by Mara Lee
Aega went instantly alert when she saw Ditheous and his wolf friend part at the gate of the massive complex.
It was time to earn her keep and work toward her return.
Chapter Three
Ditheous saw the shadow stalking him. He swore and used his mind to contact his second-in-command, Joseph.
“Seph? You there?”
“Hey, Ditheous, where the hell are you?”
Ditheous discreetly checked the darkness for any signs of the moving shadow. “I just came from Andre’s.”
“You went to see the pack leader?” Joseph’s tone was clearly amazed. “Good Gods, have you lost your mind?”
Ditheous scowled and quickened his pace. “Clearly,” he said dryly. “Now get your ass out here, there is something stalking me, Seph.”
It was Joseph’s turn to swear. “I fucking told you not to go out alone tonight … but no, you didn’t want to listen.”
“Stop sounding like my goddamn mother, and get over here. I’d go it alone…” Ditheous sniffed the air. “But there is an unfamiliar scent about it … and I’d rather have some back-up.”
“First smart thing you’ve said all night. I’ll be right over. Try not to start without me.”
“I’ll be waiting. But I can’t guarantee they’ll be anything left when you get here.” Ditheous cut the connection. He stopped and slowly turned. The street was completely deserted and darker than pitch.
“You’ll find I don’t surprise easily,” Ditheous called out. “Better to show yourself now.”
The laughter was immediate. The sound so chilling it froze Ditheous’ already cold skin.
“That is what I like about the Vampyre … such a confident race.” The speaker materialized slowly. With solid black eyes, large wings, a waxy gray body and two large horns protruding from its forehead, there could be little doubt as to its identity.
Ditheous narrowed his eyes. It was a demon. What was a demon doing stalking him? Demons were strange creatures. But they were often content allowing the vampire to consume humans as they would. For in the end, the vampire’s kill was the demon’s ultimate reward. Demons had no problem scavenging.
“You are a pretty one,” The demon hissed.
Ditheous tilted his head and smiled. “And you’re quite hideous.”
The demon snarled and grew larger. “I would seriously consider what you say to me, vampire.”
Ditheous laughed. “And I would seriously consider having your head examined.” He shifted his hands into claws and extended his fangs. “Do you know who I am?”
The demon grinned, a fully evil grin. “Oh yeah, I do. Indeed, it was the reason I was able to accept this summoning so easily. It will be my greatest accomplishment … eradicating from existence the pack master of Triex.”
“You know what they say about overconfidence,” Ditheous said, right before he charged.
With a flap of his giant wings, the demon leapt off the ground. He extended his claws and caught Ditheous in the shoulder.
Ditheous did not so much as flinch. His claws and fangs were now fully extended and he clashed with the demon full-force.
He sidestepped the demon and slashed his hand down toward the demon’s face. The demon easily deflected the blow.
The demon was inordinately strong and fast. It dropped down to its haunches, swept one leg out and caught Ditheous’ leg, felling him.
Ditheous brought his arm up to ward off the attack. He saw the demon’s fangs coming down and prepared himself for the blow. None was forthcoming.
*
Aega felt searing pain wracking her body. The bite from a demon was just as painful as she remembered it was. She would have to remember to tell Persephone just how much she had sacrificed for her blood-kin.
Her back was throbbing but she forced herself to push the pain away. She would finish this now.
“You will desist,” she said calmly, though the iron in her tone was impossible to miss. She got to her feet gracefully.
The demon snorted. “And who might you be, little girl? You are tasty, tasty indeed. I would like a longer sip of that blood of yours.”
Aega’s lips curved up into a smile and she slowly withdrew a gleaming dagger from her belt.
“Do you recognize this dagger, demon?”
The demon took a step back and hissed. “Where did you get that? You should not have that.”
“Oh but I do.” Aega flipped the dagger around in her hand. She was now fingering the blade, slowly. “And you know what this can do, don’t you, demon?”
The demon’s nostrils flared and his body began to shake from barely suppressed rage.
“I will be back, little girl. And when I come, neither you nor that weapon will keep me from my target.” The demon evaporated in a puff of smoke.
Aega turned to face Ditheous, only to find that he was no longer on the ground where she had left him.
“Who are you?” Ditheous asked from behind her.
She turned slowly. He moved as stealthily as a God. “Apparently, the one who saved you just now.”
Ditheous scowled, his eyes raking over her contemptuously. “I need no child to save me.”
Aega’s eyes flashed angrily. “I’m no child, Vampyre, and it did not seem as if you were handling the situation so well on your own.” She planted her hands on her slim hips and challenged him with her eyes to disagree.
*
Ditheous clenched his jaw and ignored the pounding headache that was playing a symphony on his temple. He was hungry. He needed to feed—and soon.
It should not have happened this way. He was more than capable of disposing of a stray demon, and yet, tonight, he had come across a demon with more strength and speed than he was used to. And frankly it had taken him unawares.
He did not appreciate being taken unawares.
And now this woman, this child, was standing him down. Who was she? Where had she come from?
She was extraordinarily beautiful, too beautiful … unique. Her hair was white, as white as freshly fallen snow and her complexion was a shade lighter than porcelain. With slashing cheekbones, a full mouth and eyes the strangest amber he had ever seen, he was certain of only one thing—she could not be fully human. No human could have stood against a demon. For that matter, no human could stand against him.
“Damn, you didn’t leave me anything.” Joseph’s voice cut through the thick silence. He materialized by Ditheous’ side.
Aega decided it was time to take her leave—the less that otheres knew of her involvement here, the better. She concentrated and focused in on her home, preparing to transfer herself and was surprised, angry when her power seemed to disintegrate in a great rush. She tried again. It was no use … she could not transfer. She was too weak. It had to be the demon bite. For the love of Zeus, she was trapped.
Her startled eyes met those of Ditheous’ second-in-command. She stiffened when she saw the flash of male appreciation that crossed his face.
“And who is this?” Joseph asked, his eyes gleaming. “Why Ditheous, how kind of you to bring me supper.”
Her power might be weakened, but she was not defenseless and she was certainly still a force to be reckoned with. She snarled at this new Vampyre, her hand went to her belt where she had sheathed her dagger.
“Seph, do behave, else you take on more than you can chew.” Ditheous said dryly.
Joseph licked his lips. “I believe that chewing on this one would be a most pleasant experience.”
“You make a move toward me, boy,” Aega sneered, “and I’ll feed you your heart, after I’ve sliced it out of your body.” Persephone had asked her to watch out for her kin, not stand back and accept insults from the impure. She would not be held accountable for her actions if this thing tried to take her on.
Ditheous chuckled. “I believe she means it, Seph.” His smile broadened at the disgruntled look on Joseph’s face. Joseph had joined with Ditheous over two hundred years ago, he was by no means a fledgling, and ye
t … in so much of his behavior he still resembled a rash child. Ditheous had taken him as second-in-command, for in war, save Rochelle, there was no one else he would rather have watch his back. And because he genuinely cared for the bratty vampire—cared as much as he could.
Joseph scowled. “You take away my kill, you take away my dinner … anything else, o’ great one?”
“Your tongue, if you don’t mind it,” Ditheous said, eyes now sharp and cold.
Joseph recognized that tone—recognized, respected and feared it. He nodded curtly and said nothing more.
Ditheous turned back to Aega. “Now, little one, I will have some answers.”
Aega stared at him. Her face was blank. “And what makes you think I will answer any questions you ask?”
Ditheous leaned forward. His eyes had bled slowly to an intense scarlet red and when he opened his mouth his fangs were clearly apparent. “Because if you don’t, there will be no need to give you to Seph for dinner … I’ll take that honor for myself.”
Aega moved not a muscle. Indeed, she smiled carelessly. “I invite you to try.”
Ditheous’ eyes turned back to their normal clear grey and he frowned. “Does nothing frighten you?”
Her smile was still in place. “No. Why should it?”
“Why should it?” Joseph blurted out. He frowned.
Ditheous rubbed his temple.
“Hey, hey, you need blood, Ditheous,” Joseph said, recognizing his need immediately. He reached toward his pack master.
“I’m aware of what I need, Seph,” Ditheous said carefully.
Joseph’s eyes flicked over to Aega.
“Don’t even think it, boy,” Aega said.
“I’ll take nourishment at the house, Seph.” Ditheous felt the pain in his temple grow worse, but he forced himself to ignore the hunger. He had done so before, he would most likely do so again. “Come,” he looked over at Aega. “You will come as well, little one, I have not finished with you.”
Aega pondered for a moment. It served her purpose to go with Ditheous. In her weakened state she would have an easier time of keeping an eye on him if she were near him—as she could not remain invisible with her power so low.
“I accept your invitation,” Aega said regally.
Ditheous’ brows shot up. “My invitation?”
Aega’s smile became sweet. “Yes, your invitation.”
Ditheous caught Joseph’s equally bemused expression and nodded slowly. “As you like. Come, we shall be on our way then.”
* * * *
His home was quite impressive. Not as impressive as hers, of course, but then again, few homes were. A Goddess needed a place worthy of her brilliance. Aega was rather annoyed that she had been more or less dumped in this gorgeous room the moment she, Ditheous and his friend Joseph had entered his home. She was not used to being dismissed.
“He’ll be with you in a moment.” Joseph strode confidently into the room. His eyes were sparkling and his mouth was curved in a smile.
Aega stiffened. He was a handsome Vampyre, this Joseph—handsome and young. His caramel-colored hair fell in soft curls around his boyishly good-looking face. He had deep green eyes and a full mouth that seemed to be perpetually curved up in a large inviting smile. “You are … friends?” Aega asked. For some reason she felt compelled to know more about the relationship between her mark and his companion.
“I’m his second.”
“His second?” Aega’s tone was questioning.
“Uh-huh. Ditheous is the pack master, and I’m his second-in-command, if we don’t find Rochelle … I guess I’ll be bumped up to…”
“ENOUGH!” Ditheous roared from the entrance.
Joseph rolled his eyes.
Aega remained completely still.
“Do you not know when to shut up, boy?” Ditheous asked of Joseph.
Joseph’s smile broadened. “Mmmm …no.”
Ditheous growled. “You have said far too much.” He turned to Aega, “And I have yet to have my questions answered.”
Her face remained impassive. “And I have yet to decide if I will give you any answers.”
He slowly walked forward. His face was deceptively calm, but his eyes were turbulent and sharply intense. “You are on my ground now, little one. Do you still dare to say you remain unafraid?”
“Would you hurt me then?” She smiled slightly. “After I saved your life?”
“I needed no saving.”
“Ah, so the demon was only stopping to ask for directions,” she said blandly.
“Who are you?” Ditheous was now but a foot away from her.
She did not blink. “Can you not merely accept that I am here to help?”
Ditheous laughed. “No one has ever helped me, sunshine.” He saw her eye twitch at his words. “And I am suspicious of anyone who claims otherwise. You stood against the Demon … how?” He began to circle her slowly, taking her in from every angle.
“Demons are stupid creatures.” She remained perfectly still under Ditheous’ intense scrutiny.
“Aye, they can be. They can also be a deadlier foe than most have known. How is it that you took one on?” Ditheous sniffed. “You are not one of ours. That is for certain. And you do not have the scent of the wolf kind about you. So, I ask again, what are you? And what do you want?”
Aega turned then to face Ditheous. “You are being stalked, and you are set to take a great fall.”
Joseph lunged towards Aega, and was stopped only by Ditheous’ hand to his shoulder.
“You dare to threaten…”
“Do listen, boy,” Aega silenced Joseph with a cold look. “I never threaten. I have no need to. What I tell your pack master is true. I would not bother with anything less. There are great forces working against you, pack master of Triex. I know you wish to unite the renegade factions. But this plan will not come to fruition, not if your enemies have anything to do with it. The abduction of your Lieutenant was merely the beginning. You are treading on dangerous ground.” She sighed. “And you do not have a leg to stand upon.”
She felt the return of her power. It came to her in a great rush. Energy filled her body and she could feel the heat as it suffused her veins. She had said enough. It was time to return home.
“You have not answered my questions,” Ditheous spat out.
She nodded slowly. “Nay, I haven’t. I have merely given you new ones to ponder.” She cast him a small smile and dematerialized.
* * * *
Aega materialized in her large bathroom, naked. She turned to study her shoulder. The bite from the demon was red and swollen still.
“I should have obliterated him,” she muttered. If and when she encountered that demon again she would dispose of him, dispose of him as painfully as possible. It was the least she could do for the little memento he had left on her shoulder.
She tilted her head to one side and took a moment to look at her body, her somewhat human body.
Her reflection was as she remembered. She rarely bothered with mirrors anymore. What could they show her? What could they show her that she didn’t already know? It was this face, this form that had driven her from her home. Her father had been consumed by jealousy, her mother self-absorbed, and her sister malicious beyond belief.
Aega was alone from the moment of her creation. And it seemed she was destined to always walk alone. The Fates did not have time for a banished Goddess and her sorry plight.
She conjured a small flame to her hand, and gritting her teeth, pressed her hot fingers to the demon mark. The mark sizzled, but within moments the wound was gone, leaving behind only a small, barely noticeable scar.
She frowned. The demons were after Ditheous. Why? It was time to speak to Persephone.
* * * *
Hermes cracked his knuckles and barely resisted the urge to wrap his hands around the neck of the woman seated so imperiously in front of him.
Amalthea sat like the Goddess she was in a large, ornate, golden chair. H
er jet-black hair lay loose and flowing around her and her sharp blue eyes took Hermes in coldly.
“I see that my sister dispatched you quickly,” she said coolly.
Hermes stiffened. “She made a good case for my…” He cleared his throat, “my leaving.”
Her face took on an expression of disgust. “She is but a banished Goddess, how much trouble can she be? You’re positively worthless.”
Hermes eyes narrowed but otherwise his body remained perfectly still. He had stood against a Goddess’s ire before, and he would do so again. Amalthea was a bitch. That much was certain. But most Goddesses were. Immortality could so spoil a person.
“I spoke to her. She chose not to reveal herself to me… She was,” Hermes smiled slightly, “rather brash and somewhat … coarse.”
Amalthea shot out of her seat, her eyes blazing angry fire. “You almost sound as if you are enamored of my sister.”
Hermes schooled his features blank once more. It would not do to have the Goddess that he worked for know of his true feelings for Aega.
Amalthea had never gotten along with her sister. Her jealousy of Aega nearly rivaled that of their father’s. For as long as Hermes could remember, Amalthea had been trying to best Aega. She had never let Aega forget that she had been the one chosen to replace Aega as Zeus’ nurse when the rest of the Mountain had decided that Aega’s sweet touch was spoiling the would-be ruler. She had lorded it over Aega’s head for more centuries than Hermes could remember.
Of course, Zeus had never warmed to the cold and calculating Goddess Amalthea. He had preferred the tender touch of Aega … but then, who didn’t?
Hermes gritted his teeth. He could not forget that it was his own longing for Aega’s tender touch that had put him in this sticky situation in the first place.
The Gods so did enjoy their games … and their torments.
When Helios learned of Hermes’ soft spot for his daughter, Aega, he had thought it great fun to pit the two sisters against one another. He had gifted Aega’s sister, Amalthea with Hermes.
