Before I Fell

by Brandy Greeley

  What the hell?

  “Emma? What happened?” Hades asked, standing.

  “I have absolutely no idea.”

  “She…blinked,” Persephone said, awe-struck and I gazed around the room, brow furrowed. Wasn’t that their power? The power all the gods had? So, I…oh, no.

  “I’m immortal now?”

  “No,” Persephone said quickly as Hades sat back down again, running a hand across his chin.

  “Then why the hell can I blink?”

  “Maybe try it again?” Hermes suggested, watching me with an air of anticipation.

  “See if you can go to your room and back,” Hades said, a curious, wary expression crossing his face.

  “But I don’t even know how I did it in the first pl-”

  “BOO!” Hermes shouted, leaping to his feet and I screeched, glimpsed Bailey licking a bone by the fireplace before pulling myself back to the dining room, and he smiled, laughter rumbling through his chest as I shook and plopped myself down in my chair.

  “That wasn’t funny!”

  “Awe, C'mon, Ems, it was a little funny.”

  “I told you not to call me that, remember? No nicknames.”

  “What if I let you call me ‘Herm’ or ‘Hermy’?”

  “How about Herpes?”

  “It’s a fear-based response,” Persephone interrupted, rolling her eyes Hermes’ direction. “Mortals can’t blink, not unless they had assistance from a god or…goddess…” Her mouth popped open into a little ‘o’ as the pieces clicked into place. “Hera.”

  Hades spread his hands out across the table, palms down. “Sister, I know you’re listening.”

  “This better be important, brother. I’m talking life or death stuff,” Hera said, appearing at the end of the table.

  “Why can Emma blink?”

  She paused a beat, face carefully composed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You never were a good liar, Hera. What did you do to her?”

  “I brought her back to life! With a couple of ‘added’ bonuses of course. She’s like Emma 2.0. God-like so to speak.”

  “You had no right to do that to her against her will,” Hades said, a tiny amount of bite entering his voice and she held up her hands in front of her like she was calming a wild animal.

  “I’m sorry that you disagree with the method I chose to save her life, Hades. I’ll remember that for the future.”

  “What else can I do?” I asked, and she smiled at me.

  “You have super speed, for one, which may come in handy if you’re ever kidnapped again. You’ll heal instantly, and you’ll always know if someone is nearby.”

  “I’m sorry if this sounds presumptuous, but why doesn’t that make me, a, you know, god?”

  Hades shifted uncomfortably as she looked at me-really looked-lips pursed.

  “You can still die, and will when you’re old and frail. I did not, despite what my brother initially assumed, make you immortal. That’s up to him to decide, and you both know why.”

  “Enough,” Hades growled as Persephone glanced between us, confused.

  “I don’t,” she said, and I inwardly groaned, wishing Hera hadn’t said anything at all. “Why should Hades have control over what happens to Emma? Isn’t her fate in her own hands?”

  “She ate a pomegranate, sweetheart,” Hades said, laying a hand on the small of her back. “She’s tied to the Underworld now-and to me.” Hades avoided her why the hell didn’t you tell me this sooner penetrating glare.

  Smooth, Hades. You know that you’re going to have to tell her the whole truth someday.

  That day is not today.

  “I wish I’d known about these gifts before now, but I’m still grateful to you, Hera,” I said and she smiled again, nodding.

  “Stay out of trouble and enjoy your third chance at life.”

  She vanished, and you could’ve cut the silence in the room with a knife as Hermes edged towards the door, feeling the tension and not really knowing why it was there in the first place. Lucky him.

  “Since dear Emma can now blink, you won’t be needing my services, yes? There are some books I’d love to reshelf.”

  “Go,” Hades said, grabbing a new coffee cup as his brother disappeared, too.

  “Why is she tied to you?” Persephone asked, approaching him.

  “Persephone…”

  “Don’t you dare ‘Persephone’ me, Hades. When mortals eat fruit here, they’re stuck, unable to leave unless we will it. So why is she bound to this place and to you in particular?”

  “Because of the agreement we made,” I said quickly. “Before you were cursed, remember? I had to be tied to one of you, and when you ended up living in Portland, she was the next obvious choice.”

  Not the whole truth

  Not a whole lie, either. Seems to be our theme of the day.

  “He lets me go to Portland as long as the trips don’t interfere with my work with the souls, or my book.”

  “But I’m back now, so tie her to me instead.”

  “Why is this so important to you?” Hades asked, cautious.

  “Because you’re my husband, and because I don’t approve of another woman being tied to you, no matter how close the three of us are.”

  Do you still think it’s a good idea to tell her?

  I have my doubts now, especially since I’m not actually immortal. I never know how…jealous she was.

  It’s a by-product of our story and life together. Gods and goddesses are, by nature, notoriously jealous, suspicious and distrusting.

  “Do you really want me to do this?”

  “Yes, I do,” she said, arms crossed stubbornly over her chest.

  “Then it’s done.”

  “Good,” Persephone said, satisfied, leaning back in her chair as she cracked open a book.

  Wait, what?

  I heard the mental sigh. You’re my soulmate, Emma. That’s why your bond chose me over her, not because she wasn’t physically in the Underworld, and a bond like that can’t break unless one of us meets a true death. This hits two birds with one stone. She won’t suspect that the bond is anything more than it is, and you won’t be constantly worried about telling her the truth.

  I picked apart a piece of bagel, eyes down as he cut into his pancake pile. From the outside looking in, we were three people, enjoying breakfast together. I preferred it that way.

  Except that she could order me to stay in Portland long-term to spend more time with you.

  Is that really so bad? You don’t make it a secret how much you loathe being here at times. I thought you’d welcome this change of leadership, no matter how misleading it is.

  We should just tell her.

  Absolutely not unless it’s a necessity. It’s the last case scenario that I hope we never have to use.

  Ouch. So, according to him, it was better that she stayed in the dark about our connection because he didn’t want to lose her, despite the cost to me…

  You know that’s not what I meant, Emma.

  Really? How else was I supposed to read that decision?

  My fate with Persephone was decided a long time ago. It was a choice I made because I never thought I’d find you.

  So, I’ll just be a little tail on the side for eternity?

  ‘Divorce’ is a human construct that the gods don’t abide by. Persephone is back now, and that admittedly complicates things, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t still be together.

  You know what else is a human construct? Cheating on your wife or husband. I’m human. She’s the wife. Get it? I’ve already done enough damage to last me a lifetime.

  You try staying with the same person millennium after millennium and tell me that you wouldn’t get bored and restless, especially if your soulmate lived with you and your wife. It’s taking everything I have not to pounce on you right here, right now, in full sight of Persephone.

  Warmth pooled low in my belly at the thought, then I made the mista
ke of glancing her direction, and ice replaced the heat as I thought about her being able to hear our discussion, and what that would mean for me.

  You sound just like Poseidon flirting with me when you say that. Guess it really does run in the family.

  He sat up straighter in his chair, carefully buttering a piece of toast. He…flirted with you?

  Hades, I’ve told you several times how often he tries to get into my pants. It’s not my fault that you don’t listen.

  And do you like him in return?

  I laughed aloud, choking on a bite of apple as Persephone glanced my way, turning the next page in her book. “I’m fine,” I wheezed, gulping down some water and she smiled, shaking her head as she looked away again.

  You’re joking, right? That’s like asking if I like eating moldy stroganoff.

  His lips twitched. Good.

  It hasn’t escaped my notice that you’re allowed to like whoever you damn well please, but the second another man glances my direction, you’re up in arms.

  You’re too good for them.

  Uh-huh. That excuse is pathetic, just so you know.

  “Well, I’m off to Portland,” Persephone said, laying her book aside. “Emma, care to give me a lift?”

  “I don’t exactly know how to do it yet without someone scaring me, and seeing as Hermes left…”

  “I have faith in you. You can do this. And, as you’re now tied to me, I’m commanding you to take me.”

  I made a face as I stood, drinking long and deep from my cup. “You’re going to abuse that power-I can already tell.”

  She shoved me playfully, giving Hades a quick peck on the lips before joining me. “You’ll enjoy every second of it, I promise you.” She looped her arm through mine and I swallowed the self-doubt, breathing deeply through my nose a few times as I thought Portland-put real emotion behind it this time and felt a cool breeze whisper across my face. “Good job, Emma!” She said, dancing away from me as I squeaked my eyes open again.

  We stood on the landing of my apartment, half-moon circles dotting my palms as I slowly relaxed my fists.

  “Okay, now when I’m ready to return to the Underworld I’ll text you from this number,” she said, fishing around in her pockets for a business card, handing it to me.

  “Persephone, the goddess of spring, has a cellphone.”

  “It’s still wild to think about, right? Enjoy your time with your family, and you know where I’ll be if you need me.” She spun around, walking down the staircase and I followed, checking my mailbox. Bills, bills and more bills.

  Perfect.

  I wasn’t exactly poor, but I hadn’t had a solid job in over four years, and whatever savings I had before I got tangled up in the gods’ mess was now scant.

  Ask Hades for help. You know he’ll give it.

  If I do that, I’ll never live it down.

  So, it’s better not having any electricity or running water?

  I jumped when my phone buzzed, letting me know that I had a text from my bank. It was a balance notification, which informed me that a deposit had recently been made in the amount of $5,000.

  Oh no he didn’t.

  I did. You’re welcome.

  Hades, I can’t ask you to save my butt every time I’m in financial trouble. I’m a big girl, and I eventually have to act like it.

  What’s mine is yours, etcetera.

  How do you have access to my bank information in the first place?

  Do you honestly want to know the answer to that question? How do I know which financial institution your car payment is through, how many times per week you shop at Whole Foods, or where your parents and siblings live?

  I ground my teeth together, knowing the answer and hating him for it at the same time. You had me followed.

  Yes, I do, and before you start throwing things around in retaliation, let me remind you that you’ve been nearly killed three times and literally murdered once. It’s for your protection.

  Tell them to back off this trip.

  Emma…

  I have Persephone with me here in the city. If I get into trouble, she’ll be the first person I run to, alright? I can’t stand the thought of you knowing everywhere I go right now, especially since one of those trips is more personal.

  Sam.

  Yup, and you don’t need to know all the details of my visits with him, such as when I arrive, when I leave again, where we go and what we do together. This trip is for me just as much as it is for Persephone, and I plan to make the most of it. Don’t interfere.

  This goes against everything I believe.

  But it won’t kill you.

  He was silent for a solid minute as I flipped some music on, starting to unload the dishwasher.

  Be careful, please, for me.

  I smiled and shimmied in time to the music, feeling a single, frustrated growl shudder through the bond.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Portland, Oregon

  I snuggled against Sam’s chest, enjoying the way sunlight trickled in through the gaps in his blinds. I’d have to leave soon to feed Bailey, who I’d brought back to my apartment as soon as I could, but for right now, this was the only place on Earth I wanted to be.

  One solid week in Portland was more than enough time to see my parents, convince them that I was alright, then spend the rest of my time bouncing between home and Sam’s place. When pressed, I managed some bullshit excuse about visiting out-of-town friends to explain where I’d been the past few months, though it couldn’t explain away everything. Maintaining that air of mystery was essential in keeping the realm of the gods a secret, and this fact was constantly in the back of my mind.

  “Awake already?” Sam rolled over, banding an arm around my waist and I smiled, tucking myself up under his chin.

  “It’s called responsibilities, something I know you don’t really have, but some of us do.”

  Persephone wants to come home. Text her whenever you have a moment.

  Get out of my head.

  I settled myself deeper under the covers as Sam’s hands wandered over my hip, tickling a path up my ribcage before settling on my breasts and a soft moan escaped my lips as I leaned into the embrace.

  Right now, Emma!

  “Jesus Christ,” I muttered, sliding out from under him. I wish there was a way I could block my thoughts from him, even for one day. “I’m sorry, babe, but I’ve got to run, and you need to put some pants on,” I said, laughing as he stood to ensnare my waist again.

  “Are you sure I can’t tempt you to stay a little longer?” he asked, teeth catching my earlobe and I shivered, buttoning my pants.

  “As much as I would love to take you up on that offer, I can’t. Where the hell is my shirt?”

  He turned me around in his arms, lips covering mine as he backed us both up to the bed, falling into the downy softness of his mattress. “Stay, please.”

  I cradled his face with one hand as he kissed my palm, smiling down on me.

  I mean, what’s another hour here, right? Bailey will survive, and he’s so warm.

  You need to contact Persephone.

  Screw them both. I’m here to enjoy myself, and this is part of it. She can call Hermes if she’s that desperate.

  I straddled Sam’s thighs, raking a hand through his chest hair and he threw his head back, tendons in his neck straining as I did it again, kissing one part, brown nipple.

  “You can come over anytime you want,” he said, voice hoarse with longing and I laughed aloud, which did interesting things to the places our bodies connected. He caught my mouth with his, tongues intertwining as one hand worked at my pants.

  “Emma.”

  I screamed and fell backward, tumbling to the floor in a heap. Hades stood over me, eyes burning brighter than fire and I glared at him, lips curling in response.

  “What part of ‘get out of my head’ don’t you understand?” I said, scrambling to my feet as Sam covered himself with the sheet.

  “What the he
ll, man? Who are you and what-”

  “Silence,” Hades said, turning to me. “I told you to contact Persephone, and it wasn’t a request.”

  “You couldn’t let me have one moment with my boyfriend before swooping on in here in a jealous fit?”

  “I’m not jealous. Let’s go.” He grabbed my arm and I shook him off, sliding my shirt over my head.

  “You are. Sam had his hands all over me and you couldn’t handle that, could you? Guess I won’t tell you what I hear coming from your bedroom when I’m on a midnight snack run. Prissy hypocrite.”

  “Persephone is missing.”

  I ground to a halt, eyes wide. “What do you mean she’s missing? You just spoke with her!”

  “I was a little…distracted,” he said, eyeing the neckline of my shirt. “When I went to check on her again, she was gone. No answer on her cellphone, either.”

  “You don’t think Kronos…?”

  “No. I’ve been keeping a close eye on him since your incident. He still thinks the ‘you’ Hera created is real, and he has no concrete history with Persephone, just me.”

  “So, it’s probably someone who has a personal vendetta against you, her, or both. Someone who’s brave enough to wait until you’re distracted, then poof and snatch.”

  “Someone like Prometheus.”

  I sucked in a pissed-off hiss. “That little ass-munch is most definitely on my shit list. Also, it hasn’t escaped my notice that you’ve managed to lose her twice to him now. Fine, I’ll help you look for her, but then I’m coming straight back here and picking up where I left off.”

  “Emma, who is this?” Sam asked, buckling his pants as he wandered over, slipping an arm around my waist as Hades watched, tense.

  “Just a friend. I need to go somewhere with him, but I’ll be back before you know it, alright?”

  He started to protest, and I leaned in, giving him a swift kiss. “Please watch Bailey for me until then. She needs a walk, one cup of dry food and fresh water, so don’t wait too long before going to my apartment. You know where the spare key is.” I joined Hades at the front door, grabbing my wallet and phone as we stepped out into the dry summer air. “I’m beginning to understand what Persephone went through under the curse.”