***Persephone's POV***

I'm startled awake by something wet touching my face.

God, I hate the dog at this moment, waking me with his wet snout. 

Wait, we don't have a dog...

My eyes snap open to find Hunter licking the side of my face.

"WHAT THE HELL, DUDE?" I yell, pushing him off and laughing.

"It was time to wake up," he says casually, shrugging, "I wanted you to have a nice time waking up."

"Yeah, well having your slobber on my face is not my idea of a good wakeup."

"Oh shut up, you know you love it." 

"I'd love it if you never licked me again."

"That's not what you'll be asking," he says, winking.

I shake my head, too disgusted and amused to answer. When I notice the car is empty except for us and everyone is waiting outside the car for us with glares, I hop out quickly.

"Took you long enough biatch," Brandi says, linking her arm with mine, "Now let's get into this paradise on Earth so we can finally fucking relax."

"Ok," I say, looking around at our surroundings. Instead of the mountains and trees I had grown used to, we were in the middle of the desert. Weird place to put a magical garden...

"C'mon, child," Granny says, rolling her eyes, "we don't have all day."

"Uhm..." I say, confused, "I don't see anything. What am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, they never said, just let your magic wander and feel out the land," Granny says, encouraging me with a pat on the shoulder.

I do as she says, letting my magic loose. I feel it almost immediately, the sense of home overcoming me. Somehow, I know this is meant to be my home on Earth, that I belong here. 

I feel it opening its gates for me, beckoning me but hold steady. I need to invite all my friends in first. 

I tell the odd land my intentions, and who I planned on letting in. Somehow, the land told me they would need to still pass a test to see their intentions, and if they tried walking in here with bad intentions they would be punished. 

I turn back to my group, "We can go in, but if anyone walking through has bad intentions they will be punished."

I can hear in my voice it's turned back to the weird magic one but I don't mind it as much, reveling in the fact that I have power.

"Do you think it'll let us drive the car in or should we leave it here?" Granny asks.

I ask the land what it would prefer and it seems fine with the idea of the car coming in, although it tells me there are already cars present.

"Yeah, we can drive in," I say, hopping back in the car.

Everyone climbs back into their seats and Granny starts the car, driving where we need to go without me telling her. So she obviously remembered what to do, just wanted me to connect with the land beforehand.

As we drive through the barrier, I keep vigilant, looking for the sign that anyone is failing the test and being punished. 

I breathe out a sigh of relief when we all make it through safely and open my mouth to say something but am stopped by a gasp from Brandi. "It... it's so magical."

I look out the window and see what she means. The land looks nothing like the desert we were just in, instead it's full of the most colorful plants I have ever seen in my life. There's a mountain nearby, with a waterfall that ends in a beautiful lake, the brightest blue I have ever seen. The sky is the same color, with no cloud in sight. I take in all the sights, feeling a connection to the land immediately. I can tell there are more entrances and exits throughout the world, Granny just didn't know of them. I can even feel that I can make an entrance or exit to this place from anywhere, as long as the garden was willing to do it. 

The garden was a living entity, a land so imbued with magic that eventually it could think on its own, and I could feel it telling me more about itself. It had been waiting for me for an eternity, ever since Adam and Eve got kicked out. I can feel its relief at finally having someone live on its grounds. 

I'm snapped out of my mental conversation with the land by the sight of the biggest house I've ever seen. I grew up around some of the richest people in the world so I should be used to big houses, but this house is more of a palace. A magnificent palace at that. 

It's all made out of beautiful red brick, with vines growing up the side. I see flowers of every color sprouting out of the vines, giving the house a beautiful pop of color. I can tell this house could fit more people than I could ever bring in here, perfect for whatever plan Hunter has. Not to mention the training we could do on these grounds.

All in all, this land is perfect and I honestly love it with all my being. It brings tears to my eyes, thinking of my mom coming up here to set up for us. I wish she was here, but I'm glad I'm doing this for her. 

Granny pulls up to the house, hopping out while we all look up at it in awe. "What in the fuck are you idiots doing? Stop staring at the damn house so we can actually enter the house. Goddamn." 

"We're coming, don't get your titties in a twist," Hayden says, rolling his eyes.

"Uhm..." I say, slightly laughing, "that's not how that phrase goes. It's don't get your knickers in a twist."

"Tomato. Tomahto."

"Not really you idiot," Brandi cuts in, hitting Hayden upside the head.

"If you children don't get out of the car this instant I'm going to start stripping," Granny warns.

We all hop out in a matter of milliseconds, no one is prepared to ever see Granny naked again.

"Well that's just rude, my body is amazing and you asshats would be lucky to see it," Granny says, walking into the house.

We follow behind her, awed at the large ceilings and open floor plan. The house looks incredible, with dark floorboards and light gray walls.

"C'mon, there's a meeting room this way," Granny says, heading to the left, "We can talk about your plan there, Hunter."

We all follow her, filing into the large room. There have to be at least 50 seats around the long table, with 2 head seats. Granny looks at me and crooks her finger, having me sit at the head of the table with the windows at my back.

"Why do I have to sit at the head?" I ask, feeling uncomfortable with being in the center of everyone.

"Because, child," she says, rolling her eyes, "you're the leader. So we need you to lead. Now, Hunter, go ahead and tell us this plan."

"Ok," he says, clearing his throat, "when I... ran away for those two years, I was figuring out how to take down Persey's father. Now, I met this person who knew everything there was to know about the council, claiming to have some vendetta on the council. She had all these contacts and ways in, and the last time I talked to her she had almost completed her plan, she just told me she was missing one piece of the puzzle."

"Sounds like we need her," I muse, thinking of what to do, "Can she get here quickly? I can talk to the land and have it allow her in. I just need a description and name."

"Her name is Jess, she's blonde and has brown eyes," he says, rubbing the back of his neck. He'd been acting kind of awkward ever since bringing up he had a plan but I just assumed it was because he didn't like the attention.

His phone dings, making him look down, "She's here. I asked her a bit ago knowing we'd need her and so she got someone to teleport her to this general area."

"Ok," I say, connecting with the area. I can feel someone waiting outside its gates, and tell the land to let her in as long as her name is Jess and she's blonde with brown eyes. I feel her come in, passing the test. I ask the land to urge her along, which it does... by teleporting her into the room.

"Whoa," I hear a shout, "sorry I was not expecting that. I didn't even teleport."

"Yeah, sorry," I say, "I had the land teleport you into here." 

"Oh ok," she says, locking her eyes on Hunter, who is glaring intensely at the table, "Hey, baby. I missed you. Obviously, you missed me too." 

With every word, she steps closer to Hunter, before launching herself into his lap and kissing him. 

I can tell he doesn't kiss back but he also doesn't push her off immediately, pissing me off.

When he does, he looks straight at me, his look one of apology, "Persey, listen to me."

"No, don't bother," I say, rolling my eyes at his bullshit. I knew I shouldn't have forgiven him so easily, I just wanted to do what my mom seemed to want.

I knew we were soulmates, and I felt the pull towards him, but he kept just fucking up. I wasn't sure where we were heading but I was too busy with all that was going on to think about it too much.

"No, Persey," he says, his eyes pleading, "I'm not with her."

"What do you mean?" Jess asks, looking offended, "We've been together for about a year, and you've been sleeping with me for longer."

The thought of them being together when he ran away puts a knife through my heart. When he left I couldn't even look at a guy, and yet here he was with this chick.

"We aren't together," he growls, pushing her off his lap, "I've told you that."

"Baby, why the change of heart?" she asks, looking near tears. She sees him staring at me and looks over with a glare, "You bitch. You took him from me. I'LL KILL YOU." 

With that, she launches herself at me, her magic bursting out of her, my magic already knowing she was a warlock. 

She smirks at me when she lands on top of me, throwing magic ball after magic ball at me. But her smirk slowly dies away when she notices I take no damage. She decides to use her hands after that, clawing and hitting me.

I sit still the entire time, honestly not giving a shit. Only thinking about her and Hunter.  Images of them play in my mind over and over before I snap. 

I grab the chick's neck, lifting her off me and holding her to the side. "You think you have power, little girl?" I ask, my voice the weird magic version, but stronger than ever before, "You're magic is child's play."

I'm not sure who's speaking, because it sure as hell isn't me, but I feel my magic taking over, willing the land to obey. I feel the ground shake, and feel flames spout from my body, almost burning the girl. I see the wind knocking everyone down, and see water soak them all. The elements don't work against me, instead working for me. I see the others making a protective bubble while Hunter tries to reach me. 

I hear him yell that I need to stop, but it just adds fuel to the flames. I look over to the girl, seeing her look at me with fear. 

I lean in, my body completely taken over by my magic, "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Want to see more?"

Her eyes widen and she shakes her head.

"Good girl," I say, the magic receding. I start to feel myself take over a bit more, but my magic still has a good grip.

I let the girl go, watching her collapse to the floor. Hunter rushes over, and I half expect him to pick her up but instead, he gives me a hug, murmuring sweet nothings.

"Get off me," I say, my voice still not back to normal. 

"No," he says, tightening his hold.

I sigh, annoyed I have to do this. I use my lightning magic to shock him into letting me go, smiling when I see his shocked face. "We may be soulmates but that doesn't mean I have to forgive you right now."

I walk away, back to my seat. I stand behind it, staring at my little family. "Well, Granny says we need practice. I say nows as good a time as any. I'll have the land create us a magic-proof arena."

As soon as the idea pops in my head we're all teleported, Jess and Hunter included, into an arena-type room, with stadium seating on each side. It's all white, almost like a blank canvas waiting to be painted.

"Let the games begin," Granny says, smiling evilly at all of us. 

***Hunter's POV***

I look down at Jess, stifling a groan. I can hear Granny in the background but I really need to deal with this problem. 

"Why the hell would you act like we're dating?" I hiss out, grabbing Jess by the arm and dragging her to the side.

"Because we are, babe," she says, batting her lashes, "or we were before that bitch came in the picture."

"In case you're fucking deaf," I say, rolling my eyes, "she's my soulmate. Call her a bitch again and I'll fucking make you regret it. And we were never once anywhere near a relationship, so stop acting like we were."

"Well, we slept together that one time over a year ago..." she states, her tone angry, "and then we slept together a couple of days ago. I just assumed that was you finally giving in to your emotions. You know you can reject your soulmate, so just reject the bitc-"

I slap her, the sound carrying. Everyone looks over but when Persey sees she just rolls her eyes before continuing whatever she was saying. 

"I never once had fucking feelings for you," I seethe, "I did all that stuff to find a way to be with Persey. She was always on her mind. Both those times were the anniversaries of the day I left her and I got blackout drunk. I don't fucking remember sleeping with you, all I remember is you waking up in my bed. We will never be anything. If you ever suggest I reject her again, you'll lose your fucking tongue." 

I walk away as she holds her cheek, tears in her eyes. I can tell I was harsh but I was just trying to protect Persey since Jess seemed deadset on embarrassing her. 

"Ok, it's settled then," Granny says, rubbing her hands together and smiling, "Seraphina will go against everyone but Jess, Hunter, and myself." 

"What, why can't I go against her?" I ask.

"Well, it's obvious. You're her soulmate and therefore will be too soft on her," Brandi says, hatred in her eyes once more.

"Won't y'all be too soft on her?" 

"No, we know we need to be serious. This isn't just about our training, it's about her honing her skills. We need to have her as strong as possible before our next fight, and we can't go easy on her for that to happen." Granny says, her tone dead serious.

"I'll fight," Jess says when she walks back over, a glint in her eyes, "I can promise I won't go soft on her."

Granny looks to Persey for confirmation, who nods, before looking back over at Jess, "Ok, but here are the rules. You will all go against Persey at once, working as a tea-"

"WHAT? THAT'S UNFAIR," I yell, looking at my soulmate in worry. Sure, she's tall and a good fighter but they've been training with their magic for years.

(A/N I forgot to mention, Persey is like 5'10. I'm 5'10 so it's easier for me to write my main character as taller, it allows me to understand their perspective.)

Granny goes to say something but Persey beats her to it, "Shut the fuck up, Hunter. I can handle my own shit. Go over the rules, please, Granny."

"Ok, Seraphina. The rules are simple, do not let up until either she surrenders or you all surrender. In the real world, your enemies will not let up, ever. You can't take this lightly, this isn't a game. If I don't see you giving your all, there will be a punishment. Hunter will sit out for now because he'll be too soft for Seraphine and I'll sit out because she's not ready for my expertise along with all of y'all." 

With that, Granny teleports us up into the stadium seating, our view perfect. She pulls a microphone out of thin air, winking at me.

"LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

***Persephone's POV***

I hear Granny start the games, focusing on the field. I can feel Jordan rushing towards me, already shifted into his lion. I use my wind magic to lift him up and throw him against the wall before moving on to Hayden.

Hayden charges me as a human, confusing me. Shifters are strongest as their animals, this has to be a trick. 

Sure enough, moments later, I'm hit by magic, turning around to see Brandi. Just as I'm about to deal with both of them I'm tackled by someone, landing hard.

I look up to see Jess grinning at me, a big green ball of magic in her hand. Somehow, my magic instinctively knows if I'm hit with that, shit will be bad.

My magic takes over once again, protecting me. It chooses to draw on lightning, tired of being nice. 

I feel electrified, the lightning filling me up. I imagine I look like Thor right now, except my whole body glows instead of just my eyes. 

 I lift up, looking behind myself to see my wings. I look down at the field to see Jess looking at me in fear, cowering in the spot she had tackled me.

A thought comes to my head, making me smirk. My magic comes through, making me a replica of the Thor axe. I loved me some Marvel and this was too good an opportunity to pass up. I spell it so that it always returns to me, loving how it did that with Thor.

As I glance down, I see everyone looking up at me, some gathering magic while others cower. I throw my axe down in the middle of the field, smirking when it lights the whole field up with lightning.

After that, everyone surrenders immediately, telling me they'd need a couple more days before facing me again.

"DUDE YOU TOTALLY JUST TURNED INTO THOR, BUT HOTTER," Brandi screeches, running up to me and tackling me in a hug.

"Uhm, pretty sure Thor is hotter than me," I say, rolling my eyes.

"NUH UH. GIRL YOU A TOTAL HOTTIE, AND WHEN YOU LIT UP LIKE A LIGHT BULB, GODDAMN I WAS READY TO TURN INTO A LESBIAN. ONLY FOR YOU, BABE." 

She walks away, blowing me a kiss. Hunter walks my way, but Jess beats him to it, reaching me first.

"Can we talk?"

Fuck, I don't wanna deal with this.

***A/N***

I'm currently writing another book so updates might take a bit longer, but I'll try and get them done as fast as possible! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and please tell me your thoughts on Jess.