Ivan stared at the closed door, his heart raced, and a cold sweat broke on his forehead as he anxiously paced the room.He continuously rubbed his palms together out of habit, glancing at the clock every few minutes and staring beneath the stairs for when she came down.His breath caught in his chest when he heard the bedroom door creak open and Vera calling for him.“Ivan?” She called. “Down here.” He said as he waited for him at the foot of the stairs.“Where are we?” Vera asked when she saw him.“Oh, my other house, I figured after what happened there earlier today, it would be a little triggering to take you back there.” He said, taking her hand and helping her down the remaining stairs.“Thank you,” Vera muttered, walking to one of the couches and helping herself to a seat.“My head aches,” Vera said, wincing as she leaned her head back on the couch.“I have some pain medications and I ordered some food, did not know what you would be in the mood for so I just got a bit of every

Ivan was happy that Vera took everything well, even better than he had imagined she would.Her curiosity had heightened, and she asked questions about him, his people, the god realm, everything.She wanted every piece of information she could get, and he did not hesitate to tell her and answer every one of her questions.It had been just a day after the whole Artemis incident, and it was almost as if it did not happen.He liked that Vera was not someone who dwelled so much on things, she had since gone past the issue and was more focused on getting to know the real him, as she would say.He had called Hermes a few minutes after he broke the news to her, and Hermes had told him he had guessed Vera would be okay with it.They were both lounging lazily on the couch watching a show that Ivan could be careless about, but Vera was invested In it, so he had to see it with her.The doorbell went off and Vera looked at him as if asking if he was not going to answer it, sighing, he had gone to

Chapter 136“Can I come too?” Vera asked with a smile.All eyes turned to look at her and her smile faded slowly as she realized, she was not one of them. She was human.“Oh, I am so sorry, I just thought…” she stuttered, finding the right words.“I don't think there is an issue with you coming, Vera,” Hermes said, turning to look at Ivan for approval.“No, it is fine really.” she said averting her eyes, “it's okay if I can't come, don't force it.” She said. “Ivan?” Hermes called.“Uhm, yeah,” Ivan said, looking around.“I will be upstairs,” Vera said, getting up and trudging up the stairs to the room.“That was cold,” Hermes commented.“She does not look so happy, you should take care of that,” Sara said, giving Ivan a pointed look.“I… I just” Ivan started.“You just what?” Hermes said, interrupting him, “Man if you don't get your ass off that seat and go talk to her.” He said sternly.Ivan looked between the both of them for a minute, Sara sat quietly but gave him a nod as if urgi

Chapter 138It had been a couple of days since introducing Sara and Vera to the rest of the sect. They had blended in smoothly, especially Vera.She was human and Ivan had been skeptical about it, but he dared not show it, the least Vera took it the wrong way.Sara had been given a warm welcome, they had all missed her, and although she had little or no memory of most of them or her encounters with them, she had accepted them just like they did her.Vera, on the other hand, was so excited to be a part of the old gods, her smile was unmatched and Ivan was glad the sect welcomed her as much.Nothing had been heard from the old gods yet, but Ivan could tell they were up to something.Almost like he could smell their coup cooking. Hoping it was just his overthinking and nothing real. He could not afford any more losses.“Hey,” Vera called as she walked down the stairs smiling at him.“Hey,” Ivan said, his smile matching hers “you look wonderful Vera.” He complimented, staring at her.“Tha

Chapter 140 Vera sat still thinking about all Aunt Marilyn had just said, it was unfortunate that she had toiled all those years with Mr. Anderson, and now everything was gone. She had nothing to show for it, she had lost her son, then her husband, and now the company. “I am so sorry you have to go through this, Aunt Marilyn,” Vera said, sympathizing with the older woman. “Thank you, Vera,” Marilyn said, sniffing. She had to be stung, she thought to herself. “I have something to tell you guys too,” Vera said. “Are you okay?” “Yes, dear, are you okay?” Catherine and Marilyn asked simultaneously. “Yes, I am fine now.” She said, looking at them intensely. She contemplated telling them, of course, they would freak out and her mother would scold her and Ivan for not involving the police like they had promised to. “I was kidnapped, a few days ago,” Vera said letting the cat out of the bag. “When?were?how?” Catherine asked in a panic. “Chill, ma, I am fine now.” Vera said reassu