Page 9 of Protected By Artemis
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.”
Geri’s eyes widened in alarm. “A professional job? 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 groaned inwardly at the growing number of people who could hear this conversation, but he exchanged a look with Xavier and gave a subtle signal for him to continue.
Xavier nodded and 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. He was Alpha, after all. It was his job to keep his pack safe. Of course, he could understand Geri’s guilt. She’d been away for so long, and now, when she thought the pack needed her, she was once again leaving. But he’d never blamed or resented her for leaving before, and he wasn’t going to start now. “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.” And while he appreciated the offer of help, he didn’t need a god meddling in his pack’s affairs. “We’ll be fine, Geri, I swear.”
His sister looked torn. “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.” His 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.”