Pandora's Ghost [Book 2]

Chapter 60 : Time

He towered over Pandora -- her height was just as short as mine. Liam's presence thrummed through the place as he honed all his focus on her. It was sure to catch attention if not for the fact that everyone is practically a statue. Pandora's lips pressed into a thin line. She raised her chin, not backing down. Liam reached out a clawed hand, wrapping it delicately around her neck. They touched, almost like she was actually here.

Liam could touch her.

He pressed forward, forcing Pandora against the hard wall. He remained at arm's length, but his hands never squeezed. Almost in sync, I could feel a ghostly hand around my neck. I reached up, finding nothing but air against the column of my throat. My eyes turned back to the sin as he spoke in a low tone. "Instead of glaring and screaming your head off like a banshee, why don't you tell us why you hate me...particularly."

Pandora swallowed and I felt myself make the movement. I couldn't understand what was happening; how Liam could touch her and how her actions weirdly mirrored mine. 

Pandora glared at the sin with arms fixed to her side. "Meddling with my vessel will only give Epimetheus more reasons to kill you."

Liam tilted his head, eyebrows furrowed. "And you don't want me dead?"

Pandora didn't answer. Her dark eyes shifted to the side, locking on me. "If you don't want to be down by one sin, you'll stay away from the Sin of lust."

With that, her image shimmered, dissipating into nothing. I stared at the spot she stood, her words kept ringing in my head, getting louder by the minute. Liam straightened to his height and snorted. "That old hag doesn't want to admit she cares for me."

I automatically stepped closer to his bristling form, head swimming with so many questions. "You saw Pandora? How is that possible?"

"Been seeing her for a few days now. Not sure why but I can tell she hates me for meddling with you."

If you don't want to be down by one sin, you'll stay away from the Sin of lust.

I nervously chewed my lip. "Maybe she was just giving a warning."

There's one thing I was quite sure about -- Pandora was right on some levels, especially when it comes to her supposed 'husband.' Liam remained silent beside me, hard eyes trained on the wall like it had something to do with his current anger.

"Pet." I heard him mumble under his breath. His claws dragged down the wall, eliciting a screeching noise as five long deep grooves embedded themselves into the cream-colored paint. He bent his head, his muscles vibrated along his bare back as he fought to control his growing emotions.

He really hates the word 'Pet.'

Pandora's warning had upset both of us. She had just confessed one of the worst ways things could go wrong. And that had increased my worries tenfold. I promised Hades that none of Hunter's friends or brothers will die, and I intend to fulfill that promise no matter what. But after Hunter had stated two upcoming deaths, I was very skeptical. If there's anyone Epimetheus would gladly kill, it's Liam, Zion, and Pedro. Which is why I've been settling on a plan B ever since Pharoah's proposed plan.

A safety net -- just in case.

I swallowed a deep breath. "Liam?"

I grabbed his elbow, turning him around so he could face me. He smoothly allowed the movement, his green eyes locked on mine. Softness etched over his hard features as he took me in. I was still a tad bit turned on by his earlier administrations and silently cursed Pandora for interfering. But right now, I planned on finishing what we started for a completely different reason.