Chapter 211 - Fate worse than death (2/2)

Poseidon let out a long sigh. ”With great power comes great responsibility, Areion. Your brothers understand that, as I'd hope you would by now.”

Arei pushed up from the seat. ”I don't want that 'responsibility falling on the back of innocent children.” He glared at his father. ”My children will not be drawn into the politics of the Gods.” A smile curved his lips. ”I suppose there's no point in arguing this anyways. Jos believes herself to be infertile.”

A deep frown creased Poseidon's handsome face. ”That is sad news if it's true.” He watched his son leave the room and shook his head in irritation as the door shut loudly behind him. ”There's no reaching that one...” He pushed himself up from his chair. ”Oh well, time to go crash a date...”

***

”Should we wake her now?” Isha asked, staring down at the envelope in Jos's hand. ”I'm sure she will be eager to know one way or the other...”

Jos nodded in agreement. She handed the envelope over to Raven as she walked toward the bed. She set on the edge of the bed and began stroking the wolf's soft fur. ”Shell... Shell... The test results are in. Would you like to wake up and look them over?” The wolf's lashes fluttered open and unfocused cyan eyes moved around the room before finally settling on Jos. Jos smiled down at her. ”The results are back.” She turned slightly holding her hand up for the envelope as the wolf pushed herself up on her wobbly front legs. Setting in front of Shelly, she asked. ”Would you like us to let you read them in privacy?” Wide eyes met Jos's, and the wolf shook her head no rapidly. Jos smiled down at her. ”Alright, we'll stay.” She stroked her hand over the wolf's head before turning her attention to opening the envelope. She pulled the papers out and scooted closer to Shelly. Raven and Isha had made their way over to the other side of the bed and were now climbing on at Shelly's other side. Jos spread the forms out on the bed and squeezed her eyes shut tightly as she waited for everyone else's reactions, not wanting to be the first to bear the news. A sharp inhale of breath brought Jos's eyes shooting open quickly.

Raven pulled Shelly into a tight hug as wet tears streamed down the sides of the wolf's furry face. She rubbed short strokes back and forth in the fur where her hands linked behind Shelly. ”Thank the gods!” Raven whispered.

Jos's brows furrowed as she lifted the papers. She sucked in a breath bringing one hand to rest against her chest as she scanned the doc.u.ment. Tears filled her eyes as she turned her attention to Shelly. ”You're 21 weeks... that's a little over 4 months.” A happy smile curved her lips. ”It's Gen and...” She held the paper out for Shelly's inspection. ”It's a boy.” She flung her arms around Shelly's neck.

Movement from the door brought all four women's attention up. ”Congratulations,” Russ said as he stepped into the room. He ran his hand over the back of his neck as his attention moved from Jos to Shelly.

Jos's joy vanished, replaced with high anxiety as she watched him approach the bed. She gave Shelly another quick hug and leaped up from the bed. ”I'll leave you guys to catch up.” She forced a smile as she hurried toward the door, keeping her head held low.

Russ watched in barely masked irritation and longing as Jos hurried by him without even looking at him once. He let out an irritated half laugh as the door slammed behind him. ”I guess I deserve that.” He turned his focus back to his sister. ”How are you feeling?” When the wolf nodded, his focus moved down to the papers. ”So good news then?” He pushed his irritation to the side as Raven began reviewing the information of the doc.u.ments.

Jos had barely gotten the door shut behind her when she ran into the solid wall of muscle. massive arms encircled her.

”I came as soon as I heard they'd made it. Are you alright?” Arei asked, holding her close.

Jos nodded. ”Yeah... I thought they could use some time... without me around.”

Arei nodded. ”I could use an escape from this palace as well, would you like to go for a ride?” He asked pulling away from her enough to send her a wide smile. When Jos nodded, his smile widened, and he took her hand moving quickly toward the back staircase.

”Wait now?! Shouldn't we tell anyone?” Jos asked as he practically dragged her down the hall.

”Father knows. If anyone asked, I'm sure he'll let them know.” He called over his shoulder.

”But?!” Jos protested as she stumbled over the first couple of steps of the stairs. Her breath sucked in painfully when he quickly spun and scooped her into his arms. ”Arie, What the!?!” His stunning, wide smile silenced her.

”It will be fun, I promise!” Arei said as he began making short work of the stairs with her now in his arms. He pushed the back door open and set her gently down on the back lawn. ”Ready?” He asked with a devilish smile.

Jos looked around not seeing a mode of transportation but enjoying the beautiful landscape surrounding the palace. Her eyes widened as a very familiar shirt was tossed at her. Her attention snapped over to Arei as he dropped his pants, underwear, and all. ”What the hell are you doing?!” She shouted as she averted her gaze.

”Getting ready to take you for a ride.” He chuckled. ”You're not curious at all about how the transformation happens?” He asked stepping out of his pants.

She peaked around over her shoulder, catching the full view of his round, muscular gluts. Jos could feel her cheeks blaze as she quickly averted her gaze. ”I've seen transformations before... of others as well as my own...”

He shrugged, ”Alright, if you don't want to go for a flight...”

Jos's head snapped around to him in surprise. ”A flight?!”

He nodded holding his pants in front of him for her comfort. ”Well, yes. You seemed to enjoy it the other day. Plus, it's good practice in case we ever need to use it in the future.” His smile widened. ”I'll just need you to carry these for me... unless you'd prefer me n.a.k.e.d...” He winked at her as he lifted the jeans slightly.

Jos could feel her cheeks heat more as she held out her hand for the pants. ”I... I'll carry them.”

”Good.” He said as he set them on the ground and began to shift while bent forward.

Jos watched in amazement as beautiful wings emerged from the stallion's sleek back. ”I don't think I'll ever adjust to how beautiful you are in this form.” She murmured as she scooped up his discarded clothes.

The horse nudged her playfully. ”Only this form?” He teased.

The blush crept back across her cheeks. ”Your normal appearance is... shockingly above average but not quite as shocking as being face to face with a talking, winged stallion.”

The horse whinnied in amus.e.m.e.nt. ”Fair point. Now get on!” He said as he knelt beside her.