Zeus [Book One] - Rewriting

Thirteen

a/n: Warning; there is a slightly graphic/sensitive part of this chapter that you guys may find offensive or difficult to read. I apologise for any discomfort, but would like to state that this is just a story, and I do not mean to offend. 

Zeus

| thirteen |

The air was tense as the wolves all crammed into the tiny space of the witch's living room. Athena and Ares shared a look that was a cross between fear and awkward, Zeus' men remained in the hall as they waited patiently, Zeus staring into space with his arms across his chest, a stony look on his face, as the two sisters sat on the table, the atmosphere tense. 

Eos narrowed her eyes at Iris, who shifted uncomfortably as she peered at her sister. "What do you want, Iris?" The witch hissed, finally breaking the silence. Iris opened her mouth, but Zeus cut her off. 

"We need a cure, and you're our only hope." He said, his voice sharp as his shifted his gaze towards the white haired woman who narrowed her eyes at him. 

Iris remained silent as Eos looked at Zeus, "And what illness is this?" She asked, her voice low as she ignored her sister who sat before her. 

Zeus grunted, "My mate," His eyes watched as Eos frowned, "She's dying from a human illness; cancer." Eos nodded her head, rising from her seat and moving towards the bookshelf that stood in the corner of the room. 

With Ares' hand locked with hers, Athena spoke up, "I read up that blood-sharing would resolve her problem," Her body was rigid with fear, Ares rubbing her hand soothingly as Eos paused by the bookshelf, her hand frozen on a large ancient book that looked as if it was going to fall apart. 

Turning towards the younger wolves, Eos almost smiled, "You are mates?" She completely changed the subject, Zeus' eyes narrowing. Athena ducked her head, her cheeks stained red with embarrassment, whilst Ares smiled, nodding his head proudly. Ignoring the seething Alpha in the corner of the room, Eos' lips turned up into a small smile. "You are very lucky, cherish her always." Iris snorted at her words, her older sister ignoring her as she sat back down at the table, placing the large book down. The air grew thick as everyone watched as the witch skimmed through the book, her face neutral as she remained silent. 

Zeus looked at Ares and Athena, the girl flashing him an apologetic look. It wasn't the fact that they were mates that upset Zeus; it was the fact that two members of his own pack couldn't even tell him. It felt like Anya all over again. His jaw clenching at the thought of his mate, he averted his eyes as Ares squeezed Athena's hand encouragingly, staring out the window wordlessly. 

Iris watched her sister, growing more irritated by the second as Eos ignored her stare, her eyes focused on the book. 

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, Eos lifted her head and shoved the open page towards her sister, looking at Athena. "You were right, little wolf," She spoke knowingly, Ares raising an eyebrow as he thought, what was the point? The witch looked at him, "So you can understand the performance of the ritual," She snapped, the wolf flinching under her cold glare. Zeus stepped forwards, his eyes skimming over the page entitled, 'Blood-Sharing; Tales of the Afterlife.'  

His head snapped up to look at the witch, "What does it mean, 'the Afterlife'? She's not dead." He frowned, Eos looking back at him with a dark look on her face. Iris gulped, already knowing the answer, a look of realisation growing on Zeus' face as his fists clenched. 

"Not yet." 

~ 

"Can I talk to you?" 

Anya looked up from her book to see Apollo standing by the doorway, a look of apprehension on his face, a stack of papers in his hands. She nodded her head, closing the book and placing it on the bedside table. Apollo closed the door, moving to sit beside her, watching as she sat up straighter, leaning back on her pillows.