Bonus Scene of Aiden and Alex from Sentinel

This is a bonus scene you received when you pre-ordered "The Return" by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  To those who missed out on it, here it is, enjoy!

Bonus Scene from "The Return" Aiden & Alex Scene

 Brilliant white light exploded from the council building, blowing out windows. Glass shattered, flying in every direction. The deadly shards mowed down Sentinels on both sides. An entire side of the building crumbled like it was made of nothing but dust.  

     Yanking the sickle blade back, I sucked in a breath that went nowhere. In an instant, I knew. I knew. An icy ball formed in my gut and then traveled up, fisting around my heart. A crack rocked down the center of my chest. I stumbled back a step and glanced down, half expecting to find a Covenant dagger shoved deep. Nothing was there, but the pain…. 

     “No,” I whispered. 

     My legs were moving before my brain even caught up with what was happening. I took off across the lawn, heading for the blown open doors. Someone shouted my name, but I didn’t stop, couldn’t stop. I raced into the building, instinct guiding me to the right, all the way my heart pounding and my heart refusing to process what my brain was telling me. 

     It was too late.  

     We’d won.  

     But it was too late.  

     I flew into the room and saw him standing there in the middle, his head thrown back, his hands closed into fists at his sides. Blood and dirt caked his cheeks. His shirt was torn. An odd scent permeated the room, along with leftover vibrations of power. 

     “Where is she?” My voice sounded raw to my ears. 

     Seth lowered his chin and when he looked at me, he didn’t really see me. He shook his head.  

     My heart stuttered and skipped a beat. “Where is she, Seth?” 

     “I’m sorry.” His voice cracked, and the sickle blade slipped from my fingers, 

clattering off the marble floor. “She’s gone.” 

     I didn’t move. There was a good chance I stopped breathing as raw, burning pain lit me up, tore deep into me with razor sharp claws and ripped me apart. I opened my mouth, but there were no words, and that pain kept digging in. I doubled over, resting my hands on my thighs.  

     Alex couldn’t be gone.  

     No. No way. She’d done everything the gods had asked. She had sacrificed so much already. Time and time again. She couldn’t be gone. No. No. No. I straightened and started toward Seth, but stopped halfway. He wasn’t even looking at me, his gaze cast to the cracked floor, his expression etched in a deep sorrow that nearly matched what I felt. No. No. No. This wasn’t happening.  

     “Is there not…?” My voice cut off, because I couldn’t even bring myself to ask it. 

     Seth’s shoulders shook once and then twice and when he spoke his voice 

trembled. “There’s nothing… there’s nothing left of her.” 

     “Oh gods.” The blow staggered me and I stepped back. A second later, my knees gave out. The pain of them cracking off the floor didn’t even measure. “No, man. No.” 

     Seth lifted his hands, pressing the palms against his face. His voice was muffled. “We did what they wanted. We defeated Ares, but… there can only be one of us. Not the God Killer. She knew.” His hands dropped to his sides. “She knew.” 

     I wanted to deny that. I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs, but then I’d be lying to myself. Gods, Alex did know there was a chance she wouldn’t walk away from this, but I couldn’t let myself believe in that. I couldn’t allow a moment of doubt that she wouldn’t be in my arms again, that I wouldn’t go to sleep tonight holding her, that I wouldn’t wake up in the morning and be able to touch her, kiss her.  

     There was nothing left to hold.  

     Nothing left to even fucking see.  

     The pain exploded, a hurt so intense I threw my head back and an unholy sound erupted from me, and that sound kept coming up until my throat was raw, and I didn’t stop. Heat burned from within, the powerful element of fire. It fed the rage, buzzing under my skin and demanded to lay waste to everything around me. 

     “Aiden,” Seth’s voice was nearer. 

     I couldn’t breathe around the burn. The heat came from the center of my chest and my palms. It became a living, breathing, tangible thing.  

     “Get out,” I warned, voice low and guttural.  

     Sparks flew from my widespread hands. Flames dripped like liquid, hitting the floor and scorching the marble. I latched on to the fury, slamming my hands down on the floor. Purplish flames erupted and then turned blue. Rising to my feet, I let the fire erupt from me. It was unnatural.  

     “Aiden—” 

     “Get out!” I shouted, and then I didn’t see if Seth left. My vision turned red and blue. I wanted to burn this whole place down. I wanted to find the gods and take out each of them. I wanted to cut a path of destruction through all of them. Most of all, I wanted Alex.  

     I wanted to tell her that I loved her once more. 

     I don’t know how much time had passed. I didn’t care. The walls were burning all around me. The air was on fire. Above, the ceiling collapsed and fell to the floor. Embers twinkled like sparklers.  

     I wanted to look into those whiskey brown eyes once more.  

     My cheeks were damp. My eyes blurred. My chest was an empty cavity. 

Something else crashed to my right. I didn’t care. The whole building could come down around me. I didn’t— 

     A hand touched my arm. “Aiden.” 

     My head jerked up at the sound of my brother’s voice. At first it didn’t compute. He shouldn’t be here.  

     “Aiden, what are you doing?” Soot covered his pale cheeks. Some of his curls were singed.  

     I stared into my brother’s eyes. “She’s gone.” 

     Deacon flinched as his hand tightened on my arm. “You’ve got to leave.” 

     Shaking my head, I closed my eyes. “She’s gone, Deacon.” 

     “I know. I’m sorry. Gods, I’m so damn sorry, but you can’t stay in here. The 

whole building is about to come down. You’ve got to get out of here.” 

     My shoulders shook as another blast of pain pounded into me. Lifting my fists, I slammed them into the marble.  

     “Please, Aiden, you’ve got to get out of here. I can’t do it on my own and if you don’t…” His surprisingly cool hands curved around my face. “Then I’m staying. I’m not leaving you.” 

     My eyes flew open. “Get the hell out of here, Deacon.” 

     His gaze met mine. Tears filled his eyes. “I’m not leaving you.” 

     Anger flashed through me. “Deacon, for once in your gods damn life, listen to me and get the hell out of here!” 

     “You listen to me!” he shouted back as somewhere, the fire popped, exploded in a rush of heat. “Do you think Alex would want this? Do you think she’d be okay with you allowing yourself to burn to death? Do you?” 

     Part of me didn’t want to acknowledge that question, but I couldn’t ignore the truth. Alex would kick my ass. Gods. A sob rattled out of me. Gods, she would kick my ass for doing this to myself, to Deacon… mainly to myself. She would be so disappointed.  

     “I’m sorry,” Deacon’s voice cracked as he slid an arm around my neck. “Please. 

Don’t do this.” 

     Calling on strength I didn’t know I had, I pushed myself to my feet. I felt like I had when I made the decision to put Alex on the Elixir after she had connected with Seth and things had gone horribly wrong. I was a dead man walking.  

     How Deacon and I got out of the inferno, I had no idea. Maybe a god was watching over us, but then again, they would not have my thanks. I wanted nothing from them.   

     I hit the damp, cool grass outside and I sat down. Maybe I fell down. I didn’t know. I sat there and watched the Council building burn, barely aware of Deacon sitting beside me, his forehead resting on my shoulder. At some point, I heard Luke and then I heard Marcus come and go. Luke remained, but I had no idea what he was saying.  

     Deacon was crying.  

     Gods, I was cracked, broken wide open, and that was never going to be fixed. No amount of time was going to heal this. I lost my heart and my soul.  

     I’d lost the most beautiful treasure.  

     As I lowered my head to my hands, I curled my fingers into the ends of my hair and pulled hard. A great and terrible shudder rocked me. I didn’t know how I was going to deal with this. Didn’t know if I could move on without Alex. I don’t think she ever realized just how much strength she gave me. Knowing her, she probably thought it was the other way around. It wasn’t. She was my everything.  

     And she was gone.  

     “Gods.” My breath caught.  

     A fissure of power trickled down my spine and before I could look up, I heard him speak. “Aiden.” 

     Lifting my head, I stared into the all-white eyes of a god—a god I trusted to keep Alex safe. Rage took over. I popped to my feet, and before a single thought could even form, I cocked back my arm and punched Apollo in the jaw, snapping his head back. 

     “Holy crap,” gasped Deacon, and out of the corners of my eyes, I saw Luke step in front of him.  

     A sick sense of satisfaction filled me. The impact of my fist caused a burst of real pain, and even though Apollo was looking at me like a kitten smacked him, I welcomed the external pain.  

     “You know, I deserved that. And I’m not going to hold it against you.” He held up his hand as I started toward him again. “But if you hit me again, I’m not going to be able to tell you why I’m here.” 

     “I don’t give two fuc—”  

     “Yes. Yes, you do. I’m here because of Alex.” 

     I stopped moving and it was then I noticed that Seth was behind Apollo. He wasn’t looking at either of us, but staring at the sky. I shifted, my hands opening and closing at my sides.  

     Apollo said nothing more, almost like he was waiting, and I cracked again. “She’s gone.” The god’s face blurred as my voice rose to a hoarse shout. “She didn’t deserve that!” 

     “You’re right,” he replied calmly. “She deserves an eternity and I have given her that.” 

     I opened my mouth as his words tried to make it through the haze of pain and raw sorrow. 

     “What?” Deacon asked. “What does that mean?” 

     Apollo stepped toward me, and I stiffened. For once, I saw true sympathy etched into his features. “I told Alexandria and I told you that I would protect her. I did.” 

     I stared at him. “How… how is this protecting her? She’s…” Wetting my lips, I looked away. I couldn’t say it. 

     “She’s not dead, Aiden. Not really.  When she was in Olympus, I gave her ambrosia. That is what healed her then. That is what has already brought her back from a mortal death.” 

     I turned my head to him slowly. A kindling of hope sparked in my chest as I stared at the god.  

     He exhaled softly. “She’s alive. She’s still in the Underworld, and there she will have to remain for a time, because… well, let’s just say some of the other gods aren’t too keen on what I did, but she’s alive.” 

     “I…” Too much rose in me. I took a step to the side. My legs were suddenly weak. I felt my brother get close and then his slender arm curled around my chest. “When… when can I see her?” 

     Apollo arched a brow. “A thank you would be nice.” 

     I stared at him. “How about a go fu—” 

     He sighed. “I’m always so under appreciated. And you know who else is under appreciated? Seth.” 

     My head was spinning, not really following any of this. 

     “I had to make a deal for Alex to retain her shiny new immortality. She must remain in the Underworld for six months. You can’t go there, but you’ll be able to see her when she comes up here. But that’s not the only problem,” he went on. “She won’t age anymore. She’s virtually a made demigod. Not one made from birth, but for all intents and purposes, that is what she is. She will never grow old. You will. She won’t die. You will and because of the deal you made with Hades, your soul will be his.” 

     I didn’t care about any of this. “Alex is alive? That is all that matters.” The tiny spark in my chest grew, and I suddenly wanted to laugh. I did, and it sounded crazed. 

“Alex is alive?” 

     “Get to the point, Apollo,” Seth’s rough voice ordered. 

     Apollo’s eyes narrowed, “Boy, you better watch your tone.” 

     Seth sighed.  

     Drawing in an aggravated breath, the god looked seconds away from throwing a major hissy. “Seth has also made a deal. It was done quick and it has been accepted. He, among other things, will take your place when his time comes. You are no longer 

indebted to Hades.” 

     Shock floored me as my gaze darted to the Apollyon. “What?” 

     “But Seth was smart in the deal he made. He has some things we want. We can use. He bartered not just for your soul, but for your immortality. His deal was granted.” 

     I was going to pass out. 

     Apollo raised his chin. “You will become as Alex, if that is what you choose. You will spend six months with her in the Underworld and then six months here.” 

     I was seriously going to pass out. 

     “I won’t take your answer now,” he continued. “This is something you must seriously consider. I will be back.” 

     And just like that Apollo was gone. I couldn’t believe I was still standing. Shock and happiness warred in me, mixing with confusion and the bone-deep fear that this was all a hallucination born of desperation.  

      I glanced at my brother and whispered, “Is this real?” 

     “I think so.” 

     “It is,” Seth spoke, voice void of emotion. “And if I was you, I’d take it. You… you need her and she… she has always needed you.” 

     My gaze tracked over to him, and I think… I think I saw him for what he really was for the first time. All the hate and the jealousy and the general distrust I felt towards him were an odd companion to carry for the man who was handing me my forever. But he wasn’t the Apollyon as he stood there. He wasn’t the Seth I’d taken great pleasure in beating the ever living shit out of.  

     Seth was something else now, something broken.  

      “You did this for us?” I asked.  

     He said nothing, just continued to stare at the sky.  

     “Seth, I—” 

     “Don’t thank me.” He backed away, flinching as he lifted his arm, thrusting his fingers through his hair. “Don’t ever thank me for any of this.” 

     How could I not? He didn’t just give me time with Alex. He had handed over an eternity with her, but Seth wheeled around and strode across the lawn, appearing oblivious to the destruction he passed, just as I had been unaware of the blood and gore littering the field when I came out of the building.  

     A light touch to my arm drew my attention. Shadows from the raging fire danced over Deacon’s face. “This is good, right? You’re going to get Alex back. You’re going to be able to be with her.” 

     “Shit,” Luke said from behind me. “You’re going to be immortal.  

     The hope that had exploded in my chest still kindled as fiercely as the fire.  

     “And don’t you dare think about not taking this, because of me. I don’t want to even hear you bring it up. I’ll be fine. I’m always going to be fine.” Deacon straightened his shoulders. “And you’re going to do this. When Apollo comes back, you’re going to do whatever you need to be with her. You understand me, right?” 

     My lips twitched at the burgeoning authority in his voice. I glanced over at Luke and I knew beyond a doubt that my brother was going to be okay. “Yes.” Then I said it louder and I was free of any ties. “Yes. There’s just some stuff I need to take care of first.” 

# 

     I threw myself into tying up all the loose ends, not allowing myself to think beyond what needed to be done. An emergency meeting had been called for the Council. I took my seat and through the course of a heated session, the Breed Order was abolished, done so in Alex and every half-blood’s honor. 

     And then I gave my seat to Solos, making him the first half-blood to serve on the Council. The world was in a drastic upheaval. The Council needed someone like Solos, even if he didn’t realize it yet. 

     I spent the time I had left with my brother and when Apollo appeared again, I looked the god straight in the eye and answered his question before he could speak it. 

     “Yes.” 

# 

     The sweet taste of ambrosia lingered long after I’d taken the drink. Strange thing was I didn’t feel any different, but then again, I wasn’t allowing myself to feel much. All Apollo had explained before he disappeared again was that I would be summoned soon. As I sat with Deacon, watching him demolish a box of doughnuts, there was a part of me that feared this was all some kind of joke. That Apollo wouldn’t bring me to Alex. Although Apollo had never been so cruel to me, the gods made screwing with people an art form.    

     “You sure you don’t want the last one?” Deacon pointed with his pinky at a glazed ring of fat. 

     I arched my brow. “Help yourself.” 

     “Don’t mind if I do.” He picked it up. “I love my fat and calories.” 

     “I can…” Trailing off, I stiffened in the chair. A sudden fissure of power rolled down my spine. Across from me, Deacon felt the same thing. He had to have, because there was no other reason as to why he wouldn’t have half the doughnut in his mouth yet.  

     A burst of light momentarily blinded me and when it receded, there was a titanium door in the wall where the fridge had been.  

     Deacon gaped. “Holy crap…” 

     My legs trembled as I stood. Deep down, I knew what that door led to. My heart started pounding. “It’s time.” I looked at my little brother and swallowed. 

     Dropping the doughnut back in the box, he popped up and came around the table. Our embrace was tight. “Take care of yourself,” I told him. “And for gods’ sake, stay out of trouble.” 

     “I always stay out of trouble.” 

     I laughed hoarsely. “I love you, Deacon.” 

     “I love you.” He pulled back, smiling. “Tell Alex I expect a lot of Underworld gossip in six months.” 

     “Will do.” Smoothing my hand over his head, I pressed my lips to his forehead. 

     Walking away from my brother was one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. He was all grown up now, but that knowledge didn’t make it easier. Glancing back at him, I smiled when I saw Luke enter the kitchen. The half-blood Sentinel came to a complete stop, mid-step, as his wide gaze bounced between Deacon and the door.  

     “I’ll be back in six months,” I told them. 

     The pull of power grew as I neared the door and opened it. There was nothing but thick blackness on the other side, and stepping forward was more than a leap of faith. More like a leap of love, because I had no idea what I was walking into, but Alex was worth whatever risk I had to face.  

     I stepped through.  

     The door slammed shut behind me and the darkness seemed to vibrate all around me. There was a popping sound and another flash of light, followed by the scent of the sea. I was facing the cabin I’d stayed in while at the Covenant. I knew it had to be a replica, because that island no longer existed. I blinked, finding myself standing on the beach—the Deity Island beach. The sand was gritty under my bare feet, the sun warm on my face, and the breeze soft and luring. The ocean hummed from behind me.  

     Slowly, I turned around and my heart… it had to have expanded in my chest three times its normal size.  

     I saw her.  

     She was standing in the ocean, the foamy water bubbling around her calves as the breeze played with the hem of her dress and tossed her hair around her. Even from where I stood, I could tell she was different. Her hair was back to the length before Ares had cut it. Her bare arms and legs were absent from the fine webbing of scars. None of that really mattered though. I would’ve taken her bald and disfigured, loved her just the same.  

     I opened my mouth to call her, but my voice was choked off. I knew Apollo was there. I didn’t look at him, couldn’t pull my eyes off Alex to check to see what he was doing. I could just feel him.  

     Alex straightened, watching something for a few moments and then she turned around, her gaze flickering across the beach. Seeing her was like a sucker punch in the chest. She was there. She was real. For the first time in what felt like forever, I smiled.  

     I felt the exact moment she saw me. She was frozen, so still she could be mistaken for a statue.  

     “Hey,” I called out.  

     Her hand fluttered to her chest. “Is this… is this real?” 

     My smile spread in response to her voice. “This is real, agapi mou.”  

     She didn’t move.  

     “Alex,” I called out again.   

     “How are you here? Oh my gods…” She looked at Apollo. “Is he dead? You said he would be okay! That he wouldn’t do anything—”  

     “I’m not dead.” I stepped forward, into the ocean. “Come out of the water and we’ll explain. Come on, agapi mou.”  

     Alex’s wide gaze darted back to me and then she cried out. Springing into action, she raced toward the beach, toward me. I met her as she all but threw herself at me, nearly knocking me down. My arms closed around her, and to feel her again, to feel how so very warm and real she was, I almost lost it then. But I held her, sucking in her warmth and her scent as she held me just as tightly.  

     I held her as the tears began to fall, telling her how much I loved her, how much I missed her. She was speaking, but I couldn’t understand the words, but the words really didn’t matter in that moment.  

     We were together.  

     I slid my hand to her cheek, gently guiding her head back. Our gazes locked, and the wealth of love in hers nearly cut me at the knees. There was so much I needed to explain—about Seth and what he had done for us, about the Breed Order and Solos, and I needed to tell her that she was stuck with me for an eternity, and most importantly, I needed to tell her how much I loved her, but again, there were no words powerful enough. Words were not what I wanted in that moment.  

     I didn’t even care if Apollo was there, watching us.  

     A sound came from deep within my chest as I lowered my mouth, brushing my lips over hers. The simple touch was like a jolt of electricity, a benediction, and when she cried out, her hands clenching my shirt, I deepened the kiss. I reveled in the pure beauty of it, an act I never thought I’d ever get to experience again. Our tongues danced and tangled, and that kiss said everything that needed to be said.  

     Nothing in this world or any of the worlds beyond would keep us apart. We were together now and always, and we had an eternity.