The Goddess Gets Her Guy

by Ashlyn Chase

  She dropped her head in her hands. “Okay,” she sighed. “I guess I do owe them an apology. But for what? I have one rule, and every one of them violated that rule. Is my rule unfair? Is it too difficult?”

  After pondering that, she decided it was absolutely not impossible to continue obeying her rule. Such a simple thing. Just don’t expose your powers to humans. What was so hard about that?

  Some paranormals had even found out what happened when they did expose those powers. A few years before in Boston, a merman had been captured in a net. A bunch of science nerds from the local university called MIT had kept him in a giant saltwater fish tank in a warehouse in Cambridge—and then did experiments on him! He had given them information on other paranormals, hoping they’d leave him alone and turn their attention to other, more powerful paras.

  She had only met him briefly, but that was enough. He had spilled the Boston baked beans about the whole paranormal community. The nerds had invented a way to detect paranormal energy and found the bar on Beacon Hill called Boston Uncommon. Apparently, their meter had gone crazy as soon as they walked in.

  Gaia had known that place was a bad idea and had suggested repeatedly that the owner shut it down. The vampire hadn’t listened. He had insisted his staff, who were human, had no knowledge of their paranormal patrons. He had said if the paras got to know each other, they would get along better. His theory had proved somewhat correct. The tensions between shape-shifters and vampires had diminished significantly. There was much less possibility of humans discovering paranormals through some kind of local war where they might be tempted to use their supernatural powers.

  But once the unusual creatures were discovered, they risked capture. The humans had discovered paralyzing drug darts would allow them to grab paranormals, stick them in a van, and bring them to their lab in Cambridge, where they had incredibly strong cages waiting. It had been a disaster.

  It hadn’t been until the still free paranormals had located the lab and chosen to work together that they had been able to dismantle it and completely erase all knowledge of the scientific findings—with her help, of course. That had been too close for comfort. Perhaps all she had to do was share that scenario with the paras who hadn’t been a part of it. They would have to understand the importance of secrecy then, right?

  She liked that idea—a lot. Not only could she apologize, but she could also express her reasoning for her one and only rule. If her concern made sense to them, they wouldn’t mind following the rule as much. She understood how hard it was to find love, and that made her a little sad, but that was Fate’s department, not hers. All she could do was take responsibility for her own mistakes.

  She rose and gazed out at the hills. I know what I’ll do. I’ll have a party! A huge party where I can invite everyone I brought to court that day. And then I’ll be able to apologize—just once—to everyone at the same time, which shouldn’t be too painful.

  Just the thought of apologizing to each one individually left her shaking, and a drop of sweat rolled down her face. Then she squared her shoulders and continued her thoughts out loud. “I can put their minds at ease. I’ll let them know that there’s a good reason behind my only rule.”

  It was for their safety. The danger would seem obvious to her. But one thing she had learned was that humans and paranormals alike didn’t always get it without full and complete explanations. Even then, some of them failed to learn before repeating mistakes. She was just attempting to avoid a recurrence of the mistake that happened in Cambridge.

  Okay, how do I go about inviting all these people? I know! My muse of email can help! I will simply ask her. She looked up at the sky and called out, “Bliss! Bliss!”

  A human riding a bike along the Hana Highway glanced over and called out, “It really is blissful, isn’t it?”

  Gaia chuckled and wondered how many times her modern muse had problems with a name like that. She was happy to see that Bliss was waiting to appear. She was obeying the law…her law.

  As soon as the human had bicycled around the corner where he could no longer see Gaia’s spot, the brunette called Bliss appeared.

  “Mother Nature! What can I do for you?”

  “I understand there’s a thing, some kind of card that can be physically mailed or emailed to invite people to an event. I guess it’s a nicer way of doing things than just calling out like I usually do.”

  Bliss grinned. “You’ve come to the right place. I used to make cards for a living. What you’re describing is called an invitation.”

  “Oh. That’s perfect. Can you make an invitation and send it to the following people: Nicholas Wolfensen, your husband, Drake Cameron, and many Fierros? Let’s see, there’s Miguel, Gabriel, Dante, Noah, Luca, and Antonio. Yes, I think that’s all of them. Those are the ones I caught violating the law who hadn’t been dealt with yet. I brought them to the paranormal court and…well, I’m afraid I need to apologize for that.”

  “You regret calling your tribunal?” Bliss asked.

  “Don’t look so surprised. I can rethink my actions.”

  Bliss just bit her lower lip.

  “So, the invitations. Can you do it?”

  “Should I know what I’m inviting them to?”

  “I guess it’s sort of an apology party. But I don’t want to call it that. Can you think of something appropriate? Make it sound like a celebration.”

  Bliss scratched her head. Then her eyes opened wider. “I know. How about Gaia’s gala?”

  “Gaia’s gala. I like it. Okay, let’s call it that, and how do we send these invitations?”

  “There are several ways, but first I need to know where it will be held and what date and time to give out.”

  Gaia let out a long breath. “I don’t know. What’s a good time and day to hold these things?”

  “Usually a weekend night works best. Most people don’t have to work. I think the Fierros are all on the same shift…at least they were before most of them moved from Boston to Puerto Rico.”

  “I’ll leave it up to you. See if you can find a date and time that works.”

  Bliss looked confused, her brow wrinkled. “I could probably ask Drake to find out. He knows them better than I do. And it wouldn’t be weird for him to want to keep in touch.”

  “Okay then, do that. Just tell me when and where to show up, and I’ll throw a very nice party for all of them.”

  “Would you like these invitations on paper sent in the mail or in electronic form sent by email?”

  “What do you recommend?”

  “I’m not sure what their email addresses are. How about if I find out what their mailing addresses are and I can send them a nice paper invitation? That would be the thoughtful and special thing to do.”

  “Okay. That sounds good. Thanks very much.”

  “Is there anything else, Goddess?”

  “No, not unless you have something to ask or tell me.”

  Bliss paused to think and then said, “No. Everything is good. We’re all fine. The job is going well. The baby is growing up quickly. He’s three years old now. Walking and talking. You should see him running after his daddy, trying to be exactly like him. Of course, he’ll never be a dragon, thank goodness. I’m just as happy that he’s a little human being and not a baby dragon that I have to attempt to discipline.”

  Gaia laughed. “Very good. And of course you know my number one rule. He’s never to know about your husband’s paranormal powers. Or yours.”

  “Yes, Gaia. We are well aware of your rule.”

  “Perfect. That’s all I ask. Thank you for sending the invitations. Just let me know where and when everyone is gathering, and I’ll be there.”

  “Would you like someone to organize the party itself?”

  “Who would you suggest?”

  “How about if you leave it to Brandee and me? The two of
us can do it together. Unless you have someone else in mind. I could ask my close friend who owns the tea shop on Beacon Hill to have it there. They usually close in the early evenings now. Maybe they can keep it open later and make it a private party.”

  “Is this a human establishment?”

  “Well, yes. But that’s why I suggested Brandee and I host it for you. We both used to waitress there. My best friend is the manager, and now she’s married to the owner.”

  “That sounds fine. Who’s your friend?”

  “Claudia Cross.”

  Gaia planted her face in the palm of her hand.

  “Oh, that’s right…you know her. Do you think that might be a problem?”

  Mother Nature laughed. “You think? Her husband violated my rule so damn much, I sent him to the top of the Matterhorn to think about what he was doing, but he still refused to close the bar. I finally had to make him human again and erase his memory. Let me tell you, it is not easy to undo vampirism!”

  “I don’t think it will be a problem after hours. Claudia and Anthony still know nothing about the paranormal world, and they might let us rent the perfect space. Brandee and I used to operate the equipment and could provide tea and coffee with already-made cakes and cookies, that sort of thing. I can ask about renting the place from her for a private party. All right?”

  “Sure. See if that’ll work.”

  “If Claudia is not okay with our taking it over completely, I can come up with something else. Maybe a private outdoor place under a tent? But I don’t know any paranormal caterers, and then what do we do about food and drinks?”

  “Do we have to feed and water them? What are they, cattle?”

  Bliss chuckled. “No, but a party isn’t a party without refreshments. Some folks are terribly shy, and just having something to do other than stand there looking uncomfortable is helpful.”

  “Yes. That’s what I’ll be doing. For this event, I think privacy is key. My muses can transport the guests wherever they need to be, so it doesn’t matter where we hold this party, as long as it’s secluded.”

  “Leave it to me. I’ll find a good place and time where everyone can meet, then I’ll design your invitations and show them to you before I send them out. How’s that?”

  Mother Nature smiled and patted Bliss on the head. “You know me well. You’d probably call me a control freak, but that’s fine. It’s just the way I am, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing.”

  Bliss smirked. “I wouldn’t call you a control freak. At least not to your face!” The two of them laughed. Then Bliss continued in a sincere tone, “You’re the goddess of all. And we’re lucky to have you. You’re looking out for us, even if not everyone realizes it.”

  “Thank you, Bliss.”

  Bliss disappeared. It sounded like the next and hardest thing to do would be coming up with the right words for her apology. How could she say she made a mistake without losing the respect of her subjects? Oh! Maybe she didn’t have to.

  “Now who can I get to say those words?” she mumbled aloud. Letting out a long sigh, she realized. “I know exactly who has to do it. Me, dammit.”

  Chapter 11

  Ruth’s reading was interrupted by the first sharp pains of labor, and she began timing her contractions. Five minutes apart. It was time to call her father. She punched in her father’s number and waited until it went to voicemail. Dammit. He’s probably off in the rain forest and doesn’t have a signal. Thank goodness I have Kizzy as a backup.

  Rain was coming down heavily. She couldn’t drive herself, since her dad had their rental car, so she’d have to take a taxi to Kizzy’s place. She just had to be sure her sister was home.

  After only a couple of rings, Kizzy picked up. “Hi, Ruth. What’s up?”

  “My time is up. I’m in labor.”

  Kizzy gasped. “Oh my Goddess! Where are you?”

  “At the hotel. Dad was going to drive me in our rental when the time came, but he’s probably off in the rain forest and unreachable. Of course, he has the car, so I’ll take a cab or Uber. I don’t want you driving in this rainstorm.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  “No! I just said I don’t want you driving in this. I’ll come to you.”

  “I’m at Gabriella and Antonio’s place. Do you have the address?”

  “I think so. Let me check my contacts.” A moment later, Ruth saw that she did indeed have the number and address of the Fierros’ home. “Yes, I have it. I’ll be right over.”

  Kizzy squealed with delight. “How much time between contractions?”

  “Five minutes. Plenty of time.”

  “Okay, great. Firstborns usually take a little longer, so we’re good. Do you want me to call the cab for you?”

  Ruth laughed. “I’m in labor, not helpless. Of course I’ll call my own cab. In fact, I can see one sitting outside the lobby. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Kizzy signed off, sounding as excited as Ruth felt.

  * * *

  The cab ride was harrowing. Ruth didn’t know if that was why her contractions were picking up or not. Maybe this kid just wanted to come sooner rather than later. The cab driver weaved in and out of traffic. In the torrential downpour, Ruth wondered how he could see anything. “You must have the roads memorized.”

  He didn’t answer. Maybe he didn’t speak English—or maybe he was deep in concentration.

  If she got to Kizzy’s safely, she’d be happily surprised.

  A contraction hit just as they were pulling up to the Fierros’ home. Gabriella and Kizzy ran out to meet her, carrying two open umbrellas. They threw open the door to the back seat. “You’re here!”

  “By some miracle,” Ruth mumbled. “Let me pay the driver.”

  “I’ll pay the driver,” Gabriella said. “You and Kizzy get inside out of the rain.”

  Ruth rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Gabriella, but I’ve got it.” She handed the cab driver a $20 bill, and he thanked her for her generosity and wished her good luck.

  Luck wasn’t the only thing involved. She had cast a protection spell around the vehicle as soon as she realized it would be a dangerous trip. In other words, the minute he stepped on the gas.

  Kizzy and Gabriella got on either side of her and helped her heave herself out of the back seat. The umbrellas covered her completely, and the other two were getting soaked. They walked her into the house as if she were a fragile doll.

  “I’m okay, really.”

  They had just gotten her into the house and shaken off the umbrellas when she had another contraction. Suddenly, her water broke. “Yikes!” The gush added to everything dripping on the tile floor.

  “Oh my God, did your water just break?” Gabriella asked.

  “It would appear so,” Ruth said. “I’m so sorry. Your floor…”

  Gabriella laughed. “Do you know how many times I soaked our floor in Boston?”

  “Seven?” Kizzy asked, smiling.

  “Almost. I went to the hospital before my water broke with Ryan. He was my first, and I was nervous. After that, it was a piece of cake. Should we go to the hospital?” she asked.

  “No!” both Kizzy and Ruth said at once.

  Gabriella paused and then asked, “Oh. Is this a paranormal birth? Are you nervous about your unusual DNA or something?”

  Ruth laughed. “No, this child is one hundred percent human. Witch DNA doesn’t look any different from yours. We’re human, just not in need of a hospital—yet. I want my sister by my side. I’m not sure a hospital will let her into the delivery room, but I’ll have the baby in the hallway if they don’t.”

  Kizzy asked, “Can I get you a cup of tea? Decaf coffee? Perhaps an enema?”

  Gabriella laughed. “I’ll get her whatever she wants except that last item. You just stay by your sister.”

  Ruth ben
t over with a strong contraction. Her Lamaze breathing wasn’t relieving the pain. “Kizzy.” She grabbed her sister’s hand. “I think something’s wrong. The pain is too strong too soon. I thought we’d have hours to wait, but now I think this kid is coming.”

  “Oh my!” Gabriella exclaimed. “How exciting. We have an extra guest room, if that’s where you would be most comfortable giving birth.”

  “Kizz, I think you should do a quick pelvic exam. I really think something’s wrong.”

  “How can you tell?” Kizzy asked. “Is your psychic power alerting you?”

  “Yes! I know my hips are small and this child is large. I guessed I might need a C-section, but I had hoped we could magically widen the pelvis. I figured we could work on that here, where we had some privacy.”

  “Is there time for that now?” Gabriella asked.

  “Probably not.” Kizzy helped Ruth back toward the door. “Let’s not even bother doing a pelvic. Let’s just get you to the nearest hospital or clinic. I can do a C-section. I just need the proper equipment—sterile equipment.”

  Ruth gazed at Kizzy intently. “Promise me if it comes down to a choice between me and the baby, you’ll save the child.”

  Kizzy reared back. “My Goddess, you can’t be serious!”

  “We are not in Brookline anymore. I know one of us might not make it, and you can save only one goner per day. I want it to be the baby.”

  Kizzy seemed to cover her shock by ignoring the request. “We’ve got to get you to a hospital, now. There’s actually a clinic closer. Gabriella? Do you know anything about that clinic?”

  “Oh yes. I went there to get a splinter taken out when we first got here. They were very professional and very kind.”

  “Okay, then you’ll have to drive, and I’ll be in the back seat with Ruth. She needs to lie down.”

  Gabriella’s eyes widened. “But I…”

  “Please! I know the driving conditions are terrible, but we have to try to get there so I can save them both!”