Goddess of Legend (Demi-God Daughters) (22 page)

Chapter Twenty-
Nine

Cameryn woke up alone in bed. For a moment, panic reared its ugly head, but she forced herself to remain calm. Asclepius’s warning about remaining calm for the sake of her children played over and over again in her mind. She took a deep breath and relaxed. The door to the bedroom opened, and she sat up.

“Good morning
, my lady,” Tara said entering the room.

“Good morning. Where’s Hades?”

“Awaiting you. He instructed me to come and help you dress. He has a wonderful surprise waiting for you,” Tara said beaming.

Cameryn got out of bed. Her hands sought her belly. It was still flat. She had no idea why she’d been expecting her stomach to look any different after discovering she was pregnant. Tara led her into the bathroom and started the shower. Cameryn thanked her and stepped into the shower. The warm water ran down her body jolting her fully awake. She wondered what surprise Hades had waiting for her. It was truly amazing that in the midst of all the chaos going on in their lives, Hades was doing his best to create a semblance of normalcy. She loved him for that. Who would have ever thought that she, Cameryn Elizabeth Kane, private investigator, unlucky in love
Spiritist  would ever be in love and pregnant?

Hades had broken down her walls and captured her love. It looked like she wasn’t going to be a spinster after all. She smiled at the thought as she exited the shower. Drying off, she quickly brushed her teeth and went back into the bedroom. Tara was waiting. A beautiful, sparkling white dress lay on the bed. Cameryn raised an eyebrow in question
, but Tara stayed silent. Cameryn didn’t press her. After pulling on a lacy white thong, Tara helped her into the dress, tying the delicate lace ribbons that covered the back of the gown. It was gorgeous. The top of the gown left her arms and shoulders bare, fitting perfectly around her breasts and lifting them. The bodice tapered down to a long silken skirt that hugged her curves. Diamonds were placed strategically on the bodice and gown.

“This is a wedding dress,” Cameryn said suddenly aware of what was going on.

“Please sit and allow me to fix your hair,” Tara said deftly avoiding the question.

Cameryn sat down on the bench at the vanity table, allowing Tara do to her hair. Her heart thudded in her chest. Hades was going to marry her. She watched Tara in the mirror as she did her hair. It still amazed her that Tara was always able to do so much with her hair. Most of the time the only thing she managed was
a ponytail. In no time at all Tara was done. Her hair was half up, half down. The top was twisted into elegant curls, and the rest hung down her back slightly curled under. From beneath her robes, Tara produced a diamond tiara that she set on Cameryn’s head. The effect was stunning.

“I look like a fairytale princess.”

“Not a princess. A Queen,” Tara said smiling at her in the mirror.

“I can hardly believe it.”

“Believe it, mistress,” the woman said returning with a pair of shoes that looked like glass slippers.

She slid them onto Cameryn’s feet and stood back to admire her handiwork.

“Lord Hades is going to be speechless when he sees you. He waits outside the palace,” Tara said offering her hand.

Cameryn allowed the woman to help her up. She was quiet as she followed Tara from the room. They continued walking until they were outside the palace. Hades was standing at the bottom of the steps underneath a large silver archway
in a black tuxedo. He was so handsome. She could feel her heart racing again. She walked down the steps to him, feeling like she was floating on a cloud. When she reached him, she clasped her hands in his.

“There has never been a more beautiful woman in all of eternity than you
, my love,” Hades said staring at her with rapture in his eyes.

“Flatterer.”

“It’s not flattery when it’s the truth. You are stunning.”

“As are you. You look good enough to eat.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, my love. Cameryn, you have made me happier than I ever thought possible. All I have ever wanted is a woman to love me and pledge her loyalty for eternity. Not only have you done that, but you’ve also given me children. For that I will be eternally grateful. Cameryn Elizabeth Kane, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and queen for all eternity?”

Hades reached into his pocket and took out a beautiful purple diamond ring with a massive stone. The purple diamond was in the shape of a heart. It was surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. The ring was beyond amazing.

“Yes,” she said.

He smiled and slipped the ring onto her finger.

“Consider that your engagement ring. Now for your wedding band,” he said reaching into his pocket and producing another ring.

It was silver and untarnished. He slipped it on top of the engagement ring.

“I, Hades, take you, Cameryn, to have and to hold to love and to cherish for all of eternity as my best friend, my lover, my wife and my Queen.”

Cameryn couldn’t help the tears that ran down her face. He loved her so much.

“I don’t have a ring for you.”

“Of course you do,” Hades said producing a matching band from his pocket and handing it to her.

“You think of everything.”

“I try.”

“I, Cameryn
, take you, Hades, to be my best friend, my lover, my husband, and my King for all of eternity. To have and to hold. To love and to cherish,” she said placing the ring on his finger.

“Now can I kiss my bride?”

“Yes,” she said tilting her face up for his kiss.

His lips slanted down over hers, passionate, consuming and possessive. Her arms twined around him pulling him closer. Their tongues dueled. Both sought dominance, neither willing to give an inch. Cameryn could feel the flames of her desire being stoked. It was time to start the honeymoon.

“You would think a mother would be invited to her own daughter’s wedding,” a voice said interrupting their kiss.

Cameryn turned around and saw Persephone looking at her none too pleased. Beside her Hades stiffened. She grabbed his hand when she felt the force of his malevolent energy starting to rise. Neither of them was in the mood to deal with Persephone. So much for a perfect wedding day. Cameryn gritted her teeth.

“We’re not in the mood for your games, Persephone,” Cameryn said.

“Well
, is that so?” Persephone asked eyeing her daughter with malice.

“Persephone
, please leave,” Hades asked quietly.

“You’d like that
, wouldn’t you? You’d be free to go back to screwing my daughter.”

“I’m not your daughter. Kyrie Kane is my mother.”

“You ungrateful little bitch! I gave you life!”

“And you abandoned me. As far as I’m concerned you’re no mother to me. Now if you don’t mind, my husband and I were in the middle of something.”

“You’re a fool. When the gods destroy you, he’s going to be right back where he belongs … with me,” Persephone said confidently.

“Persephone
, I wouldn’t be with you if you were the last woman in existence. I love my wife, and I will protect her against anyone who tries to do her harm.”

“You can’t fight everyone at once. Your little bride is going to die, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“I’ve had just about enough of you. Get over it
, Persephone. You had your chance, and you blew it. Hades is mine, and we are expecting twins,” Cameryn said touching her belly.

“You’re lying,” Persephone snarled.

“No, she’s not.”

Persephone let out a scream of rage.
“Screw waiting for the gods to kill you. I’m going to do it myself.”

“Bring it
, bitch.”

Persephone had shown up to ruin her wedding day. Well the bitch was about to get it.

“Cameryn, don’t,” Hades said grabbing her.

Cameryn threw up a force field between her and Hades just before Persephone slammed into her. Cameryn went sprawling. Inside she could feel her babies stir. She sat up quickly as Persephone tried to kick her in her stomach. She grabbed her mother’s leg and flipped her to the ground. She fell with a thud
, and Cameryn took the opportunity to stand to her feet. Hades was struggling against the force field she had blocking him from their fight.

“This ends now,” Cameryn said turning her attention back to Persephone who was rising.

A ball of fire hovered above her palm. As it grew bigger, Persephone jumped to her feet and aimed her hands at Cameryn. As a blast of energy exploded from her mother’s hands, Cameryn hurled the fireball with all her strength. It hit Persephone with a boom, throwing her backwards as she was engulfed in flames. She landed a few feet away unmoving. Cameryn let down the force field around Hades. He rushed over to her.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

He caressed her hair before walking over to Persephone. He looked down at her burned body, before bending down to touch the side of her neck.

“Cameryn, she’s dead.”

“What? No!”

Cameryn’s hands covered her mouth. Persephone was dead. She’d killed her mother. She’d killed a goddess. The prophecy was true.

Chapter
Thirty

Hades stared at the burned body of Persephone. She was dead, and that meant only one thing, the prophecy was true. Cameryn had the power to kill a god. For once Apollo’s Oracle was right. Hades rose to his feet and walked over to Cameryn. She was in shock. Her hands covered her mouth, and tears ran down her face. He put his hands lightly on her shoulders.

“Sweetheart
, I want you to calm down.”

She shook her head from side to side refusing to even look at him. He rubbed her shoulders in a soothing manner.

“I killed her. I killed my own mother.”

Hades grabbed her hands.

“You didn’t mean to. I know that. You were just defending yourself.”

“But part of me wanted her dead. I wanted her out of the way so we could be together. I’m a murderer.”

“No, you’re not. You just don’t know your own strength. No one does.”

“But what if I hurt someone else? What if I accidentally hurt you?” Cameryn asked staring at him fearfully.

“You won’t. I know you would never hurt me. What just happened was an accident.”

“No
, it wasn’t. You wanted us to stop fighting, and I wouldn’t let you. I never should’ve goaded her on.”

“Cameryn
, if you hadn’t defended yourself, I know for a fact that Persephone would’ve tried to kill you. You don’t just have yourself to think about anymore. There are our children to consider,” Hades said caressing her face.

“And I just put them in mortal danger by killing Persephone and confirming that the prophecy is true.”

“No one is going to harm you or our children. I would willingly give up my life to protect you.”

“How can you even still want me? I’m a murderer. A Godslayer. An abomination!”

“No, you’re not!” he said grabbing her face and forcefully shaking her. “You’re the woman I love and the mother of my children. If anyone tries to harm you, protect yourself at all costs. I will not lose you due to your self-pity and misplaced guilt. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Hades pulled her to him, hugging her tight. Remorse was eating her alive. Despite her intense dislike of Persephone, he knew she hadn’t meant to kill her. It was not in her nature. Regardless of what had just happened, it didn’t change what he felt for her. When the others learned about Persephone’s death they would come for Cameryn with everything they had, but as long as all the Olympians did not unite Cameryn couldn’t die. It didn’t matter if she was not yet a true immortal, but he wasn’t waiting around. He eased out of her arms and looked at her face. She’d finally stopped crying.

“We’re going to be okay. I promise you.”

A flash of lightning crashed
, and Hades and Cameryn were thrown in opposite directions.

“Neither of you are going to be okay.”

Hades got to his feet. Zeus appeared out of the smoke. Flanking him were Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares and Dionysus.

“E tu
, Brute?” Hades said.

“I had no choice. It’s our survival or hers
, and I have no desire to die,” Dionysus said coldly.

“Then you will pay for your betrayal,” Hades promised his nephew.

Across from him Cameryn struggled to her feet. A small flash of pain marred her face. The twins must be in distress. He made a move towards her, but the others blocked his course. Zeus, Poseidon, and Ares faced him. At their backs Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus faced Cameryn.

“Brother, I am begging you for the last time, give the girl up. How can you still defend her when Persephone lies dead at your feet?”

“Because she is my wife, and I love her. What happened to Persephone was an accident. She attacked Cameryn. My wife was only defending herself.”

“It matters not. We now have conclusive proof that the prophecy is true. She must die,” Athena said voice lacking emotion.

“I don’t think so,” Cameryn said before launching a fireball at Athena.

Athena was hit square in the chest and thrown backwards. She landed with a thud. Hades was certain if his niece hadn’t been wearing the armor Hephaestus had designed for her, she would’ve been dead.

“Kill the girl or contain her,” Zeus yelled.

Hades called his Helm of Darkness and Black Diamond Sword to him. He quickly donned the helmet turning himself invisible. Outnumbered, he was going to use every

advantage to save himself and his wife. He attacked Zeus first, slashing at him with the sharp sword. Zeus roared as his golden blood began to flow.

“Coward. Fight fair
, Uncle,” Ares said drawing his own wicked looking sword.

Hades ignored him, shooting a blast at Poseidon who was shooting desperate green arcs of energy in an attempt to flush him out. Poseidon fell forward with a grunt
, and Hades snuck a quick glance across the grounds at Cameryn. Somehow she was holding her own. In tandem the four gods threw everything they had at her. He watched in amazement as their attacks were deflected back at them. For now, Cameryn was holding her own, but he knew that eventually she would tire and be defenseless. He had to get to her. Hades turned his attention back to his own battle. A green blast from Poseidon sent his helmet tumbling to the ground taking away his invisibility.

“Finally. A fair fight,” Ares said attacking him with his sword.

As Poseidon and Zeus closed in on him, he could only hope that he could incapacitate them long enough to somehow get to Cameryn’s side.

*
***

Cameryn cursed as Hades’
s helmet went flying.
Damn them!
She watched helplessly as they circled around him. With Artemis, Apollo, Athena, and Dionysus in front of her throwing everything they had, she was helpless to go to him. She could feel herself starting to tire. With the twins kicking up a storm in her belly while trying to hold

up this force field, her strength would soon be gone. The force field shook as arrows from Apollo and Artemis struck.
Enough of this defensive shit.
She didn’t want to kill anyone else, but she had no choice. They’d come to kill her and her babies, and she wasn’t going to let that happen. She lowered the force field.

Fast as lightning, she charged Artemis, slamming her fist into the young goddess’
s jaw sending her sprawling.

“Spirits of the dead come to me now! Protect your mistress and your
Lord!” she yelled, calling the spirits of the Underworld to her.

The spirits appeared at once, surrounding her and Hades’
s attackers. Though they could physically do no harm to the gods, they would be enough of a distraction to impair the others just a bit. As Dionysus and Apollo ran at her, she sent out blasts of hellfire. She hit Apollo directly, but his armor took the worst of the blast. Dionysus spun away at the last moment.
Damn!
Athena grabbed her from behind, but Cameryn grabbed the goddess’s arms and flipped her into the wall. A silver arrow whizzed by her. Artemis. Cameryn charged the goddess, shooting repeated blasts of fire.

“Bitch
, I am sick of you and these fucking arrows!” Cameryn screamed, grabbing an arrow as Artemis fell back.

She jammed the arrow into Artemis’
s side. The silver haired goddess fell to the ground. Cameryn turned around and went sailing as a hard boot hit her face. Her bones

felt like they’d cracked. Athena came after her raising her sword. As the dark auburn haired goddess attempted to slice her, Cameryn rolled out of the way. She cried out in agony as two arrows struck her in her back. She tried to rise to her feet. Athena hit her in the head with the back of the sword knocking her back down. Coiling ropes appeared, binding her hands and feet. She was immobile
, and her strength was gone. She screamed for Hades.

*
***

Sweat beaded on Hades’
s brow as he attempted to defend himself against his brothers and nephew. He hadn’t given an inch, and he was starting to think that maybe together, he and Cameryn could defeat the others. That was when he heard her scream. He looked around, and then he saw her. She was lying on the ground tied up. Blood welled from her temple and two golden arrows protruded from her back. Fury welled up in him. Blue fire engulfed him, and he turned his back on his attackers, racing to his wife’s side. A blow to the back sent him sprawling. He fell to the ground. He struggled to rise and was kicked in the face by one of Ares’s spiked boots. Golden blood gushed from his face. He tried to rise, but bolts of lightning pelted his body in succession. He yelled out in pain. The pain was so intense he almost wished for death.

“I’m sorry it had to be this way,” Zeus said coming to stand in front of him.

Zeus raised his arm, and a lightning bolt hit Hades straight in the head. Black spots danced in front of him. Zeus, Ares, and Poseidon walked to where the others were holding Cameryn.

“Let’s go,” Zeus ordered.

One by one, the others started to disappear. Apollo and Athena were all that remained. They held Cameryn between them. Her eyes were wide with fear.

“Hades!” she screamed before disappearing with the others.

Hades tried to rise and failed. Blackness swam around him, and he surrendered to unconsciousness as Cameryn’s scream rang in his head.