As they teleported in, lightning, whirlwind, and deathly shadow crackled the air, and the entire region trembled at their rage and formidable power.
Héctor, Axel, and Zak touched down a few paces from me, and I snapped back from my stupor. I cut the distance between us with quick strides and threw myself at them.
Héctor and Axel got to me first, wrapping me around them. Their body heat seeped into me, warming my cold limbs. I snaked my arms around their waists.
Zak sent me a longing look, but there was no space for him while I entangled with the other two demigods. He turned to stare hard at Paxton, his face harsh and unforgiving.
“What the hell happened, Paxton?” the sky demigod demanded.
“I was almost taken.” I let out a sob, feeling shaky all over again, when just a moment ago I had been steel in front of Loki and hard ice before Paxton.
Paxton gave me a warning look. He didn’t want me to talk. He wanted to be the smooth narrator of the event so he could keep my secret.
Rage hovered on the demigods’ faces.
“We’re here, Cookie. We won’t let you be taken.” Axel tried to pat my back, but only hit Héctor’s large hand that spread across the small of my back.
Both demigods glared at each other before fixing their softened gazes on me.
“Are you hurt, lamb?” Héctor asked, his trembling thumb brushing across my cheek before he started to inspect me. He’d feared so much for me.
“Paxton will be dead if you have a scratch.” Axel gritted his teeth.
He was checking my legs and feet while Héctor examined my top, starting from my head.
“He defended me,” I said. “I think he was wounded fighting the demon and the dark mages. He might need medical attention.”
I felt Paxton’s gaze on me, but I wouldn’t look at him again.
I resented that he now held my fate in his hands—so much so that I was afraid I might seek a chance to kill him again. I’d missed my window this time, but I might be a cold-hearted, treacherous bitch next time.
So I refused to think further. My bending mind couldn’t think straight anyway.
Zak strode toward me.
“You’re safe with us now, Rosebud,” he said softly but with determination.
I had a feeling the demigods had mentally exchanged information while I clung to Axel and Héctor. I hugged them tighter, letting their mixed scents of the forest, wind, and burning stars cast a safety net around me.
I needed that, but I also knew I would never be safe, not even from them.
Once they knew what I was....
I shivered inside.
I’d probably be safer if I’d gone with Loki.
But I didn’t have it in me to leave the demigods. I desired to have a life with them and possibly build a new home together. Deep inside, I was just like any other girl who wanted love and a family. It might be too much to ask in this age.
The wind blew, bringing with it the stench of blood, death, and residual bits of sulfur.
I shuddered involuntarily.
Both Héctor and Axel immediately pulled me further into their arms to shield me and, in doing so, bumped each other’s heads. Héctor growled and Axel bared his teeth at his cousin, but neither of them asked the other to back off.
And Zak managed to plant a kiss on the crown of my head.
“Stop fighting while Rosebud is scared,” the sky demigod chided. “And we need to get Paxton to the healing chamber.”