by Brey Willows
“Already in your email.” Zed looked at her. “Are you really going to take her there?”
Alec sighed and ran her hands through her hair. “I wasn’t entirely sure before, but now I don’t think I have a choice. Chandra might know more than we do, and I don’t think she’s going to tell anyone other than Selene if she does.”
Zed looked thoughtful. “That’s true. She never would tell me about her child, or why she gave her up rather than raise her among us. Had Selene grown up with us, surely it would have made everything simpler? Maybe Chandra got a different version of the oracle, I don’t know. And obviously she doesn’t have to answer to anyone, let alone me.” He stood and came around the desk. Placing his hands on Alec’s shoulders, he said, “You know we’ll support you in any way you need. But be careful, Alec. We don’t fully understand everything at play, and at the end of the day, she’s a human. You know how unreliable they can be.” He placed one hand over her heart. “Be careful with this. It takes a hell of a long time to heal.”
She kissed his cheek, aware how insubstantial he felt. “I’ll do what I can, and I’ll be as careful as I can. I promise.” She stepped back, needing a bit of physical space. Being that close to a god could be overwhelming, even for her. “Can you book us flights to Italy? The sooner the better, I think.” She moved toward the doorway and said over her shoulder, “I’m going to check on Selene and make sure she’s okay to go. If you hear glass breaking, come save me.”
He laughed. “No way. If you piss her off, you’re on your own. I’ve had my fill of angry women.”
She smiled as she walked down the hall. Jesus and Mohammed were talking by the water cooler, and she gave them a wave as she passed. While the religions fought over who was right on the outside, inside the office, there were no such arguments. Everyone knew they needed believers, and trying to build a batch of believers that took away from the other religions only hurt everyone. When people started believing in gods other than the ones they followed originally, that faith was always just a little weaker, and eventually, it often faded altogether, leaving the deity in question weaker, or possibly, gone.
She entered the staff room and found a nymph staring at Selene, her head tilted like a confused dog’s. The nymph gave Alec a licentious grin and moved so she could press her lithe body against Alec’s.
“I saw you at the party the other day. I could take care of your needs better than this little meat bag could. All you have to do is ask.”
Alec smiled politely. She desperately wanted the girl gone, but making a nymph angry could have badly bizarre results. The last person who had upset one had ended up with a strange case of VD, something gods couldn’t actually contract. He’d had to beg the nymphs to take it away, publicly, before they gave him the cure.
“I don’t doubt that for a second. But you see, this particular meat bag is important to the company, my own feelings aside. So I have to do what I have to do, right?”
The nymph pouted but moved out of Alec’s personal space. “Well, when you’re all done, come find me. I’ve heard good things…”
She waved as she headed off down the hall, her bark-like skin shimmering under the fluorescent office lights. Alec shook her head. Politics were the last area she’d wanted to get into, and yet, she was up to her feathers in them now. She sat gingerly on the edge of the couch next to Selene, who lay on her side, facing the window. She raised her hand to touch her, but before she did, she studied her profile.
Asleep, so relaxed and soft, she still had a slight frown line, as though even in sleep she was deep in thought. She’s so beautiful. Alec’s heart beat a little faster. She wanted to lie down beside her, pull her close, and keep her safe. But none of them were safe, and now Selene wasn’t safe either. It’s my fault. I brought her into our world, and now she’s got rabid dingoes after her. But that wasn’t completely true. Yes, Alec had brought Selene into their world, but it was foretold. Whether or not Alec had done it, Selene would have ended up in their world no matter what.
“I didn’t look at the nymph because she creeped me out and gave me the willies. And now you’re doing it.”
Alec started. Selene’s eyes were still closed, she hadn’t moved…Then she saw her reflection in the window Selene lay facing. “Clever.”
Selene turned over to face Alec. “I’m so glad you’re here. Even if you do stalker-stare while I’m sleeping.”
Alec caressed Selene’s cheek. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around. I should have driven you home. I should never have let you go alone.”
Selene shook her head and placed her hand over Alec’s. “There was no way to know, and it’s not like you’ve had a ton of time to figure it out.” She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Do you know anything new?”
Alec had to exert all her willpower not to pull Selene into her arms. She looked so sweet, so vulnerable. So human. “Not about your fan club.”
“Then about what?”
Alec stood and moved away, needing a bit of distance in order to think clearly. “We found Chandra.” Alec waited for the words to sink in. Selene closed her eyes and sat so still Alec briefly wondered if she’d fallen back asleep.
“Where?” she asked softly.
“Italy. We can get a flight tonight.” Alec poured Selene a glass of water, not sure what else to do with her hands. “But I should warn you—”
“No. You’ve warned me enough. I want to see her.”
“But—”
“Please. Alec, my whole life, I’ve been alone. I was a child sent from house to house like a regift no one wanted. And now I have the chance to learn why.” She took Alec’s hands in her own. “Please.”
Alec rested her forehead against the top of Selene’s head. “Okay. Let me find out our flight details.”
Selene looked up at her. “Why do we need a plane? I thought you just zapped yourself wherever you wanted to go. Or flew, or something.”
“I tend to take the Hummer, because it’s less tiring, and it’s like being zapped somewhere, as you say. But we can’t drive to Italy, even in the Hummer, and although I could fly there, it would be a hell of a lot harder with a passenger in my arms.”
Selene grinned, and then began to laugh. “The fact that I even asked the question makes me doubt my sanity, yet again. Thank you for explaining it to me, even though it was ludicrous.”
Alec took her hand and led her from the staff room toward Zed’s office. “When it comes to our world, ludicrous is often the theme of the day, so never hold back with the questions.” She stepped into Zed’s office and raised an eyebrow when he came around the desk to give Selene a hug.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better, thank you. Ama has quite the touch.”
He laughed and wiggled his eyebrows. “Oh, in more ways than you can imagine.” He turned to Alec. “Your flights are booked. You’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon, and one of our associates will meet you at the airport.” He moved to the window and pointed. “See that house there, with the blue shutters? That’s going to be Selene’s until we figure this mess out and she can go back to her place.” He turned around. “Will that suffice?”
Selene nodded. “I suppose it will have to. Thank you for setting it up for me.”
Alec turned to Selene. “Let’s grab your things, and I’ll head over there with you. Then we’ll get ready to head to the airport.” She turned to Zed and said quietly, “I have Cerberus on alert. Something felt funny when I came in.”
Zed cleared his throat and gave her a sharp nod. “I already had Selene’s things taken over there. But let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’ll do a perimeter sweep.”
Alec once again took Selene’s hand and led her out of Zed’s office. This time they headed down the back stairwell, which opened into the big open square outside the main building. She didn’t let go of her hand as they walked. She needed to feel her solidity, to know she was okay.
“Alec?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you know what those things are? Or when I can go home?”
Alec opened the door to Selene’s small, temporary cottage. Everything inside seemed to have been made for her. Big, comfy chairs, libraries of books lining the walls, and stacks of teas and coffees in the open plan kitchen suggested someone had taken the time to make it just right.
“Tea?” Selene nodded and Alec put the kettle on. “They’re called daevas. We think that’s what they are, anyway, based on your description as well as what Zed saw at your house. The research team came up with the same idea. They’re a kind of demon, known for mischief and chaos. Their keeper is Aka Manah, a Zoroastrian demon with a lot of time on his hands and not much to do.” She pulled together their tea while she talked, the task helping her concentrate on more than her desire to hold Selene. “Aka leads them, but they’ve been in existence for nearly as long as humans. They’re manifestations of humans’ petty sides. So, unfortunately, they don’t require belief either. Aka simply took over managing them, a job no one else wanted. Satan has his own, but they’re not daevas. Just standard demons, and he keeps a tight rein on them.”
“But why are they after me?” Selene took a sip of tea, her eyes closed, and made a sound of appreciation.
Alec knew what other sounds Selene made, and tried not to think of them, and tried not to notice the way Selene’s lips touched the mug. So soft… “That, we’re definitely not sure about. But trust me when I say everyone available is trying to find out.”
They drank their tea in silence. Alec could practically see the thoughts flying through Selene’s mind, but she didn’t want to push her. When she was done with her tea, she set it aside and leaned forward. “Selene? Are you sure? I mean, really, really certain? If she’s not what you hope, or what you wanted her to be, or turns out to be something you don’t like…can you handle that?”
Selene stared at Alec for a long moment, her gaze searching. “I don’t have any preconceived notions. All I know is I spent my life thinking my mother and father were dead. Now, not only is that not true, but the truth itself is…unbelievable. So yes, I’m sure. And I’ll deal with whatever we find.”
Alec had no choice but to believe her, and there were too many possibilities for answers to deny that going might be beneficial on more than one level. “I’m going to leave you to pack, and I’m going to run home and grab a few things. I’ll be back in about an hour.” She grinned. “Let’s go find your mother.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Selene stepped off the plane in Italy, stretching and yawning. Apparently, one of the benefits of living forever was the ability to save enough money to always fly first class. What a perk. When she’d finally managed to fall asleep, it was in a seat that turned into a fully reclined bed. The only downside was that she and Alec couldn’t sleep next to each other, although Alec had offered to substitute as Selene’s mattress. She was woken with warm towels to wash her face and hands, and plenty of orange juice and coffee. She felt like Little Orphan Annie thrown into the Warbucks mansion, if Annie were a mythological creature and the Warbucks mansion was Mount Olympus. Alec laughed at her constantly, but she didn’t mind. She loved Alec’s laugh, and seeing her smile made Selene feel like she’d won a prize.
She shivered when she felt Alec’s hand on her back.
“Our guide should be waiting by baggage claim.”
Selene nodded. The closer they’d gotten to landing, the more nervous she’d become. Sleep had included dreams where she was searching, running, and hiding, but she couldn’t figure out to or from what. When she’d opened her eyes, Alec was right there beside her, her hand resting lightly on Selene’s shoulder as she read a magazine. It was comforting, as well as scary, how right it felt. Even now, knowing what she did.
They headed for baggage claim, and her thoughts ran in circles. What would her mother look like? Would she be glad they’d come? Would she turn them away? Would she be a white lump of rock imbued with human traits?
A short, swarthy man approached them with a wide smile and his hands out. “Alec. How lovely to see you again after all these years.”
Alec gave him a hug and the requisite European kiss on both cheeks. “Picus. How have you been?”
He shrugged and laughed. “The real world isn’t so bad. I get to taste everything, with no one looking over my shoulder and no one asking me for things they don’t deserve. It’s a trade-off, yes?” He turned to Selene and held open his arms. “And you! Welcome to Italia. I understand you have a specific reason for coming? Well, let’s get your things and we’ll talk about it in the car.”
Selene liked him. She couldn’t place his name, but his energy was happy, light, and endearing. At least he isn’t like Eshnu, or one of those oversexed female gods. The thought of being in Italy and watching someone fawn over Alec brought on an instant case of irritation. She saw plenty of people, both men and women, look at Alec admiringly, but the way the female gods threw themselves at her was something else, and she sure as hell knew she didn’t like the thought of Alec being with some curvy, bitchy nymph.
Picus grabbed her bag for her, and she followed them out to the little convertible waiting by the curb.
“Why do so many gods like convertibles?” she asked, thinking of Zed’s car as well as others she’d seen outside Meg’s house.
“Open skies, sweet lady. None of us like being closed in, especially those of us who are gods of the outdoors.”
Alec held the door open for Selene. “Picus was the Roman god of farming, until the Christians took over and urbanization began.”
“I faded faster than many of the gods, and so I took the chance to get out. And ah, the things I’ve seen! The women I’ve loved!” He grinned at Selene in the rearview mirror. “I’ve relished my existence among the humans.”
She smiled at him, but she was too nervous to engage in the kind of conversation he was offering. Alec seemed to understand.
“So, how far is it to Nemi? I haven’t been anywhere outside Rome and Venice in centuries.”
“And shame on you for that, old friend. Nemi is only about an hour away. I’ve booked you into a hotel in the town, and after dinner, I’ll take you where you want to go.” His expression turned serious. “Are you sure that’s where you want to go?”
“Yes. We’re sure.” Selene didn’t want to risk losing out on her chance by there being any question.
He tilted his head slightly. “Okay. Just checking. She won’t be available until evening, of course.” He turned to Alec. “Now, tell me about life in Los Angeles. How are things at headquarters?”
Alec proceeded to give him a rundown of the different factions in the building, spending plenty of time on the Roman section. He asked questions about people Selene hadn’t heard of, and they laughed about various old escapades. Selene zoned them out, paying attention to the beautiful countryside and thinking about the night to come. The afternoon air was warm but she still wrapped her arms around herself, chilled from within. Almost as soon as she’d done it, Alec was leaning back to place her jacket over Selene like a blanket. She gave Selene a wink and turned back to the conversation, and Selene snuggled up in the warmth of Alec’s jacket. She pressed her face to the black material and breathed in Alec’s scent. Instantly calmer, she continued taking in their surroundings. Soon, they pulled up in front of a charming terracotta colored building adorned with trailing vines and enormous pots of flowers.
“Here we are. They serve breakfast each morning, but I’m not sure how long you’ll be here. More than tomorrow morning and you’ll need to let them know.”
They all got out, and Picus and Alec took the bags. Cool slate tiles led them into a large, airy reception area. The friendly receptionist checked them in and handed them a single key. Alec turned to Selene. “Do you mind sharing a room with me?”
Picus turned red. “I’m sorry. I thought I booked two rooms. I can look for another hotel.”
Selene rolled her eyes. “Alec, is that a seriou
s question?”
Alec laughed. “It doesn’t hurt to check. I wouldn’t want to make assumptions.”
Picus looked relieved. “Okay. I’ll let you get settled in. I suggest a walk along the lake. About half a mile away there is a lovely bistro with good wine and a beautiful view. You must try their strawberry pie. I’ll pick you up around six for dinner.”
They waved him off and Selene asked Alec, “Why do we have to wait until after dinner to see my mother?”
Alec picked up their bags and Selene followed her to their room. “Chandra is mostly nocturnal. She’s often up during the day, but she’s not at her best.”
Of course. Naturally. Selene sighed and wondered when this new world would begin to make sense.
*
Selene came out of the bathroom, toweling her hair. She’d stood under the hot water and let it soothe the knots in her shoulders and the migraine pulsing at the base of her neck. She’d tried to meditate, to clear her mind and just feel the spray on her skin. If she was going to get clarity, she had to make room in her mind, clear a space to think rationally. About a completely irrational situation. She’d finally managed to get a sliver of peace, but when she focused on her body, and the hot water, she became aware of her aching nipples and the tingle between her thighs. The feel of Alec’s hands on her, in her, the way the feathers felt beneath her…she’d taken the shower head off the wall and aimed it where she needed it most, while thinking of Alec making love to her on the beach. She came silently, her head thrown back and her thighs shaking.
She looked at Alec, lying on the bed, her eyes closed and her enormous wings spread across the white sheets. A dark angel. No. Not an angel at all. Something else entirely. Selene moved to the bed and slowly drew her fingertips from the top of Alec’s foot over her shin, up her thigh, and softly over the crease between her soft, dark mound to the top of her leg. Then over her taut, tight stomach, between her breasts and along her collarbone. Selene met her eyes, which were dark with lust and dancing with a soft blue light.
