Page 34 of Poseidon's Trident
“I had a blast torturing you. You deserved it,” I say.
He tickles my sides again and I zap him, forgetting that he likes it. Jayden growls and flings me on the bed. His hands become weapons as he finds every ticklish spot on my body.
“Stop, Jayden, stop.” I squeak and try again to get away, but he’s got me pinned.
“You’re not seriously trying to get away from me again, are you?” He grips my wrists above my head and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. “I meant what I said. I’ll stop. Will you stay here with me tonight?”
“Okay.” I nod.
He lets go of my wrists and pecks my lips again before rolling to the side, bringing me with him. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
I can’t help but wonder if he was telling the truth. Would he someday resent me for the life we lead if we stay together? Will he wish for something normal and happy that we may never actually have?
Are we doomed before we ever really get our start? Does it even matter? We don’t know what’s going to happen on this mission and we definitely don’t know what will happen in the impending war. Am I just borrowing trouble from another day?
“What are you thinking about so hard?” Jayden squeezes me to him.
“Nothing important.” I shake my head and my hair flutters across his chest.
“Everything that you think is important.” He kisses my temple.
“I just don’t want you to resent me.” I press my forehead to his chest.
“Why would I ever resent you? I’m thanking the gods every day that you let me in your life. I’m sorry I act like a jealous fool. I’m just so scared that you’re going to wake up one day and realize that I’m really not good enough for you. Just like Draven says all the time.” He sighs.
I slap his chest and the loud crack fills the room. “Why are you still listening to Draven’s bullshit? I thought we were over this.”
“Ow.” He grabs my hand on his chest. “I’m not but when Thad showed up as a son of Poseidon, with all that power, I was sure you would leave me for him. I can’t help my jealousy sometimes.”
“Seriously, Jayden?” I pull my wrist from his grasp.
“I’m sorry. I’m trying. I don’t want to feel like this but I can’t help it.” Jayden stares up at the ceiling.
“You’re the son of fucking Hades, Jayden. You’re one of the most powerful demigods in the academy. You are god touched now. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you.” I smack his chest again and let my lightning arc into him.
“Fuck, Beth. Stop, unless you want to go for another round.” Jayden’s eyes sparkle with heat.
“Then stop tickling me and go to sleep. We have a mission tomorrow and there’s no way we can go into it exhausted.” I lay my head back on his chest.
“Fine, truce. We need to be at our best so sleep it is,” Jayden says on a yawn.
“I love you,” I mumble as sleep claims me.
9
“Has anyone told Thad we’re leaving?” I ask as we sit around my table in the cafeteria at breakfast.
“I haven’t seen him.” Raven shrugs.
I stab at the sausage on my plate. “Is everyone else ready to go?”
“I spoke to Greyson last night and he said he would be ready. There are no other packs in California so unless we’re going outside the state, he should be fine.” Raven pops a piece of bacon in her mouth.
Jayden leans forward on his elbows. “We’re most likely going to have to cross state lines. The oracle said north along the coast. For all we know we could end up in Alaska or something.”
“I hope we aren’t going that far. Can you even get to Alaska from California without flying or a boat?” I ask.
“We’re not going to Alaska.” Adrian shakes his head.
