by Jamie Begley
“I fell in love. Hades didn’t. That’s probably why he sent me away.”
“That son of a—”
“Destiny! Mother will punish you for saying that!” She and Broni stared over their shoulders as if Mother would appear to punish them.
Destiny gave a disgusted sniff. “My apology,” she called out, as if Mother could hear her from the heavens.
After her confession, they resumed their seats, and Zerina listened intently as they explained why Fate had returned to Mother’s court.
“You believe that either Loki or Jinx used their magic to change Zeus’s appearance? But why? He has the power to do it himself.”
“He can hide his appearance, but it would take true magic to hide his soul, which is how we thought we would be able to recognize him.” Destiny strummed her fingers on the table, her eyes thoughtful.
“It wasn’t Jinx,” Zerina defended her friend. “Besides, she was with me, and I would have recognized Zeus, despite any magic disguising his soul.”
Broni jerked her gaze to her. “Maybe that was why Dionysus was trying so hard to find you.”
Out of the group that had gathered around the table, there was one man Zerina couldn’t remove her eyes from.
He stepped forward. “Is it safe for us with her being here?”
Zerina didn’t take offense to his question. Meanwhile, the humans in the room began to look worried.
“Hello, Adam.”
“I don’t know you.”
“You wouldn’t remember me. I was the one who carried you to earth. I knew you were special when I gifted you to your parents. I see I was right. You are a leader who not only kept your people safe, but my sister as well. Thank you.”
“Is it safe?”
“No, but she’s not leaving.” Broni gave him a quelling look.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have anywhere else to go. I can’t return home until a god shows up to carry me.”
“Call one of them and get her the fuck out of here.”
Adam’s first instinct was to protect his people. Zerina couldn’t blame him. It was what made him a good leader.
Zerina also recognized the gentle woman who placed a hand on Adam’s arm.
“She has nowhere to go that is safe.”
“That’s not my problem. What is, is me keeping everyone here safe, and that includes you and Zandra.”
“If she goes, I go.” Abby’s reproachful eyes had Adam relenting.
“If just one of my people turn into those Drearien again, she’s gone. That is, if we manage to survive it again.”
“Adam is right; I should go.” Zerina started to rise.
Broni pushed her back down. “You’re not going anywhere. If they attack again, we’ll deal with it, just as we did before.”
Destiny’s thoughtful stare kept her from trying to stand again. “Do you want to leave for the human’s safety or to try to find Hades?”
Zerina couldn’t answer her aunt’s question truthfully, so she didn’t.
“Please don’t tell me you’re going to be one of his women who searches endlessly for his entrance.”
“I won’t have to. Jinx can tell me where she thinks it is.”
“Even if you manage to find it, it doesn’t mean he would open it for you.”
Zerina flinched at the hard truth.
“I love him. If he was finished with me, why didn’t he just take me home?”
“That, I can’t answer. Only Hades can, and he’s not here. Doesn’t that say he doesn’t care about you? I wish I could be more supportive, Zerina, I really do, but Hades’ actions speak for themselves.”
Zerina looked at her sister. “Do you believe I would be wasting my time?”
Broni stared at her compassionately. “Nothing is ever wasted when you follow your heart. I did. It may have taken me centuries, but I managed to catch him.”
“You were the one caught.” Rhys returned her loving look.
Destiny snorted. “That wasn’t determination. It was a miracle.”
“Maybe I can find my miracle.”
“Good luck. If you’re determined, I won’t stop you. But will you at least wait until your mother and father arrive?”
“Yes, I want to see them. If Hades allows me entrance, I don’t know when I’ll see them again.”
Destiny raised her eyes ceilingward. “Mother above, she’s willing to give up her gift and her family for Hades? She shouldn’t become a goddess again. The woman’s a saint.”
Chapter 30
The sun was slipping down, the sky growing dark. Destiny had stopped trying to reason with Zerina, deciding instead to step outside and take a breath of fresh air. It was a wasted effort, both arguing with Zerina and getting the fresh air. The only thing she could smell was the unwashed bodies of the humans who had sought the safety of the club.
Winkling her nose, she tried not to gag at the odor permeating from the small blue building that was fouling the air.
She saw a flash of movement on the hill that overlooked the clubhouse. Destiny watched as a wolf sat on his haunches, staring down at her.
When Rocque made no move to transform or come down the hill, Destiny waved her hand, appearing by his side.
“Why aren’t …?”
Rocque used his nose to nudge her toward the trees. He was tired of waiting to claim her.
She didn’t move, reaching for his sleek head, but he shook his head away from her touch.
“You don’t want me petting you? I’ll remind you of that.” She motioned toward the trees. “Lead on.”
The wolf didn’t look like he believed her, but he trotted toward the trees, and Destiny followed.
If Zerina had the courage to love a man with no heart, then she could find the courage to face the heartache that she was destined to suffer.
She knew where he was leading her. It was the same cave that he had taken Cara to when her life had been in danger.
“It would be much easier if we just transport ourselves.”
When he nudged her again on her butt, Destiny smacked him on top of his head.
“Do that again and I’ll transport myself back to the clubhouse,” she snapped, following behind the arrogant sway of the wolf’s hips.
It was pitch dark before they found the cave. Destiny started to go inside, but Rocque growled, going inside first.
“It’s clear.” His voice sounded from within.
Crawling inside, she saw that Rocque was in human form, standing naked in the middle of the small cave. He had lit a candle, and in the shadowy interior, she saw him wave his hand, making blankets appear.
“You don’t have a problem using your gifts to see to your comfort.”
Rocque used the blankets to make a bed. When he finished, he lay down, patting the spot next to him. “Come here.” Even in the flickering light, Rocque’s sensuality couldn’t be dimmed.
She wasn’t a virgin. She’d had several lovers who she had grown fond of but had never fallen in love with. She had saved that part of herself for Rocque, despite telling herself she wouldn’t.
She had been running from him since he had claimed her eons ago. To give in now took more courage than she had.
She turned toward the mouth of the cave.
“I know, Destiny.”
Her eyes widened.
“I’ve always known. Mother told me after you left the day I claimed you at court.” He gave a harsh bark of laughter. “She pulled me aside when I would have gone after you when you left with Apollo. She told me that you saw my death.”
His expression showed his hurt. It was the hurt that had her accepting the hand he held out to her before sinking down next to him.
“You and Fate always say that our future is ours to decide. Trust me that I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize myself.”
“I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.” Poignantly, she memorized every line and angle of his face as she pressed a trembling hand down his chest, storing the feel of
his flesh beneath her hand to memory, locking it away so she could pull it out when he was gone.
“You said we’re immortal. We have time.” He tugged her down to rest by his side more comfortably. Rocque then waved a hand, removing her human clothes then placing a possessive hand on her belly. “You’re going to conceive my children tonight.”
Destiny buried her face in the crook of his neck to hide her tears. He would give her three daughters this night. Just as her vision had foretold.
“If you leave me to raise these children alone, I’ll follow you to Hades and make you miserable.”
He tenderly kissed her lips, mummering against them, “You’re so sure Hades is where I end up?”
She curled against him. “I’m Moirai. I know where you’re going.”
“I better start saying my prayers to Mother,” he joked.
She placed a hand over his lips. “Don’t.”
“Trust me; I’m not going to Hades.”
“You don’t know that. No one knows that but … Mother.”
She couldn’t hold back her tears. Rocque kissed them away.
“Don’t cry for something that hasn’t happened yet. It won’t happen. Mother said I would be given a choice, and I would never choose something that would separate me from you. I give you my vow; you will be stuck with me until time ends.”
His vow gave her hope. Mother had said she had a choice also. If they both made the right decision, surely they would be able to conquer what fate had in store for them.
As if reading her mind, he stared deep into her eyes and said, “Love always conquers. I’ve never lost a battle.”
“Love always conquers.” Destiny pulled Rocque down to her waiting lips.
The sounds of the night filtered into the cave, making her realize why he had wanted to make love their first time in the forest. He was more at home here, and the small cave offered protection if man or animal came across them and interrupted what he had waited so long for.
“I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
“For taking so long.”
“We’re in the right place at the right time. Don’t be sorry for that.”
She ran her hands down his arms. Taking his hands, she then placed them on her breasts. “Make love to me.”
Making love with Rocque was different than she expected. She had expected him to be dominant, and he was, but he was gentle, too.
His voice grew thick when he described how beautiful she was to him. When he licked her nipples, he said they tasted like wild berries. When he parted her thighs, his voice thickened even more.
“I’ve seen many wondrous sights, but nothing compares to you.”
He stroked her thighs as if she were a rare vase from Mother’s castle. When he bent his head, touching his tongue to her labia and tasting her, it was like he had never tasted a woman before.
She realized what he was doing. He was doing what she was doing, making memories. Ones that would last them a lifetime.
They twisted and turned on the blanket, each trying to make their own memories. Her gasps, his moans, her hips arching, his thrusting. It was a dance that had been performed since time had begun.
“I love you,” she gasped, her voice echoing in the cave.
“I love you,” he answered, taking her hand and placing it over his heart. “With my heart and soul, I take you as my wife.”
Destiny repeated the words back to him fatalistically, knowing there was no turning back. She had to trust in his vow and Mother’s love.
She felt the reverent beauty of the moment. They had to put the same faith in Mother as the humans did. Was that the choice Mother had said she would have to make?
The last part of her heart that she had been holding back because of fear slipped away, making her cling to Rocque harder.
His kisses were sweeter, his thrusts more relentless, striving toward the rapture that was awaiting them.
No matter what their future held, Rocque had earned her love by being patient. He could have returned home, but he had stayed by her side. He had no concerns for the human’s wellbeing. He had his hands full protecting his forests and the animals he was a part of. He had endured the cramped clubhouse because that was where she was. No woman could ask for anything more of her mate. He had earned, not her love, but her devotion.
Their breaths and hearts merged, creating a kaleidoscope of sensations that blended together as they sped toward their release too fast for their souls to grasp, exploding in colors that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye. Only the very fortunate few who had been gifted with the sight of creation being born would understand the profound moment of a man and woman creating a new life.
Sobbing, Destiny cried out her ecstasy into Rocque’s shoulder, and he lovingly slipped to his side covering them with a blanket as the candle went out, leaving them in darkness.
Destiny could see the outside of the cave. “I wish it was snowing.”
“Be glad it’s not. It’s cold enough as it is. Mountains get cold at night.”
“I don’t care.” She snuggled against him. She hated to spoil the moment, but she knew that Broni and Adam would be waiting for news of what Rocque had found. “You found food?”
“You know I did. You’re the one who told me where to search.”
“Shh … It was just a suggestion. Mother will punish me for interfering.”
“In that case, my skills as a wolf came in handy. We found a warehouse that has enough food to feed them for several months, as well as water.”
“Thank Mother.”
“Don’t I get some of that appreciation?”
“Of course.” She placed a loud kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”
He grinned then sobered. “Adam and Rhys won’t be thanking me. It’s going to be hard to get to, and they’ll have to take at least two trucks. It’s going to be dangerous.”
“Adam and Rhys can handle it,” she spoke confidently.
“My wolves are watching it. I’ll go with Adam and Rhys. When we come back, I want us to leave for my home.”
“There’s no need for you to go. I want you to stay with me at the clubhouse.” She tightened her hand around his.
“I won’t leave my wolves alone. If anything happens, I want to be there. The only reason I came back was to show them a safer way to reach the supplies.”
“Don’t go,” she pleaded.
“Don’t worry; nothing is going to happen.”
“Fine.” She knew there was no way to dissuade him. “But nothing better happen to you, or I’m going to name our children Rover, Spot, and Buddy.”
“My children are going to be girls, so that won’t be suitable.”
Damn, Rocque was in too good of a mood to prick his temper.
She gave a grin she was thankful he couldn’t see in the dark. Knowing his weakness—Rhys and Balder always towered over him—she decided to hit his manly pride.
“Fine. How does Eeny, Meeny, and Miny sound?”
He turned, tucking her under him. “Sounds like I need to get busy. You can’t leave Mo out.”
Rocque had another weakness that Destiny had forgotten about. He always had to have the last word.
Chapter 31
The door opened and closed, yet Hades didn’t look up from the glass ball in his hand. When the wraith didn’t speak, merely waiting, Hades finally lifted his eyes.
“What do you want, Grimm?”
“Why did you release her?”
“None of your business. You lost the right to my confidence.”
Hades didn’t have to see his facial expression that was no longer visible to know what he was thinking.
“I won’t tell you she was the best thing that ever happened to you; you already know that. What has my curiosity piqued is why did you not return her home?”
“Again, that is not your business. Go dust something. Leave me.”
Grimm glided toward the door.
“Grimm, the next time you wish to
speak to me in my office, ask permission.”
The hooded head nodded before gliding out.
“Tartarus!” Hades bellowed.
His servant entered as Grimm passed him.
“Do not let anyone enter my office without my permission.”
“Yes, my king.” The servant left, closing the door behind him.
Hades set his ball back down on his desk. Waving his hand, he then locked the door, making sure no one would enter, even Tartarus. He always knew who was entering and leaving. The only one who had been able to slip beneath his guard had been Zerina.
When his thoughts returned to her, his mind searched for hers. He remained sitting in his office, but because she remained on earth, he could pinpoint where she was, what she was doing, saying.
She had been gone for a day. He had witnessed her reunion with Broni and Destiny the previous evening. Listened in anger when Adam had wanted her to leave. Before he would have had to intervene, Abby had dissuaded him. She had saved his life without knowing it.
Before dawn had cracked, her mother and father had arrived, so had her sister Cara and her husband Jericho.
Hades had watched their reunion, his stone heart feeling heavier than it usually did. He heard Fate tell Zerina that Thor and Odin were still searching for Zeus, and as soon as he was found, one of them would carry her home.
He shook his head as if they could see him. Zerina would never see home again.
“I’m not going.” Zerina’s firm voice had him mirroring her family’s reaction.
“What do you mean, you’re not going?” Fated demanded, staring at her daughter as if she had lost her mind.
“She doesn’t want to leave Hades.” Valentine stared at his daughter, not in shock, but in sorrow. The saint could see what her mother couldn’t.
Fate’s lips tightened. “Do you see Hades here?”
Hades furiously paced across his office, listening to Fate berate Zerina.
“No, but I don’t care.” Zerina proudly faced her mother and father. “I love him. I no longer desire to go home. I want to return to Hades.”
“That’s not an option.” Fate’s voice rose. “My daughter is not going to go begging on his doorstep to gain entrance.”