by Anne B. Cole
“It has been decided. Samuel Daggett, father of the unborn, will report immediately to my brother Hades, in Tartarus.”
“No, I beg you, please send me instead. He’s not strong enough to survive a third trip to Tartarus.” Gretta fell to Zeus’ feet.
“Enough, your husband rejected the first option.” Zeus moved his gaze to Sam. “We need to be fair and inform my brother of our new roles as foster parents. Tell Hades we have your unborn and offer to sire one for him.”
You said I can’t father any more children, Sam protested.
“Not to worry. Hades won’t give you a chance to speak. He frowns on unexpected visitors,” Aphrodite clarified.
“Exactly. I’m counting on my brother keeping your spirit in Tartarus for interrupting his last few hours with Persephone. Quite a temper, our brother has.” Zeus nodded at Poseidon who stared over the sea.
“Agreed. The mortal made his choice,” the sea god grumbled. “I have business to take care of with the mermaids. I’ll return when the mortal woman delivers to collect my son.” Poseidon raised his golden trident. A wave of water rose from the sea and slid under his feet. He stepped into the foam and surfed into the distance.
“Alone at last.” Zeus cloaked Aphrodite within his robes. “Come to my palace. Hera is busy overseeing a museum tour in France and won’t return for another two nights.”
Hope surged through Gretta’s heart when Zeus become infatuated in Aphrodite. Maybe Zeus will forget to send Sam to Hades.
Zeus spun and glared at her.
“Aphrodite, do something,” Gretta shrieked, knowing her thoughts had betrayed Sam.
The lovely goddess shrugged and snuggled into Zeus’ purple chest hair.
“To Hades.” Zeus lifted one arm, keeping the other tight around Aphrodite’s waist.
“Aren’t you forgetting one detail?” Aphrodite blew into Zeus’ ear. “Allow the mortals a final good-bye for they are in love.”
“Anything you say.” He dismissed Sam with a flick of his hand. “You have five minutes before I send you to my brother.”
“This way, hurry.” Asclepius held Gretta by the upper arm and escorted her to a small rowboat on shore. “The sea will give you privacy, but your time is limited.” He guided her to a seat in the stern. “I sense two spirits will be with you very soon.”
What? Gretta mouthed.
“You’ve done this in the past. I can no longer assist you.” Asclepius helped Sam’s spirit glide into the boat. “Remember, without faith, love may not exist. Without love, evil takes control.” He shook Sam’s hand and shoved the boat into the sea.
A thick fog surrounded the boat, concealing the island.
“Where are we?” Gretta scrambled her very pregnant body to Sam’s side, nearly tipping the boat.
Careful child, snapped a familiar raspy voice. Sam cannot pull you from the depths of the sea in his spiritual state.
Katarina? Sam called.
Gretta watched his ancestral grandmother’s spirit appear in the boat. Sam embraced Katarina and began a discussion in voices too low for her to hear.
“Where’s Roxana?” Gretta blurted.
Behind you.
Gretta swiveled around to her own ancestral grandmother. “Roxana, you’re blurry. Are you okay?”
My time is ending, she sighed.
What do you mean? Spirits can’t die. What is happening to you? Sam asked before Gretta had a chance.
Spirits require energy to move within the purgatories. I have used more than my allotment. Without Peter’s help I would have already moved on, Roxana replied.
There is no time for explanation, Katarina grumbled. Say your goodbyes, Sam.
“What?” Gretta gawked. “I thought you would help, not leave us.”
We have no choice, child. Katarina’s spirit touched her cheek. Icicles cut into Gretta’s skin and she jerked away. Sadness crossed the old spirit’s face. I will attempt to entwine without Roxana. She has taught me much.
Katarina embraced Sam. Others may also be able to help. I will keep watch over Gretta and the unborn, my son.
“Roxana?” Gretta cried to the fading spirit.
Wait, Sam called. Asclepius was trying to tell us something. He said, ‘You’ve done this in the past. I can no longer assist you.’ He also repeated Minnie’s prophecy, ‘Without faith, love may not exist. Without love, evil takes control.’ What does it mean?
Katarina shook her head in frustration and grabbed Roxana’s shoulders to support her.
A smile tugged at Roxana’s cheeks. I understand.
Lightning blazed across the sky.
Your energy is fading, Roxana. Move on to the Elysian Fields. Katarina’s voice hitched. You must move on before you deplete all of your energy. Your family is waiting for you.
Thunder cracked and rolled. A gust of wind kicked the seas into action, tossing the little boat over the crest of a massive wave.
Gretta felt Sam encircle her in a fierce embrace.
Roxana stood and raised her hands to the heavens. With a little help . . . from the god of lightning . . . I may be able to acquire . . . enough energy.
No, Roxana. Move on, Katarina commanded.
Gretta clutched the sides of the boat as it crashed over another wave and dropped through the air.
During the fall, Gretta watched a bolt of lightning strike Roxana’s fingertips. Her spirit electrified into a brilliant lavender color when she touched the top of Sam’s head.
Roxana and Sam dissolved into mist.
A force slammed into Gretta’s chest. The pain she felt from losing him felt like no other.
Hold on, child. Have faith. Katarina faded into a sparkling essence and disappeared. Within seconds of her departure, the boat crashed into the sea.
Gone.
The winds calmed. The storm ceased. The boat thudded to a halt against shore.
Gone.
Alone, Gretta hugged her unborn.
Chapter 53
Choices
Gretta
“Dawn is arriving.” Asclepius touched Gretta’s shoulder. “What happened out there?”
“Ask Zeus,” Gretta snapped. A foot kicked her ribs. Her baby’s anger matched her own. A comforting nudge apologized for the tantrum.
“Zeus is preoccupied at the moment.” The minor god rolled his eyes. “Lucky for you, he has the attention span of a flea.”
Gretta scanned the area without moving her head. He can hear you. She mouthed the words soundlessly and waited for angry bolts of electricity. A full minute passed before Asclepius helped her out of the boat.
“Like I said, he’s preoccupied. Aphrodite is one amazing goddess. Not only did she distract Zeus, she bought you precious time. Come. I don’t know where Sam’s spirit is, but we may see his body.” Asclepius escorted her among the ruins and approached what appeared to be an open-air tomb.
Gretta gasped at her husband’s body. “Why is he on display, like he’s dead?”
“My dear, Sam is dead.” Asclepius tightened his hold on her arm. “You were both killed, remember?”
Fear rippled through her body.
“Why am I alive?” she questioned herself.
“The unborn. You’re alive to deliver. After the birth I do not know what Zeus will do with you. Let’s hope Aphrodite is around. He can’t think straight when he’s in her presence.”
“Not many men, god or mortal, can resist her,” Gretta muttered. Her baby shifted, moving her entire abdomen. “Sam’s right. I’m gonna have a boy. Aphrodite can influence men even in utero.” Another, harder kick confirmed her statement.
Asclepius cocked a brow and began to laugh.
A strange sense of peacefulness surged through her.
&n
bsp; “Sam’s soul must be fighting his way out of Tartarus,” she stated with pride.
“Possibly. His body will rapidly decompose when his spiritual destination is confirmed or . . .” Asclepius paused.
“Or?” Gretta pressed.
“Or if his spiritual energy is depleted.” He quickly shoved his hands into his robes. Disappointment creased his face. “I thought perhaps my dagger would present itself. It appears there is nothing more I can do. Know I will keep watch over you and the unborn.”
“Wait, what about Sam’s body? When the sun rises will he disappear?” Gretta asked when the god began to sparkle.
“Like your bed chambers, mortals are unable to see Sam. Rest. I assure you, Sam’s body will be visible to you each time the sun sets.” Asclepius began to fade as the sun peeked from under the sea.
With the rising sun, both Asclepius and Sam’s body disappeared.
“Let’s go.” Gretta hugged her unborn baby and trudged back to her beautiful accommodations. She gently drew the shimmering curtains and crawled into the huge bed. Cradling the pillow Sam had used hours earlier, she fell into a deep sleep.
Days passed into weeks. Each morning, before dawn, Gretta checked on Sam. His body remained the same. Hers ballooned with the growth of her baby.
“Dawn is near. Time for me to mingle with the tourists. If I walk around with the first and last tours of the day my ankles and feet don’t swell as much.” She kissed Sam’s cheek. “I know you’re doing everything you can to get back. No matter where you are, I can feel you inside my heart.” She squeezed his hand against her humungous tummy. “We’re waiting for you. Stay safe.”
The sun peeked above the sea and Sam’s body disappeared. Gretta began the short trek to her favorite rock. Unable to see her feet, she took slow steps, taking great care not to trip over crumbled ruins. At the shore, she kicked off her sandals and walked into the cool, wet sand. A wave eased over her toes and rushed back to the vast pool of the Mediterranean. She shimmied on her favorite rock, her feet dangling in the gentle waves.
“The first tour is on its way. See the boat?” Her babe squirmed in response. “I lost track of the days, but I can’t imagine my skin can possibly stretch any more. Soon you’ll watch the boats sail to shore with me.” Sadness crept in as she thought of being a single parent. A tiny elbow pushed against her ribs. “Right. Positive thinking. Daddy will watch the boats with us.”
She rubbed her hand over the mound of baby under her flesh and rocked the babe within until he settled. She faced the morning sun and closed her eyes, basking in its warmth and comfort.
“Good morning,” a deep throaty voice greeted her.
Eyes fluttering open, Gretta scanned the shore. The tour boat had docked. Several tourists scattered in the distance.
A tall, dark haired man with sizable muscles stepped in front of the sun’s rays.
Gretta rubbed her eyes. “Morning. I must have been daydreaming. I’ll catch up with the rest of the tour in a few minutes.” She allowed her gaze to wander across his massive chest for a nametag. All tour guides wore them. “I’m sorry, I missed your name.”
A black, skintight silk shirt outlined every bulging muscle. Her mouth watered as her eyes dropped lower. Sometimes guides wear nametags on their belts, Gretta thought, justifying ogling the man.
A single finger grazed beneath her chin, scorching her skin. It lifted her face to red eyes. Huge ebony wings sprouted from his back and the ends of his ears elongated into needle tips.
Instead of fear, anger swelled inside of her. “Morning, Hades. I’d bow if my girth allowed.” Gretta’s voice held dripping sarcasm.
The terrifying god of the Underworld folded his arms across his chest, radiating heat in her direction. Giant wings flapped as he hovered above the sand. No longer was he the sexy human who had approached her moments ago. A dragon-like monster sporting three sharp horns across his forehead towered over her. A forked tongue whipped from behind razor sharp teeth. It lowered its rancorous head to her face.
“If you’re trying to scare me into labor, it isn’t working. Either morph into an easy-on-the-eyes human form I can speak to, or be on your way,” Gretta snapped.
Hades snorted a stream of fire and transformed into the drop-dead gorgeous guy who’d initially greeted her.
“Good morning,” he repeated with only a hint of devil in his eyes.
“It was, until you went all dragon-monster on me.” Gretta slid off her stone and encircled her womb with protective arms. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to pee.”
“I’ll keep you for exactly one minute.” Hades’ grin disappeared and his tone hardened. “Persephone will leave the Underworld tonight.”
The palm of his hand touched her womb and received a sharp kick. A smile spread across his chiseled face. “She will be present at the birth. After your recovery, you will bring the unborn to me.”
“Zeus and Poseidon have other plans.”
Hades growled. His muscles enlarged, popping shirt buttons into the air.
“Stop the theatrics,” she retorted. “Release Sam from Tartarus and I will make a deal with you instead of your brothers.”
Holy Crap! Did I just stand up to Hades? Must be the hormones.
Dark eyes smoldered. “No mortal tells me what to do,” he replied in a tone so low and powerful, the sand trembled beneath her feet.
“I have what you want. The gods know my child is special. Release Sam from Tartarus and I will deal solely with you. I give you my word.” Gretta bowed her head.
The island shook. Winds blew a spray of seawater across her face. A tidal wave rose out of the Mediterranean.
Hades glared at her and vanished.
“What did you do?” Poseidon landed in a rush of water.
“Good morning, Poseidon.” Gretta remained calm despite the god’s fury. “I made a deal with the devil.”
Why the hell did I say that? She’d surprised herself for the second time in less than a minute.
“Hades is not the god to deal with.” He frowned. “Neither is Zeus. Tell me what happened so I can figure out what to do.”
“Unless you can find Sam, I have nothing to say.” She glued her eyes to his in silence. The urge to urinate overpowered her will to win the stare down. “Excuse me, I have to pee.”
“Not until you tell me Hades’ plan.” The water god raised a hand and wiggled his fingers. Misty droplets sprinkled over her head. A sound of rushing water filled her ears, causing the sensation in her bladder to worsen.
Gretta ground her teeth until her eyeballs began to float.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. Stop the water torture.”
Poseidon folded his arms and the water sounds ceased.
“Persephone will be released from the Underworld tonight. She will be present at the birth of my child and I agreed to take the baby to Hades and remain there during her six months of leave. In return, Hades will release Sam from Tartarus.” Gretta shifted her feet and tried to think about anything except water.
“Release the mortal man? I forgot all about him.” His forehead wrinkled in confusion. “To thwart Hades’ plan, you will deliver now. What will become of the unborn will be decided by all three brothers.”
Gretta laughed. “I’d love to go into labor right now, but I don’t think the baby is ready.”
“You forget, mortal woman. I am the god of the seas.” He waved a hand in front of her and water gushed between her legs.
“I told you I had to pee,” Gretta whispered in embarrassment.
Poseidon chuckled and lifted her off her feet. “I am the water god, and yours just broke.” He magically transported her to her chamber and gently placed her on her bed. The curtains parted for him to leave.
“Wait, you can’t abandon me.” Terror gripped her
as she remembered how Anya struggled through hours of labor.
“I sense Hera is near.” Poseidon’s aqua eyes softened. “You may summon up to three spirits from the Elysian Fields to assist you.” With a snap of his fingers, Peter appeared at his side, flourishing a curved sword.
The gatekeeper sighed and planted his weapon in the sand by her bed. “This better be good. I had Kadir against the rail.”
Poseidon folded his arms across his chest. “Three souls may assist with the mortal woman’s labor.”
Peter’s eyes widened at her protruding abdomen. “Right. Whom shall I summon?”
Gretta’s gaze had bounced from Poseidon to Peter and back before she realized they were waiting for her to choose.
“Samuel Daggett.”
Peter shook his head. “Sorry, his soul hasn’t moved on.”
“Where is he?” Gretta demanded.
Peter placed his hand alongside her cheek. “Sam is in your heart. In your soul.”
Pain ripped through her back at Peter’s announcement. When the ache abated, she felt comfort from within and knew he had spoken the truth. Tears sprang into her eyes.
She caught her breath and made her choices without pause.
Chapter 54
Smart and Strong
Gretta
“Twins. You were magnificent.” Theo’s Italian accent rang clear.
“I couldn’t have done it without your help,” Gretta admitted as the spirit tucked a warm blanket around her. She had focused on his gentle, reassuring voice and placed complete trust in him during the most trying hours of labor. Being entwined within Anya when she had delivered John had given Gretta valuable experience, along with conquering her fear of the pain and the grueling endurance needed to birth a child.
