EMMA

My god, he is massive, and I was right, jet black fur. His glowing red eyes are terrifying. Rising, he moves away, and I realize my reaction hurt him. Raising my hand out to him, "Wait, please, I'm sorry. I just, well, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I mean, Powaqu told me you hunted them, but now I can understand why they fear you." Another step back into the darkness. Shit. "Crap, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it how it sounded. I mean you are terrifying. Fuck, that isn't any better. Okay, shut up, Emma." I hold my other hand out, hoping to stop him.

"Let me start again. Thank you so much for helping me. Thank you for not killing me. I'm not sure how it all works, but if Jason is in there, thank you. If not, then still, thank you." I smile, probably a little too big, but I don't care. "By the way, your fur is the softest thing ever. And even though I think you look fierce, I think you are beautiful. Okay, shutting up now."

I pray he doesn't kill me now that he's offended. Laying down still in the shadows, his eyes are on me and he doesn't move any further away. I turn my eyes to the fire. Staring, I wonder what's going to happen now. We are locked in here, no one in or out. If Arias is to be believed, none of those mythical beings I keep hearing about or meeting can find us. No food, no water. Daddy taught me how long I can survive and it ain't long. Tentatively, I touch my face; it is swollen and hurts something fierce. Pulling my hand away, I hold it in the light. At least no fresh blood is on it. I check my ribs and torso next, triaging my injuries. None are life threatening, so that's good. I try to remember everything daddy taught me about broken ribs and the hazards, but I'm certain my lungs are okay. I wish I had something to bind it with, but shallow breaths will have to do. My hair raises, looking up at intense red eyes that are studying my movements, his nose raises, and I hear him sniffing the air.

"I look pretty bad, don't I?" I sigh, not the way I would chose to meet Jason. "He didn't like that I wasn't excited about being raped." A deep growl echoes around us before he lunges to his feet. I jump, startled, as he races away. Oh god, is something here? I strain to hear or see what sent him running. The fire starts to die down and I fumble around the room picking up everything I can find that I think might burn. Jumping at every tiny noise, my nerves are on high alert and I realize I'm shaking. Shock. Daddy's voice whispers through my head. I need to be careful. Putting more debris on the fire, I put my back to the stone table and lean back, shivering. Pressing a hand to my face, I realize I'm clammy. My heart starts pounding more, and I am gasping as my teeth begin to chatter. I'm so pissed. I'm probably going to die here, and I'm so angry at myself for so many things. I think of everything I missed out on because of my need to prove I was good enough.

It was me I was good enough for, I realize that now. How many times was I jealous of Aislin, her home, her grandfather, even her curves because they were things I didn't possess? Now I'm never going to get a chance to live. The dog is probably going to end up eating my dead body. I hope if he does, he rips Arias apart… Slowly.

I think I hear him coming closer and turn my widened eyes, searching. I lock eyes with him as darkness takes me. My last thought is bon appetit.

I wake with warm surrounding me. I smile when fur tickles my face. I lie as still as I can, savoring his presence. I have no idea how long I was out but I realize I needed the rest or maybe I needed my beast. He moved to my side after I fell asleep. Okay let's stick to the truth, Emma. I passed out, fainted like a true southern belle. My fingers rub some of the fur between them, and I think I would gladly do it again if it brought him to me. I feel such peace with him near. He moves his muzzle toward me, and I freeze. His eyes meet mine, and something deep within him reaches for me. Something broken like me.

I reach for him and he growls. Pausing, I hold my hand there waiting. I think he must be used to only pain touching him. Those he is sent after must always attack the beast. So I wait. His hackles rise and then he is up sprinting away, and I'm trying to make sure my previously cushioned head doesn't bounce off the floor. I watch until he disappears.

"Don't you worry, boy. I learned long ago how to love a wounded animal." My mom's face drifts through my mind and I realize daddy wasn't the only one that taught me the important things. I'm staring at nothing, lost in my memories when Arias' voice rings out. I tense before coming to my feet. I grin. He can't get in. I hobble up the path toward his voice. He is going to lose his mind when he finds me here. I hope he hasn't brought different witch.

I'm about to step into his line of sight when teeth close around my hand, clamping down. Wincing, I look at my beast. I widen my eyes, questioning him, as he pulls me back. I kneel, leaning near him. He stiffens and growls but holds steady. My mouth brushes his sensitive ear, and I whisper, "I'll stay hidden, but be careful. The one who helped me said he had more witches."

His massive head tilts, and he looks at me. I swear, if he can look surprised, he does, and then it's my turn as his pink tongue slides up the side of my face. I grin as he turns and stalks toward the barrier. I shuffle quietly to a better spot, hoping to get a view of the confrontation. I can't see Arias but my beast appears almost regal, even if his hackles are raised and his lips are pulled back. Arias is speaking, but I can't hear everything. I shift, trying to lean forward, and a few stones roll away from me. One massive ear swivels my direction as a series of deep barks fill the air. Grimacing, I freeze. He's going to maul me if Arias heard that.

Arias is on a rant, screaming, and it drowns out the noise. He is going on about how no one understands how awful those that created him are, because if they did, everyone would join him in destroying them. The sad part is I agree with some of it, so far only seeing the destruction and pain they create. What Aphrodite did to me was unforgivable. I'm ready for some revenge of my own but wonder since they also made Jason and Kai. Aislin spoke of meeting Morrigan and from what she said that goddess is wonderful. Maybe the Greek ones are just a bad group.

I'm drawn from my thoughts by Arias’ voice, shrieking in his rage now. I can hear his fist pounding on the barrier, and I lean out, wanting to see. It's like something from a movie, and I fight the urge to laugh. Jason is sitting calmly staring at him, which, if his face is anything to go by, is making Arias even madder. His next words shock me.

"This is where they dumped me so long ago. Did you know that? Right here in this temple. One minute, I was in a cage in the Underworld, and the next, here. I was given to a horrible man. They thought he would kill me, but instead, he did so much worse. Everything is falling apart. I understand now I have no leverage with you, so instead of torturing you until you open the portal, I'm going to kill you. Destroy their prized project." Holding his hand out behind him, he smiles. I notice the other man from his house standing in silence. He places a bow in Arias’ hand.

Raising it, he draws an arrow back, aiming at a now standing and growling beast. RUN. Why doesn't he run? Maybe the barrier will block it. The thud is sickening. The howl that comes from him is worse. I race out, not caring if Arias see me. Wanting him to. Wanting him to see me with Jason. His eyes widen and his mouth drops open as I race to my beast’s side.