Hades, page 10
“I never should have given you dominion over evil,” Zarek said.
Hades fought to remain in control. Visions of Mia filled his head and soothed him until he was able to pull himself from the darkness. He took a deep breath. “Unlike Father, I have control of myself.”
Zarek gave a nod. “That is a good thing because the reason I called you here was to tell you that I have removed all barriers between you and the human realm as well as here. You may come and go at your will. Your home here among us awaits you should you choose to accept it.”
Hades was momentarily shocked. Had he heard his brother correctly? “What is the catch?” There was always a string attached to anything his older brother––the king––did. Not that Hades blamed him. It was also how he operated.
“No catch. It is time for you to come home. You have proven your ability to control your power.”
“What about Hell? I should simply leave it?”
Zarek summoned two glasses of wine and offered one to Hades. “It is your realm and will always remain so. You have a powerful army. Baal is most competent to keep the place civil when you are not there. Live between the two as you see fit.”
For once in his life Hades was speechless. Wasn’t this what he had always wanted? Now that it was offered to him, he wasn’t so sure. He had grown used to the darkness, but he imagined Mia gracing the rooms of his palace here among the gods. He shook the image free. Hades would have Mia, and then she would become a distant memory like all the others.
Zarek raised his glass. “To my brother finally coming home.”
Hades raised his as well and gave a nod. “To coming home.”
Mia had been in Hell for exactly one week. She and Aster had gone riding twice and she enjoyed it thoroughly. Part of her daily routine now consisted of paying a visit to the stables and spending time with Phantom. She was growing quite fond of the horse and the beast seemed to reciprocate.
Hades spent most of his days busy with whatever an evil god did but was always there for breakfast and dinner. She should be grateful he was otherwise occupied. It helped keep her hormones in check. Today however, he was taking her on her first trip outside his compound. She was careful to dress in jeans and a tee as well as tennis shoes. Comfort as well as staying covered up was important.
As she made her way down the stairs, she contemplated how to approach a question that had been nagging at her since she’d arrived. When she reached the last step, Hades was there to greet her. It was totally unfair that he looked just as sexy in jeans as he did in a suit.
“Shall we?” He offered his arm.
“Okay.” She wrapped her fingers around his bicep and nearly groaned on contact with the thick, hard muscle. Mia couldn’t escape Hell fast enough with her promise to not cave into sex with the god.
He led her out of the palace and along a stone path. They walked several minutes in silence, which was unusual for Hades.
“You are quiet today,” she said.
“I’m sorry. Please excuse my bad manners.”
Now she knew something was wrong. Even though she hadn’t been around the god much, she had been enough to read his moods. “Care to talk about it?”
He glanced at her. “My shoulders are big. There is no need for you to carry my burdens.”
His comment had her wanting to help him carry that weight. “Hades, no one should go it alone. Not even the god of the Underworld.”
He stopped several yards from a wrought-iron gate and faced her. It was then she noticed his eyes matched Hell’s sky. Both were so intense she gasped.
“What?” He looked around as if to locate a threat.
“Your eyes have changed color again. They are the same blue as the sky.”
“Seems since I have met you many things about me have changed.”
“Is that what’s bothering you?”
He shook his head. “No, but it looks as if my eldest brother has lifted my curse. The one that has kept me locked away here unless summoned.”
“But that’s wonderful!” Wasn’t it?
“He has also given me back my home.”
“Your home?” Now she was utterly confused.
He started to walk again. “Yes. All of the gods have a home in a place called the Temple of the Gods. I haven’t seen mine since I was condemned to the Underworld.”
This time she stopped and forced him to look at her. “How long have you been here?”
He gave a half-hearted smile. “It has been so long I hardly remember. Since I was a young god.” There was no mistaking the pain in his eyes that flashed away seconds later.
“Can I ask how old you are now?” She hoped it wasn’t impolite to pose the question.
He ignored her by turning away and started walking again. They finished the journey through an iron gate that––to her surprise––was only guarded by two men she assumed to be demons. Once they were on the other side, she was met by an endless sea of nothing. The ground under her was covered by crushed rocks as black as a crow’s wing. The sun bore down on them with such intensity she swore her skin would melt away from her bones at any moment. Sweat beaded and made its way into places that had her shifting her stance.
“This, Mia, is true Hell. An ocean of nothing. No shade. No water. No life. It’s simply void of anything more than rock and heat.”
She turned and looked around. “Where is the gate?” Everything was gone.
“It’s still there, but you can no longer see it. This is true purgatory.”
She swallowed. “I thought Hell was full of screaming souls being tortured.” She shook her head in disbelief at what lay before her compared to the vision her mind had always held.
“Can you imagine roaming this for eternity? Your soul forever stuck here?”
She shivered despite the overbearing heat. “No.”
He faced her. “I was sent here when I was one hundred. To a human that would equal a teenager. I am now two hundred thousand years old.”
She tried to swallow the gasp, but it escaped anyway.
“Yes, that is a long time. Time to learn how to control my power and turn this place into something more. Time to be forever alone.” With that he waved his hand and the transformation in front of her was monumental.
The air cooled to a more comfortable temperature. Green covered the ground in the form of thick, lush grass. She noted houses also dotted the landscape and people seemed to be out socializing like any small neighborhood might.
“What just happened?” She hadn’t forgotten the last comment he’d made about being alone. There was no way to fathom how long he had actually been alive and forced to live in this purgatory.
“That, my dear Mia, is the power of a god. For those deserving, I can change the landscape to something more fitting. Something more tolerable.”
“Damn.” That was some power indeed.
“I can transform Hell at a whim to whatever I wish. Some areas are as you would expect with the screaming, tortured souls.”
She dug for the courage to ask the burning question. “What did you mean by being alone? There seems to be plenty of people…ummm, demons around you.”
“When you are the most powerful being in a world, enemies pretend to be your friend. Everyone has a motive, and no one is to be trusted.”
It suddenly hit her like a load of bricks. She was able to clearly see how Hades might be treated by those around him. It would be like suddenly winning the lottery. You would have no idea who to trust. She squared her shoulders. “Hades, you can trust me.”
His gaze narrowed. “Is that so? Even you want something from me. To free you from your curse so you may live a normal life.”
“I did, but we made a deal. In return for your favor, I agreed to come here. You can read me, this I know, so you can see my intentions.”
He studied her for a moment. “Yes. Your intentions are clear. It is what attracts me to you. You are the only being who has no ulterior motive against me. You don’t wish for my kingdom or my power. Nor do you want to be lavished in riches. You are truly unique. I am humbled that you allow me to share my world with you.”
“No, Hades. It is I who am humbled.”
Hades became a man obsessed. Fading everything around them into the background, he hid them from any prying eyes as he bent down, cupped Mia’s cheeks, and leaned in to kiss her. He was positive when he lay claim to her mouth, she would recoil even though deep down she desired him. However, to his surprise, she softened into him. Parted her lips, her tongue darting out to meet his. The intimate contact sent heated blood coursing through his veins and straight to his now thickening shaft. He should break away, yet he was unable. Truth be told, he didn’t want to.
A sexy mewl came from the female in his embrace, and her kiss deepened as she slipped her arms around his waist. Vanilla consumed all of his senses and nearly sent him to his knees. Finally, he pulled himself from the lust he was drowning in and broke the kiss. Mia looked at him, eyes filled with desire and breaths coming in heavy pants.
“I would apologize, but I am not sorry. You do something to me that no other ever has. I don’t pretend to understand it, but I made a vow to you and intend to keep it.” He stepped back and scrubbed his palm down his face. “In order for me to remain a man of my word, I must send you home.”
Her eyes widened. “But––”
He held up a hand. “I will break your curse, Mia, and you can go home at the end of the week. If you stay any longer, I will forget my vow and I will have you in my bed.”
“Oh.” Her voice so soft had he not been an immortal with perfect hearing he may have missed it. There was also no denying the disappointment in her eyes. If Mia really wanted him, she would come to him. She had until the end of the week. Five long agonizing days to say she wanted him in her bed.
“We should head back. I have things to do.” Namely remove himself from the presence of the female in front of him.
Chapter Twelve
Mia’s body did a fast furious burn and every nerve was hypersensitive. There was no doubt if Hades rubbed his thumb across her aching nipples, she would immediately come undone. Why did her body betray her like this? Of course, the god was sex and sin rolled into one scrumptious package. Any woman with eyes would desire him. Not to mention he smelled like Heaven even though Hell ran through his veins. There was more to him, however. Mia had seen the flash of loneliness and pain in his eyes. There was no fathoming what it must be like to live in an eternal hell for as long as he had.
Two hundred thousand years.
Her heart shattered for the man whose own brothers had condemned him to such a fate. Now, he rejected her, but it was out of fear. He so much as admitted he wanted her, and it was why he was sending her home. Part of her wanted to rebel against the idea. Yet, Mia wasn’t a one-night stand kind of girl, and no matter how much she wanted him, she wanted a broken heart even less. She wasn’t foolish enough not to realize there was no way they could ever be any more than lovers for a brief period. He was a freaking god after all and she a mere mortal.
“Hades?” she spoke as they walked back to the palace.
“What is it?”
“After you lift my curse and I go back home, will I still wear your mark?”
“Yes. It will keep you safe until this war with Lowan is over. After that I will remove it.”
Disappointment came over her. He was going to break all ties and she should be pissed as hell at him for stringing her on. Should be elated to be rid of Hades, god of the Underworld. Yet, she felt neither.
“Will we still remain friends?”
He glanced at her, surprise in his eyes. “You wish to be my friend?” Was that hope in his voice?
Her heart broke again. “You said yourself I have no ulterior motive. Yes, I want to be your friend.”
He didn’t look at her again, only kept walking. “Perhaps.”
Silence filled the thick air until they reached the palace where Hades left her in the den. “Tonight after dinner, I will remove your curse.”
“What about our contract?”
“I will void it, but you may still take the clothing as promised.”
Before she was able to respond, he was gone, and she was left standing alone until Aster pulled her from her thoughts.
“Mia, darling, I expected you to be gone for hours.” She had slipped in behind Mia and Lilona stood next to her. Both women wore jeans and a top cut so low there was nothing left to the imagination. Mia had recently learned during the time spent with Aster that both women were what was known as a succubus. Female demons who required sex to survive. It was evident they were part of Hades’ harem of females. Mia liked Aster, yet a tinge of jealousy crept over her.
“Hades had business, so we came back early.”
“For shame. Listen, there is a party later this week and we would love to take you.”
“I’ll be going home at the end of the week.” The words nearly choked her.
“But I thought you were here for an entire month?” Lilona asked, a pout on her mouth. Normally the woman was quiet, and Mia had rarely seen her except for meal times.
“Appears not.” She didn’t feel like going into details. “You ladies heading out?”
Aster grinned. “Yes. Lilona and I are going to one of the local clubs for some much-needed sex.”
Mia admired the other woman’s openness and how she owned her sexuality. Perhaps there was something to be learned. “Well, good luck. I’ll see you later. Maybe?” She smiled and headed upstairs, feeling the need for a shower.
Several hours and a nap later, a knock came at her bedroom door. Dropping the book she had been reading, Mia opened the door to find one of Hades’ helpers on the other side.
“My lady.” He gave a bow and held out a silver tray holding an ivory envelope. “Hades has asked me to deliver this to you.”
“Thank you.” She took the paper and closed the door, preparing herself for the worst. Hades had never sent a note to her before, and she only imagined it was more bad news. Pulling the paper from its sealed envelope, she found a thick ivory card that read.
* * *
My dearest Mia,
* * *
I would be pleased if you joined me for dinner tonight in a very special place. Please wear a gown of your choice. I will send someone to escort you promptly at 7:00 pm.
* * *
Hades
* * *
Mia held the note to her chest. “A special place?” Where was he taking her and why now? Was it because her time here was almost over? She recalled his words from earlier in the day and suddenly had an idea. Glancing at the clock, she had exactly two hours to get ready. Not nearly enough time, but she would have to make do.
Running to the closet, she whipped open the double doors and stepped inside. To the left were all the gowns. More than twenty and she was going to go through every single one until she found the sexiest of them all. As she grabbed the first, a black one that covered her entire chest, she cursed her request for coverage and now wished for less. Tossing the dress aside, she pushed each gown across the metal rod, rejecting them all until she came to a deep purple gown made of soft silk. The bodice was a combination of lace and silk arranged in a floral display.
She pulled it off the hanger and moved to the full-length mirror, holding the gown in front of her. “Nice.” She laid the dress on the bed then stripped. With great care, she pulled the gown over her head and down her hips until it settled into a sweep of fabric at her feet.
“Wow.” She stared at herself. The floral lace covered her breasts yet left enough to offer any man a glimpse that would make him beg for more. A slit up the front showed more thigh than her shorts usually did. The dress was amazing but now for her hair and makeup.
Mia was careful with the application of makeup. She was never one who wore a lot, but tonight she applied all of the basics and even managed to pull off a smoky eye. The last thing was lip color followed by gloss. As she stepped away, applying final touches to her hair which she had decided to leave down, she was stunned by her own appearance.
Hades wouldn’t know what hit him.
As she slipped on her heels, a knock came at the door. Time to go wow the lord of Hell.
Hades stood at the railing and stared over the vast gardens. Every flower known to mankind and some that were his own creation were in bloom and fragranced the air. It was the delicate step of female heels that caught his attention and drew him away from the place that was often his only escape. Turning, his breath was pulled from his lungs as he stared at Mia. He had thought the gown exceptional when he’d chosen it and he had been correct.
Her escort gave a bow and backed away as Mia continued toward him. A grin on her lips that indicated she knew exactly what the sight of her did to him. He was angry with himself for not escorting her. How could he have allowed her to walk through the palace dressed to kill?
“Mia. You are stunning.” He swept forward and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Thank you. I must admit, I had fun dressing up.”
He offered his arm and walked to the table where the glasses of Champagne already waited. “You have never had the opportunity to be so extravagant.” There was no missing the flush to her cheeks under Hell’s moonlight.
“No. While my family didn’t lack for anything, parties where we dressed up like this”—she gave the dress a swirl—“didn’t ever happen. I must admit, I feel like a princess.”
It brought him great joy to hear her say that. “You wear the color of royalty. Did you know that?”
She glanced down at herself. “I never thought about it when I picked the dress.” Her gaze met his and it was full of determination.
