Page 91 of Artemis' Bow
I hate that’s the only way he can come with us, but he knew and consented to only coming out when we need him. That fact doesn’t make me feel any better, though.
“If you calm down and sit, I’ll give you a snack before we have to leave.” I point my finger at him.
Cerberus sits and the tongues of all three heads loll out of their mouths in happy smiles. I pull the bag of beef jerky from my pack and toss a piece to the right head. The other two lunge for it and the three of them tear the piece apart between them.
“Guys, I have enough for all of you. Stop being jerks,” I huff.
“They’re like this anytime anyone feeds them. It has to be done at exactly the same time or they go feral,” Jayden says, shaking his head.
“Fine, let’s try this again. Jayden and Raven, will you help?” I shoot Cerberus a stern glare and all three heads whimper.
“I’m in.” Raven steps up next to me.
I grab three long strips of beef jerky and give one to each of them, keeping one for myself. “Jayden, you’re left and Raven, you’re right. I got the middle.”
Coordinating feeding this guy is a logistical nightmare.
“On three,” Jayden says.
Cerberus’ tail thumps against the ground in his excitement for more of the treat and all three sets of eyes are focused on the dried meat in our hands. The drool dripping from their fangs is disgusting but they are adorable.
“One,” I say.
“Two,” Raven goes next.
“Three,” Jayden yells and the heads lunge forward as we all throw the jerky to them at the same time.
They each catch a piece, snarling at the other two if they look too closely at them. They really are feral beasts, even to each other, but I can’t help but smile at their playfulness.
“They are freaking adorable.”
Cerberus growls and narrows his gaze on me. I guess the big scary hellhound doesn’t appreciate being called cute. I scratch him behind the ears on the left head in apology.
“Cerberus is a strong, scary hell beast, aren’t you, buddy?” Jayden pats the middle head.
The hellhound nods and shoots me a scathing glare.
“Okay, okay, but girls think cute and adorable is a compliment.” I plant my hands on my hips.
“Not Raven.” Greyson coughs into his fist.
“What was that, mate?” Raven raises an eyebrow at him.
“Nothing, babe. I had something caught in my throat.” Greyson clears his throat for real this time.
“I really think we should get moving,” Adrian says nervously.
“You’re right.” I sigh.
I shoot Cerberus an apologetic smile but all he does is headbutt me gently in the stomach and let out a sound close to a purr.
“And you say you’re not adorable?” I kiss his head and jump back as one of his paws swipes at me.
“Behave, Cerberus, she was only teasing you.” Jayden grabs the cylinder from his pocket. “When this is over, I promise I’ll take you to the academy and you can terrorize the other demigods for a couple hours.”
“Please, please, please go after Mia and scare the shit out of her,” I beg the beast.
“You’re diabolical, B. But I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t enjoy the hell out of that. Can you imagine the look on her face when this sweet puppy goes to her to play?” Raven cackles.
