Mia had no idea where she was running to, she had panicked and bolted. A part of her was pissed as hell. How dare he assume she would simply fall into his bed. Never would she admit the desire that had ripped through her when Hades extended his invitation. It scared her senseless.
When some of her common sense came back, she headed into the store and locked the door. Her heart raced as she leaned against the glass fighting to calm herself. As her breathing settled into normal, she suddenly realized what an idiot she was.
“Mia, you dumb shit. Hades can vanish at will, he can most certainly get through a locked door.” She sucked in a deep breath and turned to unlock it. No reason to keep customers away. Besides, she was now curious to learn more about what was going on. The TV blared again and caught her attention. She walked closer to hear what the newscasters were saying. Huge smiles covered their faces as they laughed and recapped the top story of how, out of nowhere, black funnels opened and sucked the demons in.
“The angel Aidyn said it would happen and it did. Merry Christmas everyone,” the news anchor said.
Tears welled up behind her eyes. Painful memories swelled inside her until she thought she might literally burst. Instead, she folded them up and tucked them away and tried to fill the empty space with happier times. Memories of her younger brother Danny before drugs had taken his life on Christmas Eve. Joyful times when they were kids and helped their mother decorate the sugar cookies then sit in front of the television to watch holiday movies while sampling their tasty treats.
Her brother had only been eighteen when death wrapped its dark cloak around him and snuffed out his light. Mia had done everything to protect him, but it hadn’t been enough. She was never enough for any of them to stick around.
A customer entering pulled her from the emotional abyss she was about to drown in. Looking up, she was slightly disappointed to find a woman and two small children walk into the store. What had she expected? Did she think Hades was going to waltz in and stake his claim? Her palm tingled, and she rubbed her thumb across it, but the sensation didn’t abate. Instead, she offered a smile when the woman set a case of water on the counter.
“Can you believe the demons are gone?” the woman asked, swiping her card in the reader.
“I know. At least now everyone can enjoy the holiday in peace.” Mia would be going home to her small apartment after her shift. Alone. Her father left when she and her brother were small and the bastard never looked back. Six months after Mia’s brother Danny overdosed, her mom committed suicide. Mia’s life was one big upside-down rollercoaster and she wanted off.
“Merry Christmas,” the woman said.
Mia faked another smile. “Merry Christmas.” Even if she was alone for the holidays, she would do like she did every year and volunteer at the local shelter. At least feeding those less fortunate reminded her how much she did have. It also gave her a sense of accomplishment and worth. Something she desperately needed as most days she fought not to sink into her pit of misery.
Hades wasn’t certain where he wanted to start. There was so much to do and so many females to spread himself around with. He wandered Bourbon Street and soaked up the intoxicating evil. Sure, his demons were tucked back into their realm, but humans had their own dark side. One bred of too much drink and a lot of sex and it was right up his alley.
He slid closer to the lovely creature wearing nothing more than glitter on her body and floss up her ass.
“Come inside for a good time,” she cooed.
With a smile, he slipped his arm around her waist then wondered why he wanted to suddenly push her away. “What is this concoction you wear on your body?”
Her own smile widened. “You like? It’s body paint and the rest of the girls inside are wearing it too.”
The fangs tucked up in his mouth ached to free themselves. “This… I must witness for myself.” Damn, he really had been locked away for far too long.
She entwined her arm around his bicep. “My name is Brandy, let me be your personal escort.” Then led him through the doorway and into the dark interior. Hades being a god meant his vision was perfect in any lighting condition. Therefore, he adjusted quickly and scanned the room, noting every individual in the place. Their deepest wants and desires now at his beck and call. The place was full of so much sin his power tripled, and he had to fight the urge to unleash it right here in the middle of the room. Instead, he forced his focus back to the delicious female next to him.
“Brandy, do you taste as divine as the liquor?”
She merely giggled and continued to lead him across the room. The wooden floor beneath his boots groaning as he crossed it. His escort led him to a table in the corner where she pulled out a chair and indicated for him to sit. He settled in while she stopped another female, who also sported painted on clothing and carried a tray full of colorful liquid-filled glasses. Brandy spoke something to the other female who looked him over, a smile curving her painted mouth. Brandy snatched a tall glass containing his favorite color red and walked back to the table.
“We call this a hurricane. It’s a New Orleans favorite.” She set it in front of him and crawled into his lap.
Delightful. She had planted her bare ass right over his crotch. This was proving to be a grand start to his afternoon, regardless of the fact his thoughts kept creeping back to Mia. He took a sip of his drink and found it to his liking.
“This is acceptable.”
Seconds later, the female who had been carrying the tray slid into the chair next to him and leaned so close her painted breasts grazed his arm.
“You’re the guy on TV earlier this morning.”
He grunted with disdain. Getting on the local news hadn’t been in his plans but what-the-fuck-ever. He was here now, and his intentions were to enjoy every second of his freedom. Hell, at this rate he might even consider staying. It would certainly piss off Zarek and that would please Hades immensely.
“Appears I would be,” he replied.
“So, what’s your name, handsome?” Brandy asked.
“I am Hades, god of the Underworld.”
The girls giggled.
“Well, Hades, we have a room upstairs if you’d like to join us.” The other female stroked his thigh.
“Lead the way, ladies, and let me show you the best orgasm you’ve ever had.”
Both females jumped up and as Hades grabbed his drink to follow them, his senses went on alert and he swung his focus across the room.
With a scowl, he said. “Don’t start without me. I’ll only be a moment.” He stormed across the room to meet his brother, Argathos. “Why are you here?”
“You don’t want those women, brother,” Argathos said.
“Like hell I don’t. Them and any other female who is willing.” He wasn’t one to stoop to force. Besides, his god aura was enough to make women fall in line for a chance to spend time with him. Well, except for Mia. She seemed to be a mystery, but he had more important things to do at the moment than to solve her.
“Zarek has decided since you’re here, it is time.”
Hades lifted a brow. “Is he certain?”
“Yes.”
Mia’s shift ended without any more oddities. Thank goodness because she couldn’t take a whole lot more. Her walk home was much different than usual, more people milled the streets and Christmas music played from speakers mounted on the streetlights. It was hard to believe that monsters had been terrorizing humanity only hours earlier. Mia knew she should be grateful for the fact she was alive but being alone painted her world black. She often wondered how she managed to continue getting out of bed each day. Yet, she did because she was the only one to carry the memories. If she left this world then her family would be lost forever. Her mother and brother lived in her heart, and she would remember every single thing about them. Would one day pass those memories to her children, but first she had to find a way to rid herself of this damn curse.
She stopped in her tracks, lifted her hand, and once again stared at the empty space on her palm where Hades had touched her. While there was nothing to see, her skin tingled, and a sudden thought came to her. If he was a god, would he be able to help her?
“Stupid, Mia. Why did you run?” Because he wanted to have sex with you! And while he was all kinds of delicious, he was a freaking god. Not any god, but the lord of demons and all things bad. She chewed her lip, all kinds of crazy ideas racing through her mind. She swallowed down fear until it landed in the pit of her stomach and her decision was made. She would do anything to get her life back, and if it meant bargaining with the devil––er, Hades then that was exactly what she intended to do. First step would be to locate him. She brought herself back to the present and looked around, her gaze landing on a sign across the street.
Mirror Image.
“Perfect.” She checked traffic before bolting and made a brisk walk to the other side. Once there, she stood outside with her hand on the door, hesitant to enter. She had avoided these places ever since her ex-boyfriend’s mistress had placed the curse on her. Taking in a deep breath, Mia pushed the door and walked inside.
The air, thick with the scent of frankincense, slowed her racing heart.
“Hello, my name is Faye, how may I help you?” A cheery voice came from in front of her. Mia looked up from the plank floor and into the deep blue eyes of the woman smiling at her.
“Umm…”
Faye tilted her head, flipping her thick, black hair over her shoulder. “You carry a curse.”
“How do you know?”
Creases appeared between the woman’s brows. “I can see your aura and there is a small black stain indicating a powerful witch cursed you.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“You should know that only the witch who cast it, or a member of her family, can lift it.”
“Yes. I learned this right after it happened, but that’s not what I’m here for.” Mia shifted her weight.
“Well then, what can I do for you?”
Before she could think further and chicken out, Mia shoved her hand out, palm facing up. “Do you see anything here?”
The woman stepped closer, her gaze narrowed before it widened, and she stepped back. “Oh my. You carry Hades’ marking.”
Shit, so there really was something there. “He came into the store where I work and bought Twizzlers.”
Faye frowned. “Twizzlers? Not exactly what I would expect.” She touched Mia on the arm. “Come with me and tell me everything.” She led Mia through a beaded curtain and into a back room where she offered tea and a plastic chair at a small, round table.
Once Mia was settled with her mug, Faye sat across from her. “Start from the beginning. How did you end up marked as one of Hades’ females?”
Is that what the brand was? Mia hated she couldn’t see it. “As I said, he came into my store and I helped him. When he asked me to hold out my hand and touched me, I had no idea why or who he was. Not until afterward when he said he was Hades and he would be back for me.”
Faye shifted in her seat. “He hasn’t come for you yet?”
Mia sipped her herbal tea and allowed it to warm her from the inside out. “After he cleared out the demons, that Lowan came after me and put a knife to my throat.” She shivered at the memory. “Hades turned the blade to ash and sent Lowan away. It was then he asked if I wanted to get a room, but I ran.”
Faye sat silent for a moment before she responded. “Interesting. You do realize if you expect me to remove the marking, I’m afraid I can’t.” She offered a look of sympathy.
“I figured as much, but I was thinking since Hades is a god, he might be able to lift my curse.”
“I see. Well he is very powerful, and if anyone could, I would think he would be able. Are you thinking of bargaining with him?”
Mia breathed deep and slowly released it. “I am. Trouble is, I don’t know how to find him.”
Faye lifted her mug. “Well, sweetheart, that’s the easy part. You are marked, simply call him to you.”
Well, hell’s bells.
Hades stared at his brother before uttering a word. “His timing fucking sucks.” He glanced over his shoulder at the painted ladies waiting for him. Damn it! Well, he did have a duty to perform, and then he could play while the world took a nosedive.
“Fine. I will set events into motion.” He placed his glass on a nearby table then strode for the door. Once outside, he inhaled the sweet scent of sex and sin. He rather liked Bourbon Street; it was home away from home. Little did the human race realize that for every selfish deed they carried out, it only served to fuel his power. The energy crackled around him, pulsed through his veins then suddenly everything went silent.
“What the fu––” Darkness swallowed him, and he was swept through a vortex. When everything cleared, the sight that met him caused him to grin.
“Well, well. For one who recently ran from me, you quickly learned how to summon me.” He advanced, and Mia’s arm shot up, her hand planted on his chest to stop him from moving closer.
He laughed. “That won’t stop me, but I’m willing to play whatever game you desire.” He relaxed, enjoying the heat of her palm on his muscles.
“I want to make a deal.”
He quirked a brow. “Interesting.”
“But first, I want answers.” She finally brought her arm back to her side, and he found he missed her touch.
“Fine,” he sighed. It didn’t matter if his deed was carried out today or next week. Events would still happen that would lead to Lowan’s destruction. Hades wasn’t willing to sacrifice his own pleasure with this exquisite creature in front of him. Mia shifted, her nervousness apparent and Hades had need to make her comfortable, so he moved to the sofa and took a seat.
“This your apartment, I assume?” He glanced around the small room. The furnishings were modest. Only the threadbare sofa he sat on, a coffee table, and a rickety, wooden rocking chair she had plopped in across from him. He found her lifestyle distasteful.
“Where else would I summon you to? Ritz Carlton?”
He lifted a shoulder. “I could take us to an extravagant penthouse.”
“I don’t need luxury.”
“Obviously,” he snorted.
“You’re a self-centered ass,” she stated without so much as a bat of her thick eyelashes.
“I am a god, what did you expect?”
“Yes, I suppose the universe revolves around you and your enormous ego.” Her gaze narrowed on him. “Let me tell you something, not everyone can be surrounded by nice things, have plenty of food to eat, or even a shelter from the elements. Try living like that for a change.”
Well, the girl had spunk. He liked it. Hades wasn’t used to anyone challenging him. To do so might bring his wrath, but this… This was a breath of fresh air and he liked the mental stimulation. He leaned forward. “You wish me to live like those I see on the street?”
She let out a short laugh. “I doubt you’d last five minutes before you would be calling on your powers.”
He worked his jaw. For some reason her words cut him, and he despised the feeling it evoked. “You have no idea what it’s like to be stuck in a realm with nothing but evil surrounding you. You cannot leave unless summoned. It is…” He took in a breath. “It is its own prison.”
Her eyes widened. Had his statement caught her off guard?
“You didn’t think a god could suffer, did you?” He wasn’t even sure why he had made the statement.
She relaxed into her rocker. “No. I guess everyone has their cross to bear.”
“Surely you didn’t summon me to ridicule my lifestyle.”
“No.” She straightened. “Why did you mark me?”
Now there was an excellent question. “I was asked to come here to rescue your holiday. Upon entering your realm, you were the first female I came across. I marked you, so I could find you later.”
She licked her lips. “You only wanted to fuck me.” Disappointment sounded in her voice.
“And I still do.”
The flecks of silver swirling in her eyes spoke volumes of her anger. “There are plenty of women who would willingly have sex with you.”
“You are not one of them?”
“My body is not for sale,” she spat.
“Pity. Most would be honored to be chosen.”