Wrath of Hades by Annie Rachel Cole Page B

for her. I think I still have a card in my desk. I can find it and give the agent a call.”
    “We don’t need the police or the agent.” Lee smiled at the woman. “Just make sure we’re not disturbed.”
    “Yes sir, if you’re sure that’s what you want.”
    “It is,” said Lee. He led Raven and Professor Snyder into his office and shut the door.
    As soon as it clicked, Raven whirled around to face both men and dropped her book bag to the floor. “What is going on?”
    “You shouldn’t drop your book bag like that. It’s a useful weapon if needed,” said Lee.
    “Tell me something I don’t know.” Raven raised an eyebrow. “It’s useful in breaking arms. I wonder if it works as well on knees?”
    “Why don’t we all sit down and have a nice talk.” Professor Snyder sat down and motioned to the empty chairs.
    Raven folded her arms over her chest. “What gives with the Zeus look-a-like?”
    Lee shook his head. “Is she always like this?”
    “She is in the room. And she wants some answers.” It really irritated Raven when people talked about her like she wasn’t even there.
    Professor Snyder sighed. “You two are definitely related. I really should have gotten a cup of coffee before we started this.”
    “He and I aren’t family.” Raven raised an eyebrow.
    “Afraid so,” said Lee. He leaned against the door. “Your Uncle Zeus is my father.”
    “Great! Absolutely! Flipping! Great!” Raven rolled her eyes. “It’s bad enough I’ve had Meritus trying to kill me, but now I’ve got you?” She looked over at the professor. “And you knew about this? I thought you were on my side.”
    “I am on your side. That’s why I had Lee come here so that he could teach you self-defense. Who better to teach you than Hercules himself,” said Professor Snyder.
    Raven stared at Lee for a few seconds. “You’re Hercules?” she asked.
    “Yes,” he said.
    “Is this some sort of game, where you win our trust and then try to kill me to get Atlantis so that you become daddy’s favorite child?”
    “Good, at least you don’t immediately trust people. That lesson has already been learned.”  He stood up and took a couple of steps toward Raven. “I’m not playing any sort of game. Yes, I’m Hercules, the son of Zeus. But there is no love between us. I’m here to teach you self- defense so you can stay alive. I’m not here to try to get Atlantis. I don’t want it because even with all the power hidden there, it can’t bring back my wife and child.”
    “Raven, what he says is the truth. I wouldn’t bring someone in to hurt you. I originally thought Lee and Ethan could work together to train you. I just didn’t expect anything would happen to change that.” The professor sounded tired.
    “Don’t worry about the pod Ethan thing, I’m working on it.” Raven turned her attention to Lee. “I’m the first to admit, I need defense lessons. But if you are lying and you’re really working for Zeus, I will do everything in my power to turn you into a garden ornament. Understood?”
    “I expect no less from the Guardian of Atlantis.” Lee nodded his head to her.
    Raven sighed. “So, when do we start?”
    “Saturday afternoon. I’ll meet you at your house.” He walked over to his desk and picked up a piece of paper. “And you’ve got a schedule change,” he said as he handed the paper to her.
    Raven took it without a glance. “Is there anything else?”
    “No, you can go.”
    Raven turned and walked out of the office. Mrs. Robinson hissed at her. Raven shook her head and started to leave.
    “Meritus was a good teacher until you came along.”
    Raven turned and walked back to Mrs. Robertson’s desk. She put her hands on the edge and leaned forward. “I don’t know who you think you are, but Meritus Myers was no teacher. I suggest you leave me alone before you regret it.”
    “How dare you threaten me!”
    Raven smiled. “Why would I bother threatening you? Besides, the rumors