Typhon's Revenge

Chapter Thirteen

EARTH

Alex and I made our way out of the dining room and I felt as though I could breathe again. Kalani got on my nerves but I didn't know why. She just did. And I preferred to put any distance I could between us. It was strange to think that that girl was my aunt. It was crazy. 

Both my aunt, Artemis, and my father, Apollo, were Zeus's children and that made Kalani my aunt. At least it humored me that a couple of months ago I had nothing, not even a future to look forward to and now, I had a cousin that felt more like a sister, an aunt that was my age, a girlfriend that felt like the one and a whole destiny to fulfill. If someone had told me this was going to happen once I turned sixteen I wouldn't have believed them. It was a lot to take in in a short time. 

"What are you thinking about?" Alex asked as if sensing I had something in my mind. I had come to the conclusion that she could read people as if they were open books. Especially me. I had always considered myself to have very guarded and private expressions, but that didn't stop Alex. 

I smiled and took her hand in mine as we intertwined our fingers. Looking at her, I felt my heart skip a beat and I let my eyes get lost in hers. "I was just thinking that everything has happened so fast. I mean, I would have never expected to end up with people I can see myself caring about and most of all, here in the Underworld. I feel pressured but so lucky at the same time. I don't know if you understand," I said with a smile, and her lips curved up in a smile of her own. 

"Yes, I get what you mean perfectly. I have never told you this but, when I found out about Aileen and this world she is and will be involved in, I panicked and I was adamant to think that she was crazy. At first, I had felt scared and confused as to why she would make up such an elaborate lie, but then I was angry at her and I couldn't see myself being friends with a liar. Anyway, it took a while, more than I care to admit, but I came around and I am very glad that I did," she said with a gleaming look in her eyes that took my breath away. 

"What made you change your mind?" I asked as we reached the door that led outside. I opened it for her and she blushed but walked through and thanked me before responding.

"I'm not sure, it just... happened. It was like a very strong, lingering feeling in my heart that wouldn't even let me sleep well. I never told Aileen, Andrew, or Barbara this but... I felt destined to find out about this world. To be a part of it. Even when Barbara warned me about the risks, I knew I needed to be involved, that I needed to stick to Aileen no matter what," she said with a soft voice and my eyes widened. Risks?

"Risks? What do you mean by that?"I asked slowly and Alex stopped walking to turn to look at me. She eyed me closely as if to see if I was messing around but she only found my genuine worry and confusion. 

"Um... right. Well, humans aren't supposed to belong in this world. And by this world I mean us knowing about the existence of gods, Elementals, monsters, and all of the other beings out there. Barbara said that it was like putting a target on my back. That the more I learned and knew about this world, the more gods and monsters would reach out to me, as if I were one of you. Even so, I hadn't doubted my decision. I knew this was a part of my destiny, even if I wasn't sure what role I was supposed to play. But I think I know now," she said softly, her other hand grasping mine as she looked me in the eyes. 

I was out of words for a moment. I didn't know what to say or how I was supposed to react. I was guessing she knew about the bond soulmates shared, especially Elementals. I tried to keep a hold of my excitement but it almost made me burst in relief when I thought I heard her say she felt the same way I did.

"You mean-" I started to ask, but the rest of the words got stuck in my throat as I looked at her nervously, suddenly feeling very lightheaded. 

"I mean you, silly. I mean us," she whispered with a warm smile and a tingle ran down my spine. 

When I didn't say anything, she giggled and nodded her head. "Aileen has told me all about the soulmate bond thingy. She even explained her feelings to me. Which is why I am so sure of what this is that I'm feeling. I have no doubts, Mason. Do you?" In her last question, her words held a certain amount of uncertainty, as if she weren't ready to hear if I didn't feel the same way.

Oh, my dear Alex. If only you knew.

"Alexandra Julian Monroe, you have no idea how happy and relieved I feel after you told me this. I mean, I still agree with you that we should take it slow, but I am beyond excited for what's to come for us," I whispered, as I ungrasped my hands from hers and cupped her face gently. 

She smiled brightly and placed her hands over mine before nodding her head. And soon, I was leaning towards her. Time seemed to slow down as I felt her nervous breaths on my cheek as she closed her eyes in anticipation. In a moment, our lips connected and I could feel sparks lighting up both inside me and around us. My body felt alive as if it were only just waking up from a very long sleep. And gods did I wish it wasn't a dream, because this was something I didn't think I could make up in my mind. It was too real.

Alex deepened the kiss as she wrapped her hands around my neck and she got on her tiptoes to be able to reach me more. We had never kissed like this before. Yes, we had sneaked a few kisses every once in a while but it was only a slight peck, this was something else. I couldn't help but pull her closer to my chest, wanting to feel her warmth and the sparks that ignited between us. 

I was the one to pull away, feeling too lightheaded to continue. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Alex and saw her flushed face and slightly trembling body in front of me. Her eyes were filled with awe and life as we looked at each other. No words were necessary, it was just us enjoying our presence. 

Suddenly, Alex burst out laughing and I raised my eyebrows at her in confusion before I felt like laughing too. I wasn't sure as to why we were laughing but it felt right because I felt happy, she looked happy and everything felt as if it were meant to be. 

When we stopped laughing I shook my head and took her hand between mine and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. "Come. Let's explore more of the forest while you tell me more about what goes on inside that pretty head of yours," I said and she smiled and nodded her head. 

We walked towards the forest, feeling the slight heat of the artificial forest over us, and for a moment, I let myself think that I was just a normal guy on a date with a girl he really liked. There were no monsters. No gods. No prophecy to think about, only us.