The Harbinger (The 13th Floor)

by Christine Rains

  “No, sweetheart. Go and leave us.” Zeus made a shooing gesture without looking his daughter’s way and took another bite of his peach. It dribbled into his beard. It was one of the things he kept from centuries ago, but now it was trimmed and the color of pale sunlight.

  It was a relief to have a chance to speak with the Thunder God alone. No one around to influence his decision except for Meira. Yes, she’d be in Sam’s bed tonight and neither of them would get a minute of sleep.

  “I can’t remember the last time just you and I had a chat. It’s been too long. I’ve always enjoyed your company.” Zeus eyed her in a way that made Meira believe he enjoyed the view as much as her company. “Would you like something to eat? The new peach crop came in.”

  He held up the one he’d bitten to her. Not offering it to be held by hands—since she didn’t have any at the moment—but to feed her. Like a faithful dog.

  While his gaze might have been flattering, that was not.

  “Thank you, Father, but I only desire to speak with you for a moment and not take up any more of your valuable time.”

  Zeus shrugged and sat on the arm of his throne. He took another bite of his peach, seemingly fully involved in his enjoyment of it. Meira wet her lips. Her heart was beating too hard. She didn’t want to appear nervous in front of him. He had no sympathy for the weak.

  “Tonight I’m to collect the soul of Samuel Wright for you.”

  “Yes.” His sky blue eyes lit up. “I’m eager to meet this one. I’ve been told he’s a legend. A great hero. His distant ancestor was Jason of the Argonauts. He has the blood of kings in him.”

  While Meira did find that bit about Sam fascinating, she wondered what Zeus meant by Sam being a legend. He was a good man, charitable, but he worked a white collar job. Perhaps it was a different Samuel Wright she was to collect. She toyed with the possibility for a few seconds, but her instincts told her Sam was the one. She’d known it the second she received the text.

  “Father, I would like you to reconsider the taking of Sam’s soul.” There was no way to dance around the issue. Meira had to lay out the truth because in her heart, she knew it was the most compelling way to persuade him. “I know this man. In fact, I’m falling in love with him. I wish to spend our lives together.”

  Zeus smiled in that sad way a parent smiles when a child skins her knee. His handsome face housed sky blue eyes that didn’t mirror anything his smile said.

  “Ah, my poor dear. It’s so easy to become obsessed with mortals, especially the beauties and heroes.” Zeus patted her shoulder. “You’ll find someone else to distract you.”

  “There is no one else for me.” Meira blurted before she could get a handle on her emotions. “I haven’t felt this way about anyone for a very long time. I don’t give my heart easily. Sam is a worthy man, and more years on Earth will only enrich his soul. Please, Father, I’ve barely had a chance to love him.”

  She could hardly believe she’d spoken so brazenly with the Thunder God. Zeus had killed others for less. She was loyal. Surely he’d see that in her soul. Yet she was also a woman in love.

  Zeus took another bite of his peach, gazing at her as he did so. He didn’t say anything for a full minute. Her knees trembled. She’d get down on them and beg if she had to. Any price she had to pay for a life with Sam, she’d do so.

  “You’ve always been one of my favorites amongst the harpies. Grace and beauty, and a bright soul that will always be mine.” There was a slight growl of possessiveness in the last word. He stood and tossed what was left of the fruit over his shoulder. “This mortal, does he love you too?”

  “Yes,” she said without pause.

  “Then perhaps I shall give you a gift.” Before Zeus could say anything more, the rear door opened and Hera glided in, talking in a hushed voice to her eldest son, Ares.

  Hera had yet another new hair style. Centuries had changed her with the ever evolving definition of woman and feminine beauty. In the modern world, this definition seemed to change every season.

  Right now, Hera was tall and thin with breasts that even put Meira’s to shame. She wore a flowing deep red sundress that brought out the russet highlights in her curly hair. More stunning than a high fashion model, delicate in features, but strength radiated from her.

  More strength than even Ares, and he was a walking powerhouse. Built like a heavy weight boxer and dressed in black, he was frightening and yet incredibly gorgeous. When he gazed at Meira, Ares wasn’t subtle in the way he drank her in. Some of her sisters would eagerly jump into his bed, but Meira never had any interest. Fierce as harpies could be, she preferred a man with a gentle touch.

  “Zeus, I was unaware we had a meeting.” Hera stood beside her husband with her arms folded. Meira could guess what the goddess was thinking, and she wanted nothing more than to avoid being turned into a vulture or pig.

  Meira bowed deeply to Hera and then Ares. “Mother, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

  Hera sniffed.

  “And what about me?” Ares smirked, strolled around to pass behind her, and trailed his fingers over her lower back.

  “You as well, Ares.” Meira shivered from his touch. Not from want, but uneasiness.

  “We didn’t have a meeting. The council will meet later tonight. Meira had come asking a favor.” Zeus placed a hand on the table. All good will had been drained from his expression.

  “We don’t owe the harpies any favors.” Hera snapped.

  The wee hairs on Meira’s arms rose as the tension built. She’d been so close. Zeus was going to offer her Sam. She wasn’t going to lose him. She couldn’t.

  “It’s not for the harpies, darling.” Zeus replied through clenched teeth. “It’s for Meira alone. And I—”

  “Was going to demand your usual price?” Hera’s voice was sharp and unforgiving.

  “Do not presume you know what I’m going to do.” Zeus snarled and pushed away from the table and his wife.

  “Perhaps you and I should slip out of the room before the real argument begins. I can grant you the favor you so desire.” Ares whispered near Meira’s ear. His breath was hot, coffee coating the scent.

  Meira’s long toes flexed, talons scratching the floor. Coffee was usually a favorable smell for her because it reminded her of Sam. Though every inch of Ares was tantalizingly masculine, he was nowhere near the man Sam was.

  “Father, Mother, please.” Meira stepped to the side, away from the table, away from Ares. She kept her head bowed, respectful. She could easily be zapped if she annoyed one of the elder gods. “Mother, we were discussing no such price. I am in love with a mortal man, and I am asking permission to be with him.”

  Not a lie. It would ring true in Hera’s ears. Meira wasn’t about to add she was asking Zeus to give up a soul, especially since the Thunder God already was going to let her have Sam.

  “A mortal?” Hera snorted and raised her chin. “What do I care about mortals? Be with him. Go breed some more hounds to serve your master.”

  Meira’s jaw hardened. If anyone other than Hera had said such a thing, she’d rip her head clean from her shoulders. Her feathers stiffened as she wished for hands to clench into fists. The goddess had given her permission, though. There was no reason to say anything more other than to give her thanks to the bitch.

  “Now wait a moment. This mortal is mine. He has Greek blood. And only I can say what becomes of him.” Zeus stroked his beard once. His blue eyes were tinged with gray and gold. A storm was brewing.

  No, not now. Hera and Zeus could never agree on anything. Most of the time, they were contrary just for the sake of being so. Meira was finding it difficult to breathe with her chest and throat so tight. Not Sam. They couldn’t take Sam from her.

  Ares chuckled from behind her.

  “Please, Father. You were—”

  “Let her have the mortal. You’ve got to feed your dogs every now and then to keep them loyal.” Hera rolled her eyes and tapped a foot. She wore sandals. A style e
choing the ancient Greeks, but made modern with a small heel and gems.

  “My servants are loyal because they love and respect me. I don’t have to offer them a thing to keep them by my side.” The Thunder God declared, voice rising even more. The room rattled, making the fruit bowl shake on the table. “The mortal is mine and I will keep him.”

  “No!” Meira’s cry was much like an eagle’s screech. “Please, Father. I love him. I will pay any price.”

  “Just feed the dog, Zeus.” Hera sighed.

  “Shut up!” The words were out of Meira’s mouth before she could stop them. She knew they were a mistake the second she did so, but she couldn’t take them back. If she had any favor left, it was gone.

  Zeus draped an arm over his wife’s slender shoulders. Thunder rumbled, and there was a sizzle in the air. “Well now. Maybe the dog is too spoiled and has forgotten who rules here.”

  “She looks like one of those trendy new mixed breeds. A Yorkipoo, perhaps?” Hera wiggled her fingers as a golden glow surrounded them.

  No. Everything she was, everything she hoped for, was gone. And Sam. Not only would he never know what happened to her, but he’d be dead just as the night was beginning. Her mouth opened to beg, but it would do no good. Zeus would consider it a weakness and Hera would delight in it. Her legs trembled and gave out.

  Meira never hit the floor. As Zeus had put an arm around his wife, so Ares did with Meira now. Supporting her with a squeeze that wasn’t so gentle and wearing that sly smile.

  “A Yorkipoo, Mother? She’s a much better breed than that. And so loyal. Even now, she doesn’t think to betray you. She’s accepts your rule, but she’s collapsing in on herself. This mortal she loves, he must be quite the man to affect a harpy in this manner,” Ares said in a thoughtful tone.

  Turning her head slowly, Meira glared at him. What was he up to? He was only going to make this worse.

  “Yes, the Fates assured me he was a hero worthy of Jason of the Argonauts’ bloodline.” Zeus nodded. The room shook again, and then he growled, “But he’s mine.”

  “I wasn’t going to suggest he’s not, Father. A hero in this day and age is a rare thing.” Ares pointed out. “What’s even rarer is a good challenge. When’s the last time you had a hero to test? A century? Two? It’s been a long while.”

  “Yes, it has been awhile.” Zeus’ arm dropped from around Hera. He stroked his beard as the thunder eased.

  “I know where you’re going with this, Ares. And no.” Hera shook her head once.

  A challenge. A chance. Meira’s stomach quivered, and she drew her wings tighter around her. She bit her lower lip to keep herself from saying anything. Her support of the idea would only have her turned into a yappy little dog faster.

  “The entire council will be here tonight. Everyone can witness the challenge. If the mortal fails, you have his soul anyway. If he is victorious, then he’s worth even more. And he’s your chosen hero, Father.” Ares ignored his mother and dug his fingers into Meira’s shoulder.

  There was more. The gods never helped unless something was in it for them.

  “A challenge. Yes. I haven’t had some good entertainment like that in too long.” Zeus grinned.

  “You had some of the new gods wrestle lions last night!” Hera threw the men nasty looks. “Besides, if the mortal wins, you’ll have to offer him a boon. If he chooses to marry the dog, I won’t have it. She disrespected me. You should pluck every feather from her body and throw her to the giants. Let them eat her or, even better, breed her.”

  The goddess’ smirk was loathsome. Meira’s toes curled. She didn’t know what would be worse: to lose her wings or to be given to giants for their pleasure. They’d be as likely to eat her as to—Ugh. She didn’t want to think about it.

  “Hm, I would have to offer him a boon.” Zeus pursed his lips.

  “I don’t think you need to worry about the mortal asking for Meira. Once he sees her true form, he’ll be horrified. He won’t want to be with her any longer. A bonus that you’ll get to see him reject her, Mother.”

  Meira wanted to smack Ares for his comments. In her true form, she retained her beautiful humanoid body except for her wings and her feet which started at mid-calf. But there was truth to what he said. Sam might not turn her away for how she looked, but he’d feel betrayed. He’d told her everything about his life, and he knew only part of who she was. Honesty was incredibly important to him. He’d be crushed that she’d lied to him.

  “A challenge!” Zeus whooped, sounding like a boy eager for a sweet treat. He pointed a finger at Meira. “You will bring the mortal’s soul tonight at the moment he straddles the line of life and death. He will see you as you are, my servant. Let the price of your disrespect be the loss of your love.”

  No lightning bolt, but the Thunder God’s exit was still dramatic.

  Meira found strength to stand on her own, but only through the numbness that was creeping in. Whatever happened with the challenge, Sam wouldn’t want her any more. No more morning coffees and foot massages. She’d never share his bed or even tell him she loved him.

  “Don’t think I approve of this challenge. I say kill the dog and be done with this. I take chances with nothing.” Hera stomped to the door. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten, bitch. The men will play their games, but I will crush you.”

  The threat was not to be taken lightly. If Meira were sane, she’d run screaming from the room. Zeus’ wrath was widely known, but Hera’s was far more vicious.

  Once his mother left the room, Ares released Meira and twirled a lock of her hair around one of his fingers before letting it bounce against her shoulder. “Wasn’t that fun? And here I thought the highpoint of my day would be a couple of skirmishes in the Middle East.”

  “What do you want, Ares?” Meira’s voice wasn’t quite her own. Flat, but with an edge.

  “What do you mean?” He couldn’t hide that devious glint in his dark eyes. “A challenge gives you and your lover a chance. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time with Aphrodite recently.”

  If he had, it wasn’t to learn her wisdom. Meira shook out her wings as she stood straighter. “Please don’t pretend you care. Tell me what you want.”

  “You know what I want.” Sleek and seductive, the god was every woman’s fantasy.

  But Meira wasn’t every woman. “You’ll never have me.”

  Ares’ hand darted forward and snatched her chin. He yanked her close to him. “I could have you any time I wanted, but that’s not what I want from you.” He grinned and let her go with a little shove. He strolled around the table to the far door. “Be sure to fetch your mortal’s soul on time tonight. I’m sure you wouldn’t fall for any ordinary hero. I can’t wait to see how he holds up against Father’s challenge.”

  When Meira was finally alone in the room, she let the tears come.

  CHAPTER 4

  There was no point in canceling her dinner with Sam. Meira gave a few seconds of consideration to taking Sam to her apartment and keeping him safe there, but if the Fates had declared he’d die, then he was going to die one way or another. The thirteenth floor also did not hide her from the gods, since it was Zeus who sent her to live there in the first place.

  She met Sam in the opulent lobby of Suntech & Windergy. And when she held on longer than usual as they embraced, he asked if everything was okay with her sister.

  Having forgotten her lie, Meira let out a soft groan. Her sisters would hear of the challenge and be there tonight. It was torture enough that she would lose Sam, but to have the other harpies witness her rejection by a mortal man was the stinking cherry on top of the mud pie.

  Should she tell him the truth? Have him reject her now so no one else would have to witness it? No, she was selfish. She needed this one last meal with him.

  So Meira continued to lie. It wasn’t difficult, even though part of her thought it should be.

  Traffic was horrendous. The police and fire departments were busy this night. Carmine wa
s usually lively on weekend nights, but not quite like this.

  Sam was sweet and concerned about her. She tried to lighten the mood, but it was difficult to laugh. She hardly ate and drank an extra glass of wine. Her skirt was more flirty than she was.

  “It’s okay if you’re worried about your sister. She’s your family, after all. We can go back to my place and just spend some quiet time in.” Sam’s thumb stroked over the back of her hand. Strong and comforting.

  “No. No, we’ll stay a while longer. I’m all right, really.” Meira didn’t try to be convincing. She swirled her wine in the glass with her free hand. “It’s not my sister that’s bothering me. It’s the situation. A life-changing moment. Everything is going to be different. For her. She could lose everything. The thought of that happening is a bit overwhelming.”

  Sam smiled, all soft. No hard edges. No one else gave her a smile like that. He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “It can be overwhelming, but sometimes these things work out better than expected. You know, if we’re moving too fast for you, if you aren’t ready to—”

  Meira was out of her chair and leaning across the table in the blink of an eye. She kissed him. Nowhere near as soft as the one he grazed her hand with. She wasn’t going to tell him she loved him. Not with what was to come. But she put everything into that kiss.

  When she finally sat back in her chair, they were both breathless and the sizzle went all the way down to her Valentinos.

  “We’re not moving slow. We’re savoring one another.” She gazed at him through her long lashes. A small smile quirking up her mouth. There was a hint of her lipstick on his mouth, but she didn’t move to wipe it off. She liked her mark on him.

  A scream from outside shattered the beauty of the moment.

  No. Meira didn’t want her last meal with Sam to be over yet. But she didn’t need to look at the clock to know the time. This was it.

  Another shriek followed the first. Closer and full of terror.

  “Stay here.” Sam gestured to her and ran to the front of the restaurant.