Goddess of Legend (Demi-God Daughters) (14 page)

“To be honest I didn’t have much of one.”

“What do you mean?”

“Before I was born, my father Cronus was cursed. It had been foretold that a child of his would murder him and take his throne just like he’d done to his own father. Naturally he wanted to prevent this from happening. Whenever my mother gave birth, he swallowed us whole.”

“You’re joking right?”

“No. That much mythology did get right.”

“That’s horrible. It’s cannibalism. How did you survive?”

“For many years all I knew was darkness and the voices of my siblings Hera, Hestia, Demeter
, and Poseidon. We had no idea we were in our father’s belly. We bonded to a certain degree, but even then I could tell how different we were.”

“Different how?” Cameryn asked snuggling closer to Hades.

“Demeter was warm and kind. Always the peacemaker. Hera was bossy and not afraid to let you know she was in charge. Poseidon liked to talk about how fantastic he was. Hestia was most like me. She was quiet and stayed to herself, but she was unconcerned with much of anything. She preferred her own company.”

“I know all about that.”

“So do I. Eventually I came to accept that I was meant to live in darkness. Then one day we were suddenly free. The light nearly blinded me. That’s when I met my mother Rhea and Zeus for the first time. Joining forces, we slew my father and cast him into the depths of Tartarus, for gods never really die. After that we had a war on our hands.”

“A war. Seems to me you’d already gone through too much.”

“I most heartily agree with you,” Hades said running his fingers through her hair.

“Who did you fight?”

“The Titans. Brothers and sisters of my father and mother. Some of them, but not all, didn’t like the idea of us ruling after we’d deposed Cronus. They rose up against us. The battle was long and bloody. For many years the war raged on. By the time we were finally able to defeat them, I was an adult. Childhood had passed by.”

“That’s sad. You missed out on so much.”

“You know sometimes I wonder if we’d all had a chance to grow up normally would we be as estranged as we are now.”

“You don’t visit each other?”

“Not really. I don’t know the last time anyone has seen Hestia. Poseidon only leaves the ocean to chase women. Zeus will come here occasionally just to be nosy. Hera never visits. She’s too busy trying to watch my no-good brother. Demeter is about the only one I see on a regular basis.”

“You two must be close.”

“As close as gods can be. I’m very fond of her.”

“From what you’ve told me, I can understand why you chose the Underworld. When you feel as if you don’t fit in, it’s easier to be alone.”

“Spoken from someone who understands,” Hades said caressing her cheek.

“You know it’s funny. I knew how much my adopted family loved me and how much I loved them, but I always felt as if there was still something missing. I didn’t know what it was
, so I tried to ignore it. Things got worse when I realized I had this weird connection to the dead. If it wasn’t for Deena refusing to leave me alone, I’m sure I’d be a lot more screwed up than I already am.”

“You aren’t screwed up. It’s touching how much you love your sister.”

“She loved me, and she always did her best to let me know that no matter how I felt inside I wasn’t alone,” Cameryn said as a tear slid down her cheek.

Hades wiped the tear away and kissed her forehead.

“You’ll be back together soon. I swear it to you.”

“I know. I believe you. It just makes me sad that you’ve never had someone in your life like that.”

“If all that loneliness has brought me an eternity with you, then it was worth it,” Hades said smiling faintly.

“Nothing is worth an eternity of loneliness
, H.”

“You are,” Hades said cupping her chin in his hand.

“Sometimes you say the most romantic things. I’m still not used to it.”

“Get used to it,” Hades said before lowering his head towards hers.

Cameryn read the intent in his eyes, and her breath quickened. When his lips touched hers, she couldn’t help the moan that escaped. His kiss was tender. Slowly he coaxed her mouth open. Her tongue sought the warmth of his mouth. He tasted like cinnamon. His teeth gently clamped down on her tongue, and Cameryn felt a spark ignite. She growled. Her arms came to wrap around Hades holding him close as he continued to kiss her. Their tongues mated together, each seeking dominance with neither ready to concede the fight. Cameryn felt her nipples tighten as Hades’s hands slid down her body touching her breasts before cupping her ass. She rubbed her body against his seeking

relief for the blossoming ache between her thighs. When Hades’
s mouth lifted from hers to trace her lips with his tongue, Cameryn’s breathing became more labored.

“That’s enough. Or I won’t be able to stop.”

“Then don’t,” Cameryn said.

“I have to. I promised I would take things slow.”

“I enjoyed that kiss.”

“So did I. I honestly don’t ever think I’ve enjoyed a kiss so much,” Hades whispered in her ear.

“Flatterer.”

“It’s not flattery if it’s the truth,” he said caressing her face again
. “Perhaps we should get back to the palace.”

“No, not yet. It’s beautiful here. Will you just hold me for a while?”

“I’d love to,” Hades said as Cameryn rested her head on his chest.

His arms came to wrap around her, cradling her body to his. He rested his head on top of hers. In Hades’
s arms, Cameryn felt safe and, dare she say, loved. With the sound of the water swirling and Hades’s heart beating beneath her ear, she was soon asleep.

Chapter
Sixteen

Persephone took her time walking up the steps leading to Apollo’s temple. Unlike many of the other gods, Apollo loved to spend time in his temple. The virile god loved to hear the prayers of his followers. He also loved to prey on his followers. Since she’d been old enough to remember, mortals had been sending maidens to Apollo as tribute. Supposedly failing to appease Apollo would cause the vengeful god to send a giant serpent to kill all in its path. It was all a lie. There was no monster. It was a ruse cleverly constructed by Apollo to have his pick of the fairest mortals. Even in these modern times where the gods had all but been forgotten, Apollo’s racket was still working.

As she opened the temple doors she heard moans inside. Stepping further into the temple she saw Apollo lying on a reclining couch as a
raven-haired woman went down on him. Persephone felt a sparkle of lust but quickly quelled it. She was here for business. Pleasure would have to wait, but only temporarily.

“Send your whore away. We have business to discuss,” Persephone said materializing a couch for her to sit on.

Apollo opened his eyes and stared at Persephone with an open look of lust. She could tell how this meeting was about to go. Apollo quickly dismissed the young girl and righted his attire. He sauntered over to her with the same arrogant, self-serving smirk she’d always known.

“And what’s so important you had to interrupt my worship?” Apollo said.

“Is that what you call it? Worship?” Persephone
said.

“Indeed I do. Now to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“I have a proposition for you, and I believe it could be mutually beneficial to the both of us.”

“Do tell,” Apollo said sitting down beside her and caressing her thigh through the silky material of her gown. Persephone smiled. Already he was eating out of the palm of her hand. Men were so easy. It didn’t matter whether they were gods or mortal. They were all susceptible to her ever
-present charms.

*
***

Cameryn rolled and opened her eyes. She sat up quickly. She was back in her room at the palace. She rubbed her eyes. The last thing she remembered was Hades holding her as they lay beside the lake. She must’ve fallen asleep. Rather than wake her up, he’d brought her back here to rest. Cameryn smiled. Hades was such a gentleman.

“Good to see you awake my lady and just in time for dinner,” Tara said emerging from Cameryn’s closet carrying a red dress over her arm.

“Is it that late already? When did I get back here?”

“About four hours ago. Lord Hades carried you in here and put you to bed,” Tara said coming closer.

“That was very sweet of him.”

“That is Lord Hades’s way. He is chivalrous above all else.”

Cameryn nodded in agreement as she looked at Tara. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something different about Tara. Her aura was off. Unable to figure it out, Cameryn quickly dismissed the thought and got out of bed.

“You have time for a quick shower,” Tara said.

“Great. Will you help me dress? I’d like to look my best tonight.”

“It would be my honor,” Tara said bowing low.

“Thank you,” Cameryn said disappearing into the bathroom.

She didn’t know why, but for some reason she felt like tonight was going to be special, and she wanted Hades to see her at her absolute best.

*
***

Hades stood in the dining room awaiting Cameryn’s arrival. The earlier time they’d spent together replayed itself in his mind. It had taken so much strength not to continue kissing her when she’d responded so eagerly. Her kiss was sweeter than any nectar. It would have been so easy to make love to her beside the lake. But he’d promised

himself he was going to take things slow, and he was going to stick to it, no matter how much it hurt.

Holding her in his arms as she’d slept had been bliss. He’d watched her chest rise and fall more times than he could count. It had taken a supreme effort on his part to squelch the lust he’d felt as
his eyes roved over the creamy, caramel swells of her breasts. When watching her had become more than he could bear, he’d quickly spirited them back to the palace and put her to bed. He’d spent the last few hours trying to get the image of her breasts out of his head. He had to keep control of himself or he was liable to undo any of the tenuous progress he’d made.

“Hades.”

He turned around and saw Cameryn standing a few feet away from him. His breath caught in his throat. Tara had truly outdone herself. There were no words to describe Cameryn’s beauty. Her ebony hair was piled high on her head in an elegant chignon. A few loose tendrils were curled and hung by her face. In her hair was a large red rose. Her lips were the same ruby red. Thin silver slivers hung from her ears, and her dress, by the gods, her dress. He licked his lips. The dress left one shoulder bare, while completely covering her right arm in sheer, red fabric. Around her breasts, embroidered flowers strategically covered her breasts while still allowing tantalizing glimpses of her beautiful mocha flesh.

As his eyes moved down her dress he couldn’t help the continued rising of lust in him. The sheer red satin material flowed from right under her breasts to her hip bone. More embroidered roses covered the treasure between her thighs. Two slits ran high up, showcasing her curvy thighs. The red peep toe stilettos on her feet were enough to drive him mad. Hades closed his eyes and struggled for control.

****

Cameryn was shaking inside as Hades appraised her.
What in the hell was I thinking letting Tara convince me to wear this damn dress? I’m standing here half naked, and he looks like he is about to lose it.
Tara had been absolutely insistent on the dress. It was almost as if she was obsessed. Even Cameryn’s fingernails and toes were the same color as the dress. She felt like some exotic flamenco dancer. When Hades opened his eyes and stared at her again, she could see the lust shining in his eyes.
He wants me. He wants me, and I want him, too.
She felt the ache between her thighs bloom. She forced her legs closer together hoping to quell the ache. It only made it worse.

“You are too exquisite for words tonight
, Cameryn,” Hades said in a strangled tone.

“Thank you. This is not usually something I would wear
, but I thought it would be nice to try something different.”

“And for that I am eternally grateful,” Hades said running his fingers down her bare arm.

“You look quite handsome yourself, but then again you always do,” Cameryn said struggling to ignore the havoc his simple touch was creating.

“Careful. I might think you were hitting on me.”

“And what if I was?” Cameryn asked boldly.

Her heart raced as she waited for his response.
Did I just say too much? Am I about to get ravished in this dining room?

“Then you’d better be ready to conquer a god tonight my lady,” Hades said flashing a seductive smile before kissing her hand.

She blushed at his innuendo. Sexual tension was high in the air.

“Then perhaps I need a little more time to plan my strategy before undertaking such a task,” Cameryn said sweeping past him.

He chuckled behind her as she went to her seat. Hades pulled her chair out for her. She gave him a nod of thanks and sat down. Cameryn couldn’t help watching Hades as he went to his seat.
What is wrong with me tonight?
Her hormones were going haywire. She took a deep breath in an effort to calm her body down. Quickly she turned her attention to the food on the table. Another meal fit for a king. Large seasoned prawns. Greek salad. Crab cakes. Lobster chowder. Cameryn’s stomach rumbled. Sneaking a glance at Hades, she found him watching her. Smiling nervously she turned her attention back to her food. The first spoonful of lobster chowder made her moan.
I could just spend eternity at the table stuffing my face.

They ate in silence. Cameryn could feel Hades’
s eyes on her. She felt hot beneath his gaze. Staring him squarely in the eye, she suggestively sucked a prawn. She smiled as he squirmed in his seat.
Who knew I even had a seductive gene in my body? Go figure.
Half an hour later they’d finished their dinner.

“Dance with me,” Hades said coming to her side.

“I don’t dance,” she told him.

“Then tonight is the perfect chance to learn
, my lady,” Hades said pulling her from her chair.

The protest on her lips died as he led her away from the table and to the middle of the room. As his arms came around her waist, music began to play. She looked around trying to find the source of the music. Her attention was directed back to Hades when she felt a soft kiss along her jaw line. Her nipples hardened into painful peaks. Suddenly she felt hot. It was if her body was burning. When he looked at her she couldn’t stop the rush of words that came next.

“Do it again. Please.”

“Cameryn.”

“Please, H.”

He kissed her again
, and the tenderness of his kiss undid her. Before she could stop herself, Cameryn grabbed Hades’s face and kissed him passionately. Her tongue invaded his mouth seeking dominance. He growled against her mouth, holding her tighter.

“Cameryn
, we need to stop.”

“No. No. Please don’t stop,” she
asked, rubbing against the bulge in his pants.

She felt herself grow wet when his hands grabbed her ass lifting her onto his rampant erection.

“Cameryn, I want you. I need you so bad.”

“Then take me.”