Page 65 of Hades

I watch as her mouth hangs open for a moment before she regains her composure. “I only thought you’d want to know what your mother was up to, that’s all,” she says as I turn away.

I know I shouldn’t play into her little game. But from everything Hades and Alastor have ever said about Themis, she’s always planning something. Looking at my watch, I only have a few minutes until my appointment.

“Make it quick,” I tell her. “I only have a few minutes.”

“Why don’t we meet up at The Federal for drinks.”

“It’s only nine in the morning, I’ll pass.”

“Fine,” she says with a sigh. “Lunch then?”

I give her a nod. “I’ll be there at noon,” I inform her as I turn and head straight for Dr. Helbreder’s office door. I can feel my heart threatening to beat right out of my chest as my body fills with adrenaline at what just happened. Gripping the door handle, I glance back, but the mysterious woman is already gone, and not just down the street, but nowhere to be seen.

“Fuck,” I mutter as I open the door and head straight for the elevator. I debate, calling my brother. He may know what to do; he’d also be the first to tell Hades, and I don’t need them thinking I can’t handle myself.

When I open the door to Dr. Kennedy Helbreder’s office I see a woman standing, lost in thought as she stares out the window.

“Hello,” I say as I pull the door behind me.

“Oh my God,” the woman says as she turns her hand over her chest as if I started her. “I’m sorry, Good morning. Can I help you with something?”

“I’m Aradia Leland. I have an appointment with Dr. Helbreder at nine. I’m sorry I’m a few minutes early.”

I watch as the woman physically pales before my eyes and she takes a step back, almost knocking over a plant as she stares at me.

“You’re Aradia Leland?” she questions, her voice sounding almost accusatory and not at all the friendly welcome I expected.

“Umm, yes.” I answer as I take a look around the small waiting room. “Am I in the correct place? I’m looking for Dr. Helbreder, I thought this was her office,” I add, ready to leave and call Kat.

“I’m so sorry,” she says as she shakes her head. “I’m Dr Helbreder or Kennedy, if you prefer,” she adds, holding out her hand. “I just had another… You know what, never mind. I have a few things for you to fill out,” she informs me before scurrying out of the waiting room.

I’m left standing, feeling a bit odd as she returns with a clipboard. “Just some standard forms,” she gives me a nervous laugh. “Do you have an ID?” she quickly adds.

“Sure,” I say, grabbing my wallet from my purse and handing her my ID. She stares at it, turning it this way and that before rushing off again.

While she’s gone, I grab my phone and text Kat.

ME: Your friend is weird, and that says a lot coming from me.

She responds almost immediately.

KAT: WHAT? She’s not weird. What happened?

ME: She’s looking at me like I’m crazy or something. IDK, she’s just acting very strange.

KAT: Maybe she’s nervous.

ME: Well, that’s not what I’m looking for in a doctor.

KAT: I mean about meeting you.

ME: Why? What did you tell her?

I watch as the dots jump around, then stop, then jump, then stop. Finally, Kat’s text comes through.

KAT: Nothing, only that your mother is Themis, and you might be going through some relationship stuff with Hades.

ME: OMFG, did you tell her my dog was a Hellhound too?

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