by Tamar Sloan
Micah’s lips twitch. “It’s easier to tell people change is inevitable than it is to live it.”
I nudge him with my shoulder. “I think you might be able to handle it.”
I mean, he bested the god of the Underworld, for heaven’s sake.
Micah presses his lips to my head. “I can because I have you.”
His words warm me right down to my soul. Micah’s strong enough to face any of this, and whatever fate has in store for him. But knowing he needs me as much as I need him is something I’ll always cherish.
I pull in a steadying breath. “Ready?”
It’s Tyler’s court hearing today. His list of misdemeanors finally tallied up, resulting in a violation of probation the judge wasn’t willing to ignore.
This afternoon, he either convinces the judge he’s ready to do things differently, or he goes to juvenile detention.
I’m just not sure he’s ready to do things differently.
Micah squeezes my shoulders. “Thomas is pretty confident this is going to work out.”
Which is true. Micah told me after we returned from the Crossroads, that Thomas had seemed to accept his place in Elysium. I figured it was because he now had three angry demigods to lead through his own journey of faith. But he’s been like this, even though Tyler has been steadily self-sabotaging…
The sidewalk below our feet is bright white under the summer sun as we make our way to the subway. The agreement was to meet Tyler at the courthouse. I focus on the feeling of our clasped hands. No one has taught me the lesson of faith better than Micah.
We’ve just come to the vacant lot when I pause. There’s someone standing in front of the “For Sale” sign, the one that changed to Sold not so long ago.
Micah and I frown at each other, but before we can head over, a yipping ball of fur makes a beeline for our heels.
I gasp. “A puppy!”
The little dog licks my hands enthusiastically. Obviously, a crossbreed of some sort, he looks like he hasn’t decided on a size—he’s small, with ears too big for his head, then long in the body, but with stumpy, shortened legs.
“Tommy!”
We both push up from our squatting position to find Tyler jogging toward us. The puppy spins around on hearing his voice, launching himself at Tyler, the yipping starting all over again. Tyler scoops him up, chuckling as the pup starts licking his chin like he never plans on stopping.
My eyebrows shoot up. “You got a puppy?”
The little ball of fur starts squirming, so Tyler places him back down. The pup’s nose spears down as he trots off, stopping to sniff each crack in the blacktop he finds.
Tyler adjusts his cap. “Not by choice.”
Micah smiles a little. “Everything is a choice.”
Tyler slides a glance at him. The usual low-level hostility doesn’t seem to be there. In fact, as he turns back to scan the parking lot, he seems…quiet. “Did you know Thomas bought this?”
Micah doesn’t answer. He can’t.
I pretend to act surprised. “How did you know that?”
“My lawyer told me.”
“You’ve already met with your lawyer? I thought we were doing that before court.”
Tyler’s smile becomes sheepish. “Ah, I met with her this morning. Before seeing the judge.”
I gasp. “You lied to me?”
“I like to think of it as deliberately forgetting the right time for the appointment.”
I make a point of emphasizing my frown. “Why would you do that?”
Tyler’s gaze slides back to the sign. “Because I didn’t want you there.”
I glance away before Tyler can see that his words sting. I’ve been doing everything I can to show him that it’s not too late.
“I thought it was because I didn’t want your help, but the truth is, I didn’t want you to see me fail again.”
“Oh, Tyler…”
But he holds up his hand. “I met with the lawyer, and she read me the riot act. Told me this is going to be my last chance.”
Which is why I wanted to be there. She would’ve got nothing but attitude.
“I was just about to tell her to go jump, when she said my name came up in Thomas’ will.” Tyler’s arms expand to encompass the lot around us. “Thomas left it for me. It’ll be mine when I come of age.”
Micah and I glance at each other, not sure how Tyler would’ve taken that.
Tyler’s lips twist. “I was pretty pissed. This is what my brother left me? A parking lot with more cracks than asphalt? I thought it was one more kick in the teeth.”
My jaw tightens as I imagine the scene. If Tyler wasn’t standing here, then I’d jump to the conclusion that he failed to attend his hearing. I pull in a steadying breath. If he’s here, it means there’s more to this story.
“I left the courthouse, looking for something to punch, when I heard this clawing in an alleyway. There was this little guy,” Tyler squats down to scratch the pup behind his ears. “Wrapped up in this T-shirt.”
He pinches the shirt he’s wearing.
Micah freezes. I gasp. The T-shirt.
It’s Micah’s T-shirt.
The one he gave away to the homeless man.
“Sly dog.” Micah breathes in astonishment. “Clever, sly dog, but still…”
Micah glances at me, eyes wide with disbelief, possibly underscored by a touch of respect. Thomas must’ve planted it in his closet. Somehow, it made its way back to Pontiac Point, arriving just at the moment Tyler needed it.
Tyler pushes back up, unaware of what just passed between us. “Thomas used to wear one just like this. He called it his lucky shirt.” He turns to us, his eyes wide and a little moist. “I think it was a sign. I told the judge I wanted another chance.”
Micah grasps his shoulder. “That takes courage, Tyler.”
He nods, before looking at me. “I’d like to start a garden, Kadence. Just like we did on the rooftop, but bigger.” He tips up a lopsided grin. “And closer to the ground. Will you help me?”
The last words are tinged with so much vulnerability that something in my chest spasms. But Tyler doesn’t need more emotion right now. He needs me to show him. I angle my head. “Can we grow some rosacea?”
“Ah, sure. Whatever that is.”
I grin. “Wait here.”
The dash to the alleyway beside our apartment doesn’t take long. It means, I’m back, holding the pot in my hands within a minute or two.
Tyler’s eyes widen as I extend my gift to him. The buds on his mother’s rose have started to unfurl, fragile green whorls clinging to the branches. Just like him, it’s survived adversity, and is waiting to flourish.
Tyler’s throat works as he takes the pot from me. “Thanks.” His voice is muted. “For not giving up on me.”
My heart feels like it just doubled in size. “Thomas knew you had this in you, Tyler. Just like I did.”
Tyler blinks hard. “Yeah, I think he did.”
Micah smiles. “My bet, is he’s watching right now.”
My heart swells as Tyler nods, even though he has no idea the truth Micah just spoke. Thomas will be looking over Tyler for the rest of his life.
A yip snaps through the emotion that just multiplied around us. The pup part runs, part stumbles on its stumpy legs, toward Tyler, leaping onto his sneakers like a predator. Growling, it starts chewing and tugging on his laces.
“Tommy, we’ve been over this.” Tyler leans down to pick him up, playfully scratching him under the chin. “Laces aren’t the enemy.”
I glance at Micah, mouthing one word, “Tommy.”
Micah grins. Tyler named the pup after his brother. It seems Tyler’s made sure his brother’s going to be by his side in the only way he could.
Tyler turns to us. “I need to go talk to Mom. Can we meet back here tomorrow? I’ve got some ideas for some artwork we could do on the wall over there.”
“Sure. Can’t wait.”
Tyler gently places the rose
at the bottom of the “For Sale” sign then, with Tommy tucked under his arm, leaves for home.
We’re left standing in the empty parking lot. Images of how this place will be transformed are already filling my head. Vegetables, maybe a couple of fruit trees, lots of herbs, even more flowers. Oh, and roses. Lots of roses.
I turn to Micah. “This is going to be amazing.”
“Of course it is. You’re amazing.”
I grin. “Not as amazing as you.”
Micah chuckles. “We’re not going to start that again, are we?”
“Only if you’re willing to admit defeat,” I counter.
“Never.”
“Never is a very long time, Micah.”
Micah pulls me in, so we’re flush against one another. “Challenge accepted.”
I grab a quick kiss. “Which is exactly what makes you amazing.”
Micah shakes his head, chuckling. “I’m looking forward to a future with you, Kadence.”
We’re about to lean in for another kiss when my phone dings, telling me I just received a message. I’m about to check it when I realize who it would be.
“Crap, it’s almost six o’clock.”
Micah glances at his watch. “Yes, it is. Finally, I get to find out what wonderful thing happens at six o’clock in your house.”
Anticipation bubbles up in my belly as I grin. Micah’s already met Aunt Jo, who of course, loves him like everyone else does. Taking his hand, I lead him to our apartment a couple of blocks away, a mischievous grin planted on my face the whole way.
The apartment is quiet when we enter, which is unusual. It’s like Aunt Jo isn’t home. It only takes me a minute to double-check our small apartment. Nope, she’s definitely not home.
I finally check my cell, discovering the text wasn’t a reminder, but an apology. I turn, wide-eyed, to Micah. “She’s out with Terry.”
Micah’s blue eyes twinkle. “Do you think when he proposes, he’ll hide the ring in a potato?”
I giggle. “Now that would be cool.”
Pulling Micah down onto the couch, I decide we’re going to honor this tradition, anyway. He looks at me quizzically when I pick up the remote, but I don’t say a thing.
A second later, Chip fills the screen, bronze chest and all. “Welcome to this evening’s edition of the Nakey News. Today, we have the heart-warming story of a puppy being saved by a young man, or is it the story of a puppy saving a teen about to throw his life away?” Chip positions his grin at just the right angle to catch the light. “I’ll let you decide.”
Micah gapes, then blushes so hard I think I feel the heat rolling off his skin. I can’t help it—it has me in fits of giggles which quickly morph to peals of laughter.
“This is what you watch with your blind aunt?” Micah asks incredulously.
“Yep. Every weeknight at six o’clock. Aunt Jo calls it our daily dose of optimism.”
Micah looks back to the screen, his mouth still a little slack. “I can’t wait for Terry to join us.”
I grin, wondering how the heck so much happiness can fit into one person. I snuggle into his side, wrapping my arms around him, remembering his words. “I’m looking forward to a future with you, Micah.”
Micah’s smile is one that seems to start somewhere deep inside. “Always.”
My own echoes his. It’s a heartfelt, soul-deep smile filled with a love that was meant to be. “Forever.”
Epilogue
Most people assume Hades’ palace is a place of gloom and darkness.
Being built of sleek black marble and smooth obsidian, it’s certainly all the shades of midnight. But Hades’ dominion encompasses everything below the surface of Earth, the place that holds every precious metal and gem known to man. It’s enabled him to outfit his black palace with everything that glitters and shines. Gold, silver, diamonds, precious stones of every color. They’re scattered and placed with such abandon and prevalence, it’s like the ebony walls and floors are just a background to showcase them.
Hades is probably the wealthiest man who ever existed.
Although all the money amassed over the millennia of his life have been unable to give him the one thing he’s always wanted.
Hades steps around the gilt chair lying on its side. It’s not the first time his rage has left his cavernous bedroom in unholy chaos. Overturned furniture, smashed glass, gems and stones humans have sold their souls for, scattered like worthless rocks.
He curls his lip at the symbols of wealth scattered around him. There’s always someone willing to clean up. Someone wanting to win his favor. Hoping for a chance at redemption.
There’s one piece in this room that will never feel the brunt of his rages, though. Hades walks toward it, his footsteps silent on the cool, glossy floor. Hanging on the wall is a wreath. Woven of golden stalks of wheat centuries ago, he ensured its immortality when he dipped it in gold. Now it hangs there, gleaming gently, the only object gracing the expanse of black wall.
Hades brushes one of the heads of wheat spiraling around the circle. All he has to do is wish…
The center of the wreath fills with a whirlpool of light, steadily filling like a pond, becoming a glistening, moving mirror.
The woman who comes into focus is beautiful. Golden hair flows down her back, her face fragile and pale. She’s smiling as she walks through a field of yellow, her hands brushing the bountiful crops as she goes.
But Hades can see the way her shoulders are pulled back a little too tight, like there’s an ache between her shoulder blades. She’s hurting.
She’s grieving.
“Persephone,” he whispers.
The legend of their love is well known. Centuries ago, Hades saw her in a field and fell instantly, irrevocably in love. Whisking her to the Underworld, he wooed her with words and gifts and patience. His world changed when she confessed she’d fallen in love, too.
Persephone saw him as no one else had. Persephone loved him in ways he hadn’t known were possible.
Except Demeter, her mother, wouldn’t believe it. She wanted her daughter by her side, no matter how much Persephone cried or begged. Ultimately, Demeter pointed out, victory curling her lip, that Persephone was the goddess of vegetation. Earth depended on her.
It was Zeus who decided on a compromise.
Persephone would live half the year on Earth, where she would bring springtime and all its prosperity to the world. Then the remaining six months, she’d return to the Underworld, leaving behind fallow fields as the world descended into winter.
With a wave of his hand, the image dissolves, and Hades braces himself for the piercing pain. Each time he sees her, he can feel life returning to his body. Each time she disappears, his immortal soul discovers what death feels like.
Hades turns and strides from his room, new purpose thrumming through his veins. These young demigods speak of love and sacrifice. But how far would they go to ensure they remained together?
“Soon, my love.” Hades vows. “All we need is one more.”
Ready for the next installment in the Descendants of the Gods series? Check out SON OF POSEIDON!
Son of Poseidon
The Greek gods exist, and she has the evidence to prove it.
Bria knows the gods are far more than legend, and she even has the science to prove it. After years of research, she believes there is a portal to Olympus, she just needs to overcome her deep-seated fear of the cliffs to find it.
Despite the risks, Chrys has been sent to convince her otherwise. His natural affinity with horses means he can easily assimilate into Bria’s family ranch. The gods need Bria to believe she’s wrong, and Chrys knows the danger she’s putting herself in by broadcasting her theories. It’s just that the son of Poseidon didn’t count on falling for the sassy, smart, single-minded girl…
Fighting the undeniable attraction, Bria’s determined to uncover the truth, telling herself the escalating accidents around the ranch are nothing but chance. When a magnificent wing
ed horse saves her life, she knows without a doubt she's been right all along. What’s more, she’s starting to suspect Chrys is connected to all this somehow.
All she has to do is get him to admit it…
The unforgettable first half of the next Descendants of the Gods duology,
Son of Poseidon is the beginning of an unforgettable love story by USA Today Best-Selling Author Tamar Sloan!
*Please note, cannot be read as a standalone.
Blood of Medusa is where this love story finishes.*
Descendants of the Gods
Demigods as you’ve never seen them before.
Duologies that will touch your heart.
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Blood of Medusa
Chrys has done the only thing that could jeopardize the gods he serves—fall in love with a human who has the ability to expose them.
Now that Bria knows the truth, all she wants to do is keep Pegasus and his secret safe, even if it means abandoning the search for the portal between Earth and Olympus. A life without Chrys isn’t one she wants to contemplate.
Except now that Bria knows Pegasus exists, she’s become a threat.
Chrys is left with an impossible choice. Leaving the girl who holds his heart would mean abandoning her to the mercy of the gods. But the harder he works to keep her safe, the more Pegasus appears, the more the risk of exposure becomes a reality…and the more the gods are convinced Bria has to die.
When Bria is offered a deal in exchange for her life, they discover she’s far more important to the gods than they realized.
Because someone wants the portal to Olympus and the Underworld opened…
The unforgettable second half of a Descendants of the Gods duology,
