Chapter Four
Geri
Persephone tucked the final hairpin into place with a satisfied hum, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “There,” she declared with regal flair, “now you’re finally done.”
“The Queen of the Underworld has spoken,” Geri replied with a small smirk, turning her head slightly to catch her reflection in the mirror.
The updo was elegant but not fussy, soft tendrils framing her face just enough to feel like herself.
But what truly struck her in the mirror was not the hair—it was the goddess standing behind her.
Persephone’s smile was radiant, the kind of smile that could make Geri’s nerves unravel, and her chest loosen with one glance. A smile that reminded her she wasn’t doing this alone.
“Thanks, P. For everything,” Geri said softly, her eyes meeting her friend’s in the mirror.
If she hadn’t run off to New York City all that time ago…If she hadn’t walked into that quirky plant shop owned by Persephone and Demeter, desperate to breathe again outside the shadow of her pack…She wouldn’t be here now. She wouldn’t have found her place, her voice, her best friend.
And she never would’ve met Apollo.
Who could’ve guessed that leaving home to figure out who she really was would lead her to a true mate and a family that happened to include the most powerful beings in the cosmos? Gods and goddesses who made her feel seen. And a future she never imagined for herself.
The Queen of the Underworld rested her chin lightly on Geri’s shoulder and said, “You ready?”
Persephone caught the flicker of hesitation in Geri’s expression. “Don’t worry about the bombing of the barn; no one was hurt.”
Geri gave a half-smile, still staring at her reflection.
The barn—the grand, hulking structure that had been part of their territory for generations—was supposed to be the venue for their wedding.
But earlier that day, it had exploded in a fiery blast that rattled the pack and sent emergency protocols into overdrive.
Persephone waved a hand dismissively and added with a smirk, “It’s nothing a little magic…and Artemis can’t fix.”
“Oh no,” Geri groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her sister-in-law was terrifyingly enthusiastic when it came to getting things done. Their chef and event planner had already threatened to quit. But one thing was certain—Artemis got results.
The ceremony had been moved outside, near the community center. It wasn’t what they planned, but the meadow, with the towering pines and view of the mountains, had its own kind of magic.
Just then, the door creaked open, and her brother, Cade, stepped inside. The Alpha was dressed in formal clothes—simple, dignified, and just a little uncomfortable, judging by the way he tugged at the collar.
He stood beside her and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. “Let’s get this over with,” he muttered.
Geri laughed, the sound breaking some of the tension in her chest. “You always know how to make a moment special, Cade.”
He chuckled and looked at her. “You look beautiful, Geri. Simple, elegant. Mom and Dad would be proud.”
“Thanks. I know they’re watching over us.”
She looped her arm through his, and together they walked outside. Everyone rose to their feet, a sea of smiling faces, their happiness palpable in the air.
Geri tightened her hold on him, and they began to walk down the aisle. Apollo stood at the end, his smile outshining even the bright sunflowers on the arch above him. As they approached, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and adoration.
Cade stopped just short of Apollo. “Take care of her,” he said, his voice low but firm.
Apollo nodded solemnly. “With my life.”
Geri stood beside Apollo, his hand warm in hers, and felt the steady hum of his love through their bond. The ceremony began, and the officiant’s words blended into a soft background, and in that moment, despite everything, she was sure—she was exactly where she was meant to be.
When the officiant prompted her, Geri looked into Apollo’s eyes, and she began to recite her vows.
She knew her eyes were glowing when she saw her mate’s smile widen.
“I promise to stand by you, to support you, and love you with all I am. You are my sun, my guiding light, and I vow to cherish every moment we have together.”
Apollo’s smile was radiant as he listened to Geri’s heartfelt words.
When it was his turn, he gently squeezed her hands and began his vows, his voice filled with warmth and love.
“I have waited an eternity,” Apollo said, his blue eyes locking onto hers.
“You are my other half, my perfect match. I vow to protect, honor, and love you for all my days. Together, we will shine brighter than ever before.”
They finished their vows, and the officiant declared them husband and wife. Apollo leaned in, capturing Geri’s lips in a tender kiss, sealing their bond in front of the pack and the assembled guests.
As the newlyweds turned to face the audience, their smiles wide and their hands intertwined, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Geri and Apollo walked down the aisle together, the golden light of sunset brushing against their skin.
Once they reached the end of the aisle, Geri turned and tugged Apollo toward her. Before he could say a word, she pulled him in for a kiss, firm and full of promise.
“I didn’t need a ceremony to know I was yours,” she murmured against his lips. “But I’m glad we did it anyway.”
He grinned, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “Same. Though I’d marry you a thousand times if it meant you’d keep looking at me like that.”
They kissed again—longer this time—until a familiar voice called out from behind them.
“Okay, newlyweds, break it up,” Hannah teased. The event planner, clipboard in hand and headset askew, waved them over. “You’ve got to take photos, and you’re already behind schedule!”
“I won’t miss all the ‘official things’ I have to do,” Geri grumbled as they walked toward the camera setup.
Apollo chuckled beside her. “Ah, there’ll be some of that in Olympus, too,” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Don’t get too comfortable, wifey.”
She groaned playfully and bumped her shoulder into his. “I should’ve known immortality came with obligations.”
They got through all their duties—cutting the cake, greeting guests, toasting with sparkling wine—and even managed to share a laugh-filled dance with the Greek gods in attendance.
Geri had never imagined Artemis trying to pull her into a line dance with Demeter and Hades, but somehow, it had happened, and she was still catching her breath from laughing so hard.
She slipped away to grab a drink, the cool night air brushing over her bare shoulders as she approached the bar. The string lights twinkled above, casting a warm glow over the celebration. She reached for a glass of water, but her eyes caught something across the reception area.
Her brother Cade was seated beneath the large cedar tree, flanked by Apollo and Xavier, the pack’s second-in-command. Their heads were close, postures tense. No one was smiling. Geri’s instincts prickled, and her grip on the glass tightened.
They had to be talking about the bombing.
She didn’t hesitate. She set down her glass and wove her way through the crowd toward them.
“This wasn’t just a random act,” Xavier said, his expression grave, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere.
“This sounds serious,” said Geri, and sat beside her mate. “What have you found out?”
Cade’s eyes narrowed. “Go on.”
Xavier explained the details, describing the sophistication of the explosives and the precise nature of the attack.
“Whoever did this knew what they were doing. They wanted to cause maximum damage. I’ve been investigating the bombing of the barn all day.
And I’ve found evidence that it was a professional job. ”
“A professional job?” Geri’s eyes widened in alarm. “That means this was deliberate. I should stay to help figure out what’s happening.”
Cade shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not, Geri. Your ceremony deadline is up. You only have a year in Olympus to become immortal. We can handle this.”
“What’s going on?” Artemis, who had been passing by the table, asked before sitting down.
Cade and Xavier exchanged a look before Xavier picked up where he left off.
“I’ve been able to gather some intel. The type of explosives and the amount indicate a high level of expertise.
They aimed to cause maximum damage with minimal traces left behind.
It’s clear that they wanted to send a message. ”
Artemis’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think this was a personal attack on the pack, or could it be related to something bigger?”
“That’s what we need to find out,” Xavier replied. “I’ve been digging into potential motives and suspects, but who might be behind this is unclear. There are a few groups and individuals who might have the resources and the motive to pull off something like this, but we need more information.”
“See, I really have to stay here and help,” Geri proclaimed. “I can’t leave you and the pack now, Cade. Not when you’re in danger.”
“No, no.” Cade shook his head vehemently. “There’s no way you’re missing your chance to be with your mate forever.” While Apollo was, indeed, immortal, there was no evidence that even a god could survive the breaking of the mate bond. “I can take care of this.”
“Apollo, please,” Geri grasped her mate’s arm. “There must be something…the council…we can tell them this is an emergency. Surely, they can defer my stay in Olympus for a couple of months.”
“I…I’m sorry, baby.” Apollo sighed. “It was hard enough to get them to agree in the first place.”
“No.” Geri’s mouth set into a grim line. “I can’t…don’t make me choose, please.”
“Baby.” He slipped his arms around her. “I won’t…I mean, surely Cade can take care of this?”
“I can,” Cade answered. “You need to go, Geri. Continue on with your life. We’ll be fine here.”
Geri shook her head vehemently as she disentangled herself from Apollo’s arms. “No. Absolutely—”
“What do you need, baby?” Apollo said, reaching out to touch her shoulder gently. “What would it take to reassure you?”
She inhaled a deep breath. “I don’t know. I just need to know what’s happening and be here to protect my pack.”
Apollo paused. “Would it help…if I stayed instead?”
“What?” Geri’s eyes widened. “Stay here?”
“Yeah. I can be pretty handy, as you know.” The two of them exchanged smiles, and obvious but silent communication passed between them. “What do you say?”
“But that would mean I’d be alone in Olympus.”
“I could come back every night. Or check in with you every few hours.”
Cade grunted. “You can’t leave my sister up there alone for hours. It’s a strange place. She’ll need your support. We’ll be fine, Geri, I swear.”
“I…I wish there was a way for you to be in two places at the same time. I mean…that’s not possible, is it?”
“‘Fraid not, baby. I—wait.” Apollo’s tone changed.
“What is it?” Geri asked. “Apollo?”
“While I can’t be in two places at the same time, there is the second-best thing.” He grinned, then turned to Artemis. “Artemis, can you help Cade with this investigation?”
“Me?” Artemis looked surprised but nodded. “Of course, Apollo. I’ll do whatever I can to assist.” She stood up and placed a hand on Geri’s other shoulder. “I’d do anything for you, especially since you’ve taken my brother off my hands.”
Apollo snorted.
“Oh, and by the way?” Artemis leaned over and poked a finger at her brother’s chest. “I am definitely not second best.”
Cade couldn’t suppress a groan. The sound drew amused looks from those around the table.
Artemis raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. “Not thrilled about the idea, Alpha?”
“She does have that effect on people,” Apollo chuckled, giving Cade a sympathetic pat.
Cade sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not that, Artemis. It’s just…this is pack business.”
Geri reached over and placed a hand on her brother’s arm. “Cade, please. This will help me feel better knowing you have someone else to help you.”
Cade exchanged a look with Xavier, who shrugged. He took a deep breath and turned back to Artemis. “Alright. Let’s work together on this.”
Artemis smiled. “Thank you, Cade. And Geri, we’ll get to the bottom of this, I promise.”
Apollo gave Cade an appreciative nod. “Artemis will be a valuable asset.”
Cade managed a small smile.
“Oh,” Artemis said, rubbing her hands together. “I love a good hunt.”
Geri nodded, still worried but feeling more at ease. “Okay. I trust you both. Just…be careful.”
“We will.” Cade gave her a reassuring smile. “Go and start your new life, Geri. We’ve got this.”
Apollo stood and stretched, offering his hand to Geri with a grin. “Come on, let’s go get a drink.”
As she slipped her fingers into his, Geri glanced back at her brother. Cade was scowling at Artemis from across the table, his jaw tight. She sighed inwardly, hoping—maybe foolishly—that things would work out.