Urban Mythic: Thirteen Novels of Adventure and Romance, featuring Norse and Greek Gods, Demons and Djinn, Angels, Fairies, Vampires, and Werewolves in the Modern World

by C. Gockel

Skye’s mother looked surprised and turned to face him. ‘Yes?’

  ‘I was wondering if you could help me. I’m cooking dinner tonight for a friend. A special friend. I want to get some nice wine to go with it but I don’t really drink myself. Could you help me out?’

  Her eyes crinkled at the edges. ‘I can try. Does your, erm, friend, like red or white?’

  ‘I have no idea,’ Apollo said, looking stricken. ‘Does it make a difference?’

  ‘Why certainly!’ she laughed. ‘But if you don’t know, perhaps it would be wise to go in between and try a rosé instead.’

  Aiming for baffled, Apollo shrugged helplessly. ‘What’s a rosé?’

  She smiled. ‘You really don’t drink, do you? Here, I’ll show you.’ She pointed towards the left, picking up one bottle and holding it out to him. ‘This is a rosé wine. You’ll need to chill it before you serve it but it’s not too expensive and it tastes quite nice. I’m sure your friend will enjoy it.’

  ‘Thank you so much!’ Apollo beamed. Before she could leave, he spoke again. ‘I just want to make sure everything goes right. I really want to make her happy. I’ve only known her for a couple of weeks but I can just tell that it’s meant to be.’

  ‘Oh, young love,’ Skye’s mother said warmly. ‘There’s nothing quite like it.’

  ‘Indeed,’ he agreed. ‘This happens to me all the time, to be honest. When I fall, I fall hard. I’m always in love for the first couple of weeks.’ He paused and looked earnest. ‘Sometimes even months. It’s important to keep them happy to begin with. Then when the sheen wears off and I’m bored with them, at least they’ve had a good time and have some pleasant memories to remember me by. I find that being in love is only fun during the initial period. I like the excitement and the nervous fluttering feeling you get. Once that rubs off, well, it’s time to move on.’

  The flicker of distaste which flashed in her eyes told Apollo he’d found his mark. Trying not to grin, he continued. ‘Thank you for your help. I’m sure she’ll enjoy this wine.’

  Skye’s mother pasted on a smile and pushed her trolley forward again. ‘You’re welcome.’

  Apollo watched her go, amused at the straight line of her back which indicated her disapproval. As soon as she had disappeared from view, he put the nasty looking wine back on the shelf and checked his watch. Nemesis would be open in a few hours and Helios had already agreed to let him in early to have a chat to the girl’s friends. This was going to be easier than taking candy from a baby.

  When Skye finally pushed open the door to her parents’ house, feeling distinctly damp and very tired, she felt a rush of warmth at the familiar sights and smells. With Coop to distract her, she’d not had time to think about missing home; now she was thrilled to be seeing her parents in person rather than talking to them on the phone. Both of them immediately appeared in the small hallway, huge smiles stretching across their faces.

  Her father stepped over and reached out to envelop her in a huge bear hug. ‘We’ve missed you!’ He pulled back and looked her up and down. ‘You’re looking good, Skye. You’re looking happy.’

  Skye glanced over at her mother and saw the equally approving expression on her face.

  ‘That’s because I am,’ she said softly. ‘I’ve got so much to tell the pair of you.’

  ‘It’s great to have you home,’ her mum said. ‘Let me put the kettle on while you go upstairs and have a shower and change into some dry clothes. Then you can tell us all about it. Greece sounds wonderful.’

  Skye’s eyes shone. ‘It is, Mum, it really is.’

  Half an hour later, all three were in the living room. The rain outside had picked up tempo and was drumming against the window but inside the house was warm and cosy. Skye curled her legs up underneath her and sighed happily.

  ‘Even though it’s only a short visit, it’s great to be back.’

  ‘Are you sure you can’t stay for longer?’

  Skye nodded. ‘I promised Emma I’d go and visit her on my last night. I’ve only got three days. I need to be back in Greece by Friday.’

  Her father frowned. ‘He doesn’t give you much time off, this boss of yours.’

  Skye’s eyes lit up. ‘He’s not really my boss,’ she said. ‘Not any longer.’

  Alarm showed on both her parents’ faces.

  ‘Has he fired you?’ her mum demanded. ‘Just like that awful Helios man? I’ve still got half a mind to go down to London and tell him just what I think of the way he treats his employees. Honestly, giving you the sack when all you were doing was standing up for yourself.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s not on, Skye. You’ve still got rights, you know.’

  Skye smiled at her vehemence. ‘It’s okay. It all worked out for the best,’ she reassured her. ‘And I’ve not been fired by my new boss. It’s more like our relationship has, um, changed.’

  Her mum looked confused for a moment then her expression cleared. ‘Oh. Oh! You mean…’

  Skye grinned. ‘Yes. He’s wonderful, Mum. I’ve never met anyone like him before. His name’s Coop and he’s thoughtful and kind. He loves literature and he’s forever quoting it to me. I’m in love. Really, genuinely in love.’ Skye’s cheeks reddened at the truth of the words but her heart felt full to bursting.

  ‘But he’s your employer,’ her mum said, looking troubled. ‘Are you sure he’s not taking advantage of you and the situation?’

  Surprised that her mother wasn’t happier for her, Skye answered, ‘No! Definitely not. He’s told me he loves me and I believe him. We just fit together. He’s not perfect by any means but his faults make him even more endearing. You’ll meet him soon and you’ll see.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to that,’ her dad said gruffly. At least he seemed pleased for her.

  ‘You’ve barely known him a month, Skye,’ her mum interjected. ‘How can you know you’re in love?’

  ‘I just know,’ Skye said quietly.

  ‘What does he do, this Coop?’

  Skye was prepared for this. As much as she loved her parents, she didn’t think they’d quite be prepared to listen to the fact that Coop was an invisible love god. ‘He runs a dating agency,’ she said smoothly.

  The corners of her mum’s mouth turned down. ‘Does he, indeed?’

  ‘Mum! What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘Someone who runs a dating agency sounds like someone who knows a lot about the mechanics of love. Who knows how to give the impression of being in love.’

  ‘You’ve not even met him and you’re already doubting him.’

  ‘I’m sorry, sweetheart,’ her mum answered. ‘It’s just I met this awful man today who…’

  ‘I don’t care about some man you met today, Mum! Coop isn’t some stranger I met on the streets. If you knew what he’d done for me and the way he treats me, you’d think differently. We really are in love.’

  ‘It seems so fast. So sudden.’

  ‘That doesn’t make it wrong.’

  Her mum sighed. ‘You’re right. Just tell me this, does he do it often?’

  Skye was puzzled. ‘Do what often?’

  ‘Fall in love. Some men are like that, you know. Serial monogamists who always have a new girl on their arm.’

  ‘This is ridiculous! You should trust me and trust my judgment.’ Skye pushed away the little voice in her head that reminded her of Hermes’ words about all the women Coop had been with in the past. She also tried to forget that Coop hadn’t answered her question about how many times he’d taken girls to meet his mother. She didn’t believe he was lying when he told her how he felt. The emotion in his voice was too clear. Besides, why would he lie? He had nothing to gain from it.

  ‘Marj,’ her father chided, ‘Skye’s looked into his eyes and seen the truth there. She’s not some airhead who lurches from man to man. We should be happy for her.’

  Her mum shook herself. ‘You’re right. I’m so sorry, Skye. It’s just because of this man in the supermarket. He seemed to think it was okay t
o fall in love at the drop of a hat and then move on a heartbeat later.’

  ‘Only you could get into a conversation about love in the supermarket, Mum. Coop’s not like that. He didn’t even believe in love until a couple of weeks ago.’

  ‘Then I’m happy for you,’ her mum said, standing up and moving over to give her a big hug. ‘I shouldn’t have questioned him. Perhaps you’ll bring him with you next time?’

  Skye smiled and nodded. Only if he’s not still invisible, she thought, biting her lip. He sent you away, the little voice inside her whispered. You’ve not looked into his eyes and seen the truth there at all. Skye swallowed. No, she had to trust him. She did trust him. He felt the same way about her as she did about him.

  Two days later Skye met Emma in the heart of Covent Garden. Her friend bounded up to her with a face wreathed in smiles.

  ‘You look amazing!’ she yelled. ‘How the bloody hell are you?’

  Skye smiled. ‘I’m good, Emma, really good.’

  ‘It’s so great to see you! I’ve got loads to tell you.’

  Emma pulled on her arm and led her to a nearby coffee shop. They ordered a pot of tea and sat down together.

  ‘So how are Joy and Chrissie?’ Skye asked, once they were settled.

  ‘Oh, they’re the same as ever. They say hello and to tell you they’re missing your baking.’

  Skye grimaced. She’d avoided ovens and anything like cupcakes since her disaster at Nemesis. ‘Tell them I said hi.’

  ‘I will, I will,’ beamed Emma. ‘But let’s get down to more important things.’ Her face turned serious. ‘Your boss and the crush you’ve got on him.’

  ‘It’s not a crush,’ Skye said quietly. ‘I’m in love. You should meet him, Emma. He’s just perfect. I can’t believe how lucky I am.’

  The shadow on her friend’s face was unmistakable.

  ‘What is it?’ Skye asked.

  ‘I shouldn’t say anything.’

  ‘But you will,’ Skye said. She knew Emma too well to expect her to stay quiet when she had something to say.

  Emma cut straight to the chase. ‘You told me he was handsome.’

  Skye’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth and she nodded mutely.

  ‘You’ve never set eyes on him, have you?’ Her friend eyed her unhappily.

  Skye started. ‘How the hell do you know that?’

  ‘It’s true then.’ Emma’s shoulders sank. ‘I had hoped it wasn’t. Skye, how can you be in love with someone when you don’t even know what they look like?’

  ‘You don’t fall in love with someone because of their looks. It’s personality and what’s inside that counts. You can’t tell me you think otherwise.’

  ‘Not entirely, no, but…’

  ‘But what?’

  ‘Think of a painting. You buy a painting because you like the way it looks. Most people don’t understand the craftsmanship or skills or thought that goes into it. You need to have a baseline attraction from the start.’

  ‘I’m not in love with a painting.’

  ‘No,’ Emma agreed. ‘You’re in love with someone who could walk past us right this very moment and you wouldn’t know if it was him or not. That’s crazy, Skye.’ She pointed to a dreadlocked man strolling past. ‘It could be him.’

  ‘It’s not him.’ Skye said flatly.

  ‘How do you know? It’s creepy, hon, not knowing who he really is.’

  ‘I do know who he really is,’ Skye burst out. ‘How do you know I can’t see him?’ she repeated.

  Emma shifted uncomfortably. ‘I promised I wouldn’t say.’

  Skye stared at her. ‘That’s not fair. You’re meant to be my friend.’

  ‘And what kind of friend would I be if I broke my word to someone else? What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t speak up when I’m worried you’re making a big mistake?’

  ‘I can’t believe you’re trying to tell me that appearance is more important than personality.’

  ‘I’m not. But you can’t deny that appearance counts. What if you finally see him for what he is and realise you’re not attracted to him?’

  ‘That’s ridiculous.’

  ‘No, it’s not. You can bluster and pretend all you like, Skye, but physical attraction is important.’

  ‘Not that important,’ Skye said stubbornly.

  ‘Okay, then, what about trust?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘How can you trust someone when they won’t show you their face?’

  Skye looked down. ‘I trust him.’

  ‘Do you? It doesn’t sound like you do.’

  ‘Emma…’

  Her friend put her hands up in mock surrender. ‘Okay, fine. I won’t say any more. Just think about it. For me? If you get the opportunity to see him in person you should take it. What’s the worst thing that can happen?’

  A ripple of unease ran through Skye. ‘I don’t know.’

  Emma sat back. ‘See? At least you’ll know then who he really is. It’s not about being shallow, Skye.’ She dropped her voice to a whisper. ‘It was a guy called Hermes who told me.’

  Skye blinked. Hermes? But he was Coop’s friend. Why would he be running around talking to Emma behind Coop’s back?

  ‘He made me promise not to tell you who he was,’ Emma confided. ‘I think he likes you and doesn’t want to see you get hurt.’

  ‘Did he tell you what Coop is?’ she asked cautiously.

  ‘The god part? Yeah. That’s freaking weird, hon. But I’d always had a few suspicions regarding Helios, you know. Once I went into his office and the place was bathed in light. It was so freaking bright, I thought my eyeballs were going to be seared off. But it wasn’t the electric light that was causing it. And then this one time I thought I saw…’ Emma’s voice trailed off. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

  ‘You’re taking that part remarkably in your stride.’

  She shrugged. ‘Hey, I’m an open-minded kind of gal. But not so open-minded as to think you can have a genuine relationship with someone when you don’t know what they look like.’

  ‘It’s not his fault he’s invisible.’

  ‘So he says,’ said Emma. ‘Hermes suggested there was more to it. That he’d deliberately made himself invisible.’

  Skye’s brow furrowed. That just didn’t make sense. Why would he do that?

  ‘Look, let’s forget it. Your room is all ready for you and I’ve got the night off. Let’s have fun tonight and you can decide what to do tomorrow when you get back to Greece.’

  Skye clenched her teeth. No. This was ridiculous. First her mother thought her relationship with Coop was doomed, now her best friend seemed to think they couldn’t possibly have a real relationship together. Neither of them understood. And what on earth Hermes had been doing, she had no idea. Despite having only been away from him for two days, she missed Coop desperately. She needed her friends and family to see how wonderful he was. But they’d not even met him yet and already they were against him. Skye was going to prove otherwise. Lion, not mouse, she told herself. Instead of waiting for things to happen to her, she was damned well going to make them happen herself. She stood up and pushed her chair back.

  ‘Actually, Emma, I’m not staying after all. I’m going back home.’

  ‘To your parents?’

  ‘No,’ she said firmly, dropping some money on the table. ‘To Greece.’

  There was no driver to pick her up from the airport this time. Coop wasn’t expecting her back for another day. She’d been lucky to get on the last flight to Athens as it was; by the time she reached the mansion, he’d probably be fast asleep. But that was okay. She’d wake up his visible self and they could look into each other’s eyes properly. He’d understand. If it meant the other people she cared about were more inclined to love and trust him, it was worth it. Digging into her bag, she had just enough cash to pay for a taxi through the winding hills.

  Unable to relax, she fobbed off the taxi driver’s attempts at conversati
on and stared out of the window. The moon was covered by clouds and even the lights of the city seemed dull. Trepidation and excitement bubbled in the pit of her stomach. Occasionally she felt a flicker of doubt and worried whether she was doing the wrong thing, but then she put those thoughts aside. Coop had asked her to promise not to try to see him while he was visible but she’d not said the words, so there was no promise to break. Besides, if he’d missed her as much as she’d missed him, this was going to be a hell of a hello.

  The truth was that Coop had missed her desperately. He’d spent the previous two days moping around the mansion, listlessly wandering from room to room. Skye’s scent was still lingering in the air and everywhere he went there were traces of her presence. The only thing he’d found to take his mind off her had been his job; somehow going out and helping others to find love made him feel better. He made a mental note to tell that to his mother. She’d been on at him for years to appreciate his job more; now he had Skye, he did.

  After tossing and turning for two nights, barely able to sleep, today he’d gone for a long swim so he felt tired when he clambered in between the cool sheets of his bed. Unfortunately that meant he fell asleep almost instantly, failing to hear the sound of the taxi – and Skye – pulling up outside.

  After paying the driver, and with her heart in her mouth, Skye walked up to the front door of the mansion and carefully opened it. The house was dark and quiet. Skye grinned to herself. He’d be surprised to see her but – she hoped –happy too. She kicked off her shoes and padded through the house to the wing where his bedroom was.

  At the door, Skye put her hand on the knob and began to twist it, then paused suddenly and pulled back. Doubt filled her: was this the right thing to do? Coop had seemed adamant she mustn’t see him while the invisibility spell was off. She thought of Apollo’s caustic comments about how handsome Coop was. Was that because he wasn’t good looking at all? Was he actually some kind of monster with horns and scaly skin?

  But she’d felt his skin. It was smooth. And there certainly weren’t any horns on his head. She’d run her hands all the way through his soft hair. Even if he wasn’t as good looking as she’d been led to expect, it hardly mattered. Appearance wasn’t important, no matter what Emma said. In fact part of her hoped he didn’t look like a love god should –then she wouldn’t feel inferior next to him.