Dark Goddess

by J. N. Colon

  He avoided my eyes, pretending to search for his keys. They were on the key rack by the door as usual. “Oh, uh, just keep the change.”

  Suspicion bloomed in my chest. He was trying to distract me with money again. Mmm? “Where are you going?”

  “Uh… bowling with the fellas.”

  My eyes surveyed his appearance skeptically. “Is that pomade in your hair dad?” I sniffed the air. “And are you wearing that cologne Aphrodite forced on you for Christmas?”

  He scoffed, his top lip curling up. “Hartley, do I look like I know what pomade is?” He quickly snatched his keys.

  I pointed to his hair. “Yes, with a do like that you do.”

  He ignored me and blew an air kiss. “Don’t wait up.” He was gone.

  WTF? Was my dad going on a date?

  I quickly texted Aphrodite to see if she knew anything. The goddess of love was bound to know if my dad was dating.

  Unfortunately she was just as clueless as I was.

  I tapped my fingers on my knees in thought before texting Hermes to come over if he wasn’t busy.

  A few minutes later he shimmered into my living room. “Awe, I’m never too busy for my favorite demigod of the Underworld.” He winked one of his round brown angel eyes.

  I smiled. “I want to find my dad. I think he’s up to something.”

  His face brightened with excitement, spawning high circles of rosy coloring on his cherub cheeks. “Oh, espionage.” He plopped in the seat beside me. “Sounds like fun. Where is he?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know.” I pointed to his gold winged sandals that were fluttering as they changed into black Chuck Taylors. “Can’t you just find him?”

  Hermes shot me an incredulous expression. “No smarty pants. I can find other worlds. Not people.”

  A disappointed pout came across my face. “Oh.”

  “Ah. Don’t make that face. Hayden’s not the only one susceptible to that thing.”

  I smiled demurely. “I know.”

  He shook his head while he pulled out his phone.

  I perked up. “What are you doing? Calling the god of finding people?”

  A grin cut across his face. “No. I’m using the GPS on your dad’s phone to find him.”

  We found Cassidy Walker in a dive bar down town that reeked of cheap beer, fried food, sweaty bodies, and heavy perfume. Hermes and I both wrinkled our noses at the onslaught of pungent scents. I supposed it was one of the many new gifts I had inherited since my demigod side had broken free of Hera’s binds.

  Green threadbare cloth covered the two pool tables sitting in one corner across from the long bar that held several peeling vinyl stools, some currently occupied by hazy patrons. Small circular tables that had seen better days littered the floor all the way to a rickety stage where and a live performer was belting out a pretty tune in a husky voice while strumming a guitar. The majority of customers were gathered around the stage, swaying almost hypnotically to the man’s song.

  I could understand their rapt attention. He was pretty good. His voice held a magnetism that was palpable in the air. And—the voice actually sounded a little familiar in a peculiar kind of way. Hermes halted before we broke free of the crowd, his gaze glued to the stage. His round eyes widened and mouth dropped.

  “What?” I hissed, unable to see over everyone’s head.

  Hermes gripped my shoulder and pulled me in front of him to a break in the crowd.

  My jaw nearly hit the dirty floor in shock. My father was the one belting the tune that had the entire bar enraptured. Since when did my dad sing? I always knew he played the guitar, but he hadn’t in years and never in public. But sing? And he was seriously good.

  Hermes’ eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Wait a minute…” He glanced around the bar, surveying the awed expressions of the patrons, especially the females. A light broke across his face, bringing out gold flecks in his irises. “Holy shit.”

  “What?” I felt like a dark blanket of ignorance was draped over me.

  “Your dad’s a siren!”

  “WHAT!” From Greek mythology I knew sirens were beings that lured men to their deaths by singing. “That’s not possible. My dad’s human. Right?”

  Hermes shook his head. “I don’t think all the way Hartley.”

  A fist of anger punched a hole in my chest, squeezing my lungs until they threatened to pop. This was utterly unbelievable. Just how human was I not!

  I marched to the stage, forcing my way through the crowd regardless of their verbal protests. Once they caught sight of me they didn’t seem to mind. I parked myself front and center with my hands propped on my hips, waiting for my dad’s focus to find me.

  Once his amber eyes shifted down and saw me, they widened and his cheeks flamed, but that was the only indication he noticed me. His fingers didn’t falter nor did this voice.

  After he finished his set I shooed people away with a narrowed glare and waited for him to hop off the stage. “When were you planning on telling me you were a siren?” I screeched.

  He remained calm as he moseyed over to the end of the bar with me on his heels. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Hartley.” He ordered a draft beer, smiling gently at the young female bartender who dreamily filled a frosty mug for him, ignoring the other customers.

  “Don’t play dumb with me Cassidy Walker.”

  He shot me an incredulous expression before sipping his beer, but I saw the little tremor in his hand as the foam shook. “What’s a siren anyways?”

  I scoffed. “Please. You know all about this crap, more than I do. Don’t act stupid. It’s not a good look for you.”

  “I’m not.”

  I turned to Hermes who was trying to convince the male bartender he was twenty one without success. “Tell him you know it’s true.”

  Hermes’ brown angel eyes shifted toward my dad. “Yep.”

  “Oh, that’s just plain stupid,” my dad argued.

  “No, it’s not…” My words were cut off by the whoosh of air being stolen from my lungs.

  Oh crap. Not now.

  I grabbed my chest without meaning to.

  My dad’s eyes went wide, his face blanching of color. “Is it the pull?”

  I nodded.

  He gripped my arm and started towing me outside, motioning for Hermes to follow.

  Trying to take a breath was like breathing through a straw. It was never the same. Sometimes I had more of a warning, but right now the Underworld was demanding my return.

  My dad all but tossed me at Hermes. “Get her there now.” Worry shook his voice while deep lines creased his forehead, panic cresting within him.

  If I wasn’t so mad at him I’d feel sorry he had to see his daughter in pain.

  “Oh no,” I managed to choke out, wrapping my fingers in a death grip on his forearm. We’re not finished yet. You’re coming with us.”

  He couldn’t pull out of my grasp before Hermes’ shoes turned into golden sandals and we shimmered out of the world.

  Hayden

  I was staring at my flaming eyes in a gilded mirror on the wall of my throne room and I swore they were fainter than normal—not as raging red. They barely even reflected in the black marble floors.

  Maybe because I wasn’t angry at the moment.

  I rubbed my chin in thought, recalling what happened in the cafeteria. I had no idea why I passed out. I’d never simply lost consciousness. I was a god. The only explanation I could think of was that something was going on in the Underworld that needed my attention. I’d been going above so often lately maybe something happened.

  Unfortunately nothing seemed amiss.

  I blinked my eyes back gray. I hated how upset Hartley had been. It broke my heart to hear the concern and panic in her voice. Maybe I should make up an excuse for her so she didn’t worry herself to death. I was sure it was nothing anyways.

  Just then the object of my affection strolled through the black tourmaline doors with an angry expression on he
r face I actually found adorable followed by Hermes and her father. Cassidy had never set foot in my domain so there must be something pressing and by the looks of Hartley she didn’t like it.

  “Did you know!” She motioned toward her father with a trembling fist. “Did you know he was a freaking siren?”

  My brow arched curiously. Well, that would explain a few things.

  I met Hartley in the center of the room. “No.”

  She huffed and faced her father. “Tell me the truth dad.”

  Cassidy seemed distracted by my throne room, his eyes darting everywhere unsure of where to look. He took in the black marbles floors where crimson fires reflected, turning it to liquid red in some place. The ebony marble walls were inlaid with a rainbow of jewels and crystals. Silver drapes framed the window and balcony, both fluttering with the movement of the fires surrounding my castle. A throne of onyx sat in the center, glittering in the firelight.

  “Dad!” Hartley hissed, the fire lining one wall coming to life.

  He was stunned even though he was aware of Hartley’s power. Knowing and seeing were two different things.

  “Well…?” Hartley prompted.

  Her father finally sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Fine. I’m half siren. My mother was a siren.”

  Hartley tossed her hands in the air. “Am I even human at all?”

  “Of course.” He pursed his lips in thought. “My father was human so that would make me half and you I guess one forth.”

  That was not the answer Hartley wanted. Her eyes suddenly burst into flames while one ignited in her palm.

  Hermes ducked behind the chaise and I quickly grabbed her hand, dowsing the fire.

  “Don’t you threaten me with that crap young lady,” her father growled, his hand planting harshly on his hips. “I’m still your father. You will show me some respect.”

  She scoffed. “You’re in my home.”

  I audibly cleared my throat.

  She rolled her eyes. “Our home. And you’re a total liar.”

  Cassidy took a deep, calming breath, but the vein in his neck still throbbed. “I only found out after I met Hera.” He still had trouble saying her name.

  I was wondering how he managed to catch Hera’s eye for that long.

  “And that makes it okay?” Hartley stalked toward my throne and plopped down in it sulking. Her eyes continued to flicker with red flames since she didn’t have the ability to blink them out yet.

  “I was going to tell you eventually.” Her father dragged his fingers through his hair. “I just didn’t know how. I knew you’d be mad and you had all these other things going on.” He motioned to her eyes. “And now the Ixion thing.” His gaze darted to me. “How’s that going by the way? Any news?”

  “Don’t change the subject dad.”

  He sighed and rubbed his temples with the tips of his fingers, looking tired suddenly. “Look, I’m sorry Hartley. I don’t know what else to say.”

  Hermes finally thought it safe enough to peel himself from beneath the chaise. “Don’t fret over it Hartley. You’re like a triple threat. You’re a demigod, soul mates with Hades, and a siren. It’s awesome.”

  Hartley shot Hermes a narrowed glare before her lips formed that devastating pout.

  A smile curled my lips. I always thought Hartley had a little siren in her.

  I shot up in bed, my internal alarm screaming that something was amiss in the Underworld. Hartley was still sound asleep beside me, wrapped up in the silver and black sheets while her hair splayed out around her.

  Part of me was tempted toss my obligation aside and kiss her awake. Hell, not part of me wanted that. All of me.

  But I couldn’t shirk my responsibilities, especially with a crazy demigod on the loose no one has seen yet. It might be Ixion himself causing trouble in my domain.

  I slid out of bed, careful not to wake Hartley and tossed on jeans, a t-shirt, and shoes before slinking out the stone double doors.

  I quickly patted each of Cerberus’s three heads as I passed through the massive iron gates to the inner regions of the Underworld. Once inside I sensed exactly where the disturbance was originating from.

  A slew of curses tumbled out my mouth and I dug my heel in and sprinted down the parched dirt road. It was impossible to transport in flames within the inner regions. I designed it that way to prevent other gods from sneaking in and popping up all over the place to lose me.

  I sprinted passed the Asphodel Meadows and heard the murmurs of souls wondering what was happening. The foul smell of rot and death clouded my lungs as I neared Tartarus. The crimson flames licked high into the pitch sky, casting a red glow on the dirt road. I passed purgatory and ran faster, anger fueling my legs. Elysium was buried deep within the Underworld, far from any who might get the urge to sneak in.

  Apparently that didn’t apply to all my inhabitants.

  It’s been centuries since someone tried to sneak into paradise. I wouldn’t take the offense lightly.

  Finally I came upon a small grove of barren trees, bulbous roots digging into ash and soot clogged ground. Vines shredded with jagged thorns twined around trunks and branches while briars snaked along the bottom, all precautions to ward off any who dare venture this far. Within the bowels of the grove a full-length gilded mirror stood—the doorway to Elysium only I, those I allow, and worthy souls could enter.

  But low and behold who did I find peering into it? Isaak and two souls from Asphodel Meadows, chowing down on lotus flowers and giggling like idiots. Isaak was a demigod who’d live in my domain for centuries, causing mayhem with souls involving many wild parties in the castle. Hartley had taken a liking to him and even dragged me to a few of those said parties. He had never gone as far as attempting to break in to Elysium.

  Anger boiled my blood, staining my eyes red. My approach was silent. I watched the Isaak dig a piece of mystical onyx from his pocket and place it on the mirror. The reflective surface shimmered, displaying the paradise beyond. Green plants and a plethora of vibrant flowers appeared while a sweet, tropical fragrance drifted out. Exotic birds chirped and the sound of a babbling brook mixed with a distant waterfall resonated.

  Elysium was a world within a world.

  The two female souls gasped, their eyes growing wide with amazement as they stared into the opened doorway.

  “Pretty sweet.” Isaak bit off another petal from a lotus flower, chewing it loudly.

  “Yeah.” The brunette agreed. “I never thought it would be so beautiful.”

  The blonde scoffed. “It’s paradise Nelly. Of course it’s beautiful.”

  Nelly touched her finger to the mirror, attempting to pass through. Her hand was met with a solid surface.

  Disappointed, the girls turned on Isaak. “Why can’t we enter?”

  Isaak pursed his lips and tried pressing the mystical onyx to the glass without success.

  Crimson flames licked my shoulders, adding heat to the fury already boiling deep in my bones. “You’re not allowed to enter.” Danger tore through my lowered voice, my dark godly power lacing through it until it sounded terrifying to even my own ears.

  All three of them jumped and whirled around. The two souls grabbed onto each other while Isaak simply stood still, a goofy smile plastered to his face while his amber shimmered with a hazy, unfocused gloss. Clearly he was drunk off the flowers otherwise he’d be cowering like the two girls.

  His fingers dragged through his brown curls, stalling. “Hades, buddy. We were just uh…”

  “Trying to sneak into Elysium,” I growled, stalking closer, the flames on my shoulders reaching out toward the gnarled branches. “That is not only forbidden, but impossible.”

  He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbling in his throat. “Ah, well, I see that now.” He grabbed the girls. “We’ll be on our way.”

  A snarl slipped out my mouth, instantly halting their steps. I held my palm open and snatched the onyx out of his with an invisible force. “I don’t even k
now how you got this. And drop the lotus flowers now.”

  The uneaten flowers fell to the ground.

  My flaming eyes narrowed on Isaak. “I tolerated you sneaking into the palace and partying, but this is different Isaak. You’ve gone well passed my breaking point. I think it’s time for you to remember who’s in charge here.”

  Isaak held his palms up, fear flashing across his face and staining his eyes. “All right man, Hades, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

  A flame ignited in my hand.

  “Oh, come on. I’m sorry!” His voice cracked. “What would Hartley say about this? She wouldn’t want you to hurt…”

  His words were drowned out by my angry growl. Bringing up Hartley only served to ignite my fury more. I tossed the flame at him, but midway it fizzled out into a thin line of smoke.

  What the hell?

  Isaak’s brows disappeared into his sandy brown curls, his eyes darkening with a mixture of confusion and worry. He was well aware I hadn’t done that on purpose.

  What the hell is wrong with my powers?

  Chapter 5

  Hartley

  My god—kind of literally—I could get lost in Hayden’s kisses. His mouth consumed me, stealing my breath and making my heart slam against my ribcage in an erratic staccato. His hands were hot on my skin, caressing my curves, his grip soft one minute and firm the next.

  “Are you sure your dad isn’t going to be home any time soon?” he asked, his breath hot on my throat as he covered it in kisses.

  My fingers laced through his silken sinful hair. “Yes,” I breathed. “He’s probably out exercising his siren abilities at another bar.” I still couldn’t believe my dad was freaking half siren.

  Hayden and I were at my house in my living room doing homework. Or at least we had been. But he was just looking too good not to touch. One thing led to another and the books were tossed aside while he laid me out on the couch.

  “I always knew you had a little siren in you.” Hayden’s chuckle vibrated against my skin, tickling me and turning me on at the same time.