Hades, page 8
“She is a murderer and does not deserve our mercy,” a voice shouted.
“Disobey me and die,” Zarek growled.
Caleb turned to Lileta. “Take Leria home. Now.”
She didn’t hesitate to remove herself and her daughter from the turbulent situation.
One would have thought her appetite might wane with the upcoming tick of the clock closing in on midnight. But Mia had nearly eaten herself into a coma. It was probably nerves. Maybe the good food. Most likely a combination of the most decadent food she had ever eaten and the fact she would soon be joining Hades in Hell. Was she more frightened of Hell or Hades? The man…err, god did something to her. His power frightened her. She had both seen him in action and felt the prickle of it across her skin. There was no doubt in her mind he could suck her soul out her nostril.
She wondered if that would hurt.
With a shiver, she forced her mind back to something else. Unfortunately, that something was how the god filled out a pair of jeans. The smoldering look he had given her earlier and the way he kissed. She touched her lips, still reeling from the claim he had made on them. How his hard body felt pressed against her own. That was where her real fear lie. How strong was her sexually deprived willpower? Could she spend thirty days in Hell with a man who was basically sex on two legs? Who no doubt knew his way around a woman's body like a pro. She reminded herself he promised to break her curse. They had both signed in blood the agreement and all he had asked of her was her company. Now, she wondered if she had read the contract thoroughly enough.
The clock struck on the eleventh bell. Her nightly curse took hold and ripped her world apart, reminding her of why she had made a deal with the god of the Underworld.
“Ugh! Why does this have to hurt so damn bad?” Her body contorted as it faded away and she became nothing more than a phantom. A woman without a physical body who floated across the room. At least now her gut no longer ached from overeating. That was some consolation. All she had to do now was wait another hour for Hades to show up. Would he come himself? Or, would he send one of his people like he had with the contract? She almost preferred the latter since she was in no rush to see the god of all evil again. Would her body––or lack thereof––still react to him in the same manner? Interesting thought and she had no idea what to expect.
Time always came to a screeching halt when she transformed. Probably because there was nothing to do. No sleep, no eating, or any of the normal things a person did. Her nightly escapades into the streets to try to help others came to an abrupt halt one night when she discovered an entire spooky-ass world out there. Saw the monsters that children feared under their bed. They were real. Very real indeed. Mia had been threatened by some shadowy monster that intended to cause her serious pain. Not knowing what else to do, she ran for her apartment and once inside discovered it was her sanctuary. Apparently, monsters couldn’t enter where they were not invited. At least that seemed the case with the one who wanted to do vile things to her.
Finally, the clock began its loud chime, counting down until midnight and on the last stroke, tall, dark, and sexy as sin swirled into the room.
“Mia.” He held out his hand.
“I can’t take your hand.” Was he daft? She wasn’t able to touch solid objects, and unfortunately, Hades was about as solid as they came. So much for wondering if her ghostly libido would work. That sucker was kicking in full force.
He shook his head. Impatience drawn on his handsome features. “Trust me.” He shoved his hand at her again.
With a sigh of aggravation, she laid her hand into his palm, and the second they made contact she returned to her corporeal self. “Holy shit!”
“As long as we stay physically connected, you will remain solid until we reach Hell.”
Before she was able to respond, the room blurred then faded into blackness. Seconds later she wobbled, Hades’ arm snaked around her waist to steady her and her feet were back on solid ground. She blinked and focused on the room surrounding her. Black floors with a sheen so high it was blinding. The walls were a deep red and reminded her of blood, and she suddenly had a vision of Hades’ fangs deep in her neck. Chills ran up her spine. How could she even think of such a thing? I must have been dropped on my head as a child. It was the only explanation she could muster.
Hades looked at her and grinned. “Mia, I had no idea, but it would be my pleasure as well as yours to accommodate you.”
Her jaw dropped open before she slammed it shut. “I… Stop reading my thoughts! It’s rude.”
He chuckled. “I find it most delightful. I am sorry, though, I really don’t mean to do it. It’s a habit that comes with being the god of Hell.”
She could see where that might be true. After all, he would need to know who his enemies were in this world. She tried to forget her embarrassment by focusing on the throne at the end of the room.
“Dear god, is that your throne?”
“What? You don’t like it?” To her relief, he released her and walked away. She glanced down at herself and held her hands out in front of her.
“You will remain corporeal while inside the palace. However, if you venture outside during your curse, I must admit I’m not sure what you’ll become.”
“Seriously?” The thought was rather frightening. “I’ll be sure not to wander outside then.” She had no desire to view Hell by herself anyway but wasn’t ready to admit it.
Hades grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her to face him. Lines creased across his forehead and around those delectable lips. “You signed the contract agreeing to never leave the palace grounds without an approved escort.”
“What if I break your rule? What do you intend to do to me?” Not sure why she goaded him.
“In this I will not waver. You will obey.”
Chapter Nine
Hades nearly trembled with fear and that never happened. Not in his entire existence had anything caused him to be afraid, but the thought of Mia stepping into his realm without him most certainly did. Perhaps bringing her here was a bad idea. Yet, he didn’t want to send her home. Not yet at least. He was certain he would grow tired of her by the end of their agreed term.
“There are things out there, Mia, that you have no idea about. You are innocent and should not be subjected to them.” His gaze grew heavy. “As for your punishment. I wouldn’t hesitate to toss you over my knee for a good old-fashioned spanking.” The thought sent all his blood straight to his dick. The blush across her cheeks didn’t help either.
“I’ve seen evil things.” She chewed her lip. “When I was cursed, it took me awhile to learn how to leave my apartment. One time I encountered something vile that frightened me so bad I ran back home. It wanted to harm me and thank god my apartment proved to be my sanctuary.”
Every muscle in his body went rigid, and his temper reached a point that frightened even him. “What do you mean it meant you harm?” Somehow, he managed to at least keep his voice calm.
“It chased me and… I don’t know but somehow it showed me visions of what it wanted to do to me.” She rubbed her arms and Hades came unglued.
“What did this creature look like?” he demanded.
“A black shadow.”
He recognized immediately what creature she described. It was known as a shadow demon and they were reputed for their nasty appetite. They could suck the life out of anything but only after they tortured the being to near madness. Mia now wore Hades’ mark. A claim that she belonged to him and it was a brand that would be recognized by all of his minions. It was a claim he did not intend to remove even after he sent her home. It was the least she deserved. Some peace of mind that she would never again have to worry about creatures from the Underworld. What he would do is make sure the demon that dared frighten Mia was located. Hades would enjoy a little torture himself.
“Mia, you will not need worry about shadow demons or any others for that matter. Not while you wear my mark.” His gaze flicked to her neck and he had the sudden desire to mark her there as well. Taste her skin as he sank his fangs into her throat and drank her essence. His cock responded to the vision in his head as did his fangs. Mia stared at him.
“Do you really use those things?” She was busy chewing her lip again.
“I do. Did you think they were for decoration?”
“You seriously drink blood? I guess that makes sense. I understand the guardians also drink blood and have been feeding off us without our knowledge forever. The thought that someone has bitten me, and I didn’t even know it is a bit disturbing.”
“You have not been bitten. I would see the markings.” He closed the distance between them. “I would be your first and promise you would never forget it.”
She stepped back, her eyes wide yet he didn’t sense fear from her. “I’m sure it is an experience I’d remember and care not to.” She touched her neck.
“Ah, Mia, yes, we can create extreme pain if we choose to. I can rip out the throat of even the most hardened demon. Yet, I can bring the greatest pleasure to those I wish to. You would only experience pleasure, that I promise.”
“Why do you do this?”
“Do what? Be honest with you?”
“Can I see where I will be staying?”
The obvious quick change of subject told him all he needed to know. “How rude of me.” He sent out a mental command to his favorite demon.
Baal, I need you to round up all the shadow demons for interrogation.
On it. Want to tell me what the fuck is going on with Aidyn?
We will discuss this later. He closed the connection and escorted Mia down the corridor.
Mia’s mind whirled with thoughts that should probably be illegal or, at the very least, immoral. The sight of Hades sporting fangs was almost too much to bear. If she could kick her own ass she would because she didn’t want to be imagining those points piercing her skin. Yet, it was all she could think about. She would never admit to wanting Hades in any way, shape, or form whatsoever. What she experienced was nothing more than what any woman would feel toward a handsome, viral man when she hadn’t been laid in years. Part of her was like, why not give him a go? It would scratch an itch and Hades wouldn’t be expecting a relationship that’s for sure. She could have fun for the next thirty days then go back home and begin a normal life.
Easy peasy.
Except something held her back. She forced her focus to the brightly lit corridor Hades led her down.
“I have to admit, I imagined this place to be much darker than it is.”
“Why? Because it’s Hell?” He sounded offended and that was not her intention.
“Sorry, but yeah.”
“Parts of Hell are actually quite beautiful. However, there are areas that are what you’d expect.” He stopped in front of an oversized, black door. “This is your chamber.” He pushed open the door and waited for her to walk inside.
Offering him a glance, she stepped in and looked around. A large sitting room with a loveseat and two chairs that looked as if they might swallow her up in their cushy comfort faced a fireplace. The walls––unlike the corridor––were a warm vanilla and the artwork that of beautiful landscapes. There was a small kitchenette that housed a fridge and microwave, and when she opened the fridge, she was surprised to see bottles of water, juice, and all kinds of meats and cheese. There was enough in there to take care of any midnight munchie attack.
Moving on, she entered the bedroom where she found a king-size bed and visions of what she could do with the man following her popped into her head.
Damn it! She ignored the thoughts and walked straight to the bathroom where a shower done in black and gold tile was at least three times larger than her entire bathroom back home. Mia wasn’t even going to allow her mind to go there. Instead, she whirled around and headed back through the bedroom where––lord have mercy––Hades was stretched out on her bed. The white shirt he’d been wearing seemed to have unbuttoned itself. Her heart beat faster and her cheeks so hot she swore the heat in the room had been turned up several degrees.
“What the ever-loving hell?” She crossed her arms over her chest. Told herself it was to show her anger when in reality she needed to make sure he didn’t see her nipples were trying to tear through her shirt. They wanted his lips wrapped around them, and she wanted to scream in frustration.
He raised a brow in question. “What? I thought I’d take a rest while you mill about.” He sat up and swung his legs to the edge of the bed. The shirt she now noticed was not only unbuttoned but pulled free of his slacks. It fell open to reveal the peaks and valleys of hard muscles she had always known were there.
“You swore you would not do this.”
“I have done nothing, Mia. It is you who stammer about and refuse to admit what your body craves.” He rose to his full height and her gaze did a slow, lazy scan downward. The god was nothing but sin. Dark, dangerous, sinful and hell if she didn’t want to find out how naughty he really was.
“You are the most arrogant ass I’ve ever met.”
“Of course, I am. I’m Hades. I thought we had already established that I am not your average man.” He sauntered. No, he prowled like the dangerous predator he was, closer to her until she had to take a step back. She bumped something and could go no farther unless she turned and ran. No way was she backing down.
“We had a deal. You would not expect sex from me while I was here.”
“And I am a god of my word. Have I spoken anything of sex?” He was so close now his spicy scent wrapped around her and nearly caused her to moan out loud.
“You use other methods to get your point across.” She slammed her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “And I thought I established that Hell would have to freeze over before I ever slept with you.”
He gave a sexy grin that always undid her. A hint of fang peeked over his full lips. “I can make that happen, Mia. I can make Hell freeze over.” He stepped back and slowly began to fade. “Breakfast is in an hour. I expect you to dress accordingly to sit at my table.” Then he was gone.
She released her breath. Thankful he had the sense to leave because she had been on the verge of caving. This was going to be the longest thirty days of her life.
Hades floated away laughing and headed to his suite across from Mia’s. He would have loved to stick around longer and torture her into submission, but he was in need of a shower. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so invigorated. So alive. He was going to enjoy his new guest’s stay, and he would one day soon savor those well-toned thighs wrapped around his waist.
He stripped and headed for his own bathroom when a disturbance filled the room.
“For fuck’s sake, I did not want to see your bare ass,” Baal said.
“Well, then you should knock first.” Hades summoned a silk robe. “You have the demons I asked for?”
“Yes, and all are quaking in their shadows when I told them Hades had requested an audience up close and personal.” He grew serious. “It didn’t take long for Lowan and his lackeys to begin their holy terror on humanity.”
Hades sighed. “How bad is it?”
“Well, no worse than before I guess. People seemed to be expecting it and were prepared.” Baal crossed his arms. “It appears that several were lining up to have Aidyn turn them into vampire warriors, but there seems to be a bit of a problem.”
“What’s that?”
His brows dipped. “The fucking vampire king was stabbed by his mate with the blade of Embara. Something tells me you knew that already.”
Hades walked to his bar and poured a whiskey. “I knew. I’m the one who gave her the dagger.”
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Baal yelled.
Hades sipped, allowing the heat of the alcohol to burn his throat. Maybe it would deflate his dick. “I do not like your tone.”
Baal pulled in a breath and released it slowly. “Sorry, my lord. But I think you owe me an explanation as to why my best friend was murdered.”
“It’s simple. Aidyn is really the Phoenix god and his death was necessary to force him to rise again.”
“The fuck you say?” Baal scratched his chin. “Shouldn’t that be happening soon? And why doesn’t anyone else know this?”
Hades shrugged. “We’ve no idea how long it will take. I was the only one who knew who Pyros really was. Only recently did Zarek and Argathos find out.”
“You mean you’ve known all this time? In the meantime, everyone wants to kill Leria for murdering the king. Did she know?”
“No.” He waved Baal off. “She was simply a means to an end is all.”
“So, you come back here to play with your new female while everyone waits for the other boot to drop?” He shook his head. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Where is the king now?” Hades grew tired of going toe-to-toe with his commander. He had better things to do.
“I understand Zarek took the body back to Katie’s.”
“Perfect. Now, run along. I have important things to do, like attend the rise of my brother.” He dismissed Baal and went to take his shower. After eating, he would be paying a visit to his niece and to hell with the rules Zarek had laid down. It was time for a change.
Chapter Ten
Mia cleaned up and went through the closet only to discover that if Hades expected her to keep all of the items inside it, she would need a new apartment. Correction, an entire house wouldn’t be big enough. She would simply have to select her favorites and be content with that. As she stared in the mirror, she was certain there would be no place back home to wear the getup she had put on. A red sheath dress that she had to practically pour herself into. Granted, it covered her ass and breasts. Barely. But damn, even she had to admit she had never looked so good.
Finally deciding she was ready, she walked from her room and was greeted in the corridor by Hades. He sported a dark gray suit and a blue shirt. It brought out his new eye color. She still didn’t understand the transformation but secretly loved the new look. The god had been hot before, but now he was one smoldering, sinful male specimen that put all others to shame. As he smiled and offered his arm, she would do well to remind herself that he was Hades, god of the Underworld, and way the hell out of her league.
