Goddess of Legend (Demi-God Daughters) (8 page)

He’d promised to give Deena her life back. She had no idea how that was even possible. She wanted to believe that he’d keep his word no matter what. But she was getting ahead of herself. She hadn’t even decided if she was going to accept his offer. There was so much to consider. She’d said that she would do anything to have her sister back
, and here was her chance. She should be jumping for joy. Instead she was apprehensive and scared. H, no, Hades had promised her time, and she was going to take it.

*
***

He’d done it. He’d told her the truth. She’d been a lot calmer than he expected, but then Cameryn was full of
surprises. The fact that she hadn’t run from the room screaming said a lot about her inner strength. She’d held her composure, but he’d still been able to see the fear in her eyes. History had done a remarkable job when it came to character assassination. He was easily the most feared and reviled of all the gods. Lord of the Underworld. He reportedly drank the tears of those that grieved for their loved ones. What complete and utter nonsense. He hoped that he would have a chance to prove to Cameryn who he truly was. The man behind the myth. He was fairly confident that she would accept his offer. She wanted her sister back, no matter how much she might fear what a bargain with him would entail. Now all he had to do was wait. He’d waited an eternity for her already. A few more days wouldn’t hurt.

*
***

Persephone couldn’t believe him
. He’d fallen, and he’d fallen hard for that damn mortal. He was offering her a throne and immortality after one night of passion. She felt her blood boil. For eons, she’d been the only woman, goddess or mortal, to command his attention. Now it was as if she’d never even existed. One way or another, she had to stop this. There was no way that anyone was going to replace her as Queen of the Underworld. She needed a plan to get the mortal out of the way. Who would be susceptible to her charms and willing to do her bidding? A smile came across her face.
Apollo
. He’d always had an eye for a beautiful maiden. She was sure that if she needed him, he would be more

than willing to aid her. But she’d only go to him as a last resort. After all, her father was the King of the Gods. Who better to start with than her father, almighty Zeus?

Chapter Nine

It had been a full two days since Cameryn’s unbelievable encounter with the God of the Underworld. She was still in shock. She couldn’t believe that all of that Greek mythology stuff was real. She was even more amazed that she’d actually made love to a god. If she was going to make an informed decision about whether or not she was going to accept Hades’s offer, then it wouldn’t hurt to know more about him. From her Google search she’d discovered that Hades was the eldest son of Cronus and Rhea. He had five brothers and sisters: Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter and Hestia. Cronus would never win any Father of the Year awards that was for certain. He’d swallowed all of his children when they were born, except for Zeus who’d been hidden away by his mother. Talk about a sick fucker.

When Zeus had overthrown their father and freed his siblings, the three brothers had drawn lots to determine what portions of the universe they’d rule. Hades had gotten stuck with the Underworld. Every piece of information she’d been able to find had portrayed Hades as a dark vengeful god who delighted in death because it increased the size of his kingdom. People made offerings to him out of fear. A few even thought he was the Devil. Cameryn took that with a grain of salt. He didn’t look like a devil to her.

What she’d been most interested in was Hades’s love life. Supposedly he’d been so overcome by the beauty of his niece Persephone that he’d abducted her and forced her to remain with him in the Underworld. His sister Demeter, Goddess of Agriculture, had been so angry that she’d refused to let anything grow until her daughter was returned to her. Hades finally agreed to return the young Goddess of Spring to her mother, but only after he’d tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds, ensuring that she remained in the Underworld with him half a year. After that history had gone silent. There was no mention of any children from Hades and Persephone or any infidelity on the part of Hades. On the other hand, Persephone didn’t seem to be so innocent. Apparently Persephone and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, had both fallen in love with the mortal Adonis. After much fighting, the two had finally agreed that he would split his time between the two of them.

Cameryn thought the whole situation was one disgusting cliché. Two women fighting over a man. It seemed even goddesses weren’t above petty jealousies. Cameryn wasn’t sure
, but she had the feeling that Persephone and Aphrodite probably had their fight over Adonis while Persephone was still married to Hades. Of course, she had no idea how much of what she was reading was actually true. Hades had already said that he’d never abducted Persephone. What else had history gotten wrong?

Greek mythology was confusing and convoluted, not to mention downright incestuous by human standards. Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter who were brother and sister. Hades was Persephone’s uncle. Talk about strange, but maybe gods didn’t look at things the same way that humans did. That had to be the explanation for their bizarre liaisons. She’d finally grown tired of research and pushed her laptop

away. There was something even more important that she needed to do—reconciling the man she’d come to know with the ancient god he was. Who was he really? Was he the compassionate, sensitive man she’d met at the bar, or was he the God of Dread that so many feared? She had no idea. She was more confused than she’d ever been.

When she’d thought he was human, she’d been attracted to him more than any other man she’d ever come across. He was drop dead gorgeous
, and he’d definitely gotten underneath her skin. He’d been so charming and attentive. It also didn’t hurt that he was no dud in the bedroom. Things were so complicated. The man was a god, and he wanted her. It was almost too much to believe. The magical night they’d spent had been unlike anything she’d probably ever experience again. Had that just been because of his godly attributes, or had it been the man beneath the god?

How was she to know that she wasn’t just another mortal in a long line of women
who had warmed his bed? The stories couldn’t possibly know everything. And what was she supposed to do about the feelings she’d already started developing for him? She was so mixed up. Things had been different when he was just a man. Knowing that he was a god put a fear in her that hadn’t been there before. He probably could kill her with a thought. What if she refused his offer and he went postal? There was no way she could fight him. Gods were immortal.

Then there were the dreams she’d been having about him. Erotic fantasies in which he took her in every possible position all night. She’d woken up sweating and

flustered. After what she’d learned, the last thing she needed to be doing was fantasizing about banging the God of the Underworld.  What she needed to do was check on her family. Cameryn picked up her cell phone and dialed her parents’ house. Her mother picked up on the second ring.

“Cameryn
, your father and I have been worried about you,” Kyrie said.

“I’m sorry
, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you guys. I just needed some time. It still doesn’t seem real. I don’t think it ever will.”

“We all feel the same way
, angel.”

“I’m sorry for running out on you guys at the hospital. It just hurt so much.”

“You don’t have to apologize. You and Deena were not only sisters, but you were best friends, too. Your grief is compounded.”

“It doesn’t make it right
, Mom. You and dad need me to be strong, not wallowing in my own self pity.”

“You’re not Superwoman
, sweetheart. I know you pride yourself on being tough, but you have to grieve just like the rest of us.”

“I don’t have that luxury,” Cameryn said.

“You are so stubborn sometimes, but I love you anyway.”

“I love you, too, Mom. How’s Dad holding up?”

“You know how your father is. He’s strong. He’s taking charge.”

“And what about Matt?”

“He’s so broken. We’re worried about him. He hasn’t been to work since it happened.”

“It shouldn’t have been Deena. She was your flesh and blood. It should’ve been me,” Cameryn said dissolving into tears.

“Cameryn Elizabeth Kane, you listen to me
, and you listen well. Your father and I love you. You are every much our daughter as if our blood flowed through your veins. I know this is painful, but you can’t think like that. Deena wouldn’t want that. She’d want you to go on with your life and find happiness. Be strong for her.”

“I don’t know if I can
, Mom.”

“You can
, and you will. You are a Kane, and we are strong. Life cannot break us. I love you, Cameryn, with all my heart.”

“I love you
, too, Mom.”

“Just try and take it easy okay. Your father and I are going to be fine.”

“I’ll try. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“A
ll right, sweetheart. Bye.”

“Bye, Mom.”

Cameryn hung up the phone. Fresh tears flowed. Her family was in so much pain. Kyrie was trying to be strong, but Cameryn knew that her mother was broken inside. Deena had been the glue that held their family together. With her gone, everyone was sure to suffer. Cameryn wanted her sister back. Her family had suffered long enough. Even if things were never the same, at least Deena would be alive. It was time to put her fears aside. Her family needed her
, and she was ready to make a sacrifice.

She was going to accept Hades’
s deal. She got up from her seat and wiped her eyes. Standing in front of her mirror, she appraised her appearance. Her hair hung loose framing her puffy face. Crying always made her look awful. She was wearing black jeans and a white off the shoulder top. This would have to do. If Hades really wanted her, then he was going to have to take her at her worst. She wasn’t going to do anything special to encourage his attention. She turned from the mirror and yelled.

“Hades!”

She didn’t have to wait long. Less than a minute later, Hades materialized in front of her. Cameryn took an involuntary step back. He was just as handsome as she remembered. His eyes rested on her face, and he gave her a small smile. She could feel herself start to relax. Her breath caught in her throat as his hand reached out to caress her

face. His touch was soft and tender. Instinctively she felt herself pressing her cheek into his hand.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” he said softly.

It would be so easy to get caught up in his killer smile and good looks. She couldn’t allow it. There were more important things
than her hormones. Cameryn took a deep breath and stepped away from Hades to get her thoughts in order. He watched her with a look of amusement.

“We need to talk.”

“That much I presumed from your urgent scream, beloved.”

“I think I’m ready to accept your offer, with a few conditions of my own if you don’t mind,” Cameryn said hesitantly.

“Whatever pleases you, my dear. What are your terms?”

“Whether I stay with you or not, Deena gets her life back.”

“That is already a part of the arrangement.”

“You will not use any of your godly powers to seduce me. If something happens between us it will be because it occurred naturally.”

“Agreed.”

“Even if I get on your nerves, which I’m sure I will, you must promise not to smite me.”

“Smite you?” Hades asked laughing.

“Kill me.”

“There’s no need for you to fear me. I promise I will not do anything to hurt you. Now are there any more conditions that you wish to add?” he asked with an amused smile.

“No, but I do have a question.”

“And what’s that?”

“Will we be sharing a bedroom?” Cameryn asked holding her breath.

“Only in the event you wish to.”

“Okay. Then I accept your deal. I’m ready to go.”

“Cameryn
, before we go, there are a few things I would like to say to you if you will allow me,” he said stepping closer to her.

“Al
l right,” Cameryn said staring at him warily.

“I understand that all of this has come as a shock to you, but I want you to understand that my intentions toward you are pure. I am not like my brothers who amuse themselves with women and then discard them. I want a mate. A woman to be my wife and share eternity with me. In you, I see so much of myself. We have the same loneliness. The same feeling of wanting to be loved but being afraid to risk your heart. I know I can love you the way you deserve if you give me the chance. The fact that I am a god changes nothing. Now let us go
, beloved.”

Hades reached for her hand. She placed her hand in his. He pulled her close and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Before our time together is through you will learn not only the truth about my past, but yours as well. Would you be opposed to us sealing the deal with a kiss? No pressure.”

Cameryn looked into his eyes. Yes, he was still there. The man beneath the god. She tilted her head and offered her lips. His mouth swooped down on hers
, and she couldn’t fight the desire that bloomed in her belly. When the kiss ended, she felt oddly saddened.

“Let’s go home,” Hades said grabbing both her hands in his.

The next thing Cameryn knew, she felt like she was falling.