by Amy Sumida
Another annoying rule was; the power had to be used for the greater good. That stung. Not because I didn't want to foster the “greater good” but because that term had always seemed so trite to me. A lot of humans who call themselves witches (and usually aren't) say that magic can't be used for personal gain. Well, what's the point of that? Why have power if you can't use it for yourself? That being said, it was probably for the best that something so all-powerful as the Trinity Star had some limitations. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and all that. Those rules might actually be in place for my protection.
But damn; it would be nice to just wish my problems away.
“You know she can't use it like that,” Azrael answered for me. “It has to be—”
“For the greater good,” Aidan said the words with the same irritation I felt for them. “Yeah; we know. But isn't it for the greater good to have Vervain safe?”
That had been one of my arguments with Al, the Consciousness of the Void. He said that sometimes I needed to experience things that would make me stronger; blah, blah, blah. I guess Katila was meant to make me stronger. Or to make me Queen of Hell.
My face went slack as that sobering thought occurred to me. Could Katila have been right? Could he have actually been sane—before I got to him, that is? I blinked and realized that it didn't matter. I didn't care one bit if Katila was fated to rule Hell with me beside him; he wasn't going to. I wasn't going to. There was no way that was for the greater good, and even if it was, I didn't give one dancing demon damn. I wasn't going to let Katila kill my family. If the Star had a problem with that, it could find another woman to inhabit.
Something flared inside me, and I suddenly felt at peace. No; this wasn't about Katila's fate; it was about mine. The Trinity Star was with me; it fought for me even when I wasn't aware of it. It guided and guarded me in subtle ways. If it didn't help me with this, it was because it knew that I could handle it on my own. I had to trust it because if I didn't, it would stop working altogether. Or worse; it would turn against me. And I didn't want to be enemies with something inside me; been there, done that.
“Vervain?” Odin asked in concern.
“Sorry; just have a momentary crisis of faith,” I said. “I'm fine now.” I looked at Aidan. “I wish I could control it more, but the Star functions under knowledge that it can't share with me. I have to trust that it knows best. It will help when it can, but right now, I'm on my own.”
“You're never on your own, Carus,” Azrael said. “We're all with you, and the Trinity Star must find us to be acceptable.”
“Exactly,” I said with a smile. “So, let's not disappoint it. Any ideas on how to lure Katila into making a fatal mistake?”
“Vervain?” Athena hesitantly walked into the dining hall.
“Athena?” I stood up. “Are you all right?”
“Yes; I just needed to speak with you,” she stammered as she looked across the collection of stunning men.
Athena had seen my Intare before, but I believe it was only during battle. They can be a little intimidating when you meet them all together; so many beautiful men in one room. I'd gotten used to it, but it had taken me awhile.
“I know it's the middle of the night, but I took a chance that you might be awake,” she went on.
“Welcome to Pride Palace,” Wren said as he stood. “Please, take my seat.”
Wren was the youngest of my Intare; at least he'd been the youngest when he was made a werelion. He looked around thirty-years-old but I got the impression that he'd been even younger than that. His blond hair fell just below his ears and his shamrock-green eyes were bright with mischief. Tan skin coasted smoothly over an abundance of muscles; shown off in a tight tank top and jeans. Athena took in the full Wren package as she slid into the seat he offered her.
“Thank you... ?”
“Wren,” he gave her his name along with a smile.
“Wren,” she murmured.
“Athena?” I prompted as she continued to stare at Wren.
She blinked and shook her head a little. “Sorry; I'm having one of those days.”
“Coffee or tea?” I offered.
“Dear Gods, I'd love a coffee,” she said and sighed.
Wren ran off to get it for her. When he passed Hades, the God of the Underworld leaned toward him, and Wren stopped.
“Be careful, Romeo,” Hades whispered. “She's the Mistress of Olympus. You break her heart, and she'll probably break yours right back; literally.”
“But the heart wants what the heart wants,” Wren said with a cocky grin as he hurried off.
I shared a grimace with Hades, and we shook our heads at the folly of men and beasts.
“It's our father,” Athena said to Persephone and Artemis.
We all went still.
“What about Zeus?” Sephy asked.
“He's in Argentina too,” Athena said. “Well, not physically; he's expanded his logging company to include Argentina.”
“What in all the realms has drawn so many Greek Gods to Argentina?” Sarasvati asked.
“I suppose it was our people who brought Argentina to our attention.” Athena shrugged. “It doesn't matter; we're there now. Zeus was the victim of the first attack. Although, we didn't know it at the time, and it wasn't really an attack.”
“What does that mean?” Trevor frowned at her.
“Every time Zeus' employees would start to clear a site, the trees would disappear,” Athena said. She took a cup of coffee from Wren and paused to say, “Thank you.”
“I'm sorry; did you just say that the trees disappeared?” I asked.
Athena tore her gaze away from Wren. “Um; yes. They'd disappear and then reappear as soon as the loggers moved on.”
“What in tarnation?” I exclaimed.
“I've been looking into the Tupi legends,” Athena said. “Those are some of the indigenous people of Argentina. There's a god called Sachayoj, the Father of the Forest. When natives cut down a tree without need, he would punish them by making all the trees disappear.”
“Sounds like you've found culprit,” Kirill said. “At least he's not hurting anything.”
“Yes; it was the most passive of the attacks,” Athena said. “Zeus wouldn't have even brought it to my attention if he hadn't heard about Triton and me.”
“How are your mines?” Eztli asked.
“I've kept them closed so I haven't experienced any other losses, but Triton's ships keep sinking,” Athena said. “He's gone back to that house you found, Vervain and tried to confront Mayup Mamman, but she wasn't there. He's furious.”
“She did warn him,” Finn pointed out.
“That doesn't make it right,” Athena countered. “I could warn you right now that I'm going to kick you in the balls. Would you fault yourself for it when I did?”
Finn grimaced as several men winced. “Point taken.”
“I think what Finn is trying to say is that Triton went into this knowing what he'd be up against,” I said. “He knew that Mayup would attack his boats if he didn't leave. He took the risk.”
“Triton warded his boats but it didn't work,” Athena said. “I think it's become about pride for him now. He's the son of the greatest sea god in the Greek Pantheon; Triton feels like he has a reputation to uphold and the right to fish wherever he pleases.”
“Pride again.” I sighed as I looked around the table at my lions. “The bad kind of pride.”
“We think these gods might be after you because of the way your people have invaded their country,” Odin said. “Their people have faded away—along with their religion—while yours have thrived. And now, you've all gone there and begun to strip their country of its natural resources for profit.”
Athena's cheeks turned red. “What did you just say to me?”
“Those are simply the facts, Athena,” Hades said gently. “He's not trying to be rude. Our people weren't exactly invaders, but they did immigrate in large numbers to Argentina, and you yourself adm
itted that it was what led you there.”
“I'm trying to tell you that this may be about more than gold, fish, and lumber,” Odin went on. “This could be about the Greek people; your people. They could be in danger.”
“We don't know that for certain,” I quickly interjected. “It's all a theory based on what Mayup said about wanting the Greeks out of Argentina. She didn't specify the Greek Gods; just the Greeks.”
Athena's gaze went distant and then widened. She swallowed roughly before she answered. “All of us employ Greeks; it's a way of providing for our people.”
“It might be a good idea to watch over those people a little more closely,” I suggested.
“That's it?” She asked in surprise. “You're not going to help us?”
“Athena, you have one of the biggest pantheons in existence,” I pointed out. “I helped you before because you needed a tracker, but I don't understand why you'd come to me and expect me to help you again when you already have plenty of gods at your disposal.”
Athena grimaced. “Those gods aren't adept with dealing with things like this.”
“Well, this goddess already has a full plate,” I reminded her.
“I'm so sorry; I forgot about the demons,” Athena stuttered in surprise. “Is everyone all right?”
“They are,” I said. “But we've had to roll with the punches, and we were just in the middle of discussing our next move when you walked in.”
“And what about you?” Athena looked at the other Greek gods at the table. “You're not going to help me? Hades, what about Poseidon? You don't want to help his son?”
“I have helped, Athena,” Hades said patiently. “Persephone and I went with Donnie, Triton, Odin, and Vervain to look into the incidents, and Vervain found the goddess who was behind it. We have done our parts. But, as she said, we have other friends who are in dire need now. I will not abandon them.”
Athena gaped at Hades.
“We aren't abandoning you either, Athena,” Persephone said gently. “If you truly feel that no one else can help you, we will. But the Demons are facing death right now, and Vervain and Trevor have been personally attacked so your troubles will have to wait until they're safe. If you can afford to wait, then, by all means, do so. But I'd recommend you ask some of the other Greek gods to help you instead.”
“Odin just said that our people may be in danger,” Athena pointed out.
“And if it turns out that they are, we will help defend them,” Hekate said. “Contact us immediately.”
“Woman-up, Athena,” Artemis huffed. “You've been bugging Vervain—and by extension, us—with every fucking problem you've had since she joined the Twelve. This is bullshit and you know it. The Godhunter is not your mommy. Now, grow a pair of tits and handle your own shit.”
The room went silent.
“I see.” Athena stood. “I won't bother you again.”
“Athena.” I sighed. “If there's something that only one of us can do, we'll gladly help you. But what would you have me do now—at this moment—that another Greek god can't?”
“Nothing, I suppose,” she said evenly. “You've given me some insight that will prove useful, I'm sure. Thank you for that. I will do as Artemis so colorfully suggested and handle this myself.”
Athena stiffly walked out of the room; Wren hurrying after her.
“Pixie poop!” I huffed. “That didn't go well.”
“It needed to be said.” Odin gave me a supportive look.
The non-Greek members of the God Squad nodded along with the Intare.
“We're happy to defend you, Tima, but I'd rather not go looking for trouble that we otherwise would have no part of,” Fallon said.
“And Artemis is right,” Hades said. “Athena has been leaning too heavily on us. If Donnie had asked me, I would have helped, but my brother—as Athena pointed out—is the greatest sea god in our pantheon, and he's taking care of his own business. Athena needs to learn that leadership is not just about commanding your soldiers, it's also about giving them an example to follow.”
“Well said.” Hekate's black lipstick made her smile seem even sassier than it was; she tossed it at Hades first and then transferred it to Artemis. “You too, Artie. I'm going to be stealing that line about the tits.”
Artemis took a bow.
“I'm glad we're in agreement,” I interrupted their little moment of camaraderie. “But I feel bad about turning her away.”
“As you said; she has big pantheon,” Kirill reminded me. “Is it fair for her to come here and expect us to handle her problems vhen she has capable gods she can call on?”
“Herself included,” Torrent said.
“Well, when you put it like that, we sound less cold-hearted,” I said.
“I don't think it's possible for you to have a cold heart,” Trevor said with a wink my way.
I felt good about it then, but later I would look back on that night and wish I'd been more of a friend to Athena.
Chapter Forty-Two
We went to bed without a Katila solution, but one presented itself the very next day. Or herself, rather.
The little lionesses were playing in our natural rock pool with their fathers and uncles while Samantha, Re, and I relaxed with cool drinks nearby. We needed a break. I've learned over my years of godhunting that breaks like this are important. Without them, life becomes a series of battles that start to seem pointless. You need to remind yourself what you're fighting for before you armor up.
But I hadn't expected to have to explain all of that to the other Angel of Death. He came striding out of Pride Palace with his wife at his side and stopped beside the pool to glower at us like we were heartless assholes.
“Samael?” Azrael asked as if he couldn't believe the man was standing there.
“Hello, Azrael,” Samael said as he surveyed our domestic bliss. “Having a nice time?”
“We're taking a well-deserved break,” I said defensively as I got up and wrapped a sarong around my bikini-clad self. “How did you get past my wards?”
“Our daughter gave us the chant,” Samael said with a smug smile.
I grimaced. Dang it, Gello! She hadn't bothered to warn us either; that mischievous demoness.
“You have nothing to fear from us,” Lilith said. “We're here to help.”
“I still don't know if I approve of this,” Samael said to his wife.
“Is anyone going to introduce us?” The other Sam—Samantha—asked as she cast concerned looks at her husband and daughter.
I introduced everyone, and they all murmured politely to each other. But Samantha and Fallon still looked tense. They subtly moved between our visitors and their daughter.
“We've come about the demon killers,” Lilith said as she looked around for a place to sit.
“Why don't we sit on the veranda?” I suggested.
“I want to stay!” Lesya declared.
Well, that was kind of the point, but I didn't tell Lesya that. She'd probably change her mind if she knew I didn't want her to come with us.
“I'll stay vith her,” Kirill said. “You go.”
My other men grabbed towels and dried off as we headed to the drawbridge-veranda. Trevor went inside the palace to grab some drinks for our unannounced visitors while the rest of us settled on the Victorian furniture.
“Has something happened?” I laid my towel down on the velvet and then sat.
“No; nothing has happened. That's why we're here,” Samael said stiffly.
“Sam, stop it,” Lilith hissed.
“This is dangerous, and I don't like it,” Sam said back.
“What's dangerous?” Odin asked.
“I have a plan to catch the killer,” Lilith announced. “I will possess a human; I already have one on stand-by. She lives with her mother in a little town in France. They have a large home that would be perfect for us to use, and both of them are very willing to help us. The mother will go to the local church and ask for an exorcist, and t
hat should—”
“Back up,” I said. “They're willing to help? The humans are?”
“There are always humans looking to make deals with the Devil,” Samael said with an eye-roll.
“I told her that I was Satan.” Lilith shrugged. “I offered her wealth and beauty in exchange for her unquestioning assistance.”
“Can you deliver wealth and beauty?” I asked.
“I can manipulate a few things in her favor and get her some money,” Lilith said. “As far as the beauty thing; I can make her think that she's beautiful, and half the time, that's all that's needed.”
“Neither of them will be harmed,” Samael said impatiently. “It's not the demon-worshiping humans you should be worried about. My wife will be putting herself in harm's way.”
“You won't let him take me,” Lilith said confidently to her husband. “You'll kill him, and then our children will be safe.”
I sat back and sighed. So, that was it; Lilith was a mother protecting her children, and she'd do anything she had to do. I would too; anything, no matter how foolish it may be. But this wasn't foolish; this was a good plan. Despite that, I was still worried. Katila had proven himself to be quick and smart. If he figured out that it was a trap fast enough, he could take Lilith's soul and run.
“Katila's fast,” I voiced my concerns. “We just had a run-in with him last night. He traced away before Az could catch him. We think it's the power of the souls he's been taking.”
Samael cast a dark look at his wife.
“So, we do nothing as he kills our children?” She asked him.
“No; we keep searching for him,” Samael said. “We will find him, and then I will destroy him.”
“Right; I guess we should have called you,” I muttered. “I'm sorry; it's been a bit of a—”
“What did you discover, Vervain?” Samael interrupted me.
“Katila has an unusual magic,” I said. “It's a type of invisibility; he can go unnoticed and cover his tracks. You won't be able to find him. And with his increased speed, it's been hard to catch him.”
