“Cassandra saw your birth,” Aphrodite said. “She didn’t see beyond that, but she knew Persephone’s daughter would be an oracle.”
“Cassandra tried to kill me. Surrendered herself so that Hades could destroy me.” Lexi forced her fist to unclench. Cassandra might have also sacrificed herself to save Lexi, but there was no way to know if that was intentional, or if she thought she was helping Hades.
“Immortality drives a lot of us off the deep end. I’m not making excuses for her. It is what it is, and you’ll see more of it, the longer you live.”
“None of this answers my question. And it’s really a simple question,” Lexi said.
“It’s really not simple at all.” Aphrodite shook her head. “You need context, to help you understand. I helped Persephone hide when she escaped. She had one wish for you—that you be kept from the world of the gods for as long as possible. When you were born, and I saw how intertwined with fate you were, I told her that wasn’t an option. She made me promise to keep you away from everyone, including myself, until I couldn’t anymore, and I did it without hesitation.
“At first, I did it for her. But I’ve watched you grow up. I’ve seen you struggle and overcome, time and again. You’re so very strong, child. It may not make sense to you, but I see you as a daughter. So I hid your past from you, for Persephone. For me. I thought I was doing it for you, and I’ll never know if I was right. However, I reached a point where I couldn’t do it anymore.”
As Aphrodite spoke, a rainbow of feelings flooded Lexi, but anger and frustration beat out gratitude. What gave this woman the right? “Why? What changed?” She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her question.
“Things are unfolding. I don’t know what exactly, but I knew you would be safer with Actaeon, Cerberus, and Icarus. I had to make one last tweak, to put you in their path—”
“You had to interfere again, to get me to where you wanted me.” Lexi bit off the words. “You watched from afar for years, while I struggled and suffered. And then you decided it was time for me to fall in love, and that meant it was a good time to dig your fingers into my life.”
The waitress returned with their sandwiches. Lexi hadn’t touched her shake. Condensation dripped on the table, and ice cream had turned to liquid in the glass. She wasn’t hungry.
“I’m sorry,” Aphrodite said when the waitress was gone. Sincerity filled her apology. “I realize it doesn’t help, but I hated watching you go through those things. I stepped in whenever I could.”
“But not when Poseidon sacrificed Dad. Not when I was homeless and squatting in a run-down house with other abandoned immortals. Just when it was convenient for your plans.”
“I can’t say if my choices were right, and neither can you.” Aphrodite spoke with kindness rather than reproach, and she believed what she was saying. “Conner grew up with the gods, and he sees the world differently than you do, and I realize some of that is nature versus nurture. I’ve always done what I thought was best, and I can’t change the past. I can only help you now.”
Could Lexi forgive this? She wasn’t sure. It wouldn’t happen here and now. Emotion lodged in her throat and squeezed the air from her lungs and clouded her thoughts. Learning more about her mother, and hearing the adoration in Aphrodite’s voice, was so much to process.
“What’s coming?” Lexi asked. It was easier than sifting through her feelings. “You said something is coming that’s dangerous. That I’ll be safer with my men when it arrives.”
“I don’t know. I’d tell you if I did, but I’m not part of the inner circle.”
The deception was back. Not as blatant as before, but Aphrodite was leaving things out. “Tell me what you do know.”
Aphrodite pushed her untouched food aside and leaned closer, locking her gaze on Lexi’s. “Zeus and those who side with him have worked hard, to either align or kill any hero who’s a threat.”
Which was old news. “Does that include Artemis?”
“It’s likely. She wears her neutrality like a badge, so I can’t say for certain.”
“What are they up to?” The story Charon told her flowed back. “Does it have to do with the promise Zeus made to his mother? That he wouldn’t let Cronus, or anyone, step up and rule unreasonably again?”
Aphrodite gave her a dry smile. “He takes that promise very seriously. Zeus’ interpretation of what’s best for the world very likely doesn’t match yours. If he feels this is his path to order—to ensuring mankind doesn’t destroy themselves—he’ll obliterate ten or twenty or thirty percent of humanity to save the rest. To ensure Olympians remain where he believes they belong—in power.”
“Fuck. He really is a comic-book villain.”
“No.” Aphrodite’s sigh carried centuries of exhaustion. “He’s so much worse. Don’t go to this gathering of his.”
“You mean the one for me? If I tell you I am going, will you erase blocks of my memory again?” Lexi happily let the bitterness spill into her question.
“No. I’m here if you request my help. Otherwise, you’re in much better hands now. I’m done interfering.”
Too little, too late. But was it? Lexi couldn’t say. Was anything in her life black and white? “And I’m done hiding. Hades dragged me into the open, and Zeus insists on keeping me here. I don’t know how, but I’m going to make him regret that decision, and I won’t be shoved aside again.”
“I’ll stand by you as you do whatever it is you do. I’m sorry for so much, but more than anything, that you didn’t have more time with your mother. I promise you, she’d be proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Lexi choked on an abrupt surge of tears and blinked back the sting behind her eyelids.
She was still angry at Aphrodite for so much, but that wasn’t a battle Lexi needed to fight right now. There was so much else at stake.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Lexi stood in front of the full-length mirror in the back of a walk-in closet bigger than any room she’d called her own. Her dress hugged every curve, and the blue matched her eyes.
Cerberus had called a friend to tailor it for her, and Actaeon took care of the bill.
She looked incredible, down to the matching silk heels. She’d never dreamed of having access to a life like this. It was impossible to argue, when three wonderful men insisted this was the best way to meet tonight’s challenge.
Her gut churned, as she smoothed the fabric down one more time. No illusions for this. She was going to be on camera and everything needed to be physical.
The tension flowing inside wasn’t only hers. It weighed heavy in the house, threatening to suffocate her, depending on the mood of whoever she was near.
Lexi needed to learn to filter that. It would wait until she made it through tonight.
“Fashionably late has its limits,” Actaeon called.
She rolled her eyes, but she appreciated the break from her thoughts. Considering it took a blink to travel to their destination, they had time.
She could do this, and she wouldn’t be alone. The assurance was her armor for the evening.
Lexi stepped from the room and made her way to the stairs. Cerberus, Icarus, and Actaeon stood at the bottom, dressed in tuxes that let their personalities shine through.
Actaeon whistled when he saw her, and heat flooded her cheeks.
Cerberus met her halfway and offered his hand, then escorted her to the main floor. “You look incredible.” He kissed her fingertips before letting go.
Icarus touched her cheek, drawing her attention. “Accessory for the evening.” He held out a black velvet box.
She opened the lid, to reveal a thin gold chain with a lightning bolt charm. “I love it.”
Icarus withdrew the necklace and hooked it around her neck. The pendant settled at the base of her throat, small but distinct.
“A symbol of Zeus?” Cerberus wasn’t impressed.
Lexi traced her fingers along the design.
“Because it’s amusing,” Actaeon said.
> It was subtle. Wearing another god’s trinket as if it held no meaning beyond ornament.
Lexi managed a smile through her mounting tension. “Yes it is.”
The event was being hosted in Las Vegas. Lexi had no doubt Zeus picked the location for its various ties to her past.
“Here goes nothing.” She hoped it was nothing, anyway.
In a heartbeat, the four stood in the lobby of the Las Vegas Parthenon. A string quartet sat in the corner, playing lilting music that wove into the quiet atmosphere. Everyone, from wait staff to the other guests, wore an aura.
“Look at you and your entourage.” Conner joined them. “Way to make an entrance.” He wasn’t alone.
The woman with him wore a stunning silver gown that hugged her figure and sparkled in time with the vibrant red aura encircling her. That was a neat trick.
“Serenity, Lexi. Lexi, Serenity.” Conner gestured.
Lexi knew the name. Serenity was Ares’ daughter. One of the more prominent post-enlightenment heroes. “Pleasure to meet you.” Lexi extended her hand.
“Same.” Serenity’s grip was firm, and her smile warm and genuine. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Don’t worry. I only listened to the things he said.” She nodded at Conner.
Something caught Lexi’s attention. Serenity’s aura had covered it, but now the red cord connecting her to Conner was distinct and stunning.
“Don’t.” Conner’s sharp tone caught Lexi off guard.
She looked up, to find him watching her with warning in his gaze.
It made sense that he already knew the cord was there. She shrugged. “Not saying a word.”
“Appreciate it.” Serenity’s expression never wavered.
They were both aware. And it was none of Lexi’s business, as long as they were happy. “We should get to know each other better sometime.”
“I’d love that.” Serenity stepped into Conner’s waiting arm. “We can swap stories.”
“I’m sure yours are better than mine.”
Conner chuckled. “Don’t be so sure.”
Lexi was grateful to start the evening this way. She’d take as many friendly faces as she could get. “Just tell me this. Did either of you get a coming-out party like this?”
“Nope. But I didn’t kill a psychotic father and unintentionally assume his position in one of the three most coveted spots in the pantheon. So much for you steering clear of our kind.” Conner kissed her on the cheek. “No one wants to talk to us; we’re old news. But we’ll be by the bar most of the night, if you need an excuse to retreat. Good luck. I’m rooting for you.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t like the idea that she needed rooting for.
Actaeon settled a hand at the small of her back, and she focused on the energy wrapping around them, to help calm her. “Let’s introduce you to everyone,” he said.
They all stepped into the main hall. It was straight out of a movie. Lexi suspected that was for the cameras. Those probably wouldn’t be on until later, based on what Actaeon and Icarus said, and what she’d seen on TV in the past.
“Small gathering. Good.” Icarus’ tense voice clashed with his words.
“This is small?” From here, she saw a couple dozen of the major faces—gods and heroes alike—and that many more people she didn’t recognize.
“I’ve never in my life felt like I was missing out by not attending one of these,” Cerberus said in her head. “Not expecting my opinion to change tonight.”
It was reassuring she wasn’t the only person this didn’t sit well with.
She was introduced to everyone in ones and twos. She was glad she knew most of them from history books, or she would have forgotten the first names by the time she reached the last introductions.
Even Apollo, whom she’d only seen in a tank-top and board-shorts before now, was dressed in the finest evening wear. She also owed him something.
“Do you want company?” Icarus asked in her head.
“No.” Or rather, she did, but she had a feeling this was news best delivered with as few people around as possible.
She approached Apollo with hesitation, waiting a few feet away until he finished talking to Hera. He met Lexi’s gaze and smiled. “Pleasure to see you again.”
She stepped closer. “Same.”
“Congratulations on your ascension. I wish we were running into each other under more pleasant circumstances.”
He had no idea. But he was about to. It seemed half of the attendees didn’t want to be here any more than Lexi did. “Thanks.”
“I’d hoped to hear from you sooner. Though I understand why it took some time,” Apollo said.
“Yeah. Finding myself after becoming one with an entire plane of existence took some doing.” She could have reached out any time in the past two weeks, and she hadn’t. This was the biggest regret Lexi had about what happened to Cassandra. She’d promised Apollo to bring her back safe.
“Cassandra didn’t make it back with you.”
Lexi shook her head. “No. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. I’d already surrendered her a couple of times. All I hoped for her was a happy future.”
She might be happier with no future. The thought didn’t come with venom. It was based on what Lexi had seen of Cassandra’s gift for seeing the future. “I’m sorry.” She already said that.
“Did she at least... die well?”
Lexi didn’t know what that meant. She should learn. “She saved us. She’s the reason we made it out.” There was no point in mentioning it might or might not have been intentional. Apollo had gone above and beyond to help Lexi. The least she could offer was comfort.
He gave her a sad smile. “Thank you.” He grasped her fingers and kissed her knuckles. “Welcome to the pantheon.”
She excused herself after a few more minutes of banter, to continue making her way around the room.
Aphrodite was sweet and apologetic.
Lexi was still working on forgiving her, but tonight she needed allies.
Artemis was polite, but the exchange made Lexi’s skin crawl.
Lexi kept her reaction locked away from her companions. “I can’t believe Zeus went to all of this effort for me.”
“Would it make you feel better or worse to know it’s not for you—it’s for show?” Icarus asked.
She wasn’t sure. “At least there are no sacrifices planned with the meal.”
“You’re death. He doesn’t want to feed your numbers,” Cerberus replied.
She didn’t care the reason, as long as the result was fewer people being killed.
“Hey,” Actaeon whispered in her ear. “No leaving me out of the mental gossip.”
“You probably know much better stories about any of them than I do.”
They drank and chatted and worked the party, and none of it calmed Lexi. Zeus’ presence was a constant reminder that her being here was a coerced choice at best.
The evening dragged on. The company wasn’t bad. The tension was.
And then Zeus stepped to podium at the front of the room. “Let’s get to the heart of tonight’s affair.”
“Cameras are rolling,” Icarus said in her head.
Show time.
Lexi’s heart lodged in her throat.
“As you all know, a new goddess has joined us recently. Born with the strength, but hidden from her birthright by a prejudiced and misguided stepfather.” Zeus’ voice boomed against walls without a microphone.
Lexi clenched her jaw at the reference to Dad. She didn’t want an excuse to lose her temper in here, but she’d take the risk if Zeus went too far.
He locked his gaze on her. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the new master of the underworld, the self-proclaimed goddess of truth, Alexandra.”
A smattering of polite applause spread around the room.
She reluctantly left her dates behind and strode to the podium, prepared to make her first words a correction of her name.
Zeus stretched
out an arm in greeting as she approached, and stepped to the side so she could join him. When she reached him, the air shifted, pressing in on her.
“This woman is an enemy of the state, and always has been.” Zeus roared.
Lexi couldn’t move. Cords of silver and sparks bound her.
Zeus looked over the room. “She freed Hades, and it wasn’t enough. She slaughtered her father, to have his gift as her own.”
This was so so bad. Lexi struggled against the bonds but couldn’t break them. She tried to speak, but no sound came out. “Help?” She hated this. Where was Cerberus? Actaeon?
She looked over the room. They were out there, but similar bindings held them. Why wasn’t anyone else stepping in? Panic surged inside.
Zeus radiated smugness. “This child will wreak havoc on this world if she’s allowed. But I’m going to stop her before she reaches that point. Before she becomes an unstoppable force.”
He tilted his head near hers, then grasped the gold chain around her neck and snapped it free. “How dare you come into my world and mock me? I’m waiting for one of those pithy comments of yours.” His growl sank into her bones, leaving terror behind. “How’s this for intimidating, little girl?”
“We’re trying.” Cerberus sent the mental thought. Reassurance traveled with it, but Lexi didn’t buy the façade of comfort.
She wasn’t waiting. She’d sworn no more. There had to be a way to snap these bonds. She reached deep inside and grasped a new thread of strength. It wasn’t hers, but it was familiar and comforting. Moonlight wrapped in passion Actaeon couldn’t hide even when he was fighting it.
Lexi let his power mingle with hers, until it crackled over her skin and pulsed in her veins. She strained against the bonds.
They still didn’t give.
Could she push harder without hurting Actaeon?
“He’ll be fine,” Icarus said.
She hoped so. She tugged at more threads and forced the energy out. The bonds cracked and flexed but didn’t give.
“What are you doing?” Zeus clenched his fist, and the restraints tightened.
Lexi clenched her jaw and forced out everything she could find. The aural ropes snapped. She allowed a grim smile to break through. “You want pithy?” She focused on Zeus. It didn’t matter who was watching. They’d already formed their opinion, and getting out of here was more important than changing the general public’s mind. “You want me to be intimidated? You win. I’m terrified. But I don’t give a fuck if you’re the king of gods. I write my own destiny.”
Apathy's Hero: A Reverse Harem Urban Fantasy (Truth's Harem Book 3) Page 18
