Page 22 of Hades

Getting up, I brush my teeth, splash some water on my face and retie my hair so it doesn’t look like I just woke up.

Grabbing his leash, which he doesn’t need, we head out. I look for Hades or Alastor with every turn we make, hoping to see either. But it’s still early, and even Vegas needs a little sleep. It’s not even six in the morning, but the moment I push open the door to go outside, I’m blasted with the summer heat. The large guest pool is empty except for one guy doing laps and the pool maintenance crew, who is repositioning chairs and filling the towel huts.

Argos walks beside me, keeping a perfect pace, and for the first time, I notice that he isn’t just looking straight ahead. He seems to be aware of everything going on around him as we walk. Maybe he’s always done it, and I’m only now aware of it, but Hades’ insistence that I keep Argos close and that he would protect me with his life rings through my mind.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I miss my name being yelled across the dog park area until Kat runs up to me.

“Hey,” Kat says as she stops before me, pulling me out of my daydreaming.

The first word that comes to mind as I stand here staring at her is…shifter. Shaking my head at the absurdity, I finally acknowledge her. “Hey, good morning.” I smile as Argos runs off to do his business.

“Morning to you. How are you feeling? Hades whisked you out of the restaurant so quickly last night,” she says as if we are old friends talking about the weather.

“I’m feeling better, thanks.” My imagination distracts me as Kat and I walk through the dog park. “Where are your wolves?” I ask, trying to make a polite conversation.

“Sleeping, for once. We’ve officially entered the terrible twos, and there are two more of them. My husband and I haven’t slept since they were born.” She laughs. “And he wants to have more.”

Her phrasing has me stopping dead in my tracks. “Can I ask you a bizarre question?”

“Sure,” she answers, and as soon as she does, I second-guess my question. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t seem to form the sentence so it doesn’t sound crazy. Or make me seem as if I’m the crazy one. “Aradia, you okay?” she asks, since I’m not asking her anything.

“Umm, how long have you known Alastor and Hades?” I blurt out, deciding not to sound insane.

Kat tilts her head and gives me a questioning look. “That was your bizarre question? Come on,” she adds, nudging me with her shoulder. “What else you got?”

All I can do is shake my head. “It’s far too ridiculous even to say out loud. And you don’t know me well enough to realize I’m not crazy,” I joke.

“Try me. I bet you’ll be surprised.”

Letting out a frustrated groan, I look her in the eyes. “Answer my question first?” I laugh. “Then maybe.”

“Fine, but let’s sit. I’m exhausted.”

“Wolf cubs keeping you up?” I joke, and Kat gives me a raised eyebrow.

The dog park is a good size with trees, grass, and plenty for dogs to do. Argos is off sniffing around, enjoying his doggy vacation as Kat and I sit on a nearby bench.

“I haven’t known either for very long,” she begins. “In fact, I just met Hades yesterday. But my husband, Cain, has known them both for quite some time. Alastor is an opportunist, but a good guy who would protect his friends with his life. Hades… I can’t speak for. Cain said he’s been a bit of a recluse for quite some time.”

“A recluse.” I laugh because the man I met yesterday could never be called a recluse. He’s too well-spoken and put-together for that. “Eccentric, maybe, but a recluse? I don’t think so.”

Kat gives me a shrug. “I don’t know. He’s interesting, that’s for sure. Now…” she continues. “What’s your bizarre question?”

I let out a long sigh. “Okay, but you have to promise me you won’t laugh, because it’s ridiculous and based on something I overheard. And… and this is important.” Kat gives me a nod. “You can’t tell anyone, especially if it’s the craziest thing you’ve ever heard.”

“Lay it on me. I’m ready,” Kat says, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

Closing my eyes, I do my best to wrangle my courage. What’s the worst that happens… she thinks I’m insane and runs me out of the city. I’m leaving already, so there’s no loss there. But I like Kat. She was willing to help a stranger in need last night when I thought Alastor was a creep, so that says something about her.

Keeping my eyes shut tightly, I spit out my question quickly, “Are you a shifter?” The words are out of my mouth so fast that I’m not even sure she could understand them. When she doesn’t immediately laugh, I open one eye and peek at her. “I overheard Hades ask Alastor about you, and he referred to you as a shifter.”

Kat sits next to me quietly for a few minutes. I have never wanted to take back a question so badly. When the silence becomes unbearable, I jump up, ready to leave. “I’m sorry, it was even absurd to ask.”

Before I can step forward, Kat’s hand rests on my arm. “Wait,” she asks, halting my movement.

Shaking off her hand, I continue forward, calling for Argos. I planned on staying in Vegas for at least another night, but I think I’ve made enough of a fool of myself over the last twelve hours to last me quite some time.

“Aradia, wait!” Kat yells from behind me. I don’t bother to turn around, mainly because I don’t need to see the expression on her face. I’ve been more than familiar with the look someone gives you when they think you’re crazy my entire life. The familiar burn of tears about to flow stings my eyes, so I squeeze them shut.

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