Bonds of Hercules (Villains of Lore, #2)(18)

Ceres whimpered and curled in on herself. “I didn’t help him,” she whispered. “I know it—even if I can’t remember everything.”

I straightened to my full height, shielding her with my body.

Nyx smacked her lips together as she snored around my waist. Helpful.

“I’ve freed Ceres,” I explained.

Patro looked over at Kharon and Augustus with incredulity. “And you two are okay with this?” Achilles glowered beside him.

Hot rage scorched my chest.

“It … doesn’t matter what they think,” I whispered. “She’s innocent.” And suffering from trauma-induced memory loss.

Patro laughed cruelly. “Well, if you’re so sure, then let me touch her and see if she’s telling the truth.”

Ceres flinched back.

“Good idea,” Augustus said.

“No w-way,” I said. “She’s traumatized.”

Patro moved toward me and Ceres with predatory slowness.

I stepped forward, blocking his path.

The temperature between us plummeted, ice wafting off him as he halted before me.

We were almost eye level, and in the moonlight, his handsome features looked like they were carved from marble.

“Careful, Alex,” he whispered. “You’re playing a dangerous game.” He flicked my nose before I could react, angry eyes glinting.

“Don’t c-call me that,” I said as Augustus shouted, “Get away from her!”

Kharon lunged for Patro. “Don’t you ever fucking touch her again.”

Achilles moved in front of Kharon, stopping him. They stood chest to chest, bristling, snarling at each other like animals—Augustus shoved himself between them and tried to force them apart.

Patro didn’t seem to notice the commotion. He just kept staring at me, his eyes searching my face for answers—the scent of frost intensified—Poppae crouched, jaguar tail swishing back and forth with agitation.

It felt like I was back at Corfu.

Patro was mocking me again, hindering me.

“What are you d-doing?” I asked, the sound barely audible. “You don’t even like me. Just leave me alone—let me make my own choices.”

Patro smiled, and the effect was so breathtaking that it was deeply disturbing. “Are you … sure about that?” he asked softly.

He stepped closer into my personal space, our faces inches apart.

Goose bumps pebbled my arms.

“You chose us as your partners, Alex.” Patro’s voice deepened. “So let me and Achilles help you.”

“I don’t like that n-name,” I whispered.

Dark memories played. Alex, you stupid fucking bitch, I told you to stay outside where you belonged.

“Isn’t that too bad,” Patro said, ice wafting off him. “We can’t all get what we want … and when we do, we don’t always like it.” Emerald eyes flashed. “Yet here we are—Alex.”

The temperature between us plummeted.

My heart raced. Why does it feel like we’re talking about something else?

“Step aside and let me interrogate Ceres,” Patro said coldly.

I lifted my chin. “No.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Alex,” he said warningly.

“No,” I repeated. “She’s suffering from m-memory loss, her mind is broken—just leave her alone, please. She needs to heal.”

“You think you would have learned by now not to fight me.” He ran his tongue over his white teeth.

“Same,” I said.

A few feet away, Kharon shouted something derogatory at Achilles, and Augustus struggled to separate them.

Patro’s chest bumped against mine, the icy sensation spreading as he arched a dark brow mockingly. He’s such a dramatic bastard. I planted two hands on his shoulders and shoved him back with everything I had.

Patro chuckled, unmoving.

“Careful, mentee,” Patro whispered.

I dropped my hands and took a step back, fingertips frozen.

“Let Patro question Ceres!” Helen shouted.

Patro stepped out of my personal space, and I gasped. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath.

Everyone turned to Helen. What is she doing?

I backed further away from Patro.

“But—” Helen said slowly. “You can only ask her if she assisted Theros. Nothing else.”

Patro stared at Helen for a long moment.

“Fine,” Patro said.

“Only that q-question,” I said. “Please. Promise?”

Patro tipped his head back, muttering a prayer to Kronos. When his eyes met mine, they were blazing.

“I promise, Alex.”

Eye twitching at the nickname, I stepped aside.

Patro rolled his eyes as Ceres cowered, but he asked, “May I touch you?”

Ceres nodded quickly.

With surprising gentleness, Patro bent down to her level, placing his hand on her dirty shoulder.

The whites of his eyes filled with crimson. “Have you assisted Theros in any way?”

Ceres opened and shut her mouth, lips trembling, as she wheezed like she couldn’t breathe.

Tears streamed down her dirt-streaked face.

Patro frowned. “Answer the question.”