Typhon will rise and eat you up.’ He was the bogeyman of the era.”
“Frankly, it doesn’t matter why he was driven into stasis.” Yutani shoved his laptop back on the table. “The fact is, we have a power-hungry Titan—don’t forget, he’s not just a dragon—out there, sending his kids to do his dirty work. And that brings up another question: Why doesn’t Typhon just come in himself? Why’s he hanging out in the astral? What’s he afraid of? Because nobody that powerful and that stifled for so long is going to just idle in neutral.”
Herne stared at him. “What did you say?” A light in his eyes told me that what Yutani had said had sparked off some thought.
“I’m just saying, with Typhon’s power-hungry nature, why is he hiding out on the astral? If he’s so pissed about what happened, you’d think he’d be ripping the world to pieces by now. Is there some reason he’s sending his children over in his place? I mean, it could be what you say—he could be going about it subtly. But maybe he actually needs their help?” Yutani frowned, tilting his head. After a moment, he added, “Think about it. When you’ve slept a long time, when you first wake up, you’re just not ready to jump out of bed and go powerlifting or run ten miles. Your muscles usually need some warming up and you have to clear your head.”
“You mean…maybe Typhon needs to strengthen himself? Maybe he grew weak over the eons of being locked into stasis?” Herne looked excited. “My father actually has been wondering about Typhon and why he’s hiding, too. I need to talk to the others about your theory. Why didn’t we think of it?”
I stared at him. “Why didn’t the gods think of it? I’ll tell you why. Because you’re gods. You seldom feel exhausted or in pain, and when you are, you can usually shake it off. Yutani may have a father who’s a god but he’s lived his life among mortals, and he’s half shifter.” What Yutani had been trying to say finally clicked. “Typhon might not be at full power. Now would be the time for you to go after him, while he’s weakened.”
“If he’s weakened,” Talia said. She had a cautious look on her face. “It’s a good theory, but it’s just that—theory. If the gods go after him and he’s at full strength, then…”
“Then what? They can’t die. He can hurt them, but he can’t kill them. Just… Oh.” I stopped, realizing the folly of my plan. “They can’t kill him, either. And they don’t know how to drive him back into stasis—yet.”
Herne grimaced. “Yes, that’s our weakness right now. And a good reason for finding out who actually forced him into stasis in the first place.”
“Because they might be able to do so again,” Rafé said. “Can’t Zeus and Hera just question everybody who was around at that time? What’s the issue there?”
“We asked them that,” Herne answered. “Apparently, there were several Titans and gods there who have vanished off the map. Nobody knows where they are. And everybody who’s been questioned so far seems to have no recollection as to what happened.”
“All right, let’s focus on what we can do,” I said. “What’s left on the agenda for today?”
“Jana Wildmere will be in at four, and we’ll all want to be in on that meeting. Until then, let’s get caught up on paperwork, shall we? I’m sorry you’re having to work through the weekend, but…” He paused. “Okay, back to your desks. Ember, can I see you in my office?”
Yutani let out a low whistle and snickered. Angel and Talia laughed, while Viktor snorted before heading out the door.
“Oh, shut up,” I said, glaring at Yutani. But I wasn’t really mad. Herne and I had managed so little time together lately that it felt like we hadn’t gotten down and dirty for months.
I followed him into the office and shut the door behind me. He turned, then immediately pulled me into his arms for a long, steamy kiss, his hands smoothing over my back, my ass, my hair. His chest was firm against my breasts, and his urgency caught my own flame. I leaned my head back as he began to trail kisses down my neck, along my throat. The warmth of his lips against my skin fired my senses and I let out a moan. His hair tickled me, trailing to mix with my own, and he pulled