Chapter 25
Charlotte
It takes me a moment to readjust my vision as we come through the portal into the white marble walls of headquarters. My head is spinning, but the sensation is not as bad as my first attempt at portal travel.
Once I get my bearings, I realize Thoth is up on the central dias typing away at the computer. I’m about to walk up to tell him the good news before I hear Isis’s harsh, ethereal voice.
“Where have the two of you been? You did not check in. I was starting to assume the worst.” She has her hands folded and her piercing eyes assess both of us. “Come to the kitchen. We have much to discuss.”
Without any more acknowledgement she walks out of headquarters. Clearly that was an order to follow and not a request.
I give Horus a questioning glance. “Let’s not keep her waiting. The sooner we update her, the sooner we can celebrate,” he says as he winks at me.
As he guides me down the hallways, I ask, “And how are we going to celebrate this victory?”
He gives me a sly grin. “Oh, sweetheart. I think you know how.”
My face heats and I have to look away or I’m going to insist we celebrate first and deal with his mother after.
“Would you like me to give you some examples of what I have in mind?” he whispers in my ear.
My breath quickens as heat gathers between my legs. This god knows just how to push all of the right buttons. “I would, but let me try to make a good impression on your mother first, please? You’re extremely…”
“Attractive?”
“No… yes! Ugh, you are very attractive which makes you very distracting,” I reply with my head in my hands. “Your mother doesn’t seem to be too fond of me, but I’d like to try and correct that by not angering her any further.”
He just chuckles at my response.
“I’m serious! Please, let’s go update her on our findings and then we can… celebrate.”
He gives me a peck on the nose. “I think it’s adorable that you want my mother’s approval. Please don’t take her closed off behavior personally. I’m her son and she’s rather protective of those she loves.”
I smile at the sentiment. I also had a loving, doting mother. Although, mine was not immortal with untold powers and magic at her disposal. Still, I can understand wanting what’s best for her son. Hopefully, I can convince her that my feelings for Horus are not fleeting. I truly care for her son and plan on seeing where this relationship takes us.
As we approach the kitchen, I hear the whistle of a kettle and two female voices murmuring. Once we cross the threshold, I note that Bastet is sitting on the counter with one leg crossed over the other while Isis takes the kettle off the stove.
“Were you successful?” Isis asks.
“Straight to the point then,” I murmur under my breath so only Horus can hear.
With an amused huff, he responds, “Yes, mother. You will be happy to know that we have recovered the first piece of the Tablet of Osirus.”
He pulls my duffle bag strap over his shoulder and places it on the counter. Both Isis and Bastet seem to hold their breath as he unzips the bag to reveal the stone tablet lying on top.
Isis slowly walks over and tears start to form in her eyes. “After all these years, we finally have some hope.”
Horus embraces his mother and says, “Yes, mother. We are one step closer.”
Isis puts her hand on Horus’s cheek and gives him a smile. “Thank you, Horus. I knew your persistent mind would pay off.”
She looks to me and her smile fades as she says, “I also have to thank you, Ms. Fletcher. None of this would have been possible without your assistance.”
I bow my head slightly and answer, “You’re very welcome, your grace.” I give a smile to Horus. “We make a great team.”
He answers my smile with one of his own while Isis continues to look between the two of us with an air of uncertainty.
Horus lifts the tablet out of the bag and hands it gently to his mother. She cradles and touches the stone lovingly before handing it off to Bastet. “Please take this to Thoth. I’d like for him to examine it to make sure the magic is still intact.”
Bastet jumps off the kitchen counter and replies, “Of course, Isis.” Before she walks out of the room, she stops in front of Horus and looks him over. “No, injuries I assume?”
“Me? Since when am I slow enough to get caught by a knife or bullet?”
“Since I sliced your arm in practice last week,” she says slyly before walking out of the room.
“Anything else to report? Was there a reason for your delay?” Isis asks skeptically.
“Yes, mother. We ran into Ammit once again at the museum. She was tearing the offices apart looking for the tablet. I was able to get us both to safety before she could attack. We had to wait until morning to return to our search.”
Isis sneers at this information. “That crocodile is never up to any good. I’m relieved you were able to track it down before she could get her claws on it.” Isis turns her eyes to me. “Were you injured in your escape, Ms. Fletcher?”
“No, I wasn’t. Thankfully, Horus was able to think quickly and get us out of danger before she turned her destructive tendencies on us,” I reply. “We would have come straight here, but we left the portal-key at my flat and didn’t want to lead Ammit there.”
“So, where did you stay?” she asks with an eyebrow raised.
“At my friend’s flat. She is out of the country for the next couple of months. So, I knew it would be empty and Ammit would have a harder time finding us there.”
“I see,” Isis replies with a frown. This goddess does not seem to like me even though I feel that I’ve been more than helpful in this search.
Before I can try to butter her up with my stellar Egyptian knowledge, Horus asks, “It’s been a long day, mother. Charlotte and I would like to freshen up before dinner. Will you excuse us?”
“Yes, of course, dear. But could I speak with Ms. Fletcher for just a moment? I feel that I haven’t gotten to speak with her for very long since she has been with us.”
“Of course, mother.” He gives her a kiss on the cheek before turning to me and giving me a deep kiss on the lips that leaves me dizzy and aching. I watch his handsome form stride out of the room fantasizing about what he plans to do to me later.
I’m still staring at the threshold when I hear Isis clear her throat. I recover quickly and give her my full attention with a smile on my face. Now is the time to win her over. I have yet to have a parent not fall in love with my winning personality.