Pan struggled against the bindings. “We’re gods, Coral. We can go wherever we want.”
Coral’s eyes grew intense, like black pools of swirling ink. “Ask yourself this: Where is your true home? Is it some mansion in the mortal world, or the primordial forest that birthed you?”
Pan grew limp in the river reed’s grasp. Water was not his domain, so Coral had the upper hand. Besides that, she was right. The mansion wasn’t his home. But he felt no draw to his old forest. The only draw was to Syrinx. “I haven’t forgotten my home, I’ve moved on. Wherever Syrinx is, that’s my home.” The truth hit him hard, pricking goose bumps on his skin until he knew he wouldn’t be happy until he was with her. “I can’t live without her.”
Shock, disbelief, then disappointment registered in her black eyes. Coral released her grasp and floated a distance away. “What have I done? I’ve ruined both of you.”
Pan realized when he struggled, it only provoked the river reeds to wind tighter around him, so he calmed and tried to talk some sense into her. “All you did was tell me where to find her. We made our own decisions.”
Coral shook her head and continued to babble as if she didn’t hear him. “I have to fix it, make it right. Parker Thomas and Sylvia Rain must cease to exit. You have to be Pan, and Syrinx has to come back to her river. I have to apologize to Syrinx for telling you her destination. I have to tell her the truth.”
“No!” Pan knew Coral wasn’t sorry for what she’d done. She only thought about what she wanted: which was Pan back in his forest and Syrinx disgusted with him. She wanted to apologize to break them up, not out of some sense of duty. Fury rolled over him.
Pan called upon the wildness inside him, letting it reign free. He gave himself up to the beast within him. His arms and legs grew thick. His hair grew past his shoulders, fanning out around his face. The river reeds broke around his bulging muscles.
Coral’s eyes widened, and she swam for the surface.
“You’re not going anywhere.” Pan pursued her, kicking to gain momentum. Coral swam like a fish, and he was out of his element, his god form slowing him down with the extra weight. The river seemed to go on forever, and the sun was a distant sparkle in the darkness above. Pan cut through the water with each stroke, pulling himself up.
Coral broke the surface and swam to shore until he could see her bare feet no longer. He was losing her, and he couldn’t have her telling Syrinx the truth. That was his job, and his alone.
Pan reached for the sun and broke through to clear air. He coughed up the water in his lungs and breathed. Coral ran on the banks, skirting the forest, for that was his domain. She must have used all her power to lure him here, because she headed toward the gate that bound the two worlds. She couldn’t blink herself back to his mansion.
Pan climbed from the water to the shore. He had time, and he could run like the north wind. The woods were his element, his domain. Gaining momentum, Pan followed Coral down the banks. Other river nymphs turned their heads from their fishing, but Pan chasing after a female was a sight they’d seen before. With one look, they turned back to watching the water.
Pan broke through a cloud of glitter fairies and jumped over a log. He landed in front of Coral, stopping her in her tracks. “You will not meddle in my affairs any longer.”
Behind her, roots from the trees on the edge of the forest crept toward her feet.
Coral’s eyes widened as if she’d jumped in water over her head and forgotten how to swim. Pan was out of her league. She’d reached too high and come up empty-handed.
“I only wanted you.” She spat at him as the roots circled around her.
Pan smiled. “There’s a lesson I’ve learned in the mortal world, from a wise man named Rutherford Hayes. You can’t take someone’s love. They must give it to you willingly.”
The roots climbed her legs. Coral screamed and fought them as they pulled her to the ground and dragged her into the forest.
May you remain in this realm until you vow never to meddle in others’ affairs.
Pan closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on getting back his mortal form. Cursing Coral had drained a lot of his power. As much as he expended, it wouldn’t hold her there for long. She’d find a way around the curse. Coral may be creepy and hardheaded, but she wasn’t stupid. Pan had to get to the party and get Syrinx alone to tell her the truth.
Chapter Fifteen Champagne
Red chiffon fell around Syrinx’s legs in soft waves as she stepped out of the limo. She’d chosen a strapless dress with a sequined bodice that clung to her body and pushed up her pale breasts until they swelled. Between her breasts lay the single river pearl her mother had given her eons ago. It was clearly the sexiest outfit she’d ever worn in her life. And for once, she didn’t mind.
“Looks like he spared no expense.” Kaye got out and stood beside her, wearing a cute little black dress with a crossover-strapped front that reminded Syrinx of a sexy ninja suit. Despite her earlier worries, she had managed to wear three-inch heels.
“I’d say.” When they’d left, event planners were still scurrying around setting things up. A red carpet rolled from the front steps to the fountain. On either side, butlers wearing penguin tuxes greeted the partygoers as they ascended to the celebration. The doors to the estate were flung open, and the crystal chandelier inside glowed like a million diamonds in the sun.
Syrinx’s chest filled with butterflies, and she thought about Parker Thomas standing in there in what would be a gorgeous tux—because what else would he wear? He was in there, and he was waiting for her.
Twin limos pulled up beside them as theirs dropped them off. Men in sleek tuxes offered their arms to women in silk and lace.
“They have nothing on us.” Kaye took Syrinx’s arm. “Come on, let’s go in and celebrate our creation.”
They followed the stream of guests into the main foyer. Although they’d seen pieces of the display while they were working on their roses, nothing compared to the splendor and excitement of the full effect. A fountain stood where the vase had been. Three dolphin statues gushed champagne from their mouths. Glasses were stacked in beautiful geometric designs for the guests to help themselves. To the right, a rock band played a swoony love ballad on blue and red guitars, and a lead singer who looked like Johnny Depp—feathered pirate hat and all— crooned. The roses complemented the whole affair, bringing a sense of romance, nature, and freshness to the room.
People danced around them, and Syrinx scanned their faces for Parker. Every time an almond-haired man in a tux turned around, she was disappointed. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know.” Kaye reached for a cheese plate. “He’s probably busy with some guests. He threw this party for his clients, right?”
“Right.” Syrinx passed on a tray of mini lobster cakes. Her stomach somersaulted, and food wasn’t necessary for a god. So why push it?
Kaye started a conversation with a young man admiring an ice sculpture of a stag. Syrinx took that opportunity to investigate. She walked up to a pair of ladies leaning on the Steinway piano in the back.
“Good evening, ladies.” She offered her hand. “Sylvia Rain.”
The dark-haired woman on the right took her hand. “Marlie Todd.” She gestured to her friend. “This is Christy Baker.”
“Nice to meet you.” She pretended to admire the band and then turned back to them. “Are you clients of Mr. Thomas?”
“Heck no,” Marlie scoffed. “I don’t even know what he does. He just walked by our coffee table and dropped the invitation.”
“That’s strange.” Maybe he was looking for new clients? Targeting young woman who might someday want fertility treatments? It seemed a long stretch for someone who seemingly had everything.
Marlie raised an eyebrow and looked at her stomach. “Are you one of his clients?”
“No, no, no.” Syrinx blushed. “I’m the florist. Along with my assistant over there. We set up all the roses.”
“Shut up!”
Christy smacked her arm, and Syrinx took a step back. “They’re gorgeous. You have a great talent, girl.”
“Thank you, I think?” Although her arm stung where Christy smacked her, Syrinx beamed with pride.
“So, you’ve met Mr. Thomas then?” Marlie’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “I hear his job as a fertility Doctor is a cover. Tell me, do you see anyone at this party who’s pregnant? Word is, he’s actually a famous director from Hollywood and he’s staged this party to scout for talent.”
Syrinx stared at her as if she’d grown two heads. “Where did you hear that?”
Marlie shrugged. “Around.”
“And I heard he’s back from a tour of Afghanistan, where he’d won a Purple Heart.”
“Now, that can’t be true.” Syrinx shook her head and eyed the champagne fountain. Looked like she was going to need it.
Christy popped a lobster cake in her mouth and chewed as she spoke. “Well, I heard he built this entire property, gardens and all, for a long-lost, unrequited love.”
Jealousy tinged Syrinx’s gut with poison. “Now that’s definitely not true.” If he had, he would have told her about it, wouldn’t he?
Marlie hugged her friend. “Poor Christy just read The Great Gatsby, so she has unrequited love and big mansions on her mind.”
“I see.” Syrinx edged away from the piano. Hanging with these two was turning unhealthy, putting outrageous ideas in her head. “Well, I’ve got to be going. I have to check on the rose display.”
“There he is!” Marlie pointed to the top of the stairs. Around them, everyone gasped and clapped as Parker Thomas raised both his hands in salute. He looked drop-dead gorgeous in a black tux cut just right with a red vest and tie that matched her dress perfectly. Good thing Syrinx didn’t get her champagne yet, because she would have dropped her glass on her heels.
Parker’s eyes scanned the crowd and landed directly on her. He raised his eyebrows suggestively. For a moment, they were the only two people in the room. He looked at her the way someone would look at perfection, the way every woman wants to be looked at. Syrinx held her breath, and her face and neck heated. Parker broke the eye contact and descended the stairs, greeting guest by guest. Every step he took brought him closer to her.
Someone grabbed her arm, and she whirled around. Kaye sipped a glass of champagne. “Looks like someone decided to match tonight.”
“I didn’t plan it at all.” Syrinx blinked in confusion. “It must be a coincidence.”
“Coincidence or not, it makes you two look like you’re an item.” Indeed, every woman in the room was eyeing her with a mix of awe and jealousy.
Kaye laughed. “Like it or not, you’re clearly his date.”
Syrinx liked it. A lot. Too much. She almost forgot to ask Kaye about her mystery man. “What happened to Mr. Ice Sculpture?”
“He’s getting us two more drinks.” Kaye downed the rest of hers.
Syrinx eyed the empty glass like a mother looking at her daughter at a wedding. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay tonight?”
“Yes, mom.” Kaye rolled her eyes. “I’m a grown-up, you know. I may not be as old as you, but I’m getting there.” She pushed Syrinx closer toward Parker. “Go.” Kaye kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. “I dare you to have the time of your life.”
Parker met her halfway, right on the dance floor. His arms slid around her as he leaned down and brought his lips to her ear to speak over the music. “You look stunning.”
Her ear burned where his lips had touched. She wanted to get closer to him and smell his wild, spicy scent, feel his hard abs against her thin dress. “You look amazing yourself.”
He smiled as if he her compliment meant the world to him. “Want to dance?”
Syrinx put her hands behind his neck and ran her fingers through his wavy hair. “Absolutely.”
They slow danced as the band played behind them. Syrinx rested her head on his chest, listening to the pulse of his heart. So slow, so steady. Did it beat for her? Thinking about that sent shivers through her body until Parker pulled her closer and buried his face in her hair.
“Just friends, huh?” He sounded melancholy and whimsical at the same time.
Syrinx brought her gaze up to match his. She was ready for this. “Maybe more.”
Intensity burned in his gaze as her words registered. The song ended, and he released his hold reluctantly. “Want a drink?”
“Sure.” They walked to the fountain, and Parker pulled two cups from the display. He handed her one with a mischievous spark in his eyes. “You’ll have to fish for your own.”
Syrinx took the glass and the challenge. She raised her arm up to catch the spray from one of the dolphin’s mouths. The pressure behind the stream changed, and the liquid shot over her glass. She yelped as some got on her wrist, then laughed. “It’s harder than it looks.”
He picked up her hand and kissed the champagne off. “I had it adjusted for this occasion to make it a little tricky. Keeps the party interesting.”
Syrinx’s knees weakened with his lips on her wrist. She took her hand back before she turned into Jell-O and refocused on filling her glass. Once it was full, Parker filled his own. He turned to her, but his expression had lost the earlier lust. “Can we talk someplace quiet?”
Syrinx glanced at Kaye. Her assistant laughed beside Mr. Ice Sculpture, placing a flirtatious hand on his chest every so often. She had told Syrinx to get lost for a while—in her own sweet words of course. “Okay.”
Parker led her up the stairs to a side room with a balcony overlooking the eastern gardens. He closed the door behind them so no one would follow.
The pale moon glowed iridescent silver in the sky. The night was quiet besides the dull clamor inside and the crickets in the bushes below.
Parker stood next to her on the balcony, leaning on his elbows against the railing as if enjoying the view. “Finally, we’re alone. I thought I’d explode in that crowd trying to get your complete and undivided attention.”
Syrinx turned toward him. “You have it now.”
“I know.” He rubbed his fingertip along the rim of his champagne glass and studied the bubbly liquid as if collecting his thoughts.
Syrinx’s heart beat so fast and hard she thought it would thump a hole in her chest. She wanted to shout get it out already! But she knew to give him his time.
When Parker looked up at her, sincere affection filled his gaze. “Ever since I laid eyes on you, I knew you were special. Before I met you, I was in a haze with no real purpose. No one stood out as important to me, and so all I cared about was myself.” He shook his head. “I was a self-centered, arrogant asshole.” He turned back to her and picked up her hand. “You’ve changed my life and the way I see the world.”
Syrinx thought that was too much of a compliment. They’d only gone to see a poet, to a funeral, and bowling. It wasn’t as though she’d saved his life or given him any kind of dissertation on morality. “Let me guess: you were a playboy before you met me?”
He looked away, and a small, secret smile escaped his lips. “Of sorts. I couldn’t tell you about my past because you’d have never given me a chance.”
Syrinx rolled her eyes. Maybe this was all too good to be true. “Don’t tell me you already have a secret girlfriend?”
Parker laughed, almost spitting out his champagne. “No. Not besides you.”
“Or that you’ve been damaged by war?”
He shook his head as if his ears didn’t hear her correctly. “No. That’s not true, either. Who’ve you been talking to?”
Syrinx gestured toward the door. “Your own partygoers.”
“I see.” He turned around so his back leaned on the balcony. “Well, they’re all wrong about me. Everyone is.”
“So what is the truth?”
Parker froze, and for a moment, it looked as though he was going to tell her everything.
He opened his mouth to speak, and the door flung open behi
nd them. A high school boy in a white caterer’s jacket poked his head in. “I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Thomas. I’ve been looking for you all over the place.”
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s the champagne fountain, sir. It’s leaking.”
“Well, put a towel on it and turn it off.”
The boy scratched his head awkwardly. “We can’t. It’s spraying all the guests and we can’t find the plug.”
“The plug? Oh yes, the plug. Why hadn’t I thought of that?” Parker ran a hand through his hair as though he’d made a mistake. But how could he have? It wasn’t his fault they couldn’t find the plug.
The boy blinked in confusion. “There is a plug, right? It does run on electricity?”
“Of course, what else would it run on?” Parker placed a hand on the boy’s back. “Let’s go fix it.” He turned to Syrinx. “I’ll be right back.”
Syrinx nodded, the weight of his words finally sinking in. She was special to him. “I’ll be waiting.”
After Parker left, Syrinx plopped down on a lawn chair at the end of the balcony. What was he going to tell her? Did it really matter? The past was the past, right? What was important was that they had each other now.
By the time the door opened again, a symphony of crickets congregated underneath Syrinx’s balcony like a million little Romeos. Syrinx turned toward the door, stifling a current of annoyance. How long did it take to mop up some champagne?
But it wasn’t Parker.
Chapter Sixteen Endless Forest
Kaye poked her head out, and Syrinx pushed the lawn chair back and stood. Something must be wrong.
“I’ve been looking for you for forever.” Kaye pushed through the door. “What are you doing out here? And why are those crickets so loud?”
Nervous energy zapped through Syrinx. “What’s the matter?”
“The fountain fell on Parker while he was trying to fix it. A few of the larger guests lifted it off him and carried him to his bed. We were going to call for an ambulance, but he insists he’s fine. He told me to come get you.”
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