by Ciara Lake
“In fact, write a nice check to my foundation as a sign of your support. If not, I’ll complain to my father about you interfering with my endeavors. Any excuse to be pissed at you, and he’ll rise to the occasion.” Jax laughed. “Despite my bastard birth, he does like me to be happy. He loves me as much as he hates you and that’s a whole lot.”
“You have plenty of wealth.” She huffed. “You don’t need mine.”
“Your money would definitely be a nice addition for our project. Plus, it seems right that you should contribute. Now, we should join the others.” He motioned toward the door. “Or perhaps you can come down with a headache and ask to be excused. Yes, that’s an excellent solution.”
He put his hands on his hips and waited for her to adjust. Amuliana fully returned to her lovely form, yet she glared at him with a now amber gaze.
“Jax, you’ll be sorry for your blatant disrespect. Child of Poseidon or not, I shall make you pay for your wayward tongue.” She shook her finger at him. Her clawed hand had returned to normal, and her fingernails were coated with a red, glossy polish. They still resembled talons.
Jax pointed to her hands. “Your red nails suit you. They symbolize the innocent blood you’ve spilled. Evidence of the lives you’ve ripped apart with your betrayal, your evilness.”
“Shut up.” She shook her wild mane, making her look crazed.
“No, I won’t. You don’t scare me, bitch. You should fear me. In fact, my Uncle Nereus was just here visiting me. Not only is my father Poseidon, my mother—the slut, I believe you called her—is the niece of the great Nereus. You best beware.” Jax pointed at her. “Now, you’re wasting my time.”
“A Titan visited you?”
“Nereus, The Old Man of the Sea, is my uncle.”
“Like he cares about you. You’re insignificant to him. The last I knew Titans weren’t fond of your father or his brothers. So shut up, you foolish fish.”
“Trust me, Amuliana, I want nothing more than to stop talking to you.” Jax walked to the door and placed his hand on the doorknob. “Ready to be nice. . .Samantha? I know it’s difficult for you, but do your best.”
“How dare you speak to me in this way?” She stomped her foot. “Little do these ignorant humans know what a monster you are. Perhaps I should reveal it to them.”
“Go ahead. Tell them I’m a merman, and see what they say. It should be humorous.” He opened the door.
“I should.” She tipped her chin back to stare up at him. “I should let these stupid humans know what a ruthless predator you are. All of you Mer are monsters who plague the seas. You’re sneaky creatures. It’s no secret to me what bloody killers you can be. Your handsome features distort into the monsters you truly are when you go in for the kill or let yourself go when you fuck someone really good. You Mer can make the Lycan and Vampires seem like loving angels.”
“Then don’t mess with me.” Jax leaned close to her. He bared his fangs, and growled deep in his chest. “You stink up my office with your foul decay, you fucking evil bitch. We both know it’s you who really hides behind your multiple attractive façades. I saw how Arianna truly revealed you at her wedding. Her magical song revealed you for all to see. So who knows what others can do to you? Watch out!” Jax threw his head back, chuckling.
The wind banged against the windows, making them rattle. They sounded as if they would break. The lights dimmed then went out for several seconds.
“Don’t piss me off any more,” Jax said. “I’m having a bad day.”
“Go to Hades, you. . .son of. . .”
“Yes, be careful, you may call my father or my uncles. They’d enjoy some good entertainment at your expense.”
Amuliana instantly sobered. “Fine.”
She walked past him out the door. Jax followed her into the lobby. She swayed her hips as she walked toward the others. Jax stepped around her, heat was wafting from her. Neva and the two men were gathered near the elevators, chatting about the storm and the brief electrical outage.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Jax said as he approached them. “Miss Synvera and I were discussing her sizable donation. I’m extremely grateful for her amazing generosity. It surpasses my expectations.” He could feel Amuliana behind him.
“Not a problem. I’m glad to hear the good news.” Darren nodded toward Amuliana. “Neva has shown us this entire floor. The offices and science rooms are state of the art.”
“Thank you,” Jax said. “We’ve tried to have the top scientific instruments and computers for our use.”
“You’ve done well.” Darren grinned. “I understand you have a penthouse apartment in this building?”
“Yes, I split my time between staying here and my house at Oceanside. None of the donations went to the construction of the penthouse, I paid for that myself.”
“Excuse me, gentlemen.” Amuliana put her hand on her forehead. She looked as if she could swoon. “I’m suddenly feeling rather poorly. I think I need to go home.” She fanned her face. “I’m sure it’s due to this unusual weather.” She nodded toward the windows. “I’m going to leave a generous check at the front desk, and then I’ll be on my way. I’m sorry to leave prematurely, but my head’s killing me.”
“I feel awful that you’ve become ill. It’s always a pleasure to have you with us. Would you like for me to walk you out?” Darren offered her his arm.
“No, I’m fine. I’ll see myself out.” She patted his arm. “You’re such a gentleman.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I can see myself to the lobby, and I’ll have the doorman fetch my car.” Amuliana gave Darren her sweetest smile.
“Very well.” Darren pushed the elevator call button. He had a silly grin on his flushed face.
“Thank you for everything, Ms. Synvera.” Jax placed his hand on his hips—a deliberate ploy not to offer a handshake—and gave her his best fake smile.
“Perhaps another time we’ll have lunch, Mr. Aquila?”
“Absolutely.” Smiling brightly, he held the door as she stepped into the elevator.
“Good, I’m counting on a do-over.”
“Feel better.” Jax released the door and it swooshed closed. He turned to face the others. “So, gentlemen, let’s have lunch.”
“Yes, a wonderful idea.” Darren grinned. “I’m starving. I can’t wait to try the delicious food. Then we want to see the rest of this facility. Joel tells us you have stunning aquariums in the basement.”
“We do.” Jax nodded. “We’ll be sure to show them to you. The aquariums are going to be a big part of the open house this weekend. We have a wide selection of sea life.”
“You’re doing great work here. We’re honored to contribute to your endeavors. Your open house is going to be very successful.”
“We’re hoping so.”
Suddenly the earth shook. The windows trembled as if they were about to break.
“Was that an earthquake?” Darren looked wide-eyed. The rain grew louder, and the wind blew violently. The building moaned as it swayed with the renewed power of the storm. “Wow, it’s really going wild outside.”
Jax walked toward the nearest window and looked down at the parking lot below. I hope Uncle Nereus was wrong about me. Why would I be causing this? Jax bit the inside of his cheek. I can’t be doing this. There’s no way.
“Those winds are hurricane like.” Neva came to stand next to him.
A loud boom sounded. A different boom than from before. This one was an electrical noise. The building’s lights dimmed, and finally they flashed off, leaving them in relative darkness for a minute until the emergency lights flashed on.
“Oh my.” Neva pointed out the window. “The river’s really rising. I’ve not seen a storm like this in some time. Even if the power comes back on we shouldn’t take the elevators.”
“Yeah, I agree. I certainly don’t want to get stuck in the elevator,” Darren said. He and Thomas plopped down on the overstuffed chairs. “I hope Ms. Synvera made it to her car safely.
”
“I’m sure she did.” Jax came closer to where they were sitting. He leaned against the arm of the chair across from them.
“Hopefully, the electricity comes back on soon. If not, this could really delay our open house.” Neva sat down, her elbows on the desk. She rested her head in her hands.
A loud boom sounded again. A bright white light filled the sky. Sirens sounded in the distance.
Darren jumped out of his chair as if something had struck him. “My goodness, I’d rather not be so high up in this kind of weather. This is getting really bad. I’ve never seen it storm like this.”
“Yes, it’s an angry storm.” Thomas stood too. Both men were suddenly very anxious.
“Yes, very.” Neva glanced at Jax. She cocked her head to the side. Her eyes were full of questions.
Jax walked over to her desk and bent down to speak close to her ear. “Are you okay? Is something wrong?”
“Is your father mad at you?” she whispered back. “This seems. . .as if it were brought down on by the gods.”
“No, this isn’t my father’s doing.”
“How do you know?” She looked distressed. “It’s such an unusual storm for this area of the world. Ula told my daughter your father was upset with you for not locating the young woman he sent you to find.”
“I assure you that this is not my father’s doing.”
Joel came out of his office and walked over to them. “Jax, I called the utility company. It seems lightning has struck several transformers all over the city.”
“What does that mean?” Jax asked.
“The power will be off for some time, perhaps for days.”
“You’re kidding me.” Jax paced the floor. “How are we supposed to host all of these people with no electricity?”
Jax ran his hand through his hair, pushing it from his face. He sighed, then made a noise deep in his chest, which resembled a growl. Fortunately, Thomas and Darren were too mesmerized by the storm to take notice of the strange sound he made. The wind became more volatile, pushing on the windows as if it was about to burst into the room.
“Sorry, Jax, no one’s kidding. It could take days, even more than a week, to get the power back on. From what they said, the damage is extensive. There’s a state of emergency.”
“We’re going to have to postpone our open house.”
“I agree, I don’t think there’s a way around it. As long as it continues to storm it slows their repair progress too.”
“It doesn’t seem as if it’s letting up any time soon,” Neva said. “But don’t worry, maybe this is all for the best. You know things have a way of working out.”
“The sky is looking darker. Maybe we should leave before it gets any worse.” Darren wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “Frankly, this is worrying me.”
“I suppose it is looking darker.” Jax’s agitation rose too. Damn, am I causing this?
A massive lightning strike hit a light pole in the parking lot below. The light fixture exploded then flamed for a moment. Multiple car alarms sounded after the explosion.
“Call the dining room and tell them to put things away and go home,” Jax said.
“I’ll do that now.” Joel grabbed the phone on Neva’s desk.
“Did you see that lightning strike?” Thomas asked as he spun around. Concern etched his face, and he trembled. “I’ve never seen anything like that. We need to leave. I don’t think it’s safe this high up.”
“Yes, we’d better be going before it gets any worse,” Neva agreed.
“Let’s pray it doesn’t.” Jax marched toward his office. “I’ll be back, I’m going to get my briefcase.”
When Jax returned, Darren said, “Let’s take the stairs down.” His voice was high-pitched. “The sky is looking very odd.” He pointed out the window. His hand shook.
“The sky does look odder than it did before,” Thomas agreed. “With the electricity out, and no street lights, driving will be hell. And the wind will make it even more challenging.”
“I need to check on my house.” Darren headed toward the stairs.
“Me too.” Thomas followed him. “I need to call my wife.” He pulled out his cellphone.
Darren pushed open the exit door. “Come on, let’s get out of this building.”
Thomas nodded. Neva was right behind them.
“We’ll all walk down together. I’ll call security.” Joel dialed his phone. “I’ll tell everyone but security to leave the building. The dining crew should be out of here soon. I told them just put the food away and save cleanup for later.”
“I’m going back to Oceanside tonight. There’s no sense in me staying here on the top floor.” Jax was behind the others as they made their way quickly down the stairs. “Let security know the open house is postponed until further notice. Tell them to post notices on the doors, and I’ll ask the radio stations we advertised with and the local television stations to make an announcement.”
When they reached the lobby, Thomas and Darren rushed out into the storm without saying goodbye. The doors, whipped open by the wind, banged against the glass windows. The strong wind made it difficult for the security guard to close the doors. Darren and Thomas struggled to get to their cars.
“I’ll see all of our staff is out safely,” Joel said. “I’ll call you later this weekend. I’m going to stay in town to keep an eye on things.”
“Okay, I’m gonna head out of town now. I’m not driving, I’ll leave my car here in the garage and slip to Oceanside.” Jax hugged Neva. “Take care, and tell your daughters I said hello.”
“I sure will. I’m going to leave my car here in the garage too. I’ll slip home.”
“Karl, come here for a moment.” Jax waved the security guard over to him.
“Yes, sir.” Karl walked over and looked Jax directly in the eyes. He had a silly grin.
“We’re going to leave our cars in the garage.”
“Yes, sir.” Karl nodded. His movements were robot like.
“But we’re leaving the building by other means. If you need anything, contact Joel. If you should think about it or if you’re asked, you’re to remember we left in a limo together.”
Karl listened, nodded. His eyes were glassy.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mr. Aquila, I understand.”
“Very good. You can leave now, Neva.” Jax waved to her. “Have a good time.”
“Thanks.” Neva turned, then vanished.
“Rest up. You seem overly stressed.” Joel patted Jax on the back then disappeared.
Jax walked over to the front windows. For several minutes he watched the rain come down in sheets. Jax closed his eyes and pressed his head against the cool glass. Father, hear me, I need to talk with you. Jax heard Karl approach him from behind, and he opened his eyes.
Karl came to stand next to him, interrupting his silent plea. Jax turned to look at him. He watched the man as he stood staring out into the storm. His heart was pounding so loudly Jax could hear its distress. Karl was unaware Jax was still present. His mind had hung on to the suggestion Jax had made that they had all left. The guard believed he was alone. It was easy to suggest things to people like Karl, they were simple-minded and absorbed all suggestions like a sponge.
Worry creased Karl’s brow. When lightning struck in the distance, he jumped. Then the ground shook with a boom of thunder. Karl quickly made his way back to his seat behind his desk as if seeking safety.
Be safe. Jax nodded to the unsuspecting man then turned and stepped toward the glass window as if it was not there. Passing through it, he disappeared.
Chapter 5
“Father.” Jax paced his living room floor. Several hours had passed since he’d slipped back to his Oceanside home.
Night had fallen, and the sky was pitch black. The living room blinds were pulled back so he could see the continued storm’s performance. When he took deep breathes, the storm seemed to momentarily abate. For hours now he
had watched the elements rage in concert with his emotions. The sea tossed violently, moving up the shore as the ocean rose. The moon was absent, making the night even darker.
“Father, hear me. I really need some answers.” Jax stood in the center of the room, his hands on his hips. He tilted his head back, looking upward. He sighed loudly, and the outside world seemed to sigh with him. “I know you hear me. You always hear me.” Jax huffed as he started pacing the floor once more. “I can never do anything without you hearing. So hear me now,” Jax shouted.
The power in the house surged back on then abruptly off again. The electricity had been out since he had arrived home. It was becoming warm inside without the air circulation system on.
Jax flung his t-shirt onto the floor. “Damn, it’s hot in here.”
He plopped down in his favorite overstuffed chair, leaned forward, and put his head in his hands. Frustrated, he sprung out of his chair and resumed his pacing.
He stopped in front of the sliding glass doors. “Father, I’m truly puzzled by what’s happening. I want to ask you about Nereus. Am I causing this storm?” The storm intensified, the outside lit up as if it were mid-day. “What on Hades is going on?”
* * * *
Tabitha stood just inside the open French doors that led to the screened porch. She watched the incredible storm. “This storm’s amazing.”
She faced the wind, enjoying it blow her hair away from her face. Dressed in her comfortable silk pajamas she was truly relaxed for the first time in months. I should have come here a long time ago. I forgot how much I love it here.
Strangely, the storm soothed her. Its raging cooled her spirit and entertained her. It took her mind off her troubles, her loneliness.
She was on her third glass of wine. “I think I drank too much,” she whispered to Kittyman as he rubbed against her leg. “I’m glad you like it here.” He meowed in response. “Are you sleepy? My eyelids feel heavy. You’re always sleepy, aren’t you, kitty?”
The wind picked up, and rain sprayed her face.
“I’d forgotten how much I missed the ocean. It makes me feel alive.” She rubbed his furry head as he butted her hand. “Doesn’t the cool wind and rain feel good, kitty?” He answered her with a deep purr.