“I'm so sorry; I forgot about the demons,” Athena stuttered in surprise. “Is everyone all right?”
“They are,” I said. “But we've had to roll with the punches, and we were just in the middle of discussing our next move when you walked in.”
“And what about you?” Athena looked at the other Greek gods at the table. “You're not going to help me? Hades, what about Poseidon? You don't want to help his son?”
“I have helped, Athena,” Hades said patiently. “Persephone and I went with Donnie, Triton, Odin, and Vervain to look into the incidents, and Vervain found the goddess who was behind it. We have done our parts. But, as she said, we have other friends who are in dire need now. I will not abandon them.”
Athena gaped at Hades.
“We aren't abandoning you either, Athena,” Persephone said gently. “If you truly feel that no one else can help you, we will. But the Demons are facing death right now, and Vervain and Trevor have been personally attacked so your troubles will have to wait until they're safe. If you can afford to wait, then, by all means, do so. But I'd recommend you ask some of the other Greek gods to help you instead.”
“Odin just said that our people may be in danger,” Athena pointed out.
“And if it turns out that they are, we will help defend them,” Hekate said. “Contact us immediately.”
“Woman-up, Athena,” Artemis huffed. “You've been bugging Vervain—and by extension, us—with every fucking problem you've had since she joined the Twelve. This is bullshit and you know it. The Godhunter is not your mommy. Now, grow a pair of tits and handle your own shit.”
The room went silent.
“I see.” Athena stood. “I won't bother you again.”
“Athena.” I sighed. “If there's something that only one of us can do, we'll gladly help you. But what would you have me do now—at this moment—that another Greek god can't?”
“Nothing, I suppose,” she said evenly. “You've given me some insight that will prove useful, I'm sure. Thank you for that. I will do as Artemis so colorfully suggested and handle this myself.”
Athena stiffly walked out of the room; Wren hurrying after her.
“Pixie poop!” I huffed. “That didn't go well.”
“It needed to be said.” Odin gave me a supportive look.
The non-Greek members of the God Squad nodded along with the Intare.
“We're happy to defend you, Tima, but I'd rather not go looking for trouble that we otherwise would have no part of,” Fallon said.
“And Artemis is right,” Hades said. “Athena has been leaning too heavily on us. If Donnie had asked me, I would have helped, but my brother—as Athena pointed out—is the greatest sea god in our pantheon, and he's taking care of his own business. Athena needs to learn that leadership is not just about commanding your soldiers, it's also about giving them an example to follow.”
“Well said.” Hekate's black lipstick made her smile seem even sassier than it was; she tossed it at Hades first and then transferred it to Artemis. “You too, Artie. I'm going to be stealing that line about the tits.”
Artemis took a bow.
“I'm glad we're in agreement,” I interrupted their little moment of camaraderie. “But I feel bad about turning her away.”
“As you said; she has big pantheon,” Kirill reminded me. “Is it fair for her to come here and expect us to handle her problems vhen she has capable gods she can call on?”
“Herself included,” Torrent said.
“Well, when you put it like that, we sound less cold-hearted,” I said.
“I don't think it's possible for you to have a cold heart,” Trevor said with a wink my way.
I felt good about it then, but later I would look back on that night and wish I'd been more of a friend to Athena.
Chapter Forty-Two
We went to bed without a Katila solution, but one presented itself the very next day. Or herself, rather.
The little lionesses were playing in our natural rock pool with their fathers and uncles while Samantha, Re, and I relaxed with cool drinks nearby. We needed a break. I've learned over my years of godhunting that breaks like this are important. Without them, life becomes a series of battles that start to seem pointless. You need to remind yourself what you're fighting for before you armor up.
But I hadn't expected to have to explain all of that to the other Angel of Death. He came striding out of Pride Palace with his wife at his side and stopped beside the pool to glower at us like we were heartless assholes.
“Samael?” Azrael asked as if he couldn't believe the man was standing there.
“Hello, Azrael,” Samael said as he surveyed our domestic bliss. “Having a nice time?”
“We're taking a well-deserved break,” I said defensively as I got up and wrapped a sarong around my bikini-clad self. “How did you get past my wards?”
“Our daughter gave us the chant,” Samael said with a smug smile.
I grimaced. Dang it, Gello! She hadn't bothered to warn us either; that mischievous demoness.
“You have nothing to fear from us,” Lilith said. “We're here to help.”
“I still don't know if I approve of this,” Samael said to his wife.
“Is anyone going to introduce us?” The other Sam—Samantha—asked as she cast concerned looks at her husband and daughter.
I introduced everyone, and they all murmured politely to each other. But Samantha and Fallon still looked tense. They subtly moved between our visitors and their daughter.
“We've come about the demon killers,” Lilith said as she looked around for a place to sit.
“Why don't we sit on the veranda?” I suggested.
“I want to stay!” Lesya declared.
Well, that was kind of the point, but I didn't tell Lesya that. She'd probably change
