Love and War Read online

  When he finally popped it free, he shepherded it to her side of the container then scooped up some of the caramel ribbon onto his spoon. She laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled closer to her brother as she claimed her prize.

  When the tub was empty, Ares took the spoon from her hand and laced her fingers with his.

  They both bolted up at the ringtone singing from Athena’s cell. Athena pulled free from Ares and picked it up off the coffee table.

  He frowned at her. “What the fuck does Artemis want?”

  She sniffled then smiled. “You weren’t the first sibling I called. Actually, I didn’t call you. You just showed up which I’m grateful for. Just hold on.”

  Athena tapped the speakerphone on the screen to answer it. “Hey.”

  “Hey, Sis. I’m on my way. I am so sorry. I ended up in a fucking argument with Apollo. He freaked out about my shift when I told him I was coming to console you. Asshole. We ended up with some shitty brothers, didn’t we?”

  Athena gave Ares a wary look. He scowled at her in return. “Artemis.”

  Artemis continued without paying attention to her sister. “Anyway, I’ll be there in a few. I’m stopping to get Chinese. Sound good?”

  “Sounds great. Can you get Chinese for three?”

  There was a gasp from the other end. “The Mack is back?”

  “No.”

  “Don’t tell me it’s Persephone. I can’t deal with her ‘I’m going vegan’ bullshit. I watched her take down a half pound burger the last time I was in Vegas to see Uncle.”

  “No, it’s not Persephone.”

  “Then who is it?”

  Ares cracked a grin. “It’s one of your asshole brothers, Artie.”

  There was silence. Athena brought the phone closer to her mouth. “Artemis?”

  “What is he doing there?” Artemis demanded, punctuating each and every word.

  “Ares has been here eating ice cream with me and letting me cry on his shoulder,” Athena answered.

  There was silence again before Artemis replied. “I stand by my earlier statement. Kung Pao chicken, asshole?”

  “Yes, bitch,” Ares replied with a laugh.

  “What can I get you, sweetheart?” Artemis asked.

  “Orange chicken would be lovely, thank you.”

  “Got it. Be there in a few.”

  Athena ended the call then curled up against Ares. He took her hand in his as they sat in silence.

  “We should have been Chinese gods,” Ares mused.

  Athena laughed. “Where did that come from?”

  “Think about it. All the Chinese food we could ever want.” He paused. “I hate gyros.”

  “That’s because you’ve been eating them for centuries. Besides, I’m pretty sure what you consider Chinese food is more American than Chinese.”

  He shrugged. “Eh.”

  Artemis wasn’t kidding when she said she’d be right there. She slammed through the door like a hurricane, a plastic bag full of paper Chinese food containers dangling from her arm. She panted as she stood there, splayed out while she got her bearings back. “Here. I’m here.”

  Ares muttered a curse or two in Greek before he pressed a kiss against Athena’s temple.

  “I’ll go get dishes and silverware.”

  He pushed himself to his feet and stalked to the kitchen. Artemis huffed as she dropped the bag on the coffee table and started after him. “Dumbass, there’s containers and chopsticks. We’re good.”

  “What are you going to drink, Dumbass? Think about that?” Ares countered from the other room.

  Athena wiped away her tears as she listened to her siblings banter in the other room. She smiled. She’d been around these two literally forever. Nothing they were saying to each other was meant to be vicious. Every word was playful. This was what she needed even though she didn’t realize it before.

  She needed her family.

  Ares and Artemis returned with a bottle of wine, glasses, plates and forks. They each took a place on either side of her and wiggled close to her. Artemis tugged the sack to her lap then distributed each container to the one who ordered it. She tossed the still weighted bag on the table and flipped open her box. Ares popped the cork on the bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass.

  “Egg rolls?” Ares questioned.

  Artemis pointed at the sack with her chopsticks, her next bite pinched at the end of it.

  “Still in there.”

  “Awesome. Thanks for dinner.”

  “You’re welcome. But don’t you have a girlfriend and soon-to-be-baby to feed?”

  Ares shrugged. “Nymphs night out. Juliet is designated driver. Dinner and dancing at the club. The only obligation I have to perform is to be her victim at the end of the night.”

  The two goddesses held up their hands in unison. “I know what Athena’s nymphs are up to. I don’t need to hear about you getting laid,” Artemis warned.

  “Who said I was going to tell you about me getting laid?” Ares objected.

  Athena cocked an eyebrow at him. “You were going to say absolutely nothing.”

  Ares shrugged. “Maybe I was.”

  The goddesses laughed before they all continued to feast. Athena managed to eat half of her container and an egg roll before she surrendered to her full stomach. She set the box on the coffee table with the chopsticks sticking out. It wasn’t long before her siblings joined her.

  Artemis wrapped an arm around her to pull her close. Athena let out a heavy sigh when Ares hugged them both to him.

  “You okay, sweetheart?” Artemis asked her.

  “I’m better,” Athena replied. “Having you both here has meant the world. I don’t think we’d ever do this on Olympus.”

  “We were under Dad’s thumb there. The good ole’ senator isn’t as easy on our asses here,” Ares stated. “And we aren’t vying for his favor as much here. We do our jobs. We go about our lives.”

  Artemis smirked at her brother. “Smartest thing I’ve ever heard out of you.”

  Ares grinned. “I have my moments.”

  They all straightened at the knock on the door. Ares scowled as he stood and crossed the living room to the door. Artemis held Athena closer.

  Ares pulled the door open and stared at whoever it was for a long moment. He glanced at Athena then waved the visitor in. “Come on. Artemis, I think we’d better clean up and go.”

  “Why?” Artemis questioned.

  Ares stepped out of the doorway. Mack shuffled in, his hollow eyes taking in the room as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

  “Let’s give these two some time,” Ares encouraged.

  Artemis rose from her spot on the floor then pulled Athena to her feet. She looked Athena in the eye. “If you need me.”

  Athena nodded. “I’ll call. Both of you.”

  Each sibling pressed a kiss to her cheek before they gathered up the leftovers and garbage and scuttled to the kitchen.

  She heard Ares shout from the kitchen. “Get in the gym, Bradshaw. Today. No exceptions.”

  A moment later she heard Artemis’s motorcycle fire up outside. Knowing Ares, he ghosted away from her apartment. They were alone.

  Mack closed the space between them and cradled her face in his hands. “I shouldn’t have taken off. I’m so scared, Athena. I can’t tell you how scared I am. If Namtar takes you from me, it’ll kill me. And now that you’re carrying my child...”

  Athena’s mouth gaped open as her eyes widened. “Wait. What?”

  “Namtar told me. You’re pregnant. He said he’s going to kill you and our child.”

  “And you believed him?”

  “I’m not taking the risk that he might be right.” He lowered his head as he swallowed hard. “I can’t exist without you. I thought if I ran I wouldn’t have to watch you die like I was forced to watch my mother die. I know it was stupid.”

  She lifted herself on her toes to kiss him. “Is that an apology?”

  “I don’t ap
ologize to anyone. Ever. So, yeah. It’s a little weak. I’m sorry. I never want to hurt you.”

  She turned her head to kiss his palm. “All is forgiven. I understand, even though you broke my heart when you took off.”

  He pulled her into his arms and held her close. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

  They held each other tight in silence. Athena sighed as Mack buried his face into her hair and huffed. He was terrified. So was she. And she had no idea what Namtar was capable of.

  Finally, Mack broke the silence. “What do we do now?”

  Athena’s words trembled as she spoke. “I have no idea.”

  “There’s nothing on Olympus that tells you how to defeat a death god?”

  Athena pondered his words. She started to smile. “No. But I know who might be able to help us.”

  Mack pulled away to gaze down at her, a puzzled frown etching his face. “Who?”

  “Who knows more about a death god than another death god?”

  “And you know another death god?”

  Athena beamed at him. “Of course. My uncle Hades. How do you feel about an impromptu trip to Vegas?”

  “Hades is in Vegas?” he asked in disbelief.

  “He owns a few casinos there. Four or five I think.”

  His glared narrowed. “So you’re telling me...”

  Athena cut him off. “The gates to hell are located in Vegas casinos. You’re not the first to come up with that conclusion. How fast can you get ready to go?”

  “Are you just snapping your fingers then poof, we’re there?”

  Athena laughed. “Probably not. Ghosting might be convenient but Dad hates it. It’s the collateral of a mortal seeing us pop out of thin air. I’ll book us a couple of plane tickets.”

  Mack snarled. “I’d rather ghost.”

  It was Athena’s turn to scowl. “What’s the problem with fly...” She gasped. “You’ve never been on a plane before.”

  “You tell me. Would you want a werewolf on an airplane with you?”

  “Do you change when you’re nervous?”

  “No.”

  “Is it a full moon?”

  “No.”

  “Then you’ll be fine. I’ll book us together in first class. I’ll hold your hand the whole time. Okay?”

  Mack snorted. “Whatever. What about…”

  Athena cocked her head as she gazed at him. “What?”

  Mack didn’t answer. He made a circular motion around his stomach instead.

  Athena laughed. “It’s too early for a mortal pregnancy test to tell. When we get back, I’ll have a chat with my aunt Demeter. She can tell us if I am or if Namtar was feeding you a line of shit.”

  He nodded. The shock of possibly being a new father was adorable on him. “Okay. That works.”

  She was still chuckling as she led him to the sofa and nudged him to sit. She plucked her laptop from the coffee table and booted it up. Then she snuggled with Mack as she waited for it to power on.

  He held her to him as he idly combed his fingers through her hair.

  She looked up to him as she felt her stomach twist in knots. The words were on her tongue. She just had to find the courage to say them. “You know, we’ve flirted around how we feel about each other. And I know you don’t believe in it but I’m going to just say it. I love you, Mack. It’s not the mating thing. I just know it’s now hard to exist when you’re not around.”

  He gazed at her then cupped her chin in his palm. His kiss was possessive, consuming. It stole her breath as they parted.

  “I hate this, Athena,” he murmured as his mouth brushed against hers. “I don’t want to be vulnerable with anyone. But I can’t let you go. I would die for you. I love you with my soul.”

  Their kisses were soft as they clung to each other around the laptop. It wasn’t a desperate need for passion. It was the union of their spirits with each embrace.

  Athena nuzzled her nose against Mack’s as they broke apart. “Death gods.”

  “Right. Your uncle,” he answered, his voice breaking. The feel of his grip on her biceps holding her to him made her heart flutter. She was the goddess of war. Never in her existence had she ever felt so safe and protected. He let go of her long enough for her to type.

  Mack chuckled. “No godly travel site?”

  Athena grinned as her fingers flew across the keyboard. “Nope. Just your run-of-the-mill, lose your luggage airline. Do you have clothes?”

  “Not with me,” he admitted. “I changed out of my sweats into this and took off out of there.”

  Athena bit her lower lip. “You have two options. I either ghost you there and back in twenty minutes because we have to leave for the airport in thirty minutes like normal people…”

  He chuckled. “Which we’re not, but go on.”

  “Or we buy you a whole new wardrobe when we get there.”

  “As much as my curiosity is piqued to know what you would dress me in, I’d be more comfortable in my own things. Especially since you’re about to put me in a very uncomfortable situation.”

  “Very well.” She angled her head back on his shoulder inviting his kiss. His lips on hers made her almost drop the computer on her lap.

  “Be careful,” she whispered.

  “You too. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Athena closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated on where she had sent the tow truck. A moment later the warm, muscular body that was wrapped around her was gone.

  She sighed as she finished up the airline reservation and shut down the laptop. She hurried up the staircase to her bedroom to pack her bag.

  Chapter Eleven

  The noise and bright lights of the casino died away when Athena and Mack stepped into the long, cool corridor that led to the executive offices, their backpacks slung over their shoulders. She squeezed his hand as her nerves were jittery. When she’d visited Hades before, she was always escorted to his VIP room. Granted, the place looked like something from a gothic nightmare but at least it was familiar to her.

  Never, in the multiple trips she had made to Las Vegas, was she taken to his office. She knew her uncle. The gaudiness of the VIP room was not his style but a facade to intimidate those who knew the truth.

  The glass and steel of this building? That was Hades in a heartbeat. Coming here to see him meant business.

  “So, should I expect a dark robe and a scythe?” Mack muttered for only her to hear. By the edge in his voice she could sense his anxiety also.

  “You know those seventies disco movies with the fat, bald guy in the white suit covered in gold chains? That’s what you should anticipate.”

  There was a stagger in his step that caught her attention. When she glanced up to look at him she found him frowning at her. “No shit? That’s definitely not what I would have expected.”

  “It’s not his true image. He changes his appearance in the spring and summer. I’m sure you know the story about him and his wife, Persephone. When Dad sent us into the modern world, Hades decided to buy the casinos. Women and men were constantly crawling all over him. Some had a hard time taking no for an answer. However, when Persephone is here, and on his arm, he doesn’t get harassed. So when she’s with her mom, Hades changes the way he looks into something far less appealing.”

  “Wow,” Mack replied. He paused for a moment. “How do you really look?”

  Her laugh broke the tension building in her. “This is me. The older generation, the ones that defeated the Titans, usually use it. Their true appearance looks more like early forties. Demeter in reality looks more like Persephone’s older sister, not her mother. The younger gods usually refrain from it.”

  They fell quiet as the stark chocolate colored door of Hades office came into view.

  Mack spoke up suddenly. “Who’s better looking? Zeus or Hades?”

  Athena shot him a glare. “You’re talking about my family. I’d rather not think that way about my father and his brother.”

 
“Sorry.”

  Their suit-clad escort reached for the knob and twisted it to open the door. He motioned them inside.

  As Athena’s foot crossed the threshold she stopped. She looked at Mack. “Hades is sexier by a landslide.” She continued her stride into the office, tugging Mack behind her.

  She stopped short as her gaze fell on her brother looking at a pile of papers with her uncle. “What are you doing here?”

  Ares opened his mouth to answer but stopped when Hades laid a firm ring covered hand on his shoulder. “The boy and I are going into business together. We’re starting a fighting promotion together.”

  Ares scowled at them. “You’re supposed to be practicing, Bradshaw.”

  Mack snorted. “How am I supposed to practice if my coach is in Vegas?”

  Hades gently shook Ares to get the god’s attention. “This gentleman is a fighter?”

  Athena took a step forward. “Forgive me, Uncle. Let me introduce you. This is Mack Bradshaw. Mack, this is my uncle, Hades. In the mortal world you would know him as Stan Lynch.”

  Mack reached out his hand to Hades. “A pleasure, sir.”

  Hades shook his hand then turned to Athena. “You introduced me with my true name, dearest niece. That is a fatal mistake.”

  “He knows who we are. You, me, even Ares. He’s had lunch with Dad and Hera.”

  Hades slipped his hand from Ares’s shoulder and settled in his plush, black leather chair. He motioned to the chairs across from him. “Hmm. This is the man my brother spoke about. Or bitched about more like. So, Athena, why have you come to see me?”

  Athena chose one of the chairs and sat in it. Mack took the other. Ares huffed at both of them and leaned against Hades desk, his arms crossed over his chest.

  “Mack is facing a demon named Namtar in his next fight,” Athena began. “He threatened to kill someone. After terrorizing Mack for multiple days and burning him, he confessed he wants to kill Zeus. Namtar wants to expose Dad’s weakness by killing me first. I tried to sense who he was but all I got was darkness and fire.”

  Hades smirked at Mack as he steepled his fingers in front of his chest. “A little mind blowing, isn’t it?”

  Mack let go a weak chuckle. “It’s a little overwhelming, I do admit. But I’m used to the unusual, sir.”