Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
“Ask me anything.”
“Why do you even want to go back to Olympus? It sounds like all that’s waiting for you is more fighting, and that your dad is just using you for clout. Trust me, I’ve been used plenty in my life; I’ve even let people walk right over me sometimes, but…you’re so much stronger than I am. You could refuse and live a good life here.”
I released his hand to cup his cheek as I promised, “No one will ever mistreat you again. I am your protector now. Besides that, you’re not giving yourself enough credit; I believe you are much stronger than you think.” Lyric gave a sweet smile and I couldn’t resist kissing his plush lips before sighing.
“I must admit, I’ve often wondered what my life would be like if I’d been left to my own devices and allowed to make my own decisions. But I try not to dwell on such thoughts; Ares gave me a mission, and I want to prove my worth. Also, it is not only my fate in question.”
“What do you mean?”
“When Christos was assigned to me, his destiny was put into my hands as well. If I don’t earn my way back into Olympus, neither will he. Since he isn’t a fighter, Ares won’t grant him full strength or speed, but he will receive immortality. But only when it’s granted to me.”
“It’s like some fucked up insurance policy,” Lyric said with a shake of his head, “To make sure you do what Ares wants you to.” He slid both of his hands into mine. “You’re a good man, Sloan. You’re putting your friend before yourself, and I can’t think of anything more pure. You are incredible.” My heart soared, but then fell as my mate’s expression did the same. “I understand what you have to do, I just…I wish you didn’t have to go.”
I could feel the pain behind his words, and I wanted to take it away as quickly as possible. “Sweet Lyric, I would never leave you. Nothing on this or any other world could tear me away from you. Olympus, Christos, my father…nothing is more important to me than you. Wherever I go, I want to go with you.”
“But how could I go with you? I’m just a human.” He rubbed his temples again until they reddened. “I never thought I’d say those words. This is all so unbelievable.”
“I know it’s a lot,” I sympathized. “To humans, Greek gods are nothing more than legends or fairy tales. I’ve been around this my whole life, so I suppose I take for granted how mystical it all sounds.” I knew he was overwhelmed, but there was one more crucial piece of information I needed to share with him. “Lyric, there is a very special and wonderful reason why you can come with me.”
He gave me his full attention, and my heart pounded in my chest as I told him, “Of all the gifts bestowed upon gods and demigods, none is greater than a mate, granted by Fate herself. Fated mates are perfect matches, crafted for one another. They are drawn to each other, and once they meet, they cannot survive apart. They are each half of the same heart and soul. You are my heart, sweet Lyric; the song playing directly to my soul.”
He swallowed hard, and the supple skin of his throat jerked with his quick pulse. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words escaped. I filled the silence with, “The moment I stepped inside the ring, I sensed your presence. I searched the crowd and when I saw you, everything else melted away. It felt like eternity passed as you moved closer, but once I had you by my side, I knew I never wanted you anywhere else.
“I didn’t think I would meet you until I was granted my other gifts, but you put every other blessing to shame. You are mine, Lyric; my match, my lover, my mate. I promise to spend an eternal life loving and protecting you. You will want for nothing. I believe I have found you now, to take you home with me, and begin our life together. Please, will you come with me?”
Though a life of wonder and luxury awaited him in Olympus, joining me was still a big ask; it would require Lyric to leave behind everything he’d ever known. I was asking for his trust and commitment; for him to believe in me, my story, and my love for him.
Every dream came true when he whispered, “Yes.”
Chapter Five
Lyric
I bombarded Sloan with questions as he drove us to meet Christos. I couldn’t contain my excitement and disbelief over everything he'd told me, or the endless thoughts that came to my mind. Sloan wore an amused smile, but he patiently answered everything.