Chapter 8 #2
“We don’t have a choice, Tristan. It’s not just the demigods who will suffer if the queen wins. It’s the world and all the realms attached to it,” I say.
“Realms? What are you talking about?” Tristan sits forward.
“Remember when travelers were going missing?”
“Yeah, that was like a week ago.” Tristan scoffs. “Of course I remember. I thought it had something to do with you guys.”
“Yeah, some of those travelers were transported to a different realm. We were transported there and learned that our world is a nexus between worlds. And our war is the first of many throughout all the connected realms. If the queen destroys our world, they all die as well.”
“Well, shit. No pressure. What do you need from me?” Tristan asks.
I breathe a sigh of relief. Even though things aren’t looking good for his pack, he’s still willing to help. We talk a lot of trash about Tristan and his over-the-top personality, but when it comes down to it, he’s a good guy.
“Can you send some reinforcements to the academy? We will probably need wolves at the perimeter. Grant is already sending his people to help as well.” I rub my temples.
“You got it. You said you’re heading to Grand Junction to talk to their alpha?” Tristan asks.
“Yeah, what we’re looking for is in Montana so it’s on the way.”
“We’ve had some strange volcanic activity up north of Flagstaff in the mountains. I think it might be related to you guys and your problem.” Tristan drums his fingers on the table.
“You do realize that everything isn’t because of us, right?” I ask.
“Lately it’s about a ninety-ten split on whether it’s because of you or not.” Tristan raises a brow.
“Okay, that’s fair.” I nod. “We’re going after Hephaestus’ hammer, and he is the god of volcanoes.”
“I knew it. I was going to wait it out because you guys tend to fix shit pretty quickly, but since you’re here, I thought I would let you know what’s happening.”
“We’ll check it out. It’s not like we can do anything about it, though. The only way to fix that is to retrieve the hammer and get it back to Hephaestus.”
“There could be something else there,” Kira says. “It’s worth checking out.”
“Agreed. We don’t want another situation like the rogue king popping up because we didn’t check.”
“You guys need a place to stay tonight? That was a long drive.” Tristan stands.
“No, I think we should drive to Flagstaff tonight, but I wouldn’t turn down a meal.” I shrug one shoulder.
“You never turn down food.” Raven chuckles.
“Neither do you, bitch. We’re both bottomless abysses now.” I spring up from my chair.
My stomach rumbles as if on cue and everyone laughs. I stick my tongue out at them all.
“Follow me. We’ll get some food, and you can be on your quest.” Tristan pulls the door open.
“Much appreciated.” I follow him to a large dining area in the center of the hotel lobby.
Tristan waves a hand and several wolves walk through the kitchen door laden with trays of food. My stomach rumbles again as the scent hits me in the face like a semitruck. We all take our seats and start dishing out the food onto our plates.
“So, who do I report to once we get to the academy?” Tristan asks.
“What? You’re going yourself?” I ask, shocked.
“Well, yeah. I lead from the front. I don’t send my people into something I’m not willing to do myself.” He takes a bite.
“Wow, okay. Report to Jayden. He’s in charge of the battle efforts. If you can’t find him, Artemis is there helping out as well.”
“The moon goddess is there?” He leans forward, excitement in his eyes.
“She was when we left. Anything could happen by the time you get there, though. If the battle on Olympus is heating up, then she may get called away.” I pop a french fry in my mouth.
“We will be there by morning. I’ll get the best warriors I can spare and head out there.”
“We definitely appreciate it. We have no idea what they’ll be facing at the academy. We just know it’s going to be bad. Crazy numbers of monsters and rogue demigods are my best guess. The gods will be fighting each other, but the queen wants me dead and will attack the academy. Adrian saw it.”
Tristan waves someone over and speaks clearly. “I need you to get word to the outposts in the other towns that we need warriors for the battle with the demigods.”
“Yes, Alpha. What about the warriors who are here?” The man bares his throat in submission.
“Have them meet me in the conference room. I’ll explain the situation and request volunteers for the battle, but we are leaving immediately so they will need to pack light and quickly.” Tristan takes a large bite of his burger and stands.
“Yes, Alpha.” The man scurries from the room to do as Tristan asked.
“We should probably head out.” I glance at the others who all nod their agreement. “Thank you, Tristan. I’m thankful for your quick actions to help us.”
“You’ve saved my ass more than once. You’ve earned my pack’s loyalty and respect.” Tristan bows his head.
I place a fist over my heart and nod my head to him.
“You guys done?” I ask.
“Yeah.” Raven loops her arm through mine. “I’m ready to kick some monster ass already. All this talking and driving with little action is boring.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure the boredom won’t last. We’ll have baddies to destroy before too long.” I laugh.
“Good luck to you guys. Hopefully the next time I see you, we’re all victors.” Tristan waves to us as we walk out the doors of the lobby.
“Good luck to you as well. Take care of my academy and my people, yeah?”
“Like they’re my own, Beth. That’s a promise.”
I just hope I live long enough to see that promise fulfilled. If I don’t, all is lost and the world burns while Hera cackles at her victory.