought that asshole Draven off on my own. You were there when I put Thad in his place. It doesn’t matter though. You’re always going to be like this, aren’t you?” I shove him when he steps into my space.
Jayden stumbles back and his shadows writhe along his arms angrily. “You say you don’t want them, but eventually you’re going to have to choose someone your father approves of, Beth. It won’t be me. He will never approve of me, and Thad is the sea demigod. Your father will approve of him.”
“Bullshit,” I yell. “So because Thad is suddenly here, you’re back to the same old shit?”
“It’s not shit, Beth. It’s the truth. Your father will never actually let us be together long term. Even if we survive the coming war and save his throne.” Jayden shakes his head.
“Do you really think I’m going to let anyone dictate to me like that?” I throw my hands up and change my mind, pushing him against the wall.
“You can’t go against Zeus. If he wants you with Thad, he will make it happen.” Jayden sighs.
