-RAINA’S POV- Hera growled erotically, daring Valen to act on his promise. Muffled and soft moans spewed from me, accompanying the distinct sound of flesh slapping against each other that resonated throughout the cave. Sweat dripped down from Valen’s forehead. The sheen of his flesh, the pleasure-filled expression on his face, the low grunts from his lips, the desperate way his fingers intertwined with mine ― every little thing he did was driving me into a mind-boggling haze. “You feel... so fucking good, baby,” he groaned in my ear before thrusting even faster and harder. Lacking restraint, he sped up his penetrations, fucking me harder and deeper with no signs of slowing down. He filled me to the hilt, faster and faster. “Keep your eyes open. Don’t take them off me.” He breathed heavily with each thrust. "Umm ― yes!" Freeing my hand, I gripped his biceps, squeezing the muscles hard before roaming up his chest Valen's eyes were near feral as he reached a calloused hand down to

-RAINA’S POV – “Oh, come on now! Fix those faces.” Artemis’ silver eyes dulled as she pouted her perfect plum-colored lips at our astonished expression. Bewilderment engrossed me and Valen as we stared at her with one question caroming in our heads ― Why not Selene? Then I thought in a very sarcastic way, which werewolf has ever gotten this grand opportunity to meet any god or goddess other than Selene? Isn’t this narrative messed up? “Artemis,” I repeated in disbelief, unintentionally saying it aloud. We were so shocked that the blaring drum roll was all forgotten until we caught up on ourselves. I clung to my mate tighter. Trying to steal the spotlight with a tough guy expression like he's the king of the mambo beat, the pudgy panda cub drummed on with a clapping glitch and rim clicks. Tapping his feet, never mind that he's destroying a classical moment and looking at us like he's begging for us to add the chic-chicka-boom chicka-boom chicka-boom dance combo. “I’m the one an

-RAINA'S POV- My fidgeting fingers froze. I blinked twice at the devil-may-care goddess. My stomach did a calcified dip as Artemis stood there in her glorious silver aura, tall and straight with pure sobriety in her silverware eyes. The panda cub was drumming up some enthusiasm with a single-stroke roll. Boom-boom-boom! Her expression was as hard as granite at the panda cub for his banging and then switched right on us. The ultimatum was not warranted. I would not agree with this. “What nonsense are you spewing?” Valen barked at her with bold emeralds that were sharp and intense. Plus, his tone sounded like someone provoked him for a battle. With me in his arms, he rose from the stone chair and placed me gently down on the solid table. Artemis scoffed. Crestfallen, I joined in with, “I’d rather wave a white flag.” “Where’s the fun in that?” Artemis declared, shaking her head. The goddess positioned her bow and string and shot a silver arrow through the crater of the cave, f

-VALEN'S POV- “Don't give up!” My pleading tenor rang out. “I’m going to kill you,” Raina growled, slicing a finger under her throat. “Play now and take my head later,” I replied, flustered and loathing the fact that the mind-link was blocked. Explanations could follow afterwards. Right now, we need our brains in this game. “Caladan, these two are going to make us cry.” Artemis wrinkled up her face, faking sobs and sniffles. The panda cub imitated her with low squeals as he decided to slide down the arc of the crescent moon. Any more discussion we could have had was abruptly interrupted by the hubbub of the vile audience going wild with anticipation. Their coinciding utterances resonated across the galaxy. Even though Raina’s seething features and lashing remarks persisted in the minority. Raina's scores were frightfully bad. These questions were designed to create a rift between us. The motherfuckers! They were enjoying this and their mumbling continued among the stars. As mu

-VALEN’S POV- Raina and I exchanged glum glances. Mystified and unable to decipher what was in the glowing glass ball. The clear fluid inside it sloshed around. “What is it?” I asked, icily. I felt annoyed because this was another way to procrastinate our departure. “Before you go, Cronus wanted to let you know that this was all planned.” Artemis shifted on the curving end of her crescent moon to focus mainly on Raina. “See in life, there are critical events that must happen, no matter what. This moment was one of them and also your impending war. We knew your decisions and actions before you did them.” “This game was rigged from the beginning.” I cursed inwardly at the revelation, wishing a comet would knock her ass off the moon. “You cheating ― ugh!” Raina accused, coiling both hands into fists. “You played us! You ripped us off!” “Ya, uh-huh.” Shamelessly, Artemis carried on with a blithe disregard for their dirty dealings. “The point is ― this is Cronus’ work. Time is a gift