The Love Game (Gods of the Universe: Book 1)

Twenty-Two

I'm thoroughly panicking.

It's been a week since Horus kidnapped Lana, and no one's done anything about it. All they've done is argue. They've found where he's hiding, but we need a strategy.

Believe me, I would so get up and go beat the living holy out of my cousin right now... except I can't. All this time I've been spending with Lana had made me grow too accustomed to her glow and scent and sound and touch and even her taste. She was like a drug, a sweet, perfect drug, and I became addicted. Now that she's gone, I'm in constant pain.

It's been determined that Lana is destined to marry me. It's also been determined that since she's not with her rightful god, we're all on a time limit. Not just the Egyptians; we're not the only gods of the universe. No, we all depend on Lana to make the right choice. She is the only one that can keep our immortal essence going; when we join, she'll replenish our power until we can be the gods we once were. She's our salvation.

And she'll be with me forever.

Right now, I'm half paying attention to the meeting we're having and half trying to stay awake. You got me good, Lana. The gods here are mostly war and strategy and knowledge from every region, every religion that's ever existed. This concerns them, too. Across from me is Ah Tabai, Mayan god of the hunt, and next to me is Athena, Greek goddess of war strategy, wisdom, and crafts. She puts a hand on my shoulder as I try to stay awake, pain rippling through me. "You'll be alright, Anubis," she whispers. "You're alright."

I'm not, though. I'm not alright.

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The gods go on for hours. My pain of separation has been staying steady, no fluctuations or anything, but it's a clear reminder that she's still gone and no one's done a damn thing.

Before I know it, I'm standing up and slamming my hands on the table. "This is crap!" I yell. Everyone quiets. "This is utter crap. Do you want to find Lana Alcina?"

"Of course," everyone mutters.

"Then why aren't you doing anything? Why aren't we doing anything?" I demand. "You say she's our salvation, our only hope. You say she's the most important person in the world! So why aren't we saving her?"

My father stands up. "Anubis," he says slowly. "You know it's not that simple--"

"It is, though! It is that simple!" I slam my hands on the table again, and I'm starting to get dizzy. "Lana needs to be saved. Not tomorrow, not two weeks from now, not ' when it's safe'. Now."

My father watches me for a few moments. "Would you mind," he says, "if Lana got hurt?" I almost throw up at the thought. "Would you mind if we go right now, we mess up, and she get killed?" I silently nod. "You would?" Set sounds surprised. "Well, from the way you were pressuring us to go now, instead of waiting until we have a plan that would ensure Lana's life, I'd say you don't mind." My father levels a glare at me. "I know how anxious you are to get her back, my son, but if you want her to live you need to let us form a plan."

I take a deep breath, trying to clear the spots from my eyes. "Fine," I grind out. "Let me know when you all have a plan." I shove my chair back and walk semi-unsteadily away from the table of deities.

Only in my room do I allow myself to stumble and fall to the floor. I lay there, stunned, as sharp pain works its way through me, for spirits know how long. Just ride it out. Hold on.

A cool hand touches my forehead and another touches my chest. I feel a soft heat wind under my skin, momentarily chasing the pain away. My eyes fly open. "...Apollo?"