Deep Water

by Nicola Cameron

  Evernight Publishing ®

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2015 Nicola Cameron

  ISBN: 978-1-77233-458-6

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Karyn White

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To Patrick and Nathan, who proved that love is worth waiting for.

  DEEP WATER

  Olympic Cove, 3

  Nicola Cameron

  Copyright © 2015

  Prologue

  Poseidon, God of the Sea, glared at the shimmering silver net surrounding him. “Well, this is another fine mess you’ve gotten us into,” he said to the dolphin floating at his side.

  Delphinus let out an offended squeak. It translated to, “It’s not my fault you plunged in here without looking, lord. I told you that fish was behaving oddly.”

  Poseidon studied the coral walls around them with annoyance. He’d been out for a day of sport fishing with Delphinus, mainly to get his mind off his recent breakup with the Nereid Thetis. The weather was perfect for chasing down the canny fish that thronged the Mediterranean, and after spotting a choice bluefin the sea god had set off in hot pursuit, Delphinus in his wake.

  The bluefin had lured them on a merry chase before diving down into a thick knot of seaweed. Poseidon and Delphinus had followed, swimming straight into a small coral grotto thickly carpeted with lichen, seaweed, and sponges. The plant life had cushioned their abrupt stop, but neither god nor dolphin had noticed the enchanted net lining the walls until it snapped closed behind them. “You didn’t say it was leading us into a trap.”

  “Why yes, this is true,” Delphinus said, rolling his eyes. “I humbly beg your pardon for not having godly senses that are supposed to detect magic nets like this one, lord. I’ll work on that in the future.”

  Ignoring the cetacean sarcasm, Poseidon poked a finger into the gleaming net. It had only contracted at the entrance to the grotto, giving them more than enough room to move. But the silvery net wouldn’t tear, no matter how hard he pulled on it. Using the sharp tines of his trident to rip at the deceptively fragile strands had the same result. Whoever had created this cage was a clever being indeed.

  And as soon as I get out of it, Poseidon thought grimly, I’m going to track down that clever being and beat him bloody.

  “Problems?”

  Both Poseidon and Delphinus startled, turning towards the figure that was now hovering just outside the grotto’s entrance. “Amphitrite?” Poseidon said, drifting closer. “What are you doing here?”

  “Waiting for you,” the Nereid said, tucking a lock of dark hair behind one ear. She wore a clinging wisp of fabric that did nothing to hide her feminine curves, and her eyes were bright in a preternaturally lovely face. “Took you long enough to stumble into my trap, sea lord. I’m going to have to feed that bluefin for weeks, now.”

  Delphinus muttered something uncomplimentary at that, and Poseidon glared at both of them. “Is this because I broke things off with Thetis?” he asked, annoyed. “I assure you I meant no insult to your sister, but I cannot marry her—”

  Amphitrite held up a slender hand. “Because of the prophecy about her son overthrowing his father. I know. This has nothing to do with Thetis.”

  That gave Poseidon pause. Brows furrowed, he studied the beautiful sea nymph floating outside his prison. Her father Nereus was a primal sea god, and he and his fifty daughters were allies of the Olympian Gods. Poseidon had considered himself a welcome presence among them.

  Until now, that is. “If this isn’t about Thetis, then what is it about?” he said.

  Amphitrite pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Two things. I wanted to ask you a question. And I want something from you.”

  Poseidon kicked closer, curling his fingers into the silvery netting. “Locking me in a bespelled net isn’t making me feel forthcoming or generous, Nereid,” he growled.

  She seemed impervious to his irritation. “I’m aware of that. But the last time I tried to talk to you in private, Thetis swooped in before I got the chance. The next thing I knew, the two of you were engaged.” Amphitrite tilted her head to the side, giving him an impish look. “I didn’t want that to happen again. Thus, the net.”

  Poseidon tugged again on the strands, to no effect. She had obviously gone to some lengths in order to capture him. In a strange way, he supposed he should be flattered. “All right, you have my attention,” he said, giving her an imperious look. “What is your question?”

  “Why did you court Thetis instead of me?”

  That was not a question he had expected. Recovering, he said, “I needed a consort. Thetis was not only beautiful and accomplished, but she was also the eldest daughter of one of my strongest allies. I thought she would suit the role well.”

  Amphitrite’s eyes narrowed. “And I wouldn’t?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “But you never considered me for the role of consort.”

  Poseidon considered his delicate cage. Eventually someone would notice he was missing and come in search of him, and it wasn’t as if he could drown or starve. Best to tell the nymph the truth, harsh as it might be. “Actually, I did,” he said. “But Thetis struck me as more ... biddable.”

  Amphitrite snorted, silver bubbles streaming from her nose. “You obviously don’t know my sister all that well,” she said. “I’m aware she’s known as Thetis the Kind, but the last part is something of a misnomer.”

  Poseidon remembered the unpleasant scene in Nereus’s private garden when he’d returned his Nereid’s Band to Thetis, explaining why he was breaking their engagement. She had flung the heavy silver bracelet at his head, screeching imprecations at him until he’d fled. “As I’ve discovered. Whereas you are known as Amphitrite the Wise.” He plucked a strand of the net meaningfully. “A wise woman wouldn’t trap a god in something as flimsy as a net.”

  Amphitrite folded her arms across what he had to admit was a rather luscious cleavage. “She would if it was the only way of learning the truth. So you have no interest in me whatsoever.”

  Poseidon sighed, blinking against the rush of bubbles. “I didn’t say that either. You’re lovely, and obviously you’re extremely clever. But you’re also very strong-willed, and I’ve heard tales of your skill with weaponry. The god who marries you will not have a quiet marriage.”

  He had thought she would be offended at his assessment. Instead, she dimpled. “Is that truly such a bad thing, sea lord?” she said. “A pretty bedmate who will adorn your home is all well and good, but wouldn’t it be better to have a strong consort who will fight at your side and give you able children?”

  Poseidon went very still. “And who will I be fighting, Amphitrite?”

  Her dimples disappeared. “I’ve served at my father’s table far too long not to know of your struggles with the Titans,” she said, her tone serious. “You and your brothers and sisters will not be able to co-exist for much longer with Kronos and his ilk. Eventually, you will be forced to fight them for dominion. When that happens, I would prefer to be by your side, as I have fought by my father’s side.” She bit her lower lip. “I admit, sea lord, I do not wish to watch you die at the hands of the Titans.”

  “I ... see.” Poseidon had assumed that her earlier attentiveness during his visits was due to his s
tatus as guest and God of the Sea. Apparently he had been wrong.

  He quickly reassessed his opinion of the Nereid. True, Thetis had seemed sweeter and more pliable than her headstrong younger sister. But Amphitrite demonstrated a loyalty and strength of character that would serve better in a consort.

  And Gaia, she truly was lovely. “I had no idea you felt this way about me, Amphitrite. I wish you’d said something earlier.”

  One corner of her mouth curved upwards. “As I already said, I tried. But Thetis got to you first.”

  “But she doesn’t have me any longer.”

  “No, she doesn’t.” Amphitrite smiled. “Which leads me to my second item.”

  Poseidon realized he’d never seen Nereus’s second daughter truly smile before. Her glorious sunburst of an expression made him feel as if a bolt of his brother’s lightning had pierced his heart. “Yes, you want something from me,” he said, unable not to smile back. “You don’t strike me as the type to ask for trinkets like pearls or jewelry. Do you want a trident of your own? A chariot? Or perhaps an island to rule as queen? I suspect you’d do well with that.”

  The Nereid laughed softly. “Nothing as complicated as all that. I want a kiss.”

  Delphinus made a surprised squeak. Even Poseidon wasn’t sure that he’d heard the request right. “A kiss?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Yes.”

  He thought for a moment. “Before I give you my answer, may I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Why go to all these lengths, risking my displeasure and your father’s anger, for a kiss?”

  She kicked closer to the net, hovering just out of reach. “If I had shown up at your palace and asked you for this boon, you probably would have kissed me, yes.” One dark eyebrow rose roguishly. “And it’s very likely you would have taken me to bed afterwards. But the last thing I want to be is one of your assorted conquests. I want you to take me seriously, to see that I’m worthy of becoming your consort, not simply bedsport.”

  Delphinus nudged him. “She’s more than worthy, lord,” the dolphin said. “And if I may point out, she’s a better match for you than Thetis.”

  Poseidon considered their words. “I see that now. And I acknowledge your worthiness, Amphitrite. So yes, you can have a kiss.” He let a thread of playfulness enter his voice. “The question is, where would you like it?”

  She blushed, but the tip of her tongue also emerged, touching her upper lip. “I’m overwhelmed with choices, sea lord,” she said in a teasing tone. “But for this first one, I think on my lips would be best.”

  The promise of more kisses to come was a welcome one. “Well then,” Poseidon said, pressing closer to the netting. “Come claim your kiss, Amphitrite.”

  Amphitrite mimicked his movement, and their lips met in a gap between the silver strands. Poseidon knew perfectly well that the water remained calm, that a whirlpool hadn’t formed and sucked them into its churning recesses, that his heart remained inside his chest instead of bursting free.

  And yet he would have sworn that all those things happened when his lips touched hers. When he finally, reluctantly pulled back from Amphitrite’s soft mouth he was no longer the same god who had been captured by the clever, beautiful Nereid. Poseidon had been reborn, and this rebirth was one of love.

  He guessed from the glow on Amphitrite’s face that she had experienced the same overwhelming epiphany. “Did you know that would happen?” he asked.

  “I wasn’t sure, but I hoped it would,” she said, her fingers closing over his where they gripped the netting. “Thetis wasn’t the only one to receive a prophecy, you see. The Oracle told me that we were fated to be agapetos.”

  Agapetos, seafolk soul mates, fated to be together to fulfill a destiny. Powerful as he was, Poseidon felt humbled at the thought. Not even Zeus himself had been granted such a boon. “I was a fool to court Thetis. Will you ever forgive me?”

  Amphitrite shook her head, her dark hair drifting on the current. “I was a fool to let her anywhere near you after we received our prophecies. Will you ever forgive me?”

  He shook his head. “There’s nothing to forgive, beloved.”

  Another one of those sunburst smiles. “Then you have your answer as well. Now that we have that settled, I need to let you out.” She pursed her lips and let out a squeaky warbling note. The netting came apart, slithering around her wrist until it reformed as a heavy silver bracelet. Poseidon recognized it as the twin to the one that Thetis had flung at his head. All of Nereus’s daughters wore the bracelets, but Poseidon knew full well that the sea god hadn’t invested any of them with this sort of power. Probably Hephaestus’s work. Never mind, it all ended well.

  Delphinus gave an easy kick, sliding free of the cave. “With your permission, lord, I’ll go up to the surface and breathe for a bit,” he said.

  Poseidon narrowed his eyes at the dolphin. “You know you can breathe water perfectly well when you’re with me.”

  “Yes, lord, but I really think I should go up. You know.” Delphinus twitched his head at Amphitrite. “Away for a while?”

  The drachma dropped. “Oh. Yes, you’re dismissed.”

  Delphinus shot towards the surface, muttering something about not being able to put sandals on without help. Poseidon grinned at his old friend’s wake, then turned back to the Nereid.

  “So,” he said. “I believe I need to go see your father and ask for your hand.”

  “That would be a good idea.” Amphitrite slid into his arms, pulling him close. Her breasts were a delightful weight against his chest, and his cock twitched at the thought of caressing them. “Just so you know, I’m not averse to a quick wedding. We already had things planned for you and Thetis, after all.”

  “Good to know. And afterwards?”

  She kissed him, setting off that lovely soaring passion again. “Afterwards, I’m all yours. There is one thing, however.”

  “What?”

  “The Oracle also said that we would have a third mate, and that it would be the end and beginning of happiness for us.” A small wrinkle formed between her brows. “I’m not sure what that means, but it doesn’t sound good.”

  “The Fates rarely send good news, I’ve noticed,” Poseidon said, kissing the wrinkle away. “We’ll deal with it when we find her.”

  “Or him.”

  “Or him,” Poseidon said indulgently. “In the meantime, however, we have a wedding to plan.”

  “And a wedding night to enjoy.” Amphitrite gazed up at him, love and need in her eyes. “And afterwards?”

  “Afterwards, we spend our lives in wedded bliss.” He kissed her again, savoring everything promised by her lips. “After all, we’re fated mates. How could we not be happy together?”

  Chapter One

  Three gods sat in a tidy cottage kitchen, sharing a bottle of rather fine wine.

  This wasn't unusual for that particular kitchen. With mid-afternoon sunlight playing on copper pots and aged wooden cabinets, the room radiated a certain cheerful homeliness that could make even a divine being feel welcome. And if pressed, Poseidon (God of the Sea, Earth-Shaker, Lord of Horses, et al.) was willing to admit that he felt surprisingly comfortable in his sons' oh-so-mortal dwelling.

  He definitely appreciated the vintage of wine he was about to receive. Admiring the play of sunlight on garnet liquid, he nodded his satisfaction when the glass was half full.

  The god across from him stopped pouring, putting the bottle back on the table. Poseidon found the simple act entertaining. After millennia of being served by daimons, the invisible spirits of the air that tended the gods of Olympus, he wasn’t used to corporeal hands doing something as mundane as pouring him a glass of wine.

  Especially when those hands belonged to Ian West, the new Atlantian God. And, by an incredible concatenation of events that even I find hard to believe, my son-in-law.

  He sipped the wine, enjoying the rich, earthy tas
te of an excellent Merlot. “From your wine cellar, I take it?” he said to the other occupant of the table.

  The sea demigod Bythos nodded. “I thought it would help, considering what we’re here to discuss,” he said.

  “Mm.” Poseidon’s pleasure in the day receded. “I take it you have new information about the cause of Thetis’s madness?”

  “We do,” Bythos said. “Nick was able to study her venom in more detail while he was being held in her lair.”

  Dr. Nick Gardiner was a friend of Ian’s and a specialist in emergency medicine. Fleeing Chicago after a bad breakup with a psychotic ex-lover, Nick barely had time to unpack before he had become the Bearer of the Rod of Asclepius, discovered that he was the fated mate of two handsome mermen, and been kidnapped by Thetis and forced to study her venom. “He said it contained some kind of nanotechnology,” Bythos continued. “That’s—”

  “I know what nanotechnology is,” Poseidon said absently. “That is a surprise. But it does explain how she’s been able to turn various creatures into monsters. Do we know how she obtained it in the first place?”

  “Unfortunately, no,” Bythos said. “Nick wasn’t able to analyze it in any real depth.”

  Ian gave his mate a defensive look. “Well, you can’t blame Nick for that. He had to do everything through Pythia and the Rod. It’s not like he had access to a lab.”

  “I’m not blaming him, beloved,” Bythos said reassuringly. “Frankly, I’m just glad he got out of there alive.”

  “Unlike Claire,” Ian muttered. “Dammit, I wish I could’ve helped her.”

  Bythos reached out, covering Ian’s hand with his own. “There’s no guarantee you could have saved her,” he said. “From what Nick said, the venom was much farther advanced in her than it had been in me.”