by J. N. Colon
“I went to a few seers,” Zeke said.
“And…?” My heart was suddenly racing, desperate for information on Hayden.
Zeke shrugged. “They don’t know anything.”
I sagged against the railing, disappointed. He came here to tell me he didn’t have any information? Was this just a ploy to see me?
As if reading my mind Zeke continued. “I wanted you to know I was trying for you, that I cared.”
I looked away, disliking the intensity in his eyes. “Okay.”
“Has Hayden added any new information?”
“He said it could be the Underworld needing him or something like souls trying to sneak into Elysium. Probably something simple.” Unfortunately nothing was ever simple with us.
“Do you believe him?”
I bit my lip hesitating. Hayden would hate that I was discussing him with his brother.
Zeke’s fingers unexpectedly gripped my chin, turning my face toward his. “Do you?” he asked again.
“I want to, but…”
“But…?” he prompted.
“But it’s never something simple. I’m really worried about him.” My voice cracked with emotion.
“Hey.” Zeke inched closer, his voice softening. “I’ll keep looking Hartley. I promise.” His blue eyes were too intense, flickering with tiny bolts of lightning.
I swallowed hard, moments away from pulling back to put more of a comfortable amount of space between us when a familiar growl hit my ears. My gaze snapped to the side, already knowing what I’d find. Hayden was standing on the porch, jaw clenched and eyes flashing with crimson flames.
Chapter 11
“You never give up do you?” he snarled.
“Hayden, nothing was going on. Calm down,” I pleaded.
“Don’t Hartley. Just don’t protect him.” His eyes never left Zeke who was standing rigidly beside me, arms crossed against his chest defensively. “Go inside and let me talk to my brother alone.”
“No,” I snapped. “I don’t want you two fighting, especially at Callie’s.”
Hayden stalked closer, danger emanating around him like a furnace. “What are you doing here Zeke?” His voice was deep, sending chills across my skin. “Don’t tell me you’re here to visit me.”
My gaze shifted toward Zeke, silently pleading. If he told the truth—he was here because I asked him to find information about Hayden’s malfunctioning powers—Hayden would probably burst into flames.
Zeke sighed. “You got me little brother,” he responded dryly. “I was here to make a play for Hartley. She of course turned me down, gently though.” A smile twitched his lips. “I guess her anger for me has subsided. It’s only a matter of time before she realizes I…”
Smack!
Hayden punched Zeke in the mouth with so much force I felt the deck vibrate beneath my feet. I jumped in between them, but Hayden gently forced me back and gripped Zeke’s shirt.
“You son of a bitch!” Hayden snarled.
“Well, we are both sons of the same bitch brother.”
People were starting to notice the impending fight, eyes from the pool drifting toward the deck.
“Whoa, whoa.” Si grabbed Hayden, yanking him back while Reese—who had made a mad dash, jumping lithely over the railing of the deck—pulled Zeke away. “No fighting little bros. Chill. Chill.”
Hayden’s lips curled back, a vicious, threatening growl snaking between his teeth.
“Get off me.” Zeke shook Reese off, shooting him a narrowed glare. “Oh, it’s okay for him to be near Hartley when he tried to kill her, but I can’t?”
“Hey! I took my punishment for that,” Reese said, indignant. “I said I was sorry.”
“And Ares isn’t trying to constantly make a move on his girl.” Si shook his head, shifting the golden strands surrounding his tan face. “So not simpatico bro.”
Zeke rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
Hayden slipped out of Si’s grasp and stalked toward the house. I ran after him, grabbing his arm.
“Hayden, wait.”
He turned toward me, his eyes still flashing with flames. “I need to cool off Hartley.” His voice was still deep with power and filtered with fury.
“Let me go with you.”
He shook his head. “I need a few minutes alone.”
My lips formed into a pout as I gazed up at him, hating we were fighting. “You’re mad at me?”
He sighed and pulled me closer, gently caressing my cheek with his thumb. “No. It’s just a difficult situation with my brother. He really knows how to piss me off.” He gently pressed his lips against mine. “I’ll be back.” He turned and stalked deeper into the house.
I trudged outside, my heart still giving a painful thud for him. Zeke, Reese, and Si were standing around, talking. Girls down at the pool were unabashedly drooling, gazing up at them, even the ones with boyfriends still trying to suck their faces off.
“Why did you have to do that?” I crossed my arms, my eyes narrowed as I fumed in front of Zeke.
“Did you want me to tell him the truth?”
Si’s brow rose questioningly.
“No, but you didn’t have to push him like that Zeke.”
He shrugged noncommittally. “He’s just so easy to rile up Hartley. I couldn’t help it.”
I shook my head. “If you were smart and really wanted me to forgive you, you’d be nicer to him.”
He tossed his hands in the air, lightning flashing in his eyes. “He’s not nice to me!”
“He doesn’t have to be,” I yelled, stepping closer. “You’re the one who screwed up.” I jabbed my finger in his chest. “You’re the one who messed with our lives with that damn spell.”
“But he’s the one who stole you from me!”
Reese and Si both winced, knowing he’d stuck his foot in his mouth.
“Shut up while you still can,” Reese mumbled under his breath.
“Nah bra.” Si plucked at the shells on his necklace as if he was playing a tune. “You went too far.”
I took a deep breath, attempting to quell the anger flaring up inside me. “Zeke, I was never yours and you know that. When are you going to come to terms with it?”
His jaw flexed hard, nostrils flaring. “I’ll never be okay with it.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t come near me if you can’t handle my relationship with your brother.”
He pulled up short, the anger fast melting and face washing of color. “That’s not fair,” he whispered. “I can’t see you at all?”
“Not if you keep this crap up. Hayden didn’t steal me from you. You need to remember that.”
A sadness so deep it cut my heart filled his sky blue eyes. “I’m sorry.” His hand reached out, wanting to touch me, but dropped before connecting with my face. Desperation twisted his expression as he attempted to find a way to fix his mistake. Then his gaze shifted between Reese and Si, remembering other gods were privy to his weak moment.
Zeke’s face suddenly hardened, hiding the pain he was feeling behind a thick mask. “I better go.” He stalked off down the deck, heading toward the front yard. A flash of lighting exploded as he disappeared.
I fell onto the bench, staring up at the night sky.
“I’ve never seen anyone get to Zeke like you do,” Si said. “Either of my brothers actually.”
“Yeah.” Reese ruffled my hair. “It’s kind of funny.”
“Shut up.” I smacked his hand away. “I better go find Hayden.
Si clamped down on my shoulder and shook his head. “Give him a little longer.”
I slumped lower, drained from the drama. “Fine.” It was difficult not going after him when my body and heart were screaming to do that very thing. I wanted to give him the time he needed, but the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that something was wrong only grew bigger the longer I waited.
Hayden
I wiped foam from my lips after chugging my second beer, grabbing the tap to refil
l the red plastic cup for a third. It would be great if I could actually get wasted off this crap. Maybe I could steal some wine from Dionysus or hit up Isaak’s stash of lotus flowers. But then that would have me leaving Hartley here alone. I was sure my brother was still here somewhere, hiding in the shadows, waiting to make a move the moment I disappear.
I stood in Callie’s garage, wallowing in my dark mood. The smell of motor oil and exhaust filled my nostrils as I breathed deeply, trying to prevent myself from bursting into flames.
I was fucking pathetic. Why was the god of the Underworld hiding from a little teenager? Of course said teenager was also daughter of Hera and part siren. She had me by the balls. Even knowing that I still couldn’t give her up.
My hand crushed the empty cup, popping echoing through the vacant garage until small bits of plastic littered the concrete ground.
“Damn dude.” A stoner guy from Northwood High strolled into the light, smelling like Cheetos and heady weed. Luckily he was a mere human and unable to detect the flames dancing in my eyes. “You are like wicked pissed.”
“You have no idea,” I snarled.
The kid repositioned the beany on his head, his shaggy dark brown hair obscuring one of his bloodshot, glossy eyes. A pungent scent floated from him as he pulled out a joint and lit it, the cherry burning bright. “Want a hit? It might mellow you out.”
I doubted anything could mellow me out at this point. “Sure.” I reached for it and inhaled the strong, bitter flavor.
“So, is it your girl that’s got you so stressed?” he asked, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a bag of Twizzlers.
My brow arched questioningly.
He shrugged. “I saw that shit with your brothers on the deck. It must be hard being with Hartley Walker. Everyone wants her even your brother.”
I nodded and handed him the joint. “Yeah. I’d like to knock out every guy that even looks at her let alone touches her. But I’d rather be the with her than without.” I’d take all the shit times ten if I got to have her. Obviously I was whipped.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he said, smoke trailing out his mouth as he tried to hold in his hit. “I’d drop everything if Hartley walked up to me and ask me to be her man.” The smoke finally trailed out in one long white, curling exhale. “I’d be her little bitch boy if she asked.” A laugh tumbled out his mouth. “Hell, I’d lick her feet if she asked.”
A half-smile cracked my lips. “She doesn’t like that. She’s ticklish.”
“No way.” He laughed again.
“I thought I smelled you Wade.” Blake strolled in, carrying a bottle of liquor in one hand and giving Wade daps with the other.
“’Sup dude.”
Blake turned his green eyes on me and bumped my fist. “What up Hayden.”
“His temper,” Wade said, sucking the last bit of the joint away.
My eyes narrowed at him.
Blake snorted. “Trouble in paradise?”
“No,” I snapped.
“His middle brother wants his girl.”
“Ah.” Blake nodded with understanding. “Pete and I fought over a girl once. He got her.”
“That’s sucks.” Wade bit off the end of a Twizzler.
A grin split Blake’s mouth. “Yeah well that dumb ass cheated on her and guess who she came to for a little payback.”
“No way dude.” Wade touched his fist to Blake’s.
I shook my head. “It’s not exactly the same situation for me.”
Blake shook the bottle of liquor, the clear liquid sloshing temptingly. “Come on Hayden. You need to loosen up. Have a little fun with the guys for a while tonight.” A mischievous twinkle lit his green eyes.
“Sure I guess.” What was the harm?
“That’s my boy.” Blake swung his arm over my shoulders with some difficulty from my height. “You coming Wade?”
“Nah. I’m good.” He nodded a goodbye as he spun and trailed out the garage probably on a mission to score more weed.
Me on the other hand, I was on a mission to drink away my troubles like any human male would. Except I wasn’t human. And I couldn’t get drunk.
Hartley
A commotion from the house drifted outside, Hayden’s name lacing the chaos. I glanced between Reese and Si, both looking wary. We got up and headed inside, Hayden’s name being chanted from the kitchen.
WTF?
When I entered the room Hayden was standing at the island, tossing back shot after shot until he reached the end of the counter, slamming the last one down with enough force to smash the little plastic cup into bits. He held his fists in the air as people cheered. His face was flushed, eyes glossy, clothes rumpled, and hair disheveled. A lopsided grin curled his kissable lips.
“Who’s the king?” he shouted, licking those lips.
“Dude, that was epic.” Blake clapped him on the shoulder.
“No shit.” Hayden climbed up on the island and pumped his fists at the crowd surrounding him. “Who else wants to challenge me?”
Vaughn was nearby, looking a little green and I was guessing he was on the losing end of a shot contest with my boyfriend. Normally I would have scolded Hayden for getting him wasted, but it seemed like Hayden was three sheets to the wind as well.
I glanced at Si and then at Reese on my other side. “Is he drunk?”
“Not possible,” Si said, shaking his head incredulously. “Not on regular alcohol.”
Reese rubbed his stubble coated chin. “He definitely looks drunk.”
I nodded in agreement.
Hayden’s glossy gray eyes suddenly found me, his face lighting up. He pointed. “There’s my girlfriend.” His words were slurred. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
All eyes drifted toward me, smiling.
“Hayden, baby, what are you doing?” I asked, trying not to sound as worried as I felt.
“If you think Hartley’s hot now, you should see her in my world.”
Uh-oh.
“She’s got fire in her eyes and can throw flames.” He demonstrated by opening his palm and throwing the invisible fire. Thankfully he didn’t pull real flames. “There was this one time she almost caught Hermes on fire.”
Everyone looked at each other amused, assuming he was simply drunk and talking out his ass.
“All right little bro.” Si stepped forward and held his hands up. “Let’s get down from there before you break that handsome face.”
“And she’s so good with the souls,” Hayden said, knocking Si’s hands away. “She should be the queen.” He met my eyes. “Baby, will you be my queen? I’ll get you a throne and I’ll make you a crown with ruby’s and diamonds, and onyx…”
Several girls awed, unaware he was actually serious.
“Okay baby.” I stood next to Si. “I’ll be your queen. Let’s go home now.”
“’Kay.” He jumped down and would have fallen if Reese hadn’t grabbed his shirt. He put his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go.”
It took longer than expected to get Hayden home. I wasn’t sure he was currently capable so Poseidon transported him to the black sand shore banks of the Underworld while Reese brought me. Curiosity about Hayden’s state reflected in the souls’ eyes and even had Charon staring confusedly at his employer. We had to take a boat across the river because Hayden was too heavy for me and refused to let Si or Reese walk him.
“What’s wrong with him,” Charon asked, his voice low and gravely, laced with suspicion.
“Lotus flowers,” Si lied. “Lots and lots of lotus flowers.”
Si and Reese left after they helped me get Hayden to our bedroom. I removed his boots, tossing them on the floor before plopping on the bed next to him.
He turned toward me, a lazy smile on his face. “I love you Hartley.”
“I love you too.”
He gripped my arm. “No I mean I really really love you. I think about you all the time and dream about you and think about you. When I’m with you all I want to do is touch you a
nd when I’m not all I can think about is touching you and holding you and kissing you.” His eyes fluttered closed. “You’re my world. Don’t ever leave me.”
My throat tightened. “Hayden, baby, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be with you always.”
“My brother wants to steal you away. He won’t give up.”
“That’s never happening Hayden. Never.” I leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I love you. Always.” I ran my fingers through his hair soothingly.
“Mmm. Feels good,” he mumbled, his breathing slowing.
Would Hayden ever believe I was here with him forever? That I’d never leave him? His brother could pursue me to the end of time, but I’d never give up Hayden. Never.
Chapter 12
Hayden
It felt like someone was hammering my skull with a dull mallet over and over and over again, squeezing my eyeballs out their sockets. My skin was hot and my mouth tasted like dry sandpaper.
What the hell happened to me?
The last thing I remembered was taking shots in Callie’s kitchen with Blake.
I groaned and removed the pillow from my head, realizing I was in my bed in the Underworld. Alone.
Panic shot through my body, terrified Hartley didn’t come home with me or even worse she was with Zeke. Sounds echoed from the bathroom and she strolled into the room, wearing jean shorts and a t-shirt. Her deep brown and scarlet locks were twisted up in a messy bun on her head while her face was fresh without makeup.
A gentle smile played on her lips when she realized I was awake. “Hey baby,” she whispered as if she knew my head was splitting open.
It felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my chest and I could breathe again. “Hi,” I croaked. I cleared my throat. “What happened?”
Hartley sighed and crawled on the bed beside me, the sight making my body warm with desire. If I didn’t feel like shit I’d rip her clothes off. “You got wasted.”
