Happy early update everyone! I was just too impatient to wait to update after I got out of school on Friday XD So, I hadn't noticed that I'd put the name of the last chapter, "chapter 9" until someone in the reviews pointed it out XD lmao so sorry for that, I fixed it now. And thank you for all your kind reviews, they literally make my day ((: Let me take about a minute to recognize these awesome reviews that bring a smile to my face :D

0143: Thank you so so much for that comment! I'm so happy to hear that! I'm very very happy that you're enjoying this story so far, it means a lot to me ((:

Guest: Yeah, it should be chapter 8, but I was too stupid to notice that I put it as 9 XD And who knows?... Maybe Annabeth will, or will not join. In this chappie, you'll find out (;

Guest: Yep, they'll definitely be more protective Percy in this story, cuz a gang leader's gotta show what's his right? (;

PTJackson: Yeah, I don't really know that much about them :/ so, do you think you could give me more information and details about them? That would really be a lot of help (:

So thank you all for those kind reviews! I smile so crazily when I get them :D Excuse any mistakes in this :/ I was too lazy to edit it and fix any mishaps, so sorry about that. And now, here's chapter 9, for real this time,to Sworn off Love:

Disclaimer: Do I even have to say it? I do not own PJO

Annabeth's POV:

"Miss Chase," Percy had begun, looking at me straight in the eyes. "I want you to join The Olympians."

I blinked. Once. Twice. Three times.

He's joking. He had to be joking. No way in hell was I ever going to join a gang. Especially one that's wanted by the entire nation. I waited for Percy to flash me a boyish grin and yell, "Ha! I'm just kidding!" But he didn't, as much as I wanted him to. The serious look in his eyes and face let me know that he was not pulling a prank on me. And that scared the living daylights out of me.

After staring at Percy for about ten seconds, his intense gaze never leaving mine, I began to laugh. It was an obnoxious laugh. One that pushed aside the silence and tried to make everything about his words seem like this was all one joke. A very mean joke.

Percy's eyebrows furrowed bemusedly, while his green orbs flashed with irritation, shock, and confusion.

When Percy didn't laugh with me, my laughter began to die down, morphing into more of a nervous, awkward chuckle.

"You're kidding right?"

Percy's face hardened and became serious once again. "Miss Chase, I would never joke about asking someone to join my gang. And this is not an option. You are joining The Olympians."

I stared at him, my once nervous and panicked demeanor being replaced by anger. Rage. He had to be fucking kidding me.

I laughed once more, but it was definitely not full of humor. Instead, it sounded bitter, annoyed, angry. I looked at Percy in the eyes once more, my face hardening. "Not an option? Who do you think I am? Some lowlife bitch that doesn't have anything to do, so you just decide that she'll agree to join a fucking gang? Are you such an idiot that you forgot that I actually had a life before you dragged me over here? I'm not a fucking damsel in distress, Percy. I have a career to look after. I have a whole company that's supposed to be handed down to me! Why would I ever join a fucking gang that's being wanted over the whole damn country-?"

"Because you have no other fucking choice!" Percy seethed, glaring at me with such anger, I almost flinched. No. I'm not going to be scared of him. I'm not giving him the satisfaction of it. Never. Even if he's the most wanted person in the U.S.

I narrowed my eyes at Percy and opened my mouth to say something smart, when he cut me off. "Would you rather die? Is that what you want? Because from what I see, that's the only other option you have. You know too much Miss Chase, I can't let you go back out in the world with you knowing already so much about us."

I pondered over his words. It did make sense, but no way in hell was I gonna tell him that. I still don't want to join his stupid gang, no matter if the other option is being killed. I looked back up at him, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyebrows raised expectantly, his gaze still stone cold.

I stood up from the bed and walked over to him until I was standing right in front of him. Even though he still towered over me, I held my ground and crossed my arms over my chest, leaning on one leg. I narrowed my eyes at him, looking at him straight in those mesmerizing green eyes.

"And what about my career? Will I ever be able to see my Mother or friends again?"

Percy sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked tired, but not in a way that made bags grow under his eyes and his shoulders slump. It was in a way that let me know he's been through a lot in his life, and let me know he knows what he's doing.

"We'll discuss more about that later. And you will get to see your Mother and friends, just not as often as usual."

I opened my mouth to say something but hesitated. Really, the only thing I cared about was if I would continue to go on with my career. I was worried about what my friends and Mother are doing right now. Are they looking for me? Are they worried about me? Do they think I'm dead?

"And if I do join your gang, how are you so sure I won't go to the authorities and tell them about your gang and who's running it? I'm sure they'd love to know who's the leader behind the gang that's murdered millions, robbed tons of banks, vandalized so much property, and made people cower when they hear the name The Olympians," I said, never breaking eye contact.

Percy's gaze hardened once again. He stepped closer to me and lowered his head so it was right next to mine. It took all my will power not to flinch, step back, or start shaking in fear. I would not be showing Percy that I was scared of him. Not today, not any day.

His breath tickled my ear, making me stiffen immediately.

"I'll make sure you don't."

My eyes widened. What did he mean by that? Was he threatening me? No way in hell were his words going to make me want to join his stupid, fucking, shitty, idiotic-

He stepped back, a slight smirk on his face. I clenched my jaw and fists in anger. Did he really think he could convince me so easily? If he did, this guy must be seriously stupid.

"So, Miss Chase, are you still going to argue? Do you agree about joining The Olympians?"

I glared at him furiously. "Yes and no," I spat through gritted teeth.

Not waiting for him to say anything else, I stormed past him and out the door, slamming it behind me.

Percy's POV:

I stood there, stunned as she stormed past me and out the door, slamming it forcefully behind her. No? Did she just say no?

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. After all that debating and arguing, she tells me no?

I let out a low growl and turned around, walking towards the door. I swung it open, making the doorknob slam against the wall, sure to leave a dent.

I stepped out into the hall and began walking down the hallway to my left. I ran a frustrated and angry hand through my hair, huffing furiously. Now what the hell was I supposed to do? Does that girl not know that her only other option is dying?

I rounded the corner and opened the door to Piper's room, not bothering to knock. Unsurprisingly, I found her and Jason having an intense make out session, Piper straddling Jason on her bed. Both shirts were discarded on the floor, but at this point, I didn't care. I've walked in on them naked, so this was nothing.

I slammed the door behind me, making them both jump in alarm. In his panic, Jason shoved Piper off of him, sending her falling to the floor. Piper groaned in annoyance and pain, quickly sitting up and retrieving their shirts. She glared at Jason, even though he was oblivious to her death stare. Jason sat up and eyed me wearily, noticing how my fists kept clenching and unclenching.

"I take it your talk with Annabeth didn't go so well?"

I growled angrily again, storming over to one of Piper's furry stools. I picked it up and threw it across the room, sending it smashing into the wall.

Piper, now having her shirt put on, eyed her wall, which now had a visible dark scratch on it, irritation and worry flashing in her color changing eyes. "What happened?"

I looked around the room, trying to find something else to throw. My eyes settled on one of Piper's small couches, but I doubt she'd like me flinging those across the room.

"She fucking said no," I seethed, running my hand through my already messy hair angrily.

Piper and Jason shared a look of surprise and weariness. Piper walked up to me, resting her hand on my arm. "Percy, let's talk about this, but first, you need to calm down. Relax."

Her voice had a soothing tone to it, making my breathing slow down and my muscles relax. I sighed and walked over to Piper's bed, slumping down on the edge of it.

"Percy," Jason started calmly "What happened?"

I put a hand over my face and lay across Piper's bed, just wanting to curl up, take a nap, and forget that I had ever met Annabeth Chase.

"All I said was, 'I want you to join The Olympians,' and she freaked out on me. She got pissed and began saying that if she did get in the gang, how I was so sure she wouldn't run off and tell the authorities. So, I got mad and told her I'd make sure she didn't. That made her even more angry and said she wouldn't be joining The Olympians and she stormed out of the room."

Piper and Jason stayed silent for a bit. Even though I still had my hand over my face and couldn't see what they were doing, I knew they were having those silent conversations with their eyes. Something they always do, which I hated.

After a while, Jason spoke, his tone calm and smooth. "So, what I'm hearing is, you threatened her."

I sighed once again and shrugged. "I guess. But she was talking so much shit about the gang, I just couldnt control my temper."

I felt the bed slump next to me as someone sat down. I removed my hand to see Piper staring down at me, her gaze kind, gentle, but stern at the same time. "Percy, you shouldn't have said that. Annabeth's new to all of this. Her life climaxed so quickly, she doesn't know what to think. You've got to remember that Annabeth's not an ordinary girl. She's stubborn, and even if she might not show it, afraid. She has her weaknesses, and so far, the people she's met have managed to tap into those weaknesses, making her feel useless and cowardly. From the short period of time I've hung out with her, I learned quickly that she does not like being told what to do, especially if those orders are given by a male. Why? I don't know. Annabeth's got secrets, Percy. She has a dark past. You can see it in her eyes. Something from her past has her terrified and scarred. And you already know about that other secret her Mother's kept from her. When she finds out, who knows what she'll do. Right now, you need to go speak to her. Gently this time. You have to learn to keep that temper of yours in check when you're around her, okay?"

I let Piper's words sink in. Her words made sense, making me realize my mistake more thoroughly. I sat up and turned towards Piper, smiling fondly at her. She returned the smile with her own, kind and genuine. I leaned towards her and gave her a brotherly kiss on her forehead. "Thanks Pipes."

She shrugged nonchalantly and smiled. "Anytime Percy, anytime."

I got up, after patting Jason on the shoulder. As I walked out the door, I remembered what they had been up to before I arrived. I smirked to myself. "Use protection, you two!" I called over my shoulder.

I heard Piper growl and fling a pillow across her room, making it land outside her door and in the middle of the hallway. I laughed lightly, shaking my head. Then, I began my search for Annabeth.

Annabeth's POV:

After I had stormed out of the room, I had fled though the hall and had managed to find a bathroom. So now, here I was, muttering curse words and sniffling, wiping the remaining tears off my face. But these weren't tears of sadness, they were tears of anger. Pure, anger.

I've had enough of Percy and his stupid gang. Sure, I liked everyone in it, at least, the members I'd met so far. The only person I've come to dislike is Percy. That arrogant bitch thinks he can just reel me in to his gang by threatening me? No fucking way. He can easily go rot in hell.

I got up from where I was seated on the toilet and went to the sink to wash my face. I looked into the mirror, only to find my eyes bloodshot and puffy from crying. I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. I've been finding my appearance like this too many times. This has to stop. But how? My life changed so quickly in such little time, I'm still having trouble to keep up with all the things going on around me.

My thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked softly on the door. I groaned inwardly, already having an idea of who it was. I took a deep, calm breath, and then slowly let it out. I opened the door and looked up, only to lock eyes with Percy's oceany ones. I huffed and glared at him. "What do you want? Haven't you caused me enough anger for one day?"

Without waiting for him to respond, I began closing the door. Before it could close fully, Percy's foot blocked it. I glared lasers at his shoe, wanting it to retract and never bother me again. I lifted my head and narrowed my eyes at Percy.

"What do you want, Jackson?"

Percy's eyes flashed irritably, but then he breathed calmly. "Miss Chase, I just want to talk."

I laughed coldly. "About what? My life was doing just fine before you showed up and took me here. Do you have any idea how hard that is? To be taken away from everything and everyone you know, and be shoved into a world you had no idea even existed? Percy, I just killed someone today! Knowing that I now have to live with the guilt of murdering someone terrifies me Percy." My voice turned into a whisper at the end, wavering enough so that Percy could hear it.

I looked up at Percy, and his expression softened. "Miss Chase, I know you're scared. This was all new to me too. I was also terrified. I had no idea what might happen to me. But look where I am today? Even if what my gang does horrifies you and everyone else, I'm proud of what we've accomplished. You have no idea why some of us need this gang to keep going. I don't just do it for fun, maybe sometimes, but there are some people that actually need this gang."

Percy sighed and looked over his shoulder. "I'll leave you alone for now, but just, think about it, okay? You have no other choice, unless you want us to kill you. So, think about it, all right? And I assure you we'll fix your problem with your career, and I promise that you'll be taken to see your Mother."

I pondered over Percy's words. His tone was soft and understanding, and I had a feeling he wasn't faking it. Right now, all I wanted to do was talk to my Mother, or someone familiar. I looked up at Percy, whose eyes were sparkling expectantly. I smiled, not completely genuine, but also not fake. I nodded my head slowly. "Okay."

Percy smiled and gave me a nod. He turned to leave and had took a couple of steps when I stopped him. "And Percy?"

He turned around, his eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "Yeah?"

I smiled, "Call me Annabeth."

Percy returned the smile with a nod of his head. "You got it Annabeth."

And with that, he left, leaving me alone to think about his proposal I wanted nothing to do with.

Percy's POV:

After talking with Annabeth, I'd decided to hit the pool. I felt better about the talk I had with her. I had meant what I had told her. Every single word. I felt no need to lie, because I knew she would know if I was. Besides, saying the truth would just make things with her easier.

I entered the pool room, the scent of chlorine filling my nostrils immediately. It gave me a sense of security, relaxation. The water was also another way of remembering my Mom, before the accident happened.

No. Not right now. I can't. It just makes my mood get worse, and makes me feel guilty. I shook my head and pulled off my shirt, letting it drop to the floor. Already having made a stop by my room to get some swimming trunks, I tore off my shoes and immediately rushed into the pool. I dived in, creating swarming bubbles all around me. The water was cool against my skin, wakening up my senses instantly. I smiled, enjoying the familiar feeling of the water surrounding me like a second skin.

I swam across the pool, savoring the feeling of my arms gliding across the water almost gracefully.

It had only been about half an hour, when I heard someone call my name as I swam laps across the pool. I rubbed my eyes and opened them, only to find myself staring dumbfounded at the entrance to the room.

Standing in the entrance was Bianca and Annabeth. Bianca smiled warmly at me and cocked her head to the side. "Annabeth had something she wanted to tell you, so I figured you'd be in here."

I nodded slowly, swimming over to the edge of the pool. I hauled my self up and set foot on the cool cement. I walked over to the pool chair and grabbed a towel. As I dried my hair off, Bianca and Annabeth just stood there silently. I caught Annabeth's gaze on me and I smirked at her. "Checking me out, Chase?"

Annabeth scoffed and glared at me, annoyance flashing in her stormy eyes. "You wish dipshit."

I chuckled softly, sliding the towel across my shoulders. I walked over to them, crossing my arms over my chest when I stopped in front of them. We stood there in awkward silence, no one saying a word. I could faintly hear Thalia yelling at Nico down the hall. I heard a thump and then a yelp fill the air.

Bianca cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable with the awkward tension filling the air. She jutted her thumb behind her shoulder. "I'mma go check on Thalia and make sure she doesn't murder my brother."

I chuckled and nodded my head. In a flash, Bianca was running down the hall. Annabeth and I stood still in silence, no one daring to say a word. I kept me eyes wandering all over the room, desperate to look at anything other than her. I heard Thalia give a strangled cry and then a crash, probably a vase she threw.

I smiled faintly. Thalia will always be her violent self. I took a risk and glanced at Annabeth, whose eyes were glues to the floor. I shifted my foot, finally growing impatient from all this silence. I cleared my throat loudly, causing Annabeth to look up.

"You uh, wanted to tell me something?" I asked, already knowing what she wanted to talk about.

Annabeth glanced at the floor again, fiddling with her fingers. "Yes. I thought about your proposal." She suddenly straightened, locking eyes with me confidently, her eyes swimming with regret, irritation, weariness, defiance, and what I thought was fear.

"I agree. I will join The Olympians."

Soon, all of us were down in HQ in the meeting room. The room was silent, the tapping of Leo's fingers against the table being the only noise in the room. Annabeth was twiddling with her fingers, her eyes darting around the room nervously, her gaze never focusing on me.

Having enough of the silence, I cleared my throat. "So, as you all may know, Annabeth has agreed to join The Olympians. But before we give her information about what she will be doing and what rules she has to follow, I have to ask her something." I gazed at Annabeth, and she reluctantly locked eyes with me.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to do anything beforehand?"

Annabeth looked thoughtful for a moment. I could practically hear her thoughts as they raced through her mind. Finally making a decision, she looked back up at me. Her eyes shown hopefully. "I would like to go visit my Mother."

The rest of us shared nervous glances at each other. I cleared my throat and focused on Annabeth once again. "All right...we could go right now, if you please."

Annabeth nodded and smiled, but then her expression grew serious again. In a firm voice, she said, "I want to be able to tell my Mother about all this."

Bianca took in a sharp breath, but then covered it with a cough. I gave her a warning glace, which caused her to smile sheepishly and look down at her lap. I turned to Annabeth, nodding slowly and reluctantly. "But she can be the only person you tell. I will know if you share this information with anyone else. Besides, Athena is a very trustful person."

Annabeth nodded seriously, but her eyebrows furrowed quizzically. She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again, as if reluctant to voice her thoughts, which confused me, because Annabeth seemed like such a confident person. From the short period of time I've known her, I already know that she is a very outspoken person and never gets through a conversation without speaking her mind, whatever the idea might be.

"But before we go, we have to discuss your situation with your career."

Annabeth perked up at that, staring at me intently. "I am most definitely not going to end it for this. I still want to be able to continue modeling."

I nodded in agreement, setting my hands on the table. Suddenly, Piper spoke up. "What if you just take a break for about six months, just to get settled and use to your new life. You can just tell your Mother or manager to tell the public that you decided to take a break for a while. When those six months are over, you can go back to modeling, but still be able to keep up with gang work."

Annabeth pondered this, and I could practically see the gears in her head turning. Finally, she nodded slowly. "That might work."

Piper grinned, obviously pleased. She leaned back into her chair, letting Jason's arm wrap around her shoulder. I looked at Annabeth once again and nodded at her. "All right, so we'll go along with Piper's plan. When we come back from visiting your Mother, we'll give you a short introduction about what to expect, and then we'll see what happens from there."

Annabeth nodded once again, her eyes glued to the map on the table. I looked around the table. "Bianca, Nico, you two will be coming with me. Piper, while we're gone, I want you to monitor our latest targets to see where they'll be the next few days. Leo, I want you to give a tune-up to some of our vehicles, just in case. Reyna, Thalia, you two can just train if you want. Jason, you're in charge while we're gone."

They all nodded in agreement, Leo and Thalia both mock-saluting me. I turned towards Annabeth again, who was still staring intently at the table, biting her lip in concentration. "Now, Annabeth," I said, making her wake up from her trance and look up at me. "Give your Mother a call. Tell her you'll be stopping by for a friendly chat."

Annabeth's POV:

I stepped out of the car, never taking my eyes off the beautiful, tall, and familiar building I practically grew up in. Sleek, shiny windows surrounded the building in columns. The perfectly structured building stood proudly, the sun reflecting every detail of the building, making it look as graceful as ever. The building looked almost brand new, anyone who would've seen the building would've thought that it was barely built. But no. This building has been standing proudly since even before the day I was born.

Bianca, Nico and Percy soon all followed. They were each wearing contacts. Percy an amber color, Bianca a Pacific blue, and Nico a forest green. Even with just one different added feature, they looked like completely different people. I was wearing sunglasses and a black floppy hat over my head, covering most of my face.

I looked back at them, and they just stared back at me. Finally, with a strained smile, Nico spoke up. Even with contacts on, his eyes shone impatiently. He gestured towards the building. "Well, Annabeth? This is practically your home. Lead the way."

Bianca glared at him and elbowed him in the ribs. Nico glared back and flicked her in the head. Then Bianca kicked him in the shin, making him wince. Nico then shoved her. Then Bianca smacked him upside the head. Nico glared at Bianca and lifted his hand to-

Percy sighed exasperatedly. "You guys, stop it. You two do this all the time. I'm getting tired of it."

The two siblings huffed, crossing their arms over their chests. Giving each other one last glare, they turned towards me. I cracked a smile, wondering what it would be like if I still had my two siblings... stop, I chided myself.

Percy glanced at me and gave me a warm smile. "Go ahead Annabeth, lead the way."

I rolled my eyes at him and turned back to face the building. With a deep breath, I led the way in.

Beautiful. Elegant. Amazing. Perfect.

Those were the words to describe my Mother's head company building.

It looked just like it had the many times I've been here. A high chandelier hung from the entrance, casting a warm glow to the room. The white marble floor reflected every detail and decoration of the room. There were too many details to be able to describe. Too many.

I looked back to look at the others. Percy's eyes were wide with admiration. Bianca's jaw was open, awestruck. Nico raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. He whistled quietly in approval. "Nice place your Mother's got here, Annabeth.

I smiled proudly, knowing that I has helped plan some of the newer details to the building. I scanned the room, then spotted the secretary's desk. My eyes went wide with happiness when I spotted the familiar face of Phoebe, my Mother's long time secretary. Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as she examined something on her computer. Her auburn hair was braided neatly in it's usual French braid, hanging over her left shoulder. I almost called out to her, but then stopped myself. She can't know I'm here. No one can.

I then spotted the elevator I road everytime I came to visit my Mother for help with building plans. I looked at the others and nodded towards the elevator towards the right side of the entrance. Unfortunately, Phoebe had a perfectly good view of the elevator, and who went in and out. But then again, she seemed so engrossed with her computer, I doubt she'll notice us sneak by...

I gestured for the others to follow, and then started walking confidently towards the elevator, my heels clacking against the floor.

We finally reached the elevator, with me glancing back at Phoebe with every step I took. I pushed the button to open the elevator. There were about 60 floors to this building, and my Mother's office was at the very top. Above the doors to the elevator, the numbers started counting down what floor it passed. 30.. 29.. 28.. 27.. 26.. 25.. 24.. 23.. 22.. 21.. 20...

I huffed impatiently and crossed my arms over my chest. Can this thing go any slower?

I looked over my shoulder to glance at Phoebe. I sighed in relief when I noticed she was currently looking down at some papers. I turned back to look at the countdown. 10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1. Ding!

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. I glanced back at Phoebe, who was now staring at the computer again, the screen illuminating her face with a blue light.

"Go, go go!" I quickly ushered the others into the elevator, wishing they'd hurry up. As we stepped in, I turned to press on the button for the 60th floor. The doors began closing. Slowly. Very, hair-pullingly, slowly . Just as they were about to shut close, Phoebe glanced up at the elevator. I took in a sharp breath. Her emerald eyes locked with mine for a millisecond, when the doors snapped shut. As the elevator rose, the only thing I could think about was the bewildered expression, on Phoebe's face.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. My heart raced with anticipation. I was finally going to see my Mother. I hadn't been able to see her for a month, but that month already felt like a year. I never thought I'd ever miss my Mother's curt commands, or the exasperatingly way her mind was somewhere else during a conversation, which the ones that included business talk were the only ones she paid her full attention to. With just normal conversations with her, her eyes would have a far away look, already sketching a new building in her head.

Then a thought hit me. Maybe she could help get me out of this gang-mess.

My thoughts were interrupted as the others stepped out of the elevator. I got out as well, instantly walking down the first hall. I heard the footsteps of Percy, Bianca, and Nico scurrying after me.

"So, Annabeth... How long has your Mother been running this company?" Asked Bianca, starting up a conversation.

I smiled fondly. "She's had this company for twenty-five years."

I looked behind me to see Percy's eyes widen incredulously. "Holy shit... How old is your Mother?"

"Percy!" Bianca hissed beside him. Nico rolled his eyes at his question, but the corners of his mouth trembled slightly.

I chuckled softly. "That's okay. My Mother is about 45 years old." I still wasn't sure how to act towards Percy. He could be happy and joking one minute, and the next his eyes were blazing with fury and his jaw was clenched so hard, I was afraid his teeth might break.

Percy whistled softly. "Damn. Then how come she doesn't even look a day over thirty?"

I shrugged. "I have no idea." I actually didn't have a clue how my Mother managed to look so young and so fit.

We finally reached the door to my Mother's office. I stood in front of it, not sure if I should knock or just go in. What would she say once she saw me? Would she be mad? Happy? I had no clue. You could never tell with a woman like my Mother.

"Annabeth?" Bianca prompted softly, coming to stand beside me. I smiled faintly at her and then turned back to face the door. I decided to just knock, knowing that my Mother always hated when I came in without knocking. Its rude, she had scolded me as if I was a six year old. You should always knock before you enter a room. You never know what the person might be doing.

I smiled and shook my head at the memory. My Mother would and still does scold me for the littlest things. I could only imagine how many times she reprimanded her employees.

I brought up my hand to the door and knocked softly. Once. Twice. Three times. I held my breath, waiting for the door to swing open, revealing my Mother in all her glorified pride and confidence. Instead, all I heard was a muffled, "Come in."

I gently twisted the door knob and then pushed the door open. There was my Mother, sitting down on her desk, examining her probably latest blueprints. Her dark brown hair was pulled into an elegant bun. She finally looked up. I almost gasped. Her eyes... Her usual sharp, cold, calculating gray eyes, were now dull. They seemed to be filled with worry, panic, nervousness, and weariness. But even though those emotions lingered in them, I was pleased to see her eyes still had their sharp intelligence to them, something my Mother would never lose no matter how she was feeling.

Her gray orbs widened. She stood up from her leather swivel chair, placing both hands gently on her desk.

I straightened, locking eyes with her confidently. Gray on gray. I breathed out calmly. "Hello Mother."

A wave of relief washed over Athena's face. She quickly rushed over to me, not stumbling one bit in her five inch stiletto heels. When she reached me, she pulled me into a tight embrace. I hugged her back just as tight, burying my face into her neck. I inhaled her sweet Jasmine scent, all my worries fading away as I breathed in that familiar smell.

She pulled back and looked into my eyes, trying to read the emotions going through them "A-Annabeth... I can't believe it's you. You've been gone for two days! We began to think that you were-you were dead."

I stifled back the sob forming in my throat. Just hearing her comforting voice made me want to just break down crying in her arms as she stroked my hair and whispered soothingly to me, just as she used to do when I was a little girl.

"No Mother, I'm ok. I just had some things come up...that were private and I couldn't go out in public for a short while." I responded hesitantly.

My Mother studied me for a while, her calculating gray eyes stern, analyzing my face and eyes, her mouth set in a tight line, letting me know that she was obviously not buying my excuse.

Percy cleared his throat behind me. Athena looked over my shoulder to look at them, a baffled expression on her face, as if she'd just noticed they were here. She studied them all for a second, when suddenly the color drained from her face. She looked at them with wide eyes, her gray orbs looking panicked and... Scared?

But why? For the twenty-three years that I've known my Mother, I have never seen Athena Minerva Chase get scared. It was just a feeling that she wasn't familiar with. But people making her get like this? No way.

Percy shifted from one foot to the other, his eyes locked onto the floor, refusing to look up. He pointed a thumb over his shoulder. "We'll be out here in the meantime."

Athena nodded, her expression still terrified and her posture stiff. I furrowed my eyebrows at her and looked her in the eyes asking, whats wrong with you? Athena shook her head slightly, her eyes clearly saying, We'll talk about this later.

This only made my head swim with questions even more. Why does she look so scared? Does she know Percy and Bianca and Nico? Why did her face pale when she looked at them?

Percy, Bianca and Nico exited the room, Nico shutting the door gently behind him. Now alone, I turned back towards my Mother. I opened my mouth to ask her why she seemed so freaked out, but she cut me off.

Her eyes took on an angry and irritated gleam. "Annabeth, where were you? Do you have any idea how worried we've all been? We looked everywhere! We scoured the whole city! The press was now starting rumors that you were kidnapped, or even worse, dead. Where the hell have you been?"

I shook my head slightly, staring at my Mother with pleading eyes. "Mother, please. I'm sorry. I never meant any of this to happen. I had just been going home from shopping when paparazzi came. I hid in an alley while they passed. When they were gone, I was about to start walking back when this man grabbed me. I managed to escape him and foolishly ran farther down the alley. Then this other man-" my voice cracked, and my eyes began tearing up at the horrible memory. Athena looked at me in concern, but beckoned me to go on with my story.

I took a deep breath and continued talking. "This other man grabbed me and began harassing me. He probably would've raped me, but then Percy Jackson arrived with two other friends of his and saved me. And Mother, Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, is leader of The Olympians."

My Mother's face paled even more as I continued recounting my story to her, down to every last detail. I talked about the bar harassment, the bar fight, the training, their proposal to join their gang, and how I killed a man.

By the end, I was clinging to my Mother, sobbing loudly. Me, a twenty-three year old adult, crying like a six year old child and clinging to my Mom as if there was no tomorrow. I looked up at her with pleading eyes.

"Mother, please. Help me get out if this. Isn't there a way that I could get out of being in that horrid gang?"

Athena looked down at me with a pained and sad expression, yet her eyes blazed with anger, but I somehow knew that anger wasn't directed towards me. She muttered angrily under her breath, which I only managed to catch a few words of, "They swore they wouldn't... I'm going to kill them... to think I trusted them not to mess with my..." Athena stopped mumbling and looked back at me, the anger in her eyes fading, replaced by sadness. She gently pulled back from my grip, but held my hands with her own soft and delicate ones. She looked me in the eyes and spoke softly, pain in her voice. "No Annabeth... I cannot help you."

I stared at my Mother with wide eyes. What? She can't help me? Why? "W-why not?"

Athena sighed heavily and stepped back from me, letting my hands slip out of hers. She looked down at the floor. "Because, Annabeth," she spoke quietly but loud enough for me to hear.

She straightened and this time looked me in the eyes as she spoke, her voice louder.

"Because I used to be in The Olympians. And I still work with them."

0-0

Sooo.. whatcha guys think? Yup, definitely my longest chapter so far. The story's gonna pick up some pace after this. And I'd like to thank ShadowHunter399 for the ideas and suggestions she's/he's given to me, I really appreciate the help (: Any suggestions? Comments? PM me if you do, or just leave a review (:

~Kat :D