Free Hired Gun #4 by Julia Crane, A.J. Bennett Page B

His father looked him up and down with distaste. “I really dislike your attire on Earth.”
    Thorne glanced down; he was wearing black pants, a slipknot T-shirt, and his leather jacket. It was almost comical that his father thought he was walking him to his death and the only thing he could think to say was to ridicule his clothing choices. 
    His lips quirked up. “As I said last time, if you really wanted to keep me in dresses you should have left me here with you.” 
    Suddenly the hallway seemed to grow smaller and two large, oak doors zoomed before them as they were pulled forward. The last time he’d entered this room he was banished from The Realm. 
    The enormous doors flew open with a whoosh. 
    Back straight and head held high, Thorne kept his face still as he glanced around at the gods and goddesses that had sentenced him to a life of hell on Earth. Subconsciously, Thorne had to push down the little niggle of fear at the edge of his awareness. 
    They no longer had control. He did. 
    “It seems my son has returned,” Theseus said into the grand room with a sigh as he made his way up the spiral, marble staircase to take his place amongst the others.
    Jaw clenched, Thorne’s gaze wandered from one god to the next. “Before you go waving your magick gauntlets around I suggest you listen up.” 
    A gasp went through the room. Thorne had to suppress a smile. Oh yeah, it was good to be home.
    “First, I’d like to tell you my demands. And after that we’ll talk.” 
    A chuckle and a snort echoed through the huge hall. They thought he was joking. Cute. 
    Thorne took a few steps forward until he was directly below Zeus. “First off, once I complete the task that has been bestowed on me, my banishment will be lifted for eternity.” 
    “Has he gone mad?” Zeus asked, staring at Theseus. 
    “I believe so.” His father was now seated at his throne. Leaning back, he clasped his hands before him. 
    Ignoring them Thorne continued. “Second. My wife will be granted immortality. And lastly my ability to have children will be restored. These are not negotiable.” That’s if he didn’t kill Kataya himself first. But he liked to have options. And it really was a shame not to spread his DNA around. 
    “His wife?” someone asked in surprise. Thorne didn’t bother to turn to see who had spoken. 
    Finally he heard the voice he was waiting for: Athena’s. “Let him speak.” 
    Thorne turned and shot her a wink. She rolled her eyes and gestured her hand, indicating for him to get on with it. Nike sat regally beside Athena, and her face gave nothing away. Was it really just days ago that her legs were wrapped around his neck? Time flies. 
    He had to bite his tongue not to call Athena Auntie. However, surely the other gods must know? 
    It was hard to keep secrets in their world. 
    Regardless of her attempt at goodwill, Thorne was still pissed Athena had kept his mother’s background from him. If he had only known, he would have insisted on coming down to his mother  earlier. 

Chapter 2
     
    “Well get on with it then,” Zeus said, obviously annoyed that his time was being wasted. “What in Hades are you talking about? And if you don’t present a compelling reason for breaking your banishment, you will be sent straight to the Hall of Punishment when this meeting resides.”
    Good luck with that, Thorne thought bitterly. It would take more than a roomful of gods and goddesses to restrain him again. 
    “Tsk, tsk. And all this time I thought you gods were all knowing. Are you not aware that the great Thanatos is currently roaming the earth and running for the highest office on the planet as we speak?”
    A shocked murmur rippled throughout the room. Now those fuckers were listening. 
    “This cannot be,” Apollo said, his voice shaking ever so slightly. 
    “Oh, it’s true and it’s all your fault, asshole. Did you honestly think he would not retaliate after your little prank of killing all of