“You can tell me,” he says with a casual shrug. “I won’t get mad.”
I look around the library to make sure no one is listening and then scoot my chair closer to his. Leaning in, I catch the smell of brine on his skin. He really must spend a lot of time by the water. In a low voice I say, “They say you have a harem of women—sirens that live in a hidden grotto by the sea. That this is why you don’t need a female in your life. That your needs are already met.”
His cheeks flush red and his hands tremble, dropping the pencil he’s holding to the floor. He’s flustered completely and I sit back, surprised at his reaction. “It’s just gossip, Triton. Don’t get angry.”
He doesn’t reply but stands, grabbing his books off the table.
“Triton?” I call, trying to keep my voice low. “I was kidding. You know that, right?”
But he’s already gone, scarlet red flaming up his neck. I pick his pencil up off the floor, feeling ashamed for picking on him. I thought he could handle it, but perhaps I was wrong. Not every man in my alliance is ready for what I have planned.
25
LOKI
Things settle amongst us all after our odd night away, but I can't stop thinking about everything that happened: losing our way, the accusations against me, seeing Thor with a half-naked Artemis, challenging her. I also managed to get smug-faced Dion to admit he kissed her. Or, she kissed him because he’s irresistible, according to Dion. Well, I should’ve expected that one. I’m amused because I heard Thor and Artemis’s conversation and this means Thor’s lost a challenge with her again. Is this the reason he’s become so loud in his opinion he’ll win the Trials, and Artemis doesn’t have a chance? Is he threatened by her?
At the cabin, I watched her annoyance with Thor once or twice, unsurprising since his self-belief borders on arrogance and sometimes crosses the line. My ears pricked up when he suggested we show Artemis how we train, pre-Trials, because I know exactly why he suggested it.
Even now, Thor’s still sore about the drinking competition, and Thor wants to show Artemis who’s the best in combat—him.
And I have a plan to bring the smugness down a notch.
I’m still pissed Thor accused me of tricking them into the wrong direction. I guess it’s about time I showed him that when I play a trick, I make sure it’s a good one.
Artemis walks alongside me as I lead her to the arena, and I enjoy the looks thrown our way by other students. Man, I’m tempted to throw my arm across her shoulders, but she probably has a dagger in her boot ready to stick into a man who touches her without permission.
I never have problems with girls, on any level. They like a joker, and they love when I brighten boring lessons with a trick or two. In the past, I’ve had some girls approach me wanting little acts of revenge on friends, but I don’t get involved in petty squabbles. I’d rather sit back and watch. Well, unless she’s hot and really makes it worth my while.
Dion might be able to charm girls into bed, but the other guys shouldn’t underestimate the one who makes them laugh. I have my suspicions more than a kiss happened between them at the cabin. Okay, so she wasn’t in his bed the next day, but they definitely stayed downstairs a while before I heard Artemis’s footsteps walk into the bedroom she’d chosen.
I can’t help the jealous pang. We have something special—different—and she showed me that with her conversation when we were lost in the countryside. But I’m sure I can be who she needs. I can watch and learn, and will start by avoiding the others’ mistakes. First up, I treat her as the equal she is, and I’m about to help Artemis show my arrogant brother that she is too.
We reach the small, square arena and Artemis stands still for a moment, eyes to the sky, her face shining with a smile. She stretches her bare arms out, palms up, and her red hair flows down her back. The sun plays with the color and intensifies the red. I cross my arms, unsure what to do. Is she praying?
Eventually Artemis opens an eye and looks over. “I feel close to my brother when I’m in the sun.”
“Oh. Of course.”
Apollo excelled in many areas of school, loving poetry and music, and his academic skill matched Triton. But most of all, Apollo lit the world, and the sun shone brighter when we were around him. I once joked that he could control the sun, and he just smiled.
Artemis’s happy smile remains too. “And I prefer the outdoors, of course.”
I nod and guide Artemis to a rack of weapons we choose from for practice, although this is pointless considering her ever-present bow is on her shoulder. A sword selection—from broadswords to rapiers—and a nice selection of daggers and maces are lined up for use. Thor never leaves his hammer here. Or anywhere. I swear he even sleeps with it. How does he fit the girls in his bed?
“What’s funny?” asks Artemis.
“My brother and his hammer. He doesn’t practice with it, but takes the bloody thing everywhere he can, especially since Apollo…” I trail off. “Yeah.”
“Why doesn’t he?”
“Because he’d kill someone! One hit from Mjolnir and a normal god would be seriously injured; a demi-god, dead. If one of the Trials involves fighting something big and ugly, Thor’s the guy for the job, but in practice? Nope.” I point out smaller maces on the rack. “He uses these and goes easy on us. Y’know, like not cracking our skulls open.”
“But his hammer gives him extra strength?” she asks and holds out her bow. “My skill also comes from affinity with my weapon. Does this mean I can’t practice with mine?”
“Perhaps some target practice later, but Thor wants hand to hand.”
Artemis’s eyes widen. “But I don’t fight that way.”
“You may need to in a Trial. Don’t be surprised if they take our weapons away to show how we can compete without.”
Artemis’s brow tugs deep. “Nobody touches my bow.”
I smile. “I’m beginning to see that, but you have to consider how you will fight without it.”
“True.” She chews her lip and her eyes brighten as she looks at me. “We could practice now?”
I run a look along her slender figure. Hell yes, I’d love the chance for some up close and personal with Artemis, but I shake my head. “I’m not the best opponent to test yourself against. My skills are in different directions.”
A small smile plays on her lips. “Do you think I’ll beat you, Loki? Is that why you say no?”
“No, but my brother told us he’s going to beat you. He doesn’t believe you’re as skilled in combat as they say.”
Artemis’s face darkens. “He won’t say that when he gets one of my arrows in his ass.”
I chuckle. That’s the Artemis I expected; as fiery as her hair. The others underestimate her. “I’ll show you how to beat him without it.”
Artemis carefully places her bow on the rough wooden bench beside the rack and examines the weapon array. “Surely you hurt each other with these?”
“Occasionally. Okay. Listen up. Even without his hammer, Thor has something that increases his strength.” I indicate my waist. “He owns a belt, Megingjord, and if he isn’t wearing that, he’s not as strong.”
“Even with so many muscles?’ asks Artemis with disbelief.
I chuckle. “He’s strong but not agile. I imagine you’re quick on your toes, the way Dion is. You may not be able to tackle him to the ground, but you can certainly have him falling over his feet.”
“I am difficult to catch, unless I want to be caught.” Artemis nibbles her bottom lip again and I swear there’s some borderline flirting happening here.
“I heard you’re a real challenge.”
“You heard right.” Her eyes shine. “So, I need to remove Thor’s belt. Will he let me?”
“No, but I think you’re nimble-fingered too. I can distract him while you spar and you can remove it.”
“Oh!” Artemis’s face lights up. “Do you think I can win against him?”
“With a little help from your friend.” I wink at her.
26
THOR