If this bitch even thinks of making a move on my men…
“Hades.” Her voice is soft. Sweet. Lyrical.
She places a hand on his arm to capture his attention.
Am I mistaken, or do his features soften when he stares down at her? Somehow, that’s even more terrifying to behold.
“Yes, my beloved.” He lifts a hand to rub the backs of his fingers against her cheek in the softest of grazes.
“Let me show our…guests to their rooms,” she says, her voice a near plea. She places her hand over his. “Please.”
Hades hesitates, his eyes searching hers intensely, before he concedes with a nod and a sigh. “All right. You know I can’t resist you.”
She beams and pushes up on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Ah. This must be Persephone, Hades’s wife.
What did I hear about her?
That Hades fell in love with her and kidnapped her from her mother, Demeter. Demeter’s grief at losing her daughter is what brought upon the four seasons. Persephone lives with Hades in the Underworld but is able to visit her mother every few months.
The little green monster that always makes an appearance when these beautiful, sexy, flawless goddesses are around my men is appeased, albeit slightly. But if this bitch tries anything…
“Hello! Welcome!” Persephone hurries towards us, her smile widening and tears glittering in her eyes.
I awkwardly wave. “Um. Hello. I’m Thea, and?—”
She pulls me into her arms, smelling of orchids and freshly cut grass.
I hold perfectly still, my hands loose by my sides, and she sniffles then pulls away, holding me at arm’s length. Her verdant gaze sweeps over me, more tears welling.
“Hi! It’s so nice to…meet you!” Persephone gushes.
“Likewise?” It comes out as a question.
“Come, come. Let me show you to the guest rooms.” She links her arm with mine and pulls me out of the room with single-minded determination.
I glance helplessly at the guys as we pass them, wordlessly asking,“What the fuck?”
They don’t have a response for me as they trail along behind us, all seemingly lost in thought. Well, except for Rafe. The psychotic bastard is focused on where Persephone’s arm is linked with mine, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
Over my shoulder, I mouth,“Behave.”
He frowns and mouths back,“Make me.”
Umm…yes please. Especially if it involves ropes again.
I turn to face forward as Persephone rattles off random facts about the creation of Hades’s castle and her relationship with him. She seems…nervous. Or maybe she doesn’t know how to talk to a living being. My guess is the latter. Spending so much time down here, with only men like Hades and Cerberus for company, would make any person insane.
I tune her out when she starts discussing the difference between thread counts and instead think through Hades’s shocking revelation.
I…was once a member of the guys’ team.
I knew them.
What was life for us like back then? Were we friends? Lovers? Did I get along with all of them? Did Everett push every single button I possess? Did Krystian continue to struggle with his identity? Was Zaid still shy and sweet, always knowing what I needed before I did? Was Rafe psychotic even back then?
How different would my life—my immortality—be if I’d stayed there?
