Of Demigods and Monsters (Leo Valdez x Reader)

XLI

You

"You said that there are still others like me here. What does that mean?" I asked, pointing an accusing glare at the werewolf.

Lycaon just growled, trying not to agitate the silver in his shoulder that was steaming slightly.

"There have been a few over the years. A few years ago, there was a group that was summoned by the gods to help defeat the titans in the war. Let's just say it didn't go as planned seeing as some of them decided to join Kronos. Some of them died in the war, but the rest were forgotten by the gods. Isn't unlike them to forget their promises."

"So I'm stuck here too?"

"Not unless you're sent back by the one who brought you here. But I wouldn't get my hopes up."

I was a little startled when Leo appeared beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey," he said. "I wouldn't worry about it. Just think, you were able to meet all of us."

I looked at him, and I don't think he was impressed with the look I gave him.

It was that moment that a white wolf came into the cave. It was only a few moments when a couple of others burst into the cave. They started snarling, but it only took me a moment to realize their growls were for Lycaon.

Hedge said, "Kill it?"

"It seems to me like they are enemies of Lycaon. My enemy's enemy is my friend, right?" I said, watching the white wolves.

The wolves tilted their heads and studied the campers with huge golden eyes.

A heartbeat later, their masters appeared: a troop of hunters in white-and-gray winter camouflage, at least half a dozen. All of them carried bows, with quivers of glowing silver arrows on their backs.

Their faces were covered with parka hoods, but clearly they were all girls. One, a little taller than the rest, crouched in the firelight and snatched up the arrow that had wounded Lycaon's hand.

The girl in the white parka looked Lycaon over once then turned to the other demigods. "I'm impressed," she said. "You guys take this guy down all on your own?"

Jason couldn't say anything, frozen to the spot as he looked at the girl. I couldn't blame him for being so shocked.

"We've been following that demon's trail for over a week. Is everyone all right? No one got bit?"

"I'm not all right. You shot me with an arrow and then my pack flees while I've been held hostage." Lycaon seemed to whine.

The girl in the white parka rolled her eyes. "No one cares what happens to you. Phoebe, stay with me. The rest of you, deal with this mutt."

She seemed to notice Jason's staring. "Why are you staring at me like that?" She frowned. That was when Piper spoke up.

"You're her," Piper said. "You're Thalia."

"Do I know you?" Thalia asked.

"Thalia grace? This is..." I pointed at Jason.

"Jason grace," he said, stepping forward. "I'm your brother."

She seemed to be just as shocked as the rest of us. Her eyes went in as she looked at her brother, and for a moment, I thought she would dismiss him.

Then Thalia rushed forward and hugged him.

"My gods! She told me you were dead!" She gripped Jason's face and seemed to be examining everything about it. "Thank Artemis, it is you. That little scar on your lip—you tried to eat a stapler when you were two!"