Page 176 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Jayce

I’m strong, and so is he – exceptionally strong, and yet I don’t fucking know what he wants from me. These run-ins are becoming far too common to put down to coincidence.

I need you to reveal me, but keep yourself hidden and out of sight, I say to Sienna through the mind-link.

Jayce, I can help; please let me, she replies calmly, not pushing me but also urgently reminding me that she is strong enough.

For now, remain hidden. We need to assess if he’s alone or has others here, I respond before I step forward, calling on my powers, awakening the power of Zeus. My wolf snarls in my mind as my gauntlets, helmet, and shoulder plate materialise.

Fine… I’ll scout the area and see what we’re dealing with. Are you sure?

Yes. Take care of yourself, I say, keeping my voice level despite the worry eating up at me inside.

Be careful, Sienna says softly. I nod before I step forward and feel her magic ripple around me, and I’m no longer concealed by her magic.

Vincenzo stands metres away, and he now turns in my direction. So, he didn’t know exactly where I was.

“It seems you always like to seek me out. What do you want, Vincenzo?” I ask.

He stiffens for a fraction of a second, and my mouth curls into a cold smirk. “Of course… Jayce.”

“Now that we know each other’s names, shall we get this over with?” I ask.

“You fought a god, or so I’ve heard, but this time you’re alone – or almost alone.” He smirks as he glances around. So, he knows someone else is here.

The wind howls loudly, and he steps closer. I stay ready just in case he tries something. “And if I did? What has that got to do with you? What do you really want?”

He doesn’t respond and instead observes me. “Well, to think it was right in front of me.” He takes a step closer, his eyes darkening dangerously. “For years, it said the Deimos bloodline held the power to some of the greatest secrets. Treasures that I desired greatly, assuming that in those tomes I’d find the answers I seek. The answer to great power.”

I don’t reply as he continues slowly coming closer through the storm, but I’m ready, my aura simmering around me.

He observes me intently, his eyes flickering over my armour to the power that crackles around my gauntlets. The power of Zeus running beneath my skin.

Then he laughs quietly. “You’ve become stronger.”

“Disappointed?” I ask icily.

“No. Quite the opposite.” Something about the way he says it puts me on edge.

“I’m sure you didn’t come all this way to compliment me.”

“Of course not.”

The wind howls between us. For a moment neither of us moves. Then his gaze drifts briefly past me.

My wolf instantly snarls, and I see the triumph in his eyes.

Fuck. He knows Sienna’s near.

“As I said, I believed you were the answer,” he murmurs, his voice cold.

“To great power?” I ask mockingly.

“Yes. The Deimos Temple and what was within it… The tomes.”

My eyes narrow.

“You spent a lot of time chasing things that didn’t belong to you. Only those tied to the Deimos bloodline can even read them.”