Goddess Bound: Goddess Series Book 6 (Young Adult / New Adult)

by Muse, M. W.

Legacy licked her lips as she regarded him. She needed to bring up something else, but worried how well he’d take it. She thought of the best way to approach the topic and forged ahead. It wouldn’t be fair, but she was beyond playing nice with him where her BFF was concerned. “You going to Florida over spring break?”

  River stiffened. “No,” he said slowly.

  “Hmmm… I think you should. Kate and Ellen are both going to be there. It’d be a perfect time to watch over them and see what they’re doing without classes and home life getting in the way.”

  “If this is your attempt at getting me back with Calli—”

  “Don’t be silly. You never were with Calli, and for all I know Zach will be there.”

  He paled. “What?”

  Legacy shrugged, trying to remain calm and not gloat at River’s obvious reaction to the news. “They hit it off. I mean, like really hit it off. It’s as if they never broke up. You know we all had that double date Friday. Calli said he’d already asked to see her Saturday. I talked to her this morning, and I could hear the smile in her voice. She said they were going out again tonight. That’s three dates in three days.”

  “I see.” His jaw ticked.

  “Hey, as long as she’s happy. You didn’t want to see her, so she moved on. As long as both of my best friends get what they want, then I’m cool with it.” She raised a challenging eyebrow at him. “Right?”

  He hesitated and then nodded. “Right.”

  “So it shouldn’t be a big deal for you to come to Florida over spring break and look into the Kate and Ellen mess. Plus, Adin will be there. I’m sure he’d love the extra set of eyes watching over me too. He’s been crazy protective. The only reason he let me come here by myself was because it was to meet you. That probably hasn’t stopped him from lurking in the bushes, though.”

  River chuckled, but without any humor. “Yeah.”

  She suppressed her smile of triumph. “So can I tell him you’ll be there? We can all caravan.”

  “Sure.” Another one word response. She knew it wasn’t nice, but if River had his reasons for tossing Calli to the curb, he needed his nose rubbed in her happiness. Maybe it’d help him face what he had done to her. And possibly face his real feelings. But something else niggled at her. Just what kind of deal had River made, and did it have anything to do with Calli?

  River had been a wealth of knowledge for her, providing tons of details about Greek mythology that helped steered her research in the right direction over and over again, but she knew there was no way she’d learn the answer to whatever the deal was he’d mentioned from the source. From him.

  She’d have to find out another way.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Heaven. That was where Legacy was right now. Heaven in the form of a beach with the saltwater breeze rumpling her hair and the scent of coconut oil tickling her nose. She pushed her toes through the sand and stared out over the ocean. Gods, she so needed this vacation. She’d been nauseous on the way down here. Zach had wanted to see Calli off, so Adin and Legacy had breakfast with them before hitting the road. She hadn’t discovered until she’d started eating that her eggs were way undercooked, and that had grossed her out. The subsequent long ride in a hot car hadn’t helped at all. She hadn’t really gotten over the yucky feeling yet, but the serene landscape before her made any salmonella-turned-car-sickness well worth it. She’d suffer through it again if it meant being here. There was no other place she’d rather be right now than sitting next to her BFF on her birthday on the beach. Totally happy-sigh worthy.

  A football whizzing past her startled her. “Heads up!” Thad yelled as he chased it down and then dove for the ball.

  Okay, so a relaxing vacation this was not, but at least she got to enjoy the spring break of her senior year with friends celebrating milestones rather than being stuck in Hades worrying about her future.

  “He’s such a prick,” Calli muttered as she dusted off the sand particles that landed on her bikini then straightened the birthday tiara she was wearing.

  “I’ve got two waters and crackers,” Adin said as he walked up to them. He sat down on the towel beside Legacy and handed the girls the drinks they’d asked him to get. Then he handed Legacy the saltines and cupped her head. “You sure you’re feeling okay?”

  She nodded as she ripped open the crackers and started devouring them. She was wrong before. Now this was heaven.

  “You’ll lose your appetite before the cookout if you eat all those,” Calli said.

  Her parents had used the excuse of this trip to visit the area of the Everglades they were purchasing, which was where they’d been this morning before shopping for the cookout. They were due back any minute and had rented the huge gazebo overlooking the beach to hold her party. “Don’t worry, I’ll still eat some of your birthday cake.”

  “River, go long!” Thad yelled, drawing her attention back to the flag-football game that had instantly turned into tackle football with flags flying everywhere. He threw the ball and River caught it just outside the touchdown area. He threw his hands up and cheered when he scored. Legacy glanced at Calli; she was feigning not being interested, but she wasn’t sly enough to hide the covert glances River’s way.

  “That’s game!” Laos yelled as he fist-pumped the air. Other whooping and hollering from the guys ensued.

  “Hi, darling,” Calli’s mom said from behind them. They all turned around. “I need to gather some of your friends to help carry the food from the car.” She turned toward the group of guys who’d just finished playing football. “River?” she called out, and waved for him to come to her.

  He looked up and jogged toward them. Calli stiffened, but showed no other signs of distress. Legacy wished Zach had been able to come. His spring break wasn’t for another week and he had a major project due. Of course that hadn’t stopped him from texting and calling her all the time.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “I need some strong guys to lug some stuff to the gazebo.”

  “Got it.” He turned and whistled. When several of the guys looked up, he motioned for them to follow him just before turning and heading toward the parking lot. Adin hopped up, dusted himself off, kissed Legacy on the cheek, and followed after them to help.

  Legacy leaned toward Calli. “How you holding up?”

  She looked startled then shrugged. “Fine.”

  “It’s your birthday, you should be more than fine.”

  Calli chuckled. “Girl, I’m all that and more.” She winked at her then took a deep breath. “It’s just weird being around River again. I mean, he’s not ignoring me, but he’s not going out of his way to be nice either. It’s like I’m just another classmate. Heck, my mom is closer to him than I am.”

  “That’s not true and you know it. Besides, you’re getting along great with Zach.”

  She smiled. “Yeah. He’s been perfect. We went out every night before spring break. He waited five dates before he kissed me. Five!”

  “Don’t get me started on that. I had to practically seduce Adin into taking that first step.”

  Calli giggled. “I remember. But it’s not like we hadn’t kissed before. And more.” She raised her eyebrow as she stared at Legacy. “But I guess it has been nice taking things slow after what happened.”

  And since she cared about another man…but Legacy wasn’t about to say that out loud. “There’s no rush.”

  Calli nodded. “I just need to forget about him.” Though she hadn’t specified what him she was talking about, Legacy knew. Calli’s phone beeped and she looked down. Legacy watched as she gasped and smiled. “Zach said he—”

  “Hey, Calli.”

  Legacy shut her eyes and gritted her teeth before she looked up at their intruding visitor.

  “Hi, Ellen.”

  “Hey, Ellen. Kate,” Legacy said as the two girls stood in front of them.

  “Killer party,” Ellen said to Calli, ignoring Legacy’s greeting.

  “Thanks.”

>   Legacy munched on her crackers since she knew she wasn’t going to be a part of this conversation. While Calli and Ellen engaged in superficial small talk, Legacy glanced at Kate. She looked miserable. Legacy wasn’t sure if it was because she’d been attached to Ellen’s hip—though the thought of that made Legacy want to regurgitate the crackers she’d consumed—or because she missed Seth. It was probably both.

  “…and then I told Kate her hips were too wide for that bikini.”

  Legacy’s head snapped up, her gaze locking on Ellen. “What did you say?”

  Kate shook her head slightly, trying to stop Legacy from pushing, but that was just uncalled for.

  Ellen put her hand on her hip and glared at Legacy. “I think you heard me.”

  “Then I think you’re a bitch who needs to apologize.”

  “Legacy,” Kate hissed. She looked at Kate. “Don’t pay her any attention. You were right. This suit is much more flattering.”

  Why was Kate allowing Ellen to treat her like that? “No, it’s not okay. You need to say you’re sorry.”

  Ellen rolled her eyes and looked at Kate. “Forgive me?” she mocked.

  “There’s nothing to forgive.”

  Ellen focused on Legacy. “See. You should keep your nose out of other people’s business. Lord only knows why Calli puts up with you. And Adin.” She smirked at her as she took a step closer. “But I know you’ll get yours in the end, and I can’t wait for that to happen. Your day is coming.” She turned and stormed off.

  “Sorry,” Kate mumbled before she chased after her fearless leader.

  “What the hell did she mean by that?” Calli asked, frowning. “Was that a threat? Did she just confess she knows something about you?” she whispered.

  “Sure sounded like it to me.”

  “Me too. Didn’t you tell me that you told Kate not to spy on her anymore? She’ll wonder why after that. She looks guilty as hell now.”

  “Yeah. I told her River had his father working on it, and having a god of that stature helping us would be enough. I also told her she’d done more than enough to help me and that I’d forever be grateful for everything.”

  Calli shook her head. “We have to tell Adin and River about this. Right now.”

  “Tell us what?” Adin asked as he stepped up behind them. River stood to the side with his arms crossed. Legacy repeated what Ellen had said. Adin and River exchanged looks. “That doesn’t mean anything, sweetheart.”

  She gaped at him. “That cow just proved she knows something.”

  Adin shook his head, fighting a smile. “That girl just got all pissy and mouthed off. Big difference.”

  “I’m watching her, Legacy. If she tries anything, I’ll know about it,” River said. He cleared his throat and looked at Calli. “Your parents are ready to get started and asked me to come get you.”

  Adin laughed. “Their idea of a cookout is to have it catered. Everything is finished. Smoked ham, pork, beef, potato salad, beans, corn, bread, there’s a ton of food over there. He’s firing up the grills just to keep it warm.”

  Calli rolled her eyes as she stood. “That’s my parents for you.”

  “They mean well,” River murmured.

  Calli turned to face him. “I know.” She half-smiled at him before walking away. Adin helped Legacy up and the three of them followed her. The crowd must have seen them heading to the gazebo because groups of people also going that way. When they got to the huge covered area with picnic tables being set up, grills warming, and ceiling fans pushing a nice breeze through the area, Legacy took a seat. Her stomach started cramping as soon as she smelled food. She groaned and shoved another cracker in her mouth. Adin sat beside her and River sat down across the table from them.

  “You okay?” Adin asked softly.

  She nodded. If she spoke, she’d spit out crumbs.

  “Everyone, if I could have your attention please. We’re going to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Calli and have her blow out the candles now, so you can get cake whenever you’re ready,” her father announced. Legacy rubbed her stomach and began singing just as everyone else started. Calli was glowing. A few of the jocks belted out extra-loud tunes, making her laugh. When the song was over, she blew out the candles and turned to the table behind her. The crowd settled down and started getting food again. Legacy glanced to the side, her gaze locking with River. He was frowning at her.

  “You’re still not feeling well?” River asked incredulously. “First you said it was eggs and then you said it was the car ride. Neither one of those things should be bothering you still.”

  She took a swig of her water, wondering if he’d been focused on that throughout the song. “It comes and goes. It’s worse in the mornings.”

  He chuckled, seeming to relax a little. Maybe he just focused on her so he didn’t have to pay attention to Calli. He seemed better on the surface, but Legacy could tell he was uncomfortable around her. Regardless, she didn’t like him laughing at her being sick. She glared at him. “It’s not funny.”

  “You just said you have morning sickness. Hell yeah it’s funny.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Grow up. I’m not pregnant,” she hissed. The hand that had been rubbing her back had stilled. She glanced at Adin. He was staring off into space. Great. River had just freaked out her boyfriend for no reason. She narrowed her eyes at River. “We’re safe.”

  He titled his head as he regarded her. “Safe how?”

  “What do you mean?” she whispered heatedly. “I’m on birth control, and we use condoms. Like I said, we’re safe.”

  He paled just before his face took on an eerie red hue. “Does Lissa not tell you a fucking thing?” he spat.

  She balked at his sudden anger. “I know the dangers of unprotected sex—”

  “Oh for crying out loud, Legacy, you’re not a normal person. I was created from Medusa’s head. Ghost-boy over here’s mother was a tree. You can’t possibly think drugs and a raincoat will prevent you from conceiving.”

  “Enough!” Adin barked.

  River turned to face him. “She can get pregnant many different ways.”

  “I know,” he said blankly. “I wasn’t thinking.”

  Legacy felt the blood drain from her face. “Would someone like to explain it to me?”

  Adin licked his lips. “I was able to ascend because of you. When you cried over me, it was your tears mixed with your undying love for me that gave me the power to push through. There were many times I didn’t think I’d make it, but I did. I wouldn’t have had that chance if not for you.”

  “You wouldn’t have been in the position to be begin with if not for me.”

  He sighed. “Water under the bridge.”

  “Water. Nice.” River smirked. She glared at him, wondering what his deal was. “What? You shocked him over the cliff, smashed him into rocks, and into the water below. C’mon, I’m not the only one who sees the irony.”

  “Shut up,” Adin groaned. Then he looked at Legacy again. “Anyway, if you have the power to bring me back to life, you have the power to create it.”

  “Exactly. If you will it and he wills it, his little guys will find a way out of that condom and to your little baby egg. Ta-da, you’re in the baby-making business.” He held his hands out wide.

  “You’re finding this just a little too funny,” Adin said. She would have said something, but the thought of her carrying a life inside her body was freaking her the hell out. She was way too young to have a baby. Okay, so her soul was thousands of years old, but she hadn’t even ascended. She might not live to her birthday. And if she did, she might have a major job on her hands. She didn’t think Mount Olympus had an in-house daycare.

  “Sorry,” he muttered. “But it’s true,” he said more seriously. “You have to be careful what you wish for, because with you, baby, you just might really get it.”

  “I have to take a pregnancy test.”

  “What?” Calli screeched beside her. Legacy hadn’t even heard her app
roach.

  “Oh hell,” River groaned.

  “Quiet!” Adin hissed.

  Calli practically fell into the seat beside her, dropping two plates of food on the table. “What happened?”

  “When a papa bee and a momma bee love each other very much—”

  “Shut up, River!” Calli yelled. All humor left his face and he looked down. She turned back to Legacy. “Tell me,” she said as she pushed one of the plates in front of her.

  “I’m not sure. We were careful, but apparently that doesn’t matter.”

  “She might not be pregnant,” River said calmly. “It’s just a theory. If you haven’t been hoping for children then you could be fine. Well, you’re still sick for some reason, but it could be something as minor as a stomach bug. You might be ascending, but as long as you’re here on earth, you’re still susceptible to normal aliments.”

  Adin nodded. “Yeah. It’s probably nothing. You’ll take a test to be sure, but I’m sure everything is fine.” He grabbed her face and turned it so that she faced him. “If you are pregnant, then that’s fine too. I love you. You don’t have anything to worry about. We don’t have anything to worry about.”

  Gods, he had to be right. She couldn’t be pregnant. No way, no how.

  At least she hoped he was right. But River had a point too. She shouldn’t still be suffering from a bad breakfast or car sickness. Her stomach tingled. Gods, she never thought there’d be a day where she’d welcome the stomach flu.

  Please be a stomach bug; please be a stomach bug; please be a stomach bug.

  Chapter Fifteen

  If they kept talking about this, Legacy was seriously going to start puking, and no way would she be able to blame whatever was going on in her belly. “Can we please change the subject?” She picked up her fork and took a bite of the ham.

  “Excellent idea,” River said. “I’m gonna grab some food. You want me to get you some, bro?”

  “Yeah, thanks,” Adin said, obviously not ready to walk away from Legacy. Or maybe the shock had stopped his legs from working. River headed to the tables with the food, easily weaving through the crowd. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was arrogant or if his godly status produced an aura. Aura? She wondered if she was pregnant if her aura would look any different to River. She’d have to ask him when he returned.