Mia cleaned up and went through the closet only to discover that if Hades expected her to keep all of the items inside it, she would need a new apartment. Correction, an entire house wouldn’t be big enough. She would simply have to select her favorites and be content with that. As she stared in the mirror, she was certain there would be no place back home to wear the getup she had put on. A red sheath dress that she had to practically pour herself into. Granted, it covered her ass and breasts. Barely. But damn, even she had to admit she had never looked so good.
Finally deciding she was ready, she walked from her room and was greeted in the corridor by Hades. He sported a dark gray suit and a blue shirt. It brought out his new eye color. She still didn’t understand the transformation but secretly loved the new look. The god had been hot before, but now he was one smoldering, sinful male specimen that put all others to shame. As he smiled and offered his arm, she would do well to remind herself that he was Hades, god of the Underworld, and way the hell out of her league.
“That dress suits you,” he purred.
“Hmm. I will admit I feel rather naughty wearing it.” Even more so with the three-inch open toe heels she’d slipped on. Funny how clothing really did empower a girl.
“I think I like the naughty Mia. Are you hungry?”
“Actually, I am. I do hope you are not serving goat’s head or anything like it.”
He laughed. “You are a treasure, and no. You will find breakfast to be made up of food I promise you can identify.”
“Good. I really didn’t want to starve to death while here.”
They continued their walk through a large open breezeway. Marble columns arched on both sides of them and framed gardens filled with things she would expect to see back home. Bushes trimmed so not even a sprig was out of place.
“Are those roses?”
“Yes. Perhaps after we eat, you’d care for a tour of the gardens? We grow spectacular roses.”
“I would. Yes.” So, Hell had flowers. Who knew?
He escorted her to a table that must have seated at least twenty people and there were already three seated. When they arrived, everyone stood and gave Hades a bow.
“My lord,” they said in unison and Mia became a bit uncomfortable.
Hades had never mentioned anything about formalities. Did he expect her to follow? Shit, how did one treat a god? For some reason, it wasn’t until now––when she bore witness to how others reacted––that she gave it much thought.
“Everyone, this is Mia and she will be our guest for the next thirty days. You will treat her with the same respect given to me.” He glared at each one before bringing his gaze back to her. “Mia, this is Aster.” He motioned to the drop-dead gorgeous woman to his left. Mia shifted, now uncomfortable in her skin-tight dress and heels.
“Next to Aster is Lilona.”
Another stunning female and Mia wanted to crawl under the table. These women dripped sex appeal, and she suddenly wondered if Hades was sleeping with them. Both women offered her a smile that spoke volumes. They simply had to be Hades’ mistresses.
“To your right is my highest-ranking officer, Baal. He tends to all my personal matters as well as commands my army, but I didn’t think he would be joining us for brunch. It’s most unusual.”
“Mia, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please excuse my curiosity, it’s not often Hades has guests such as yourself.” He bent at the waist, took her hand, and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “My lady.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet all of you.”
Hades pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit.
“Thank you.” She took her seat then Hades moved to the high-back to her left at the head of the table. Once he was seated, everyone else took their place again. Soon the room was bustling with well-dressed men carrying silver trays. Her cup was filled with coffee and crystal glasses of water and orange juice set before her. Platters of fruit and various breads were also set out and a man stopped next to her.
“My lady, how shall we prepare your meal today?”
She looked up. “Uh.” Then glanced around. Hades was busy chatting with Aster and Lilona when Baal leaned in.
“They will make you whatever you wish. Think of it like a restaurant without a menu. Your choices are limitless.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I would like a spinach omelet with feta cheese and a side of bacon, please.”
“Right away, my lady.” The man gave a slight bow and scurried off.
Mia leaned closer to Baal, thankful for his assistance. “Thanks again. I feel like such a nit-wit.”
“Anytime.” He passed a platter of rolls and breads which she accepted. Plucking off a muffin that looked like cranberry, she hoped her guess was correct.
“So, you are Hades’ right-hand man?” She pulled apart her muffin and took a small bite, relieved it was indeed cranberry and the best damn muffin ever!
“I am. I had hoped my mate might be able to join us, but she got tied up with business. You would like Ranata, perhaps she can visit while you’re here.”
“Is she a demon too? I…uh might be assuming too much to think you are?” Awkward!
He laughed. “While I am demon, my beautiful mate is not. She is half human and half fae. A queen of her people, hence the important business.”
“Oh.” She really had no idea what to say. There was so much in the world she didn’t understand.
“Mia, darling,” Aster spoke up. “If Hades approves, I would love to show you around the finer areas of Hell.”
Now that was a surprise. Aster struck her as the kind of woman who would find such a task beneath her. Had Hades put her up to it? The two had been talking in hushed tones after all.
“That is very kind of you. I would love to.” She looked to Hades for disapproval, considering he had been the one to tell her she wasn’t to leave the grounds without an approved escort.
“I will provide a list of places you may escort Mia to. Thank you, Aster.”
Well, so much for that idea. Guess she would be spending time with the… Hell, she didn’t even know what Aster was.
“I’ll tag along,” Lilona said.
Oh, goody. Mia would have to make it clear she had no dibs on Hades. Last thing she wanted was a cat fight with these two.
Hades took Mia on a quick tour of the gardens before he excused himself. “I’m sorry, but I have some important business I need to tend to. However, Baal here would be happy to show you around the rest of the grounds while I’m away. I hope not to be gone long.”
“I don’t want to be a burden. I’m sure Baal has better things to do than babysit me.”
“Nonsense. He will do whatever I tell him and be happy about it.” He glanced at Baal. “Right?”
“Of course, my lord. Don’t I always?” Baal smirked.
“Usually with much bitching.” He brought his focus back to Mia. He really did love the way she looked in the red dress. His taste in clothing was impeccable and he couldn’t wait to see her in every item. She had thought to thwart him by demanding her body be completely covered, but little did she realize how sexy she was even if her breasts were not hanging out. It simply went to prove she didn’t understand the male mind. He was quite capable of imagining what lay beneath that dress.
“I will be back soon, and when I am, it will mean my brother has risen.” He vanished, sorry to leave Mia but knew she was in good hands. Baal would protect her with his life if called on. Hades doubted there would be any trouble, most feared him but there were a few who could get some bright idea that harming Mia might be a way to break Hades. Little did they know he was unbreakable.
Appearing in the middle of the courtyard at the palace where Katie and Seth now lived, it seemed he had come just in time. He strode forward. Aidyn lying on the stone slab, flames circling him, was the center of attention.
“I can’t fucking believe it,” Marcus said from next to Hades.
He simply grinned. “Believe it. My brother has been closer than any of you realized for centuries waiting to awaken.”
“You knew?” Cassie asked.
“I’ve always known.”
Zarek and Argathos moved closer to Hades and he knew it was time. The three gods walked through the fire––whispers came from behind them––until they stood directly at the altar. Each laid a hand on the slain king.
“Brother, we have waited far too long for you to return to us,” Zarek said.
“It is time for you to awaken,” Argathos spoke.
Hades choked back emotion. He had missed his brother probably more than the others. He and Pyros had always been close. More like their father than the other two and they understood each other. Hades would be glad to have his brother back in his life.
“Brother, the pieces are falling into place. Your resurrection will line the stars so the one who is destined to end this madness will be unshackled,” Hades said.
The fire roared around them in response. Blue flame mingled with the red-orange and consumed the body of Aidyn. Seconds ticked before the guardian king sat up and stared down his brothers.
My mate, I will be back for her. He sent the mental message to his brothers right before he shifted into the bird of the Phoenix and launched into the sky. The ring of fire trailed behind him and everything fell silent until finally Katie spoke up.
“So, where did he go?”
“Son of a bitch. I would have never suspected Aidyn was the Phoenix god,” Marcus said. “What now?” There was no mistaking the pain in the warriors’ voice. Marcus had been Aidyn’s protector and closest friend.
Hades understood the meaning behind the question, but it was not up to him to respond. “Pyros or, as you know him, Aidyn has gone somewhere to be alone while he finishes regenerating. It could be days, weeks, or months. We have no way to know.”
“He will be back and continue to be your king, of that I am sure,” Zarek offered. “He’s still the same man you have come to respect and love over the centuries. There’s simply more to him now.” He moved away from the altar. “It is time for your savior to be set free and begin preparations to remove Lowan for good. Many things still need to happen before Pyros comes back to hand off his dagger one last time.”
“Who the hell is this person that will shove that blade into Lowan’s chest?” Lucan had finally made his presence known.
“She is your mate, Lowan’s sister Sabin. And before she can commit her act of betrayal against her own brother, she needs your darkness. You need to rescue her and get this mating process completed,” Hades stated.
“Well, aren’t we just all royally fucked. If you think I’m mating with our enemy’s sister, then you are crazier than I imagined.” Lucan moved closer. “Not to mention, why should we trust her? She is, after all, the sister of your crazy-ass grandson.”
Mia was slightly put out by Hades’ hasty retreat, but there was nothing to be done about it. “So… Here we are.”
“I sense this entire situation makes you uncomfortable,” Baal said. “I get it. Hell can be rather intimidating to those who have never been here before.” He grinned. “Look on the bright side, at least you’re not here to be tortured.”
Well, she wasn’t too sure about that. Sometimes, looking at Hades was its own torture. To her body at least. “True.”
“Let’s walk. I’ll show you the rest of the estate.” The demon led her under an archway covered in blood-red roses and into an open, grassy area.
“Wow. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was back home.” She admired the rolling hills until her eye caught a large building. “What’s that?” She pointed.
“That would be the stables.”
She whipped her head around so fast her curls smacked her in the face. “What?”
The look on her face must have been priceless because Baal broke out laughing. “Yes, Hades has horses.”
Mia had gone riding a few times when she was a child. It was a fond memory of time spent with her brother and she had fallen in love with the majestic creatures. Unfortunately, life had never given her another opportunity to go riding again. “Can I see them?”
“Sure.” His gaze ran down her tight dress and to her heels. “Though I don’t think you want to walk across the field in that getup.” He offered his arm. “Take my arm and I will save us the hike.”
She hesitated only a moment. Unsure if it was wise but then her curiosity won out and she laid her hand on his forearm. Instantly, everything went black before it became bright again and they were standing inside the stable. Mia inhaled the scent of fresh straw. Glancing around, her gaze fell on the most majestic beast she had ever seen.
She stepped closer to the stall.
“Careful. Phantom is Hades’ personal steed and moody as fuck. He usually doesn’t like strangers.”
“He is beautiful.” The horse towered over her but dipped his head over the stall door as if reaching out. She stepped closer. Unable to resist the horse that was dark as a moonless night. Not a speck of color to be found. Even his eyes were like coal. “I can see how he comes by his name.” She reached out and touched his nose.
“Ha! He doesn’t get the name Phantom from his color. He is a true steed of Hell and more demonic than me.”
“Seriously?” She hardly believed it. The animal responded to her touch by pressing his enormous head into her hand. She laughed. “Are you an attention hound?”
“Hades’ steed never lets anyone touch him except for Hades,” Aster said behind them.
Mia and Baal both turned.
“He must like you,” she continued. Mia noticed the female was dressed in jeans, a blouse, and boots.
“I take it you ride?”
“I do. I like to take Damon out when I can. He’s a very spirited animal. What about you, do you ride?”
“It was a long time ago, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.” She was so out of her league here. Maybe it would be better if she just went back and hid in the palace until Hades returned.
“You should come with me. Perhaps tomorrow.” Aster smiled. “We can ride the grounds. I’m sure there is a horse here that would be suitable.”
Mia glanced at Baal, who shrugged. Well, that wasn’t much help.
“I would like that.”
Aster gave a firm nod. “It’s a date then. After breakfast?”
“Sounds good.” Hopefully there was some suitable clothing in that monstrosity of a closet. She’d have to make sure and check when she got back. She gave Phantom one last scratch.
“Shall we finish our tour, or would you like to go back?”
“I think I’ve seen enough for one day.” She was ready to slip into something more her style and the heels––as nice as they were––were murder on her feet.