The Challenge

Alpha Costas falters slightly, as if he didn’t expect me to accept his challenge. But he recovers quickly, a smug smile returning to his face as he nods and turns to his men and starts whispering to them.

I’m about to walk to Uncle Alex when I see Rich and Noah. I run to Noah, a big smile on my face, and I launch myself at him, hugging him tightly.

“It’s good to see you too, Athena,” he chuckles as he squeezes me back.

I pull back from Noah and hug Rich hard as well. “You guys timed your return perfectly,” I say as I pull back from Rich and smile at them both.

“How’s your shoulder and back?” Rich asks softly.

I lower my voice so that only they can hear me. “It’s healing, but it’s still pretty gnarly,” I grimace as I move my shoulder.

“I don’t like this, Athena. There has to be another way,” Noah says, his eyes swimming with concern.

“He’s vicious, Athena. Be careful fighting him,” Rich warns.

“Athena, can we speak please?” Uncle Alex calls out.