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Fixed some continuity errors in the last two chapters. Now Percy remembered to ask Frank about Chris and tell him about the dreams. Minor grammar corrections along with a more accurate depiction of Camp Jupiter were done as well. That's what I get for writing a chapter at 2am.

After a long walk and getting lost a few times, I finally found Reyna's house. It was an exquisite Roman-styled home, similar in appearance to the rest of the buildings in New Rome. I think I remember that Annabeth called it a... uh—a vanilla? No, wait, that's a plant or something... a villa! Yeah, that was it! It was a beautiful Roman villa! Reddish tiles on the roof, shiny white marble walls, a few windows dotted around along with some nice shrubbery. It looked like a place rich people would visit during the summer.

I was about to knock on her door when I remembered what Reyna's "request" from the gods was, how Aphrodite—or would it be Venus?—herself promised to "help" her. I had no idea what that entailed, but I hoped the love goddess wasn't going overboard on the poor girl. Reyna, at least from my experience, has difficulty with expressing herself. I assumed it was from her training and her time as praetor. She had to be a fearless leader and all that.

Her request was also making me ask myself some questions: What if she has feelings for someone else? What if she already has a boyfriend? What if my presence would just complicate things?

I was starting to get cold feet as more intrusive thoughts filled my head. Was this a mistake? Would I be manipulating her emotions for my benefit since I knew she used to have a crush on me? Is this wrong?

Of course it's wrong! You already have a girlfriend!

Technically, I have two now, and I need four more...

"I don't have a choice, I need to see this through. I'm sorry, Reyna..." I muttered quietly to myself as I then knocked on her door.

The door opened instantly, which caused me to jump. However, the woman on the other side of the door wasn't Reyna. It was Venus herself, at least until her form changed into her Greek counterpart of Aphrodite. She was as extravagant as ever, wearing a satin red dress that hugged her curves perfectly along with red high heels. Her eyes were more brilliant than the stars and her smile made me forget how to breathe. It was like she was a fusion of Annabeth and Calypso, if that were somehow possible.

"Hello there, sweetie. We've been waiting for you." Her enchanting voice sailed into my ears, making my brain turn to mush.

It took me a moment to regain control of myself. This was exactly what happened back when I first met the goddess of love, how embarrassing...

"H-Hi, Lady Aphrodite. You look stunning as usual," I said dumbly before my brain finally registered what she said. "Wait, 'we'? You've been waiting on me?"

"Oh honey, don't be like that! I'm love itself, I knew you would be coming the second you were blessed with the harem. I've been helping that cutie of a praetor be ready to receive you." Aphrodite cooed as she then pinched my left cheek gently.

Did she just say this harem was a blessing?

I wanted to get angry at her, but her aura was overwhelming me. Instead of rage, I felt lovesick and docile, like an abandoned puppy. I wanted to bury my head into her bosom and enjoy her warm embrace. I hated it.

"Where's Reyna?" I asked, shaking my head to clear my thoughts.

"I shall take you to your belle, my dear beau." She softly whispered as she took my hand and began leading me further inside the villa.

Upon entering the villa, I felt that something wasn't right; like my mind was in a haze. I paid no attention to my surroundings and could only make out the outline of Aphrodite as she lead me somewhere. I tried blinking fast and even slapping myself, but neither worked. Something was burning within me, something intense.

"She's in here, Percy. Be gentle with her, she's a delicate little thing." Aphrodite purred into my ear as she then opened a door that lead to a bedroom.

The only thing I could see in the room was a lavish four poster bed. And on top of that bed was Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, wearing nothing but lace red lingerie.

Upon seeing her, I felt an animalistic need to touch her in every possible way. To explore her body's beauty, to kiss her, to claim her as mine.

'Stop! This isn't right!' I heard a faint voice in my head scream. I didn't listen to it.

"Hello, Percy." Reyna greeted me with a lustful gaze before she then beckoned me over with a finger.

I couldn't control myself, the next series of events were a total blur. One second I was standing near the doorway, the next I was on the bed with Reyna and making out with her, then another moment passed and I was shirtless. I was completely intoxicated with her, from her looks, to her lingerie, to her perfume. Everything about her was inviting me in, begging me to have my way with her.

Before I knew it Reyna started to take off my pants, unbuttoning the top then unzipping the zipper. I was utterly drunk on lust, my hips bucking uncontrollably as she fiddled with my clothing. I wanted this so badly it was driving me wild.

Just as Reyna slid off my pants, leaving me in nothing but my boxers, did I hear a familiar voice bellow inside my head.

'PERCY!'

"Annabeth..." I murmured before my eyes snapped open. "Annabeth! What-what is going on?!"

I then pulled away from Reyna, falling off the bed before swiftly recovering and standing up. Reyna's expression hadn't changed at all from my sudden outburst and fall. I then realized she was also under the influence of whatever Aphrodite was doing to us.

"Come back to bed, Percy. I've been wanting this for so long..." Reyna whispered lustfully as she reached out for me, her obsidian eyes focused on me like a predator about to pounce.

"Reyna, snap out of it! This isn't you! Aphrodite has drugged us or something!" I shouted at her, causing her to giggle.

"What do you mean, Percy? I feel totally fine. I'll feel even better once you're inside me~." Reyna cooed, her eyes completely glazed over with insatiable lust.

I was panicking and didn't know what else to do.

I slapped her. I slapped a defenseless, innocent girl. What would my mother say?

I felt like a piece of shit, but it thankfully seemed to clear her head. Her eyes returned to normal, one of her hands went to the cheek I smacked. She blinked a few times before gazing up at me in confusion before blushing and looking away.

"Percy? What are you doing here? Why are you... almost naked?" She asked me before looking cross. "Did you hit me?!"

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know what else to do! You were in a trance or something! Wait—you don't remember anything?" I blurted out, my heart racing.

She looked at me in bewilderment before glancing around the room. It didn't take her long to notice what she was wearing. Then, she screamed.

"What in Tartarus am I wearing?! What were we doing?! Don't tell me we..." She shrieked as she covered herself with the covers on the bed.

"No, we didn't, thankfully. I managed to break free before we got that far. Do you seriously not remember a single thing?" I asked her as I picked my shirt off the ground and put it on.

Reyna shook her head. "Last thing I remember was Lady Venus showing up at my door earlier today. Everything after that is a blur. Percy, what the heck is going on?!"

I then explained everything. My reason for being here, being greeted by Aphrodite, how she did something to make us get frisky with another, everything. Reyna went through a flurry of emotions as I regaled my story, from embarrassment to shock to pure rage.

"I can't believe she would do something like that! She's supposed to be the goddess of love, not rape!" Reyna seethed, tightly clenching the covers like they personally offended her. "She was so supportive of me after my embarrassing scene on Olympus yesterday too. To think she betrayed my trust just like that..."

Reyna then started to sob, crying her eyes out. I walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, not daring to get any closer. But then, to my absolute shock and horror, she started laughing hysterically.

"Typical. It's just so fucking typical! I let my guard down and I'm instantly stabbed in the back. Every single time I try to open up I get humiliated! It's like one big fucking comedy and I'm the star," She cried out between fits of insane laughter. "Am I just not allowed to be happy? Am I destined to be forever alone and miserable? Is that what this all means? Is this the gods' way of making sure I know my place? Was saving the world still not enough?!"

This went on for a few minutes, I was too stunned to act. Reyna was one of the toughest demigods I ever met, so to see her breakdown like this was gut wrenching. Eventually she stopped laughing and crying, replacing them with numbness as she just stared off into space.

"Venus was right. There is nothing that can mend my heart. I'm cursed to a life of isolation and sorrow..." She murmured out dejectedly.

"Reyna..." I whispered out sadly.

She then looked at me. "Ironic, isn't it? They pull this with one of the guys I had feelings for. I guess I should have seen it coming when they gave you the harem. You probably thought I'd agree to join because of said crush, didn't you?"

I couldn't meet her eyes, she was completely right. "It's true, I did... I heavily debated myself on whether I should ask you or not, especially after your wish. There's nothing I can say to defend myself, I still chose to come here anyways. I should have just stayed away, let you live your life. This wouldn't have happened..."

I then stood up and grabbed my pants, hastily putting them on. "I'll just go, I seem to be a bad luck charm for you. I'll have to find another girl instead, I can't stand seeing you live in my shadow. You deserve better, so much better."

I then turned to leave with a heavy heart. I walked a few steps before I felt something soft hit the back of my head. I turned to see a pillow on the floor behind me, Reyna standing a few feet away with an indignant frown, more tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Yes, why don't you leave, Percy? That's what everyone I know does. They either leave or die. That'll definitely make me feel better! I just love being alone—all—the—time!" She seethed, putting emphasis on the last three words she spoke.

"Reyna, I... I don't understand. I thought you were mad about me coming here just to ask you to join the group? Then what happened with Aphrodite... Di Immortales, Reyna, I almost raped you!" I said mournfully.

"Don't you even dare blame yourself for what Venus did, Perseus Jackson! As far as I'm concerned, I almost raped you as well! The only ones at fault here are Venus and the rest of the gods for putting us through this nightmare!" She ranted at me, her voice hoarse and raw.

I admit, I did feel a lot better knowing she didn't hold any ill will towards me. I just wished our reunion wasn't... this. I was so angry at Aphrodite, why did she put us through this? Was it to make things "exciting"? She's not going to be so excited when I plant my foot up her ass when I next see her!

I took in a ragged breath. "That's good to hear, Reyna. I'm glad you aren't holding any of this against me."

She just glared daggers at me, like what I said isn't what she wanted to hear. "Well?! Are you going to ask me or not, son of Neptune?!"

"Why on earth would I when you're so emotionally unstable? It's a big decision, I want you to think about this with a clear head, Reyna." I state firmly to her.

Apparently, she didn't like that answer because she started stomping towards me with a murderous look. I raised up my hands to try and calm her, but she just swatted them out of the way and grabbed me by the shirt. She then forced me to look into her eyes.

"Because I'd say yes, you stupid Clownfish Boy! I fucking love you!" She hissed before smashing her lips against mine in a frenzied kiss.

"Mhm?!" I muffled out as she kissed me.

She then wrapped her arms around my neck and forced her tongue into my mouth, exploring the new territory. I was so flabbergasted that I couldn't decide to push her away or embrace her. I was then pushed against the wall as Reyna increased the force behind her kisses, her hands roaming over my body. Her lips pulled away for a second to inhale air, so I tried to speak.

"Reyna, wait—" I tried to say before she silenced me with her mouth again.

Her hands snaked up to my hair as she lost herself in the moment. After a minute she finally pulled away, heaving for oxygen. I was panting as well, caught off guard by her sudden passion.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that, Percy. Did you seriously think I got over you that quickly? Absolutely not! I haven't been able to get you out of my damn head for even one day since you defeated Polybotes! It's been driving me crazy—you drive me crazy!" Reyna confessed to me, my mouth hanging open in shock.

I just thought she had a minor crush! I thought she got over it, it's not like we were together that long when I first arrived in Camp Jupiter. Annabeth was right, this girl does have major feelings for me!

"Wha—huh? I thought you had a thing for Jason?" I asked in confusion. "I didn't even know if you still had any feelings for me when I came, it was just a guess for the most part!"

Reyna took in a deep breath before exhaling. "I did like Jason. Heck, if Juno hadn't swapped you two, we may have even started dating at one point. But, that didn't stop me from developing a crush on you as well. You're just amazing, Percy. You're extremely powerful yet so humble, you care deeply for others, you're easy to talk to and have a cute sense of humor, you're also a competent fighter and leader, not to mention you're easy on the eyes. Jason... Jason was never the same after the switch. I don't know for sure what it was, maybe his time with the Greeks really affected him or maybe the memory wipe did more damage than we know. But, when we reunited on the Argo II, he wasn't the same Jason I fell in love with, not to mention he had a girlfriend."

I felt a small blush creep across my face as she complimented me. I took in her words carefully, repeating them in my head. I guess it made sense for the most part, but one thing was bothering me...

"But, I also had a girlfriend. That's why I turned you down back then, and why I assumed your infatuation with me depleted over time. How—why did you keep pining for me after all this time if you knew you could never be with me?" I asked her in a soft and gentle voice.

She looked up at me with starry eyes. "I don't know. I truly, honestly don't know. Maybe a part of me was still hoping that you'd breakup with Annabeth. Horrible, I know, but... I guess people just do and think stupid things when they're in love. Besides, now we can be together, even if it is unorthodox."

I had a conflicted expression on my face after she said that. "Are you sure? This harem system—once you join, there's no leaving it. You're going to be stuck with me forever."

Reyna laughed. Not like the pained, psychotic ones from earlier, but a genuine, joyful laugh. It was melodious to my ears, but it also confused me a little.

"Did I say something funny?"

"Obviously, you said that like it was a bad thing. Being with you forever, I mean. Don't threaten me with a good time, Percy." She said with a happy sigh as she rested her head against my chest.

I couldn't help but smile warmly and wrap my arms around her.

That is, until I noticed she was still wearing nothing but the skimpy red lingerie. After I made that discovery, I felt my face heat up.

"You're still wearing just the lingerie, by the way." I murmur sheepishly.

"So? Who cares? Or would you prefer me to take it off?" Reyna responded in a sultry tone, which caused me to turn into a cherry.

"Ah—no, no, I don't think that's necessary, Reyna. Wear it if you want, I suppose."

"You sure? I don't mind~."

"Yes, I'm sure!"

Sheesh, talk about doing a one-eighty! It wasn't that long ago she was embarrassed to even be wearing the thing! Now she wants to go commando?! She's suddenly like an entirely different person!

"Who are you and what did you do with Reyna?" I half joked and half thought Aphrodite may have been messing with her head again.

"Sorry, guess I'm coming on too strong. It's just that, I've never been this happy in my life," She whispered as her face took on a more painful appearance. "Mine... hasn't been pleasant, even for a demigod. I had to kill my own father out of self-defense when he became possessed by evil spirits, my sister left me to join the Amazons, and I didn't really have any friends in Camp Jupiter until I met Jason. But, I was scared to admit my feelings for him, especially after Venus's warning to me. Then, I became praetor and had to be a leader. You know the rest. Long and short of it is: I've been lonely for so long. But now, in this moment, I feel elated. I know the only reason we can be together is because you were forced into something you didn't want, but I can't help it. I'm so happy, Percy. So, so, so happy."

She was right about that last part, but how could I get mad at her for it? Of course if I had my way I wouldn't be involved in a harem, but I am and I have to deal with it. That's the main reason I came here. At least she wants to join since she genuinely loves me and isn't doing it solely to help out a friend or something. I'd be unable to live with myself if that were the case, so I can't complain.

"I'm still waiting to be asked, Percy. Don't be shy now, this is why you came, isn't it?" Reyna murmured softly.

I then coughed into my hand and cleared my throat. "Ok, then. Reyna, will you join... my... harem...?"

I mumbled the entire sentence out, getting quieter with every word I spoke. It sounded really pathetic but I still wasn't used to this, I don't know if I ever could be. How can any guy become comfortable with asking a girl to become his concubine? Thankfully though, Reyna didn't seem to care.

"Of course I will, Percy. I may have to share you, but I'll manage." She spoke with a radiant glow before hugging me tightly, like I would vanish if she let go of me.

Just like with Calypso, there was a clash of thunder overhead after the words left Reyna's mouth. She was now officially the third member of my harem.

Halfway done, yay me...

"Just promise me you won't be as... cutthroat like the other two. I've had enough drama with them as is," I say with a half coy half serious smile. "But seriously, thank you, Reyna. You have given me some hope that I'll actually meet the requirements before the end of the week. It means the world to me, really."

Reyna responded by pulling me into another passionate kiss, but this time I kissed back. A minute later we separated, a faint line of saliva connecting our lips as we breathed in.

"I think I'll be able to get along with the others just fine. I've managed to keep myself under control for this long, haven't I? While I don't know about the second girl, Annabeth and I are still good friends last I checked, though going off past experiences I can safely assume she is very possessive of you," Reyna nostalgically reminisced, her lips curving upwards. "I still remember when she Judo threw you when you two reunited, that was hilarious."

"You wouldn't say that if you were the one on the receiving end of a Judo throw. If I remember correctly, she nearly popped my arm out of its socket. It sure was one heck of a way to say 'I missed you'." I pouted while trying desperately not to laugh at the memory, my lips trembling as a smile threatened to appear.

I then couldn't hold it in any longer and I burst out laughing, Reyna soon joining me. Our laughter only increased as we began to tell each other of all the humorous moments in our adventures. I told her about Mrs. O'Leary, the various antics of the Stolls, and that Chiron was related to a bunch of party-obsessed centaurs that called themselves the "Party Ponies". The last one caused her to giggle so hard she had tears in her eyes.

"How adorable, just look at you two! I knew this would work! Oh I am so proud of you, Reyna!" Came a voice that made my blood boil.

Just like that, the mood was ruined as Aphrodite reappeared, sitting in a lavish chair nearby. Both of our heads snapped towards her. She looked the same as before, but this time she had a little diary she was scribbling into while watching us. How she could write without looking is beyond me.

"What are you doing back here, Aphrodite? I think you've done enough damage as is," I snarled at her. "That sure was some potent love magic you used on us, I barely managed to escape its influence."

Aphrodite let out a disappointed sigh. "It was a real shame that you did. Your love would have been so much more beautiful if you both just let things play out."

"Love?! You call that love?! We almost raped one another! We had no control over ourselves, you broke my trust like it was nothing! You were supposed to help me, not traumatize me instead!" Reyna shouted at her furiously, looking bloodthirsty.

"Oh my goodness, kids these days... It wouldn't have been rape, my dears. You were both acting on your hidden love for one another, it wasn't mind control or anything like that," The love goddess rolled her eyes as she spoke, turning a page in her diary and continuing to write who knows what in it. "Also, I did help you, my dear Reyna. You finally confessed your pent up feelings for Perseus and joined his lovely harem. I fulfilled your wish, despite what you may personally think of my methods."

I had to hold Reyna back from attacking the goddess after that, her entire body was shaking with unbridled fury.

"Bullshit! I'd never act like that or wear such skimpy lingerie! Percy didn't even have deep romantic feelings for me like I did for him, he loves Annabeth!" The ex-praetor raged at the goddess.

Aphrodite then raised an eyebrow at that, an amused smirk on her face. "Really now? Then why are you still wearing it? Percy put his clothes back on yet you're still dressed scantily. Also, I distinctly remember you offering to strip naked earlier. You can just say 'thank you, Lady Aphrodite. I'll make sure to give you a great offering for your help' instead."

Reyna flipped her off, which made me sweat just a tiny bit. Aphrodite is still a goddess, so she could still disintegrate us or turn us into doves or something. I had to defuse the situation as best I could, despite also wanting to knock the woman senseless.

"Easy, Reyna. No need to go picking fights we can't win. We're ok, no one got hurt in the end." I whispered calmly into her ear.

"You're such a gentleman, Perseus. I can see why Reyna and so many other girls fell for you. Yet, your heart still beats for your one true love, Annabeth! It reminds me of Odysseus and Penelope. Oh, now that was a love story for all time! It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it." Aphrodite said wistfully as she wiped her eye.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be? Such as going on a tryst with your boytoy Ares or something?" I say with a glare.

The goddess then let out a huff of annoyance. "You could show some appreciation for me, I made this so much easier and intimate for you, my dear. But fine, as it turns out I do need to be leaving. However, I will be keeping tabs on you, Percy. Your harem is the most interesting thing to happen in so long! Toodaloo!"

Then, she began to glow and we turned away as she vanished. We looked back to see rose petals gently falling down into the chair she sat on.

One thing I could take away from this at least is that Aphrodite didn't appear to be involved with the figures from my dream. She "helped" me and Reyna, even if her form of help was unintuitive, to say the least. If she truly was one of those mystery women, she could have easily disposed of me when I was enthralled by her love magic. Speaking of my dream, I should tell Reyna about that.

"Hey, I need to tell you something. It's extremely important." I said out loud.

Reyna turned her head towards me, her anger being replaced by curiosity. "Oh, ok. What is it?"

For what felt like the hundredth time, I explained the situation with my dreams. I then told her I didn't think Aphrodite was involved, despite her actions.

"I wouldn't write her off just yet, Percy. She may have an ulterior motive." Reyna cautioned pensively, her thumb on her lower cheek.

"Maybe, but if she really wanted revenge on me I couldn't think of a better time to do it than earlier. Plus, I can't think of any reason for Aphrodite to even want revenge on me. I've never wronged her as far as I know." I rebutted her concerns.

"I understand, but still, we should be careful. I'm going to be suspicious of Venus regardless, what she did here tonight was inexcusable," She replied back seriously. "I'll keep an eye out for any other suspicious characters as well, obviously."

Reyna then looked out the nearby window, taking note of the now setting sun before looking back at me. "Speaking of the night, do you want to stay here? Surely you don't plan on leaving at this time."

"Huh, you know, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead. I did plan on staying the night, but I didn't even plan out where I would sleep..." I say sheepishly as I scratch the back of my head. "Annabeth and Calypso tagged along with me and they're roaming around the city. I should probably go find them now."

"Calypso? Who—oh, that must be the other girl you mentioned earlier," Reyna muttered in realization. "I can help you find them, I know Camp Jupiter like the back of my hand."

"I'd appreciate it, I got lost a few times when I was trying to find your villa," I admitted before giving her a look over. "Though, you should probably put some actual clothes on first."

She blushed and quickly ran back to her bedroom, closing the door for some privacy. I could hear the sound of dresser drawers opening and closing as she scrambled for something to put on.

A minute passed.

Then two.

Three.

Four.

Five minutes now.

What is she doing? Girls, I'll just never understand what their deal is with clothing. Most guys will slap on the first shirt and pants they see meanwhile girls take their sweet time, like if they wear the wrong thing they'll spontaneously combust in public. I remember bringing this up to Annabeth before one time and she just flicked my nose.

After about twenty minutes, Reyna finally emerged from her bedroom. She was wearing a dark blue pair of skinny jeans along with a black v-neck that cling to her nicely. Her face was cleaned up from earlier and her hair was in a single braid over her shoulder. Simple, yet beautiful.

"Sorry for the wait, Percy. I hope you are pleased with my chosen attire." She said as she walked towards me with a playful grin.

"You look amazing, Reyna. Though I'm surprised you own clothes that aren't just togas, that's all I ever saw you in last time I was here." I said with a coy smirk.

She just rolled her eyes and smiled at me. "Shut up, Percy. Anyways, let's go find our stray companions."

I nodded and turned to reach for the door handle but stopped, thinking of something I needed to ask her. "Wait just a second. What about sleeping arrangements? Do you have guest rooms here?"

"Yep, I've got a few rooms with beds besides mine. Don't worry, we won't have to all snuggle together in one bed." She teasingly said, which caused me to blush at the idea.

"Yeah, that's uh—that's good. Great." I mumbled before turning and opening the door.

Reyna giggled and followed after me as we began to wander through the now darkened streets of New Rome in search of the others.