Page 71 of Beyond Enemy Vows

I turn to find Dimitri approaching, his expression unreadable. He hugs me.

"Glad you're home," he says, looking me over. I force a smile, hoping he can't see how brittle I feel.

"What's going on?" I ask, my eyes drifting back to the mystery woman.

Dimitri follows my gaze. "This is Athena. It's a long story. I'll fill you in later."

Athena gives me a smile and slight wave. "Hello."

"Hi." I smile back, unsure what to make of her presence.

Further ahead, Ares walks past, moving between rooms. He doesn't even glance in my direction. My chest gets tight. Ares never ignores me, even when he's deep in business mode.

"Ah, sister," Theo's voice comes from behind me. I turn to find him approaching. Of all my brothers, Theo is the hardest to read, but right now, something in his eyes makes my skin prickle.

"How was your flight?"

"Good."

"Well, listen, I'm glad you're here. It's time to bring you into the light. Tell you everything."

He motions for me to walk with him.

"Callista, we've always tried to keep you out of family business," he continues, his voice firm, "so you're not burdened, and wewant to be the ones to take care of things. But this is about our father."

I nod automatically, though I'm not sure what I'm agreeing to. "Yes, of course, but I don't know what I can do to help."

He places a hand on my shoulder, steering me toward the stairs. "First thing? Go talk to Katerina. She's upstairs, third guest room. I'll explain everything to you after."

My eyes widen. With everything happening, I'd completely forgotten that Stavros is Katerina's uncle. I hadn't even thought about how she must feel. My God, how Ares must feel.

"Is she okay? Does Ares think anything?" I ask.

Theo's mouth tightens. "As well as can be expected, and no, he doesn't, but it's messing with his head a bit. He'll be fine. Now, please, I'll be up shortly."

I nod and head for the stairs, my mind spinning. What could they possibly need me for? I've never been part of their business discussions, never been asked to weigh in on family matters. My brothers have always shielded me from that world.

Until now.

The door to the third guest room is ajar. I knock softly.

"Come in," Katerina calls, her voice thick.

I find her curled on the bed. Her eyes are swollen, the skin beneath them raw from crying. When she sees me, she attempts a smile.

"Calli. You're back."

I cross the room and sit beside her. "Are you okay?"

She shakes her head, a small, jerky movement. "Not really. How much do you know?"

"Enough to know why you're in here." I shrug and rub some of the hair out of her face.

More tears start flowing. "I swear, Calli, I knew nothing about it. Nothing."

I take her hand, squeezing gently. "Of course you didn't. I don't think anyone expected this, not even Ares. He'd never do anything to you, you know that, right? He knows you wouldn't be involved."

"Are you sure?" she asks, her eyes searching mine.