Thicker Than Water

Chapter Two

An imaginary orchestra was playing a sweet, lulling symphony in my brain as we approached the white stone palace. I was surprised that men in suits weren't lined up in front, elbow-to-elbow, like they did in my TV show.

The car rolled to a stop. I expected someone else to open the door for us, but Apollo grabbed the handle and the door swung out wide. He got out swiftly and gracefully, holding out a hand to help me. Apollo's other hand landed gently on the curve of my back as he ushered me out of the car and up the front steps into his mansion. I was too distracted to notice anything other than how fast my heart was beating. I glanced over my shoulder before we went inside the huge building.

Apollo's property was vast. There were hundreds of acres of bright green grass in every direction. I'd never seen so much grass in my life. Sure, there were small corner parks in the city, but it was hard to even play a game of catch on them. Around me was an endless landscape of hills, valleys, gardens, and more. The edge of his property was so far away I could barely see the series of gates and walls we passed to get in from the main road.

I turned back around and went in through the open double doors Apollo had already cleared. I'd seen my share of skyscrapers, but mansions were very foreign territory to me. Being rich in the city just meant you lived on a higher floor than everyone else. But the mansion was pure luxury - white marble floors, crown molding everywhere, even a gigantic gold chandelier hung from the raised ceiling. A grand staircase led to another floor of even more gilded-handled doors. I wondered what the hell Apollo did to have so much money.

There was a crowd of people waiting for us in the grand foyer. Most of them were dressed like modern-day butlers or maids- at least, I assumed that's what they were. Then again, the only thing I was basing my ideas on was that damn TV show.

The idea of random people being paid to help me do something as easy as laundry seemed... weird. I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I'd never had anyone to cook my food or pick up after me - except maybe Mara.

Mara was my best friend. We met when we were six or seven, both having been placed in the same foster home. No matter where we ended up- together, apart, or eventually, several states away- we always looked out for one another. We really were more like sisters than friends. We laughed over the same stuff, fought over silly things, and unfortunately, sometimes had a falling out over those silly things. I hadn't spoken to Mara in six months. My chest tightened at the thought.

The only one in the room who wasn't dressed so formally was a man, a little younger than Apollo (I guessed somewhere in his mid-20s). He was leaning back against the grand staircase, his arms crossed in front of him. He wore a navy blue sweater, black trousers, and shoes that probably cost as much as a month's rent in my apartment. His body was muscular and strong, but like Apollo, it wasn't overly large. He had blue eyes and scruffy blonde hair that went nearly to his ears, but he had it pushed away from his face. His very handsome face...

I heard what sounded like a growl come out of Apollo's mouth. It wasn't loud, but it startled me enough to throw a glance at him. His piercing eyes held mine again, but he didn't say a word. He blinked and took a deep breath, the look on his face shifting to apologetic. He dropped his hand from my back.

"Hermes," Apollo smiled coolly. "Good to see you, brother."

Hermes pushed off from his resting place, and they grasped arms in some sort of odd salutation. "Glad to see you found her. We were beginning to worry." Hermes' tone grated on me. There was almost a hint of sarcasm in his tone. I bit the inside of my lip to keep from saying something.

Their hands dropped and Hermes turned to face me. His icy blue eyes met mine and I immediately felt as if I was being judged. He hadn't said a word to me, but it was as if he'd already decided I was trouble. He took a step forward and held out his hand.