River Island

Fourteen

Jasper

"You said it was an emergency Apollo. This doesn't look like an emergency." I said looking at the stupid god lounging by his pool.

"I missed you." He smirked taking off his sunglasses.

"Can I go now?" I asked.

"Thalia's on her way." He said casually.

"Didn't you tell me to stay away from her?"

"Yes. She won't see you. I just need you to hear our conversation."

"You seem to already know what it's about can't you just tell me now?

"I could," he shrugged. "But you can't deny the fact that part of you wants to see her."

"I wouldn't want to if you hadn't made Ares block me from accessing the island." I growled.

"Had to be done to make sure you stay away. She's here. I'm taking her to my study it's up to you if you want to stay." He said getting up.

"Fine. Just put on a f*****g shirt." I said throwing it to him.

He caught it laughing and walked into the house. I made my way to his study and stood in the corner cloaking myself. I was grateful my crown had that quality even though it wasn't as powerful as my father's helm of darkness. And I was also grateful I hadn't taken it off after my meeting with him. Just as I got comfortable the door opened and the two walked in.

"I'm surprised you're here on your own." Apollo said taking a seat on his side of the desk.

Thalia walked in behind him. Her hair in a loose bun. She looked around the room assessing it and I found myself smiling. Look at her mentally taking note of escape routes and looking for danger. It looks like she was getting good.

"Are you though?" She asked sitting down.

"A little." He shrugged. "What can I help you with?"

"You're actual name is a good start."

"There's power in a name Thalia. Gods don't just go around giving their names unless they want to or it's necessary. Do you think Jasper gave you his actual god name?"

"Jasper's a piece of s**t so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't." She shrugged.

Ouch.

"Trouble in paradise?" Apollo asked.

The son of a b***h. He was the cause of the trouble. Wait there was no paradise to begin with. What's wrong with me?

"I need your help with something Axel. I need an army." She said making me stand straighter.

"How many troops do you need?"

"Not too many. And I'll need them on the island in a week. Amelia will be with them while I'm away."

"Going somewhere?" He asked.

"Boot camp." She said being vague.

"I'll see what I can do." Apollo said.

"Really? Just like that? I thought you'd be harder to convince."

"We're friends Thalia. Friends help each other."

Friends my ass.

"Thank you." She smiled.

"Stay for dinner. It's the least I can do."

"Sure." Thalia said getting up.

Just as they were walking out I picked up a stapler and threw it at the asshole's head. They both turned around, Thalia scanning the room. Axel gave me a short glare then turned back to her with his signature smile.

"Give me a minute will you dear." He said waving her out.

"Okay." She said stepping out and heading downstairs.

"Yes Jasper." He sighed.

"What the hell?" I asked taking the crown off.

"Your girlfriend needs an army in less than a week. I don't have one. You do. Send in some of your reserves or something." He shrugged. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to get ready for our little dinner."

"I will be standing right behind you the whole time ready to snap your neck if you try anything.

"Noted." He laughed walking out.

Sighing, I picked up my crown and made my way to the beautifully depressing underworld. Just as I plopped down on my bed Thanatos burst in.

"There's this thing called knocking."

"See how it feels?" He asked plopping down near my feet. "What was the emergency?"

"In light of their war preparations Thalia and the gang are recruiting an army."

"It's a smart choice seeing how your mother is doing the same thing. They're more of an audience but also back up just in case something goes wrong." He said.

"Great. Have Max send in some of our guys." I said.

"Your brother is already on the island. He's also already gone with a couple guys. Said you should send in a few more acting as if it's Apollo's share."

"Who gave him permission to get past the barrier?" I asked sitting up.

"Ares did. You're kind of the only one that's been blocked out at this point. Even Ria can get in even though she doesn't want or need to."

"Just great." I grumbled.

"You'll be allowed back for a month when she leaves for boot camp. Then blocked for a final week after she gets back."

"How do you know about her boot camp?"

"Ares asked me to help" He smiled.

"I can't believe everyone isn't involving me in stuff. This whole thing was my idea to begin with." I complained.

I honestly didn't care if I wasn't involved in the planning. I just wanted to see her. And hopefully touch her. Was that too much to ask? She already hated me.

"Don't worry it'll be over soon." He said heading towards the door.

"Yeah I know. Can you have someone call in Caroline?" I asked him needing a distraction.

"Don't" He scowled.

"I'll do it myself then." I said not in the mood for a lecture or to face the look of disappointment he was giving me. I didn't care.