Hades did not reach out to shake her hand—a touch from Hades’s hand could drive a woman insane with lust while his glance alone rose Fate’s own desire, which she had to battle back to keep a clear head.
His mouth twisted sardonically, well aware of her predicament.
“Mother has made you aware of the situation with Zeus and Dionysus?”
Hades sank gracefully into a chair facing the opulent couch she was sitting on.
“Yes. I was not surprised. The sneaky bastard has always been jealous of Odin. What did surprise me is that he is directly challenging Mother.”
“Both Zeus and Dionysus have gone into hiding, and we are all more than aware Zeus excels at keeping himself concealed.” Fate gave him an inquisitive look.
“Yes, he does. He is not on Earth. Wherever he is hiding is not on my realm or within my vision.”
Odin, Hades, and Poseidon each had the sight to see what was happening in their realms. Odin and now Hades had both said Zeus was not in their realm. Fate sighed. She really hated visiting Poseidon. She would leave that chore for Mother.
“He attacked my daughters while they were in the Hallway of Death. Both Cara and Broni have been found, but Zerina is still missing.”
“I heard both were recently married. Please give them my congratulations.” He elegantly waved his hand.
The door opened and a woman dressed in pale blue gauze leaving a clear view of her voluptuous body underneath came into the room carrying two packages of the same size. The only difference between the two presents were the bows, one a deep red, the other a dark purple.
“Please give them my gifts as I was unable to attend.”
Hades was not allowed to leave his underworld. Not only was he the warden of the souls sent to him for punishment, but the effect he had on women and immortals made it embarrassing. It was nothing he could control. Grimm had it to a lesser degree, which he took advantage of regularly, Hades, however, did not. His lovers were picked from all the realms. He merely sent a message that he was interested and his chosen plaything would arrive for a visit until he tired of them, which wasn’t usually long. Once they left, he never requested them again. Fate had witnessed many heartbroken women through the centuries while Hades had remained coldly detached.
“Thank you,” Fate said before going back to the subject at hand. “I have lost sight of Zerina. She has disappeared from my view. Even Jinx, whom I sent to watch over her, has disappeared from Earth.”
“I have not seen her on Earth, and she is of course, not within my realm. Perhaps you should seek information from Poseidon?”
Fate stared at him for several seconds as he picked a miniscule piece of lint from his suit. “I’ll do that.”
Fate rose to her feet, unable to bear being in his presence for another second without tearing off her gown. “If you see her...?”
“I will send word immediately, of course.” Hades also rose.
“My daughters mean everything to me, Hades. Zerina is a gentle soul, my first born, and has borne the responsibilities of our kind on her shoulders with great strength.”
“As I have not met her, I will have to take your word for it. You kept them sequestered away from all the Gods and immortals.”
“Zerina’s disappearance interrupts the balance, and it cannot continue because Mother is the only one that can serve in Zerina’s place; it divides her attention. With Zeus trying to take control, it gives him a chance to strike.”
“I will endeavor to help. If I see either of them, I will send word.”
“Thank you.”
Hades nodded as Fate picked up Cara and Broni’s presents.
Fate prepared to leave, adding, “Dionysus tried to take control of Broni’s human body. She thinks it was to use against Zerina. Her life is in great danger.” She wanted to ensure he truly helped if he was able.
Hades remained silent, so Fate turned to leave but thought to ask, “Hades, all is well here? For Zeus to succeed he must have—”
“All is well here.” His tone was firm.
“Be well, Hades.” Fate disappeared from Hades’s sight.
Hades stood looking at the spot Fate had disappeared from for several seconds before turning on his heel, walking from the room. He stalked across the black marble entryway, going up the massive stairway to reach the upper floors where large door of black onyx stood at the end of the long hallway. Turning the black diamond doorknob, he opened his bedroom door.
Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms elegantly across his chest. “My love, I just received a visit from your mother. It seems she is concerned about your safety.” Hades didn’t try to conceal the mocking twist of his mouth as he stared at the beauty on his bed.
Zerina’s glorious blue eyes shot sparks of temper in his direction, however the gag he had tied around her mouth kept her from yelling the obscenities at him he had become familiar with since her arrival. Her hands were tied to a hook he had placed conveniently at the head of his bed. It was one of the most tempting sights Hades had ever seen, and he had seen it all.
“She seems to think your gentle, little soul might be in danger. She doesn’t know you at all, does she?”
He walked forward to the bed, his hand reaching out to trail his fingers up a slim thigh that was visible since her gown had ridden up in her struggles. Zerina’s foot snapped out, attempting to kick him.
Hades burst out laughing. “No, she doesn’t know you at all. But, I do, and what I don’t, I have every intention of finding out.”
* * *
Broni stared down at the package lying on her bed, biting her lip. Twice she had reached out to open it only to jerk her hand back both times.
“Would you like me to open it?” Warrior asked, lying down on the bed next to the package.
“I can do it,” she snapped.
Sucking in a deep breath, she opened the package, the purple bow dropping unnoticed to the floor. Lifting the lid of the box, she pulled out a slim case. Broni opened it, staring down at the necklace.
It was beautiful. Broni took it out, holding it so the candlelight could catch the stones. She looked at it in awe. Made of black star sapphire, the stars gleamed in the light.
“It’s beautiful.” When Broni put the necklace on, placing her fingertips against the stones, it felt like she was touching home. It soothed the homesickness she had suffered since returning to Earth.
“I don’t know if I like you wearing jewelry given to you by another man.” Her warrior’s jealous voice had her climbing on the bed next to him, sweeping the opened box carelessly to the floor.
“It’s just a wedding gift.”
Her husband’s hand came out to tease a bare nipple, his appreciative gaze taking in her naked body with the gleaming necklace at her throat.
“I should go pay him a visit and thank him.” Broni arched into his touch, leaning forward to kiss her husband’s mouth.
“No, Odin told me the effect his brother has on women. He was furious when he found out your mother had paid him a visit.”
“Odin has no right to be angry at my mother!” Broni had every intention of defending her mother, but her husband forestalled her by taking her mouth with his. Her hands slid around his shoulder, luxuriating in his demanding kiss.
“I will go and thank him for both of us.”
“You will?” Broni giggled. “You do know he has the same effect on men as he does women?”
“He does?”
“Mmmhmm,” Broni moaned as he bit the tip of her breast.
“Then I guess you need to make sure I’m very satisfied before I leave.”
“I think I can manage that, my Viking master…”
Epilogue
Willow jumped up from his arms, already missing their warmth. She bent over to pick up the basket of berries he had helped her to pick, already missing him. They had known each other for such a short time, but she already recognized him as her mate. Her family thought she was too young and frail,
so she had been too frightened of their reaction to let them meet the stranger.
She saw the love in his eyes, heard the promises he made to her. She wanted to be with him forever, however he treated her as a friend, telling her he wanted to wait until she was older.