Souls Endure (The Souls Trilogy Book 3)

by Anne B. Cole

  “Zeus,” Gretta and Sam hissed together.

  “I’ll deal with him. You stay and rest.” Gretta slipped out of bed and parted the curtain.

  Purple lightning streaked the skies and crackled with royal introduction. She boldly stepped into the crisp breeze and searched the heavens.

  “Where is your mortal mate?”

  “Show yourself, Zeus,” Gretta shouted.

  Thunder rolled. The ground shook. Gretta fell to her hands and knees. Despite being in spiritual form, she trembled in fear.

  “I-I would be honored by your presence,” she amended, keeping her eyes glued to the ground.

  A golden stake pounded into the sand.

  “Rise without fear.” A hand slipped beneath her chin and lifted her gaze. “Once again, my brother has been tricked by the lovely Aphrodite and is experiencing what mortals refer to as,” he paused and broke into a handsome grin, “a hangover.”

  Relief swept through her when Poseidon laughed and pulled her into a warm embrace. His chuckles quieted as his eyes narrowed. Hands of steel held her by the shoulders at an arm’s length.

  “The unborn. Where is your mortal body and the unborn?”

  Gretta tilted her head in the direction of the shore.

  “Aphrodite,” Poseidon roared. He lifted his golden trident into the air, keeping one hand on Gretta’s shoulder.

  “Aqua is a lovely color, don’t you agree, mortal?” the goddess of love snapped her fingers and appeared at Gretta’s spiritual side, leaving her pregnant body unattended. The goddess snuggled into Poseidon’s arms. “Let’s take a little walk on shore, or better yet . . .” She whispered into his ear.

  Poseidon captured her lips in a fierce kiss.

  Gretta watched Aphrodite run one alabaster hand through the sea god’s hair. The other hand thumbed Gretta in the direction of her body.

  Thank you, Aphrodite. Gretta raced to shore in a fit of giggles. A bolt of lightning crashed behind her, announcing Zeus’ arrival. She skidded to a halt in front of her very pregnant body resting peacefully on the cushioned chaise. How do I get my spirit back into my body?

  A second blast of lightning jolted a memory.

  Meaningful touch.

  Gretta’s spirit caressed the baby within her sleeping body. The child moved. A second burst of kicks and nudges erupted from within, confirming her soul’s return.

  “Hey, save a few kicks for your dad.” She rubbed her side where she thought the baby’s head pressed. Her entire roundness squirmed in reply. “He’s gonna love you.”

  I already do.

  “Sam?” Gretta spun so fast she nearly stumbled to the ground. Spirit arms wrapped around her, sweeping cool tingles across her skin. “I can see you’re trying to catch me, again.”

  I promise to catch you every time you fall.

  Gretta smiled, remembering how he made the same promise months ago. His loving attention dropped and focused on her huge roundness.

  Beautiful.

  Gentle caresses trailed over their child within her womb. A jolt in the ribs acknowledged Sam’s presence.

  The little guy is much stronger than I imagined. Concern poured from Sam’s spirit.

  “Girls are strong, too,” she countered and raised a brow at her husband.

  The grin she loved spread across his essence.

  Boy or girl, our child’s strength must be taking a toll on you. Come to bed and rest.

  Cool tingles brushed against her arms. Sam’s spirit guided her around the ruins to her bedroom chamber. She drew the curtain and gasped.

  “Sorry, I didn’t—” Gretta covered Sam’s wide eyes. “Excuse us, Aphrodite, Poseidon. We’ll be outside.” She pulled the curtain shut and hurried her husband’s spirit away.

  Together, they burst into laughter.

  “Silence.”

  Gretta froze and Sam’s soul encompassed her in a protective shell.

  “Approach, mortals. Poseidon, Aphrodite, I have no time for foolishness.” Zeus flicked his long white curls. A hiccup escaped and he pressed a fist to his forehead.

  Gretta eyed the god with apprehension. “He looks annoyed,” she whispered to Sam.

  Annoyed and hungover. I’m guessing he’s not too happy with me. He bet I would evade Manticore for a limited time. Sam squeezed her shoulder. Zeus lost a sizable amount of coin and so did Poseidon when I completed all three trials.

  Gretta stopped walking and touched the back of his forearm. “Did Manticore burn you?”

  No. I was unharmed until the Trial of Defeat.

  “Move, mortals,” Zeus roared.

  Gretta refused to budge. “Did you get sent to Tartarus?” She watched Sam focus on Zeus instead of answering. “Peter said escaping twice happens so rarely, it became a myth.”

  My love, you’re married to a mythological legend. Sam kissed her cheek and hurried her to the impatient god.

  Still concerned about Sam’s strength and what he must have endured in the trials, Gretta resolved to protect him at all costs. Together they bowed to Zeus and to Asclepius who materialized at the lightning god’s side.

  “Brother?” Zeus gazed past them to Poseidon with Aphrodite on his arm. His stern face cracked into a boisterous laugh. “I thought Aphrodite’s charms had no effect on you?”

  “Never underestimate the power of a woman, Zeus,” Aphrodite purred and ran her fingers through Poseidon’s hair. With each tantalizing touch, more sandy color transformed into aqua blue streaks with sea green highlights. “Come along, Si. We have some unfinished business to conduct.” She snuggled into Poseidon’s massive chest.

  “A little deep sea diving perhaps? This way Di, my underwater kingdom awaits your loveliness.” The mesmerized god swept her off her feet.

  “Snap out of it, Brother.” Zeus held both hands to the air and bolts of lightning slashed the skies. The electricity merged into one blast, piercing the ground in front of Poseidon and Aphrodite.

  The sea god dropped the goddess to her feet and shook his head. When his eyes darted from Zeus to Aphrodite and back, he sighed. “I’ve been charmed, haven’t I?”

  “You’ll love the new look, Si. Very masculine. Goodbye, everyone.” Aphrodite blew a kiss in Poseidon’s direction, winked at Sam, and disappeared.

  Gretta breathed a sigh of relief with the goddess’s departure and clung tighter to her spellbound husband.

  “Tell me my hair isn’t purple, for I have no desire to match him,” Poseidon grumbled to Gretta. He flicked his hand in the air and knocked off Zeus’ white wig.

  Gretta squelched a bubbling laugh. Sam’s spirit squeezed her arm in firm warning. She boldly stepped forward. “Blue-green hues of the sea are very masculine.” She smiled at the disgruntled water god and curtsied before him.

  Zeus snorted and crossed his arms.

  “Purple is the color of royalty. Being king of the gods, the color is quite fitting. Fashionably dashing, I might add.” Gretta picked up the white hairpiece and handed it to Zeus. She bowed as deep as her girth allowed.

  Let’s go. You need rest. Sam’s voice sounded in her head.

  His spiritual arms lifted her into a standing position. When she dared to peek at the gods, they appeared deep in conversation. She smiled and took a step to her bedchamber.

  “Halt,” Zeus commanded. “Approach, mortals.”

  Sam obeyed and shimmered his spirit around Gretta. As one, they stood before the gods.

  “Samuel Daggett. You passed all three trials. No mortal has accomplished the feat. Which leads me to believe you had assistance.” Zeus shot an accusatory look at his brother.

  “Not me. I lost more than you on the bet.”

  The brothers glared at Asclepius who stood a few paces away, jangling coins in his pocket.
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  “How much were your winnings, minor god?” Poseidon inquired.

  Gold coins began floating out of Asclepius’ pockets despite his frantic efforts to gather them.

  “I won fairly. The mortal figured out the Trial of Defeat on his own,” Asclepius cried.

  “How did he escape Tartarus?”

  “Good question, Zeus.” Asclepius continued snatching coins from the air.

  “Answer, mortal.” Zeus raised a brow in Sam’s direction.

  “Your brother, Hades doesn’t like me,” Sam retorted.

  Poseidon laughed.

  Zeus didn’t appear amused. He waved a hand over Sam’s left arm. The burned ‘A’ glowed as if a hot poker had seared it.

  Gretta felt Poseidon’s grasp on her own arm. All eyes fell to her mark and then back to Sam’s. The brothers exchanged a brief look of surprise.

  Zeus raised his arms into the air and spread them wide. “Mortals who escape from Tartarus are marked with Asclepius’ brand.” A crackle of electricity danced across the sky and cast a spotlight on Gretta’s tattoo. “A second departure from Tartarus results in a deeper mark, one I have never witnessed until today.” The light beam lowered to Sam’s scorched arm.

  Poseidon quickly ushered Gretta to the side.

  “I’m impressed with your strength and skill, both physical and mental.” Zeus complimented Sam. “Never before has a mortal escaped a third trip to Tartarus.” He raised both hands. Lightning flashed from his fingertips. Deafening thunder crashed and rumbled. “Let’s see if Samuel Daggett can escape Tartarus a third time.”

  “No!” Gretta screamed when Zeus aimed a bolt of lightning at Sam.

  Chapter 51

  Without Love

  Gretta

  “Wait.” Poseidon flicked a single finger and a wall of seawater surged between Sam and Zeus’ bolt. “Think about the opportunities, brother.” He strode through the water and lowered Zeus’ arms.

  Gretta hurried to Sam who had collapsed from the force of the colliding lightning and water.

  I’m okay. Just need a little more time to regain my strength.

  “What happened to you in the trial of defeat?” Gretta attempted to cradle his soul. She dropped to her knees in frustration when her hands repeatedly slipped through him instead of supporting him.

  I entered Tartarus. It’s not something I’m ready to talk about yet.

  “I won’t let Zeus send you there again.” She stood to confront the god.

  Don’t go. Stay, please stay with me. We may not have much time.

  The weakness and fear in his voice tore her heart in two. She fell to her knees at his side. “I need to protect you. Fight for you.”

  His soul nuzzled against her protruding abdomen. The baby kicked in response. Every time she tried to touch his spirit her hands moved through him, causing him to flinch.

  “I don’t know how to comfort you,” Gretta cried. “Everything I do seems to hurt you.”

  Close your eyes. Feel with your heart. Just having you near helps. Your presence strengthens me. Our child gives me hope.

  “Hope. The mortal is correct. The unborn provides hope.” Poseidon released the looming tidal wave back into the sea.

  Gretta gripped her child within, wrapping both arms around herself in a protective hug. Sam’s spirit encased her despite his weakened state.

  Zeus narrowed his gaze.

  Poseidon continued, “This mortal has proven his intelligence, strength, and fertility.”

  All three gods nodded in agreement.

  “The mortal’s offspring may be exactly what we need to rebuild a loyal following of humans.” Poseidon’s focus narrowed on Gretta. “We all agreed the unborn he conceived with this woman has unique and special qualities. Valuable, desirable traits to build a powerful—”

  “I’m not a human puppy mill,” Gretta snapped.

  “It’s not you who we desire,” Poseidon sneered. “Sam will mate with a demigod and produce impressive, obedient offspring.”

  Sam’s spirit tightened around her. Gretta is my one and only mate. I refuse to be a part of your plan.

  “You have no choice in the matter and will do what I say.”

  “The mortal is sterile,” Asclepius interrupted.

  “What?” Zeus, Poseidon, and Sam uttered in unison.

  “Look at me. I prove otherwise,” Gretta scoffed.

  And I performed exceptionally well earlier today, Sam added.

  “Performance is no indication of fertility.” Asclepius pointed to Sam’s mark. “The second trip to Tartarus stripped the mortal’s ability to conceive. He is of little value to us.”

  Zeus held a palm over Sam. “You speak the truth, Asclepius.”

  “Damn,” Poseidon grumbled. “Do what you want with the mortal male, brother. I will raise the unborn male child. He has potential.”

  “Sam and I will raise our own child. She may be a girl,” Gretta added with hope Poseidon wouldn’t want a female.

  “You know the rule, Poseidon.”

  “Rules are meant to be broken, Zeus,” Poseidon snapped. “Besides, I didn’t sire the babe. I only intend to raise him. You foster the other.” He waved a hand at Gretta. When Zeus opened his mouth to refute, Poseidon pointed to his own blue hair and to Zeus’s purple tresses. “We are proof females have the ability to charm even the most powerful gods. This female will be best trained under your direction.”

  No god will raise my son or order my wife around. Sam boldly stepped in front of Gretta.

  “No mortal tells a god what to do,” Zeus thundered.

  Hades may not take kindly to your plan.

  “When he hears you’re planning to raise a child, all hell will break loose,” Gretta added.

  Asclepius started laughing and Sam stifled a chuckle.

  “Careful, brother. We both know Hades doesn’t like to be tricked.” Poseidon touched Zeus on the shoulder and the two gods conferred in hushed voices.

  “Promise you won’t leave me,” Gretta whispered to Sam.

  I promise. But if they separate us, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you. He wrapped his soul around her. No matter what they do to me, fight to raise our child. Know I am with you. A cool tingle touched her chest. In your heart, in your soul, I’ll always be with you.

  “Ah, their love is strong, much more powerful than thunder or crashing waves.”

  Gretta instantly recognized the tinkling voice and watched Aphrodite materialize in front of Sam.

  Zeus rumbled under his breath at the goddess.

  What did he say? Sam asked.

  “I’m not sure, but I think he wants to meet her at the summit of Tinos.” She leaned into his essence. “He appears to be less angry, when she’s around.”

  Aphrodite has a powerful effect on men. Including me.

  As if the goddess heard, she winked in Sam’s direction and sashayed in between the brother gods.

  “I believe the mortal has earned the right of choice,” the goddess began. “Zeus, give the mortal his options so we can . . .” Aphrodite leaned to his ear and finished her sentence.

  A single violet eyebrow lifted. “You love this mortal woman?” Zeus questioned Sam.

  With my entire being.

  “And my love for him is just as great. Together, we will raise our child.”

  “Silence.” Zeus glared at Gretta. “Mortal woman, the choice is not yours to make.” His fierce eyes blazed on Sam. “Together you shall remain. Choose between Tartarus or Purgatory in Tartarus.”

  Send us to Tartarus. Sam declared with arrogance. I will inform your brother Hades of your plan to raise our child.

  Chapter 52

  Faith

  Gretta

&n
bsp; As Zeus raised his hands in anger, lightning slashed the skies.

  “Brother, stop.” Poseidon crashed a wall of water between the lightning god and the mortals. “If you do this you’re sending Hades the unborn. The woman is near her time to deliver.” He huddled with Zeus in a private discussion.

  I’ve been away seven months? Sam gasped.

  “I don’t know. Time is very different for the gods. Hades told me Persephone would return for our child in six days. In our time it seemed more like six or seven months.”

  I won’t let you go to Purgatory-In-Tartarus. We’ll find another way. Keep stalling if you can.

  “Aphrodite has quite an effect on Zeus. Let’s use it to our advantage.” Gretta glanced at the goddess who rolled her eyes in exasperation. She pointed a perfectly manicured thumb at the two gods.

  “You forget, mortal,” Poseidon snickered. “We can read your thoughts and hear every word.”

  Gretta lost the ability to speak when memories of Tartarus filled her. Sam’s cool caresses reminded her of the icy depths of Purgatory-In-Tartarus and she began to shiver.

  The two gods exchanged a few words and nodded in agreement.

  “Mortal man, step forward,” Zeus ordered.

  Gretta felt her baby kick in protest when Sam’s soul moved from her side.

  “Samuel Daggett. We have witnessed your strength, intelligence, and love for your woman and unborn. You may choose between the following,” Zeus paused with a dramatic flair. “Remain with Gretta and deliver the unborn to us. When we have possession of the unborn, you both will enter Purgatory-In-Tartarus.”

  Unacceptable.

  Zeus smiled at Sam. “Your choice has been made by rejecting the first option.” He looked at Poseidon who frowned. His glance moved to Asclepius. The minor god’s shoulders drooped in defeat and he walked to the shore. Zeus offered an outstretched hand to Aphrodite. The dazzling goddess accepted and settled next to him.