No one wanted this situation over more than me. For my family to be able to move on with our lives. The vengeful dark goddess who aided Castor in his reckoning approved of his scenario, yet the loving, mother goddess aspect of me abhorred the idea of capturing and traumatizing Faline because she was Colton’s mate.
Eventually, I came to a middle ground, throwing my hand up, simply because I had to choose my family and mates over Faline. My men wouldn’t hurt her, just use her as bait, and maybe Castor or I could erase her memory of the event so she was none the wiser.
Hades’ hand added support. The Greek Underworld god was out for blood for the offense to his wife. I relaxed at having someone as powerful as him in our corner.
“I’m in too,” Rane pitched in, flames dancing on his fingers.
Locke slapped his arm with the back of her hand.
He claimed it and kissed the back of it. “A War god never passes up a fight.”
She leaned her elbow on the table, resting her forehead on it and shaking her head. “Just can’t stay out of trouble, huh?”
He chuckled and stroked her cheek. “I think you’re confusing me for Mads.”
Mads huffed. “I’m not that stupid, War Hammer.”
Rane blew him a kiss and a sexy wink.
She jabbed a finger at Slade. “Damn War gods.”
Mads’ hand remained down, earning a glare from Slade. He raised his palms. “I’m a lover, not a fighter.”
Slade snorted the wordpussyunder his breath.
“No, you sexy, gruff, dolt. I’m a live pussy,” Mads cheerfully corrected, and my stomach twisted into a dark knot. “The man who leaves the bait is the one who catches his prey.”
“Smart pussy.” Locke pinched his chin.
He swiveled in his seat to face her. “You know me. I cause the fights and leave the crowd to sort themselves out. I’m not stupid enough to throw myself into one. Self-preservation, and all that.”
Locke laughed and little hearts bubbled out of her body and exploded when they hit him. Cute.
Her joy lasted a few moments before she raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her last man. “I’m hoping Byron’s smart enough to use his Athena wisdom to stay out of your war, Slade.” Sounded like she ruled their roost. Few went up against a Love goddess and won.
Goddess. I shelved that thought, worried if Slade worked his love powers more often, I was in trouble.
“We’re grateful for any help we can get.” Slade pleased me that he said this. Statements like this made him the bigger man, and I stroked his knee, communicating my satisfaction.
Locke hummed her displeasure. Love solved problems, war made them worse. She knew all too well the effect of feuds of the heart and mind.
“I know you don’t like this, Cupid,” Slade posed. “Believe me, I’d like nothing more than for this to be over. That cu—” Hades cleared his throat loudly to mask the word. “All but destroyed my club.”
Locke made a glittering pink bow and arrow appear on the table in front of her. “This might help.”
“If you think this can be solved bylove,” Slade bit out the last word. “Then by all means.” He gestured with his arms wide. “Go ahead.”
Locke called back Colton’s love cord, twisting it around her wrist, stroking the tips like fine silk. “No, that won’t do. He’s shut himself off to love.”
“Can’t the Love goddess fix that?” Slade snorted, and I smacked him in the thigh for being condescending.
“If he were human, yeah.” Locke released his cord and it vanished, recoiling back to its owner. “His death power can deaden mine.”
Castor placed his hands on the table to settle the matter. “Our plans hinge on capturing Faline and using her as bait. If he’s got no heart, then theoretically, neither does she.”
Locke plucked the string of her bow and let that vanish too. “She’s the only one who can breathe love back into his heart.”
Slade materialized a cigar between his thumb and forefinger, lighting the tip. “All’s fair in love and war.” He took a deep drag of it and blew aromatic smoke into the air, which shaped into a love heart with an arrow piercing it.
