Deep Water

by Nicola Cameron

  She noticed the very tips of his tail fluke twitching slightly. The mer’s face was serenely handsome, but she knew mer body language. That sort of twitching indicated nervousness.

  She took a gamble and put on her best winsome expression. “Oh, dear. Poseidon had asked me to catch up with him before he left, you see. Unfortunately I was delayed,” she said. A stroke of brilliance struck her. “And I had been so looking forward to meeting his friend. It isn’t often that he brings someone here, as I’m sure you know.”

  Cam’s eyebrows rose slightly. “I have to admit, the human did surprise me somewhat,” he said. “But I’m not one to question m’lord’s tastes, of course.”

  “Of course,” Amphitrite said encouragingly. “But Poseidon does like to give his favored mortals a treat every now and then. And really, I suppose a trip to this beautiful palace would certainly count as a treat.”

  A faint smile played over the mer’s lips. “The human did seem quite impressed,” Cam allowed. “His head kept swiveling so much I was afraid it would fall off at some point.”

  His head? Poseidon had brought a man to the palace? “Out of curiosity, how did the human strike you?” she said, sounding casual.

  Cam frowned in thought. “I didn’t really speak to him, but he seemed pleasant enough for a landwalker. He had the most striking hair, a mix of silver and black.”

  So the mystery visitor was middle aged. That was frustratingly unhelpful. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but was Poseidon annoyed at my tardiness?”

  Cam’s lips pursed. “I can’t really say, my lady. My lord left early this morning and took the human with him. After the amount of wine they drank last night, I thought the least they would want was a good breakfast, but they were both gone when the maid went to wake them. Do you know when m’lord’s expected to return?”

  Amphitrite’s expression froze. They were both gone when the maid went to wake them. Had they slept together in Poseidon’s bedroom? Was this simply yet another bed partner for her husband and nothing to do with Medusa after all?

  And yet Poseidon had seemed so eager when he’d come to her condo. If she could credit him with nothing else, she would admit that he had always been discreet about his flings. She couldn’t see him dangling something as trivial as a new lover in her face. “I’m afraid I don’t know, either. But once I catch up with him, I’ll have him contact you as soon as he can.”

  Cam bowed, resting a hand over his heart. “Thank you, my lady. The staff can handle most issues, of course, but every household functions more smoothly when there is a firm hand at the tiller.”

  That didn’t help the Titanic. But she smiled and took her leave, porting directly to the waters of Olympic Cove. If Poseidon had a mortal in tow and wasn’t on Olympus or at his undersea palace, then the boys’ cottage was the next most likely location.

  But the tidy blue and white cottage was empty, much to her annoyance. She nibbled on her lip as she stood at the back porch door, wondering where else to search for her husband.

  “Amphitrite?”

  Turning, she spotted Nick standing on the deck of his own cottage, waving. “Hello, Nick. Did I disturb you?”

  “Nope. I was about to hop in the shower and grab dinner before I headed into work when I saw you. I thought you might be looking for the guys.”

  She nodded belatedly, remembering that the Bearer of the Rod of Asclepius had a mortal job at one of the local hospitals. “Actually, I was looking for Poseidon. I don’t suppose you’ve seen him?”

  Nick frowned. “Uh, not since the Fourth. But he’s been hanging out at Griffin’s place a lot. You might want to check over there.”

  Her eyebrows went up. Poseidon had mentioned a Griffin, hadn’t he? Could this be the mystery human? “Where does this Griffin live?”

  Nick turned, pointing at a lime green cottage further down the beach. “Right over there.”

  And the mystery deepens. “Thank you, Nick. I’ll see if he’s there,” she said, starting towards the green cottage.

  “Hold on.”

  She paused as the doctor jogged down the stairs to her. “One thing before you go, and please keep this between us,” he said, lowering his voice. “Griffin is very ill. Terminal brain tumor. He has maybe six weeks left.”

  Amphitrite felt a fleeting sense of regret. Mortals had such short lives, poor things. “Thank you for letting me know. I won’t make any thoughtless comments.”

  “Yeah, that’s good, but—” Nick hesitated. “Look, I don’t know the details, but Poseidon seems to like him a lot. They’ve been sailing together, and I think he’s been going out on the boat just to make sure Griffin didn’t pass out or fall overboard.”

  She tried to absorb this information. Her proud, arrogant mate who had never been overly fond of mortals had apparently befriended a terminally ill human. A male one of middle age, no less, so she couldn’t even accuse him of trying to get a frail young maiden into bed to relieve her of her maidenhead.

  Except that if this Griffin was the same human who had spent the night at their palace, then he had possibly spent time in Poseidon’s bed after all. It was mystifying. And what did all of this have to do with their lost agapetos?

  “Why are you telling me all this?” she asked, curious.

  Nick shrugged. “Griffin is a nice guy,” he said, “and I would appreciate it if you didn’t go over there in full Goddess mode and, I dunno, turn him into a crab or something. I don’t know what’s going on with Poseidon and him, but whatever it is, it’ll be over soon.”

  Suddenly her suspicions seemed ridiculous. “Unless Poseidon’s tastes have changed dramatically, I don’t think he’s attracted to middle-aged mortal men,” she said. “But even if I’m wrong and they are lovers, I promise you that I won’t take it out on this Griffin.”

  Nick relaxed. “Thanks.”

  “You’re quite welcome.” She eyed the sinking sun. “You’d best get to your dinner. I’ll see you and your mates next week.”

  “Okay. Take care.” With a parting wave, Nick went back inside.

  Alone, Amphitrite considered the green building down the beach. I have no idea what you’re up to, Poseidon, but I find myself curious to meet this mortal friend of yours.

  Kicking off her shoes, she picked them up and headed towards the green cottage.

  ****

  Griffin sat on the cottage’s screened porch, watching the dusk gather on the horizon and wondering where Poseidon was.

  No, let’s be honest here. You’re wondering if he’s all right.

  They’d just finished the curry when both Poseidon and Aphros’s heads rose like greyhounds catching the scent of a rabbit. Aphros had bolted out of his chair, speeding through the porch and discarding clothes as he went.

  “What the hell?” Griffin had said, staring out the window at the sight of a now-nude Aphros diving into the water. Moments later a huge silvery tail burst up, slapping the water once before disappearing beneath it. “What’s going on?”

  Poseidon had glared at the cove with a thunderous expression. “It’s Thetis.”

  The name sounded familiar, something out of Greek mythology. Before Griffin could ask anything else, though, Poseidon had grabbed him and kissed him once, fast and ruthless.

  When they separated, Poseidon said, “If you don’t hear from me in a day, get on a direct flight to Athens. Go to the Parthenon as soon as you land and call out for Athena. Tell her that I charge her by Zeus Horkios to protect you, for your past service if for nothing else.”

  “What? Why?” Even feeling better, the idea of him getting on another trans-Atlantic flight was out of the question. “What’s going on?”

  “I’ll explain it to you later, beloved.” With a final kiss, the sea god had left the cottage, following the path of his son. As Griffin watched from the window, Poseidon’s linen slacks and polo shirt disappeared, replaced by a chiton topped with bronze greaves, breastplate, and gauntlets. He reached into empty air and pulled out a classic Gree
k helmet with nosepiece and metal crest. Clapping it on his head, he reached out again and pulled back a massive gold trident. Now armed, he strode into the water and disappeared beneath the waves.

  Griffin gripped the windowsill, wondering what the hell was going on. If it was serious enough that Poseidon thought something might happen to him—

  His throat tightened. He’s the bloody God of the Sea. Nothing’s going to happen to him, dammit.

  But it left Griffin on his own to worry. He’d spent the rest of the afternoon doing some research on his smartphone, with occasional tea breaks out on the deck to watch the water. Reaching for his mug, he realized it was empty. He grabbed it and headed into the kitchen, turning lights on as he went. When all else fails, the British make tea.

  He’d just started pouring hot water into his now teabag-stuffed mug when someone knocked on the back door. It made him jump, splashing hot water over the counter. Cursing, he tossed a dishcloth over the puddle before hurrying to the door. It’s probably Nick checking up on me. God, I’m not in the mood for company—

  He opened the back door, ready to tell his neighbor that he was fine, and stopped. A stunning brunette stood on his deck, one elegant fist still raised from knocking on his door.

  His heartbeat lurched, then pounded in his chest as he recognized her from his dreams. Amphitrite. Poseidon’s consort, and his own long-lost agapetos. Her clothes and hairstyle were far more modern than the ones she’d had in his dream, but he would never forget her face. Christ, you’re lovely.

  “Hello. I was looking for Griffin,” she said, eyes going wide. She shook her head. “I mean, I was looking for my … husband?”

  Griffin couldn’t stop staring at her, drinking her in. It was a physical ache, this need to pull her into his arms and kiss her. He forced himself to some semblance of calm. “Hello, Amphitrite.”

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “How do you know my name?”

  “I know a lot about you.” He tried to smile. “Well, I think I do, anyway. I don’t know how much of it is still valid, considering how I learned it. But yeah, I know who you are.” He stepped back, gesturing her inside. “Please, come in.”

  She moved past him without hesitation, still gazing at him. “You are Griffin, yes?”

  “Yeah, that’s me.” A notion of hospitality kicked in. “Uh, can I get you something to drink? I was just making tea.”

  “Tea? Oh. Yes, thank you.” With a visible effort she regained control of herself, following him to the kitchen.

  He gestured for her to sit down at one of the high stools lining the kitchen counter before refilling the electric kettle. As an afterthought he dumped out his half-made tea. “You said you’re looking for Poseidon?” he asked over his shoulder.

  When he turned, he realized she only been surprised before. This was the proper stunned expression of the Nereid Amphitrite.

  “You know his name?” she said.

  “Yes. And I know you’re his wife. And I know your boys Aphros and Bythos are sea centaurs, Ian’s a storm god, and there’s something bad going on out there that Poseidon has to deal with. That’s where he and Aphros are right now, I think.”

  She put a hand to her temple and went still. “Of course,” she finally said. “I’d felt something earlier, but then it disappeared. I thought I was imagining things.”

  Griffin gripped his tea mug. “Is he in danger?”

  “Poseidon? A month ago I would have said absolutely not. Now, however…” Her gaze cleared, and she focused on him again. “He’s very strong, though, and very cunning. I don’t think Thetis can overpower him, at least not yet.”

  That name again. “Thetis is a Nereid, isn’t she?” Griffin asked. “And your sister, according to Google.”

  Amphitrite hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. Thetis is the First Nereid, my oldest sister and a powerful sea goddess in her own right. But something happened to her a few years ago. It turned her into something monstrous.”

  The electric kettle clicked, catching his attention. “Let me get this tea made, and then I’d really like to hear the whole story, if you don’t mind.”

  He busied himself with the tea things, feeling Amphitrite’s attention on him like a gentle touch. When he added milk and sugar to his own mug, something told him to add only milk to hers. He stirred both mugs, then handed hers over.

  Their fingertips brushed, causing a wonderful tingle to crackle through his body. It was the same thing he’d felt the first time Poseidon had touched him.

  Judging by Amphitrite’s expression, she’d felt it as well. He grabbed his tea and sat on the stool next to hers. “You felt that, didn’t you? That spark?”

  “Yes.” Her reply was quiet, awed. “Do you know what it means?”

  “Yeah. I know this is going to be hard to believe, but apparently I’m the reincarnation of Medusa.”

  Amphitrite took in another ragged breath, her eyes glassy. “I know.”

  That surprised him. “You do?”

  She nodded. “I think I knew it when you answered the door. Your aura is faded from illness, but the shape and the colors are the same as hers.” She bit her lower lip. “And then you touched me, and I knew for sure.”

  The urge to take her in his arms and kiss her surged back, stronger than before. With an effort he restrained himself. “Is that all right? I mean, I know I’m not the woman you knew,” he said. “But apparently I’m still your agapetos, if you want me.” He glanced down at himself, wishing he’d put on something nicer than a t-shirt and shorts. “I know I’m not exactly a GQ model, but—”

  “Stop, please.” Her hand darted out, taking his. “If I want you? Beloved, I have wanted you for millennia. I will want you when you are old and grey. I will want you until the end of time. I don’t care what you look like.” She laughed, even as tears started to trickle down her cheeks. “You and Poseidon are the missing parts of my soul. How could I not want you?”

  He cupped her cheek and wiped the tears away. Her skin was silk. “Thank you,” he said, heartfelt. “I … God, you’re beautiful.”

  She leaned into his touch. “So are you. I don’t care what you say about your appearance. Your eyes are still the same. I always felt I could fall into them and drown.” She squeezed the hand she had captured. “How could you think I’d turn away from you?”

  He hesitated. But she had to know. “I look like this because I’m sick. Brain tumor. But Poseidon has a plan to fix that.”

  Her chin came up at that, and the soft light in her eyes sharpened. “Tell me.”

  He explained how he’d met the sea god, and Poseidon’s plan to find Apollo and have him cure the cancer. He wondered if he should gloss over the sex, but if she was his other mate then she would have to know about it. Hoping she wouldn’t be upset, he explained the reasoning behind his going to bed with Poseidon.

  “Divine seed,” she murmured, nodding. “Now that I think about it, it does make perfect sense.” She paused, oddly alert. “Did he give you a choice? Did you go to his bed willingly?”

  He understood the reason behind that question. “Yes, I did. I’m not really into blokes under normal circumstances, but even I have to admit the big bastard is damned sexy. And then there’s the whole agapetos thing. It took a bit of time for me to get my head around the idea, but yeah, I genuinely wanted him.” Griffin hesitated. “He told me everything about what happened with Medusa. I dreamed about some of it, the first time she saw you, and he explained the rest. I know he raped her, and she asked Athena to turn her into a Gorgon to stop Poseidon from ever trying it again. He apologized to me, and he swore by Gaia that he would never hurt me, or you, like that ever again. I think thousands of years of being alone were enough to drive the lesson home. I believed him. And I forgave him.”

  Amphitrite took in a slow breath, absorbing his words. “All right,” she said after a long pause. “Then can you forgive me as well? If I’d told him about you from the start, none of this would have happened.”

  He
could feel the wave of loneliness cresting from her. Poseidon hadn’t been the only one to suffer over the years. “If that’s what you need, then yes, I forgive you, too,” he said softly. “Even though I don’t think you did anything wrong.”

  “I do. But thank you, my love.” Her thumb rubbed across the back of his hand. “Did he treat you well this time?”

  “He did. He even got me to, um, come.” With some embarrassment he explained his erectile problem. “I still don’t understand how he did it, but I’m not going to argue with the results.” Suddenly he grinned. “As for the blowjobs, turns out I really like making him beg me to let him come.”

  “You…” Her eyes went wide. “He let you do this?”

  “He suggested it.” Griffin lowered his voice. “Don’t tell him I said this, but between you and me I think he might have a bit of a submissive side when it comes to sex.”

  Astonished delight bloomed in her face. “Come to think of it, that does make sense,” she said in a wondering tone. “Many sexual submissives do tend to hold positions of power or responsibility. I just never thought…” She laughed softly, and the light in her eyes took on a decidedly wicked glint. “Well, well, husband. The things I learn about you.”

  Griffin had a sudden image of Amphitrite standing over a bound and rock hard Poseidon, and felt a welcome twinge below the belt. “Yeah, well, don’t go pulling on a leather basque just yet. I think he’s got his hands full with Thetis at the moment,” he said. “What’s the story there, anyway?”

  Amphitrite explained in greater detail what had happened to her sister, as well as Thetis’s plan to take her vengeance on the species that had disfigured her. “Her plans are growing alongside her power. I don’t understand how she’s been able to do things like create ilkothelloi or any of her other mutated creatures, and the fact that she can hide from Poseidon is definitely worrying.”