-Athena-

''I hadn't realized how much I've missed this view until now,'' I say as I walk up to Ethan who is leaning against the rock.

''I used to come here once every week for the past few months. Just to clear my mind, to get rid of the thoughts of the horrible things that happened in the past year.''

''Horrible things, like dad's death?'' I ask him while sliding down the rock overlooking the meadow.

''Among other things, '' he replies and follows suit. ''Michelle's father also died Ena.''

''Oh my god,'' I gasp. ''Ohh shit. No wonder she reacted that way. Oh dear, I feel so bad now.''

''Yup. You know Ena, I envy you a little. You don't remember anything that happened, it keeps you away from the grief. You don't have the bad memories that keep you awake at night like it does to most of us. Take Sean for example, he had to take up the Alpha position abruptly. I'm pretty sure he doesn't know half of the things he does. And that's why Michelle spends some of her time at Shadow pack helping him out.''

''Wow. I didn't know. You say you envy me for not having the bad memories, but there were good memories too right? We must have had some good times and it sucks that I can't remember those too,'' I lay my hand on his shoulder.

''Whoa. The Athena who kicked me out of her apartment months ago would have never said stuff like this. What did Theo do to you exactly?'' Ethan looks at me wide eyed.

I chuckle at this and look ahead at the setting sun. ''He really laid it out for me you know. Made me realize what a big mistake I had made by pushing you all away when all you guys wanted to do was help.''

''If I'd known that from before I would've sent him in the first place. He sure knows how to keep you grounded Ena. It's why the moon goddess paired you both together. You keep him on his toes and he keeps you grounded and focused. You're his strength as much as he is yours. Together you're both a force to be reckoned with. Believe me, I've seen it.''

I choose to remain silent and not say anything on that but Ethan has other ideas.

''So, how does it feel now that you have your mate back in your life? I know it must be difficult since you have no memories about your time with him before. But I know Theo, he is a patient man, he won't force you into anything, although the mate bond must be driving you both crazy,'' he smirks playfully.

''Oh come on Ethan! I'm not talking to you about that,'' I playfully shove him. 

''Why not? We used to talk about everything before didn't we? I mean, I'm okay with talking about Michelle and I. It's all so amazing with her. The love we share, the feelings we have for each other, I mean the mate bond just amplifies all that. You know she is just like you, very independent and headstrong. But just like you, she too has a soft side and it only comes out when she is with me. Just like you with Theo,'' he smiles at me.

''There is no me and Theo, Ethan,'' I speak up after a few minutes of silence.

''What do you mean, there is no you and Theo? You are mates Athena; you're meant to be together. Don't you feel it every time he is near you or with you?!'' he practically yells at me.

''No I dont,'' I reply then look away from him. ''We blocked the mate bond.''

''You did not! Athena how could you?! This is absurd! I'm sure this stupid idea was yours. Did Theo seriously agree to this?''

''Yes. Yes, he did,'' I reply in a strong voice, trying not to show that it has been low key bothering me.

''Of course he did!! The man is hopelessly and madly in love with you,'' he throws up his hands in frustration. ''If you'd tell him to jump off a cliff he would probably do it. So long as you're happy!''

A lone tear escapes me as realization sets in. ''Athena, how? How can you be this selfish? I thought you realized you were wrong and that's why you came to straighten things out,'' he asks.

''I did okay! I did realize I was wrong, that's why I came!'' I shout back at him.

''But in the process you wronged the one person who left his everything for you! Do you see how selfish you've become? Do you even care about his feelings?''

''I DO! I DO CARE OKAY!! I'M NOT SELFISH!!!'' I shout defiantly.

''YOU ARE! You are not the same person you were last year, Athena. That Athena cared for others, thought about others, thought about her pack. Put her pack before anything else. She was an alpha. Right now, you're just the shell of the person we all used to know and love. Together with forgetting everything that happened, you have also forgotten the person you used to be,'' he whispers solemnly.

''I didn't forget what happened okay, I just misplaced the memories. They'll come back to me eventually,'' I express myself, trying to recover from the blow my brother dealt me with.

''We need them to come back to you now Athena! why don't you get it?''

''What happens then huh? You all want me to get my memories so bad. So tell me Ethan, what happens when I do get them back? You think everything will go back to the way it was? Do you?'' I turn and look at him.

''Of course not. Nothing will be same. But at least you wouldn't be the bitch that you're right now,'' he says, venom laced in his voice. ''And we would finally know what it was that you did that pissed off that 600-year-old vampire who cornered Theo today in his office!''

''SHE DID WHAT!!??''

''Yes, you heard me right. Amunet paid Theo a little visit this morning. Fight it as much as you want Ena but you and him are in this together. The further you push him away the more the moon goddess will push him back to you. Try as much as you want, you can't fight this. And even if you do, that is one fight you won't win,'' he says directly and walks way. ''I'll give you a few more minutes so that you can contemplate on your choices then you can come for dinner. Axel and Nadia are joining us.''

I place my hands in my head and lean against the boulder. ''Oh goddess, I hope he is okay,'' I send a quiet prayer. I give myself a few more minutes before walking towards the house, a littl a littlemy held head high.

"Athena, honey, come on take your sit, the food is getting cold'' Mom says as she ushers me to the empty spot next to a curly haired girl, who I'm guessing is Nadia. She peeks at me from under her lashes. I can smell the fear off her.

Okay, so she is scared of me. Maybe if I smile at her she won't be. I turn towards her and give her a friendly smile. She seems shocked at first but then timidly smiles at me. ''Umm veggies?'' I offer.

''Uhh...yeah sure?'' she says softly and takes the bowl from my hands.

''So, congratulations. Axel told me you are pregnant,'' I say, trying to start a conversation.

''Oh yes. Thank you, it's going to be a tough few months but it will all be worth it,'' she replies while rubbing her belly. A small smile forms on my face as Theo's face pops up in my head. Wait what? Why?No. I shake my head and concentrate on my food when my gaze catches Ethan's across the table. He smirks in my direction, as if he knew what I was thinking about. I look away before he can say anything and continue eating.

''So how is my brother?'' Nadia asks me all of a sudden. I was done with dinner and was about to get up to dispose my plate off. ''Umm, brother? I.... i don't think I know.....''

''She means Theo,'' Ethan whispers quickly before I could embarrass myself more.

''Ohh......Ohhhhhhhhhh,'' my eyes widen in realization. She is Theo's sister. How comes he never told me? Does he know she is pregnant? Well duh, of course he does.

''Umm Athena? Hey,'' someone snaps their fingers in front of my face. ''Right, uhhh sorry, i......''

''You zoned out,'' Mom, Ethan, Axel and Nadia all say at the same time. 

''Okay, creepy,'' I raise my eyebrows and walk to the kitchen.

''Theo is okay, I guess,'' I shrug my shoulders while looking at Nadia. 

''Ohhh okay,umm, thanks,'' she replies awkwardly.

Once we are done with dinner we all move to the living room to relax. Ethan removes some of my father's aged old wine as we all chat and talk. Nadia and I bonded over baby talks and what gender she would prefer and how Axel has been overprotective of her ever since they found out.

The three of us, Nadia, Michelle and I are huddled in one corner talking about her pregnancy when Michelle suddenly asks her the question I was dreading. ''How was the heat like?''

''Oh come on, Nadia please don't answer that,'' I groan.

''Why shouldn't I? Both of you have to go through with it sooner rather than later,'' she says like it's the most normal thing. ''Well duh, of course. Tell us so that we can be prepared. Right, Athena?'' Michelle nudges me.

''Uhh uhh, I guess,'' I reply warily.

''Okay, so the heat cycle is basically your body preparing you for a baby. You'll start by getting hot flashes, mood swings will be on a roll. Also you'll start getting aggressive towards other females, so make sure you only have people who you can trust by your side. Oh, the most important thing, make sure no other male is around you, otherwise things will take a very bad turn,'' she explains.

''Oh my god. That is horrifying,'' I widen my eyes in fear. ''Why, why would you say all these things to us Nadia?''

''Well you need to know Athena. You have to be prepared. In fact, you are older than me. I'm surprised you haven't gone through it yet,'' she tells me.

''Okay well, stop attacking me will you. I know I'm old,'' I grumble in annoyance. She shakes her head in mirth. ''So...umm.. how, how do you make it stop?'' I ask her. I'm now intrigued with this topic.

''I think you already know the answer to that Athena,'' she winks at me knowingly. Michelle and I exchange glances as Nadia watches us both intently. ''Also, remember that no other male can do it only your mate. His touch is the one thing you will crave, the one thing that will calm you down,'' if you know what I mean, she winks again.

''Oh, stop doing that will you?'' I snap at her. 

''Now honey, you're making Athena uncomfortable. Come on, we should be heading home now. You need to take your medicines and rest too,'' Axel says as he makes his way towards us.

''I had fun tonight with you guys. I hope we can have more talks like these. Why don't you both come to my house tomorrow afternoon?'' Nadia offers.

''I would love to, but sadly I have to go back to Toronto tomorrow,'' I reply. 

''What? Why? Athena, princess but you just came today. I thought you were staying with us the whole weekend,'' Mom suddenly says from behind us.

''Trust me mom I want to, but something has come up and I need to be there.'' I think she bought it since she just nods in understanding and walks up to her bedroom. So do the others who hug me and leave except for Ethan who lingers at the back waiting for everyone to go.

''Something came up did it?'' he says while playing with his phone. 

''Ohh shut up, and don't start,'' I grumble and walk towards the stairs leading up to my room.

''I hate to say this but, I told you so,'' he smirks at me. 

I stop mid-stairs and glare at him,'' I said,don't start.''

''Okay. Okay. I'm not saying anything. Have a goodnight and remember, you can't fight it.''

I run to my room and quickly shut the door behind me and dial Theo's number. He picks it up on the second ring. ''Athena, are you okay?'' his voice held worry and surprise.

''Did Amunet corner you today? what did she say? Did she hurt you?'' I bombard him with questions. ''Did you hurt her?'' I ask the last question, hoping that he really did.

''Hahahahah no. First of all, I didn't know you cared but I'll take it. Secondly, I'm fine. She is smart enough not to attack me in my own office,'' he replies.

''Oh thank the goddess, '' I breath out.

''Are you sure you're fine, love?'' he asks. I feel a rush of emotions flow through me when he calls me that, which in turn makes me lose my footing. ''Ouch,'' I rub my back as I land on my butt.

''What happened? Athena??'' I hear his worried voice from the other side of the line. ''Uhhh nothing. I just. I tripped,'' I say sheepishly. ''Okay, so umm,'' I should go. I'll see you later.'' I cut the call and in one swift motion throw my phone on the bed.

I couldn't sleep at all that night. My mind coming up with horrifying scenarios of what Amunet could have done to Theo. ''I need to go back tomorrow,'' I say to myself as I grab my laptop and look for a flight out.

-Theo-

''That was Athena on the line,'' I turn towards Charles and tell him.

''And you are surprised that she called you?'' he quirks and eyebrow at me.

''No.... well.... yeah. I am. Not that I'm complaining, I mean, I didn't know she cared.''

''Dude are you being serious right now? She loves you, although she doesn't remember,'' he shrugs. ''but she does. And believe it or not, I think she is starting to have feelings for you.''

''No man. Look, let's not get ahead of ourselves okay. We need to focus on more important matters now, like how to take down that vampire.''

''Whatever rocks your boat man. Although something tells me Athena is not going to last the weekend in Crescent,'' Charles says excitedly. 

''Now, speaking of taking down people, what did Amunet tell you exactly?''

*Flashback to Theo's office *

''Hello darling, we are long overdue for a chat. Please sit,'' she says in her thick accented voice.

''Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kick you out of here,'' I grit in anger.

''Well I have none currently. I was just curious about you, Theo Argent. Correct me if I'm wrong, you're her mate aren't you?''

I chose to remain silent. Deciding that I'm not going to entertain her, but she has other plans. 

''Oh wait don't answer that, because I already know,'' she laughs and flips her hair. ''Stephanie and the others told me you know, right before they all died. Their insides rotten from the venom you and your mate poisoned them with.''

''If you're here to do a re-count of all the lackeys you've lost, I suggest you do it elsewhere,'' I tell her, already bored of this conversation.

''Tell me, where is the precious Athena?'' she gets up and walks towards the windows. ''Ahhh that's her office isn't it? Oooohhh sneaky, are we? Does she know?'' she smirks.

''What do you want Amunet? Just get to the point.''

''I want to kill Athena,'' she says frankly. Like it's a normal thing to say.

''Well you tried and failed. Multiple times, might I add. So how about you go look for something else to pass your time with,'' I tell her.

''And let her live? Why that's preposterous!'' she yells like it's the most obvious thing to do. ''Mark my words Theo Argent, I will kill her. After all, it's the price she has to pay.''

''What do you mean by that?'' I take a step towards her menacingly.

''Uh...uh...uh...I'd be careful if I were you,'' She then points to the security cameras in the boardroom. ''You can't touch me,'' she whispers.

I stop in my tracks and eye her carefully. ''You're not killing Athena. To get to her, you'll have to first get through me and mind you, I fight dirty,'' I threaten her.

''Your threats mean nothing to me,'' she dismisses it like a joke. ''You're nothing but a child. But be rest assured, I will kill her and you too if you come in my way.''

''I dare you to try,'' I growl.

''Ohhhhhhhhhh don't worry darling, I will,'' she smirks. ''You know all this wealth in the world that you've gathered is meaningless if your kingdom has no future. If you know what I mean. So why don't you be a good boy and sit aside while I kill her. huh?''

''That's not going to happen. If you want a war, it's a war you'll get,'' I snarl.

''Oh darling, don't be ridiculous. You will not survive a war with me,'' she smirks and saunters out of the boardroom. 

''I'll be in touch,'' she says and leaves.

*End of flashback*

''She said she'll kill Athena because that's the price she has to pay,'' I tell Charles worriedly.

''Wait, what? A price, what price? Why didn't you ask her more about that?!''

''You think I didn't try? She is smart, very smart. She walked into the boardroom knowing fully well that there are security camera's in there so I couldn't threaten her or harm her in any way,'' I tell him and run a hand through my hair in frustration.

''A price.... a price to pay. What could it be?'' Charles wonders as he starting pacing around the living room. ''Goddess! We need Athena to get her memories back man, this woman means serious business. And now with you in the picture, her attacks will get more brutal.''

''I know man. I just, I need Athena to be here with me. I also need a few warriors to fly here first thing tomorrow morning. Their job will be to protect Athena at all times, 24/7. Also, get the owner of this building on the line and ask him if the penthouse is still available.''

''On it. But first tell me, what's going on inside that head of yours Theo?''

''I'm making sure my mate doesn't become vampire dinner.''

***

Soooooo....what do you guys think?

How long will it take until Athena gives in to her feelings???

Let me know in the comment section as usual.

-Jessica.S