by Mara Lee
Amalthea advanced. Her eyes were sparkling with triumph. “So, sister, it ends now.” She raised her hand, conjured the thunderbolt and threw it forth.
Aega stiffened and prepared herself. She felt the vibration from the bolt, but there was no impact, no pain … nothing.
She opened her eyes, her mouth dropped open. Standing in front of her, shielding her, quite literally, was Hermes.
Hermes held a tight grip on a golden shield, and was shielding Aega with the magical object. He kept his eyes trained on Amalthea.
“Traitor!” Amalthea screamed. She stomped her foot, and had the look of a petulant child. “How dare you, how dare you cross me!”
Hermes tilted his head to the side, regarding her with his cool eyes. “Oh, I do apologize. Did I just ruin your plans to kill your sister?”
Amalthea snarled. “You will be lucky if Zeus doesn’t castrate you for your actions here. You have just ruined his entertainment, and that of every God and Goddess on the mountain.”
Hermes laughed, but it was an evil laugh that scored the skin. “I do not think my father will be quite that harsh … especially after he learns of your perfidy. I doubt that Zeus gave you leave to steal his thunder. Who do you think gave me the golden shield?” Hermes watched Amalthea pale and knew that he had guessed true. “How do you think he’ll feel when he learns that you took off with his precious thunderbolts?” He narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, Amalthea … will he castrate me then? Or will his actions reflect worse upon you? I would dearly love to know what you think of the matter.” Hermes held out his hand to Aega and helped her to her feet.
Amalthea took a step back and swallowed. “You wouldn’t dare. You are mine, given to me by…”
Hermes waved that nonsense away. “You broke all contracts when you came down here to kill your sister. You are not in favor. In fact…” Hermes laughed harshly, “You are about to find out what happens to goddesses that try their hand at fate.”
Amalthea screamed. She drew her power to her, but as suddenly as it obeyed her, it was halted … drained … diminished like the setting sun.
“Unforgivable … unpardonable…” Persephone appeared in front of Hermes and Aega. Her eyes speared Amalthea will fierce anger. “What you would have done … it is unforgivable. You are to take a vacation, Amalthea…” Persephone smiled tightly. “A slight vacation … oh, only the span of a mortal lifetime, in Tartarus. I am sure the dark, lost, souls will welcome the company.”
Amalthea shook her head wildly. “No, no, no, you cannot. My actions were…”
“—taken beyond any agreed-upon measure.” Persephone finished for her. “You would have destroyed your sister,” Persephone clenched her hands into tight fists, “your own sister. No, Zeus and Hades have agreed. You are to be punished. And your punishment begins…” Persephone swept her hand out in front of her and the air began to sizzle and move with purpose, “now.”
Amalthea opened her mouth to speak but found that she could not. Her body was caught within an invisible tunnel of wind and it was sucking her down … sucking her into its very depths. She raised a hand, beseechingly, but within seconds she had disappeared within the stormy vortex.
Persephone sighed and turned to Hermes and Aega. When she looked at Aega, her eyes were soft and filled with thanks. “She will not bother you again, Aega. She will have her hands full with the souls that bombard her in Tartarus.”
Aega nodded. “Thank you.”
Persephone looked over Aega’s shoulder and smiled softly. “No, Aega … thank you.”
Ditheous came to stand at Aega’s back. He placed a large, comforting hand on her shoulder.
Persephone drank in his features as if to memorize them and keep them safe for an eternity. “Thank you for Ditheous.”
Aega smiled brilliantly, looking over her shoulder at the Vampyre that she loved with all her heart.
Ditheous said nothing, but continued to stare at the stunning goddess intently.
“Ditheous,” Persephone murmured. She stretched out a hand to touch him and then stopped. She took a deep breath. “Ditheous … I…” Persephone felt the words stick in her throat. Goddess be … she had prayed for this moment for so long; to see her blood kin standing before her, to be able to tell him what he meant to her. And here he was, and she could not find the words.
Ditheous’ clear eyes darkened. “You know me.” It was a statement, not a question.
Persephone nodded, her eyes misted over and she dropped her head. She could not bear to see the look in his eyes, the rejection. “Yes, Ditheous … I know you … I know everything about you.”
“It was you,” Ditheous said gruffly, as realization came to him. “You who began it all.”
“Yes,” Persephone answered quietly.
“Persephone did not mean to, she was alone and longed for…”
“—No, Aega,” Persephone interrupted Aega, and smiled sadly. “I will no longer make excuses for my actions. I was weak and I betrayed the one that I love. And I begot the curse of vampirism. It was I, and I alone that brought this upon you, Ditheous.” Tears rolled down Persephone’s now pale cheeks. “There is nothing that I can say that will make it right. I know that. And I cannot change the tapestry that the fates have already woven. And I am truly sorry … so sorry.”
Ditheous’ jaw clenched.
Aega took his cold hand in hers and squeezed. “Persephone, I must ask you something.”
Persephone blinked back tears and nodded. “Yes?”
“The…” Aega swallowed, “experiments that Paxton was conducting … could he have succeeded at all?”
A cold curtain fell down upon Persephone’s beautiful face. “No. What he attempted was an abomination. He wished to play the hand of a God and to twist the weavings of fate. We all know how the original strain of vampirism was passed on. All those with Theseus’ blood were cursed. The taint is passed through blood and blood only, and the blood can only be shared through the bite. And even then, only the most knowledgeable Vampyre … only the most learned and enlightened can share the strain. ‘Tis how balance is maintained within the species. ‘Tis why we have pack masters … they keep a tight reign on the influx of new members of the dark curse. Paxton’s drilling, imbibing, hacking and incantations wrought nothing.” Persephone sighed deeply and stepped forward, towards Aega. She gave the banished goddess a sweet smile. “And now, Aega, daughter of Helios, daughter of Gaea, what will you choose? I made you a promise. If you would watch over the blood of my blood, I would return you to the mountain, I would return you home. What say you now? Will you have the mountain?” Persephone held her hand out to Aega. “Or … will you choose a different path?”
Aega felt Ditheous’ body stiffen. His grip on her hand became nearly painful. She flashed a blindingly bright smile back at the Queen of the Underworld. “Persephone, daughter of Demeter, daughter of Zeus … I AM home.”
Persephone nodded slowly. Her eyes were bright. “The Fates will be very pleased.”
“They knew,” Aega said quietly.
“Of course,” Persephone’s tone was almost chastising. “The sister Fates know all.”
“And you planned everything.” Ditheous said coolly.
Persephone straitened her shoulders and gave him an equally cool look. “Planned, no, hoped … perhaps. One should not plan for anything … have we not seen what happens when one plans, when one dares to take the hand of the Fates and put themselves above the great weavings of destiny?” Persephone’s face softened. “And have you not found all that you desire…” Persephone tilted her head to one side. “Do you truly feel ire toward me, Ditheous?”
Ditheous seemed to struggle with a response. Finally he spoke. His voice was low and heavy with feeling. “I honestly do not know if I feel anything toward you, lady. I do not know you. And you have just now revealed yourself to me.” Something struck him when he saw the look of true anguish that filled Persephone’s face, something very close to pain. It was strange how he was
learning how to feel. It was strange to know that he could feel.
He did not like knowing he had brought pain to the beautiful goddess before him. He cleared his throat. “Lady … for all that you have brought to me…” he swallowed, “I thank you. And perhaps … perhaps we will be able to learn to know one another … in time.” Persephone bestowed upon Ditheous a look of such joy that warmth and beauty seemed to spread through him instantaneously. He was wrapped in a cocoon of happiness and it was overwhelming.
“Thank you.” Persephone’s voice grew light. Her body began to shimmer and she sighed. “I shall take you up on your offer, Ditheous. I would like to know my blood better. I fear that the presence of other gods and my overlong stay on this plane has made me tired. I must return to my husband’s side.” Her body was a mere wisp of shadow now. “Before I leave … Ditheous … I send you a gift. A moment is all that Hades and I can spare … for she must be returned. But speak to her and be at ease.” With those words Persephone dematerialized.
“Master.” The voice that spoke was cool and comforting.
Ditheous gasped. “Rochelle?”
Rochelle materialized in the Abolar. Her body was not tangible … but something of spirit and shadow. She smiled slightly. “Master … it is good to see you,” her voice seemed to choke up, “so well. It is good to see you looking so well. I feared for you when I learned of Paxton and Xavier’s plans. I am sorry … oh master I am so sorry. I didn’t even see them. They were upon me so suddenly … I fought them off, I tried to get to you, but…”
Ditheous shook his head. Moisture gathered on his cheeks and he wiped it away. His fingers came away wet with red tears.
“Shhhhh … Rochelle … it is good to see you, my friend. And it is I that should offer my humble apologies … I could not protect you … I failed you my friend.”
Rochelle turned her eyes to Aega’s glowing form. “Pleased I am that you found one another. I knew that the Queen did not lie. She spoke of comfort … and I knew that you would have it.”
“Persephone spoke of me?” Aega asked.
Rochelle nodded. “She spoke of one fated to be by my master’s side. I knew that one such as she would not lie. And I know … and I am soothed. I can return in peace.” She smiled at Ditheous. “I know that my master will be taken care of.”
“Rochelle, will I see you again my dear friend … my Lieutenant?” Ditheous asked.
Rochelle shook her head. “No, master. I must return to the Underworld. But do not worry, and be at peace … I am. I have found my place and it is beautiful.” Rochelle breezed over to Aega, and placed a soft, barely-there kiss on her cheek. “Thank you for taking care of him. Blessings on you both.” Rochelle smiled at the pair and disappeared.
* * * *
Ditheous ran a hand over the downy softness of Aega’s hair. He stared deeply into her twinkling amber eyes.
“Will you be content here, Aega Helios … daughter of the sun and earth?” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Can you truly be happy on this mortal plane, living amongst the cursed?” He frowned. “It is not your mountain.”
Aega stretched her arms up above her head and smiled beguilingly. “No, it is not.” She licked her full lips. “It is better … infinitely better, my love.”
Ditheous ran a finger across the smoothness of her lips and pressed closer to her warm body. “How is it that I am so very blessed?”
She laughed. “The Fates always provide, my love. And we would never wish to disappoint the Fates, would we?”
Ditheous breathed in the scent of her sweet hair. “No, love. Far be it for me to go against the hands of the lords and ladies of the mountain.” He sighed and rested his head against Aega’s shoulder.
She traced lazy patterns on his naked back. “He will be all right. You needn’t worry about the boy, love.”
Ditheous’ eyes widened and he turned his head to stare into her beautiful face. “Do you read my mind now, sunshine?”
She shook her head, her eyes twinkling merrily. “No, love, I did not need to read your mind to know your thoughts. They weigh heavily on your face. You worry for the responsibilities that now face your Second, but you worry needlessly, love. The boy shall be fine.”
He toyed with the end of her thick hair. It was softer than silk and ever so sweet.
“But he is as you said before … just a boy. Maybe not a fledgling in years … but his attitude would dictate otherwise…”
Aega laughed. “You have put your faith in this boy for centuries, love. That you worry for him shows your level of compassion and true feelings for him. But inside you know that there is nothing to worry about. Did he not handle himself at the Abolar?”
“He was as a Second should be,” Ditheous smiled slightly, “And as a new Lieutenant should be. You are right, sunshine. I believe Joseph shall rise to the occasion … indeed he already has.”
Aega purred and dug her hands deep into his shoulder blades. “Soooo … now that we have put your mind at ease, how about you put something in me?” She grinned mischievously and winked at him.
Ditheous burst out into gales of laughter as he rolled her so she sat astride him. “Sunshine,” his eyes deepened, “Goddess of my heart … your wish is my command.”
Epilogue
Hermes rolled the broken piece of his sandal around in the palm of his hand. The golden wing felt cold and sharp … well, no matter, it mimicked the feeling in his heart. What had he expected—for Aega to throw herself into his arms and come to him out of gratitude for his saving her life?
Hermes growled, and closed his hand around the sharp, broken wing. He cursed his foolishness for ever thinking one such as Aega could feel for him … could love him. He cursed his foolishness for ever feeling for her in the first place. How could she have chosen that creature over him? How could she have chosen Earth over the glory of the mountain? He should feel anger … he should feel … betrayed.
He closed his eyes. All he felt was pain. For the love of Zeus, how did the humans survive it? How could they live with such poison and hurt eating away at their soul? For pain was surely that, poison.
Aega had come to him. After Persephone had taken her leave, and the spirit of the Vampyre’s Lieutenant had returned to the Underworld, Aega had approached him. She had thanked him and given him back the piece of his broken sandal … his missing wing. Her face had been so beautiful … her light even more so. He had been able to feel her warmth, the pure radiance of her soul reaching out to him, and he had longed to wrap himself within her sun. It took all the power that he possessed not to whisk her away from the confines of this Earth. It took all the power he possessed not to abduct her. Now he knew what Hades had felt. Now he understood the madness. But Hades had had the blessing of the King of the Mountain. In the end he was able to procure his heart’s desire. He was able to quench the need for Persephone, to sate the obsession.
Hermes never would. He would never be able to sate the need … the desire. She was gone. She had chosen. And her choice was well and truly woven by the Sister Fates. He could not go against the Fates.
Hermes took a deep breath. Determination now filled his face … his eyes. His brow furrowed. Aega had chosen the Vampyre … and Earth. What was it about this strange land that had made her turn from her own?
Perhaps … perhaps … it was time that he found out.
The End
About the Author:
Ever since I could pick up a pen, I have been writing. I became fascinated with fantasy at the age of eight, when my mother bought me a copy of “The Hobbit”. Not too long after, that I became addicted to anything and everything about vampires. The duality of nature fascinated me.
But it was an event four years later that would shape my future career as an author of erotic romance. At the age of twelve I discovered my grandmother’s stash of romance novels, hidden, of course, in her closet. I devoured them. My grandmother kicked me out of the closet. But alas, the damage had been done… I was a hopeless ju
nkie—a romance junkie.
To this day I keep my love of fantasy, vampires and romance. What’s more, I have learned (through much practice) to meld the genres to create, for myself, the perfect environment to pen my erotic romance novels. I live, quite simply, for love, lust and the complex nature of the human heart. And I write to share my love, lusts and complex nature with others.
Meet Lsb Authors At Http://Lsbooks.Net
We invite you to visit Liquid Silver Books
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for other exciting literary erotica romances.
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Destiny's Magick—Rae Morgan
Love Lessons—Vanessa Hart
Portal—Sydney Morgann
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Business or Pleasure…or Both?—Rae Morgan and Jasmine Haynes
And many, many more!!
