by Haley Weir
“Fine. We’ll take a detour after the meeting with the mayor and then we put together a posse to search the forest.” Seth lowered himself into Deputy Harris’s small car and got to work on time. He finished half of the coffee before his meeting, but he couldn’t recall drinking it. The mayor talked about budget cuts in the same breath that he suggested hiring new deputies for training. Seth nodded at the appropriate times and took notes without actually processing the information. When the meeting came to an end, the dread that had been festering in his gut intensified. Harris drove to Diana’s apartment building, and Seth noticed the vintage car parked out of sight. They climbed the stairs in the dingy corridor and knocked on the door.
Hades opened the door with a scowl on his face. “What do you want?”
“I came to check on Diana.” Seth looked up at the towering god and tried not to feel intimidated by Diana’s father. While he was a skilled fighter, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could beat a primordial being like Hades.
“She’s miserable. Thanks for stopping by.”
The door nearly closed in his face, but Seth blocked it with his foot. “I need to see her.”
“After how your brothers treated her, I don’t want any of you near my daughter.”
“What?”
“She went to see you and they pointed swords at her like she was some kind of criminal. Diana wanted to talk, but they made her feel like…” Hades closed his eyes as if his daughter’s pain was his own. “She cried. It tore me apart inside.”
“I don’t understand.”
“That’s why I’m not letting you in, Seth. I think it would be best if you tried to forget she ever existed. I wanted to help you...to bring the two of you together, but not if it means breaking her heart twice. Go back to your fiancée.”
Seth shook his head. “Diana and I are friends. I want to make sure she’s all right.”
Hades kicked Seth’s foot back and shut the door. Seth rested his forehead against the wall and tried to think of a way to get to Diana without their families interfering.
Chapter Eleven
Destiny Falls
Alaska
The snow piled up outside of the cafe window. Diana stared up at the empty roads as snowflakes drifted on the wind. She blew across the steam that wafted from the brim of her mug and drank the hot cocoa with a warmth spreading through her chest. Winters in California were never as beautiful as they were in Alaska. Her father sat in the chair opposite her with a disgruntled expression on his face as he tasted the sugary beverage. She chuckled as he poured an unhealthy serving of liquor into the chocolate and stirred it with his pinky. “How long are you visiting?”
“As long as you need me.”
“Don’t you have to work?” she asked. He had been with her for weeks now, and she had begun to feel rather selfish for keeping him away from his duties.
“Nothing more important than you.”
Diana leaned forward and stirred her hot cocoa lazily. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Something on your mind?”
“I have a date later.”
“And?”
“And I’m hoping you don’t show up to scare him away like you did with the last eight matches,” she snorted. “It’s bad enough that Cerberus won’t let anyone in my apartment.”
“They shouldn’t be allowed to court you publicly without the presence of a guardian.”
“Dad,” Diana groaned. “Do you have any idea what century it is? No one is courting anymore.”
“Is it so terrible that I want what’s best for you?”
“I can’t have what’s best for me, so I have to settle for second best.”
Hades grumbled under his breath and grabbed her hand, pulling Diana from their table. They wandered into the women’s bathroom despite her protests. Diana stared indignantly at her father as he transported them to Italy. “I know how to cheer you up.”
“What are we doing here?”
“Shopping.”
“Shopping?”
“Shopping,” he repeated. “Does it mean something different than I thought? We’re going to get you a new apartment and fix you up a bit to get rid of this doom and gloom.”
“Says the man who wears an all-black wardrobe.” Diana was led into a boutique filled with expensive clothes she couldn’t even dream of affording. Luckily, her father had a few things in mind as he took the lead. Hades purchased the finest clothes in Venice and took her to a salon to freshen her up a bit. Diana had never felt more pampered. They ate at exquisite restaurants and toured museums filled with priceless artifacts. If Hades wanted anything, he took it without question—at least until Diana scolded him for it.
When they returned to Destiny, she was situated in a new place with a new car and a wardrobe that made even Rina jealous. The former model stood in Diana’s walk-in closet with her jaw practically scraping the floor. “Holy mother of god, Diana! This is gorgeous. I’m totally borrowing that purple dress for the next ball.”
Diana looked around her bedroom and closed the door before whispering a spell that muffled the sounds of the apartment. Rina turned away from the clothing and faced Diana. “How is he? Is he happy? Do you hate his fiancée? Please tell me you hate her.”
“Slow down, honey.” Rina ushered Diana over to the chair in the corner. “Seth is...content. He’s acting like everything is fine, but I know he’s confused. As for Megan, there’s something about her that rubs me the wrong way. Every time I say something to Caleb, he shuts me down and tells me to be happy for Seth.”
“My father said the same thing. He knows the fates have never been wrong about mates before. It doesn’t make sense that Seth is mated to Megan when we’re supposed to be together.”
There was a look of profound pity in Rina’s gaze. She knelt in front of Diana and held her hand. “How are you getting by?”
“Don’t patronize me. At least Hades is trying to help me be happier.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be rude...it’s just uncomfortable for everyone.”
Diana stood up and opened the door, banishing the spell on the room. “Imagine how I feel.” She picked up her phone and asked Deputy Harris if she wanted to do a double date with her new boyfriend and Diana’s match. The young deputy agreed, and they made plans to meet up later for drinks before the guys arrived. Diana changed into a new dress and pinned her hair up. She didn’t bother with makeup but put on a splash of her new perfume.
Rina walked out of the apartment with her head low and her shoulders slumped forward. Diana wasn’t interested in being pitied or guilted into changing how she felt. Hades barely blinked an eye when the door shut with a slam. “You can’t keep isolating yourself from the people who care about you, Diana. Just because they don’t put you first doesn’t mean you don't matter to them."
"I'm the only person in the world that you talk to besides Griphook," Diana countered. "And when you talk to him, it's usually in the form of an order."
"So, your point is?"
"I'm surrounded by hypocrites and I don't know who to take advice from at the moment." She fussed with her earrings and grabbed her jacket. "Don't wait up. I might crash at Harris's place tonight." Diana kissed her father on the cheek and took the elevator down to the lobby. Her heels clicked on the floor as she made her way outside. The valet drove her car up and Diana set out to enjoy a night on the town.
~*~
Deputy Harris sat at the bar when Diana arrived. She was rather fond of Eliza after getting to know her. She waltzed up to the bar and ordered a glass of wine before taking a seat. "This snow is out of control today," Diana complained. "How was the drive over?"
"Woah…you come in here looking like a walking fantasy and you want to talk about the weather? What happened? I mean, you were pretty before, but you cleaned up well." Eliza gestured wildly with her hand and adjusted her hair. "You can't be funny tonight. If my boyfriend tries to leave me for you, I'll burn that dress."
"Shut up, you
look fine."
Eliza gulped down a glass of wine and ordered another. Her mocha skin glistened in the radiant light. "Seriously, you look hot, and I feel like a swamp monster. I'm sweating already."
"Why are you nervous? I'm the one meeting someone for the first time," Diana chuckled. "And you're sweating because of the fireplace and the alcohol."
"Mind your business."
Diana covered her mouth to keep from laughing too loudly. The night had just begun, and already, she started feeling more like her old self again. Cute waiters hovered nearby, trying to get a good glimpse of Diana. She hid her blush behind her glass of wine and talked with her friend until the men arrived. Eliza's new boyfriend put his arm around her and got a sweet kiss in return. Diana swallowed her envy and shook hands with a gorgeous man that had a smile that rendered her speechless. "You must be Diana," he said. "I'm Adonis."
"Named after the God of Beauty and Desire? I think it's fitting." She slapped a hand over her mouth and stood up quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that out loud."
"I'm flattered." His wink made her heart flutter. Adonis offered his arm and guided Diana over to their table. She felt the muscles bulging beneath the sleeve of his coat and gulped.
Eliza nudged her over to one side of the table while their dates took the other side. "He's not human," the deputy whispered. "But I can't get a read on him...other than the fact that he's super hot. Congratulations."
Diana bit the inside of her cheek and sat down. She wasn't sure if it was a relief that Adonis wasn't human or if she had wanted him to be...well, normal. "How long have you been in Destiny?" she asked. "I don't think I've seen you around here."
"Not long, actually. I came here with my sister to expand our company. We're not a dating agency. We specialize in arranged marriages." Adonis handed Diana a menu and looked over his options. "I'm a bit more old-fashioned than my sister. She doesn't care much for courtship. Her idea of romance is cutting right to the ceremony. Me? I want to get to know people before making that sort of commitment."
"I guess that's why you're using Kismet instead of your own services."
"Exactly," he said with a quiet laugh. "What about you? Why are you in Destiny, I mean."
"At the risk of sounding cheesy—I'd have to say it was fate. I learned a lot about myself and the people I care about while I was here on vacation a few years ago. It just felt right to stay." Diana chose the chicken entree and handed the menu to the waiter, who shamelessly eyed her up and down. Adonis must have caught the exchange because he made a show of placing his hand on top of Diana's where it rested on the table. When the waiter moved on, he released her.
"Sorry about that. I'm sure you're used to men drooling all over you," he supposed.
"It's a recent development, actually."
"Well, you're absolutely glowing—if you don't mind me saying it." Adonis glanced down at her hand pointedly, and Diana noticed that she was literally glowing. It was subtle, like a star twinkling behind the clouds, but noticeable enough to cause a problem.
"Umm...excuse me for a moment." She stood up and walked to the bathroom as casually as she could. Diana plucked her phone out of her clutch and hit the speed dial button for Hades. She just knew the otherworldly god was staring blankly at the screen, trying to figure out how to answer her call. If he didn't look like he was in his mid-forties, Diana would sign him up for a class on technology for seniors. When the call finally picked up, Diana grumbled, "Finally. Why am I glowing?"
"Pregnancy?"
"I've been on a five-month dry spell," she whispered harshly into the phone as she locked herself in a stall.
"Too much information."
"Dad!"
"Fine," Hades muttered. "You're becoming more powerful. That glow is your soul. The more you embrace that you're a goddess, the brighter it will be."
"How do I hide it?"
"A glamour."
"I need details," she pleaded desperately. "My date is really cute and I don't want to spend the rest of the night in the bathroom. He was nice enough to point it out without causing a scene."
"He's not human?"
"No."
A strong whooshing sound filled her ears. It was like the sound of a flock of a thousand birds ringing in her head. Hades popped up in the stall beside her and hung up the phone.
"What is your deal with the women's bathroom?" Diana tucked her phone in her bag and exited the stall. Hades followed her and blocked her path to the dining room. "Please tell me how to shut this off before you get all overprotective."
"What's his name?"
"Adonis."
Hades smashed the mirror. "We need to get you out of here—”
"Calm down. He doesn't seem threatening."
A bitter laugh echoed in the bathroom. "You would be surprised how many kingdoms have fallen because they were swayed by a charming smile. Adonis is a god; that means you can't trust him."
"You're a god, and I trust you. Besides, I said he didn't seem threatening, not that I trusted him."
A flash of light burned her eyes. Adonis wiggled a finger in his ear. "You know, I can hear everything you're saying. And you can trust me, Diana. I'm not here to cause harm to you or your father."
"Then why are you here?"
"I'm not interested in belonging to a forgotten pantheon," he confessed. "I want a mate and a life here in the mortal realm. I can do good here...I can help the humans."
Hades curled his lip. "Did Ares put you up to this?"
"Ares and the others remain ignorant of your daughter's existence. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't heard her claim you as her father." Adonis approached slowly. He bowed to Hades in a great display of respect and submission. "I wish to court Diana with your permission."
Chapter Twelve
Castle Black
Destiny Falls, Alaska
The ballroom was packed to the brim with shifters. With war brewing, Damien had been forced to move his pack to the palace while Giddeon figured out what to do about Madeu. Seth was happy to have more shifters to talk to other than his family. The wolves were outgoing, and they took the pressure off of Seth, providing more than enough entertainment to keep Megan busy with wedding plans. Music picked up to a lively tempo, and Olivia pulled a few girls onto the dancefloor. Celebrations were far and few. Rina thought the people needed a reason to smile.
Seth had to admit that the Prophet of Plutus was right. He had never seen more smiles in the palace. But Seth found it impossible to enjoy himself without Diana at his side. He missed his friend. The easy companionship he shared with Diana wasn't easily replaced. He moved through the crowd and clapped Damien on the shoulder. "It's good to have you here. I could use a distraction from work."
"Megan seems...nice."
"Not you too," Seth griped. "All I want is for one day to go by without getting someone's so-called helpful advice."
"Hey, I'm in no position to judge. My mate is a murderous jackass shackled over by your sister-in-law." Damien gestured to Madeu with a nod of his head and emptied the brandy in his glass. "My people still don't know about the bond, and I'm sure your Sleuth would revolt because of what he did to you."
"I'm...coming to terms with what happened to me," Seth admitted. "I have to stop blaming my brothers—all of my brothers—and just move forward, or else I'll never be happy."
"I know what you're going through. When my people faced extinction, the only ally I could rely on was Giddeon. Though he was a shifter of a different species and king of a rival nation, I called on him in a time of need, and he answered. I blamed my brother Areon, and I never got to make peace before the hunters launched an attack on our land. He died thinking I hated him. So, whatever happens, try to make peace with the ones you love. Do it for them."
Damien pointed to the dance floor. Giddeon bobbed to the music with his son in his arms and Casey by his side. Even Caleb spun his wife around in circles to the beat of the music. "I'll try," Seth replied. "I'm about to start a new cha
pter of my life and…"
"Seth?"
His gaze was riveted to the staircase that descended into the ballroom. At the top of the stairs stood Diana. Her hair was pulled back, exposing her elegant neck and shoulders. A plummeting neckline accentuated the curve of her breasts and the notch of her waist. The silhouette of her gown was breathtaking. It clung to the flare of her hips and thighs before flowing into a train that dragged behind her. On Diana's arm was none other than Adonis himself, God of Beauty and Desire. Together, they looked both lethal and graceful.
Hades entered the ballroom in a burst of black fog that hovered just above the ground. Shadows wrapped around him like a cloak as he remained no less than a foot away from his beloved daughter. Seth felt an ache in his chest that grew more severe as Diana smiled while greeting her friends. She introduced Adonis to the other ladies before coming to a stop in front of Megan. Seth hurried to his fiancée’s side and placed his arm around her. Adonis glared his way as Diana offered her hand to Megan. "Diana Kelly," she said quietly. "I've heard so much about you, Megan. I feel as if we're already good friends."
Megan hesitated before she accepted Diana's hand. "Likewise." The obvious look of disgust on Megan's face rubbed Seth the wrong way. He saw how much it offended Diana, and he felt the urge to rise to her defense. However, Adonis was quick to steer her attention elsewhere. Seth reached for Diana, wanting to speak with her, but she disappeared into the crowd before he had a chance.
"Seth," Megan hissed. "What was that?"
"I could ask you the same thing. You treated her like she was beneath you."
"How dare she show up like the belle of the ball and try to—”
Seth pulled Megan aside and lowered his voice so only she heard him. "You need to stop. Diana has done nothing to earn your hatred. I've never seen you behave like this."
The anger drained from Megan's posture and she wrapped her arms around him. The speed at which her emotions changed was jarring. Seth lowered her arms and stepped away from Megan. "I need some time to talk to her."
