Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore, #1)

by Jasmine Mas

The lost one shall change what is before; Chained to death’s soldiers, becoming evermore; Or Titans will inherit the earth, and there will be nothing but war.

“Holy crud,” Nyx hissed against my right ear. “Wow—talk about a real mate. I haven’t felt that type of energy around a man in ages. Although Augustus does have similar protective instincts. They’re good men, Alexis.” I choked. Were the good men in the room with us? “Uh, hard no. He’s a literal psychopath,” I said in disbelief. “Exactly,” Nyx hissed. “He’s driven and relentless—he’s not one of those sissy boys today who don’t even know how to kill.” What a take. “Whoever he loves—will be protected for the rest of their lives.” Nyx sighed like it was romantic. “He’d be...devoted...possessive—if you know what I mean.”

“What makes Karen so special?” I muttered petulantly. Patro arched his eyebrow. “I wouldn’t call him that name to his face. He’ll snap, and it won’t be pretty.” Too late. Also, news flash, it already isn’t.

He saw me looking and smiled with teeth. Then he slowly licked the flat edge of his bloody dagger (that can’t be sanitary). Glacial blue eyes flashed with mania. “Oh yes,” Nyx sighed dreamily on my neck. “He’d be a devoted lover.” She needed an exorcism.

“Move your sorry asses right now,” the general whispered harshly. “Or you’ll run the circuit until your dicks fall off.” I pursed my lips. So would that affect a vagina as well, or was it just a— The general grabbed the front of my tunic, lifted me off the ground, and chucked me inside. Does that mean I’m his favorite?

“Wow,” Nyx hissed on my neck. “That cat really hated you.” Jumping, I clutched my heart. “Or maybe she was growling at you.” “Please,” Nyx scoffed like the idea was preposterous. “She gave me a nod of respect before she told you to get lost or she’d eat your spine.”

“Uh?” Drex asked. “Are you arguing with a tree?”

“Nyx,” I whispered. “I’m sorry. You don’t look like a slug, only when you eat and your belly gets all big. I love you and hope you live an amazing life.”

“Oh.” I pointed behind me, where Fluffy Jr. was trying (failing) to catch a butterfly. “This p-puppy is stalking me.” Drex did a double take. “Are you sure that’s a puppy? What’s wrong with its fur, and why is it so—lumpy?” God forbid someone be built a little different during an apocalypse. Everyone was a critic these days. We lived in dark times. “Don’t hurt his feelings,” I said. “He’s just...unique.”