Kidnapped

26: The Explosion

Percy POV

Thalia kept smiling at her baby as we walked. It was a very nice sight. Her walk was a little disoriented, but she didn't seem too bad. If anything, Thalia looked happier than I ever saw her. Of course, I had only known her for a couple of weeks.

We were walking in comfortable silence. I hadn't mentioned the fact that Elysium had found us already. Everyone was in high spirits, and I didn't want to bring that down.

However, I was on high alert for any more disturbances.

Zeus and his van came out of nowhere during a time when we felt a false sense of safety. If we were caught by one of the other leaders, we'd be done for.

Suddenly, I felt fingers touch my hand. Sparks of ecstasy and warmth raced through my arms as I turned towards Annabeth. I happily accepted her hand in mine.

"What's wrong, Seaweed Brain?" she asked softly. She knew me too well to not know that my mind was racing.

Thalia and Leo were walking ahead of us. They were talking quietly because the baby was asleep in Thalia's arms. Leo was joking around so that he could make everyone feel better. He was adding to the smile on Thalia's face.

"Nothing, Wise Girl. I just gotta a lot on my mind. I'll tell you later," I whispered. "Anyway, what do you think is gonna happen now? Like, with Elysium?"

"I don't know, Percy. The government holding off with intervention isn't a good sign. It gives Elysium more time to escape, which sucks," Annabeth said.

I nodded with a frown. I was expecting as much.

After a few more minutes of silence, Annabeth pulled me to the side. For a second, I thought that something was wrong, which sent alarms ringing in my head.

"What's wrong?" I asked immediately.

"Shut up, Seaweed Brain. Not so loud. Nothing's wrong," Annabeth whispered. Her chest was rising and falling softly as she looked into my eyes.

I was very close to her, and my hand was against her waist. I paused as I took in the heat between us. Thalia and Leo continued to walk, but they weren't that far away.

"Then, what is it?" I asked quietly. My breath hitched as she leaned in.

"I just wanted to kiss you without anyone watching," she said with a smirk.

Then, we kissed, and it was freaking awesome. I melted into her as my body pressed her into the tree. Her hands went into my hair as the kiss deepened.

I didn't want to stop, but Annabeth pulled away first. My first rested against hers as we breathed heavily. The air mixed between us.

"Wow," I huffed.

"Yeah, wow, but we gotta keep moving, Percy. We don't need Thalia and Leo panicking after realizing that we're missing," she whispered.

"I know you're right," I said. "But, dam, I wish I could just stay here."

Annabeth nudged my stomach gently. I pulled back as I rubbed my stomach. I was still slightly infatuated as we rejoined Thalia and Leo. They hadn't even realized that we stopped.

After walking for a few minutes, a buzzing noise stopped us.

"Guys, what is that?" Leo asked immediately.

We all froze as we listened for anything else. I instinctually moved closer to Annabeth and Thalia as did Leo. Then, voices started echoing through the woods. Voices that we were familiar with and thankful for hearing. The buzzing engine got closer.