This was it. I was going to die. I would never be able to tell my parents or friends goodbye. I’d never finish school and follow my dreams of being an artist.
Time stood still as I waited for death, the air crackling with electricity. I imagined it was the end as my hair stood on end and a warm wave overtook me. A loud rumbling, like thunder, filled my ears, making it hard to hear anything else.
Praise for Zeus
"Oh-Em-Gee!!! Every time I hear thunder, I will look up at the sky and think of Zeus..."
~Jeannette Medina, I Heart Books
"This was my most ABSOLUTE FAVORITE book that I have read in a long time. I am a enthralled by mythology and Kamery captured my attention from the very first page. Her stimulating imagery brought each character into a three dimensional vision. I was able to see clear pictures of Zeus and Karly. Their relationship didn't start in the most conventional ways but true love is something that not even the fates could deny. You couldn't help but be engrossed into their very tender moments even just watching reruns of Hercules. He seemed genuine in what she was interested in and made it his mission to prove himself to her over and over. Although he was fighting within himself for not being able to protect Olympus he knew what needed to be. This was such a heartfelt and endearing story that mixed some mythology and true love I don't think I will ever find such a story that didn't ruin the fantasy of the Gods... I was unable to put this book down from beginning to end and I definitely want more."
~Lisa Markson, Mommy Reads Too Much
"I couldn’t put it down! It’s one I want to carry around with me everywhere so in those spare moments waiting on someone or something I can escape back into it... This is a beautifully written story that I highly recommend! In fact I already have to all my family and friends. "
~Brenda Anderson, Naughty Bits Book Reviews
Other books by Kamery Solomon
Forever
The God Chronicles
Poseidon- Coming Soon!
Hades- Coming Soon!
The God Chronicles
Zeus
By Kamery Solomon
Moonstruck Media - Arizona
Copyright © 2012 Kamery Solomon
Edited by Irene Hunt, Third Eye Tight Editing Services
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Published by
Moonstruck Media
Arizona
Smashwords Ebook Edition
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
This book is available in print and ebook format.
Dedication
For my loving family. Thank you for always believing in me, no matter what!
Acknowledgements
This book never would have entered into existence if not for my husband and a little movie magic. During one of our fantastic date nights, we watched a superhero movie at our local theatre. As I watched the various scenes unfold, I had a thought. Wouldn’t it be fun to write about the God of Thunder falling in love? Obviously, it couldn’t be Thor, who was already having major motion pictures made. When we left the theatre, I shared my musings with Jake, who immediately suggested Zeus. Boy, did I love that idea!
I ran lots of ideas past a lot of people, so I’d like to thank all of my family and friends in general. I’m sure I rambled on about Zeus quite a few times—you were all really helpful, even if you were listening to me talk to myself!
Thank you to everyone who helped watch my daughter while I worked. I would still be writing Zeus now if I hadn’t had your help!
And lastly, thank you to my editor, Irene. You helped make this what it is today, for which I am extremely grateful! You’ve taught me a lot and I plan on learning more from you in the future.
Kamery
Prologue
Zeus
“For your crime, you are banished to the human realm for nine years.”
“You have no power over me,” I growled back, loud enough the sound bounced off the smooth, gray marble floor and pillars around me. The high roof remained sky blue as always, but I wished I could darken it to match the rage boiling through my veins. Maybe then they would realize I meant business. “I am Zeus! I fought in the Great War and earned the right to be your king! You cannot exile me, I forbid it!” My fists clenched as I silently dared anyone tell me different. I’d slam a lightning bolt right into their face if they did.
“Actually brother, the Fates oversee all vows made on the River Styx. They have the authority this time.” Hades snickered, no doubt loving that I was the one in trouble this time. I grabbed a bolt, thunder clapping as I hurled it right at his head. He jumped out of the way, laughing harder.
“Zeus, control yourself!” Poseidon stepped forward. “You have done this and must pay the price for breaking your vow.”
“I did no such thing! Hera was starting an uprising—she deserves to be banished, not me!” My fingers itched for more lightning.
“There was no uprising, you made sure of that,” Hera retorted from her corner. “I wouldn’t have attempted a rebellion if you’d been paying attention to me instead of those humans you kept whoring around with!” Her voice shook with fury. “I’m glad you divorced me. Now I don’t have to watch my husband be unfaithful.”
The thunder was roaring in my mind, calling to be unleashed. I turned back to the Fates, trying to display an outer calm.
“Hera deserved what she got. She was going to commit treason, and it wasn’t the first time she’s tried something like this. I may have broken our marriage vow, but I know treason is the bigger offense.” My calm evaporated as I continued. “I am your king! I think some leniency is expected, or even required in this situation.”
“We have turned a blind eye all these years, knowing you’ve violated your vow by being with other women,” one of the three Fates said. “But you have declared the vow broken now. You must obey our laws—especially as the king.”
“Fine,” I roared. “But I will rain down terror on Earth with my lightning and you’ll have no one to blame but yourselves!” I grabbed more bolts and turned to leave, sure someone would stop me.
“Wait,” the first Fate said, and I smiled to myself. “We have not given your entire sentence.” The lightning in my hands crackled in anticipation.
“Do your worst.” The deadly whisper made several of the gods shift uncomfortably.
“In addition to your exile, your powers will be stripped from you,” the last Fate replied. The color drained from my face as a collective gasp hit my ears. “You will not be able to return until you’ve earned them back—even if your nine years are up.” From the corner of my eye, I could see the Gods whispering to each other in shock.
“How will I earn them back?” My mouth had gone dry, and the hoarse words stuck in my throat.
“You must fall in love—completely—and she must love you back. Total fidelity will be eternally required,” the Fate answered. “You will still be immortal, but I suggest you don’t take forever to find her.”
&nbs
p; I shot Hera a fierce scowl. She probably hadn’t had anything to do with this part of my sentence, but her face was a picture of pure glee. Resigned to my fate, I glanced back at my three punishers.
“When must I leave?”
“Now.”
Chapter One
Karly
I was nervous, even though I told myself a million times I wasn’t.
It seemed silly. Here I was, twenty-one years old and barely moving out of my parent’s house. I should’ve been on cloud nine, especially since I was moving to the party capital of the country, if not the world. Who didn’t want to live in Las Vegas, Nevada, celebrating it up during their college years? Me, that’s who.
I could still remember every word of my refusal letter from the Academy in San Francisco. Dear Karly, we are sorry to inform you . . . The rest didn’t really matter after that. Sure it had been upsetting, but there were other schools with art programs. I could still do what I wanted.
The denial stung, though.
I watched the yellow paint strips blur into one as I drove down the highway. There wasn’t actually anything exciting to see, a lot of dirt and rocks—the same thing I saw every time I drove anywhere outside my tiny hometown. My car was probably the most interesting thing on the road. A car suddenly came from nowhere, speeding like the devil was on its heels. It shot around me so fast that dust clouded around the front of the car, my foot automatically slamming on the brakes and my hand shooting out to steady the laundry basket buckled into the passenger seat, multicolored bags stuffed around it and on the floor for further stability. The dirt finally settled, the crazy driver nowhere in sight, and I was on my way again. Every now and then I would glance out the rearview mirror, but the backseat was full of trash bags and boxes, which held the rest of my belongings. I kept forgetting, however, and would become disoriented when there was nothing to see. I felt like I had the tiniest bit of room available to myself, squished into the driver’s seat with my purse on my lap. Someone once told me it was illegal to drive with all of your windows blocked like that. I agonized I’d get pulled over—something I’d never experienced— but there weren’t even any cops around. I really was in the middle of nowhere.
My parents didn’t want me to move. They were most likely sitting in the living room right now, plotting ways to get me to come back. I’m sure they wanted the best for me, but they were actually suffocating me.
They were the reason I’d put off applying to the Academy right out of high school. Somehow, I’d been convinced I needed to stay home and get my associates degree at our local community college. I tried not to blame them for the rejection, but sometimes I couldn’t help it. Maybe if I’d applied earlier, I would have made it. I had a hard time not dwelling on the past.
When I wasn’t accepted into the Academy after graduating with my general education degree, they tried to get me into nursing. Our small college had a program—they wanted me to stay home longer—but I finally found a streak of confidence and told them no. I was tired of feeling like I was missing everything. All my friends had already left town, and I was there all by myself. Like before, I was sure they only desired the best for me. They had a hard time understanding art was best for me.
So I started searching for a new college. There were several possibilities, but I wanted someplace with a good art community, as well as a great program, and close to my home in northern Nevada. When I’d finally settled on the university in Las Vegas, I was afraid to tell my parents. They’d been there once, and my father’s words still echoed in my mind—things like “den of iniquity,” and “Satan’s lair.” My parents were kind of religious.
The night I told them I was going to move, we had a huge fight. They accused me of wanting to party instead of focusing on school. It was repeatedly hammered into me that Vegas was “Hell on Earth” and I would become a prostitute by association. They tried to scare me with stories and videos about the Mob as well. I probably watched one hundred episodes of CSI with them. In the end I told them I didn’t want to stay at home any more, and I was going no matter what they said. I was relieved when they finally agreed. True, I might be a legal adult, but I still liked to have my parents’ support.
In the hazy distance, I could see Las Vegas appearing before me. The Strip stuck out like an oversized diamond with all of its fancy, over-the-top resorts. I couldn’t even imagine what it would look like in an hour or so when it was all lit up at night. The road became progressively more congested as it moved into the city. Nervousness poked at me again, and I hoped no one was staring at my tiny car, packed full of stuff. I felt like the scene from A Goofy Movie when everyone breaks out into song, using the junk from the car as musical instruments. Heaven help me if anyone starts singing.
I wanted to live in the dorms at the university, but they were already full by the time I called. After asking around and leaving messages with a few apartment complexes, explaining I needed a place to stay, I found an opening in a building close to the college. I agonized over whether the three girls I’d decided to live with were drug dealers or murders. But they seemed nice enough on the phone.
Good grief. My parent’s brainwashing attempts were working.
I struggled to pull the directions out of my pocket. Unfolding the paper, I tried to decipher my scribbles. I already didn’t understand the city streets. Some of them had so many signs it was impossible to miss them. Other’s came and went so fast you never knew they were there. It was my luck the street I needed was one of the latter. The knot in my stomach grew exponentially as I found a place to turn around. The last thing I needed was to get lost.
Finally, I pulled into the parking lot of my new housing complex after what felt like an eternity of missed signs and U-turns. I crept around the two story building, scanning for the right number. When I found it, I parked the car and turned it off.
And then I sat there.
I already had a key—the girls had mailed one to me—but I was too scared to get out and start my new life. I really wished I was in San Francisco.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my purse and backpack. Quickly, before my courage ran out, I got out of the car, locked it, and walked up the stairs to the second level of the tan building. Apartment number forty-two—my apartment—was past the stairs on the right. I stopped in front of the door for a moment and knocked. When no one answered, I took a deep breath, unlocked it, and walked inside.
I paused in the doorway, taking everything in. I don’t know what I’d been expecting, but was surprised at how normal everything appeared. I wanted to go straight to the nice, light-brown couch in the living room, made of that cool micro suede stuff, and stretch my car-cramped muscles. In the middle of the room was a coffee table with a few books and candles on it. I already knew I’d enjoy the big, flat screen television hung on the far wall. As tempting as it was to sit and relax, I decided to continue my examination.
A matching brown table was off to the side of the triangular kitchen which was angled really cool into one corner. I walked into it, running a finger along the island that held the sink and counter and formed the base of the triangle, facing out to the rest of the apartment. The other two sides were made up of cupboards and more counter with the normal appliances spaced perfectly apart. I loved the way everything felt super chic and out of the ordinary. I headed towards the hallway on the right of the kitchen, assuming it led to the bed rooms.
“Hello?” I called. There was no reply.
I moved towards the sleeping area, catching my reflection in the bathroom mirror on my left. Stopping to wipe a smudge of mascara away, I surveyed myself. I looked tired—my brown eyes a little red from driving so long. My light brown hair appeared pretty good in its ponytail, the ends touching my shoulders. I hadn’t worn much make-up, and my red t-shirt and jeans were wrinkled, but I figured I was good enough to meet people.
The two rooms at the end of the hall, created an “L” shape. I softly knocked on the door of the first and slowly opened it. Everyt
hing was covered in pictures and both beds were obviously taken. I closed the entrance and opened the next, seeing my bed right away; it was completely bare, nothing on the walls around it. My roommate’s side was much like the other room.
I tossed my purse and backpack onto the bed and went back outside. I wanted to get my stuff moved in while they were gone so I wouldn’t be a bother. It would also help a lot if I could get most everything in before dark.
Trudging somewhat across the thick carpet, I headed back to my car, not knowing exactly where to start. Packing everything had been super easy, shoving it wherever it would fit in the vehicle. As I stared at the mass chaos through the windows, I realized I’d grossly underestimated how hard it would be to pull everything out of its place. Maybe I should have made a list of the order I put everything in. But I didn’t because no one does that, and there was no remembering how I did it now. I took a deep breath and opened the back driver’s side door, praying there wouldn’t be an avalanche.
Gratefully, I moved everything in quickly. Every inch of the room was occupied by items needing my attention. The bare mattress of my bed overflowed with black trash bags bulging with clothes and an extreme amount of shoes. Pictures of family, along with my art leaned against the walls, waiting to be hung. In the corner, a pile of metal poles and racks would soon resemble a closet rack. Bedding, knick knacks, ironing board, iPod dock, free weights and various other odds and ends littered the floor—all expecting to find a home in my small assigned space. This was going to take awhile, so I paused and went to the kitchen for a cold drink. A note addressed to me was propped on the black, granite countertop.
Zeus (Book One of The God Chronicles) Page 1
