All Grown Up (Sequel To WDE)

10.

Ares' Pov

After I get a text from Zeus, I feel a wave of relief. I try not to let myself get too happy though. I still don't know who has him or why. I need answers.

I know someone had to set me up. Zeus told me that if I didn't show up, I would have to watch my family die. I failed as a father, a protector. I never wanted my kids without a parent. And it's all my fault. I caused this and my past has caught up to me.

I hate this. I'm frustrated that I can do anything but wait on time. The problem is as time is ticking I'm losing my family. It's either I die or they all die.

"Ares," Adonis says crying. "I'm so sorry ..."

"There's nothing you can do about this. It's time for me to meet my maker. I'm ... I'm so sorry to put you all through this."

She kisses me. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you Ares Smith. "

"I love you Adonis Smith." I hug her. Ajax watches us and Amber looks away.

"You have to find him!" Amber says. "Our brother is out there preparing to die and we are too!"

"Amber..."

"No! You've got to do something!"

"Damn it, Ambrosia! What the hell do you think I'm doing? I love my baby boy and I love you all but I don't know what the fuck to do! I've never known what to do!" I start crying. "I just wish I had more time ..."

"I'm sorry..."

Ajax looks up at me. Someone knocks. He answers it.

"Dad? Someone is here to see you!"

I go to the door. "Son of a bitch. I never thought I'd see you again."

"Hello, Ares. I have news. Zeus is in trouble, " .... says.

Zeus' Pov

I woke up by snoring myself awake. I tuck my things in the zippered pockets of my hoodie. I put the phone on silent.

Someone opens the trunk. It's not Adam.

"Get up, you idiot. We're at the airport, act natural." The person snatches me out the trunk and nearly drags me in.

I catch Adam looking sadly at me. He's short, frail bodied, and had thick, black hair in a man bun. His brother, who I believe is Aamir, is pulling me along. He's tall and husky. He wears a turban. The other, Abraham, is average height with clear blue eyes. His hair frames his face.

As the other brothers check in, Adam takes my phone and puts it in his pocket because the others don't know he gave it to me. I hand him my brother's envelope.

We go through security and eventually get on the flight. Aamir and Abraham speak Arabic to each other. I catch Adam praying.

"What you praying for?"

"Mercy. Forgiveness."

"For what?"

He looks at his brothers then at me. He nods.

I nod. We lean back a little as they put headphones on.

"So what's going on? Why am I being kidnapped?"

"Apparently your father killed my father years ago. They want revenge. I dont."

"Why not?"

He sighs. "Because the past is the past. Allah doesn't approve of this."

"Allah?"

He laughs. "You expected me to be Christian?"

I look around.

"I'm kidding," he said. "But Allah doesn't approve of this senseless action. My dad was a part of an outside terrorist group. They followed suit but I wanted more. I wanted to be myself ..." he looks out the window.

"We're going to Afghanistan?"

He nods. "I'm so sorry." He hands me my belongings. My dad has to know, but I don't want him to die.