Poseidon's Fortune

Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer

The Wild Rose Press www.thewildrosepress.com

Copyright © First published in 2011 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer

CONTENTS Praise for POSEIDON'S PROPHECY Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 3

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Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 A word about the author... Thank you for purchasing ****

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"Close your mouth before you start catching sand flies," Talos mocked from above her. The complete oneeighty in personality made her to look up at him. In this position with her back to the bed, with Talos leaning over the edge, rich, dark, silky auburn hair falling forward and her head tilted up, Bailey saw exactly how handsome her kidnapper appeared. Thick, straight, dark wine-red hair fell over shrewd ocean-blue eyes. Sharp cheekbones led to a knife's blade nose that pointed downward to full lips currently poised as if to smile. Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, Talos leaned down until his lips were seconds from her own. "Tell me no, Bailey of the surface-dwellers." With each word a soft brush of air teased her lips. "No," Bailey managed in a very quiet, very breathy voice she doubted anyone but herself heard. "As you say." And those perfect lips descended until they met Bailey's in a mutual exploration of passion. Soft and light, Talos's lips whispered across hers. Drawing back when she wanted him closer, forcing Bailey to follow his lead. The light touches sparked and set off a chain reaction of fire within her body. Heat poured from his lips into her bloodstream. Nerve endings sparked in a way she never knew existed, desire pooled molten and hot for the first man to bring the passion fast and hard to the surface. The few other lovers that she'd had never came close to making her explode with just a touch. Not the way this man 5

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did with almost a single look.

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Praise for POSEIDON'S PROPHECY "I like my men beefed up, magical and sensual and I got it all. You may want to keep some ice water on hand however, for those steamy love scenes." ~Ladybirdrbird, Romance Junkies "Ms. Standifer very creatively took ancient mythology and added it to a contemporary plot that is fast moving and funny. The characters of Clio and Kryss are complete opposites, but they complete each other in ways that are poignant, very erotic and at times hysterical. They come from two completely different worlds and the resulting confrontations will give the reader fits of laughter. Add to this Kryss's younger brother who appears to be the playboy of the group, but in essence has greater understanding of the modern world, who enjoys tormenting his brother every chance he gets. I found this book fast moving, suspenseful and erotic, a keeper in any one's bookshelf. I look forward to the next book in the series." ~Teresa "POSEIDON'S PROPHECY is a fast-paced page turner. The dialogue is witty, almost razor-sharp, and all those hot sexy brothers running around makes for a rollicking good time. Allie Standifer has well developed main characters, and secondary characters so intriguing you can't wait to learn more. Toss in a chain-mail sending oracle, a conscience that just happens to be female, scary demons bent on destruction, cryptic scrolls, an ancient prophecy, sex, water and adventure and you have a truly superb story. And nothing makes me 7

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happier than a book filled to the brim with fine-looking, dangerous men. I was left wanting more. I want to know what happens to all those hunky brothers. I want the next book to come out next week. I just want more of this series." ~Zinnia [Back to Table of Contents]

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Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer

Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer [Back to Table of Contents]

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Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental. Poseidon's Fortune COPYRIGHT (C) 2011 by Allie Standifer All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Contact Information: [email protected] Cover Art by Angela Anderson The Wild Rose Press PO Box 708 Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706 Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com Publishing History First Faery Rose Edition, 2011 Print ISBN 1-60154-987-3 Published in the United States of America [Back to Table of Contents]

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Dedication To my mom: because you always said I could, never stopped telling me to try, and lifted me high enough so all my dreams were within my reach. To my dad: because you never said no, because you are brave enough to read my books in first class without batting an eyelash or worrying about being kicked out of the he-man girl-haters all-boys club. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 1 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected], [email protected] Subject: Computer Use From: [email protected] Idiots and Clio, Let's remember what we're here for. It's to fight demons and save mankind as we know it. NOT to find 201 sexual ways to use whipped cream. The guilty couple (see above) shall remain nameless, but bloated from all those empty calories. With absolutely no regards, Phoenix the Omnipotent Here we go again. The thought echoed through Bailey McCain's head as she ducked the bullet aimed for her skull. She didn't have time to wonder about the attack—the seventh such assault since she'd arrived in Houston. If Bailey hadn't had such a welldeveloped self-esteem she might question if these attacks could be personal. Instead she knew they had to do with her uncle's previous work and the secret he died trying to protect. One Bailey didn't understand. Another mini missile whizzed by, smashed into the block of concrete, and sent shatters of the gray material flying into her eyes. 12

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Cursing softly, Bailey pressed harder against the building, wincing at the sound of leather tearing. If she didn't find one of those damned brothers soon, she wouldn't live to care what happened to her new jacket or the rest of her. Damn it, she trained to be a real estate agent, not a Lara Croft wannabe. Bailey shoved the whiny mental voice down. Not the time and place to wonder how the hell her life got so complicated. "Come out, come out, dirty water-mate." The voice slithered out of the darkness causing bumps to cover her skin. Did that stupid creature actually think she was dumb enough to answer him? Like she stepped off the bumpkin truck yesterday and would happily walk to her own slaughter. Bailey slowly hunched over at the waist and carefully backed away from the wall. Moving from the protection of the building could get her killed, but staying pretty much guaranteed a one-way coffin nap. A slow shuffling noise came from the left and right of her new hiding place. The sound confirmed the wisdom of moving, but the adrenaline rush didn't provide a new course of safety. "Always keep moving. Never let them trap you." The echo of her uncle's words in his journal rang through Bailey's head. They didn't do much to provide a sense of safety, but they did help her regain her sense of purpose. Bailey wouldn't die this night. Not in this dirty sliver of an alley. She sure as hell wouldn't die until she finally caught up 13

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with those elusive Poseidon brothers and kicked at least one demi-god's ass. It had all started with those too rich, too good-looking, too secretive men who had embroiled her uncle in some scheme that cost the older doctor his life. If Bailey hadn't accidentally run across her uncle's journal, she'd still be the proverbial dumb blond, clueless as to the nature of Tom McCain's life and eventual death. The worn brown leather journals had detailed the actions and thoughts of a man's life for the past forty years. Including the existence of the nine half-human and half-Greek gods her uncle had worked for twenty years ago. And they included the secret he died to protect. The same secret Bailey too would rather die than expose. No one could know the undisclosed words that she had burned after reading the journals from cover to cover. If she hadn't known her uncle to be a no-nonsense man with little to no imagination, Bailey would have thought his personal writings nothing more than an amateur attempt at novel writing. Dr. McCain must have known or guessed his time to be limited because in the journal, on the very last page, were instructions directed to her. And that led Bailey to her current game of peek-a-boo with assassins and some very deadly sounding bullets. She blamed her new ripped leather coat on the brothers along with the permanent stench clouding her hair and smothering her nose. The gravely voice taunted her. "Hiding does you no good, water-mate. Delay will just make Kodar more angry. You don't wish to die slowly, do you?" 14

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Cooties, or whatever his name was, had come closer to Bailey's newest hiding spot. Using the straining muscles of her legs, she duck-walked away while constantly keeping watch for any of the bad guy's friends. Even someone this ugly had to have friends. A shot rang out to her left. A piece of flying debris burned across her cheek and upper arm. "Son of a b—" She quickly broke off her hushed whisper. No need to give Brainless an easier shot at her. Damn it, Bailey thought as she dropped to her stomach and crawled her way to the mouth of the alley. Two days ago she'd been a mild-mannered real estate agent. The job had come with the training of hand-holding and mortgage rates, not on how to become commando Jane and dodge bullets with a single bound. But thanks to the Poseidon brothers and her dearly departed uncle, Bailey had sunk to her eyeballs in intrigue. The sting of the bullet hit her before the discharge noise reached her ears. Too much thinking and not enough action, she mused while the cement reached up to grab her. I hope all of you rot in whatever hell you believe in. All nine of you demon-loving, manicure-ruining, bald-headed freaks. A girl comes looking for a little help and revenge as per her dead uncle's instructions. Instead I end up smelling bad, my coat ripped, and a bullet through me. Some help you men are. Damn all the Poseidon brothers. The words were shouted in her mind, forming out her anger, grief and sense of helpless defeat. Some help you men are. Damn all the Poseidon brothers!" 15

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The words were shouted through the two brothers' minds. The anger in the voice fed the power and force of the message. Bastien and Talos looked at each other in complete confusion while grimacing at the pain the pressure of the message caused. "Tell me you heard that?" Bastien asked his sarcastic and cynical older brother. Talos's sharp gaze traveled around the room before answering. "I heard it, but I don't have a clue what it means," he confessed. "It means," a humor-filled feminine voice answered from the doorway, "that someone's in trouble and has lit the bat signal for help." Dr. Clio Foster Poseidon stood in the doorway, hands fisted, eyes sparking with temper, and one canvas-covered foot tapping impatiently. Her five-and-a-half-foot frame fairly vibrated with energy as her hazel eyes brimmed with excitement. Jeans encased her slim swimmer's build while a bright yellow T-shirt hugged her not so subtle curves. With a sigh of resignation, Talos turned to his brother Kryssin's mate. "Hello, Clio, I did not realize you were up and about this night." Instead of taking the olive branch he'd so graciously offered her, the obstinate female chose to continue baiting him. One slight misunderstanding two nights ago and she'd yet to forgive him. To Bastien she cooed and fussed like a mama whale. 16

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"Bas, what are you doing hiding out with the dregs of the ocean?" The insinuation that a warrior such as himself would choose to hide rubbed him like sunshine without any water. Talos drew himself up straighter, shoulders back and head high. "I am not in the habit of hiding, small one." He hissed. "We came down here to train without certain mouthy distractions." Instead of being insulted as he'd expected, Clio beamed a toothy smile at him. "Awww, Talos, I didn't know you thought I was hot enough to be a distraction." "Hot?" His voice rose as quickly as his temper. "You insult m—" "And that's round one, boys and girls. Please stay tuned to your local stations for the next bout of Clueless and Snippy." Bastien interrupted what Talos knew would have been a long and involved tirade on his part. Gratitude should have been his first thought to his little brother, but he resented that interference was needed in the first place. And if he were truly honest with himself, he rather liked picking fights with Kryss's mate. She had a quick mind and thick skin. The perfect verbal opponent for him. The former human never backed down regardless of the differences in their respective sizes and she always managed to give as good as she got. Fighting with Clio cheered up his otherwise routine days. He knew where he fit into the family. At six foot five inches, two hundred and twenty-five pounds, most people would guess his pleasure came in the form of physical 17

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exertion. While he did like the occasional fight, he preferred to spend his time and attention elsewhere. His brothers considered him the tech geek of the group. If a new gadget came out, Talos had it before it even hit the shelves. He always upgraded their cell phones, computers, and anything else he could get his hands on. Yep, good ole geek freak Talos. No matter how many times they broke something, each of them considered him their own personal geek squad member, there only to fix or replace whatever they screwed up. Really, could anyone blame him if his only satisfaction came from booby-trapping certain rooms at certain times? Security was his domain and he made sure no one but him tampered with the brothers' security. "Fine, but that round went to me," Clio cheerfully claimed, interrupting Talos's thoughts. She started to dance with seizure-like movements. Her arms waved madly in the air while her legs moved repetitively back and forth in jerky motions. To say Clio's dancing left something to be desired would be a serious understatement. A husky masculine voice broke off the silly woman's movements. "And what round might that be?" Pure joy suffused Clio's face at the sight of her mate as she broke into a run and then jumped into his waiting arms. The scene would have been touching if the pair had been parted for weeks or even days, but Talos knew it had been minutes, tops, since the mates had last touched each other. Their bonding was sickening to those not so blessed. Ignoring the noises of lips and tongues coming from the newly mated pair's direction, he turned to find his little 18

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brother gazing wistfully at the couple. At the feel of Talos's gaze upon him, Bastien quickly masked his expression. "Should we leave them alone or stay and heckle?" Talos wanted to do both. He wanted to avoid seeing the much deserved happiness on his brother's face, but he also wanted to enjoy a few more verbal battles with Clio. The former air-breather always made him feel invigorated after one of their bouts. "We'll leave them in peace. They aren't much good to us as is," Bastien commented dryly before turning on his heel and left the newly mated pair to their conjugal bliss. As the two made their way into the smaller training room they heard the pitter-patter of sneaker-covered footsteps behind them. "Oh, wait a minute." Clio's voice caught them at the door. "Let go, angel fish," she murmured to Kryssin before she raced to the brothers' side. "Where in the name of all that's wet and wild are you two going?" she asked, green eyes flashing. Both men turned confused expressions toward the woman they had both promised to protect and respect, even when she didn't make it easy to do either. "You bellowed, O short and bossy one," Bastien mocked. Instead of reacting in a sane manner, Clio smiled and blew a raspberry. "Do you two even remember why I came in here?" "To play hide the stingray with Krys?" Bas retorted. A quick eye roll answered his question. "No, you overgrown child. It has to do with the voice." 19

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Since her mating Clio had mellowed out some. Talos for one hoped it proved to be a temporary affliction. He missed dodging her zingers. When no one responded, Clio exhaled, a sure sign that she thought her patience was pushed to the limits. She kept a smile in place. "Men are idiots!" She paused, waited for someone to speak. "Not to help the person in need. A female type person in need." Talos and his brothers exchanged a quick, confused glance until Kryssin's sea-blue eyes widened. "Suzutca," he cursed. "She's a female and we can all hear her voice in our heads." Clio clapped slowly at her mate's less-than-quick thinking. "And there you have it, water breathers and others, a man who can think outside the tank." Both Talos and Bastien froze. Bastien looked as stunned as Talos felt. Bastien broke the silence. "You think she carries one of our souls." "Who cares right now?" Clio erupted. "Obviously she's in trouble or else why call out?" "Kryssin has brought new powers into our family. Maybe this 'hearing' is an offshoot of it," Talos pointed out in his logical way. "Could be," Kryssin agreed while absently stroking his mate's fingers. "But wouldn't the talent be limited to me? Why would the rest of you hear the voice?" Clio, noticeably glowing under her mate's attentions, crinkled her perfect brow in thought. "Does it really matter 20

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why we heard it? I mean shouldn't all of you jump into your pod and swim away to find her?" For all her sarcastic comments and indolent air, Clio turned out to be the Poseidon brothers' biggest protector and defender. She seemed to think it perfectly okay to berate, insult, and tease the men to her heart's content, but if a Nereid, Pixie, or another creature attempted to make a comment, Clio cut them off at their knees or fins. All the brothers thought a more perfect woman couldn't exist. "How do we go about finding her?" Bastien asked. "Simple. We follow her mental path, for the lack of a better term," Kryssin explained. "And we know how to do that...because?" The whole thing started to sound like a bad episode of Dark Shadows. "I don't know." Kryssin carelessly shrugged. "The answer's just in my head. Something else I picked up after the merge," he said and wrapped a possessive arm around his mate while a smug, self-satisfied smile stretched his lips. The merge, the joining of Kryssin and Clio's soul has somehow bestowed more than a joint life force. The pair has come out of their mating haze with a serious power upgrade. None of them could figure out what those powers might be, so each brother treaded lightly until the full extent came to light. To which Clio gave an inelegant snort and shrugged his arm off her. "Love monkey, you act like you did some Herculean feat instead of getting lucky and na—" "How it happened isn't important," Kryssin quickly interrupted while slapping a hand over his beloved's mouth. 21

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"We need to get busy and find this woman before it's too late." With an irritated look, Clio shrugged her shoulders, pried Kryssin's hand loose, and turned to face the brothers. "So we're going to do that little voodoo that we do so well," she said, pointing between herself and Kryssin. "You boys need to stand by for damsel rescue." The situation quickly turned from lighthearted banter to deadly serious as the couple turned to each other, eyes closed, hands intertwined. "Love you," she whispered leaning forward. "Love you," Kryssin said and completed the kiss. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 2 To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Other things for oracles to do instead of spying From:[email protected] 1. Get a life 2.Get a woman 3.Get a room 4.Get away from us. Sincerely, The King and Queen of Cool Whip "Is that all you've got?" Blood dripped from Bailey's nose, mouth, and somewhere in the vicinity of her stomach. She'd fought hard, but these monsters were too much for even her battle-hardened self. All the self-defense classes in the world couldn't measure up to fighting demons that never stayed dead. The last one she shot wiped a forked tongue over his green scaly lips. "Water-mate, you should beg for mercy, not taunt your killers. It might make a difference between killing you fast or slow." Yeah, right. Bailey might be slow in advanced math and some science, but her daddy hadn't raised no dummy. No matter what she said or did, these slimy green creatures would torture her for the sheer pleasure of it. 23

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"Beg me, female, and I may make your death easy," the apparent leader promised. "And if I eat all my vegetables and drink my milk I'll be as strong as Supergirl. Pull the other one, garbage breath." A quick look around showed her options hadn't changed. She'd blocked herself in an alley between an out-of-business porn shop and boarded up loan office. There were no Dumpsters to hide behind. The two small ones had been tossed earlier like cheap toasters by her attackers. "Brave words coming from a mortal about to die." Hell, they were words coming from a frickin' idiot, but that didn't mean she had a death wish. Bailey took a quick look around. There had to be something she missed. Fingers stretched behind her...what the hell had her hand landed in? Block it out, she ordered herself. If she lived she'd douse herself in the largest bottle of anti-bacterial lotion made. Instead Bailey found what she expected. Nothing. Her weapons had either broken or been knocked out of her hands. The side pouch now only contained a small jar of sanitizer. Not much good against immortal goo demons, but as her mama used to say, you worked with what you got not what you wished you had. Ignoring the pain in her hand, Bailey grabbed for the bottle. To her shock all movement stopped. Maybe the creatures thought she had something else in her hand, but why quibble when it worked? "Stay back." She held the bottle up like a cross to a vampire. "I'm not afraid to use this." "You wouldn't survive." 24

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"So long as I take a few of you with me, I don't really much care," she replied and flicked the tiny lid open. Hell, they must have thought she carried explosive acid or something in the small three-ounce bottle. Nothing else could explain the way the creatures backed away whenever she swung in their direction. Yellow eyes held hers for a long moment. Breath held, Bailey prepared for the worst. She'd meant what she said. She really didn't have a problem dying as long as a few of the monsters died with her. Except it would leave her promise unfinished. Crap. "You feeling lucky today, punk? Well, do ya?" she asked, channeling good ole Clint. Nothing like bravado to get you killed faster. "This round to you then, water-mate. Next time we meet you won't be so lucky," the leader warned as they backed away, their retreat coated in slippery and slimy sounds. "Oh come on, why do you always have to use the same old corny lines. Like I don't watch late night TV, too? Why not tell me I'll be back?" she asked in her worst Terminator voice. "Stupid human." He spat at her before dissolving away with his comrades. "Shit!" All the bravado and courage immediately drained out of her. She fell against the wet gray wall, legs shaking, lungs heaving, and heart racing. "I've really got to find a better hobby." 25

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"I should say so." A feminine voice came from the mouth of the alley. "This one is destined to get you killed. Or at least ruin a perfectly cute leather jacket." Just like that, Bailey found a last reserve of energy. She jumped back, her feet, arms, and legs automatically going into the defense position. The sudden movement caused black dots to dance back and forth in front of her eyes. Hell, it could be a disco in her brain. "Who are you?" The night from hell kept the hits coming. One battle she could manage, but two really pushed her limits. "I've already added a new jacket to my shopping list, so thanks." "I'm here to save you." The form moved closer until it stopped underneath a light. "But it looks like you've already taken care of that for me." "I don't need anyone saving me. I never have. Besides, this isn't the type of fight a cell phone, pink purse, and a high-pitched scream can fix." Seeing a dowdy female, Bailey relaxed her stance. The woman posed no threat to her. Bailey might have to protect her if those green things came back. And please, dear God, don't let them come back. She'd never seen anyone pair flannels with paisley before. Yeah, someone needed to save her before the fashion police hauled her off. "There's more to me than meets the eye," the unknown style disaster promised. "And I was in a hurry to"—she waved a trim hand—"well, save you. I didn't have time to get my wardrobe consultant in before leaving." 26

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If Bailey hadn't known better, she'd think this unbalanced person actually meant it. "Yeah," Bailey said, walking over to retrieve her knives from where they fell after the demons dissolved. The black disco dots were back. Bending down hadn't been a good idea. She took the scarf out of her pocket, wadded it up, and shoved it over the bleeding hole in her body. "I forgot paisley and flannel were the prime choice for super-heroes out to save the planet from giant green slime men. After all, spandex is so passe." After checking the blades to make sure no permanent damage had been done, Bailey wiped them on her never-tobe-worn-again leather jacket and prepared to take the walking snack pack somewhere safe before she called it a night. She had a date to keep with Fossen's economy size bacterial lotion. "You really have warm fuzzies for the rest of the planet, don't you?" Dumb-and-Clueless asked, stepping into pace with Bailey. "Look, I don't mean to be rude." She paused, thought about that statement then corrected herself. "Well yeah, I do mean it. I've had a bitch of a night, my new jacket is ruined, my hands are covered in a substance that I don't even think the CDC could identify, and now I've got to babysit a woman who's impaired enough to wear that outfit in public." Reaching the opening of the alley, Bailey paused, took a quick look around, deemed it safe, and pushed her temporary companion out into the late-night foot traffic. Not that there 27

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was any late-night foot traffic, but still people were around somewhere. Safety in numbers and all that. "Time to find home and hearth, poodle, before you turn into a pumpkin or I push you into moving traffic." "Aren't you being a bit rude? After all you don't even know me," the other woman said with laughter in her voice. Had the female's meds run out? "It takes most people at least a few days before they feel comfortable insulting me on the level you do." They stood in the mouth of a filthy alley, in the middle of one of Houston's worst areas, Bailey bled like a...well like a gunshot victim, and the idiot next to her sounded like she wanted to paint toenails and gossip about boys. "Why do I need to know your name? You won't be more than a brief blip in my world after tonight." Bailey hooked a left on Congress where she hoped her car remained. In this neighborhood it was never a sure thing, despite the attempts of urban renewal with yuppies living in lofts with prices to match the heights of the buildings. The desperation and evil still lived on Congress in the shadows of Minute Maid Park. And, thank the saints, there her car stood. Battered and looking worse for wear, kind of like herself, Bailey limped over to her black SUV, hit the unlock button on her fob, and stuck her keys back in the pocket. "Look." The annoying woman grabbed Bailey's arm, drawing both of them to a halt and away from the truck. "You don't know me, but there's a reason I showed up in that alley." 28

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A huff of disbelief escaped Bailey's lips. "I don't have time to play word games, lady. Spit whatever it is out then we can both go our separate ways." The black sky wavered, the ground shifted before Bailey's unfocused eyes. It took precious seconds to force the nausea and pain back to the buried corners of her subconscious. A snort of laughter escaped the loony woman. "I really do like you. You're going to be so good for the boys," she stated in a very infuriating, calm way. Had the woman missed the blood, the grime, and oh, not to mention, the nasty, putrid green goo that covered the ground and most of Bailey? "I'm Clio." She held out a tanned hand with short, blunt nails. Blindly Bailey returned it with her non-bloodied but slimecovered one, too stunned by Clio's sunny disposition, words, and complete lack of preservation instinct. And who did she think Bailey would be perfect for and why? What UFO had rejected this female? "Bailey," she returned, not knowing what to make of the chirpy female. "Please let me know when your meds kick in." Bailey pulled her hand back, shoved it in her pocket before remembering the nasty crap that covered it. She felt compelled to warn the psych ward escapee. "Sorry about the slime shake. Forgot my hands were coated in crap." As if she would have shaken hands with the loon anyway. Not! Clio stared down at her hand, shrugged, gave a few halfhearted swipes against her jeans and tucked it in her back pocket. "I'm sure I've had worse." 29

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"Okay, what's your deal?" Bailey asked. No way did any ordinary woman walk into a dark alley in downtown Houston at night and not show a shred of fear. "You show up out of the blue, tell me you're here to save me, make a cryptic comment about being good for some man and then walk me to my car? Where's your sense of self-preservation? This isn't exactly the best neighborhood in Houston, you know." Clio chirped, "I'm on my honeymoon." And the hits just kept on coming. Bailey looked hard into the other woman's eyes. The streetlight did little to illuminate their space, but Bailey wanted to check this woman's pupils. Drugs, it really had to be the only answer. "Ah, nice place for some R&R. Umm." Shit, how did she get herself in these situations? She'd been minding her own business, killing slime monsters, and this whack job strolls in from nowhere. "Is your husband standing next to you? Should I introduce myself?" Not only had the woman lost her marbles, she siphoned off the last few of Bailey's. Quick-and-Clueless sent an irritated look, complete with a small frown, and slightly squinted eyes. Then proceeded to ignore the question. "Play nice or I won't share my toys." Then she laughed soft and smoky, making her appear more normal than Bailey expected. "Number one, you won't hurt me. Number two, even if you tried they'd stop you." She ticked off another finger and continued walking in a circle around her. "Number three, I know more about you than you think. Ever hear about a guy named Phoenix, likes to send dirty e-mails or ads 30

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for libido enhancement while telling you things that are about to happen but in a completely mystical jumbled mess?" Hearing her contact's name sent the blood rushing from Bailey's head and her knees wobbled. "Phoenix? How do you know about him?" This couldn't be happening. No way would that damn ornery oracle send someone to her out of the blue when she'd begged for months for some help. He'd always replied with the same answer. Help not those in need. Yep, that Phoenix had nothing but little jewels of wisdom to drop in the cesspool that made up her life. Fortune cookies had nothing on this oracle. "So you've heard of him?" Clio asked, not bothering to wait for her reply. "Yep, ole Phoenix is full of fun and useless wisdom, but he's all ours, or at least I thought he was. Seems our Phoenix is spreading himself around, that slutty little oracle." "What the hell are you talking about?" Too much more of this and Bailey would be tempted to save the demons time and drown herself. "Shouldn't you be more worried about them finding us than what Phoenix is up to?" Clio kept constantly looking over her shoulder or to the right and left. Clasping and unclasping her hands, rolling back and forth on her heels. "Worried about who finding us? The big bad green slime machine? Nah, they won't be back until they have a chance to regroup or whatever it is they do." This woman had turned into a jittery bowl of Jell-O right before Bailey's eyes. 31

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"The Scabers would be easier." Clio shook her head once again tossing a quick look over her shoulder. "I'm talking about the boys. They'll be here soon, and they are going to be pissed." "What boys and why would they be pissed?" Now she had children to worry about? What else could this woman possibly drag her into? A deep husky voice came from behind. "That would be us." "And hell yes I'm pissed," another deep voice growled. In a reaction of pure instinct, Bailey had the knife in her hand and flying through the air before the unknown voices finished speaking. With her aim always true, she waited, armed with a second knife in hand for the wet sound of steel slicing through flesh. And a second attack to begin. Shoving Clio behind her, Bailey prepared to fight for both their lives, cursing herself for staying so long chatting with El Crazy. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 3 To: [email protected] CC:[email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Unlawful use of powers From: [email protected] To All Poseidon Brothers: Zapping muggers and people wearing plaid in the butt might be fun for you plankton suckers, but it draws too much attention. Please keep in mind your powers are a privilege, not a right. I can suck those powers right out of you. Just keep giving me a reason. Phoenix, the Most Powerful Badass in the Universe Talos heard Kryssin's snarl at the sight of his mate being pushed away from him. With a flick of his wrist, Kryssin sent the blade hurtling harmlessly into the wall. Talos winced at the soft gasp of feminine outrage at Kryssin's actions. "Clio, get over here," her husband demanded, worry and fear glinting in his narrowed eyes. "Now." "These are the boys I warned you about you," Talos heard Clio telling the taller figure forcing her away from them. "These are not boys." The surprisingly feminine voice cut through the air. "Boys are shorter, with bad haircuts and droopy pants." 33

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That voice cut through Talos like a shark through water. In the long forgotten place his soul once occupied, a small spark flickered to life. Scents assailed his unused nose. All the changes happened on a subconscious level of his brain and body. Warrior to the marrow of his semi-human body, Talos's attention focused on protection of the unknown woman and Clio, the mate of Kryssin's heart. Time enough later to sort out the strange sensations invading his body. "Well, they're the boys to me. Heck, if you think they're bad, you should see the rest of the family," Clio said tartly while trying to edge around her protector, but the other woman kept her moves in tangent to every step the bound mate made. "There's even more of them at home." "Hey now, he's the reason I'm on a honeymoon." Clio pointed a finger straight at her mate with a smile and wink. "What took you so long, baby?" "I am so going to beat you for this." Kryssin's reply came out tight and low. The protective way the unknown female watched out for Kryssin's mate made Bastien relax his stance and uncoil his muscles. "Think we should interrupt?" "Only if you're willing to bet a few of your favorite body parts," Talos answered while staring at the unknown woman. "Uh, Krys, think you can rescue your wife from the woman we came to rescue?" At Bastien's words the female whipped around, her long black braid almost smacking Clio in the face. "You're here to rescue me? What, you had nothing better to do?" A snorting 34

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sound emerged then a grunt of pain quickly followed. "Damn disco ball," she muttered under her breath. Then in a louder voice. "Damn it, blondie, can't you see I'm trying to save you?" "You're saving me from my husband and his brothers. While they may occasionally get on my nerves and sometimes I offer to donate their various body parts to science or maybe use their ego to jet test my pr—" "The point, my love," Kryssin wearily inquired, all signs of fight having left his body. All the brothers were used to Clio's tirades on the code of honor and protection, but that didn't mean hearing it over and over made it any easier to swallow. It took Clio a minute to shake off her ramblings. "Oh yes, the point is, while they have a great many many many faults, none of the boys would ever hurt me. More than likely, you'll hurt their tender feelings by saying they'd hurt me." Another unladylike grunt came from the female. "Fine. If you're so sure, then take your damn fingers out of my vein so I can go home, clean off the slimy crap, and disinfect and bandage my entire body." Just like that the humor went out of the situation. "I knew I smelled blood." Kryssin charged over to Clio's side, yanking her this way and that, looking for injuries. "Stop that, you Neanderthal!" Clio ineffectively batted at Kryssin's hands. "I'm not the one who's hurt. Bailey's bleeding all over herself and the concrete."

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"Hey, don't tell them my name," the injured woman yelped as Talos reached over and plucked her off the ground. "Put me down you leather-clad, steroid-taking behemoth." "Oh, we know all about you," Clio answered breezily. Now that she thought the danger over, the woman wrapped herself around the tall warrior called Kryssin and planted a wet, loud kiss on him. One the man returned enthusiastically. When Clio came up for air, she smiled down at Kryssin from her perch in his arms. "We all heard your voice cursing the boys out. Not very nice, by the way. It's not like we even knew you existed until the scream from hell came our way." "You can let me go." Bailey seethed. Who were these people and why did they feel it necessary to invade her life? "I don't need any help." "You are so stubborn," Clio chirped and jumped down, keeping her grip on the smiling man by entwining their fingers. "By the way, the brothers Grim currently go by the names Talos, Bastien, and Muffin-pants aka Kryssin, my mate," the other woman said easily as she pointed her finger at the different men. "Hello, kettle, this is pot calling," Talos taunted and swirled around. "Let's get her back home. We'll let Alekos check her out before bringing big brother in on this." The two men flanked around the women and Talos, Bastien taking the front position and Kryssin watching their collective backs. "You have no right to take me anywhere. I'm an American citizen!" 36

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"Does she come with an off button?" Talos grumbled while Bailey continued to yell for help directly in his ear. "Har har, funny man, didn't you ask that same question about me?" Clio took the time to poke him, hard, in his ribs. "Nope." Talos shook his head innocently. "I'd never say something so mean about you, little sister." "Hello, I'm in the middle of my kidnapping. I'd like this to be all about me for the next few minutes. Or at least until I find a way to get free of you idiots." "And you thought I was trouble." Clio laughed and blew an air kiss to her husband. "Always," Kryssin crooned back as he mimed catching the kiss and blowing one back. "If you're going to kill me, can I request it happen now or is this lovey-dovey routine part of the torture?" Bailey made a loud gagging sound, which caused a small gasp of pain to escape her. Bailey tried to cover the sound by quickly speaking. "'Cause if it is, I'll tell you everything I know right now. Just stop the insanity." Talos shifted her in his arms. "No one is going to hurt you so relax." Bailey winced in pain at the mild movements. The pain and her body's reaction to it caused her to bite out more than normal. "Well, doesn't that make me all tingly inside? Can we get BFF bracelets, braid each other's hair, and get Brazilian waxes together?" She made strange cooing noises that Talos thought might have been mock adoration.

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"Make it stop before I get sick," he warned the others. There was only so much sarcasm he could take when he wasn't the one dishing it out. "Don't like it when the shoe's on the other foot do you, big brother?" Kryssin teased. A new voice, ripe with power, broke through the night. "Where do you think my foot's going to end up if I don't get answers fast?" "Holy shit, Batman, we've been busted by the commissioner," Kryssin said as his two eldest brothers shimmered into view. "Oh, damn it, I must be dying, 'cause now I'm seeing Chippendales appear out of thin air. Well, hell, what a way to go. Shake it for me, sexy pants. Someone get me a dollar!" Bailey requested right before she passed out in Talos's arms. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 4 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Computer Use From: [email protected] To All Poseidon Brothers: Whoever sent me the e-mail regarding seven years of bad luck from breaking a mirror by looking into it will have a century of ugly bad-breathed woman in their bed (Bastien). Knock off the knock off the knock-knock jokes. Phoenix the Pissed "Did she just mistake us for strippers?" "Better yet, she offered to put money in our pants!" "More important, who is this woman and why are we interfering with her life?" Their leader and eldest brother, Alexial didn't need to raise his voice. The tone alone brooked no insolence. "You didn't hear the call?" Bastien asked, moving his body protectively in front of Talos and Bailey. "What call?" Dorian pushed his way past Alexial. Unlike their eldest brother, Dorian didn't bother to leash his personality. From his waist-length black hair, Icelandic blue eyes, and blade sharp cheekbones, nothing about Dorian said subtle. "Cut the testosterone fest, boys," Clio cut in, not afraid of Dorian or intimidated by Alexial. "We heard her call out to us. What else were we supposed to do?" 39

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"Inform your leader of the information, tell his second about the possible trap that the four of you could have walked in to. Made a plan to prevent possible death or kidnapping of the only soul mate we've found in centuries." Dorian's cold voice made each of them step back. Now aware of the risk they'd taken in their rush to rescue Bailey, not only their own lives, but also the lives of a mated pair they each dropped their heads, embarrassed to have forgotten something so important. Their one true hope for their future: ending the threat to all their lives and the lives of their people, once and for all. "They didn't die, no one's been kidnapped, but it appears someone has been injured. By your leave." The silver-haired man made a quick head bow in Alexial's direction. "Would you like me to check your companion?" he asked Talos. "Where did you come from?" Clio asked as she peered behind her mate's shoulder. "Dorian summoned me for healing." With a regal nod of his head, Alekos turned back. Eyes slightly widened and lips thinned in disapproval were the only signs of his surprise at the identity of his patient. "Not sure what happened to her. We showed up in time to follow her and Clio. She managed to shove our little sister to the back for protection. Found out she didn't want to hurt short stuff over there, exchanged a few recipes, then you three showed up. Not much time to get into the details." Talos used sarcasm to express his anger, unlike his other more vocal brothers. For some reason he didn't want to hand over the bundle of trouble in his arms. 40

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Her skin felt like silk beneath his hands. Her chest rose with each breath, soothing a deep ache inside. At the same time a void opened within his core, pulsing in time with the beat of the human female's heart. Shaking his head to disperse the thoughts, Talos once more focused on his healing brother. "I didn't ask for her sign, fish breath. I asked if you wanted me to check her over," Alekos replied. "Can I interrupt the love fest to point out we had a reason for coming to find her?" Dorian's voice gentled when speaking to Clio. "Now would not be a good time, little sister." "We"—she pointed to her mate, Bastien, and Talos—"all heard her call in our heads. She actually said the name Poseidon. We thought it might be a link to the next piece of the trident and a mate." The news shocked everyone into silence, but only for a moment. "You heard what?" This from the unflappable, unshakable Dorian. "Wait, brother, they don't know what we know." Alexial held out his hand to forestall Dorian's next actions. "Don't know what?" Talos, Bastien, and Kryssin demanded. "Look, mer-people, this isn't the time or place to get into whatever freaky Phoenix deal you've got up your sleeve. We need to get Bailey back home before the Scaber demon shows back up with some of his friends." "Clio's right. We'll deal with this later when it's safer all around." 41

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In a flash of diamond-sparkled water, the family disappeared. "How is she?" "Is that blood?" "When did this happen?" "Should her skin be turning that color?" "How much longer before Talos returns with those blankets?" "More important, how did this happen?" Bailey could hear the questions zinging around her. One voice she remembered vaguely. A feminine voice cut through the rest. Then a blast of heat started in her side and traveled the rest of the way through her body. Wherever the warmth touched, a tingling sensation followed. Bailey felt better than she had in months. "Shut up all of you. I swear it's like living with the seven dwarves. Worry, Nosy, Bossy, Grumpy, Cranky, and Pissy." "You forgot the seventh, Sexy," piped up an accented, and yes, sexy, voice. "Shut up, Bastien," came the chorus of replies. "Enough, Clio, this isn't the time for your humor." A husky male voice cut her off. "Oh, 'cause it's so much better when someone's not bleeding all over the sheets," Clio snarked back. Bailey remembered that voice and weird sense of humor. They'd talked after...after what she couldn't remember. It hurt too much to try and figure out why. Not in the vague sense, but in the her-face-felt-like-it'd-been-used-for42

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a-boxer's-practice-target sense. What had happened to make her body feel like road kill run over twice? The heat hadn't spread to her face yet. She felt it taking its sweet time traveling up to where she really needed it. It didn't help when fire-tipped pokers jabbed repeatedly against various innocent and pitifully exposed parts of her body. Why couldn't Snow White and the Cranky Dwarves leave her alone? This wasn't her fairy tale after all. As a child she'd liked the Little Mermaid's story best, only she wouldn't have left the sea for some man. Bailey would have bargained for the male to have a tail and then they'd swim happily ever after. "I think she's coming around." "You said that five minutes ago," a new voice retorted. "She moaned and moved around five minutes ago. What else am I supposed to think?" A cold voice cut through the babble. "I've seen people slap an unconscious person to awaken them." "No one is slapping me," Bailey croaked out of a very dry throat. Damn, what had she been drinking? The Sahara Desert? When was that damn tingling warmth going reach her head? "Told ya so." "Shut up, Bastien." Again the group replied as one. "How are you feeling?" "Where does it hurt?" "Who did this to you?" "Who are you?' 43

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"Enough," she shouted ,or at least Bailey thought she shouted, but her voice came out more of a wheeze than a yell. "Who the hell are you and why are you bothering me?" Think, think, think, she screamed in her mind. Bailey knew something important had happened, but her mind refused to give up the facts. She flashed through the last events she could remember. While her brain supplied the answers, the healing heat finally managed to travel to her head and the soothing warmth eased her pain and helped her think. Finding Uncle Walt's diaries in the attic of the old family house while visiting...someone. Page after page of notes describing medical experiments on something her uncle labeled P.E. As a real estate agent, Bailey had no background in medical jargon and couldn't understand the scribbled notations and abbreviations written within the paperwork. What she had understood were the rambled notations at the very end of the last journal. Have to contact Phoenix or the brothers. Trinity in danger. I have felt someone following me, but when I turn around no one is there. Last night I came home, the house had been searched. My research destroyed. The intruders didn't think to look for my journals in my daughter's things. Thank God for that. I must get a message to the oracle. It's time to come clean. Have to reveal the truth of my shame all those years ago. "Trinity." That was the name of the person she had been searching for. Following her uncle's notes, Bailey had been 44

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able to surmise someone had been threatening the man and he feared for his life. "Who is she talking about?" "Do you think the Scaber demons have developed a new breed? Maybe this Trinity is the result of it. She could be in league with the seekers," a dry, cold voice suggested. "No." She couldn't be there. She had to find Trinity. With all the energy she could muster, Bailey pried her eyes open and forced her body to a sitting position. The world swam before her eyes and her stomach raced up to meet the back of her throat. "Fire in the hole," the sexy voice shouted too loudly near her ear. A bowl appeared beneath her head just in time. After empting her stomach of last night's dinner, she shoved the porcelain container away. So much for the happy thought that the heat healed her. "Where—" "Here, drink this." A glass got shoved in her face. Before she could refuse, cold water rushed between her lips, washing away the rank aftertaste coating her mouth. Bailey swallowed as much as she was able then pushed the glass away. "Where am I?" Hoping a quick look around the room would give her a clue to her whereabouts, Bailey carefully tilted her head to the side. Then her mouth dropped open. Jewels surrounded her in the brightly lit cavern. Richcolored rugs and pillows were scattered from gray wall to gray wall. The eight-foot-tall ceiling contained more priceless 45

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jewels, yet it became dwarfed with the size of the men occupying the same space. She counted five in total, all more muscular and goodlooking than the next. Had she died and gone to Playgirl heaven? "Who are you people?" Bailey forced her muscles to relax and her hands to unclench on the blanket. The calmer she appeared the easier it would be to get away. It was trickier to escape crazy people, but if she got them to let their guard down she could slip out of the cave and get back to the business of... "Crap." "She doesn't even know us yet," complained the blond man to her left. "Love yourself much?" she asked before making another attempt to stand up. "Not another one." A black-haired man with chilling blue eyes spoke carefully. "We've not yet adjusted to the blessing that is Clio." The hair on the man coming toward her was so light it looked silver in the candle's glow. "Oh no." She stood as quickly as her shaky legs would allow. "Back off, tinsel boy." "I mean you no harm." The gentleness of his voice washed over and through Bailey. The warmth of his jewel-like violetblue eyes eased her fears somewhat. "I want to ensure your movements caused no harm to my work. The extent of your injuries will take some time to heal." 46

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"Your work?" Did the man paint a mural on her body? What the hell kind of work was he talking about? "He's a healer, not an artist. And what kind of people have you been hanging out with? Use your body as a canvas." This from the cutie with the dark blond hair and strange blue eyes. Come to think of it all the men she'd seen so far had something strange about their eyes. She'd sort it out once she'd made it to safety. "Sounds kinky to me, Krys," pronounced another stud with a very nice...umm, front side. "I'm in." "Ugh, don't think about Bastien's...front," the one she remembered as being married yelled while grabbing his head. These people could read minds? "Get out of my head, perv." "Ruticia," Kryssin swore softly. "Trust me, your mind is the last place I want to be. The things you want to do with Twizzlers are unnatural." Oh damn, he must have telepathic powers. No other explanation made sense. The red string candy fantasy was not something she shared with anyone, not even previous lovers. "Think of something else, anything else, woman, purple guppies or hammer-head sharks." "Get out of my head if you don't like the view." "Does she think my butt looks big in these pants?" "Clio, my love, I don't think now's the time for feminine bonding." "What does she know, Kryssin? Anything about the Trident or seekers?" 47

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"Please, stop talking about me like I'm not here." Of course, if they kept up with the insanity fest, then she could sneak out. Get back to the actual important things in life. "She's going to make a run for it," Kryssin warned. Before the thoughts had left her head, the scary one with winter-blue eyes wrapped one of his giant scar-riddled hands around her wrist and tugged Bailey to his side. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 5 To: [email protected] CC:[email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Weather Changes From: [email protected] Attention All Poseidon Brothers: For all dummy demi-gods who think changing the weather in Alaska for better waves is acceptable...Stop thinking. You can now head there and shovel sand. Phoenix the Challenged "You go nowhere, female," his icy voice commanded. "Nizat." The words made no sense to her, but Bailey guessed it meant something pretty powerful because all the babbling stopped. "Ms. McCain is our guest. She will be treated as such by everyone." The all-encompassing stare had the mob of muscle backing up a step. "Alexial, we never meant disrespect to our guest." "Regardless of your intentions, our guest feels threatened by our actions. You will cease to restrain her," the unequivocal leader of the group stated in his low, husky voice. "She thinks to leave us in the midst of the confusion," her jailer tattled, but kept a firm grip on her wrist. "Xasr, Dorian, nuqitr, release her." A new voice cut into the already over-crowded room. 49

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"Zale, you are not supposed to be here," Alexial commented. "And he is not supposed to be imprisoning my mate." The cold reply echoed through the room. The only other woman in the room, Clio gave a start of surprise. "Zale, you can't mean—" "I certainly do, Clio. This woman has brought back to life my senses and my body. Because of her I can once more draw air into my lungs, taste the salt in the sea, and feel the sensations of sand and silk beneath my fingers." He walked to where Dorian still held Bailey captive. "Let her go, brother." That was it. No masculine threats or posturing. Just a plain request given and knowing it would be accepted. "She is yours with my blessing and sympathy," Dorian replied, released his grip on her, and backed away. Oh ass-monkey, what level of hell had she dropped into now? No way would an alpha's alpha male give up without a damn good reason. Unless a bigger badass had just taken over his territory. Shooting Dorian a dirty look for the sympathy comment, Bailey backed slowly away from Zale as he approached her with a slight smile and outstretched hand. "Thanks, really, I'm sure you're a great...whatever, but I've got plans and I'd better get to them." She swept the entire cavern filled room a look of extreme pity then quickly turned and walked away...straight into another man's arms. "Not again," she muttered and readied herself for the next encounter. 50

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"Again?" questioned the informant in the insanity game. Warm, strong arms flipped her around until her back pressed against a wide, heated, and muscular chest. "What is it that you are trying to avoid again?" The husky words were whispered against the shell of her ear. Shivers ran up and down Bailey's spine. "I suggest you release me or you'll be pulling back two stubs and stuck singing very high notes for a few weeks." "You just may be worth this risk," he retorted pulling her more firmly against him. Zale spoke over the other man's words. "Talos, let my mate go." Everything in the man holding her ceased. The heated breath against her ear and the steady pounding of his heart stopped. "Your mate, Zale? Please allow me to differ. She belongs to me." Tension tightened his muscles while waves of menace poured off him like water off a rock. "Nuqitr a bltar," shouted Zale and he charged forward. "Crap." Bailey pushed out of the big man's arms just in time to see the two men go crashing into the floor. Blood flew, curses rang, or at least what Bailey assumed to be curses. More voices rang out in both encouragement and criticism in the midst of the pandemonium the young mouthy brunette with pretty hazel eyes sidled up to her. "Never seen them this bad before," Clio commented. She leaned back against the cavern wall and watched the proceedings with a slightly bored eye. "Normally Bas would be 51

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in the center. Well, to be honest Bas is normally the cause of fighting. By the way, my name's Clio, in case you forgot. I'm married to the tall gorgeous guy trying to place bets over in the corner, Kryssin." "I remember." She didn't know if she should shake Clio's hand or bolt for the nearest pharmacy. "Yeah, this is really nice I'm sure, but I've got places to go." Bailey didn't have time to play nursemaid to a bunch of overgrown boys. "Tell the kids I said goodbye." "Wasn't sure if you'd remember anything before the great faint." The other woman smiled as Bailey turned to flee. A strong arm blocked her exit. "You would cause this bedlam and then leave without seeing to a solution?" Alexial's face looked harsh in the candlelight. "I didn't ask to come here. I woke up and here I was. You people brought me here." Surely he could see she didn't want to be in the middle of this primitive male ritual. "Bringing you here saved your life. If not for the actions of my brothers you would be lying in the gutter, dead. Or, kidnapped to a fate worse than death. You should be on your knees thanking us for saving your ungrateful life." "Alexial, that's not fair. Bailey didn't know we would be there. She tried to save me from danger. I doubt she even knows the call was sent out." Clio pleaded with the stonefaced leader, placing a small hand on his arm. Clio's heart might be in the right place, but Bailey didn't need anyone defending her. Since the age of eight, Bailey had been in charge of her own life. 52

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"Thanks for that, but I can take care of myself." She tried to dodge under the arm blocking her way to freedom, but the man matched her every move. "If you'd move out of the way, I'll take myself out of the equation and then problem solved." "If only it were that easily resolved, madam. However I believe the removal of your person would not solve the problem, but would only increase the agitation of my brothers. That I cannot and will not allow." He waved an arm to a comfortable looking couch Bailey hadn't been aware of. "Sit." He took over the matter by holding on to her arm with one hand. The other he used to gently, but firmly, steer her right onto the couch. "We'll be right back." Bailey didn't bother waiting until Alexial turned his back. She jumped back to her feet before her butt could dent the very soft cushions. "I don't need you, your family, or your protection." Bailey wasn't even sure if that's what he was offering, but thought it best to throw that in too. Swirling blue eyes froze Bailey in mid-step. "You will sit back down until I give you permission to move." Without her consent, Bailey's legs moved backward. She found herself sitting back down on the same couch she'd left ten seconds ago, yet unable to move her legs, arms. Her lungs continued to draw and release air, the steady pumping of her heart reassured Bailey not all her organs had deserted her. But as she tried to speak, her lips refused to follow the dictates of her brain. No, Bailey screamed in her mind. Somehow that man with the eerie eyes and shoulders the size of an eighteen-wheeler 53

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had taken over her body. What was he? Some type of alien living as a human ready to take over the world? Using her body as a means to enter society under the guise of— "Please, for the love of Poseidon, woman. We're not here to take over the planet, your body, and certainly not your mind," Kryssin yelled amid the chaos. "Nobody would want into that warped piece of fish rot." "This is what happens when you leave the kids alone." The voice came from nowhere and everywhere, echoing throughout the large cavern. A clap of thunder boomed then a bright light exploded. Bailey tucked and rolled to the far side of the couch grabbing Clio on the way. In the back of her mind, Bailey did summersaults and cute high kicks over her regained muscle control. "Timeout. Everyone to a corner," blasted the mysterious voice. The fighting ceased. Each man flew through the air by invisible hand to land hard against the jewel-encrusted walls. Air whooshed by like a giant 747 had flown past her face. "That's better." The voice had stopped the creepy echo sound and the light had shrunk until it only remained centered on a singular spot. "Now, Ms. McCain, why don't you get up off the floor and help Clio up as well." Bailey crawled out from the relatively safe shelter of the couch, stuck a hand out to help Clio to her feet. Taking a chance, Bailey lifted her head to meet the face of the man with so much presence he could take on a roomful of grown men with nothing but the power of his voice. 54

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"Awww shucks, ma'am. It weren't nuthin'," came the voice from the light. "Who the hell are you?" Bailey managed to stutter out. "What the hell are you?" From her quick glances to the center of the room, she only saw bright flashes of light and the outline of a very tall, very large man. "Am I what I am and that's all that I am?" came the reply as a very bad Popeye imitation. "Oh good Lord, there's another one of you." The fear faded under the onslaught of irritation. Anger Bailey could handle, fear she couldn't. "Oh honey, I'm an original, often imitated, but never duplicated. These boys might attempt to emulate me, but they don't stand a chance." The light pulsed with each word. The outline of the person engulfed with the glow changed each time she attempted to get a better look. "Sweet cheeks, you'd better just give it up. You'll never figure me out." A deep sigh came again. "Now, let's figure out what to do with these kids. Can't keep them in timeout forever, now can I?" "No, I guess we can't." She gave a shaky sigh of her own. If this guy had enough power to tame the unlimited power of the men around her then it might be a smart idea to stay on his good side. "Bunny-lips, I don't have a good side." Great, another Peeping Tom of the mind.

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The man was an idiot and derogatory to women. What had her uncle been thinking to involve himself with this IQ challenged family? And to involve— Bailey stopped herself right there. The last thing she needed were more people trooping through her head picking out her thoughts. The next person to take a guided tour in her head would start paying rent. "Can this day get any better?" she mumbled to herself, knowing better than to expect an answer. The sound of clapping hands dragged Bailey's attention away from her pity party and back to the problem or problems at hand. "Hey, Clio, glad to see you're feeling better after that little cut you got a few weeks ago." Now the crazy voice sounded jolly and semi-sane. Derision coated Clio's words. "A little cut?" Her voice rose very close to a screech. "You call getting impaled with a spear, a little cut?" Clio gave the figure a one-finger salute. Clio turned back to face Bailey. "A few weeks ago we were involved in a battle with the same demons you ran into tonight. Long story short, I got in the way of a flying spear. It impaled me." She stressed the word before continuing. "Thanks to my mate and his brothers, I recovered." "Come on, Clio, admit I did help some." A pleading tone entered the voice. "I sent Jay, didn't I?" "You are crazier than any of the boys could ever dream of being. Now release my husband and the rest of them before I show you what power I managed to get out of this little soulbond!" the petite brunette responded. 56

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Wow, for such a little thing Clio had a big temper and short fuse. Bailey never would have thought someone who looked as unassuming as Kryssin's wife to go straight for the jugular. "Just goes to show what you know about people," the voice snarked. "And Clio, my love, I knew you'd be fine. And now here ya are all fine and healed, ya are." The last was spoken in a very authentic Irish accent. And Bailey had asked if this day could get any weirder. She should have asked if it couldn't. "What about Kryssin?" Clio persisted. "Fine, but you owe me a really cool Christmas present for spoiling my fun." The sound of snapping fingers and three men fell from their prison on the wall. With a shout of relieved laughter Clio rushed over to her mate's side. The other two Bailey vaguely remembered being called Bastien and their emotionless leader Alexial. "Why haven't you released the others, Oracle?" For a leader of men, he had a bad attitude. "Oh no, you're back." The sexy psychic groaned. "Stay out of my head, you mind perv," Bailey nearly shouted. Why she bothered, she didn't know. Nothing going on between her ears would be anywhere close to sane. "Children, don't make me send you to separate corners again," the Voice called out, sounding both amused and weary. Bailey wondered how someone so powerful could sound so tired, yet sarcastic. "Alexial, take that stick out of your butt and relax. The other children still aren't of a mind to 57

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play nicely. Until they promise to stop beating the crap out of each other they stay where they are." "Then maybe you can explain why I have two brothers claiming the same woman. They have the same symptoms, reactions, and knowing. How can this be? My father's staff surely didn't hit the same woman twice." The bright light dimmed, becoming almost black before a soft blue orb pulsed out of the circle. When he next spoke, the Voice was soft, almost apologetic. "Alexial, you have my sincerest apology. I'll be giving the same to Zale and Talos as well. This wasn't expected or anticipated. However, I believe it will be much simpler and less confusing if I only have to explain it once." "What the f—" "Bailey," shouted one voice while another cursed fluently in the same foreign tongue she thought to be native to them. "Ms. McCain, are you well?" This time she recognized Zale's formal tone. For some reason, sympathy stirred within her at the formality of his voice. Had the man never loved or had he been too afraid of releasing that vaunted control she sensed to let a woman inside his heart and mind? Without warning, the Voice spoke in her head. She knew the words were for her mind alone. "It is good you recognize Zale's formality shields a tender heart and gentle spirit. His trial will be long and lonely with only the vaguest hope to keep him from answering the call of the sea. You will give him that hope, but not as his water-mate/wife. Be his friend, keep his feet in the sea, but his dreams in the air." 58

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Chapter 6 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Company Credit Cards From: [email protected] It has come to my attention, thank you, American Express, that someone i.e.: Bastien, has been spending too much time and money at Puss & Boots Naughty Nighty House. This would not be an issue as I have more money than Bill Gates & Steve Jobs combined. However, please stop sending women home in takeout containers for Eryx. Do you know how much time it takes me to wipe their memories? And no one thinks it's funny when you wrap the women up in doggy bags. Phoenix the Merciless The Voice wanted her to be Zale's friend. The one man out of the group that made her feel uncomfortably scruffy. She wasn't to be his wife. That was a good thing, right? "Hey, wait a minute!" She forgot about answering in her mind and spoke out loud. "I'm sure as hell not going to be anyone's mate or wife or whatever the hell you're calling it these days. I've got a promise to keep and nothing short of death will keep me away from it." "Must you be so dramatic, Bailey? You are destined to complete one of the nine. More specifically, Talos is the one you're fated to be with. Be patient with him. His mind is only on your protection, with no thoughts to rational behavior. In 60

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his mind you must be protected at all costs. I doubt he even understands the truth behind his emotions." "What the heck are you babbling about?" "Girlfriend, I'm trying to give you a heads-up here. You are blessed to be chosen as mate with this man." "I don't have time for a date, much less a relationship." "In this you don't have a choice. The fates have already named you the chosen one." "Tell the bitches I said thanks, but no thanks." Remembering she had regained the use of her legs, Bailey hauled herself to her feet and walked with as much confidence as she could muster. "Where do you think you're going, mate?" A strong arm trapped her by the wrist. "What is it with you people and grabbing me? Haven't you ever heard of manners?" Tugging her arm got no results so Bailey resigned herself to staying in place, at least for the next few minutes. She gave the room a quick look around. If she couldn't find another exit, maybe she could find an ally. To her astonishment, Bailey stood with only three men. The thing they called the Phoenix, and her two supposed mates. Phoenix had been the voice. The source of all the power and slightly screwed up humor. Wow, how the hell did she know that? "I will show you every courtesy imaginable once you release my soul to me." Talos's words were said in a matterof-fact tone, as if they were discussing something as mundane as the latest best-seller. Then his voice dropped to 61

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a sexy whisper as he blew into her ear. "Want to get started?" In case she didn't get his overt meaning, Talos swiveled his hips against her jean-clad bottom. "What!" Bailey screeched. She knew she screeched because Talos flinched and pulled back slightly. "I don't have your soul and you sure as hell aren't getting mine." "Your soul isn't yours. Half of it belongs to me," he stated in a bored voice. With his massive arms crossed over an equally massive chest, Talos looked like Hollywood's version of the perfect hero. Down to his smug smile, cocked eyebrow, and sexy lock of dark hair falling over his eye, he could be posing for a romance book cover. "Once you release my half I am more than willing to let you go your own way, for a while." The man had to be nuts. A gorgeous nut to be sure with his thick, wavy dark-auburn hair, the same strange silvery blue eyes as his brothers, but his tall, heavily muscled body still blocked the exit she needed. Even wearing a thick black T-shirt stretched over a delicious, hard stomach tucked into faded, well-washed denim jeans that hugged an ass Bailey would like to bounce a quarter off of, he remained the only obstacle between her and freedom. Speaking of freedom, or thinking it as the case may be, why the hell didn't she do something to gain hers? Surely Phoenix had left and that meant her chance to get out of the asylum. Before Bailey started to become one of them. "How about I don't rack you in the balls and I still go my own way, hmm?" It seemed a shame to damage what looked 62

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to be prime jewels, but freedom meant more to her than this man's future ability to have children. "Watch your favorite body part, man. This one is bloodthirsty," came the disastrous and all knowing Voice, i.e. Phoenix: the latest and greatest pain in her ass. Bailey swiveled, or half-swiveled, due to the tight grip on her arm to try and face the faceless busybody without a body. "Keep your invisible nose out of my business. If I want to rack the man I will. I don't need your permission. I sure as hell don't need you to go tripping through the tulips of my mind and tell everyone what I'm thinking and planning." "Hey now, no need to get insulting. I have a perfectly good face I'll have you know." Out of everything she'd said, Useless had focused on that one small nuance. The oracle/Voice actually sounded offended. "I am offended, you flesh-eating land walker. I'll have you know I'm so good-looking that just seeing my eyebrow would cause tears to flow from you. There's a reason I can't show my pretty mug to you people, besides being all spooky and all-knowing makes for better obedience from these lackeys." The tone was smug and the voice light and still Bailey couldn't help but hear a minute bit of pain buried deeply in this stranger's voice. "I'm sure you're stud-of-the-year material. Sorry I implied otherwise." Leave it to her to land in a cave with a bunch of overgrown beta males more concerned with ego and surface appearance than the really important things. "Honey, I'm the alpha all others were created to imitate. After me, no one else fit into the mold." 63

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"I said I'm sorry. What more do you want?" she replied while grinding her molars together. If this conversation kept up much longer, Bailey would have to invest in a good dental plan. "I'm not touching that one, so apology accepted," the great and glorious one conceded. "If you would, Phoenix, may we please get back to the issue of my soul and the return of it?" Whine, whine,whine. That's all the man did. "I lost my soul. I want it back. Poor me with a missing soul. Woe is me and my soul-free body. I'm the soulless wonder of the institute," Bailey mimicked in a deeper voice. A snort stopped her dialogue before she could continue her tirade. "Something you want to say, oh elegant and faceless one?" "Shark's balls. Female, we thought Clio was bad, but now we know how bad it could have been. You're proof of that." "Like that's going to hurt my feelings." As she said the words a small spurt of something that could possibly be construed as hurt by the wrong person, so she squelched it before the whole thought could form. "Clio may be sarcastic, but she never deliberately set out to hurt people." Censure weighted his tone, but Bailey couldn't allow herself to care. Other people were relying on her to stay strong and more important stay free. "Then stick a halo on her head and let me go. I didn't as—"

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"Yes, everyone knows you didn't ask for this," Talos broke in. "But everyone here thought you'd act like an adult instead of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum." She clasped a hand over her heart. "Oh no," she wailed in mock horror. "Does this mean I don't get the consolation car wax prize?" She made a show of stumbling over her feet in mock parody of the death throe. "How ever will I live? To come so close to humanity's biggest dream—" "Can we stop the drama and concentrate on what's important here?" Talos spoke again. "Hey, why aren't you frozen like the rest of them?" She pointed a finger to Talos and Zale. "I liked you better when you couldn't speak." "They're free because I will it so." Phoenix's voice lost all humor. "You breathe because you have use to me. If not for that, I would be hard pressed not to help end your existence." Softness vanished from his voice as well. The being standing before her held no mercy in him. "Now you get the picture," Phoenix said and once again snapped his fingers. Just like that the threatening posture disappeared. The oppressive weight in the air left. "You are one scary fellow," Bailey admitted. "Yeah, ain't it great?" Laughter and sarcasm were back. "A barrel full of rabid monkeys couldn't make this any better. Look, I appreciate the fact you people think I have something that belongs to you." This part came out strong and true because she spoke the truth. Getting through the next part made her want to sweat a little. 65

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"However you've got the wrong girl. I'm not the heroine type. I get mad, I get even. I've already had sex, so I'm no sacrificial virgin. I don't donate my time to old people or animals. I cuss, I drink, I need coffee in the morning to make me halfway human. I use makeup to look halfway alive. I don't have a burning desire to do good nor are my breasts perky enough to quiver in arousal. My hair isn't naturally perfect." She took a deep breath for the last part. "Most importantly I've never pined away or dreamed for my prince to come. I'm not looking for love. I don't believe in it." Talos reclaimed possession of her arm. "That makes it all the more convenient for me. I won't have to be burdened with your presence for longer than necessary. Let's go." He tugged her through the archway. "We have a ritual to get through." "Wait, I can't go with you. Let me take care of my stuff first then I promise to get back with you. What's your cell number and e-mail add—" A flash of bright light and the smell of the ocean hit Bailey right before everything disappeared. One minute Zale felt his body hit the cold, lumpy wall of the cavern. The next he stood in front of their oracle in all his self-delusional glory. "I can read your mind, son of Poseidon." And zapped Zale in the ass. "Mind your manners." "Yes, Oracle," Zale demurred and resisted the urge to rub his butt. Thought of how much he hated the mind reading powers his brother and Phoenix possessed. Then recent events caught up to him. 66

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Zale's head shot up, his dark hair blocking his vision for just a second before he carelessly shoved it out of the way. "Where is my mate?" he asked, savagely lashing down the hot anger fighting to spew from his body. He clenched and unclenched his hands and forced his mind away from the emotional and back to the logical. The Phoenix sighed. "Zale, she's not your mate." "Why do you lie, Oracle?" The deception made no sense. Phoenix couldn't possibly think Zale would believe him. From the moment Bailey entered the room, Zale felt a change explode through his body. Lungs that once lay dormant filled and swelled with renewed life. His heart beat an erratic rhythm. Most of all Zale could smell the sweet scent of Bailey's blood and his mouth watered at the thought. Finally after all the years spent in penance, he would lift the shackles of the past and emerge into a new life thanks to his new mate. Electricity charged the air. Alekos, Alexial, and Bastien smacked into the cave walls once more. Startled at his own mobility, Zale wearily stepped back. "Are you mad?" "Wrong question, loser." The electrical shock started at his feet, but quickly centered on the apex between his thighs. Zale feared his ability to father children after Phoenix's treatment. Without warning, the pain stopped. "Are you ready to listen or do I need to persuade you some more?"

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Any movement would cause residual pain, but not moving might bring on another round of Phoenix's shock therapy. With careful movements, Zale parted his lips. "Listen." The idiotic spiritual leader of their family floated a Cheshire cat smile in midair. Then Phoenix nodded. "Good, good, knew I could talk you into it." Zale didn't challenge the other man on his persuasion abilities. "Pay attention this time, son. I've got other things to do besides babysit the nine of you." Zale cracked his lips open enough to spit out another agreement. This little show of defiance would cost him several hours in the ocean. "Son, you gotta know this isn't my favorite part of the job. Hell, I didn't even want this responsibility." Phoenix sucked in a deep breath, slowly released it. "Bailey McCain isn't meant for you, Zale. I think you know what I'm talking about." Denial sprang to his lips. His brain followed up with a picture of waist length tresses the color of the midnight sky, eyes as dark as the finest chocolate. A new picture replaced it. Those beautiful eyes open, staring sightlessly at nothing. The dried blood that marked the open wound on her chest, the wound caused by the Veiled Ones. He refused to go back to his past even if it cost him another trip through Phoenix's tunnel of shock. He would not lose his last chance at happiness. Hadn't he paid enough for that one mistake? "Vanessa LaVitoltia died over one hundred years ago. It's time to accept her death and the role you played in it. Let go 68

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of the guilt. Take off the hair shirt. You've done your penance or whatever you call it. You didn't kill Vanessa." "My presence alone caused her death." Pictures flashed through his mind, one after the other, all containing shots of Vanessa's death. How could he possibly want another mate when he'd so utterly failed his Vanessa? Yet, his newly awakened heart ached with longing. "She's not mine?" he quietly asked, turning his head away from the other man's knowing gaze. With quiet steps, Phoenix walked to the ornate chair that had appeared out of thin air. "Bailey belongs to Talos." He sat, threw one leg over the jewel-encrusted arm; the other swung from side to side. "Then why do I have these feelings?" There, see if the allpowerful could answer that. "Don't get snippy with me, boy. I'm trying to let you down easy." From his position across the room, Zale could hear the long drawn out sigh and his newly beating heart fell. "When Kryssin bonded with Clio, he set certain powers free in himself and in the rest of you. Some of those powers are ones you had before Poseidon took your souls, others are ones you would have grown into. Empathic powers are the ones you seem to have gained. It explains why you felt all the emotions of Kryssin and Talos and had their same reactions." This news shocked him. The last thing Zale had expected to hear involved more power. Kryssin's experience had showed the rest of them the power surge possible when mated. Also, Clio ran through power like a druggie with crack. 69

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The female soaked it up and could dish it out like nothing anyone had ever seen. But to have those powers shared with the rest of the family was something that none of them had even thought to dream about. "Yeah, ain't that a kick in the ass. You never know what's going to happen, especially now that Bailey's joined the group. She'll probably add more power too, but there's no telling what or when." The last came out in a gleeful tone accompanied by a crack of lightning. When the smoke cleared the chair and the man were gone. Zale cursed to himself as his brothers came crashing down from their various positions on the wall. He hated being and acting emotional. Now he had to pay the repercussions for acting out on the feelings he never wanted to have. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 7 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Wasted Time From: [email protected] This e-mail address is to be used for company purposes only. I want to know about the demons, Scabers, and seekers you kill. With that in mind, read and memorize or else I'll shave you all bald. Then take pictures. Don't make me wipe my e-mail address from your minds. E-mail is a privilege not a right. Remember or be prepared to be Naired. Phoenix the All-Knowing "Sit somewhere else." Bailey scooted back across the milewide bed, almost sliding off the satin cover to avoid Talos's bulk when he sank next to her. Cursing the luxurious comforter, the pillows, and the bed, she struggled to get back into whatever position of authority she could manage after being unceremoniously dumped on the lake masked as a sleeping surface. Lots of money had gone into making the landing pad as sensuous as possible. The entire bottom half of her uncle's house could have fit easily into the space surrounding her. Ankle-deep carpet covered the entire length of the room while rich furnishings gave the space a deeply masculine feel. 71

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Bailey jerked her head around at a slight movement to her left. The place where she had assumed the windows stood turned out to be a giant ten-by-eight-foot aquarium. Beautifully colored fish floated past. A shadow darkened the water and dimmed the bright fish. Straining her neck to catch a glimpse of what kind of fish could have cast such a big shadow, Bailey fell off the fivehundred-count sheets and slid straight on her ass. "Close your mouth before you start catching sand flies," Talos mocked from above her. The complete one-eighty in personality made her to look up at him. In this position with her back to the bed, with Talos leaning over the edge, rich, dark, silky auburn hair falling forward and her head tilted up, Bailey saw exactly how handsome her kidnapper appeared. Thick, straight, dark wine-red hair fell over shrewd ocean-blue eyes. Sharp cheekbones led to a knife's blade nose that pointed downward to full lips currently poised as if to smile. Slowly as if he had all the time in the world, Talos leaned down until his lips were seconds from her own. "Tell me no, Bailey of the surface-dwellers." With each word a soft brush of air teased her lips. "No," Bailey managed in a very soft, very breathy voice she doubted anyone but herself heard. "As you say." And those perfect lips descended until they met hers in a mutual exploration of passion. Soft and light, Talos's lips whispered across hers. Drawing back when she wanted him closer, forcing Bailey to follow his lead. 72

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The light touches sparked and set off a chain reaction of fire within her body. Heat poured from his lips into her bloodstream. Nerve endings sparked in a way she never knew existed, desire pooled molten and hot for the first man to bring her passion fast and hard to the surface. The few other lovers that she'd had never came close to making her explode with just a touch. Not the way this man did with almost a single look. A quick swipe of his tongue had Bailey eagerly opening her mouth to him, ready to explore where this new bevy of sensations would take her. Addicted to his taste and wanting to explore more of him, Bailey sent her own tongue into the dark, rich cavern of Talos's mouth. And fell headfirst into a never ending well of desire. Chase and retreat; they played together for endless moments. Passion burned brighter until Bailey thought her body would explode from the pent up pressure. With a lingering lick and a last soft touch of warm lips, Talos withdrew. Eyes as blue as a midsummer tempest and just as combustible stared into her own gaze that must be dazed and filled with lust. Big mistake, she thought and tried to marshal her wayward libido. Having hot kinky sex with one's captors did not a good captive make. Drawing in a deep breath to regain some oxygen for her air-starved brain, Bailey quickly looked away from temptation and focused her attention on the room surrounding them. Knowing if he smiled, her resolve would somehow weaken without consent again, Bailey turned her head away from 73

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those enticing lips and back to the view that landed her there in the first place. "Why do you have a dolphin in your aquarium?" She heard the movement of cloth on cloth and guessed Talos had moved to a more prominent position on the bed. "I do not own an aquarium. I believe them to be small jails for creatures meant to live free," he unexpectedly answered. A snort of disbelief escaped her. "There is a water-filled object with fish swimming about freely. This object is placed in your wall. What else would you care to call it?" "I call it the ocean, and as we are down several hundred feet, I would not call these animals trapped." He stood before her like magic. One minute Bailey stared in confusion at the wall of water and fish, then a very sexy belly button with an intriguing dusting of red hair that led right into the top of his unbuttoned jeans. Images of exactly what lay beneath the increasingly strained zipper flew through her mind in rapid succession. His words were slow to penetrate. "We're where?" she sputtered out the words, not able to believe what he said. With an unconsciously sexy move, Talos stretched his heavily muscled arms above his head. The movement had Bailey's mouth drying up and something else heating up. "I don't know the exact coordinates. Inside the Bermuda Triangle, I believe." The nonchalance of his words didn't make them any easier to accept. "Somewhere inside of the Triangle?" No way could this guy be telling the truth. Not enough time had passed to transport 74

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her anywhere outside of Texas, much less the U.S. Wherever they'd taken her must be within the Houston city limits. Maybe they were in the middle of the Kemah Aquarium and he'd blocked out the tables and kitchen. As explanations went it came out pretty lame even in the relative privacy of her head. And if Bailey remembered correctly, Ike had taken out the popular eating place in September. "Look, I don't have time for your games. Just tell me what I need to do to get out of here." Calm, deep breaths help prevent the panic attacks. No way could she stay here. "These are not games. I speak the truth. You are approximately twenty-two miles inside the Triangle and over seven hundred feet below the surface. " Bailey refused to cater to his delusions any longer. "Seven hundred feet down would be pitch black." Take a breath. "Dolphins can't live that far down." Quick breath. "They're mammals." Again with the air. "They need air to breathe. Pressure would kill them. And you." Had someone sucked the air from the room? Bailey couldn't get enough air in her lungs. "For your illusion you need some type of light." Pant, pant, pant. "Then no more than fifty to seventy five feet would be a good start." More panting as she tried to keep the sarcasm ahead of her panic. "Especially for the dolphins and the colorful fish that would only be seen at those depths." Sweat rolled off her body, but she refused to give up. "Not almost a thousand feet under." Talos gave a deep sigh. "We are indeed that far below. However, since we are surrounded and protected by the ancient stones, no harm will come to the mammals as they 75

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can come through to breathe air at anytime. The fish you see out of the portal are here for the same reason. They enjoy being surrounded by our people and the safety we provide them from most predators. Though some do get by, as Clio will attest." The last was said with a hint of laughter and Bailey wondered what Kryssin's mate had seen. Hands in the air, Bailey paced the floor. "That's not logical. Fish don't know if you'll protect or eat them. And as smart as I'm sure dolphins are, there's no way they would survive the trip to such a depth much less learn where to get their oxygen." She changed her mind. Bailey hadn't been kidnapped and put in a prison. She'd been kidnapped and thrown into an insane asylum (a very plush, very elegant asylum), but a nut house nonetheless. Being popped from one place to the next had to be moved to a back burner. She so didn't have time for the nice mental breakdown she deserved. Putting off her meltdown, Bailey tried to distract herself by really looking around the room. Something she'd avoided before in an effort to remain sane. Since that idea had gone to hell in a hand basket, might as well enjoy the side bennies to being a paste-eater. Luxurious didn't begin to describe the furnishings throughout the room. Aged woven tapestries hung from the fifteen-foot ceilings to drape gracefully against the taupe carpet. A football-field-size bed dominated, and matching teak furniture pieces, and plush, sink-to-the-ankle carpet made 76

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Bailey wonder if she'd hadn't fallen through Paris Hilton's rabbit hole. This much opulence in one place made her uneasy. Looking at the priceless figurines, she was terrified to breathe on one much less touch them. The chairs alone looked like they had once held the weight of all the kings and queens of Europe. Two of them sat by an unusually shaped fireplace made out of marble, gold, and...sand? How weird did these people get? Scratch that question, Bailey told herself and refocused on the room. Something about the mantel caught her attention, but Bailey couldn't put her finger on it. Later when she could snoop in private, she'd take another look. The room didn't shout money. It screamed it with a twenty-foot tall billboard and flashing lights. And Bailey McCain couldn't be more out of place then if she put on an elephant suit and tried a soft-shoe routine. "I don't belong here." A quick look around showed her Talos had silently followed her movements. "Fine." The soft look in his eyes disappeared, and his lips formed a hard line. "Give me what I asked and you're free to go anytime." She didn't know what he wanted. In the other room, he'd said something about his soul. The man must be mad if he thought Bailey had stolen anything from him, much less his soul. 77

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"Look." Be nice until nice doesn't work anymore. The motto had gotten her through more than one hard spot. "I'm not sure what you're talking about. I didn't steal anything from you. You can check my pockets for all I care." He huffed out an annoyed breath. "What I want can't be found in your clothing. You have my soul, Bailey McCain, and I wish it back." The force of his words should have scared her. He loomed over her, all six-feet-plus inches of power. Yet, some stupid part of her brain refused to believe he'd hurt her. She wanted to smack herself. Hadn't she learned the hard way? Men were men were men. Her ex, Shawn, had taught her just how deceiving men could be. Fear ran through her veins. Bailey refused to give in. Not now, not this time. She'd trained and studied to be prepared for moments like this. "You want to take a step back, buddy. I don't like anyone in my personal space and you've just invaded the hell out of it." Rather than waiting for Talos to make the mature choice, Bailey sidestepped around him and raced for the door. With one hand reaching for the handle, the other digging in her pocket she found the only weapon available, her car keys. Talos appeared before her in a shower of sparkling water as she'd almost known he would, Bailey brought her left hand out and up. Striking at those beautiful eyes almost broke her heart, but her need for freedom outweighed her remorse. The metal missed his eye as Talos's hand flashed out quicker than Bailey could follow. Instead, the key dug deep 78

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into the skin below cutti,ng a narrow but deep path in the soft flesh. Time and advantage running out, Bailey jumped back, swept her leg out and watched in amazement as the move she'd attempted for years connected. She'd never mastered the move in practices. And now that it worked, she felt exhilarated with power. Talos's face looked comical as he fell to the floor. Eyes wide in disbelief, mouth gaping wide, and hands flailing in air. With a soundless sigh of regret, Bailey pushed past his humorous form and slid out the door. Guilt shouldn't factor into her mind, but she couldn't help it. The man had his tongue down her throat only minutes ago. It had to be normal to lose such an incredible potential lover. Though, she'd never actually sleep with him, Bailey promised herself. But kissing didn't count and Talos could kiss her until the clown fish came home. A sigh of relief and regret slid out of her mouth. It had been a relatively clean getaway. Only to have five warm fingers tightly wrap around her left ankle. "I have not given you permission to leave," Talos said and used his T-shirt to calmly wipe the blood from his face. Guilt raised its ugly head at the sight of his blood. Blood she'd caused to be spilled. Only allowed a brief glimpse of an empty gold hallway before she was unceremoniously hauled back into her prison, Bailey cursed long and loud, promising herself she'd find 79

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another way to gain her freedom even if it meant over Talos's dead body. She'd forgotten the most important rule of any selfdefense course or martial art. If a female gets a male down, she needed to stomp his balls so he couldn't get up and she could get away. Instead Bailey had given into her inner slut. No way would that tramp allow harm to come to such an important and vital part of Talos's anatomy. Talos gave a casual glance to the woman he'd currently imprisoned. Dirty with dried blood stains covering her clothes from yesterday's previous battle, hair pulled in every direction, she should not be attractive to him. His thoughts should be about finding clean clothes for her. Not about peeling those torn layers from her body and seeping himself in the taste of her skin. Then using his tongue to clean every nook and cranny he could discover. Resting in cloth covered with one's own blood tended to bring on nightmares instead of the peaceful dreams he wanted for her. Bailey McCain should not be able to pull at him so quickly and completely, but she did. He resented being in her power, hated the fact that he needed her to complete his soul. Some things a man should never have to rely on a woman for. And his soul was one of them. He knew of Kryssin's original mistake with his mate. Thinking her very attractive friend had caused his body to roar to life, his brother had been stunned to find out Dr. Clio Foster, the unassuming archeologist, held his soul. Their 80

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journey to love and completion had given the rest of the family many laughs as well as information for the future. To his knowledge, Clio had never once tried to stab or maim her mate. Sarcasm was her weapon of choice and the woman wielded it like a master. Never had he heard of any mate, any true-mate, trying to kill her other half. At least not before the bonding. This information would have to be told to Alexial. Every scrap of new knowledge could be vital to their search for their father's Trident pieces and for the other women holding his brothers' souls. For just a moment while watching her over the side of the bed, Talos had felt himself soften, his heart warmed, and he allowed himself to dream, however briefly, of enjoying the happiness Kryssin and Clio shared. He held that hope until he watched the light of battle fire in Bailey's eyes. Talos had wanted another fire lighting his soul-keeper's eyes. One of passion and heat, but for now he'd settle for battle. Tomorrow would be soon enough for him to reveal this new knowledge to his brothers. For tonight, he had an angry and obviously confused mate to subdue and control. Whether the female liked it or not, she owed him a soul. "Woman, cease your struggles." Regardless of his greater strength and cunning, Talos's mate continued to fight like a warrior. She threw her head back to slam against his own, while he tried to regain his wits, her right leg twined between his and yanked them both down onto the carpet. 81

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With a grunt and twist, Talos flipped so his bigger frame took the brunt of the fall. Bailey didn't take a breath between one maneuver and the next. Before her body landed on the ground she pushed to her knees while thrusting her hand up and at his nose. Quick reflexes honed on countless battlefields saved him from certain death. Her tight fist slapped into the palm of his own hand. He quickly squeezed his fingers tight, making one of her weapons useless. If Bailey had finished the hit, Talos had no doubts he'd be dead, at least for a little bit. Being immortal had a few perks, like not dying when one's mate seemed bound and determined to try it anyway. "Cease your struggling, woman. I will not hurt you and you can't think to hurt me." In a few quick moves Talos had her trapped helplessly beneath him. Astonished at her refusal to give in at the face of overwhelming and impossible odds, Talos felt a seed of respect start to grow. Bailey never gave in and she never gave up. Maybe the time had come to stop trying to fight her and find out exactly what she had been fighting for. "If you stop your struggles, I'll get off you. Then we'll talk." He waited to see if his words would sink in. Seconds ticked by, the silence broken by their harsh breathing. Finally after what seemed five lifetimes, Bailey stopped her fitful movements and stared at him. "Fine, but get off me now." She punctuated the words with sharp thrusts of her round hips. "Fznag," he swore and almost flew off her body. 82

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Talos had forgotten or tried to forget the other side effect of having a mate. The increased sexual desire. The need to feel flesh on flesh, to taste and bite the satin skin that teased him with brief glimpses. When he stood, back to the door, he finally lifted his eyes to meet the one woman destined to destroy his hard-won calm. "We need to talk," he stated firmly, praying to the one God that she would listen, quickly agree, and give him his soul back. Too much longer in Bailey's presence and Talos knew he wouldn't be able to, or even want to, control his desire to sink fangs into the pulse sweetly beating at the junction of her neck and shoulder. One taste would be all it took to bring him to heaven then thrust him back into hell. Talos didn't take chances. He didn't fully believe in the whole soul mate deal. Logically he knew the legends to be true. The mind, however, was much easier to convince than the heart. He found himself afraid to hope that this miracle could indeed be happening to him. He had his foundation stirred when Kryssin and Clio had hooked up, but then firmly told himself it could only be a fluke. He wanted life to go on the way it had always been. If he let this woman, this supposed mate, into his life, his heart and soul, how much would change? How much would he change? Would he still be able to protect their leader and brother? Or would he be too concerned with bedding his female to worry about the safety of his family?

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No, it had to be this way. Talk then take. Leave nothing to chance. If the oracle wanted a mate in the family so bad, Phoenix could have the angry one sitting in his chair. Try as she might, Bailey couldn't come up with a rational explanation for the past two hours of her life. When she woke up this morning, her life had been normal. Or as normal as possible with her new mission in life. Now Bailey found herself caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. The exotically handsome man staring at her like a new substrata of dirt played a big part in her future for the next twenty-four hours. He wanted something from her. According to Talos, she had his soul. Other than the obvious ick factor, the statement made no sense. Her understanding of the situation meant when Bailey came into the world, Talos's soul had already been placed in her body. This brought all sorts of theologian theories and questions to mind. Bailey believed her soul existed within her body and when she died her soul would be the only part to move on. So in no way did it make sense to her poor mortal mind that she should or could share her soul. The questions kept coming with no answers in sight. "All right, talk," she snapped. "Where do you wish me to begin?" Talos stepped closer. "The curse, my birth, the Trident, the Scabers—" She interrupted. "I get it. Very long tale, a tale with a fateful trip, start as close to the beginning as you can." The 84

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insane part of Bailey's mind began to sing about a lost shaker of salt. Bailey suppressed the voice, just like she had for the past thirty-two years. She might think these things, but never would she say them. They lacked the dignity she'd strived for all her life. Maybe she'd let that guard slip up earlier, but she'd been wounded and not in total control of herself. Bailey sat straight in her chair. "I'll be damned," she swore, pulling off her T-shirt. Nothing remained of the bullet wound. Not a small scar, not even a faint pink line. The other guy hadn't lied. He had said sometimes the healing took a while, but it always worked. So engrossed in the body cavity check, Bailey didn't hear Talos's movements until it was too late. "You have re-injured yourself?" He frowned down at her exposed flesh. The tentative touch across her ribs had Bailey jumping. "Ah!" she yelped, not prepared for the flash flood of desire his touch ignited. "Did I hurt you?" he questioned, not moving his hand. "No...it's fine. I'm fine." She hesitated to pull away, but finally put a bit of distance between their two bodies. "You seemed upset. I only wanted to assure myself that my brother's healing is complete." They both watched his darker hand drop away from the paleness of her skin. She hesitated. "I think we should develop a no touching policy. Don't want things going beyond what they have to." 85

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For the briefest of seconds, Bailey thought she saw a flash of pain in those ocean-blue eyes. When she blinked it had gone. "Yes, of course," he answered absently. This whole thing was getting weirder by the second. All she wanted from the man was her freedom and her soul. That part of her self seemed to get more important by the minute. "Let's just lay our cards on the table," she suggested. "I want out of here and I very much plan on taking my soul with me." "I'm afraid that plan won't work." He never once took his eyes off her. "You harbor my soul as part of your own. It must be given not taken. I would like you to release it to me now." She must have looked as stunned as she felt, because Talos's face lost some of its impassiveness. "I will, of course, be happy to reimburse you for your time and trouble." The words lit the last of her patience up in flames. Bailey jumped to her feet, eyes blazing, fists clenched. "You arrogant son of a bitch, you drag me here without my permission, put me in the middle of some freaky family argument, and then offer to pay me for my time like I'm some two-dollar hooker?" She itched to slap his arrogant face, but Bailey didn't want to risk that close contact. Skin to skin tended to be dangerous to her virtuous side. He continued in the same banal tone. "My intention was never to insult you. I only wanted to offer you compensation 86

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for your time and trouble. You don't have to accept the money. Just know it's there if you want it." With the lack of expression on his face, Bailey thought he might mean it. "Don't ever offer me money for my time unless I'm selling you a house." Talos shook his head. "Fine, I will not offer you money and you will agree to stay here until we resolve our differences." "I'll stay until I find a way to leave." Feeling no need to continue standing or backing away from him, Bailey dropped back into the chair. "So where do we start?" Trust would be a two-way street with them. Though she didn't want to be the first to lower her defenses, Bailey knew one of them had to start. Besides, since she went first it would look better if that know-it-all oracle came around. Or that was the lie she told herself. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 8 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Computer Use From: [email protected] Mate to the Powerful Kryssin: You are supposed to be a good influence on the men. However, since you've joined our happy little family, I've noticed an increase in complaints from the nymphs dealing with whoopee cushions, condoms, and chocolate syrup. Please stop teasing the dryads, they don't get the Dr. Seuss jokes, and please take the Rubik's cube away from the Selkie females. They haven't stopped playing with it since you dropped it in their den and the males are getting pissed. PhoenixTheAllPowerful Zale poked his head around the door. "May I?" he inquired in the softest voice Bailey had heard any of the men use so far. She waved him in. "Sure. I've got nothing else going on." His steps seemed hesitant, his gaze didn't rest. It jumped from the window to the floor and to the ceiling. What he looked, for Bailey couldn't say for certain, but she faltered to speak. "I'm sorry to disturb your rest." He began almost hesitantly, which seemed all wrong for Zale. "Talos has left?" The Zale Bailey had seen didn't hesitate. He used quick and decisive actions to speak for him. Zale walked tall and 88

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confident into the situation. Seeing this new uncertain side of such a strong man made her feel tentative about approaching him. Of course she'd only known him for about twenty minutes. "No rest to disturb. Pull up a chair, or carpet, as chairs seem to be in short supply. And the mighty bossy Talos said something about talking to the mysterious others and took off." He gave a quick glance around just now seeming to notice the lack of chairs. "Yeah, seems Talos has a thing against chairs." He ignored the last part of her statement. So Zale didn't want her to know what Talos was up to either. Men! "My brother has better taste than I gave him credit for." "Yeah, he's got something," she said under her breath. Talos acted like a madman one minute then a naughty child the next. His mood swings left her exhilarated, confused, and a bit on the nauseous side. "Might as well park it here," she said and patted the space beside her. "No, I don't think that would be appropriate." His face colored at the suggestion. "Hon, I hate to tell you, but I've never been one to worry about appropriate." "Yes, I am starting to understand that about you." With a sigh, Zale sank down beside her. "You must be wondering what I'm doing here." She had been asking herself that same question, but thought it might be rude, even for her, to blurt out the inquiry. "No, it's fine. I could use the company," she assured him with as much sincerity as she could muster. 89

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"There's so much more to you than I thought there would be." "What do you mean?" He stopped fidgeting with the comforter to stare straight in her eyes. "You don't look anything like her," Zale said, softly tracing a finger over her cheek. "I thought you would, you know. I thought I would see something of her smile in your smile or hear her voice when you speak, but I can't find a trace of her in your eyes." What the hell was he talking about? "Who do you think I should be?" And why did his rough voice soften when he spoke of this mysterious woman? "Her laugh lit up my world. She loved life and everything about it. When we kissed, I knew the meaning of my existence. When she died, I begged to follow her." Zale had loved a woman? What happened to her? Who killed her and how? And sad to say, but what did this mean to the brothers and their quest? "Zale..." What could she say after that? For once Bailey didn't open her mouth and let the words pour out. Blasting Zale with questions didn't seem the right reaction to his honesty. But he didn't seem to need a response. The memories of his lost love seemed to have caught him in an unending snare. "Bailey, would it offend you if I asked you for a kiss?" Now, that she hadn't seen coming, but the absolute misery in his deep blue eyes forbid her from denying him. She shook her head no and closed her eyes, eager for the touch and taste of his mouth. 90

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His lips were softer than she imagined and his breath sweet against her own. Bailey opened her mouth against the pressure of his tongue and felt the wet heat of him invade her mouth. Unlike when Talos kissed her, Zale's touch didn't set her blood to boil; instead a sweet gentle heat filled her. A kind of tenderness filled her. With a sigh of regret, Zale broke the contact. "It's not there, is it?" Bailey gave a sigh of her own. "It would be so much easier if it was." Zale dropped back, creating a respectable distance between them. "Somehow I don't think my life is supposed to have anything easy in it." She didn't like the distance between them. Bailey might not have those feelings for Zale, but that didn't mean she wanted this continued weirdness between them. Closing the space, Bailey clasped his hands tightly. "Does this mean we can't get naked?" A small chuckle escaped his sculpted lips. "I'd only be killed. You'd have to listen to Talos's lectures for the rest of your life." They both laughed until silence descended on the room. She hesitated to speak, but the openness in Zale's speech and manner might never occur again and she didn't want to miss the opportunity. "Can you tell me what happened?" With a quick shake of his dark head, the spell snapped. "I'm sorry I bothered you. I should have known it wasn't possible, but sometimes hope is the last thing to go." 91

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"Zale, wait, you don't have to leave. Please stay and talk to me." "There really is nothing to talk about, Bailey. With the powers expanding, it's natural some spilled over to me. Empathic power isn't something any of us would have expected, least of all me. But it does explain my ability to feel my body come alive around you, Talos, and Clio and Kryssin. Though I must say Clio makes me want to feel her throat between my hands some days." A small smile escaped Bailey. After spending time with Clio and her smart mouth, she understood Zale's desire to strangle Kryssin's mate. "Knock knock, mind some more company?" A pert female voice sounded from outside the door. Bailey didn't want to talk to anyone else. She'd had enough heart-to-heart to last her a lifetime, but she also had a feeling Clio wouldn't go away easily. Giving in with an inaudible groan, Bailey plastered a smile on her face and waved Clio in. "Sure. Come on in." "Hey, I know this is weird and awkward and everything for you. Believe me." She raised a hand over her heart. "I know. Been there, done that." The genuineness shining out of those pretty hazel eyes tempted Bailey to give in, but this day had been too long already and she wasn't sure. "Look, I'm sure you mean well, but unless you're willing to let me go, I don't think we have much to talk about." Instead of the instant denial and platitude, Bailey expected, the brunette laughed long and loud. Tears ran 92

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down her flawless cheeks and the other woman ended up with the hiccups. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude. You just sound so much like me except without the sarcasm." Clio frowned. "You really should try to up that some. It's the only way to relate to them. They don't understand normal English." Bailey only shook her head, wondering what to make of the woman currently reclining on the bed with her feet hanging off, jean-clad legs swinging in time to music only she could hear. With the pink baby-doll T-shirt, bare feet, and threadbare jeans, Clio Poseidon didn't look old enough to buy a lottery ticket much less be involved in this madness. She giggled. "You're wondering whose rabbit hole you fell in, right?" Bailey nodded. "It's going to seem weird for the first couple of days, but I'll tell you what you need to know to ease into it. I wanted to kill Kryssin the first time I met him. He was on his best behavior," she said with a wink. "Then I got attacked by the Scabers and saved myself." This was said with a wide grin and comically lifted eyebrows. "However, I pretty much woke up in the same position as you did." "Don't think that's quite the way I landed here. You came up to me in the alley, remember. I tried to save your butt. Then you let the gang of underwear models kidnap us." Oh yeah, all she needed to do was continue remembering what a total cluster-fuck her life ended up thanks to this woman. Except something about Clio didn't rock her bullshit radar. The other woman seemed honestly heartfelt. Clio didn't have 93

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to search her out. From what Bailey saw, her husband would be more than happy to keep her busy elsewhere. "Like I said, I know all this"—she waved a hand to encompass the room—"is hard to take in. I just wanted to make sure you knew you could talk to me about it." In one lithe movement, Clio swung her legs around the bed and jumped off. "Oh. And about the secret passage from the bat cave? Give me a little bit of time and I'll see what I can manage." "By the way," she said over her shoulder, "there are some bennies of being a soul-keeper to Talos. Like never having morning breath, never getting a zit, you can eat whatever you want with no extra pounds to worry about. Best of all," Clio said and patted her silky hair, "no bad hair days." With a wave, wink, and a smile, Clio disappeared out the door Bailey couldn't understand how to open. No morning breath? No weight gain? Always having the perfect hair? For those three things alone Bailey would be tempted to stay. Hell, if she could find out the source for these small miracles and bottle it, she'd be richer than...well, the Poseidon brothers. Then the words sank in. Had Clio meant it? Would she really risk her husband's wrath? Bailey had no doubt Kryssin would want to skin his mate alive for helping Bailey escape, but she'd see the look in Kryss's eyes when he spoke of or to his woman. He'd never lay a hand on Clio in anger. So how long would it take to get back on track?

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Running a quick mental check, Bailey assured herself she was no more than twenty-four hours or so behind her original plan. If Clio turned out to be serious and helped Bailey out, then by tomorrow she'd be safely in Oregon and far far away from the Poseidon family, and especially one particular brother. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 9 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Computer Use From: [email protected] Attention the Brothers Pin Head: The beatings will continue until morale improves or I get distracted. Phoenix the A.D.D. Afflicted "You do know she'll leave at the first opportunity?" Bastien stated to the room at large, feet comfortably propped up on Alexial's very expensive and old desk. The posture would irritate Dorian more than his eldest brother, which was the whole point, aside from Bastien's general comfort, Talos knew. "Of course she'll try to leave," barked Talos, settling into his usual spot along the fifteen-foot-high mahogany bookshelves. "That's all Bailey's talked about since she woke up." The eldest brother's office frequently turned into an impromptu meeting room. Somewhere in the vastness of the caverns, and even in the halls of their underwater home of Charybolis, a room had been set up for that specific purpose. Talos had never stepped foot inside it. He much preferred Alexial's overdone, but familiar, surroundings. The large room measured at least sixty feet by forty feet, but with so much of that space taken by the overly large bookshelves, the 96

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massive stone-encrusted desk, and various Greek statues in honor of their heritage, the room looked smaller than its actual size. But it still contained enough space to add seven very comfortably plush leather high-backed chairs, one for each of the brothers' comfort. Dorian, Talos, and Kryssin rarely sat and Eryx could never remember to actually show up for their meetings. Talos refocused his attention on the conversation flowing heatedly around him. "Since we know she can't escape, I suggest we focus our efforts into deciding how to handle her and this latest situation," Alexial suggested from his spot behind the massive desk. Speaking up from his normal location in the darkened corner behind the desk, Dorian broke his usual silence. "You need to find Kryssin, get the exact details of how, why, and when he managed to attain his soul from Clio." With a quick nod of his head, Talos turned to go seek out his honeymooning brother, but Bastien stopped him. "I'm not sure you want to follow every one of Krys' suggestions. He did have a rough time of it at the beginning, remember." With a lazy swing of his foot, Bastien made eye contact with the other three men in the room. Each brother fell silent while they remembered the trials and tribulations Kryssin had gone through in order to not only secure his soul, but to also win Clio's love. Since they were all swimming in unfamiliar water, so to speak, they made more retreats than advances. Nothing in all their immortal lives had prepared them to meet and woo their 97

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soul-keepers. He and Kryssin were making every mistake possible. Yes, Clio had stayed and made a place by her mate's side. Talos knew Clio's acceptance had come about more out of love for his brother than anything Kryssin had purposefully done. "Clio might have resisted Kryss at first, but she came around in the end," Talos speculated. "I'm sure it will only require a logical explanation for Bailey to understand the seriousness of the situation." "And then what?" Bastien spoke again with a trace of humor lacing his voice. Startled, Talos looked back at the most mischievous of the brothers. "Then what...what?" Giving a sad shake of his coffee-colored hair, Bastien leisurely unfolded his rangy frame and shot Talos a pitying glare. "You think you can just sit this woman down, tell her who you are, where you come from, what you exist on, and what you need from her, and she'll just smile and hand it over? Brother, you have a lot to learn about women. Strong, independent women especially." "But that makes no sense. If she wants her freedom so badly, then she will do her utmost to give me what I desire to attain said freedom. It's nothing more than an expensive bartering system." Why did no one else see the simplicity that he did? Bailey McCain wanted nothing more than to rid herself of the Poseidon brothers. In order to do that, she would be required to offer something in return. Simple logic. "You are a true romantic, aren't you, big brother? The way to a woman's heart is not through a calculator." 98

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The words caused Talos's heart and pulse to jump. Such a new sensation that he took a few moments to savor and enjoy the feeling of his body's response. "No one said anything about wanting her heart. I want my soul. She has it. She will give it back." Looking to desk for the support of his other two brothers, Talos drew back in shock. Their eyes held nothing but sympathy and pity. Dorian spoke from his corner. "I know nothing of the desires and wants of women, Talos, and even I know there is much wrong with your plan." Talos started to feel the tiniest bit of doubt creeping into his mind. If the darkest of them all thought the plan such as it was wouldn't work, chances are it wouldn't. "Fine." He threw up his hands. "One of you explain how I should go about claiming my soul." Dorian spoke up again. "I think you forget it's not just about claiming your soul, brother." Suck a sea turtle, wasn't his second eldest brother getting forthcoming all of a sudden, and at Talos's own expense. "Yes, I know, I claim my soul and then by some magical means we find the second part to the Trident." As if he could forget the prophecy that hung over their heads for the past few thousand years. "Just like with Clio and Kryssin." "Not exactly as I remember it," Kryssin quipped as he strode into the room, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Clio and I had to work in order to get that first piece. We didn't just shake hands, sign over half the soul, and dance on 99

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our merry way. It took work, compromise, and time to get where we are today." Talos snorted in disbelief. "You've been together three weeks. How much work could be involved?" Instead of replying with sarcasm Kryssin gave him a pitying stare. What was it with his brothers and pity all of a sudden? He hadn't died, nor had his mate. "Um, I think I speak for the entire family and our subjects when I say...where the hell have you been, Talos?" Bastien laughed from his position by the massive desk. "I may not have been around for the whole of it, but I certainly can see them now. Clio has given you your soul. She pointed the way to the Trident and now she looks to you for direction." "Have you lost your mind?" Kryssin sputtered in shock. "Clio never listens to anyone much less me. You saw that for yourself earlier today. She tells the rest of us where to go and when." Tired of getting the pitying looks and of dancing around Kryssin's relationship with his mate, Talos sank into the deep leather couch. "Someone explain what I'm missing. I know Clio has a temper. I enjoy fighting with her. Keeps me sharp." "Then let us remind you exactly how charming Clio turned out to be on our first meeting." The only mated male laughed. "She told me to get lost, and then when Bas and I fought, she ran to his side. I thought my brain would explode from the rage and jealously." "It's a curse." Bastien deadpanned. "Women constantly throw themselves at me." 100

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"Shut up, Bas," the group replied as a whole. "One of these days," Bastien warned. "You'll find the reason to stop saying things like that." "Until then, shut up, Bastien," came the noisy reply from his brothers. "Enough." Alexial's voice cut through the room. "Kryssin, please tell Talos how you retrieved your half of the soul from Clio." At the direct question Kryssin gave a jolt of surprise. Mouth gaping open, eyes widened, and hands flapping in air, the mated man looked like a fish out of water. "Yeah, um..." A quick look around showed no supporters or distractions. "I'm not sure Clio wants everyone to know the more ah...private details of our joining." Talos heaved a frustrated sigh. "Look, little brother, I don't want the slap-and-tickle details. Just give me a quick overview of how half the soul went from her body into yours." "Take notes, Talos, because then we have other issues to deal with before we retire for the day," Alexial encouraged. "Here, brother," Bastien said and threw a legal pad and ballpoint pen in Talos's direction. With a resigned groan, he caught the pad and took up the pen ready to write whatever trivial matter Kryssin spoke. Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Kryssin shifted against the wall, crossing and uncrossing his hands over his plain white T-shirt. "I still don't think this is going to make Clio very happy," he warned. "We all know an unhappy Clio makes the rest of us miserable, but we need to get this straight in order for Talos 101

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to make the match so we can get on with finding the third part of the Trident." Bastien spoke over the last of Kryssin's objections. "Okay, fine, but I'm going to blame every one of you if she finds out and tries to take my head off," Kryssin warned with a fierce look. "We've been warned," Dorian assured the newly mated man, sarcasm dripping like water off icicles in his voice. "When I met Clio," Kryssin started, turning to look directly at Talos, "I made the mistake of thinking her friend Tara to be my mate. Big trouble! You're already one step ahead of me. You at least knew who your mate was when you saw her." Talos acknowledged the information with a nod of his head. Kryssin continued. "Anyway, once I found out exactly what Clio meant to me, I went out securing her to me in the worst way possible." Talos knew a little bit about this. Kryssin had cornered Clio in the restaurant and set about claiming her in the most intimate way possible. He'd taken her lips, then her blood, taking so much of the latter he'd almost sent her into shock. "After we cleared up the first bad impression I'd made, it took a while to get her to even stay in the same room with me. But I took it one step at a time with some help from the others." He stopped and gave a small smile to Bastien. "Basically I had to woo her. I couldn't force my soul from her body. The one time I tried that trick it almost killed her. If that had happened then I would have gladly died right after her." 102

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"You're not really giving me any information here," Talos complained. "Talos, I don't know exactly how to tell what you think you have to know. Getting your soul back isn't some scientific equation you can plot out and solve. There are five steps we've"—he motioned to Alexial and Dorian—"managed to understand." Hope flared inside him. "Great, give me the steps. I'll head up to see Bailey and get my soul back by the evening tide." Laughter rang through the room. Every man standing or sitting within the walls of Alexial's office had their mouths open, snorting, chuckling, and otherwise enjoying themselves at his expense. "What?" he asked the room at large. His brothers, the dour Dorian included, were holding onto their stomachs. The first to break laughter's grip, Alexial waved a hand to the rest of them. "Please, brothers," he said and wiped the moisture from his eyes. "Talos doesn't understand what he asked. His ignorance is our fault." Dorian nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, if we had shared Kryssin's information with the rest of the family, Talos would not be so ignorant now." Great, first he was a fool and now he was ignorant. He felt the dregs of temper swirl to life. His muscles tightened, his newly awakened lungs heaved air in and out in quick succession. The heart he'd forgotten beat rapidly within his chest. A light sheen of sweat covered his skin as anger fought to free itself from Talos's tight hold. 103

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"Peace, Talos." Alexial moved from behind his desk, crossed the floor to where Talos tensely waited against the bookshelves. "We truly did not intend to impinge your honor. Once you understand the steps needed to be taken you'll appreciate the source of our laughter." As their hands clasped, Talos jerked with the sensation of the skin-to-skin connection. How long would it take to adjust to having his body alive again? "It still sneaks up on me as well," Kryssin confessed from the side of their eldest brother. "You'll get used to it." "May we all have the joy of getting used to those same sensations," Alexial said, staring down at their clasped hands. He moved his fingers against Talos's palm. The despair burning within their deep blue depths shocked Talos as their eyes met. A quick shake of his head, the look disappeared and Alexial resumed his normal calm and astute self. His brother sent him a quick grin before he released Talos's hand and walked back to his desk. "Kryssin, take Talos somewhere you can speak of the joining without fear of bleeding your mate's sensibilities." A dismissive flick of his hand and the leader turned to the remaining men. "Gather the rest, Eryx, Alekos, Zale, and Nicko. We need to discuss the Oracle's latest prophecy." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 10 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Research From: [email protected] Eryx, I understand your need to use outside resources for research. However, please do not continue to give the black American Express card to Clio, Kryssin, and Bastien to pick up the supplies. This month's bill showed purchases from Monkee Lovin'. In case you are not aware, it is a theme bar and strip club devoted to people who like to dress like animals. They bought seventeen cases of caramel syrup, which I have nightmares about the use of, and a donation to UHPRF in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. UHPRF I have come to find out is a pet project of Bastien's, standing for Ugly Hookers and Prostitutes Retirement Fund. It seems your older brother takes ugly women off the street in order not to scare future customers. Yours in arms, Phoenix Three short raps and the door pushed open. His brothers had arrived, the time of the trial now upon them. "Come in," Alexial said uselessly. His brothers had no use for formality unless someone other than family was present. "What's up?" Alekos asked and slung himself into one of the leather couches placed for their use around the room. 105

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"Yes, Alexial, I've too much to do. Couldn't this have waited?" Nicko, their most fierce hunter and middle brother asked, impatience lacing his tone. With his thick, wavy brown hair and silver-blue eyes, Nicko had an air of menace surrounding him at all times. Nicko, along with Zale, kept Alexial awake during the day more than the others. The Hunter spent too much of his time in the sea, swimming in the dark depths that allowed him to forget, for brief periods of time, the weight of destiny hanging above their heads. Now, thanks to Phoenix's answers, Alexial knew he would be able to divert Nicko from the sea for a while. Long enough, he hoped, to find his brothers mates and ease the heartache he felt swelling out from the other man. He dodged. "Let's wait for the rest of our happy family." "You wanted to see me, Alexial?" The deep voice hesitated as if unsure of his welcome. "Make yourself at ease, Eryx. We haven't started yet." If Nicko caused Alexial to lose sleep, thoughts of Eryx caused him to jerk awake again. At six-six and two hundred and thirty-five pounds Eryx topped over most of his family. A superficial glance at their youngest brother would leave most women panting. Human men would see nothing but a pretty boy. His golden hair and muscular swimmer's build hid a warrior's strength and scholar's mind. Bizarre green-blue eyes claimed his youngest brother as something other than a mere demi-god. Alexial would have pursued the thought, but Dorian spoke, breaking the spell. 106

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"He continues to think himself an outsider among us," Dorian direct-spoke to him. Alexial was grateful for his second's wisdom of using the personal communication. It allowed them to direct their voices to only the person they wished to hear their words. Eryx already had issues with being the youngest and least battle trained among his siblings. Alexial didn't want to add to it with whispers and rumors. "Yes." Alexial direct-spoke back to Dorian. "I thought your lessons would have shown him his place with us." Black hair fell over as Dorian bent down. With an impatient and long practiced gesture, he flipped the offending hair back. "The attention I pay him seems to make him all the more certain he is not worthy of being part of our austere family." "Has he taken a good look around lately? Or better yet, read any of Phoenix's e-mails? He's the only one not to get singled out for being a dumbass," Alexial muttered, thinking back to the oracle's latest complaint. Following his thought, Dorian nodded. "I believe that is one of the problems. He never gets into trouble. He is always working in the caverns, researching, testing, or training with me." Before Alexial could reply, the last member of the party walked in. "You rang?" Zale asked, a sneer curling his lips and coating his voice. "Let the party begin," Dorian said before straightening up and moving back to his accustomed place in the corner. It 107

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wasn't due to lack of trust for his brothers, Alexial knew. It was the rest of the world Dorian didn't trust. "After our last serious battle with the Scabers, Phoenix came to me and a few others in person." He stopped and waited for the questions that were sure to follow. "And?" Bastien sat buffing his nails against the soft leather of his black pants. "Is there another clue?" Nicko asked, obviously eager to go. "Where are the hoops he wants us to jump through this time?" Zale spat out. He looked none too happy at the mention of the oracle's name. When the various noises died down, Alexial tried again. "Here's what I know and all I know. There are to be eight Trials of the Oracles. Only three of us were chosen to participate." When Zale moved forward to speak, Dorian stepped out and stopped any thought of interruption. "I know nothing more than the rest of you. The trials have been a mystery for centuries. I know nothing more than the rumors the rest of you hear. I do know it could be deadly and people have died attempting to complete them. Others who have survived have left our world never to be heard from again." His heart, if it were still capable of movement, would have squeezed shut at the thought of sending one, not to mention three, of his beloved brothers into a deadly situation. "When you make it back," he emphasized, "you will be forever changed. I don't know what these changes will be. All 108

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Phoenix has told me is the three that go, if they survive, will be different men from the ones that leave here now." The shocked silence from his announcement didn't last long. As he expected their first thoughts weren't for themselves and the death that may lie ahead of them. "You were not named in the trials?" Zale demanded of Alexial. "Nor Talos or Kryssin should be allowed to compete. They have mates and are needed more here." The rest of the men echoed Zale's words. None wanted Alexial anywhere near the line of fire. They refused to risk the lives of their newly mated pairs, either. Each man would willingly step into the others' shoes with no thoughts to his personal safety. "This journey is not for me," he assured them. "Nor were Talos or Kryssin named as competitors." The tension dropped. "Who's been chosen, Alexial?" Bastien asked, his face devoid of his habitual humor and his body rigid with tension. "Yes, which of us will play with death?" Nicko questioned in a bland tone, as if his death held no interest to him. Wishing he had use of his lungs for no other reason than to take a deep breath and relieve some of his own inner tension, Alexial looked each man, brother, and warrior in the eye. "Phoenix has chosen Dorian, Bastien, and Eryx for the eight Trials of the Oracle." Freshly showered, Bailey paced the floor in her lavish prison. Repeated pinches did nothing to wake her from the nightmare she currently resided in. Things like this just didn't happen in her life. In every way Bailey's life shouted ordinary. 109

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She paid her taxes, cursed traffic and bad drivers, and had an addiction to caffeine. Even her looks did nothing to advance the warped fairy tale surrounding her. Long black hair that did nothing but lie flat and lifeless. Too-big green eyes looked out of a pointed face with a short nose and upside-down lips. A date had once told her that her lips fixated men on what other oral talents she might possess. After a black eye and his new questionable ability to father future children, Bailey had given up on men and dating. Her few sexual encounters left her feeling like the moment would have been better spent getting a pedicure. At least then she'd have something to show for her time. Now here she stood, trapped by people crazier than she ever thought to be. As if she'd be naive enough to believe in the ridiculous line they'd tried to feed her. Yeah, Bailey McCain, the predestined mate to some gorgeous demi-god and she was supposed to help them save the world from the bad guys. Who knew if they were the good guys? There were no white hats in sight when the brothers had poofed on the scene. The creepy glow boy in the cavern had scared the crap out of her. Oh yeah, Phoenix had a way of leaving a lasting impression. The power she felt emanating from him still sent shivers down her spine. How did someone break down all the information and come up with the truth? Thump. Thump. Thump. 110

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A quick look around the enormous room showed nothing out of place. Thinking it must have been her over-stressed imagination, Bailey shook her head and resumed her pacing. With each step she sank down in the ankle-deep carpet. These men did have a penchant for the good life. The shower could have been a room by itself. Easily the size of her bedroom, the marble enclosure boasted eight showerheads at various levels, a heated dryer, CD player/radio, and television. How ADD did you have to be to get that bored in the shower? While it wasn't the life she lived, for now Bailey could force herself to lift her standards. After all how often would she be kidnapped in five-star style? A swift turn of her heel spun Bailey around and right into the face of a living nightmare. Well, that answered her question of the thump-thump noise. Green scaled skin covered every inch of his face. Where the nose should be two slits cut into the skin. Thin yellow lips covered razor sharp teeth still filled with a previous meal. "Ahh, water-mate, I told you we'd meet again," Kodar the Nasty bragged. How the hell had he managed to get in? Where was the security in this place? And where in the hell were Talos and his brothers? Taking a small step back, Bailey tried to brazen it out while looking for the best opening. After dealing with him before, she knew this wasn't an ordinary fight that she'd have a chance of winning. 111

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"Oh, did you want to play some more?" She bared her teeth in a parody of a smile. "Should have stuck around before. I thought you and your friends were all played out." Another step back put Bailey against the wall and effectively cut off all other avenues of retreat. Shit, she thought and wondered how much noise she'd have to make before someone came to investigate. Before either one of them could move, a knock sounded on the door. "Bailey, Talos wanted me to ask if you were hungry yet?" A male voice she didn't recognize questioned. Bailey wanted to slump in relief. She didn't know which brother stood outside the door, but surely he could kill this creature with ease. Her body started to ease when Kodar let the other shoe drop. A hiss then he whispered, "Tell him nothing of my presence or I'll give the order to have the other mate killed immediately," he warned without blinking either set of eyelids. Clio. It had to be Kryssin's wife. No other brother had mated yet. Her thoughts quickly went to the cheerfully sarcastic brunette. Kodar may be lying about having the other woman captive. Then again he might not. Just look how easily he'd broken into her chambers. "Thanks, Zale. Tell Talos I'm not hungry, but I love him all the more for thinking of me at a time like this." There that should send someone into panic mode. Number one, because she knew without a doubt the man on the other side of the 112

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door was not Zale. Number two, she'd given a message of love for Talos. Yeah. She almost snorted. Someone would find that message strange enough to investigate, and then hopefully come running. "Very good, water-mate." Kodar used her distraction to inch closer. The foul stench surrounding him overpowered the rank smell of his breath. Bailey tried to turn her head for a small puff of fresh air, but Kodar grasped her chin in his dried-out hand-claw. "We leave now. You are to make no noise unless you wish the other woman dead." Ninety-nine percent of her knew Kodar and his goons didn't have Clio. The woman never strayed more than ten feet from her mate. A very loud and very obvious fight would occur before Clio left Kryssin's side by force. Unfortunately the one percent chance ruled her actions. In good conscience Bailey wouldn't put Clio's life at risk. "Fine, but once Kryssin has freed Clio I'm going to seriously kick your ass," she promised and had the satisfaction of seeing shock widen the yellow eyes before his fist came up and shot straight at her jaw. Bailey went down like an anchor in the water. Shaking her head, she used the tip of her tongue to test the damage and tasted the salty flavor of blood. "Son of a bith," she lisped. "Donth thry thath agaith." "Not so mighty now are you?" Smugness rang in his tone and Bailey itched to bitch-slap the conceit right out of him. 113

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Unfortunately the light of rebellion must have showed too clearly in her eyes. Kodar didn't bother with his hands. Quickly, before Bailey could dodge it, he kicked out and up. Very accurately landing the hit below her left eye, the pressure of his leg forced her flat against the watery wall seeing stars float in front of her eyes. So much for her vauted hours of self-defense and martial arts classes. She watched the world sway back and forth. As if from the bottom of a very deep well she heard the mutant speaking again. Probably telling her all the reasons and ways she would die. Fine, but she wouldn't die toadying to him. Before she could summon the strength of will to push herself to her feet a strong hand grasped her left wrist and tugged. Thinking it another attack from her tormentor, Bailey twisted the arm, lowered her head and prepared to bite some nasty alien scales. Only, the flesh was smooth tanned skin with a sprinkle of dark red hair. Making sure to cover her movements with her hair, loosened from Kodar's blow, Bailey turned to look for the body belonging to the hand shackling her. Angry sparks flew out of storm blue eyes as the hand clasped tighter around her arm and tugged her relentlessly against the barrier separating Bailey from the deep blue yonder. With a jerk of his head Talos motioned her to follow him. Which would be great and Bailey would be more than happy to follow those orders, but she didn't know how to make her body break through the barrier as easily as he did. 114

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"Talos, you moron, I don't know how to get through this elastic bubble." The words were fed by anger and fear as she glared at him. "Simply allow yourself to relax enough to slip through. I will do the rest. You must hurry. My brothers only await my signal before crashing through the door." His voice sounded perfectly normal, bossy, and arrogant...inside her head! Push it aside, she cautioned herself. Better things to think about and do right now than wonder how the hottie can talk inside your head. Stuffing everything but Talos's words out of her mind, Bailey thought only of the security of his hand in hers, the calm assurance that he wouldn't let anything else happen to her. Her mind slammed shut to all other thoughts and outside influences. She pictured a perfect steel circle where everything that didn't concern saving her life got stored. Then she slammed the lid tight and focused on what needed to happen next. Taking a deep breath, Bailey willed herself through the wall and into the safety of Talos's arms. Strong arms crushed Bailey to a very hard chest as water poured over and around her. Panic flooded her mind. She couldn't breathe under water. She had to get back inside the bubble thing or she was going to die. Shoving away from the safety of Talos's arms, Bailey pushed herself back at the window. Against the palm of her hand she felt the material flex and stretch at the pressure, but it did not break. She couldn't get back through. Oxygen almost gone. Lungs tight. Fear built inside her, taking up 115

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precious air. Something had to happen soon. Or she would die. A sharp tug, then she spun back into the arms of the man destined to kill her. To tear her soul from her body. Leave nothing but a shell, useless and empty. Looking into his bright eyes, she wondered how her first impression could have been so wrong. Those beautiful ocean-blue eyes stared back at her willing her to do something...anything. Whatever message he tried to send, she didn't get it. Too long without oxygen, Bailey felt her lungs expand and saltwater flooded her nose and lungs. She tried to cough, nothing came out. More water continued to come in. Desperate, she grabbed at Talos. The expression on his face scared the last of the air from her body. Bailey thought his eyes had glowed before, but nothing compared to the light those baby blues gave off now. He could land planes with the amount of heat and energy pouring out of those orbs. A strong hand tightly gripped her waist. The other came to rest at the base of her neck. With a gentle tug Talos brought their lips together. Bailey wanted to cry with the beauty of the moment. One last kiss before she died. It was sweet and romantic and— It was air! The sweet, crazy man was breathing oxygen into her starved lungs. She could kiss him except she sort of was already kissing him. Later, she promised herself, if she made it through, she would lay a lip-lock on Talos that he would never forget. 116

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Then beat the living shit out of him for dragging her into the middle of the ocean without the proper gear. A small spark of heat flared in her chest, the burn distracting her for only seconds before the taste and touch of Talos wiped even that pain and anger away. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 11 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Re: Research From: [email protected] Dear Phoenix, Hmmm, should I mention your name on the gold card V.I.P membership roster at the club to the rest of the family? Turkey fetish?? I'll be having nightmares for weeks. Keep your shell shut and so will I. Yours in blackmail, Clio If Bailey lived through this, Talos would kill her. How dare she place herself in danger then not trust him to rescue her? What kind of mate did she think him? At least she had been smart enough to send a semi coded message to Kryssin. Calling his mated brother Zale could almost be overlooked, but sending messages of love and devotion? Instantly, every brother knew something had happened. Fear kept Talos from breaking down the door. Instead, he'd made himself listen to the advice and counsel of his two eldest brothers. Dorian had suggested the portal. In less time than it had taken him to dress this morning, Talos ran out the door and through the nearest window. Prayers to every god and goddess he knew flew through his head in the seconds it had taken him to swim to their 118

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sitting room window. The sight of a Scaber in his home shook Talos to the very core of his immortal being. The vision of his mate being beaten by the same demon drew a rage so deep and violent that it took Talos precious seconds to chain the instinct to burst through the portal and kill the abuser on the spot. Only his concern for Bailey held his wrath back. For once, he thought before he acted. Swimming from the bottom so he wouldn't be seen, Talos said a quick prayer and reached through the barrier for Bailey's arm. He'd whispered gratitude to the one-god when she didn't jolt and give his position away. Everything had gone smoothly until Bailey realized she'd been pulled into the depths of the ocean. When she realized where she was, he watched, helpless, as panic swamped her. Behind her back, his brothers swarmed the room. The battle moved out of his sight and Talos turned his attention back to the struggling woman in his arms. When Bailey had reached back to the portal, Talos lost his patience and his mind. His hand shot out, grabbed his mate, and pulled her into the safety of his arms. In seconds that felt like hours, they had stared at one another until reality jolted him. Bailey's face lost the wondrous expression of moments before. Losing no time now, Talos jerked her to him and breathed life back into her lungs. The instant Bailey relaxed in his embrace Talos felt the change happen. A needle-sized shock sprang from his mate's chest and spread into his. Heat settled into the vast coldness 119

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that had once held his soul. Now with a piece returned, he ached all the more for the remaining portion. After they'd both dried off and changed clothes, Alexial waited outside the bedroom, wanting answers. "Will he be back?" Bailey asked, not quite able to hide the tremble in her voice. With arms that ached to hold and soothe his mate, Talos crossed the room to put thought into action. One look at her furious yet distant face stopped him in his tracks. "Bailey." What could he say? What should he say to his mate? The same mate whose life had been in jeopardy since they'd met. A threat that wouldn't exist if Bailey hadn't been his soul-keeper. Turning bruised, tired eyes to him, Bailey held her hand palm out to stop Talos from getting any closer. "Don't lie to me. Don't try to protect me from the truth. Just tell me what's going on and how bad it will be." Her matter-of-fact acceptance made up his mind. If Bailey didn't want to hide from the ugly reality that had become life, then Talos wouldn't insult her by avoiding the issue. "He won't be back for a while. Kryssin dealt him a blow that he won't soon recover from. The Scaber knows we're watching our home now, as well as the surface." He took a deep breath, selfishly reveling in the ability to do so. "He'll come back with more men. Or wait until you're alone and try to steal you then. His main goal will be to do as much damage as possible in the shortest amount of time. If he kills one of us in the process, so much the better." 120

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Bailey's expression hadn't changed. Her eyes remained shuttered, her lips compressed into tight lines, and her stubborn chin tilted up at him defiantly. "They'll keep coming back until someone dies?" Her voice stayed firm as she asked the question. "Yes." "Okay, then. I guess that's it." "That's it?" Talos asked in shock. His woman never gave in this quickly or easily, at least not in the time he'd known her. "Don't you want to know more?" Going from wanting to spare Bailey any of the gory details to needing her to hear about every strike and blow threw Talos for a loop. This mate business turned out to be a lot harder than he'd anticipated. "What do you want me to say, Talos? I'm happy those things are gone. I'd be a fool to believe they wouldn't ever come back. They want me solely because you think I'm your soul-keeper. If you dropped me back into my world without a look back, they wouldn't bother me again. It's your refusal to accept that I'm not this perfect woman you want that's getting us into trouble." Bailey's voice didn't beg. No part of this woman would lower her pride or standards to beg anyone for anything. She simply stated the facts as she saw them or believed them to be. This time, Talos ignored Bailey's invisible do-not-cross signs. He stepped close, right into her personal space. Put his hands on her shoulders to prevent her from backing away. "If you were not my mate, Bailey McCain, then they never would 121

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have brought you here. Your life never would have been touched by Scabers or the Poseidon brothers. However"—he looked straight into those denying green eyes—"you are my soul-keeper. As much as you wish to deny it, you cannot. I've already taken a piece of my soul back. That's just the beginning. The Scabers know it, I know it, all my funguseating brothers know it. The only person hiding her head in a clam shell is you." Fruitlessly, she tried to jerk her body away, but Talos refused to release her until she understood a few simple truths. "I am not. I'm not the type of woman these things happen to. I don't want adventure or danger. A wild night out for me is two martinis at dinner. Not having sword fights with creatures that shouldn't exist." Tears threatened to spill over her lovely lashes. Talos watched in amazement as Bailey drew more strength to her and willed them back. "They do exist, Bailey. I exist. Sooner or later you will have to accept that and start living your life." He didn't know what else to say. The woman had her whole world flipped inside out. Talos felt Bailey was entitled to a few moments of freaking out. "I'm not ready to get started on the rest of my life. I'd just like to understand today's events." Talos gave a quick nod of his head. "The smelly things came here to kill or kidnap me?" she asked. "Yes." 122

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"Kryssin got the rest of you and mounted a rescue." Bailey's breathing had evened out and her face lost some of the reddish flush. "My job and my number one priority in life is to keep you safe. As it is my brothers' to watch out for each other's soulkeeper." "So what happened after you did the big rescue?" Interest sparked in her tone. "As soon as Kryssin knew you were through the barrier, they charged in, but Kodar had disappeared." Hot anger filled him that his enemy had been so close and still had gotten away. "Oh my God, Talos. I forgot, Kodar said he had Clio. He would kill her if I didn't do what he said." Panic had her gaze darting around the room looking for the only other mate. "I can't believe it took me so long to remember. We have to go find her." Easily, Talos pulled her into his arms. "She's fine, honey. Kryssin would know the instant someone threatened Clio. Hell, with her set of lungs, the entire undersea world knows when she stubs her toe." "She's really okay?" Hesitant relief flooded her face as she tilted her head back to meet his eyes. The urge to lean down and kiss the silky top of Bailey's head was so strong he didn't ignore it. "Yes," he breathed against her lightly melon-scented hair. "Clio is fine as are the rest of our family. There really wasn't much of a fight. Dorian, Kryssin, and the rest broke down the door. Kodar saw them and poofed." 123

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"Is it normal for a bad guy to poof?" Talos shook his head and relished the way Bailey finally gave in and rested against him, snuggling her head against the beat of his heart. He wrapped his arms around her tight and simply enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. "So where do we go from here?" Talos had grown so comfortable with Bailey in the past few minutes that he didn't think about his answer. He spoke from the heart. "We could say screw everyone in the other room. Stay in here and fuck until neither one of us can walk." The idea sounded even better when he said it aloud. However, the stiffening of his mate's body let Talos know he'd forgotten to run the idea past his brain before he spoke. When she made motions to pull away he allowed it. "I'm sorry, honey. I wasn't thinking. I didn't mean it the way it sounded." Then again, yes he did, only in his head it had sounded more romantic and classy. Instead he came out sounding like a horny dolphin looking for action. "Just forget it, Talos. I should have known better than to trust someone here." But you do trust someone, he wanted to shout at her. You trust me. You gave me back a piece of my soul because of that trust. Wisely, Talos kept his mouth shut. "Let's just go out there, face the rest of the inmates, and move on with our lives." She stepped past him. A chuckle started low in his throat then built until laughter shook his whole body. 124

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"What the hell is so funny?" Bailey demanded, hands on her hips, eyes flashing green fire. "You sounded just like Clio when she first arrived. She swore we were all escaped asylum inmates," he explained, wiping moisture from his eyes. "Another sign in your mind that I'm meant to be a Stepfish wife," she accused. "Come on, Bailey. It sounded funny coming from both of you, that's all." A quick look at Bailey showed her face holding a pleasant blank expression. No crack showed in her smooth facade. Dimmed green eyes looked uninterested. With smooth motions, Bailey moved through the large sitting room attached to his...their bedroom and sat on one of the multiple couches in the room. Her back straight, feet flat to the floor, hands easily clasped on her lap, the woman looked like a perfectly biddable bride. The joke would be on anyone who bought into the appearance. "Bailey, may I present my eldest brother and ruler of the Senate, Alexial Poseidon." He bowed in both their directions. "Alexial, my mate and bride, Bailey McCain." A spark of heat lit the moss green depths of her eyes at his words, but unfortunately, she held her tongue. Why it should bother Talos Bailey didn't rip Alexial a new one, he didn't know. He must really like her sarcastic wit and razor-like charm. This demure, little-spoken woman had already gotten on his nerves. 125

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"My pleasure, Ms. McCain, and may I say your arrival has been much anticipated." A low bow accompanied by a regal kiss across her knuckles and his brother backed away. Smart man. "Thank you, Alexial. I'm sure you and your family mean well, but I really must insist on my freedom. I have things to do and people relying on me. Surely you can see keeping me on the basis of some obscure legend doesn't benefit anyone." She kept her tone mild, her expression bland. The constant bouncing of her foot the only visible measure of Bailey's growing agitation. His brother played the game like a master. "My heartfelt apologies, Ms. McCain, but that obscure legend is the basis of our very lives. I cannot very well dismiss its importance simply because you find it inconvenient." The spark grew to a flame before Talos's eyes. "Mr. Poseidon, or do I call you Senator?" Bailey inquired with a straight face. "Alexial, please. After all, we are to be family." Talos didn't know if he should back up out of missile range or step between them and try to call a truce. For all that it was a war of words, he feared the amount of blood each combatant would draw. In a swift movement Bailey stood straight and proud. "That has yet to be determined or accepted, Senator. If I have my way, and trust me I will, we'll never call each other family." With that last jab to the heart she turned her very lush hips and swung away from them. 126

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Alexial direct-spoke to him. "You have your work cut out for you, little brother. My, how I envy you." Talos opened his mouth to respond. Instead Clio crashed through the door, skin pale beneath her tan. "Get to the portal quick," she ordered, making a beeline to the window. "What is it, Clio?" Alexial joined her. Talos moved behind the pair. Stretching his neck he saw nothing that would make his sister lose her color and her wits. "Just wait." Her gaze never left the clear blue water. "What's happened now?" Bailey stepped to Talos's side in a thoughtless move. Almost instinctively, he thought, and that warmed Talos's heart. "We're waiting on...something," Alexial said. Clio jammed her elbow back, straight into the eldest brother's stomach. The blow hadn't been delivered with much power that Talos could see. Alexial didn't do much other than grunt. "I told you people to wait. He'll be here—" Her voice cut short, everyone looked to see what grabbed her attention instead. A happy looking Kryssin, with a go-to-hell grin, swam on the other side of the protective clear water bubble. Normally, the sight of his younger brother swimming did nothing to alarm or shock him. However, Kryssin had never swum with a tail before. "See, see?" Clio jumped up and down. "What the hell happened to my husband?" 127

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When she turned accusing hazel eyes to the two brothers in front of her, Talos wanted to lower his head and step back. Confusion swamped him. He had no idea what had happened to Kryssin. Nothing in their legends spoke of sprouting a tail. One-God save them if this were a prelude of what was to come. Unfortunately, he was a Poseidon, and Poseidons never backed down or away. Alexial, as usual, studied the situation before asking questions. "When did this happen?" Clio shook her head, turning back to look at her mate. "We were on the way to our apartments when he suddenly had this urge to go swimming. I knew something had to be wrong." Her longing gaze transmitted exactly how wrong she knew Kryssin's behavior. "When the next portal appeared he jumped through it without saying a word to me. The next thing I knew, Kryssin had a tail and he was telling me to get here and tell you what was going on." Ending the straightforward story, Clio reached her right hand up against the stretchy substance keeping the water out and oxygen in. "Are you telling me Kryssin knew what was going to happen?" Alexial demanded, his gaze still fixed on his happily swimming brother. "I don't know if he knew what would happen. How the hell could he have known a tail would sprout the instant he touched water?" For all the bravado her voice showed, real fear clouded her eyes. "What if he can't change back?" Before Talos could answer and assure Clio they would find someway to bring Kryssin back to his normal two-legged self, 128

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the newly flippered man swam closer to the portal and stretched a hand out. No one could mistake the invitation he extended to his mate. Clio didn't waste time debating the wisdom of her actions. She simply reached through the portal and clasped her mate's hand. With a swift tug, Clio disappeared from the sitting room. She appeared snug in her mate's arms. Their lips locked and arms wrapped tightly around the other. In a move so smooth it seemed the most natural thing in the world, Clio's clothes faded away to be replaced with a silky looking green-and-gold tail. Something must have communicated itself to the pair because Clio pushed back and glanced down at her body. Shock and pleasure suffused her face. Then embarrassment colored her cheeks as she realized her breasts were uncovered and freely moving within the currents of the water. Kryssin, quickly absorbing the situation, pushed his back into Clio's chest effectively hiding her charms from their view. "Well this is new." Talos broke the silence and looked to see how his unflappable brother handled the shocking new turn in their family drama. For the first time in his very long memory, Alexial's expression remained open for anyone to read. Astonishment filled his brother's blue eyes. He paled beneath his normally tanned skin and his mouth hung slightly ajar as Alexial took in the sight of Kryssin and Clio in tails. 129

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"Think we should alert Phoenix to this latest development?" Talos asked, having to clear his throat to get the words out. A quick shake of his dark head, and Alexial once more morphed into the solid reliable man Talos had always known. "I believe Phoenix must have known these changes were coming. He did warn us to expect new powers." Bailey stepped closer to the window, watching as the two mates played and teased in the water. "You think he knew this would happen to Clio and Kryssin?" "Maybe not exactly this. I don't think any of us could have predicted our brother and Clio turning into a Disney cartoon," Alexial replied in a distracted voice. "True, but what brought the change on?" Talos asked as more questions filled his mind. The two turned to look at him, giving their backs to the portal and providing the mates with some measure of privacy to make their way back inside. "Why now? Why didn't Kryssin get a tail when he and Clio first finished the exchange? What has changed for them that this new power is brought to life?" Talos searched his memory for anything said or done to up their collective level of power and came up empty. "Maybe," Alexial spoke slowly, "the new rise of power has nothing to do with Clio and Kryssin. Other than directly affecting them." "What do you mean?" Bailey asked, leaning into the conversation. 130

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"I mean, the change in abilities might have nothing to do with anything Clio and Kryssin have done. I believe this change is a direct result of you and Talos coming together." Talos saw color flood Bailey's cheeks as Alexial's implication set in. "We haven't...that is I've never..." Flummoxed as to the correct reply, Bailey turned wide green eyes at him. "We have not been intimate...yet." He clarified and deliberately drew Bailey against his side. "I don't see how such a rise in power could have come from us." Kryssin spoke from the door. "You must have exchanged at least one of the soul bonds without knowing it." As one, the group turned to face the new arrivals. He and Clio stood together, arms around each other's waists, while water dripped from underneath sparkling white robes. Talos flushed as he remembered the way Bailey had clung to him. She had sought his protection. It showed her trust in him, therefore returning a small piece of his missing soul. How could he have been such a jellyfish and forget? The moment now etched itself in his mind forever. Bailey's first sign of acceptance. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 12 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Sign-Up From: [email protected] Oracles are people too. So stop sending me these damn save-the-alien sign-up sheets. Phoenix the Mighty Pissed Ten minutes later the group settled comfortably in the various leather love seats and couches scattered throughout the room. Bailey hadn't put up a fight when Talos kept her firmly by his side. She appeared to be caught up in her own thoughts, and for now that would have to be enough. "Explain yourself," Alexial demanded before downing a very nice aged whiskey. A measure of how shaken the eldest brother was. He never partook of liquids or food. Always said there was no reason to bother when he couldn't enjoy any of it. Maybe the pretense of a liquor balm would settle Alexial down. "It's the only thing that makes sense," Kryssin started off. His eyes sparked with blue-and-white power. "The knowledge appeared in my mind. I almost heard it whispering to me. Once I hit the water, the answers were in my head. I saw Clio able to transform as well. Hesitation or confusion didn't exist. I simply knew what to do and how my body would react."

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Impatiently, Alexial waved his hand. "That's fine. You felt the new power, but why do you think it has anything to do with Talos and Bailey?" Bailey had had enough. They wanted to discuss their cute matching cartoon tails? Fine, let them talk about them until the sea-cows came home, but not until after she got some answers. Her temper, which had been on simmer since this whole mess began, exploded. "What's the big freaking deal on the tails? You claim to be Poseidon's sons. Big whoop. All the statues show him with a fish tail. You ought to have one too. You claim to live seven hundred feet below the ocean surface. You need the freaking tails! What the hell happened with the scaly slime who's been trying to kill me? You claimed I was safe from those pus balls. You people kidnapped me. You freaks dragged me here to keep me safe! Screw the damn tails. I want to know what happened. What we're going to do next because this place is obviously not safe!" "Hey, suck salt, lady. We are trying our best to keep you alive. The tails," Kryssin said, his temper rising to meet Bailey's, "are a sign of a power shift. A major one that we think has to do with you. So shut your clam hole for a minute. Let us talk about the tails, and we might be able to find out how and why the magic came to be. All the better to protect your surface-dwelling, ocean-polluting ass." Talos started after his younger brother, but Alexial's voice stopped him. "Wait, Kryssin is entitled to his opinion. Though his sentiments lacked thought, he speaks the truth. We are aware of the attack on your mate. All of us"—he swept one 133

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arm out to encompass the rest of the family—"were there to help the moment we knew of it. I will forgive your lack of respect this one time, Bailey McCain, due to the tremendous pressure your mortal mind is under. However, you will not get a second pass at insulting anyone in this family." Rolling blue eyes pinned her with accusation. "Define insulting. 'Cause I think I have a complaint...against every one of you guppy lovers." Bastien broke the tension with his ridiculous demand. Alexial's stormy gaze moved on. The eldest brother turned to Bas. "Without cause," Alexial amended his insult-anyone-in-my-family clause. "No one insults anyone in the family without a reasonable excuse. You, Bastien, are a walking, talking non-breathing excuse to insult someone." Instead of taking the insult to heart, Bastien flashed Bailey a wink. "Ouch, old one, that would really hurt...if I didn't know I was your favorite." Alexial managed one step at Bastien before Dorian grabbed his oldest brother's arm. "Enough. Bas is only taunting you to keep your ire away from Bailey. Now that he's been successful I'm sure he'll sit down, shut up, and behave like a semi-literate male." "If everyone's done with their own little dramas can we please continue with the magic and the one big-ass power boost Clio and I got? Thanks for that," Kryssin said in an aside to Talos. "Huh? What did I do?" Talos asked. 134

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"You gave us that blue-whale-sized magic hit. It felt great. How many pieces of your soul do you have back?" Kryssin looked excited, his bright eyes shining and a grin stretching his full lips. He rocked back and forth on his heels like an overactive two-year-old. Talos shook his gorgeous head and looked at her. What? Like she actually had a clue what the hell had happened? Bailey's interest in the subject had waned since no one wanted to discuss her impending death in favor of tails. Her wounds made themselves known once more. Her lower lip throbbed to the drumbeat going on inside her head. Kryssin started to look impatient when no one spoke. Clio placed her hand on his arm. "Let me try it, baby." A gentle smile replaced the scowl as Kryssin leaned down and kissed his wife's upturned lips. "By all means, see if you can explain the unexplainable to them." With a wink Clio turned back to her enraptured audience. "Here's the deal. Kryssin and I were heading back to our quarters as I told you before. One minute we were laughing and talking and the next Kryss stopped dead in his tracks. He kind of tilted his head like he heard something from far away. In the next second he let go of me and pushed through the barrier into the water. The tail just appeared. One minute, I looked at my husband's sexy legs, the next b-a-m he had a tail and looked happier than Flipper in a tank full of sardines." Alexial settled back into the subtle leather. "Okay, I think I understand it. One minute everything is business as usual and the next my brother's sprouting a tail and swimming happily." 135

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Kryssin and Clio turned to look at each other shared a silent communication and faced the group once more. Kryssin answered for the pair. "As far as I can tell the power fluctuated a second before becoming fixed." He turned those bright Caribbean-blue eyes on Talos and Bailey. "What were the two of you doing, say fifteen or twenty minutes ago?" "Fighting off the Scaber," Talos answered. "Getting the crap beat out of me," Bailey supplied, forgetting her cuts once more. What were these two leading up to? The other three looked at them, frustration emanating from their very pores. Clio summed it up in her usual no nonsense style. "Did the two of you play a little hanky with the panky?" "Clio," groaned Kryssin obviously embarrassed by his mate's blunt manner. She sent a glare over her shoulder. "Hey, you want to know what happened?" "Forgive my mate, Bailey, Talos. Clio means well but she's yet to develop a filter between her brain and her mouth." Instead of taking offense Clio merely grinned and gave Kryssin a quick peck on the lips. "That's me, a work in progress. But it doesn't take away from the fact we need to know how physical the two of you have gotten." "A kiss, nothing more," Talos answered for them and tried to ignore the delightful blush coloring Bailey's cheeks. Such a contradiction in terms his mate turned out to be. She fought like Cerberus guarding the river of souls one 136

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minute, and then turned into a shy maiden at the mere mention of a kiss in the next. He delighted in knowing he would spend his eternity learning every nuance of her personality. Clio didn't look convinced. "Only a kiss?" She raised a brow at the denial. "What else do you expect to happen when Bailey thought she was fighting for her life? The kiss came about as a way to provide her lungs with oxygen, as she has yet to master breathing water." Talos explained the details, hoping to satisfy all the questions. He wanted his family gone. And Bailey snug in his arms once more only this time he didn't want her there as a result of wanting to stay alive. "But she trusted you with that?" Clio asked. "Trusted me? She wanted to stay alive. Her only source of oxygen came from me. It wasn't a matter of trust, but of survival," he explained, feeling the weight of the truth settle heavily on him. "We were in a life and death situation. Of course I trusted Talos to save me. I'd be a fool to turn away his help," she instantly replied and lifted the weight from his shoulders before it had a chance to settle in. "Then there you have it," Kryssin said smugly. "Trust is one of the tenants to the bond. In fact, trust turned out to be the hardest one for Clio to let go of. Only when we were surrounded by demons and about to die did she let go of her reservations. Then she killed a room full of Scabers in less than a heartbeat." He gave his mate a proud look and another kiss. 137

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This one lasted until Alexial cleared his throat. "If the two of you don't mind, I'd like to finish this discussion and get back to my other duties." "Of course." Kryssin lifted his head, but did not take his gaze off his lusty-eyed mate. "Where were we?" Talos cleared his throat, his stomach twisting in jealousy at the open affection between the couple. "Trust, one of the components to seal the bond." "Right, let's see. Uh, did you feel anything during the kiss?" Talos opened his mouth to deny it, but Bailey interrupted, taking him by surprise. "A flash of heat, little tingle in my chest." Her diminutive ring-less hand pressed against the center of her breastbone. "I thought my lunch didn't agree with me." She gave a small embarrassed laugh. "Don't worry, hon." Clio reassured her. "I thought I died because someone"—a sharp jab to Kryssin's ribs—"tried to rush it all in one setting." Kryssin muffled a laugh under the guise of a cough. "Live and learn," he advised Talos with a wink. "Yeah, laugh about it now, little brother, but I seem to recall a rather panicked reaction at the time," Talos taunted him. "Enough." Alexial broke into the good-natured banter. "Kryss, are you saying they have formed the first part of their bond?" "Yes, without a doubt." 138

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Bailey shot Talos a look of confusion. "We've bonded? What does it mean and how does this affect me leaving?" "You aren't leaving me, ever." Talos spoke the words without thinking, but meaning them with every fiber of his being. Hurt flashed in the depths of her green eyes before they turned hard with anger. "You don't own me. I'll leave as soon as I find out what my place is in this mess." "Don't push it." Alexial spoke to him alone. "She is conceding more than I thought she would." With a slight nod Talos acknowledged the senator's words. He wouldn't risk asking for more than Bailey was willing to give him, right now. "Fine, we're all agreed the first of the five bonds are in place." Kryssin made the statement an announcement. "If we're throu—" "What're the rest of the steps?" Bailey demanded, arms crossed under her breasts. Everyone turned to look at the human woman so bravely demanding answers of the most powerful beings living on her planet. Alexial looked perplexed. Clio and Kryssin shared a quick, questioning glance. Talos refused to acknowledge the inquiry at all. The silence didn't stop his stubborn mate. She simply tapped one foot against the carpeted floor and waited them out. The silence stretched on until Kryssin broke under the strain. 139

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"Bailey, it's not that easy. We're not sure exactly what all the steps are or how they happen. Clio and I are the first mated pair in the history of the family." The news shocked Bailey. With her mouth hanging open, she turned to Talos for conformation. "My brother speaks the truth. Thousands of years ago, our father, Poseidon, lord of the waters and mountains, stole the souls from our very bodies to protect us from his enemies. If we had been captured with our souls intact, any of us could have been used to release the Titans. By doing this cruel and seemingly harsh deed, my father gave us time to learn the art of battle. To hone our skills. Learn how to work together as a family. We had time to learn what being part of a unit was all about. Father appointed Alexial our leader right before we lost our powers and memories. "It's the last thing any of us can remember, except bits and pieces that make no sense. We woke in the cavern the same as you." He looked to his brothers to see if he'd missed any of the high points. "In removing our souls and flinging them into the sea, we were also stripped of our physical senses. In other words, Alexial and the rest cannot feel the touch of your skin beneath their fingers. They can't smell the mystical scent of the sea or taste the salt in the air." Kryssin gave his mate a small squeeze that said more than words could ever say. "Thanks to my Clio I can once more enjoy everything a normal human can. Also, by bringing her into the family, she has brought some of our powers back." 140

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"We have the same hopes for you and Talos. We all know no two couples are alike. You will bring things to us that Clio never could and vice versa," Alexial finished up. Talos saw the information had overwhelmed his mate. Her beautiful green eyes had gone wide and blank. Her chest rose and fell quickly, seeking too much oxygen too fast. "I think that's enough sharing for one day. We'll let it rest for now." His tone brooked no argument even from his leader and eldest brother. "Yeah, I could use a pint or two of O positive after all that swimming. Having a tail takes the energy out of a man." While he laughed at his own joke, Bailey's face paled as she stepped back from the group. "Kryss, you idiot," Alexial muttered in a low tone. As usual his younger brother was oblivious to the disaster he wrought. "What? What did I say?" He looked at his brothers. "Bailey doesn't know about the ambrosia, you twit," Clio scolded as she dragged him from the room. "Ambrosia?" Bailey squeaked as one of her hands crept up to wrap protectively around her throat. "O positive, as in blood?" Her life couldn't get any worse than this moment. Helpless against real, honest-to-goodness half-gods who drank blood and had her trapped in the underwater world. Even if she made it past Talos's massive frame to the portal behind him, Bailey didn't know the trick of breathing through the water, as Clio seemed to. 141

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"It's not what you think, Bailey." Alexial, the one she'd labeled most reasonable, spoke through the tension swarming in the air. She answered honestly. "I'm not sure what I think." There were so many thoughts competing for her attention. Were they demons? Blood-drinking monsters bent on the destruction of the world? What did they plan to do with her? Slit her wrist and use her as a buffet table? "Kryssin." The brunet brother poked his head around the corner. "You rang?" The teasing note shot back into his voice. Nothing kept this man...demi-god down for long. "What are Bailey's thoughts at this exact moment?" Alexial demanded in his most imperial tone. Eyes as blue and clear as any ocean bore into her green ones. She didn't want anyone using her brain as their very own sandbox, but there seemed little she could do about it. After a few moments of absolute silence, Kryssin shook his head and broke eye contact. "I can't read her anymore," he confessed, looking as confused as Bailey felt. Dark auburn brows furrowed, lips pressed together, and hapless frustration flowed from Talos's every pore. "You can't read her thoughts anymore?" Alexial arched one black brow in disbelief. "It's a blank wall, Axe. Nothing there to see." With a shrug and slight grin he disappeared in the direction of his mate. "Bailey, I know you're frightened of us right now, but I give you my word that no one will touch you without your 142

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permission. You are safe within these walls," the man, the leader of the immortals pledged to her. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 13 To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], EryxPoseidon@ Poseidon-Brothers.com CC: [email protected] Subject: Revenge From: [email protected] Any idea what a pissed off level nine oracle can do to you? The brother, i.e.: idiot who ordered forty-nine diamond bracelets for the runners up to the Ms. Cross-Dresser USA contest will be hereby stripped of his sexual prowess for thirty years. Try using that scepter now! Phoenix the Great Annoyed One Bailey had a feeling this man's word wasn't given easily or without meaning. She clasped it like the last life vest on a sinking ship. Her fingers clenched as her muscles twisted, and she bit back a moan of pain the tiny movement caused her. Sometime soon she'd have to look over her newest batch of cuts and bruises. Already her lip felt ten times its normal size and her eye tried rapidly to catch up. "Fine, I accept your pledge." She edged away from the portal. "But what about that thing that tried to beat the shit out of me earlier? Can't he get in again?" The mention of the creature startled the remaining two men. 144

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Alexial's lips moved, but she heard no words come out. In a quick movement, his held tilted as if he were listening to a silent reply. Talos edged closer to her side. Her brain warned her to take a step back, but her pride held her feet firmly in place. She would find out what power their leader's word held over his brothers. "Kodar's minions were captured shortly after I found you. Kodar, however, created a portal we were unable to trace or activate." Shame colored his words and for a split second Bailey wanted to reach out and comfort him. It hadn't been his fault the slime team had disappeared. Shaking off the disturbing notion, she focused on his words, not the tone. "What do you mean, portal? I thought you just beamed where ever you wanted to go?" A small smile flitted across those tantalizing lips. "What you refer to as beaming we call flashing. We flash from one point to another. Scabers, on the other hand, do not possess the inherent magic to transport themselves anywhere. They must rely on physical magic such as a portal that can be called whenever they wish, so long as they have paid for the magic behind the portal." Bailey could tell the explanation aggravated Talos. His speech grew more formal and he'd paced from one point of the large room to the other while Alexial continued his imaginary conversation. With her body aching and her eye swelling, Bailey wondered how much longer she'd have to stay before being able to tend her injuries 145

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Talos continued. "Someone, somehow, pays for the magic. Normally, it's someone in the Scaber colony, but we've received reports recently stating some of our people have gone missing. We can only assume, since they haven't reported in that they have been captured and are being used to fuel the various portals and other magics the demons use." Bailey saw the weight of the knowledge reflected in the tight set of his shoulders and the white-knuckled grip he had on a statue. She stifled the overwhelming urge to rub his shoulders and ease the burden she sensed he carried. His problems were none of her concern. Bailey would do what she could to help him retrieve his soul and then she'd be on her way. The first part had been relatively easy and painless. If she kept to the same schedule, she'd be out of this place before midnight tomorrow night. As she opened her mouth to question Kodar's escape, Alexial and Kryssin's conversation finally sank in. "He can't read my mind anymore?" She dared to hope. Alexial looked slightly peeved. "He says he cannot. You must have learned, in the very short time you've been with us, to block your thoughts." "Oh thank you sweet merciful Mother Mary." Gratitude washed through her. Being held against her will was one thing; having her thoughts open to the mercy of someone else's whims sent her head into a tailspin. "Great for you, but not so good for us. At least with Kryssin monitoring you we stood a chance of protecting you. 146

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Now we'll have to rely on our instincts and your word," Alexial said in a disgruntled voice. "Just like I have to rely on your word to protect me?" she inquired sweetly. Alexial lifted a brow then bowed from the waist. "Touche, Ms. McCain." With a pitying look for his little brother, he made his way across the room. Bailey turned to the man everyone considered her mate and husband, but before she could speak, Alexial once more interrupted them. "If I may ask one last question before I go?" "You will anyway," Talos growled. "As you say." Alexial grinned. "One of the perks of being the oldest. I wonder, Ms. McCain, how you managed to save yourself from Kodar and his band earlier this evening?" With everything that had happened in the hours since her meeting with the Poseidon family, it was no wonder she'd forgotten about the battle. But she would never forget what saved her. Swallowing down the pain from her earlier battle, Bailey focused enough to tell them. "I had a small bottle of Fossen's anti-bacterial lotion in my pocket. I pulled it out as a last resort. I thought if nothing else, I could blind one or two of them then run like hell," she confessed. Instead of finding the story funny, Alexial nodded his head. "Good thinking, Ms. McCain. If any of the lotion had struck your attackers, it would have eaten away at their flesh like acid." 147

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The description turned her stomach. "I think in light of our situation we can dispense with formalities. The name is Bailey." Both parties were aware of the significance of the olive branch she offered. "Very well, Bailey. I'm Alexial. Please call me if I can make your stay more comfortable, or if there's anything you need from topside." With a last bow in her direction he silently left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. At the senator's words, she'd felt Talos stiffen beside her, but when he said nothing she let it go and focused on more pressing problems. "Think you can get the guy with tinsel hair in here for some medical care?" she asked and stumbled to the nearest chair, her legs suddenly weak and shaking. A furious growl filled the room as Talos dropped to his knees before her. "How badly are you hurt?" His fingers gently touched her swollen mouth then trailed a light path to her eye. "Not too bad." She felt compelled to assure him. Confusing, that. Why should she care if the man worried and about what? She brushed the thoughts aside to examine when the pain lessened. "Forgive my ignorance. I should have not let them stay." His deep voice sent tendrils of pleasure racing up and down her spine. "We were kind of discussing something important. If I didn't want them to stay I would've kicked them out myself." 148

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She tried to ignore the way his muscular thighs bunched with his every movement. One of her eyes might be swollen shut, but she needed only one to appreciate splendor of the man currently tallying her injuries. "I saw the wounds, but thought they were minor. I assured myself if they had been painful you would have spoken out or fainted. Since you didn't have the courtesy of doing either how was I to know how badly you—" A pop in the air then: "You rang?" Bailey gave a jerk of surprise. She doubted flashing would ever become a commonplace thing for her to witness. "Jeez, wear a bell or something. I don't need a heart attack on top of a black eye and split lip," she scolded the healer. Alekos gave her a gentle smile, his strange swirling bluesilver eyes twinkling merrily at her. "If you promise to stop trying to undo all my hard work, I will promise to consider it." "Alekos, Kodar attacked her—" "I know, Kryssin told me and the others all about it. It seems you have mated a warrior, brother. My congratulations." He smoothly pushed Talos out of the way to take his place. "Thank you." Talos looked at Alekos blankly from his new position beside Bailey's chair. "Now let's see what you've gotten into." Bailey watched one-eyed as Talos's brother raised two hands to soothingly trace the path above her bruises. Never once touching her flesh, Bailey nonetheless felt the heat and energy emanating him. 149

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Slowly, the tightness of her flesh receded. The throbbing pulse in her lips, cheek, and eye faded. Blinking her wounded eye, Bailey stared blankly at the semi-god now standing in front of her. "No matter how many times you do that, I'll never get used to it," she swore, reaching up to touch the vanished injuries. "You'd make a bundle on the surface." A look of pain crossed the man's face. "Money's not a factor, but people are. How would I pick and choose who to heal? The cancer-ridden child, the crippled warrior, or the pain-wracked elder?" He shook that glorious mane of silverblond hair. "No, the choices would tear me apart. I am much better off staying here and tending my brothers and our people." Bailey didn't know what to say. The remark she'd made as a joke had been a carefully thought out decision for the healing brother. She wondered how many times he felt the pull to heal someone not of their community. To have the power and ability to heal the most grievous wounds or deadly disease, yet not be able to unleash that power? The choice must have torn him apart. Her admiration of him grew. Thankfully Talos broke the heavy silence. "Thank you once again for healing my mate, Alekos. I'm indebted to you." The words sounded formal to Bailey's modern ears, but she watched as Alekos took them in stride. He gripped his brother's forearm. Talos matched the gesture. Then each man bowed his head. 150

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"Only promise to help me acclimate my mate once I find her and we will be even." "It is done," Talos swore. Shrugging off the formality as easily as he donned it, Alekos gave her a smile and wink. "Little sister, try to stop getting in the way of the Scaber's fist," he joked. "I'll do my best," she promised and rose to walk him out the door. "Until the next tide," Alekos said and left. When the door shut, Bailey realized Talos remained. How stupid, she thought, of course he'd stay. These were his rooms in his apartment in the home he shared with the rest of his family. "Just show me where I can crash and I'll get out of your hair." Trying to make it seem like the most natural thing in the world, she strolled back to the room to grab the bag she hadn't noticed sitting in the corner. "Easy enough to do," Talos said and waved a hand behind her. When she turned to look she saw his hand pointed to the bedroom where she'd woken up. "You can't mean..." "You sleep in my room. You are my mate. It's time you came to terms with the way our life will be. Starting with sharing a bed with me." The tone he used came out matterof-fact, no boasting or orders. Just like that, Talos expected her to lose her mind and hop into his bed.

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Sadly, her inner tramp jumped up and down at the idea, urging her to peel off her clothes and take whatever Talos offered. Mentally bitch-slapping the slut, Bailey turned to survey the room and plot her next defense. His mate, the words echoed through his brain. Talos never really thought of finding his soul and what it would mean to his life. With each breath taken, he grew more grateful to the angry woman pacing the floor in the next room. Amazingly, it took little time to adjust to the new sensations bombarding his body. A strange rumbling noise emanated from his abdomen as he showered off the day's dirt and battle sweat. A wholly unique feeling, it took several seconds for him to understand that his body wanted food. With the blood he'd drunk in Alexial's office, nourishment should be the farthest thing from his mind, but his body had a different agenda. The quick plans he'd mentally made after telling Bailey where she'd spend the night changed with the new demands of this awaked sense. Throwing on jeans and a T-shirt, he drew the leftover water from his rescue of Bailey from his hair and absorbed the moisture into his skin. Not bothering with socks or shoes, he strode back into the bedroom and met Bailey's rebellious green gaze. "You can't make me stay with you," she fired off in defiance that made Talos ache to take her within his arms. To 152

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manipulate the mutinous fire burning through her into a different kind of fever. One that would leave them both sated and satisfied. A careless shrug of his shoulders let Bailey know what he thought of that opinion. "Don't take that attitude with me!" She stormed across the room, moss-colored eyes blazing. "I deserve some answers here after promising to help you people." Poke, poke, poke went her finger into the material stretched across his chest. With a sigh and prayer for patience, Talos wrapped his hand around the small irritant. "I have no attitude." And pulled her along to the door. His stomach would wait no longer for nourishment. "Hey, where are you taking me?" Maybe some of that cereal Kryssin seemed so fond of. Also the remembered scent of Bailey's coffee made his mouth water. If he could find bacon, onions, mushrooms, and eggs, he'd make a breakfast omelet like he'd seen in a restaurant that one time. Or maybe the pizza Clio always ate. The teasing scent of cheese and meat seemed to appear under his nose. "I demand to be released." Diet Coke would also be in the kitchen fridge, as Clio seemed to be addicted to that fluid as well. So many foods and various drinks flew through his mind, Talos had to force himself to measure his steps with that of his complaining mate. "Talos, talk to me. That hungry look on your face is starting to freak me out." 153

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"Hungry is right," he replied, thoughts turning back to the contents of their now enlarged pantry. Clio deserved a metal and pots of gold for forcing the brothers to stock their neverbefore-used kitchen. "We are not having sex," Bailey shouted at the top of her lungs, penetrating his lustful food thoughts. "Sex?" he questioned not sure what path her brain had wandered off to. "I will not have sex with you," she shouted again causing several brothers to flash into the hallway in various states of dress. Alexial, in nothing but a towel, looked aggravated at the noise. Dorian, still dressed in his uniform black leather, looked bored. Bastien appeared in his tanned skin and a wide smile. Unfortunately, his naked brother spoke first. "Wow, she really doesn't want to have sex with Talos," he blithely informed the group as Kryssin and Clio appeared. "Yes, we all heard," Alexial drawled. "Several times." Kryssin gave Talos a disgusted look. "You tried to mate with her in the hall, brother. That's crass even for you." "I didn't..." he tried to protest, but another voice cut him off. Clio had the nerve to chastise him. "Really, Talos, I thought better of you than that. Trying to force yourself on the poor girl without even letting her get to know you." "You have tainted our honor." Dorian spoke sharply. "Talos, this really isn't done," Bastien started in, but Talos had had enough. Some things a man, mortal or not, could not 154

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tolerate and interrupting his first meal in over a thousand years counted as the number one. "Enough," he shouted through the din of voices. "I don't want to have sex with the woman. I want to eat." He looked at the suddenly silent group. "If you are so worried about her virtue then take her. I only brought her with me to make sure she remained safe. You watch her, Kryssin." Pulling Bailey across the hall, he yanked her forward and placed her hand in Kryssin's. "There, now you are responsible for her. I'm going to the kitchen." Bastien made the mistake of stepping in Talos's path. "Brother, I don't think it's such a good idea to leave—" Talos flashed out of the hall before Bastien could finish giving him useless advice. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 14 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Work From: [email protected] Dear Bossy and Anal, Work is for those who don't know how to plunder or steal. I know how to do both. Get a life and get out of mine. Bastien, the Hot Brother Embarrassment heated Bailey's cheeks; she crossed and uncrossed her arms. Bad enough Talos chose food over her, but to have him announce it in front of his entire family? She truly wished a Scaber would pull her through the floor. Anything would be better than facing the pity of these perfect demi-gods. A small hand touched her arm. Forcing her eyes up, Bailey met Clio's compassionate gaze. "They all go a little nuts at first," Clio said as if trying to explain away Talos's negligent behavior. "Yes, I thought of nothing but food and se—" Her mate started to say before Alexial cut him off. "Bastien, I think clothing is in order." The rascal in question smiled the smile of innocence. "Why Alexial, I would never dream to give you orders, but now that you mention it..." Swirling blue-and-white eyes looked down at his towel clad form with shock. The horror on the eldest brother's face 156

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almost made Bailey laugh. She'd never caught the senator at anything but his best. At another time, Bailey would relish teasing the older man, but her ears still echoed with the harsh words Talos had tossed at her. Alexial flashed from the room, Bastien followed seconds after with a smile and bow to the women. "Rascal," Clio muttered with a smile in her voice. "He's getting bolder," Kryssin said to Dorian. "Not for much longer," Dorian replied cryptically before disappearing himself. "Hon, why don't you join Talos for the food fest? I bought pickles and caramel syrup today." Clio gave her mate a quick kiss on the cheek and pushed him to the stairs. The light of adoration shone in Kryssin's eyes. "By the sea, woman, I love you." He closed the small distance between them and crushed Clio in a tongue-tangling passionate kiss before flashing himself to the kitchen. With a dazed expression, Clio leaned against the wall fanning her face. "That's something I'll never get used to." "Kissing Kryssin?" Bailey asked, wondering if Talos would ever kiss her that way again. "Oh no, I mean Kryss's kisses will always melt my legs, but I meant the easy way he tells me he loves me." As her eyes lit with some nameless inner emotion, Clio motioned Bailey to follow her. "I'd flash us there, but I'm still working on it. With my luck I'd flash us into the middle of the wall or the Arctic Ocean." A good-natured smile lifted her lips as she spoke. 157

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"Wait." Bailey stopped the other woman with a hand to her shoulder. "You can flash from one place to another? Without one of the men helping you?" The news shocked and pleased her. What would it be like to have that sort of power? To simply will yourself wherever you wanted to go? "Like I said, I'm not that great at it yet, but the guys promised me if I kept practicing I'd get the hang of it." Warm hazel eyes met her own. "No one's explained anything beyond the obvious to you, have they?" "I don't even know what the obvious is," Bailey confessed. Mumbling savagely under her breath Clio continued down the hall, determination in her every step. "Should have known they wouldn't think to tell you anything helpful. Well, it's a good thing you've got me on your side. I'll give you all the ins and outs of the Poseidon brothers. When I'm through with you those boys won't know what hit them." Striding down the hall, Clio continued to rant about the thoughtlessness of men, mortal or otherwise. Bailey kept her mouth shut and followed the mated female down the various halls. After ten minutes of what seemed to be aimless wandering, Clio stopped in front of two large gold doors engraved with strange symbols. Putting her hands to both doors, she spoke softly then gently pushed them open. "Come into my web, said the spider to the fly." And with a wink and devious smile, Clio disappeared into the space within. 158

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With a shrug and sense of resignation, Bailey gave one last look to the rabbit hole before following Clio into the madness. Buried in a bowl of crunchy, sweet breakfast cereal, Talos remained unaware of his brother's presence until Kryssin slapped the back of his head. With a jerk, Talos glared at his mated brother. "You'd better have a good reason for that," he warned the other man. "You're an idiot." Kryssin pulled out a wooden chair, turned it around, and sank down to straddle it. Carefully weighing his options, Talos mentally balanced Kryssin's insult on a scale against his tasty cookie cereal. The chocolate-chip infused sweet won hands down. Ignoring the other man, Talos bent his head to give full attention to the crunchy deliciousness floating in the bowl. The room he'd never had much use for now became his very favorite. Redone a few weeks ago to Clio's exact description, Talos glanced around and appreciated the changes as he crunched down on the next spoonful of sugary delight. Done in Tuscan orange, the room glowed with warmth. Restaurant quality equipment shone under the modern track lighting. The stainless steel refrigerator took up almost half the wall, only barely managing to share the space with double ovens and a gleaming double range. Across the room twin steel sinks gleamed brightly, overshadowed by a bevy of plants none of the brothers understood the need for. Clio had insisted on them and as usual she had her way. 159

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She'd also demanded a fifteen-foot oak kitchen table. Big enough, she assured them, to hold each brother and their mates. Once they'd found them. Talos had scoffed at the notion. No way could he have pictured his eight independent and solitary brothers gathering around the bleached wood table. Now he knew better. He'd love to see Bailey sitting at his side while he fed her the best pieces of the meal. He'd use his fingers to make the offers. Slowly sliding the food into her mouth. He almost felt the wet suction of her lips as she pulled the remaining flavors from his skin. As quickly as the hunger for food had come upon him another sort of hunger heated his blood now. A tanned hand smacked the table, causing his bowl to jump. "You left your mate in the hallway with all of us looking on. Before you flashed out, you made sure she knew you didn't want her." The news astonished Talos. How could Bailey doubt his desire? Hadn't they shared the hottest kiss in the history of the world? His lips still tingled with the memory. "She thinks no such thing." Talos tilted the bowl to his lips and drained the last of the chocolate milk. If having just one small part of his soul back made food taste this exquisite, how much better would sex be? He'd never had much use for sex. If he couldn't feel the slide of his cock inside the woman's wet warmth, what was the point? Bastien got around that little detail by drinking from their necks. It gave him a brief taste of the sensation, but Talos didn't see how it could last long enough to satisfy. 160

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Now everything had changed. His mate lived and breathed in his home. He could be at her side in an instant. He would flash them, naked, straight into bed. Starting with her luscious lips he'd kiss his way down to her beautiful breasts, suckling each sweet nipple into his mouth while his hands made a different journey. One that would reach the very core of her passion. She'd be hot and wet, ready to take every inch of his eager flesh. But Talos wanted to tease her before giving them both what they wanted. His mouth would make a popping noise as he released her nipple. In case they felt neglected, he'd keep both hands on her breasts, tweaking and pinching while his lips made the journey past her belly button where he'd be forced to stop and pay homage to such an adorable feature. Then on to nirvana. Her curls would tease his lips and tickle his nose. He fancied he could almost smell the sweet musk of desire. Gentle fingers would part her soft lips to discover the treasure hidden within. Slowly Talos would ease his head down, all the while keeping eye contact with Bailey. Better to watch pleasure take over her senses while he inflamed them more. First he'd blow gently on his found treasure, teasing them both before laying a tender kiss upon the nubbin of her desire. She'd writhe and beg, but he wouldn't give in. Her taste would flood his senses, and then he'd feast on her passion. A sniggering of doubt wiggled into his fantasy. The doubt sounded a lot like Kryssin. 161

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Irritated, Talos left his fantasy to focus in on his brother's babbling. "You've embarrassed her in front of the family. Throwing her at me like she was some toy you no longer wanted. I'm surprised Clio didn't beat the shit out of you right there." Kryssin shoved away from the chair to pace the long length of the kitchen. "If Bailey hadn't looked so lost and hurt I'm sure my mate would have torn you apart. As it is, they've barricaded themselves in our quarters. No doubt my sweet Clio is staunching Bailey's tears. Probably trying to make up excuses for your behavior all the while planning your demise in her head." Talos didn't wait to hear anymore. In his haste to fulfill one need, he'd neglected the woman responsible for giving him life. Kryssin was absolutely right. Clio surely plotted his long, slow, and painful death while comforting Bailey. He needed to get back to his mate and show her exactly where she ranked in his life. Cookie Crunch stood no chance against his delicious mate. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 15 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Text Messages From: [email protected] Texting is a privilege not a right. Please stop using your cell phones to text votes to American Idol. Or in Bastien's case, Dancing With The Stars. Phoenix, who already knows the winners of the next seven seasons Tears poured down Bailey's face as she tightly hugged her waist. "You can't be serious." Laughing just as hard, Clio nodded her head. "Oh yeah, I thought Kryssin's head would explode." "I can understand. I'd do the same thing in his place." Bailey grabbed the tissue the other woman held out and reclined against the cushions thrown on the floor. "You had this serious lip-lock session with him, all but finishing the deed in a supply closet. Then"—she started laughing again her words coming out between bouts of high pitched giggles— "you go comfort Bastien. I'm surprised he didn't kill both of you." Clio had the grace to look sheepish. "Hey, in my defense I didn't exactly know what had happened. They scrubbed my brain or was that after?" After a few seconds of internal debate she shrugged. "Doesn't matter now, but then, oh boy, I could have killed them all and not thought twice about it." 163

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"Yeah, I can so get behind that sentiment." As much as she understood Clio's feelings, a niggling thought continued to pester Bailey. Would it be rude to outright ask? Did etiquette books even cover this topic? If she asked and insulted Clio then she'd lost her only ally underwater. But Bailey had to know. Ignorance would drive her mad. Bailey took a deep breath, nervously twisting her fingers in an unconscious gesture. "Do they really drink blood?" A blush heated the brunette's cheeks. "Oh yeah, and you'll encourage it. I can promise you that." Knowing what the other woman referred to without having to actually say in words, Bailey felt her face color. "I'll have to take your word on that." Not, she thought before continuing out loud. "Anyway, how many Poseidon brothers are there? Where do they all live? How do they live? I mean a place like this must cost a fortune in upkeep alone." Clio and Kryssin's dwelling was much like Talos's. The size of her entire apartment complex, the rooms exuded warmth. Rich brown paint covered all but one of the walls. That wall opened to the ocean, unless she or Kryssin mentally sealed the view, Clio shared when Bailey asked. Plush couches formed informal conversation areas with a solid stone coffee table to rest weary feet on. Bailey felt comfortable and at ease in Clio's home. The realization surprised her. Normally, she didn't like being in such obvious wealth, too afraid to touch or sit on anything in case of an accidental spill or dirt smudge. Here the money, although present, wasn't the focal point. Comfort and relaxation were. 164

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Ignoring the clean and comfy couches Bailey stretched out on the mile-deep carpet, munched on snacks, and pumped Clio for information. "There are nine brothers all together. Alexial is the oldest. He's kind of a hard one to peg. I know he'd do anything for the others. It's just that sometimes he's very aloof with that scary important person aura going on." Yeah, Bailey could see that. Being the eldest in this bunch would be enough to make another man throw up his hands and walk away. You had to be made of strong stuff in order to survive eight younger, wilder immortal brothers. Leaning back into her own set of pillows, Clio ticked off a second finger. "Dorian comes next. He's pretty easy to peg. The dark, silent man of mystery. He's just got to have some tortured past, ya know." She met Bailey's eyes in woman-towoman communication. "Betrayed by a woman, vowing never to love another, that type of thing?" Bailey reached for the rich chocolate Clio had set in a bowl between them. "Exactly. I'm not sure if Alekos or Talos is next. We'll go with Alekos and save Talos for the last. Save time and all that." Popping a candy into her mouth, she raised a third finger to join the other two. "Alekos. He's our miracle worker. Heals anyone and anything, nothing too great or small for our doc. I haven't spent enough time with him to get a good read. From what I can tell he's a likeable guy with no big bads stuffed in the closet, but like I said he hasn't been around too often. Only comes when he's called, that type of thing." 165

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A fourth finger rose. "Zale is the bane of my existence. He's moody, sarcastic, quick tempered, and doesn't take shit from anybody." "In other words your newest best friend." Two sets of eyes met. Hazel peering straight into green and both women grinned in complete understanding. "Oh yeah, if it weren't for Zale I might have killed Kryssin in the first forty-eight hours. Zale's a convenient outlet for all my anger and frustration. I think he knows it too. Otherwise I'd have to label him to stupid to live." The fifth finger rose. "Umm, let's see...oh, Nicko. Never met the man. He's a hunter or seeker like my honey. Looks for clues all over the world to their missing past. He's kinda like Phoenix's personal searcher. The oracle hears a rumor in Russia? Nicko is sent to investigate. Don't even know what the man looks like, but he's got to be hot considering what the rest of his gene pool looks like." Bailey wholeheartedly agreed. Never had her eyes beheld such a bevy of male perfection. Poseidon must have been some kind of god to father such incredible sons. "Okay, who's left besides my own true love and the idiot." Tapping one finger to her lips while her other hand searched for any remaining chocolate. "Crap, I forgot Eryx. Lord"—she smacked her head—"like any woman alive would be able to forget such a man." Bailey's curiosity perked up. After hearing about and seeing some of the brothers, this Eryx must be something more than hot for Clio to react in such a way. 166

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"What's so important about him?" Bailey spied the last remaining piece of fudge and quickly snagged it before Clio. Chewing happily, she waved a hand to get the other woman going. "Eryx is...well, Eryx." Forehead scrunched Clio's mouth opened and closed several times. "He's different than the rest. I can't put my finger on it, but there's a certain something about Eryx that the rest of the family doesn't have. Not that I'm trying to take anything away from the rest of the boys, but Eryx can't be explained. He has to be experienced. You'll understand what I'm talking about when you meet him. I do know he does all the research on whatever the boys bring in. He's like a librarian only a thousand times more intelligent. Not dissing librarians or anything, but he can speak like fourteen languages and read even more." Once more her face went thoughtful. "But he doesn't see anything special about himself. He's shy, almost reserved. Like I said, there's something about him." Interest sparked. Bailey couldn't wait to meet this paragon. She'd ask Kryssin to introduce her when everyone woke up tomorrow. "And our resident playboy, Bastien. He's everything your mama warned you about and you still couldn't resist. He's smart, funny, too good-looking for his own good, which he knows. But underneath all the ego, and there's a lot of it, he's one of the sweetest men I've ever met. He'd walk the surface without salt water before deliberately hurting anyone he considered family or in his protection. Unless they were trying 167

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to hurt someone he considered weaker or under his protection. Then he's deadly. "And that leads us to my honey, Kryssin. You only get the bare facts there or else I'd keep you up all day boring you to sleep. I tend to go on, or so the guys keep telling me." She smiled at some remembered memory. "Let's just say he's not perfect, but he's perfect for me. He screwed up our dating, mating, whatever, ten ways to Sunday, but he did the best he could and I couldn't love him more." Happiness shone not only in Clio's voice, but also in her face and eyes as she spoke of the man she accepted into her heart, head, and bed. "Then there's today's problem child, your mate, Talos." She held up a hand before Bailey could correct her. "I know you don't think so, but we all know better. Just pretend we're all under the influence or something if it makes it easier on you." "Who's to say I don't think that anyway?" Damn, this was fun. She hadn't let her guard down in years. She'd missed this. The talking, laughing, and sharing in only a way another woman would understand. "Sometimes I wonder myself," Clio agreed and sat up. "We have to talk about Talos. He's the only reason you're holed up here." Bailey sat up too. "Yeah, I hate to ruin a perfectly good slumber party, but okay, give me the details." Clio's eyes glinted with an unholy light. Her hands rubbed together slowly while an evil grin stretched across her face. "Talos is an easy one," she assured Bailey. "He's the gadget 168

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kind. Loves anything you can plug in, put batteries in, or turn on. Come to think of it sounds almost like a..." Bailey reached over and slapped her hand across the other woman's mouth. "Don't you dare. Just tell me the facts." She waited for Clio's reluctant agreement before leaning back. "You're no fun. Bastien would have totally loved the reference." With a good-natured shrug she continued. "He's loyal, will do anything for his family and his people, but he didn't hold too much faith in the prophecy. He still doesn't know what to think of me. I'm a puzzle to be taken apart and deciphered." That sounded like the man she'd met. Wanting to break the soul bond down to parts and pieces with specific directions to follow in order to reach the correct outcome. Everything had a place and everything in its place. "You are going to drive him nuts and I can't wait to see him stumble to keep up." "I live to serve," she replied and both women broke into gales of laughter. When Kryssin and Talos entered the room they saw two women, tears streaming down their faces, holding onto each other for dear life. "If you've caused me to lose a night in my mate's bed, I'm taking it out on your ass," Kryssin promised before striding over to Clio's side, ready to comfort his way back into her arms. Guilt swamped Talos. Somewhere in the back of his mind he'd known Bailey's feelings were hurt, but seeing the result of his carelessness stunned him. 169

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However he may feel about the bond and Bailey's part in it, he had no right to treat his mate as less than a female of great worth. For the first time in memory, Talos's steps were hesitant. What did you say to a woman whom you kidnapped, threatened, and kissed like your life depended on it? "Bailey," he said, stepping over a lip-locked Clio and Kryssin. "You have my sincerest apology. I have treated you less than your value. I'm ashamed of myself and my actions. I beg your forgiveness." "Stuff the formality, Talos, I've spilled all the family's secrets." Clio grinned unrepentantly at him from the circle of her mate's arms. A smile spread across Bailey's gamine face. "I know all the dirty deeds of Poseidon Family, Inc." He gulped down the lump threatening to choke him. The warm, open look on Bailey's face shocked Talos to the tips of his bare toes. He'd come here expecting tears, recriminations, and accusations. Instead his mate smiled and laughed up at him. He exchanged a puzzled glance with Kryssin. "We seemed to have misconstrued the situation." His brother spoke only in Talos's mind. Talos nodded his head, not sure what to say. "We should talk," Bailey spoke seriously. In a matter of minutes, they said their goodbyes to Kryssin and Clio and slowly made their way to Talos's chambers.

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"Did you have a good time with Clio?" He felt like an idiot before the last word had been spoken. Of course she'd had a good time, hadn't he seen the women laughing together? "Yeah, she's really funny. She gave me the lowdown on all of the family. Then told me the story of how she ended up here, married to Kryssin." The memories seemed to make her smile. "Clio said it was pretty rough in the beginning." "Yes, being the first found mate brought about all sorts of problems none of us expected." Talos remembered Clio's very vocal entrance into the family. "She turned us all on our ears, but now none of us can imagine the family without her." His words caused her bright smile to fade and Talos wondered what he'd said to take it away. "You're very close to your brothers?" Pushing open the door, Bailey preceded him in their sitting room. Finally, one question he didn't have to think about. "Yes, since our father took our souls we had only each other to rely on." A spark of interest grew in her eyes. "What was it like? Being left alone without knowing what had happened or why?" Tucking both feet under her, Bailey sank into the buttersoft leather, eyes steady on his. Talos debated how much to tell her. The Poseidon story wasn't an easy tale, filled with fun antidotes and pretty moral lessons. Their story had blood, vicious battles, lost friends and comrades, and sleepless nights wondering if this nightmare would ever end. 171

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In the end he chose to share the unvarnished truth. He owed Bailey the truth as her mate and protector. She deserved to know exactly what danger might come her way. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 16 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Lottery From: [email protected] If you know the future, then how about coming across with some lottery numbers? Kryssin's birthday is coming up. He mentioned something about a mega-yacht. Unless he wants Mattel's version, I can't afford it on a professor's salary. Clio the Poor But Sweet "I'll tell you all that I remember of the day, but I warn you it's not much." For the first time in years, Talos allowed his mind to wander back to the past he'd so successfully shut the door on long ago. "Father called us all together. Alexial, Dorian, Alekos, and Nicko were there before me. The rest showed up shortly thereafter. Poseidon explained about the battle and his part in it. He apologized for his actions, even though at the time, we didn't know what he had planned. Then we woke alone on the beach, unable to feel the sand beneath our bodies, smell the salt of the sea, or feel the beat of our hearts. Needless to say, we were shocked." He could remember the exact instant he knew his life had forever changed. He'd felt like a stranger in his own body. He'd watched in shock as his brothers stumbled around trying to get their bearings. 173

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"We got our first lesson in soulless living while flailing around on the beach with the sun draining our strength. Dorian quickly understood we needed to get out of the sun. The nine of us holed up in a shallow cave for days, not knowing what happened next." The fear and helplessness had held them all in tight clutches. Talos shivered, remembering how useless he'd been. How they'd all been. "Alexial took matters into his own hands, much like he does now." The memory brought a small smile to his lips. "Axe thought if he could find us some type of food we could gain enough strength to leave the cave and make our way back to our various homes." How little any of them had known the long reaching consequences of Poseidon's prophecy. "Our stubborn leader made a flimsy trap out of some driftwood and leather from our tunics. He waited outside the cave for hours that night. When daylight started breaking through the night, we begged him to come inside where it would be safe. He refused, stubborn sot, but he showed us in the end. A sickly cow had wandered down, likely looking for a good place to die. She'd found it in us. Axe didn't even get to use his trap." The cow had looked at them with sad brown eyes almost as if she understood what would happen. "Dorian, the only one of us still strong enough, rammed his sword straight into her heart. A quick, good kill, the poor beast felt no pain." For that he still thanked the gods. "But then came the really strange part or should I say the even stranger part. A small trickle of blood had oozed out of the wound. Same thing we'd all seen numerous times and 174

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thought nothing of. This time all nine of us stared at the opening like a man starving, which I suppose in a way, we were. Once again Axe took the lead. He calmly walked over to the dead beast, cupped his hands to catch the blood, waited for them to fill, then drank." This part of the memory made him hesitate. He knew how squeamish humans were about drinking blood. He'd didn't want Bailey to bolt. Just as he decided to brush over the worst of it, he felt her warm hand around his thick wrist. "Don't edit it for my sake. I asked for the truth. If you respect me, you'll tell me honestly. I promise not to run like a frightened virgin on her wedding night. I want to understand." Her voice was fierce, her moss green eyes blazing with intensity. "Fine, then you've asked for it." The bravado made him want to shock her into doing just the opposite. He knew how asinine his thoughts were becoming when not two seconds ago he prayed she'd not run from him or his past. This mating business surely wasn't for the faint of heart. "He drank the blood," Talos stated baldly, not bothering to hide the truth in prettier words to make it easier for her to swallow. She'd asked for the truth, he'd by damned give it to her. The tension made him unable to sit. He paced from one corner of the large room to the other all the while talking. "Shocked is what we should have been, instead we all rushed over to have a drink of our own. The finest thing that ever passed my lips, I thought at the time. With each swallow of blood my strength returned and I could see the same thing 175

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happening with the others. By the time the sun had fully risen we were well back on our way to full recovery. Discussing the matter between the nine of us, we voted to stay inside the cave until night fell once more. To conserve our strength and all that. So we settled back once more into the damp ground and slept." "Shit," Talos heard her curse. "Daddy dearest didn't think to leave you with a few instructions? Great parenting skills that man had." "Likely he didn't know what would happen, and there was the matter of an immortal war going on. He didn't have much time on his hands. He did what he could and trusted we'd be smart enough to figure out the rest. Which we did, eventually." After near fatal poisoning from drinking the wrong kind of blood, they'd discovered the Scaber demons and the true legacy of their father. "Phoenix showed up some time after that, or at least written notes from him." "Wait." Bailey stopped him while uncurling her feet from the couch. Talos feared she planned to comfort him and relaxed when she only shifted to a more comfortable position. "How did you know to trust him? I mean I'm guessing you didn't know him beforehand, right?" She waited for his nod. "So this guy just shows up with a note telling you what to do and the nine of you merrily do what he says?" Her tone said exactly what she thought of that bit of stupidity. Talos allowed his exasperation to show. "We weren't that stupid. Dear Dad had left a cryptic message about the Phoenix showing us the way. It took several months and 176

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more heated debates before we chose to answer his summons. By that time we'd found an abandoned manor near the beach only a mile or two from where we'd woken up. The previous owner must have taken his family and run when the war started. So there we were living in a very nice home, learning how to walk and talk again, when this little boy shows up on our doorstep. The brat wouldn't leave until Alexial took the note from his little hand. Then he waited without a word for the reply. None of us knew what to make of him. He kept his mouth shut, refused our offers of food and lodging. When Alexial handed him a response, the boy disappeared around the corner quicker than you could blink. "More messages came, all from different children, none ever the same. Each time Alexial gave the same refusal until one day it seemed stupid to continue the game without knowing the opponent. When the next messenger arrived Alexial quickly agreed to the oracle's terms. Two days later, we woke in the cavern as you did earlier tonight, Phoenix nowhere in sight. Only a single message scrawled across the wall: Rise, brothers Poseidon, to find your destiny and seek out the keepers of your souls. "Needless to say we were pissed. After all hadn't we agreed to trust this unknown person and this is the thanks we get. A riddle on the wall and no oracle in sight. But it was there Alexial and Eryx came up with the idea of searching for treasure to make our way in the world. It's a twofer: we get to have more money than most countries while we search for clues to our destinies." 177

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Bailey sat on the couch exactly as he'd left her. Her face expressionless, hands folded primly in her lap. What thoughts occupied that keen mind? "I think that about sums it up." He strode to the couch, lifted Bailey into his arms, and walked to the bedroom. He wouldn't push for a physical union tonight. Talos wanted his mate in his arms, the rest would wait. When Talos reached down to swing Bailey into his strong arms, she didn't think to protest his highhandedness. Her mind had been captured by the story he told and the things he hadn't said. Like how they adjusted to living off blood. How afraid each of them must have been, but too macho to show it. She couldn't imagine her life flipped upside down like that. And for each man to still retain his own sense of justice and honor? Clio had been right: the Poseidon brothers were a breed all to themselves. Bailey came out of her reverie when her back hit the very soft mattress. As much as she admired and wanted Talos, jumping into bed with the man wouldn't solve her problems; likely she'd end up with more. She put a hand to his tanned chest. "Talos, I don't think this is a good idea." He pulled her hand away only to raise her fingers to his lips and lay a gentle kiss across her knuckles. "Bailey McCain, you know I want you. I've never denied that, but for tonight I want only to hold you in my arms, nothing more. On my honor." 178

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Cobalt-blue eyes swayed green and she relented, knowing she wanted to sleep in Talos's arms as much as he wanted her there. "Fine, but no funny stuff." The cobalt changed to sky-blue as his mood lightened. "And there goes my plans to invite clowns with their funny cars to share our bed." Helpless laughter spilled out of her lips before she could stop it. Bailey didn't want to encourage him, but really he was so cute standing there trying so hard to look innocent. The twinkle in his eyes belied the virtuous expression. "Shut up and get in bed." She mock growled, scooting over to make room for his larger frame. A wide, happy grin split his face. "I thought you'd never ask." He dived under the covers, clothes and all. She shrieked with laughter as his arms closed around her waist and hauled her back against his very firm front, tickling her ribs at the same time. "Hush, woman," he admonished her. "I'm trying to get some sleep." And squeezed her tighter to his side. "Sleeping might be out of the question if I can't breathe." Trying to push his arms away did little good. It was like trying to move two tree trunks. "Sorry, love." He eased the pressure enough for her to resume breathing, but kept his hold tight enough to feel every rise and fall of her chest. She'd never fall asleep with Talos holding her so close. But it had been a long night and even longer day. Fear, worry, and anger had zapped her strength and soon she drifted off to 179

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sleep. Content to let Talos keep the demons at bay while she lay vulnerable in sleep. He'd never seen anything so beautiful as Bailey's face. In sleep she let the worries of the day go and looked so innocent and youthful one could almost forget the fire and passion lurking just beneath the surface. When they entered the room, he'd planned to sleep on the floor. Given the previous attack, Talos didn't want to be a room length away from his mate. While waiting for day sleep to overcome him, Talos replayed the conversation he'd had with Kryssin on the way to fetch Bailey. His younger brother had assured him the two demons waiting for Kodar had been caught and executed and only Kodar himself had gotten away. Talos expected nothing less. The leader of the Scabers would rather leave his followers to die then risk injury to himself. Now they had the trouble of finding out how the demon knew where to find Bailey and get into Talos's private quarters. Too many people lived in their underwater world to place a protective barrier warding off strangers. New nymphs and other immortal beings wandered through the land all the time. No sense in putting the barrier in place when it would go off every second if a guest came to visit. But something more would have to be done to ensure not only Bailey's safety, but that of Clio and whatever new mates came along. They could no longer leave their home open with only the flimsiest wards as protection. Tomorrow he'd seek out the mages and find out what else could be done. Maybe 180

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they'd have some protective amulet or spell he could tag Bailey with. He doubted his mate would go along with the idea, but what she didn't know couldn't hurt him. Using the tip of his finger, he traced the lips he ached to kiss. No woman had ever affected Talos like Bailey. He supposed it had everything to do with being his mate. No other woman had been right for him and Bailey was his perfect match in everyway. With the sun burning bright miles over his head, Talos succumbed to the lure of day sleep with his mate tucked tightly against his side. His body curled protectively around her, even in the depths of sleep. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 17 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Re: Lottery From: [email protected] Clio, No. Phoenix Erotic dreams plagued Bailey's sleep. So when she woke, her body burning with desire, Bailey thought her dreams followed her in waking. A calloused palm covered her breast with clever fingers pinching her nipple. She moaned and pushed her flesh deeper into the teasing palm. Disappointment flooded Bailey when the hand moved away, but her hot flesh quickly became engulfed in a fiery mouth. Suction pulled her taut nipple into the wet cavern of the mouth. She moaned at the delicious feeling, wanting more. Bailey shifted her legs, spreading them wide open eager for the weight that followed. Lifting her hips, she encountered very aroused male flesh just as eager for her. "Sweet," a husky voice whispered around her flesh. "I knew you'd taste this good." She thought Talos would taste just as good and moved to prove it when reality stuck her motionless. 182

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"You're awake now, are you?" Just like that, his delicious weight disappeared and the mattress sank under his body at her side. Trying to sort out the conflicting thoughts and emotions in her head, Bailey said the first thing that popped into her mind. "You wanted me asleep for sex?" Turbulent blue eyes waited in patience when she finally found the courage to open her own. "Oh no, love, I want you wide away when we make love. But after the dreams I had all through the day I needed to see if you tasted as good as I imagined." "Oh," she managed to mutter as her cheeks blared to red. He saw the blush and pounced, literally and figuratively. His big body caged over hers, holding the weight off her with his hands and knees. "You didn't by any chance have a few dreams about me, did you?" Quickly turning her head, she couldn't bear to look at him. He'd know exactly what type of dreams she'd had. Strong fingers clasped her chin and forced her gaze back to his smiling and smug face. "You did, didn't you?" Talos didn't wait for an answer. "Hot damn!" He leaned down and quickly covered her lips with his own. The kiss ended before it really began. Feeling gypped, Bailey glared at his smiling face. "Proud of yourself, are you?" Why wouldn't he move? The feel of his body above hers led to thoughts best left alone. "Hell no." He grinned down at her, his face handsome in the early evening light. "I'm too relieved I'm not in this alone. I could kiss you again." 183

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The inner tramp jumped up and down screaming "Yes, please." Bailey shut the mental door in her face. Now wouldn't be a good time to let her hormones out to play. "We wouldn't want that to happen again, would we?" The light dimmed from his eyes at her words. Before she could qualify her words, Talos moved off her and the bed in one smooth move. With the twilight at his back, wearing only a pair of snug jeans, Talos looked like an ancient deity come to Earth to torment mortal women. "Talos," she tried to explain, but his harsh voice cut her off. "We need to get up and find out if Dorian found answers from Kodar's minions. I'll meet you in the kitchens." He grabbed a shirt out of the closet and left the room. "Damn it." Talos looked so cute, his eyes dancing with laughter and lust, and she'd ruined it. But really, no matter what Clio and the rest said about being mates, she couldn't give up her quest. She refused to fall in love with Talos. After all, the man would live forever. What did he want from a mortal woman with only sixty or so years left in her? Pushing her tangled thoughts away, Bailey slid out of the bed. Last night she hadn't looked around much. Now curious, she saw the bedroom looked even larger than the sitting room. Light tan covered three walls with the fourth being made up of the outside water view. Choosing to investigate that at a later time, she wandered to the closet door Talos left open and peered in. Rows and rows of clothes hung neatly on racks. Her entire apartment 184

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would fit easily in the vast space. Did the brothers know anything about moderation? Grabbing the nearest clothes, Bailey backed out and opened the second closed door and stood mute in shock. While her shower had given Bailey a good idea of the vastness of the room, she'd taken it at night in the darkness. With no one to show her a light switch, she'd fumbled through the experience on a wing and prayer. Now, in the fading light, she saw everything missed last night. Blue marble covered every surface. To her left stood the shower she marveled over last night, but to the right sat the largest bathtub she'd ever imagined. The size of a large pool with jets all through the inside, it boasted a headrest at both ends and a control switch that would do NASA proud. A trickle of laughter escaped her. This was living. Giving in to the hedonist hidden in her, she bypassed the shower, turned the faucets in the tub to full blast, and prepared to pamper herself silly. Talos entered the kitchen with a scowl he couldn't suppress. Kryssin sat at the kitchen table while his mate was busy at the stove. "Whatever you're making I'll take two," Talos growled taking a seat next to his brother. "You don't even know what I'm making." Hips swinging in time with music only she could hear, Clio continued to stir the pan. "Anything you cook would taste fine." Spying a crisp piece of bacon on Kryss's plate, Talos reached out, swiped, and devoured it before his brother could protest. 185

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"Get your own meal from your own mate." Kryssin's hand came out to smack the back of his brother's head. The thought of his angry mate did nothing to diminish his appetite. "She's in the midst of refreshing herself. I'm sure she'll be down shortly." A slender arm slid around his shoulders. "Oh, Talos, she's still having a hard time adjusting to all this." The question phrased as a statement didn't require any answer from him. "She wants nothing to do with me or my touch." He directspoke to Clio's ears alone. Not that she wouldn't tell Kryssin at the first opportunity, but it wouldn't be here in front of Talos's face. "I doubt that's the case." She spoke only to him while trying to tame the unruly mess of his hair. "Some women don't handle pressure or change very well. Bailey will need time to adjust. Treat her with care and she'll come to see how wonderful you are." "Bailey doesn't need a gentle touch, woman. Bailey needs manacles and a whip. That woman thinks she can take on the world and win." Talos took a deep breath to regain his temper. "The problem is, she probably could." A pent up breath left Clio's lips. "Thank goodness. I honestly couldn't picture Bailey sitting up in your room, bawling her eyes out and wringing her hands." Talos looked at Clio. Clio looked down at Talos. Both tried to form a picture of the strong, take-charge Bailey McCain sitting under the covers crying and pleading for help. They both burst into laughter. 186

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"Want to let your mate in on the little joke?" Kryssin growled in jealousy and wrapped his arm tightly around his wife's waist. "Sorry, hon." Clio wiped her eyes and gave her husband a quick peck. "I'll fill you in later." "I know." Kryssin returned the kiss, only his landed on her lips and lasted much, much longer. "Get a room," Talos quipped and tried to hide the jealousy in his voice. "Some of us have to eat here." "I have to finish breakfast anyway." Clio laughed as she danced out of Kryssin's arms. "You have to be a good mate and eat whatever I put on your plate. No matter what it tastes like." Talos almost snorted at the pathetic look on his younger brother's face. Until he remembered he'd asked Clio to cook something for him as well. Direct-speaking to his brother, Talos asked in a faintly worried voice, "Clio does know how to cook, doesn't she?" Kryssin didn't bother to look up. Instead kept his attention on his over-filled plate. "She's just learning." Talos thought back to the moment he'd walked into the kitchen. "But everything smelled so wonderful." His stomach chose that moment to agree. Giving a small sad shake of his head, Kryssin looked out from beneath the length of his hair. "Problem is, Clio doesn't think a recipe is completely necessary. If she likes the taste of something then she thinks it should be easy enough to copy the taste. So she adds enough ingredients until the smell tempts you in and then you're caught." 187

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"How bad is it? I mean the bacon tasted great." Talos brightened at the memory and flavor of that small taste. Until Kryssin bashed that hope. "I get up early every evening to make breakfast. Normally, I get enough eaten before Clio wakes up, but I didn't make it in time. I'd only finished the bacon when she walked in." "You made it?" Talos didn't know why it should surprise him. Kryss was nothing if not resourceful. "Yes," his brother grumbled, "and you ate the last piece." "Don't be so selfish," Talos chided. "At least your mate is trying." The words made Kryssin cheer up until Clio set a wiggling blob of yellow, white, and red in front of him. He looked up into his wife's hopeful hazel eyes then down to the plate in front of him. He swallowed thickly. "Smells great, baby." "Eat up, Krys." Talos toasted him with a cup of coffee and managed to scoot away from the table before Clio could offer him a portion of the...whatever she'd cooked. "I'm going to check on Bailey then find Dorian about our guests." He disappeared before either one could protest. In a much better frame of mind then when he left, Talos entered his bedroom. A quick look around showed no sign of Bailey. For a moment fear clouded his senses, until he heard the muffled sounds coming from his bathing chamber. Making no noise, Talos walked over to peek in the room, fully expecting Bailey to be standing within the clouded shower stall, safe from his lecherous leering. 188

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Shocked dropped his jaw and widened his blue eyes. Bailey sat chest deep within a mountain of bubbles, one long leg stuck out in a sexy pose. "Thank you." He whispered the praise. Wouldn't do for his lovely water nymph to notice her admirer. Talos knew he should leave before being spotted, but his feet wouldn't move and his brain refused the command to fade into another room. Water ran off her sleek limb, starting from the tips of her elegant toes to the point where thigh met bubble. He mentally cursed the bubbles for hiding such a delicious treat from his view. An even better view would be one in which he appeared naked behind her. The fantasy tempted him. After all, the woman had been declared his mate in front of the family and Phoenix. Why shouldn't he push away from the door, shuck off his clothes, and slide behind her? Take those luscious breasts into his hands, lifting them one at a time to his seeking mouth. His thoughts caused the flesh in his pants to stretch painfully against his zipper. Enough was enough. Talos had waited thousands of years for this one woman. Why should he wait a moment longer to bring both of them the pleasure he knew they wanted? Mind made up in a lustful haze, Talos quickly dropped his garments on the floor and moved silently toward his prey. [Back to Table of Contents] 189

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Chapter 18 To: [email protected] CC:[email protected], [email protected] Subject: E-Mail From: AlexialPoseidon@Poseidon-Brothers Stop CC-ing me on every e-mail you write. I spend half my day deleting useless crap. My time is much better spent training and overseeing our various companies. In other words, I don't care what Clio and Kryssin did with the whipped cream. Bastien, stop picking on Phoenix. Phoenix, get over it. Alexial, the Tired and Pissy Leader of Morons The water teased her senses and the bubbles caressed her skin in a tantalizing manner. Who knew taking a bath could be so erotic? she wondered. The only thing that could make it better would be to have Talos show up to appease her suddenly lustful urges. Imagining his strong body heating her back, it took Bailey a minute to understand that the figment of her imagination had slid into the bath. "What are you doing here?" Dumb, Bailey, very dumb question, she chastised herself. Why else would a grown naked man slip into a tubful of water with a grown naked woman? "If you have to ask, I'm not doing something right." He wrapped his muscled arms around her waist, filling each 190

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scarred palm with a breast. Pinching and twisting her nipples caused a ripple reaction throughout her entire body. Who knew a man's hands could feel so good, gentle yet demanding at the same time? "We're mad at each other." She tried to break through the sexual haze his body caused. She felt the brush of his laughter against her throat. "What better way to make up?" Sharp teeth nipped her skin quickly followed by the roughness of his tongue to soothe the ache. "You want to...ah..." One hand left her breast gently gripping her head to turn her lips to his own. Skillfully, Talos teased her with the tip of his tongue. Gently wetting the seam of her mouth before skirting away to play at the edges. After he'd done this several times, Bailey felt ready for violence. Bailey snaked her arms around his neck and pulled his lips firmly on her own. Her tongue pushed past the barrier of his teeth to find the richness hidden within. He tasted salty, like the ocean on a clear summer day. Not surprising, considering his heritage. She vaguely heard him groan before his tongue came out to tangle with her own. Dueling lips and hands played and explored to their owners' delight. A soft brush of fingers over Talos's nipples caused the hardened warrior to jump, almost breaking their kiss, but he was made of sterner stuff. His own hands were busy learning the feel of her butt. Large palms squeezed that part of her anatomy before sliding around. 191

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A squeal escaped her lips as they finally parted for air. "Talos, I...I don't....think," she tried to get out as his fingers successfully sought and found the center of her pleasure. "Don't think," he whispered, turning her so that her back lay against his hair roughened chest. "Just feel and enjoy." Don't think? Bailey had always been the person with a plan and lists. Now this...oh, delicious...man was telling her to let go and leave herself in his hands. Thoughts and thinking didn't come into play after that. Talos had successfully turned her body on and her brain off. Playing and teasing within her soft folds, he murmured gentle praise in her ears. She couldn't understand the words, but the sentiment behind them came out loud and clear. "Beautiful, you are so soft and sweet." He licked her neck from pulse to lobe. "I can't wait to see you filled with the pleasure I give you." If she had been capable of processing words, Bailey would have been concerned. Instead she allowed her body to be moved and positioned at Talos's will. The first blast of water between her splayed thighs caused her to gasp and try to pull back, but Talos held her body firm. "Relax and trust me, Dapla." He hushed her with his dark whispers of pleasures. "I don't know if I can," she confessed, still trying to pull her body away from the pulsing pleasure of the water. Everything happened too quickly for her to catch up. One minute Talos looked ready to flay her alive the next they were naked in the tub getting to really know each other. 192

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What had Clio said about this? Oh yeah, the other woman had warned her the desire would come up strong and hard. To try and fight it would make both of them more miserable than not. Oh, and that Talos would be compelled to take her blood in the midst of all the sex-play. Clio had very casually dropped the blood drinking part into the conversation, but had been quick to reassure Bailey. "The pain will be gone before you even know it's there," she promised, her hazel eyes shining with the truth. Bailey didn't doubt that might be the case with Kryssin and Clio. The two looked so in love Bailey felt equally nauseous and jealous. Talos's voice brought her body and mind back into the present. "Just this once, this one step, trust me enough for this. For me to give you pleasure." One finger trailed down her stomach to join with the water in driving a sane response out of her mind. "Oh...that's...." She couldn't find the words to describe the absolute bliss rippling through her body. Without a thought, Bailey's hips lifted into the powerful jet stream, letting the water and Talos take her over. Talos had never seen anything more spectacular than Bailey in the throes of passion. Her lips swollen from his kisses parted in silent pants, the breasts he'd tasted and teased lifted out of the water, and bubbles like an offering to the gods. A dainty foot pressed against either side of the jet Talos currently manipulated her with. 193

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He'd sworn not to touch her blood until she'd given him permission. In the middle of burning lovemaking wasn't the time to ask. He wanted her permission given with a clear and open mind, not clouded and hazed with passion. Reaching down with his free hand, Talos opened her tender lips with two fingers, then adjusted the force of the water to hit right into that spot. Bailey's entire body jerked with the new contact. She screamed his name. Reached around and tugged his mouth to the fast beating pulse where neck met shoulder. He shuddered, trying to ignore the temptation Bailey didn't know she offered. "Bailey, Dapla, don't. You don't know what you're offering." He looked down trying to find the strength and honor to move his mouth away. Bright green eyes met his own. "I do know what I'm offering. My blood. Clio...ah...explained it to me. The pain won't...ah won't matter in all the pleasure," she explained around several moans. Hades's balls, Clio had told Bailey to plan this? The knowledge started to douse his ardor, but Talos's warrior body refused to give in to a mere woman. "You know I'll take your blood while you climax?" he asked bluntly, not wanting any confusion now or later. "Yes, yes, oh....oh...." Realizing he didn't have much time to catch up with his mate, Talos lowered his head again. "Aldepe," he whispered then struck, sinking fangs into tender skin. Nirvana spilled into his mouth. Rich, lush, and full of life, Bailey's blood filled the empty holes in his mind and body. 194

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Holes Talos hadn't been aware of. Warm sparks of life centered in his chest flew outward to infect the rest of his body before his concentration splintered as his mind melded into Bailey's. He felt her pleasure rise. The contractions that grabbed her as the pinnacle of climax claimed her. Talos felt everything his mate felt. The rough, but pleasurable sensations of his fingers stroking her body, the way the damp hair on his chest felt against her back. Slightly erotic, but added to hard strength of his thighs against her soft ones made her feel safe and secure enough to let go. Bailey's climax tore through both of them. Their bodies lifting and falling in unison as wave after wave of mindnumbing pleasure took over their minds and movements. His pleasure erupted against the softness of her skin, coating and branding her in the most primal way. When the last wave crested, Talos lifted his heavy head and licked the wound clean. Then he lay back against the tub, pulling Bailey with him. No thoughts intruded. Only a feeling of rightness and contentment permeated his brain and body. Bailey's body shuddered one last time then he felt their connection sever. He sat up with a jolt. "Did you do that?" he asked, desperately hoping her answer would be no. He couldn't bear to think of his mate deliberately breaking such a special and unique connection. "I'm not sure. I don't think so." Her voice came out mumbled and sleepy. "What happened to us?"

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Relaxing a little at the confusion in Bailey's words he sunk back into the tub. "Well figure it out, but not now. Right now I want to enjoy holding you in my arms for a little bit longer." Feeling her sigh whisper against his skin, Talos relaxed, content to hold this precious bundle in his arms and count his blessings. Someone should say something, even though the moment wasn't awkward, yet. Bailey's mind functioned at the very lowest level capable. She knew what had happened in Talos's arms didn't solve their problems. If anything it mucked up their situation. Throw sex into any equation and rational results went out the window. Bailey didn't even feel weird about Talos's drinking her blood. At the time, it seemed as natural as breathing. He needed blood to live, Bailey had blood to spare, ergo, Talos took her blood. After all, there weren't that many females in his underwater home. There were the naiads, nymphs who lived in the sea. Clio hadn't bothered telling her what a nymph was, but Bailey could pretty well figure it out. A gorgeous thin woman with perfectly long hair curled just the right amount, with no visible or invisible flaws. In other words, perfect. Thinking of Talos taking any of those women in his arms, much less into his blood, made Bailey swing around and smack his two-timing head. Coming out of what looked to her a lustful stupor, Talos shook his deep auburn hair. "Suzitca." He jumped and leveled a glare in her direction. "What in the name of the seven seas was that for?" 196

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"You and those damn nymphs," she fumed and crawled somewhat ungracefully out of the small pool. Temped to give the marble a kick to expel some aggravation, Bailey settled instead for a dark, blood-freezing glare then stormed away. "What damn nymph?" Talos bellowed from the bathroom. Bailey heard the water splash and knew he'd be on her in minutes. Throwing on a sheet to cover her naked body from the rest of the brothers, Bailey raced out of the room. Not before hearing Talos bellowing out her name then a thud and curse. The thud had her almost turning back to make sure he didn't do any permanent damage. Then Bailey remembered the half god part of his makeup and stormed away. She'd had enough of Talos for one evening. For such a smart man he could be incredibly stupid. Bringing immortal women into the conversation so soon after their magical encounter; the man had some nerve. It conveniently slipped her mind that Talos had never brought the nymph into the conversation. Her own insecurity had taken care of that. Fear and denial were two great motivators for self-preservation and Bailey, intentionally or otherwise, determined to sink herself into both. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 19 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Tickets From:AlexialPoseidon@Poseidon-Brothers Bastien, Houston PD has sent seventy-five tickets to my office along with a nicely worded warrant for my arrest. Since I've never driven in Houston, I know you must have spelled the red-light cameras. Stop doing it and pay these damn things. Alexial Talos stood naked, dripping wet, and gaping at the closed door. If he used every minute of his immortality, he would never understand women. One minute everything had been fine. Bailey had relaxed into his arms, another piece of his soul had snapped into place, and sexual lassitude had held them both. In the next, she'd yelled something about nymphs and him then stormed out of their room. If he hadn't seen the fear in those cat-green eyes, Talos would have stormed after her, clothes or no clothes. But pushing the issue with her right now wouldn't make her fear go away. It would be better to give Bailey some time to adjust to the changes in her life, and then seek her out for explanations. "By the one God, this courting is going to kill me," he confessed aloud, going back for another change of clothes. 198

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He hadn't come after her. Talos had left her alone to roam the halls and possibly be attacked by a demon. How dare he leave her at the mercy of his enemies? A calm voice spoke to her left. "Perhaps, he thought it best to give you time to sort out your various thoughts." Bailey jumped a foot and turned to look at her intruder. "I didn't mean to interrupt your thoughts." The man stepped out of the shadows and Bailey nearly lost her breath, her mind, and the use of her legs. Standing before her had to be the most exquisitely formed man she'd ever laid her eyes upon. Standing at least six-footsix, probably around two hundred and forty-five pounds of solid muscle and sex appeal with toffee-colored hair, the most perfect cerulean blue eyes she'd ever dreamed up, the man was a walking, talking wet dream. Color crept up those sculpted cheekbones. "Ah...I'm sorry...very sorry to say I can hear your thoughts. But I thank you for such colorful and complimentary comments." "Is that one of those windows you can push your way through?" She pointed to the portal over his shoulder. After a quick glance behind him, Mr. Perfect turned back. "Yes, it is." He gave her a small frown. "Are you in need of assistance?" Relief flowed through her. "Great, thanks. No, go back to being lovely and all that." Hoping her mind was too busy being humiliated for him to read her next intentions, she bolted past him. Her one aim to get to the window and drown herself before the day could get any worse. 199

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Unfortunately, this brother could flash, and he stood between her and the portal in a fraction of a second. "Please do not drown yourself. Talos would be most upset with me," Mr. Universe said in a soft and gentle voice. "I hate it when one of my brothers is angry at me." She had the most irritating urge to pat his hand and rub his muscle-ripped back in a motherly fashion. Get him a cookie and glass of milk and make him tell her all of his problems so she could fix every one of them. "Wow." The ever changing blue of his eyes turned skyblue. "That's really sweet of you. I do not know of any woman ever offering to mother me. Not even my own." He said the last softly, as if unwilling for her to hear. Having had enough of the drama and conflicting emotions, Bailey stuck out her hand. "Bailey McCain, latest patient of the ward." An innocent smile blossomed across his features, lighting up his eyes and changing the entire face in subtle ways. "Eryx Poseidon. Youngest member of the facilities." "Very nice to meet you, Eryx. Were you born this beautiful or did you have to work on it?" Bailey blurted out the question then smacked herself across the mouth. Around her fingers she tried to apologize. "Imth sooo thoory." The light had gone out of his eyes, but Eryx gently reached up and removed her hand. "It's all right, Bailey. I know you did not mean your comment in a harmful way. You are one of those people who speak before they think, I believe." Bailey nodded, not trusting herself to say anything else. 200

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"Since you are my new sister, why don't I take you for a real behind-the-scenes tour of your new ward?" The teasing light returned to his blue eyes and Bailey knew she'd promise anything to keep it there. "And this is where we keep and treat all the injured animals and fish." Eryx opened yet another door. "We can't go in right now as I think there are several patients not up to greeting mortal visitors." "Can I peek my head in?" she asked, dying to look at what sort of patients the brothers treated. Eryx smiled; Bailey felt her knees weaken. She hoped proximity to the youngest Poseidon brother would ease the effect of his physical perfection. Over the past few hours, she'd come to know and respect the man. He had a biting sense of humor and strong code of honor. When color covered his cheeks, Bailey groaned. "Not again, Eryx." The man gave a humble shrug. "Sorry, sister, but your thoughts are wide open for me to read. But in answer to your other question, go ahead and take a look." Quickly darting around him, her face flaming, Bailey ducked her head into the open doorway. Color abounded within the room. There were none of the metallic hospital smells or noisy beeping machines Bailey had anticipated. Instead she found clean counters, and six separate tanks that ranged from the smallest goldfish container to a clear glass tank the size of small house. Throughout the room various colors soothed the eyes. 201

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The solid green floor beneath her bare feet felt soft and warm, while the walls were clear showing the outside underwater activity. Even the ceiling hadn't been left out. Noiseless waves gently lapped at a supporting wall. As with everything else Bailey had seen on the tour, the hospital soothed the mind and lulled the senses. "Everything about your home astounds me." She turned back to face Eryx who had leaned against the wall to wait for her. "Like how can you relax your weight against the wall when I know you can pass through it?" Looking surprised, Eryx glanced behind him then faced her with a shrug. "I believe 'intent' is the easiest way to describe it. I don't wish to pass through the wall therefore I don't." Bailey gave a shrug of her own. "I guess that makes as much sense as anything else here." Eryx laughed, cupped her elbow in his hand, and led her to another hallway. This one was lit with what looked to be thousands of candles, but without the smell of wax. Shimmering silver flashed and flowed as they walked through. "What's with the lights?" Curiosity had Bailey craning her neck to look at everything. "You'll have to ask Talos for those details. All I know is he uses the fluorescent lighting of some of the deeper swimming beings. There's magic imbued within the light, and they never go out. Other than that, I'm clueless." The more time they spent together, the more Eryx lost his formal accent and speech. She wondered if he knew— "I believe it's because we are growing used to each other. I'm at ease in your presence. You don't want...certain things 202

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from me. I'm comfortable with that." The slight color climbing his cheeks let Bailey know exactly what those certain things were. Wanting to change the subject, she asked a question that had been preying on her mind. "Why is it that Kryssin could read my thoughts, then he couldn't and now you can?" With the return of a more neutral topic Eryx slowed his pace. "I believe you learned to block your thoughts from Kryssin. I haven't threatened you or embarrassed you...?" He paused for a fraction of a second. Bailey jumped right in. "No, you haven't. I can't thank you enough for that." "It's nothing but respecting another's privacy. If I could completely block your thoughts I would. I believe if you shielded your mind, and I put up a barrier to you, then we would both succeed in giving you your solitude." So happy with the thought, Bailey clapped her hands like a child, almost giddy with the prospect of not having to sensor her mind every minute. "Not that I don't think you're great and everything, Eryx, but there are some things a person wants to keep private. I have images and thoughts running around my head that no one needs to see." "I agree." He stopped in front of another clean portal. "To do this I must teach you to shield. In order to teach you I must touch you." Hesitation touched his voice as if he weren't sure of her reaction. "Hey, so long as we don't have to get naked together and goodies remain hidden, I'm all for it." 203

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A choked laugh sputtered out of him. "Goodies?" He waved the matter away. "Never mind, I don't want to know." He turned so they faced each other. "Put the tips of your fingers to my temples and I will do the same to you." When he put action to words, he glanced down. "Still doing okay?" "Eryx, I'm not going to rip your clothes off and ravish you. Touch away." "I'm over a thousand years old and I've never blushed this much in all those many years." As he spoke, he gently rubbed the tips of his fingers against her tender flesh. "Now, I want you to concentrate on building a wall or some other type of defense. Visualize it growing and encompassing your mind so that no thoughts leak out." Suiting words to actions, Bailey closed her eyes. Inside her mind she pictured a ten-foot-thick steel wall that spread itself to the floor, ceiling and all four sides of her mind. She snapped a lock over the top and spun the mental combination. "Nothing's getting in or out of that baby." Bailey startled them both by speaking. Eryx dropped his hands. Bailey did the same. "You might want to try it out first. We don't want a situation to arise where you need to share your thoughts, but are incapable." Made sense, in a weird, hunted-for-your-life type of deal. With a shrug, she spun the combination of her lock and cracked the vault open slightly. Picking a random thought, she focused and sent it winging straight at her teacher. 204

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"My pants are not on fire, but thank you for the compliment on my butt...again." This time laughter rang in his voice instead of the formality of before. "Hey, what can I say? I know good man flesh when I see it," she teased, pleased that the youngest brother didn't take her words seriously. "From your lips to my soul-keeper's ears," he said with a smile and started walking again. His statement startled her. "You want to find your soulkeeper?" she asked, shocked. Eryx looked confused, sexy, but confused. "Of course I want to find her. Why would you think otherwise?" Bailey took a moment to think. "I guess because no one else seems to be actively looking for their own keepers. Talos didn't seem too happy when I showed up on the scene." Eryx stopped in mid-stride, cocked his head to the side then a slow arrogant smile slid across his perfect lips. "Yes, well, Talos doesn't believe in much outside of his gadgets and science. He thought Clio to be a fluke. Imagine his surprise when you came crashing into his life." The picture formed in her mind instantly. The first moment they met in the dark streets outside the Minute Maid stadium. Her hurt and covered with blood, Talos worried for his sisterin-law. Yeah, she could see the confusion her appearance would cause. "But why keep up the attitude when he knows the legend or prophecy to be real? I mean from what Clio and now you've told me, having me around makes his heart beat, his lungs breathe, and he even gets to eat food again. I mean, why not love me...I mean love having me around?" 205

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Mentioning love and Talos in the same sentence felt too right and too wrong. Bailey didn't want to delve into those issues. Right now, she just needed a few answers. "Answers I could give you, but if any of them are the truth, I do not know. Only Talos knows what lies in his heart. When a man relies on science for so long, I imagine it's rather hard to give it up and have faith in something he can't control," Eryx answered her, once more moving down the hallway. "Where exactly are we headed now? And why shouldn't you know what goes on in his head? Don't you pop in there all the time, like you did with me?" She almost had to run to keep up with his lengthening strides. When he spoke, Eryx tossed the words over his shoulder. "I told you it's not the same. You practically broadcasted your thoughts. Talos has learned to shield his thoughts from the time he was a child. Before we were stripped of powers each of us had the ability to delve into others minds along with the gift of changing shape and—" Bailey ran into his muscle-strewn back when Eryx came to a full and sudden stop. "Oomph, what's up?" She peered around his shoulder, but nothing stood in front of them but another door. "Bailey, I've remembered things. I must go. I've got to talk to Alexial." With those words he flashed out of sight. "Of all the nerve. Now where in the hell am I supposed to go? For that matter, where the hell am I?" She grouched and kicked the nearest wall, cursing when her foot went straight through the wall. Sopping wet when she pulled it out, Bailey 206

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cursed again wishing Talos would appear. She desperately needed someone to vent on. Around the corner from his mate, Talos listened to her curse his name and men in general. When he'd first come across his youngest brother and his mate, jealousy had taken control. Red haze formed before his eyes, his hands curled into fists. It had taken everything he had to keep from rushing the pair and tearing Eryx apart. As the roaring in his ears subsided their words floated back to him. On one hand, pumping his brother for information about Talos made him feel pleased. On the other hand Talos wished Bailey would have come to him with these questions and concerns. Shock had jolted Talos as Eryx's words floated back to him. Their littlest brother had remembered things from the time before? None of the nine brothers remembered much from that time. Oh, they had memories of childhood and families, but nothing to do with their powers or the event that had taken them away. For Eryx to remember the tiniest details could have an enormous effect on the entire family. When he reached his mate, Bailey leaned against the wall eyeing it wearily while hopelessly shaking the water from her foot. The sight amused him and soothed the last of his anger. "Been allowing your foot out for a swim?" he joked, coming to her side. At the sound of his voice, Bailey jumped and would have fallen if Talos hadn't grabbed her arms to steady her. "Jeez, why don't you wear a bell or something?" 207

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"I'll wear the bell of your choosing if you wear something I pick out for you?" He retorted, his mind already picturing the scanty silk nothing he'd pick out for her. "Get your mind out of the gutter." She poked him in the chest with one dainty finger. "My mind is not in any gutter. Those things are dirty and full of vermin," he said, deliberately misunderstanding her. "It's wherever you happen to be." Giving him a suspicious stare, Bailey moved around him. "What are you doing here?" Plastering on an innocent face, Talos kept his expression neutral. "Looking for my soul-keeper of course. What else would I be doing?" "You couldn't wait to get away from me earlier today," she accused green eyes flaring. "I believe it was you, my soul, who left our rooms in such a hurry." The memory of what had happened before heated his eyes, and from the color creeping up on Bailey's face, she remembered as well. "Not that time," she mumbled, "the first time you left." "About that," he started to explain, but chimes rang out through the hall. Glancing quickly about her, Bailey asked. "What's that noise?" Talos grabbed her hand and explained. "It's a call for us. We need to get to Alexial's office. Something's happened." Without giving Bailey a chance to protest, he flashed them both out of the hall. 208

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In the space of one heartbeat Bailey had gone from the dimly lit hallway to an elegant, almost overwhelming, office. "Greetings, mate of Talos, please have a seat. We will get to you once we have the important matters taken care of. And please try to keep the histrionics to a minimum. I have only so much patience and you've used up a good deal of it in the past day." The gruff voice spoke from behind a mammoth desk. Recognizing the voice as Alexial the eldest brother and leader, Bailey stepped forward to clue him in on women's rights in this century, but stopped when Talos stepped in front of her. About to smack her supposed mate on the shoulder for getting in her way, she stopped her hand halfway up when Talos spoke. "Show respect to my mate, Axe, or we'll be leaving without hearing anything." His voice hard, Talos stepped back to wrap an arm around her waist, presenting a united front to their leader. On her other side, Eryx materialized. He flashed her a sexy grin then faced the desk and Alexial with a blank expression. "I stand with Talos and Bailey." A low groan came from the desk. "Can we please not have any more drama?" Alexial raised his dark head. "I did not mean to insult your mate, Talos. I just ask that we try to get through this meeting with as little dramatics as possible." Stepping out from the protection of the men, Bailey snorted. "And that's supposed to be an apology? You either suck at giving them or you've never had to." 209

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For a moment, shock widened the leader's sea-blue eyes, and then laugher replaced the annoyance. "My sincerest apologies, Talos's mate." She huffed out a breath. "Can the 'Talos's mate' crap. I have a name." And she was supposed to live among these men? Not in this lifetime. Bailey had things to do and people to rescue. One perfect eyebrow arched. "You haven't given me leave to use your name." Blowing out her bangs, Bailey wondered how fast she could get to the door and the sanity, which resided on the other side of it. "You'll never make it," Eryx spoke, his voice sounding directly in her ear. "Were you reading my mind again? I thought we agreed no more mind poking." The faces around her went blank with shock; others coughed to cover up laughter. Eryx's eyes were shining. "I direct-spoke to you just now, Bailey. None of the others in the room could hear me. When you answered you spoke to the room at large. I made the assumption, the wrong assumption, that Talos had taught you the task." She gave him a blank look before closing her eyes and unlocking her mental vault. If you get me out of this without killing or maiming anyone, I'll learn whatever mental tricks you can teach me, she promised, and hoped Eryx would catch her mental vow. 210

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He must have because he sent her a small wink before facing his brothers again. "I believe her culture doesn't stand on such formalities, Alexial." He turned back to Bailey, face all serious and sober. "Bailey, do you give my brothers and myself permission to use your Christian name?" Oh for the love of... "Yes, you have my permission for that and only that," she qualified. "Great, we're all friends. Now can we get on with this? I'm hungry." Kryssin broke the tense silence. Everyone laughed and the room warmed up. "You people are scary," she informed Talos. In turn he wiggled his eyebrows. "You have no idea." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 20 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Re: Tickets From:[email protected] There might have been a misunderstanding between me and five Texas troopers. I sort of lost my license to drive in that state. I'll pay if you keep my name out of it. Bastien the Misunderstood "Eryx came to me a few minutes ago and shared some startling news." Alexial nodded his head to his youngest brother. "If you'd like to share with the others?" Eryx stepped up, looking a little uncertain in front of his war-scarred brothers. "Earlier I took Bailey on a tour. As we were walking toward the kitchens, I began speaking of things I remembered from before." There was no need to ask before when. Every brother knew exactly what Eryx spoke of. "What did you remember?" "What exactly were you doing?" another voice demanded. "Why were you showing her around and not her mate?" The third voice came from the darkest corner behind the massive desk. Squinting her eyes, Bailey could barely make out the shape of a man. "If you have a question about me, it's going to be easier to ask me than go through me," she informed the shadow man. 212

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A tall leather boot hit the light first, quickly followed by leanly muscled calves and thighs covered in the same black leather as the boots. "Why were you with Eryx and not your mate, Talos?" the man again asked. His voice rough, like he didn't spend a whole lot of time talking. As the light hit the rest of his very tall, very muscular body, Bailey almost stepped behind Talos and Eryx. Instead, she gathered what remained of her pride and courage. "Eryx took me because I asked. Not that I need your permission or approval to do anything I want." Jet-black eyes surrounded by even blacker lashes glared back at her. "On the contrary, you do need my permission to do anything or go anywhere while you are a guest in our home," the dark velvet voice warned. She felt Talos stir behind her. "Bailey, meet Dorian, head of our security and second oldest in the family." "Crap on a cracker," she mumbled. "You either need to get a bell for everyone in the family or you"—she singled out Dorian with a glare—"need to get a new color palette." She cocked her head. "I can see you in spring colors." "Oh, can we please keep her, Alexial? I like her," Clio piped up from somewhere in the back. As big as this room was, another hundred people could trample in and she'd still have a chair left over. "Clio, she's not a dolphin you can adopt. I believe she's more than capable of verbally making her wishes known," the eldest answered. 213

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"Can we please get on with whatever we're doing here? I've got things to do," Kryssin complained, making a grab for his mate's ass. Several coughs later, Alexial dropped the levity. "If we could continue—" Bastien interrupted. "Not to uproot your magnificences or anything, but if this is a serious pow-wow, then shouldn't the others be here?" The sixth-born brother had both feet clad in leather biker boots propped up on Alexial's desk, his fingers comfortably laced behind his head. "Especially with this kind of information?" Tall-Dark-and-Menacing growled from his corner. Alexial held up a hand. "It's fine, Dor." He turned back to look at his lounging brother. "Bas, I've already spoken to Nicko, Alekos, and Zale. They know what we will be discussing. If there is anything else they will be told at a later time. Right now they are busy." No explanation of what they were doing, just that the other brothers were doing things away from there. "As I started to say"—Alexial paused, looked at Bastien who innocently raised his hands, then continued—"the first thing we need to discuss is what Eryx has discovered. Then we'll get on to the other issues." Eryx had the floor again, so everyone turned to look at the youngest brother. "Like I said before, Bailey and I were out for a walk when I remembered some of the powers we used to have. We used to have the power to read and influence others' minds. Not only that," he announced, "but we could change shape at will." 214

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"You mean Kryssin turning into...well sorry, guys, the best I can come up with is Flipper," Clio said with a shrug. Eryx's eyes shone with excitement. "Exactly. Changing our forms to that of other creatures used to be as natural as breathing for us." "Until we lost the ability to breathe." Dorian's harsh voice dimmed the excitement in the room. "Hey, just because you're an ass doesn't mean you have to shit on everyone else's parade." Bailey moved to the center of the room. "I'm the one entitled to the bad attitude. I've been stabbed, kidnapped, dragged into one freakin' weird fairy tale, and you're bitching about something you've had how many years to get over?" She must have stepped over the line because Alexial and Bastien looked at her with sympathy and a touch of horror. Bailey couldn't see the group in the back, but she felt the tension pouring off them like heat waves. Instead of biting her head off, literally, Dorian said nothing for the space of a few heartbeats then slowly almost respectively bowed his head. "It is as you say." Then he melted back into the darkness where Bailey could almost see the faint outline of his shadow. "Look, I'm not trying to be sarcastic or rude." "Nope, that's Clio's job," Bastien quipped. "Shut up, fart-train," Clio shot back. "But I'd like to finish whatever it is that you need from me and get back to my real life," she finished, ignoring Frick and Frack's comments. 215

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"To continue"—Eryx, ever the peacemaker, tried again—"I believe with the addition of Clio and now Bailey"—here he shot her a sympathetic look—"our powers are coming back slowly, but they are coming back." "Do you mean that we can continue to expect more power to come as each new mate shows up or will the powers continue to build because of the two mates already here?" Alexial, ever the practical one, asked. A thoughtful frown crossed his face before Eryx answered. "I believe both with happen." "How will we know?" This from Bastien, his normal cheerful facade turned serious. "You'll know when it happens," Kryssin supplied. "Like when I had the urge to go into the water. My body took over and I didn't have to think about it all. The mind reading comes just as naturally. If you don't block your thoughts from me then I can read them and vise-versa." Bastien's eyebrows rose. "You mean I can hit the water and grow a tail?" The possibility seemed to interest him, Kryssin hedged. "All I know is what happened to me, so yes." "I'm out of here." Jumping to his feet, Bastien started out of the room. "Bas, we've got more to discuss, and a big part of it is your trial." Alexial's voice stopped him mid-stride. "That's right, my trial, which I may not live through. That being the case, I would very much like to experience this tail thing, just once." Without turning back, Bastien walked to the door, pulled it open, and walked out. 216

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When Bailey turned to look at Alexial, he had his head down two fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. "He's right. If this doesn't go well..." He stopped, unable to go on. "He'll make it through. We all will." Dorian's voice rang with conviction. Alexial raised his head to look at his brother and secondin-command. "Dor, we don't know if the three of you will even end up in the same place. There's no way to guarantee your life, much less the lives of the others." "I give my word here and now that I will protect my brothers with my very life. If I lie or fail, Poseidon take my body and soul to Hades's care." "Oh no, Dorian." Kryssin took several steps to his second eldest brother, but one look at the blue-black eyes, and he stopped cold. "Oh for the love of Diet Coke," Clio interrupted, jumping to her feet and pushing her way to the desk and the men standing there. "Before we go looking for a toilet big enough to flush you down, upon your demise, of course." She smirked the last part. "Anyone mind telling the little females what the big bad is and why only three out of nine are going?" Bailey tried to stifle the laughter, but at Clio's words, the picture of an enormous toilet bowl swirling Dorian down to his eternal rest made her snort through her nose. Then finally, she gave up and bent over, hands on knees, laughing her head off. "Finally," Clio crowed in triumph, "someone who gets my jokes." 217

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Bailey, too busy trying to catch her breath, waved a hand in acknowledgement. "I love having another girl in the family." She sighed, waved back to Bailey, and then turned once more to the three large men facing her. With their arms crossed, stern expression on their faces, and legs spread apart they looked exactly what they were. Fierce, proud warriors from another time and Clio had them each wrapped around her fingers. "So, who's sending my boys where, when, and will I be able to visit or send care packages?" She looked much like David must have facing the giant, Goliath, but she knew these men and understood they would all die to keep her safe. Kryssin, who had moved up beside his brother broke first. "Clio, baby, it's not that simple." "Make it simple for me," she demanded. Alexial's turn came next. "Sister, the choice is not ours, but another's will we must obey." "You don't obey anyone but yourselves, and rarely then," she shot back, neck craned to keep each man within her gaze. Her foot began a rhythmic tapping, making two of the three men edge back. "It is not your mate that goes to the Trial of the Oracles. It is not your concern." Dorian settled the matter with a firm nod of his head then made the mistake of turning, not quite his whole back to her, but partially. Bailey watched in stunned amazement and amusement as Clio closed the distance between her and the scariest brother 218

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and whacked him upside the head. Instead of reacting in rage as Bailey expected, Dorian merely rolled his unusual eyes. "Must you continue to do that, Clio? It's annoying to me and painful to your hand." "I'll continue to smack you whenever I feel you're being an ass, jerk, or merely irritating me," she retorted and waved her hand menacingly. "Which was I this time, in your opinion?" he questioned with the air of a man who had done this many times and expected to do it many more. "You were all three at once which is why I had to hit you harder than normal." She started rubbing her hand, glaring at her husband when he would have taken over the task. Clearly Clio didn't consider him on her side of this personal battle. With an eyebrow arched, Dorian waited for Clio to clarify. "You told me just because Kryssin hadn't been called to this battle I had no reason to worry. Well you're wrong. You are my family now...all of you. If one of you goes into danger, I want to know about." "As you say." Looking slightly abashed, Dorian inclined his head, spoke to Alexial alone then flashed out of the room. "Well, can I clear a room or can I clear a room?" Clio turned back to Bailey, lips split in a wide smile that didn't reach her worried hazel eyes. "Someone please tell us helpless females what's going on before Clio has to get rough and I encourage more violence?" Bailey didn't want to become more involved with the family then she already was, but fate seemed determined to change her mind. 219

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Eryx spoke up from his deep leather chair. "It is called the Trial of the Oracles. Three of us were invited to compete. If we finish with victory, we'll be given more powers to those that we already possess, and a better ability to defend what is ours." "And if you don't finish with this victory?" Clio choked the words out. "Then you will, indeed, have to find that toilet bowl." He tried to joke, but it fell flat in the silence of the room. "Krys, tell them they can't do this. I just now got a family. I'll be damned if I lose them to some grownup version of Dungeons and Dragons." Bailey wanted to protest that example. She'd played the game all through high school and college. It required a lot more intelligence and savvy than most people thought. But one look at Clio's face kept her mouth shut. This wasn't the time to defend her favorite game. "It's not that simple." Kryssin moved forward to take Clio in his arms; this time she let him. "Why isn't it? Can't we just tell the oracles that they don't want to play the game? Or, if they have to go, can they all go together like they do on Family Feud?" Even Bailey knew the other woman grasped at straws. Whatever this game or contest entailed the brothers were already committed. Which brought her to the thought she'd shoved aside, stomped on, or otherwise tried to bully into submission; who else besides Bastien would be going? Her gaze rested on the man claiming her. After this evening's shared pleasure her mind grew more confused. She 220

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didn't want to be tied to him. Not right now, when so many other things needed her attention. Things Bailey had all but forgotten since she'd been here. Talos had a way of making a woman forget everything but his presence. "Who else?" Bailey blurted the words out before she knew they left her mouth. All heads swiveled in her direction. "Does it matter?" Their leader asked in a cold voice that made Bailey want to smack him. "No, it doesn't matter," she said making sure he heard the sarcasm in her voice. "I just thought I'd ask to waste oxygen." "Talos," Alexial said. "WHAT!" She all but screeched the word. "You can't take him. I'm not done with him yet." Not that she'd ever be done with Talos. There were a million and one things she'd like to do to his chest alone, but no one else needed to know that little tidbit. Bailey wouldn't have the chance to do any of these things if they sent this extraordinary man off to some place she couldn't follow, where he'd possibly get killed or worse. "What's worse than being killed?" Kryssin asked, laugher lacing his voice as his chin rested atop his mate's head. "You read my mind!" "You left it wide open," he defended himself. "By the way, there's no way you can do over a million sexual things to my brother's chest."

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Where was a handy portal when a girl needed one? Vault, vault, she echoed the word in her head once more building the walls Eryx had showed her how to create. "It's rude to read another person's thoughts without that person's permission." She tried to bluff her way out of it. Instead Talos crossed the room to take her arm. "Alexial, is that all for now?" He didn't bother to look at his brother. Talos's eyes were bright with passion and eagerness to get her alone. Bailey saw the leader throw his hands in the air. "I don't know why I bother trying to have these meetings. No one listens and we never get anything done." He was still complaining as Talos flashed them to their room. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 21 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Jell-O From: [email protected] I don't care who did it, but I want the Jell-O out of SeaWorld's main orca pool. NOW Alexial, the hopefully adopted Talos didn't release Bailey once they flashed into the room. He wanted to throw her onto his bed and not let her up for a week or more. Instead he moved her into one of the chairs flanking the empty fireplace. "We need to talk." He'd chosen this method of head-on confrontation in hopes she would trust him with whatever problem clouded her green eyes from time to time. "It's time we laid all the cards on the table." She gave him an are-you-crazy? look, which he ignored. Resting his elbows on his knees, Talos leaned forward. "I need you in my life, Bailey McCain. You are literally the very reason I breathe. I cannot afford to lose you. I will admit to wanting you sexually as well." He held up a hand when Bailey opened her mouth. He didn't want to hear her excuses. He wanted to get everything off his chest first, and then let her start. "I didn't have faith that you would ever appear in my life. Even when Clio matched with Kryssin I never thought to be so blessed, but here you are. You are not what I expected, 223

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any more than I am what you wished for. We'll have to deal with that in order to give this thing between us a chance. That's all I'm asking for, Bailey: a chance to get to know you and for you to know me. I like what I know so far and I believe you are a person to be admired and respected. Please allow me the courtesy of time to show you the same of myself." Wide moss-green eyes met his own. "Talos," she began then fidgeted with a string on her borrowed jeans. "I..." She licked her lips. Talos squirmed in his seat. "Um, that is to say I like you too, what I know of you." She rushed to qualify. "But you seem nice enough so far. A bit domineering and bossy, but I'm sure that can be fixed." She gave him a small smile at the last part, as if inviting him to share the joke. He answered sincerely. "Thank you." "But I've got something I have to do. It's not about you or your family. It's about a promise I made before ever meeting you. I can't break my word as much as I'd like to, and forget about this." He could see the sincerity shining through her eyes and his heart ached. She wanted to be with him, but her personal honor withheld her. Talos could both understand and respect that. He wouldn't want to be mated to a woman so easily capable of breaking her word. "What if I offered to help you complete this task?" He laid his assistance at her feet, praying she would accept it and him. Give them both a chance to get to know one another, without the pressure of his family pushing them together. 224

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Shock infused her face. Bailey's mouth opened and closed several times. "You can't mean that," she protested, pushing away from him Talos's instincts screamed. Follow her, join in her journey in order to complete your own. His brothers didn't need him right now. They had Nicko and Zale out doing scouting missions. One or both of them could flash to him if needed. For now, the Scabers were silent after the loss of three of their herd. Kodar would lie in wait, plotting. The demon leader would never think Talos would take Bailey away from the safety of the family home. "I mean that with every breath you've given back to me," he swore, crossed his left arm to his opposite shoulder in the pledge of his people. "We will complete this task of yours together, agreed?" Soundlessly, Bailey nodded her dark head. Pleased, Talos reclined into the soft leather and let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "Now there are several other things we need to talk about before we can leave. The first is the Trial of the Oracles. Because I am mated, I'm no longer qualified to participate." Bailey's head jerked up. Her black hair spilled freely around her face. "And you regret that?" Talos shook his head. "No, I never aspired to the Trials, but if called I would have gone as is my right and duty." Instead of looking more at ease, Bailey looked more confused. Her small nose wrinkled and lines formed between her silky black brows. "Wait, you mean you would do this Trial thing even if you didn't want to? And what the heck are we 225

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talking about anyway? The Trial of Oracles? What is it and why did it have Clio almost in tears at the thought of anyone going?" Leaning forward, he clasped his hands between his knees. "No one is sure when it started or where. That part has been struck from our memory as well. I'll tell you everything I know or have been told." He motioned to her hunched shoulders and crossed legs. "Sit back, this might take awhile. "For as long as any of us can remember, the Trials have been in place as a way to gain power and earn honor for a family. Back when we first lost our souls, Alexial petitioned Phoenix for admittance for all nine of us in the Trials. Phoenix, the slime-sucking scavenger, refused. Said the dangers outweighed the benefits. When pressed he responded by detailing some of the previous Trials. There were no winners. Not a single entrant survived to tell the tale. Legend and Phoenix say that one must be pure of heart, mind, body, and soul in order to move from one trial to another. While one man or being might survive the first two, the third will kill. Rumor has it that if a being ever successfully completes five trials then he has power of time. If he completes six he's granted power over life and so on." "Waitn you keep saying 'he' or 'being.' Explain." She'd shifted in her seat, tucked both legs to the side and cupped her delicate face in the palm of her hand. Running a weary hand through his already tangled locks, Talos contemplated the right way to answer her. "Quit over-thinking it and just spit it out," she finally demanded. 226

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He caved. "Very well. Women have never been offered the opportunity to go through the Trials. As for using the term beings, well, there are other creatures besides humans that exist." Those bright green eyes lit with interest. "Are you serious? What other kinds exist?" Thinking to amuse and divert Bailey from talk of The Trials, he gladly changed the subject. "Previous entrants have been weres, giants, goblins, pixies, true mer-folk, vampires, fae, gnomes, leprechauns, and several elves I believe." Shooting from her chair, Bailey danced from foot to foot, excitement radiating from her. "You mean everything in my storybooks exists? Do you know any of these creatures? Can we go visit them?" If Talos had known mentioning a few creatures of old lore would have her practically dancing at his feet, those would have been his first words to her. "Yes, I know some of everything, or everyone, should I say. And they really prefer not to be called creatures. It's more proper to address them by their species." Clapping her hands together like a small child given a toy store, Bailey's eyes shone with pure joy. "Who do we see first? The elves, like the ones in that trilogy? Do they look like that or is that all Hollywood hype?" Of course she'd want to meet the elves, thanks to those stupid books and movies. Elves were all the rage in the human world and didn't those vain creatures love the attention. No way did Talos want Bailey near those pointyeared lust-filled creatures. They'd take one look at her 227

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beautiful deep green eyes, long jet black hair, and lush curves and kidnap her for their king, Instead he sidestepped. "I know a few pixies living here. I can ask them to come by for a visit, if you'd like." The pixies were mostly harmless, unless insulted, and great fun at parties and celebrations. No need to inform Bailey that the ten-inch flying creatures could enlarge their shape at whim. "Pixies!" she practically squealed. "Just like Tinker Bell." "Not exactly," he mumbled to himself and resigned himself to another cold swim in the sea. Several hours later, drunk on blackberry wine the pixies had brought Bailey swayed in Talos's arms. "Great...hic...night...hic...'Los." A dreamy smile graced her lips. "I...really...like...hic...those girls." "Those girls," Talos said from somewhere above her spinning head, "have a couple hundred years on you. They shouldn't have brought that damn wine. Mortals have no tolerance for anything touched by fae hand, be it pixie or elf." Bailey found herself lying on the softest bed she'd ever felt and thought about telling Talos so, but he looked busy doing something to her feet. "You are so sexy, with an ass that makes me want to nibble for hours." When that sexy head jerked up, Bailey groaned. "Tell me I didn't say that out loud." She felt his chuckle before she heard it. One foot had been pressed against his lightly haired chest. "Oh no, my little stingray, the conversation is finally getting interesting after several hours and too many bottles of wine." 228

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"Didn't mean it," she lied and flipped to her stomach, all the better to hide her head in the pillows. Maybe if she stayed really quiet and didn't move, Talos would think she either passed out or died. Right now, Bailey felt both options would work for her. "You meant it." He pulled at her very loose pants, and soon she heard them hit the carpet. "Zeus's bolt, you are magnificent." Soft lips pressed against the arches of her feet, making Bailey squirm. A quick sweep of a hot tongue had her almost shooting off the bed. "What the..." And lost track of her voice and mind. Talos sat at the end of the bed, legs spread gently, and took hold of her feet again. "You taste delicious too," he said with a grin and lightly nipped her toe. Sobriety tried to rear its righteous head, but Bailey beat it into quiet submission. She didn't want to think of right or wrong or what awaited her outside this room. Everything she ever wanted sat at the end of the bed, looking at her with sexy blue eyes and a hint of a smile. The hint disappeared when Talos lifted one foot to his mouth and sucked her toes. She would have jumped a foot off the bed if he hadn't clasped her hips at the last second. "We can't do this." The exact reason why failed to come to her, but Bailey knew there was a reason. Talos drew her toe out of his mouth with a small popping sound. "We aren't doing much." He freed his hands then used them to place her feet on his body. One right over his pounding heart and the other below his bellybutton, where 229

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she could feel the heat from his erection burning her flesh. "Let me have these hours to learn you, the way you smell, taste, and feel. I won't ask for more than that. I just want to know you and bring you pleasure. I won't take you this day." Mesmerizing, ever-changing eyes promised other pleasures. It would be completely selfish on her part and totally painful on his part. Bailey started to refuse, but made the mistake of looking at his face. The longing shimmering from him crumbled her last defense. She couldn't put into words her acceptance so Bailey simply nodded her head. And watched Talos's face light up with joy. "You won't regret this," he vowed as the lights went out. He felt Bailey jerk in his hold as he plunged the lights out. "Be still, I wanted a more soothing light for you." With a few simple thoughts, the room glowed not as brightly as before, but with enough light for him to see every inch of his mate's silky smooth skin. Which raised a question. "How is it that your skin is so smooth and soft? Do you not grow hair over your body?" Silence met his question and Talos wondered if he'd gone too far. As he opened his mouth to apologize, Bailey stirred, then spoke her voice hesitant. "I...um...get waxed once a month." "Waxed?" He thought back to the few times the wax from candles had spilled over his skin. The hair had never been removed once the wax had been peeled away. "How does this waxing work?" 230

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Did she prefer her men to be hairless in the same manner? He could remove the hair from his body as he did his whiskers every evening tide. "Would you like me to remove my own as well?" This succeeded in causing her choked gasps. "Talos, no, please..." Several deep breaths later they sat facing each other, legs touching. "I didn't mean to laugh, but no man has offered to wax his entire body for me." Talos shrugged his shoulders. "The men you have met are stupid or blind, or maybe both. You offer your body smooth and sleek for my pleasure, why shouldn't I do the same for your pleasure?" A charming blush rose to her cheeks. "Most women don't mind a man with a little chest hair, and having leg hair is nice too. It showcases our differences, man and woman. I would never imagine a man offering to wax his...well, you know." She waved a hand over his lap. It took Talos a few seconds to catch her meaning. "You are bare between your legs as well." The thought alone had him swelling beneath his zipper. Hades's balls, what a wonderful custom land walkers came up with. Bailey ducked her head. "I thought that's what you meant." "How would I know if your woman's place—" She covered his mouth with her hand. "I get it. You didn't see it and I should have never ever brought it up. Can we just agree that men and women have differences and leave it at that?" 231

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He thought it over and agreed. "I do like feeling your skin against my skin. I'll keep my hair." Then reached over to pluck the pillow Bailey clutched to her chest. "Um, Talos, maybe we should try and get some rest. You said we were leaving tomorrow morning, rather tomorrow night." She tried to scoot away from him, but Talos would have none of it. He simply couldn't get the picture of her bare nether lips from his mind. "We agreed I would get to play before our adventure. If you truly don't feel up to it I will, of course, leave you to your rest." He prayed that she wouldn't change her mind. He wanted to spend this day rest learning her smell and taste, memorizing everything that pleased her. "What about you?" He nearly keeled over with relief. She hadn't said no. His mate worried over his satisfaction not her modesty. He felt another brick fall from the wall around his heart. "My pleasure will be in giving you pleasure. The time is not right for us to come together. We will know when it is." He believed his words. With a shy smile, Bailey released the pillow and lay back. "I'm at your mercy." With such bounty before him, Talos didn't know where to begin. Bailey had liked having her toes sucked so maybe he should start there and work his way up, but first he needed a small taste. Keeping his weight on his arms and knees, Talos leaned over his mate, waited for her eyes to open, and then pressed 232

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his lips against hers. Immediately she opened for him offering him access to the sweetness lying within. Their tongues tangled as they learned the taste and feel of each other. Talos could happily spend the rest of his immortal life kissing this woman. Her taste had become addictive. Honeyed spice, he decided, nipping her bottom lip. "Talos." His name whispered from her lips, desire dripping. "Bailey, my own." He kissed her deeply, more intensely than before, wanting to bring her into his skin, part of him for all time. He took over her mouth because in crying out his name Bailey had offered herself. Then he took more. At some point, he opened all his senses to her, let them expand and caress where his hands and mouth hadn't yet reached. He set his fingers to exploring, over soft skin, the round softness of her breasts, nipples puckered tight and hard. He closed his hand over one aroused mound. It swelled further under his touch. Impatient to touch skin and taste the pebbled treat he felt, Talos reared back and in one motion pu,lled her top over and off. With another yank of his hand the material of her bra parted and her naked skin glistened at him. "You are perfection." He breathed the words, not really able to believe he was there with her, his mate, and that she was more exquisite than any dreams he dared to have. He brushed his hand down, tracing the luscious curves not found on many modern day mortal females. Curve after curve 233

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greeted his hand, with only a small silk barrier between him and her treasure. The softness of her waist, hip, and thighs, the taut globes of her ass, all his to explore and possess. She filled his hands perfectly, as the gods had fashioned her to. He could hardly comprehend she was here with him, moaning his name and arching into his body, hot and burning. Bailey's hands came up, clasped his head, and drew his lips once more to her own. Her mouth, her lips melding with his, their tongues tangling was causing his heart to pound in anticipation. Her body writhed beneath him, teasing him as he teased her. Caught in her web, forced by a need greater than his own, he wedged her thighs wide with his knees. Then he dropped a hand and touched her. Wetness dripped into his palm, her heat searing his hand. Talos pressed one finger into her burning sheath. She bucked against his touch, silently begging for more. He slid another finger deep and she screamed. "Talos." Nothing more just his name said in that breathy tone that caused his cock to jerk. "I'm here, my own," he whispered while planting kisses across her breast, stopping to suckle the pebble hard nipple begging for his attention. Feeling parched for the taste of her again, he fed from her lips as he pushed her thighs wider and sank a third finger home. 234

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His head fell back as she closed, scalding hot satin around his fingers. He moved within her and she matched him, taking him deep into her body and squeezing tight. Meanwhile, in the back of his occupied mind, he felt Bailey's hands pulling and wrestling with the button and zipper of his pants. Her gleeful cry of triumph announced her victory over his fly. Never moving his fingers from her body or his lips from her skin, Talos wrestled the rest of his pants off, moaning when flesh met flesh. Her hands rose to explore his chest, and then moved to his tension-ridden ass. She held him tightly, and then moved her hands to caress his rampant desire. Talos bucked, his body automatically thrusting in her grip. By Zeus's bolt, her hands felt like magic touching and exploring him. He wouldn't last to see to Bailey's pleasure if she kept touching him in this wonderful, distracting manner. He caught her hands, first one then the other, locking them above her head in his free hand. In the same instant, he lifted over her, found her mouth, and plundered. A single thought burned brighter than his passion. He had to see to his mate's release before his own. If possible, he wanted Bailey to experience several orgasms before they finished for the night. Yanking his mouth away from her, he came down on one elbow and introduced a fourth finger into her sweet heat. When she pushed against his hand, moaning, Talos added the pressure of his thumb against the swollen nub of her desire. 235

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"Talos!" She screamed his name as her body bucked beneath his touch. He kept up the motions and pressure, riding her through one, then two climaxes, enthralled with the purity in which she embraced her body's pleasure. His mouth suckled first one breast then the other, caught up in her endless cycle of gratification. When Bailey's body jerked for the fourth time, Talos decided against driving her up again. Her breath came in rapid jerks, sweat coated her body, and her eyes had drifted closed two orgasms ago. He gentled his movements, subtly bringing her body down from the peak he'd spent the past hour pushing her over. Dreading the loss of contact, Talos pulled his hand from her heat. The sweet, tangy scent of her passion rose to greet him. Then he remembered to release her hands, and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. When Bailey's eyes fluttered open, Talos made sure to meet her gaze. In a slow deliberate movement he sucked her wetness from his flesh enjoying the spicy taste of her on his fingers. He then vowed to himself to enjoy her flavor straight from the source the next time. "Come, I need to get you cleaned up." He didn't want her going to bed in sweat-stained sheets. Although he cringed at removing proof of his ability to please his mate with nothing more than his hand. Dazed green eyes looked confused. "What?" He watched as her pink tongue came out to wet her dry lips. 236

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"I want to get you clean and more comfortable before bedding down for the night," he explained and swung her into his arms. In the bathroom, he bypassed the tub for the quickness of the shower. Lowering Bailey's feet gently to the floor, he kept one arm around her waist and used the other to turn on the water and test the temperature. When he judged the water just right, he lifted Bailey once more into his arms and stepped into the shower. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 22 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: ED From: [email protected] The next person sending me an e-mail about Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra is going to be the poster boy for Erectile Dysfunction...the old-fashioned way. Zale Bailey came completely awake as the water rushed over her skin. She tilted her head back and opened her mouth. She felt amazing. Never had she come apart so easily or so often. Her other lovers had made her come mostly by accident, not design. Strong hands rubbed shampoo in her hair and she moaned at the feel of such strength gentled. This gentle man had done so much for her, given her so much pleasure without asking for a single thing in return. Bailey remembered through the red haze of desire the one time she'd been able to get her hands around him. He'd bucked and groaned, then gently but firmly shackled her hands above her head. She didn't feel like she had to return the favor or anything, Bailey simply wanted the taste and touch of him in her mouth. So she waited patiently while Talos washed and rinsed her hair, then her body. When he finally deemed her clean 238

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enough, he sat Bailey on the built-in—surprise, surprise— heated marble bench. Then proceeded with quick and efficient movements to wash his own body. Lust crashed through her watching those strong capable hands run over muscles and scars. She licked her lips and dared to look down. Magnificent was the only word to describe him. His body was a work of art. His chest and arms flexed with each swipe of soap. His tight abdomen put six pack abs to shame, and his cock...her mouth dried up and she had to swallow tightly. One hand snaked around his firm ass while her other hand traveled along his hair-roughened thigh straight to his bobbing erection. Like silk-covered hot steel, the dark head throbbed with desire. The mere sight of it growing before her eyes made heat and moisture gather between her thighs once more. "Bailey." He caught her hand and she heard the question in his voice. "You said we'd know when the time was right. It may not be today, but I still want to touch and pleasure you," she said not taking her eyes off the prize. "You don't have to do this," Talos protested in a hoarse voice. "I know." She brushed his fingers out of the way, her hand stretching to surround the massive width of him. She heard him groan above her, but paid no attention. It took two hands to encircle him. Talos arched his back, groaned again. Talos's hand came down covered her hand with his, shocking her. He showed her how to move more 239

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firmly, stroke quicker. Teaching her what he liked, while at the same time encouraging her exploration. When he let his hand fall away, she kept stroking him. Changing her grip, twisting her hands on the upstroke, scraping her nails gently along the sensitive flesh on the down stroke, she paused to use some of his own fluid to smear her palm so that her skin slid over his like silk. Bailey watched in astonishment as his back muscles and buttocks tensed and he started thrusting into her hands. She placed a palm on his rock hard stomach to stop the movement, wanting it to be her actions that caused his explosion of pleasure. Breathing heavy, he subsided and watched her with lustladened eyes. Bailey continued her ministrations, knowing he was close and wanting to push him over the edge. Freeing one hand, she gently stroked his rock hard sacs, once blowing a whisper of heated breath against his flesh. Talos growled and speared his hands through her hair. "Finish me, mate, or let me finish myself." His voice came out raspy, but his eyes held promises of a later time. Accepting those promises with a tilt of her head, Bailey sped up the motions of her hand and watched with eager fascination as Talos let his control go. Once, twice, three times he thrust against her movements. She worked with his rhythm quickly picking up on the changes. She used her other hand to lightly squeeze his balls. Bailey had never been this brazen or forward with any man, but something about Talos's openness invited her to be the same. Take pleasure in the pleasure she gave him, ying 240

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and yang. He'd given her release without ever expecting any in return. He felt so hot and delicious in her palm, Bailey marveled at his thick appendage. Within its wide head she could make out the seep of fluid. When she brought her thumb up to rub the moisture back into his skin, he gasped above her. "Bailey." Her name came out part plea and part moan. Words weren't necessary. They were beyond the boundaries words provided. Instead, she concentrated on the wet heat in her hand and the musky scent of sex filling the humid air. When his movements became frantic, Talos tilted Bailey's head back to look at his face. Those beautiful, ever-changing ocean eyes shifted from her hand to her face, meeting her gaze before sliding shut as pleasure over came him. A low groan precluded his release. He bucked rapidly within in her hands, groaning as his seed spilled forth, covering her naked breast. Still she didn't stop her movements, just gentled them easing him back to the world as he'd done for her. After several minutes, Talos lifted Bailey to her feet. A possessive glance dropped down to where his release covered her chest. "If I had my way, I'd leave you covered with my seed. Then, when we were in the midst of other people I could look at you, know my pleasure covered your skin." He whispered the words while gently turning her into the water's spray. 241

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"Maybe one day I'll let you," she whispered back and felt the full body shudder ripple through him. "Temptress." He bit the lobe of her ear before reaching around to turn the shower off. "Come, we need to get you dried off and into bed." He pushed and pulled her in the next several minutes. He dried her, slathered her body with a fresh smelling lotion then carried her back into the bedroom where he gently placed her in a chair. "I can walk, Talos." "Yes, but why should you when I am more than willing to carry you?" He disappeared into his closest coming out several moments later, arms stacked with sheets. "Sit," he commanded when she tried to rise and help him. "Bossy man." Bailey laughed when he turned and glared at her. "We'll get to bossy natures another time," he promised, quickly and skillfully making the bed. Finally she admitted her curiosity. "I thought you'd have...I don't know, some kind of housekeeping service to do these types of chores for you." "Now we do." He flicked out a pillowcase then proceeded to stuff the pillow inside. "Before Clio showed up, we bribed some of the other inhabitants to do the domestic chores. With her here, house brownies have shown up to take over all those tasks." Bailey opened her mouth the ask more, but a loud yawn caught her by surprise. "Sorry," she said around her hand. "Guess I'm more tired than I thought." 242

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"It's been a long day for all of us." In two steps Talos crossed the room, picked her up, and had Bailey tucked beneath the sheets with his big naked body spooning behind her. When she scooted around getting settled in, Talos froze behind her. Clearing his throat several times, he finally spoke. "Bailey, I have night pants...somewhere I can wear if it will make you more comfortable." Craning her neck to look at him, Bailey received a shock to see color flooding his face. She weighed and debated several answers before settling on the truth. "Talos, after everything we've done tonight, do you really think a thin panel of cotton will stop either one of us?" He looked relieved. "You do not mind that I don't wear garments to sleep in?" Bailey was tempted to throw back the sheet to remind him of her nakedness, but another yawn canceled the idea. "I'm not wearing much more than you," she finally said. He groaned and tightened his arm around her waist. "Please, don't remind me. I'm doing my best to pretend you're clothed in armor." She laughed softly, feeling more comfortable with this strange immortal man than she'd ever been after months with previous lovers. Talos. She said the name softly in her mind. Enjoying the pleasure and sense of peace it gave her. Yes, she was taking a chance trusting this man when nothing in her background proved trust a wise move. But, if 243

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he could help her find Trinity, then whatever else happened in the meantime would all be worth it. Even if she managed to get her heart broken in the end. Wisps of silk tickled his nose; without opening his eyes, Talos batted the offending material away. When it returned, he finally forced his eyes apart and looked around in astonishment. Sleek feminine curves pressed against his side. Bailey laid sprawled across the bed, one leg tossed over his own, her hair covering his face, one hand resting on his stomach and the other clutching a pillow. He would have wondered about the pillow thing if she hadn't chosen that moment to moan his name. "Talos." The evening lights had been lit, casting pale shadows over her naked skin. He wanted to trace each shadow with his tongue. At Bailey's restless shifting he thought she might enjoy it too. Careful, he didn't want her to wake just yet. Talos removed her various limbs from his body and slid to the edge of the bed. The view was perfection. With her legs spread, Talos had an uninterrupted view of the glorious haven glistening beneath the narrow trail of damp dark curls. May the one God bless Brazilian waxers everywhere. Suddenly he found himself in the mood for honey and he knew just the spot to find some. 244

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With a cunning smile, Talos slithered up the bed and straight between Bailey's luscious thighs. Heat and need drew Bailey from sleep. Her body more attuned to desires, her hips lifted into the addictive suckling between her thighs. "Talos," she murmured, still thinking she had to be asleep and not wanting to break out of the dream. "Good morning, Shatia," Came his muffled voice as his tongue flicked and toyed. His tongue. Reality crashed down on her with the impact of a two-ton garbage truck. Squealing in embarrassment, Bailey flailed her legs, feeling one connect with something that went crunch, and in her jerky movements fell right off the bed. "Nuqitr a bltar," his voice roared from somewhere above her head. Tangled in a mix of sheets and blankets, Bailey fought to free herself. Instead she felt strong hands grab her middle and lift her, coverings and all, back to the bed. In one jerk the bedding fell away. And she saw her almostlover's swollen eye. "What happened to you?" She knelt before him, trying to understand the last few minutes. "I gather, Zulia, you do not approve of my morning activities," he stated, looking insulted and faintly hurt. Morning activ— "Crap on a cracker." "Exactly." He huffed and leaned back to rest on his knees. Blue eyes stared at her quizzically. 245

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"Talos, I didn't mean anything by it. You just kind of startled me. I wasn't expecting that." "Obviously." This time he snorted. "I'm sorry." She tried to examine the damage, but he pulled away. "Talos, I said I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." "If you do not wish that type of attention then all you had to do was say so." Oh boy, she'd really messed up and after everything had ended so perfect last night. She didn't want to continue with anger or hurt between them. Not after they'd shared so much pleasure. "I woke up and there you were." "So I noticed." "It was kinda a surprise." "For both of us." "No, I mean it was a really really big surprise for me." "I know, I have the bruises to prove it." "No, I mean I've never been that surprised before." Silence reigned. "No man has..." "Um, that would be no." "Why not?" "Do we really have to go into details?" "Yes." "Hey, I didn't ask all the different sexual positions you've done." Fingers sprang up, ticking off one at a time as he spoke. "I've done it with the woman on bottom, me on bottom, from 246

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behind, from the side, upside down, backward, front to side, in a swing, in a chair, in an elevator, on the table, and one time just before Rome fell, when I got really, really drunk, another man and I took the same woman at the same time. Then there wa—" "Enough!" It shouldn't have turned her on. Not hearing about all his sexual conquests, but instead of picturing Talos and some unnamed woman, all Bailey saw was herself and Talos doing all he'd said and more. "Now tell me why some man has denied you your basic pleasure as a woman?" "My basic pleasure as a woman?" This had to be the most absurd conversation of her life. A naked conversation at that. "Talos, can we please get some clothes on and get something to eat?" She desperately wished for that suit of armor he'd mentioned last night. "No, we cannot. Not until this is settled between us. Besides I had a snack before you woke up." "You had a snack?" He licked his lips and gave her a heated smile. "Mmm hmmm, honey." A quick look around, but no sight of a food tray. "Honey?" "Hot honey." A quiver started in her belly. "Hot...ho...honey." She stumbled over the words. "The best I have ever tasted. I had to work for it too." He couldn't be talking about... He grinned smugly down at her. He could, the rat. 247

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"Sweet, hot honey and I'm afraid I've developed a taste for it." Was it her imagination or had Talos gotten closer? Nope, this close, Bailey could smell the warm muskiness of his skin. "Now, tell me why you won't let me eat my honey?" Please let her heart stop right now. "You really don't want to talk about this." "Oh but I do." "Why do you care? Men aren't supposed to like..." She waved a hand in the general area of their discussion. "You know. You should be happy." "I'm not happy. I want answers." His tone firmed, brooked no refusal. She huffed out a breath. "Fine, I'm not comfortable with it, okay? I mean, how much fun can it be for you? It's not something you have to do." And closer still he moved, until Bailey's back pressed against the mattress and Talos loomed over her. "It is a great deal of fun for me. I love the smell and taste of you. I love knowing with your every moan I give you pleasure. Every time your muscles clamp around my fingers or my tongue, I swell with excitement. You are far sweeter and more addictive than ambrosia." Each word delivered with a kiss, softly brushing and stroking her skin. "And if my pleasure makes you uncomfortable then I will, of course, abstain." "You like it?" "Can I prove it to you?" 248

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"Um." She hesitated, wanting to know the bliss he spoke of, but also afraid she wouldn't live up to his expectations. Completely forgetting he'd already had a taste of her "honey." "Relax, Zulia. Close your eyes and open your body for me. You don't have to do anything. Let me pleasure you." He gently kissed her eyes closed and she followed his directions. Giving up and in to him. The feel of his wet tongue running over the tops of her breasts caused her womb to clench. "You taste sweet, Bailey." His hands moved from the bed to her body, stroking down her back until they grasped her hips, pressing her against the muscle-clad thigh shoved between hers. The hairs rasped sweetly where she needed it most. "Talos." Would he stop? Did she want him to? "Shhh, just let me take care of you." His breath teased her neglected nipple, every atom of her being tightening in exquisite pleasure as his teeth nipped then tugged at the aroused flesh. "Oh...oh." She jerked in his arms as his mouth swallowed her entire nipple and sucked...hard. "Talos, I...oh....more." Electricity shot from the exposed nub straight to her womb, taking her breath and opening her very soul to Talos's will. His mouth still covering her nipple, he suckled at her hungrily, his cheeks flexing, his tongue tormenting as Bailey tried to ride his perfectly placed thigh. The pressure against 249

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her clit was an addictive torment, throwing her into pleasure, into desperation. "Please, Talos," she begged. No man had ever taken her this fast to the brink of coming. With only a few well-placed kisses, some really great suckling, and a hard thigh, Bailey was ready to explode. Dim awareness dawned of his hands moving from her chest to cup the globes of her ass. Strong hands covered the naked flesh, flexing and caressing before moving to where her body begged for his attention. "I want to touch you," she pleaded to his bent head. Burning blue eyes met hers. "Not now," he whispered hoarsely, his breath burning over her flesh as he moved farther down her body. "I want to touch you, taste you, and lose myself in your body. Let me drown in your pleasure." His voice sounded desperate. As though his only want and wish in the world was to please her. "Talos." Her voice died out as she felt his breath between her thighs. Shocked, she looked down her body then whimpered as she watched and felt him spread her legs wider, opening her to him, his eyes locked to hers the entire time. "Your choice, Bailey." Each softly whispered word blew hot breath against her exposed aroused flesh. What else could she say when a half-Greek god laid between her legs and begged to give her orgasms? "Yes." Forgetting to breathe she watched his tongue shoot out then disappear within the damp curls protecting her sex. 250

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"Talos." She tried to scream, but forgot how. Forgot everything as her hips rose from the bed, her body quaking at the feel of the long, slow, wicked lick that parted her folds and dared to delve deeper. Once more his hands reached behind to cup her ass as he lifted her from the bed to better meet the stroke of his hungry tongue. Then he settled in to devour. Small hungry growls followed by quick licks through the honey his attentions called forth. He moaned as he feasted on her, his tongue plunging into the heat of her passion, calling forth more liquid desire to his mouth. Bailey's arms couldn't take it anymore. Shaking from exertion, they crumpled beneath her, leaving her staring at the ceiling before finally closing her eyes to better concentrate on the ecstasy Talos created. Racked by such tantalizing pleasure, Bailey feared her mind would explode. His tongue turned ravenous, stabbing into the tight passage, teasing sensitive flesh, bringing her closer to the edge of the world. From a distance she heard him sip at the cream flowing from her body, the sounds of flesh meeting, and Talos's groans of approval shaking her body. "Come for me, Lespa, bathe me in your sweetness." He bent back to his task, and hummed against her clit as he lifted her closer, his tongue pushing deeper, his thumb now circling against the tight bud. Screams erupted from the room. Desperate pleas and loud demands swirled around her. Her orgasm stormed through her, ripping everything away: color, light, sound. Her hips 251

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jerked and pressed closer to Talos's talented mouth, magnifying the unbearable sensations when every atom in her body exploded into a million pieces before finally coming back together. Then darkness consumed her. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 23 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: From: [email protected] The next person who adds me to the over sixty and sexy dating connection Website will pay. Dressed as a Klingon female in heat at the next Star Trek convention. Phoenix the Immortal and always too sexy for my shirt Several hours and one nap later, Bailey stumbled her way into the kitchen desperately searching for caffeine in any form. She'd chew some damn coffee beans if she could find them. Unfortunately she walked in just as she heard Clio talking to Talos. "You weren't here for breakfast. Did you eat in your rooms?" Her innocent inquiry made Bailey want to turn tail and run. Only two things stopped her: one, the scent of coffee in the air, and two, Talos had already spied her in the doorway. "I snacked on something when I woke." He never took his eyes off Bailey as she crossed the room. For a city located miles under water, the kitchen would be a professional chef's dream. Her only dream at the moment came in liquid form. She maneuvered her way to the cups, thanking Juan Valdez that Clio had showed her around the room yesterday. 253

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"Looks like someone else isn't a morning person," Clio remarked in a disgustingly good mood. "Kryssin"—Bailey looked to the tall male leaning casually against the wall—"mind if I kick the crap out of your mate?" Head tilted, like he might actually consider her offer, Kryssin looked between the two women, then shook his head. "I'm not in this. In fact, you never saw me here. I'm going to make sure the guys have everything they need before taking off." He disappeared around the corner. "Coward," Clio called after him then turned on Talos. "You're not going to let Bailey beat me up, are you, brother?" Long eyelashes fluttered at him. Talos craned his neck in the direction Kryssin disappeared. "Uh yes, I think they need my help with...packing." Racing over to drop a quick kiss on Bailey's mouth, Talos flashed out of the room. "Chickens, both of them," Clio muttered, then brightened. "Well, now that we have the room to ourselves...seriously, how was last night/day whatever. I still can't get used to sleeping most of the day away." Heat crept up Bailey's cheeks. "It was...fine." She turned away to look around the brightly lit room. "Anything left to eat?" "I thought you already ate. Talos said he had a snack in your rooms." Clio looked confused and Bailey wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. "He ate. I didn't," she managed with a straight face.

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"That rat, why didn't he share with you?" Clio being insulted on her behalf felt great, but being insulted about why Talos didn't share his "snack" with her... "I wasn't really hungry at the time." The fridge held bowls of sliced up fruit. Bailey paired it with some granola and yogurt. "Still, he should have thought to save you something." The other woman kept protesting. "Really, it's fine," Bailey insisted. "Well, wait until I get a hold of him. He'll learn to share." Good Lord, if Talos learned to share any better, Bailey would never be able to walk again. Thankfully Clio let the matter drop when Bailey deliberately brought up the subject of the other brothers leaving for the Trials. "I thought they weren't allowed to bring anything of value." She remembered Talos explaining the rules to her in the wee hours, but Bailey's mind, relaxed and replete, hadn't cared all that much. "They can't, but Kryssin didn't want to stay and get involved in anything that could possibly keep him from our bed." The brunette laughed. "And it got him out of the kitchen so we can talk. You don't know how good it is to have another woman to talk to around here. The brothers are great, don't get me wrong, but their idea of bonding is to beat the crap out of each other." To Bailey's mind it sounded like a great way to explore another person's weaknesses and strengths. You could learn a lot about a person by just watching them fight. 255

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"Men have their way," she managed to say and dug into her breakfast. Clio agreed. "I'll wait until you're done then we'll go see the boys off." All to soon, her yogurt medley gone, Bailey washed out her dishes, took another hit of coffee, and followed Clio down some more winding hallways, each with an amazing view of the underwater life. "It still blows me away that we're a gazillion miles under the ocean and it's light outside. I mean I can see all sorts of fish, dolphins, and I thought I saw a shark swim by." Indeed a school of colorful clown fish choose that moment to swim by, awing her with their natural beauty and grace. "It's amazing isn't it? We get to see more of nature's beauty in one hour than most humans will ever see in their lifetime." Clio stopped and watched the cheery fish. "Do you ever get used to it?" Bailey wondered out loud, gently pressing her hands carefully against the glass, not through, as Eryx taught her. Beside her Clio sighed. "I haven't been here long enough to get used to anything. I met Kryssin maybe two months ago. We fought, got to know each other, had lots of amazing sex, fought a great battle with the Scabers, I almost died, and then we came here. "So you've been pretty bored the last couple of months, right?" Clio laughed, snagged Bailey's arm, and propelled them down the hallway. "You ain't seen nothing yet, hon." 256

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"Lord, give me strength," she prayed, and followed her new friend down the hall. "Is everything ready?" "What's to get ready?" Bastien snapped. "We aren't allowed to bring anything. "I know." Talos huffed out a breath, secretly pleased he had the ability to do so, but upset that seven of his brothers did not. "Look, I know you're happy as a seal in a fish cannery and it's okay. When the time comes, or Phoenix says its right, I'll get my own chance." With a gruff punch in the shoulder, Bas walked away. "I don't feel right about this," Talos told Dorian when he walked up. "Don't have a choice," his taciturn brother replied. "Yeah, and that's what I don't like." If only they had some idea where the three brothers were to be sent or if they could stay together, Talos would rest easier. "It's the way of the Trial." Dorian nodded his head to the two women entering the open doorway. "Our job will be to fight, win, and gain our powers back. Yours will be to protect that which we've already gained." For Dorian, who used words like rare diamonds, this was a speech. "I'll watch and protect my mate. Make sure you do the same with our little brothers. I don't like Eryx being included in this. He's not seasoned enough." "He will have what it takes or he won't. The same stands for Bastien and myself." 257

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"I get it. Nothing I can do to change it. Shut up and let it go," Talos retorted, furious he couldn't keep his family here and safe. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he remembered his own promise to leave the family haven. He'd given Bailey his word he would help her continue the mysterious search. Poseidons never backed down on their words. Needing to tell Dorian, just in case, he leaned closer and direct-spoke to his second eldest brother. "Bailey has enlisted my help with her task. I do not know where we will go, but I'm sure it will be topside among the air-breathers. If you should need me, no matter the distance or time, call to me." Dorian showed no surprise at Talos's news. Instead he nodded his dark head in understanding and went to stand by Bastien. The last to enter the cavernous room, Eryx flashed in then stumbled under the number of bags he carried. The weight didn't bother him. Like all the Poseidon brothers, Eryx could lift a steam engine with one hand. The bags were different sizes and shapes, making it harder to leverage all at once. "Eryx, what's the meaning of this? You were told to bring nothing on this journey." Alexial entered from the hall. Eryx spun around, dropped everything he precariously held, and threw a dirty look at his laughing brother. "Bastien! You told me Phoenix said we should bring anything that might help make our journey easier and safer." Bastien, leaning into the stiff and dour Dorian, laughed, or at least attempted to. Without the use of his lungs the noises came out a snuffling, hoarse sound. 258

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"Sorry, little brother, but I had to know what you would consider essential on a journey to possible death," Bastien explained. He straightened up, pushing his coffee-colored hair back from where it had fallen over his eyes. "One of these days, Bastien," Alexial warned. "Hey, think of it this way. If the big bad Trial doesn't kill me I'll return with enough power that maybe you can." Bastien smirked the last part. "Not funny, Bas," Alexial growled back. With a Gallic shrug, Bastien turned back to where the others had gathered. "Maybe it is if you're the one going to face the big bad unknown with ninety-nine percent chance of ending up deep fried in some immortal's fish fry." "Alexial, I need to speak with you," Talos broke in. Giving his younger brother one last frustrated look, Alexial turned to where Talos stood positioned away from the rest. "What's up?" "I promised Bailey I'd help complete her quest." No sense in beating around the coral reef. Like all the brothers, once a Poseidon gave his word the deed was as good as done. "Fine," the eldest agreed, distracted by the enormity of what three of his brothers were undertaking. Talos knew Alexial didn't understand the full importance of where he was going with this. "We'll be leaving for topside within the hour. I'm not sure exactly where we'll be going, but as soon as we get someplace stable, I'll contact you with the information."

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At the word "topside," his leader's attention fully focused on Talos. "What do you mean? Why would you take your mate away from the safety of our wards and protection?" This Talos had been prepared for. "Her business is on the surface. In order for her to trust and rely on me, I must prove my willingness to assist her in whatever endeavors she seeks." "But the surface?" "It's where she needs to be, and I follow her." Running a frustrated hand through his long black hair, Alexial looked over his shoulder at the group gathering, and turned back with a bleak look. "I cannot have my brothers running all over the world, surface or below." Understanding his brother's concern, Talos kept his voice even when he repeated his own reason for leaving. "Bailey needs to accomplish something up there. She's agreed to work with me in order to do this. I'll take whatever boon I can get. This is my mate, Axe, I can't tell her no then watch her go crazy trying to escape." "We wouldn't let her," his brother immediately returned. A male sure of his own power and position. "Yes, but what if she did? Bailey could run straight back into the arms of Kodar or another one of his minions. Don't tell me it isn't possible," he barked when his brother looked ready to deny the idea. "It has already happened once." "But we found the breach to the outer wall, sealed it, and the danger no longer exists for her," Alexial rebutted. "That danger no longer exists, but who's to say they won't find another way past our warding and barriers?" The more 260

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he thought about it, the more sure Talos became that changes needed to be made. "My mate, Clio, and any future mates are sitting ducks here. We need a home we can guard night and day. There are too many ways for Kodar and the Scabers to slide through." Startled blue eyes looked in blue eyes. "What are you saying?" "We need to think of moving our family someplace safer." The idea had been forming in the back of his mind since Clio had entered the brothers' lives. "Someplace topside would be best." Instead of lashing out, claiming the entire notion asinine and not possible, Alexial merely gave him a considering look. "Then seek out such a place while you're surfaced." Shocked, Talos said nothing as Alexial gave him a nod and walked back to join the others. He felt lost. If nothing else he'd expected a long loud argument with his brother about the merits and benefits of living on the surface. Before Clio, the Scabers hadn't bothered with the brothers. So long as no mate entered their lives, the chance of finding the Trident pieces were nil. Once Kryssin found his soulkeeper all bets were off. The demons could use the safety barriers the brothers kept in place for wounded creatures to pass through like they had done last night. Without constant twenty-four-hour surveillance, no mate would be safe within their walls. So another part of his topside schedule would be to find a place to meet all the brothers' needs. A place large enough 261

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for them to live together, at least until the danger ended, if it ever did. Room for each brother/couple to have their own apartments like they enjoyed here, but maybe with slight differences. With the same communal rooms like the kitchen, game room, living, dining, and entertainment rooms to fit them all. A room with nothing but workout equipment would be a bonus along with a room large enough to house Eryx's enormous collection of books and other odds and ends. For this type of journey he wished Bastien was by his side. Out of all his brothers, Bas had the most knowledge and experience dealing with humans and their commerce. But he would have Bailey by his side. In addition to being more pleasant to look upon and play with, she would have more common sense than his younger brother. "It's time." Talos looked up, surprised the appointed time had come upon them so quickly. He hadn't said goodbye to his youngest brother. Flashing to Eryx's side, Talos grabbed the other man's forearm in an affectionate warrior's grip. "Fight hard, guard honor, and return with victory." "I will," his little brother said, looking nothing like a man headed to the fight of his life. Eryx, as usual, looked one part lost, one part confused, and three parts busy with some problem only he could solve. "Stay safe, little brother." Talos pulled him in for a quick, hard hug then stepped back. 262

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Eryx looked shaken by the open show of affection, but grinned. "I'll look after the other two, make sure Bas doesn't try to seduce a gorgon." They both laughed at the truth of their other brother's nature. "Let's get this party started." Bastien dropped his arm around Eryx's shoulder and winked at the approaching Clio. "While I'm gone, keep the home fires burning for me, baby." "Idiot." She slapped his chest in mock anger. "Just be sure all of you come back in one piece." "We'll protect each other, Clio, don't worry." Eryx stepped in to reassure the anxious woman. "I know you'll try, but Kryss already told me you probably won't be taken for the same Trials." "Yes, we will." Everyone stared at the youngest and normally most absentminded of the family. He gave them all a hard look back. "What? You don't think I'd go into this without reading up on it?" Bastien's laughter broke the stunned silence, and one by one, the other men joined in. Bailey stepped to Clio's side. "How do you get used it?" The other woman slid her a confused look. "Get used to what?" "The fact that they can't breathe and when they laugh, except for Kryss and Talos, it sounds like a pack of wolves without oxygen." 263

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Clio clapped a hand over her mouth, stopping her own laughter from spilling out. "I've never thought of it that way before, but I guess you're right. As to getting used to it, I don't. I love Kryssin and his brothers. They are my family now. You don't pay so much attention to it after awhile." It made sense in a way. Bailey guessed it must be this way in all families. You got used to each other's quirks and foibles, considered them normal after a while. She wondered if she'd be with Talos long enough to get the same acceptance. Eryx reached between the two women and pulled a now sniffling Clio in his arms. "Shh, didn't I tell you we'd return?" Bailey heard him whisper. Sniffing and looking pathetic, Clio returned his embrace with a sisterly kiss. "Keep your promises, Eryx, or I'll be coming after you, Hades's realm or not." "Hey, little sister, no need to get all watery-eyed for us. We'll be back annoying you before you know it. Tears aren't necessary." Clio drew away from Eryx, stepped back, and faced the family, a look of pure determination on her pretty face. "There's every reason for tears. I'm pregnant and my poor child's family is leaving." Silence greeted her announcement for all of five seconds. "You're what?" Dorian demanded, his eyes wide with what looked like fear. "This is fantastic news." Bastien whooped and swung her in circles until Clio threatened to puke on him. Quickly, the excited man set her feet on the floor. Bailey offered her best wishes. 264

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"Thanks." The other woman beamed at the attention when another brother came to kiss her check and give the motherto-be a gentle hug. "Krys, this is fantastic." Bastien crossed to where the daddy stood silent, pale, and looking a little confused. "Clio," he whispered, looking straight into his mate's eyes. "You're going to have a baby?" "Sorry, hon, I know I should have told you privately. I'd planned to, tonight, but with everyone leaving I couldn't keep it to myself anymore." She walked hesitantly over to her husband. "Are you happy?" A shaking hand reached up to cup his wife's cheek. "I...I..." Kryssin, the Hunter, the fierce, battle-scarred warrior, crumpled in a faint. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 24 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Taiwan doctors From: [email protected] Found the perfect place to send Phoenix for a vacation: Taiwan. They have the best sex change doctors in the world. We can finally make his bitchy inner self match a bitchy outer self. Clio the Brilliant In the midst of Kryssin's faint and Clio's news, Bailey stood back and watched as the three brothers selected for the Trial of the Oracles stepped away from the distracted group, grasped shoulders, and disappeared. Not sure of her next move, Bailey sat on one of the numerous couches and waited for someone to notice the missing family members. After five minutes of bullying Kryss, and Clio's crying, Alexial looked over his shoulder and saw nothing. Bailey thought he might have been looking for the dark, quiet brother, Dorian. When their gazes met, Bailey confessed. "They left right after Kryss did his swan dive." A small smile formed on his sculpted lips. "Figures. Dorian would get them out of here with as little fanfare as possible. Bas would want a parade, naked women, and a feast held in his honor." He spoke with a fond smile. 266

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"And Eryx?" The smile grew as the eldest brother thought of his youngest brother. "Eryx would forget to come at all. He'd get buried in researching and studying about the Trials, but never once remember he's supposed to compete in them." He came to sit beside her, not looking at her. Simply sharing closeness and memories of ones gone to battle. "You're going to miss them," she offered, trying to keep his mind off...what, she didn't know. The man knew his brothers stood a good chance of not coming back, but maybe sharing memories would help ease his guilt over not being with them and the worry that came natural to any older sibling. "Bas drives me nuts. Fake poop in my chair, frogs' eyes in my morning bl—drink." Bailey knew he'd been about to say his morning blood, but held back afraid of scaring her with the truth of their lives. "How will they get blood during the Trials?" she asked, concerned because blood wasn't something easily picked up at the neighborhood store. "Ah...I assumed you weren't comfortable talking about that aspect of our lives. I was wrong." "No biggie, Clio explained it." And Bailey had firsthand experience of how erotic the act could be. "Plus, it's not like you go around killing people for their blood, right?" "No, but don't think we haven't, Bailey. When we first learned what we needed to stay alive, we drank blood from anything that came our way. It wasn't pretty or neat like today. We were more animals than men." 267

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"You do what you have to to survive." After all, hadn't she lied to every one in her life at one point or another? No, her mother didn't drink anymore. Yes, she took Bailey to school everyday, and even helped make cupcakes for her class bake sale. Lies, each and everyone of them, but all told in order to keep Bailey with the familiar and safe routine of her mother. She'd known with a child's wisdom that her mother's drinking could be the lesser of two evils. Better to stay with the devil you knew and could control than to chance some unknown person taking over your life. "Bailey?" A hand swept in front of her face. She jolted out of the past. "Sorry, mind must have wandered." "I'd better go check on the new daddy. Without Bastien here, it's going to be up to me to make fun of him as much as possible." With a ghost of a smile, Alexial took her hand, gave it a small companionable squeeze, and walked away. What a strange and wonderful family, Bailey thought as she watched the men and Clio touch and hug. She could be part of this, if what everyone said was true. One day it might be Bailey announcing her pregnancy to a roomful of warriors. At least if she did get pregnant and something happened to her, she'd know without a doubt none of these men would ever let harm or true unhappiness come to her child. Watching the remaining men pat and stroke Clio's flat belly made Bailey smile. When Talos reached over to place one palm against the unborn child then crossed his other over Clio's heart, Bailey had to will the tears away. 268

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He would make a wonderful father, caring, kind, and totally committed to any child of his. With the thought, her heart softened and she allowed herself to fall just a little bit in love with Talos. Talos looked up and caught her eye at that exact moment. "Your babe will have the blessings of the gods and the protection of Poseidon," Alexial said once Kryssin had recovered from his shock. "Hades's balls, how did this happen?" the pale man wondered. "You'd think he'd know all about the guppy and the egg by now," Talos lightly teased his brother. Which earned him a hard punch in the shoulder. "I meant, we haven't been trying." "Then exactly what have the two of you been doing in your apartments when all that moaning is going on?" Kryssin blushed. "You're one to talk now." Thinking about Bailey and their time spent in the shower, tub, and then this morning in his bed, Talos had to shift in his seat. "But you're the one expecting a little Clio or Krys." At his brother's teasing words, Kryssin's face lost color once more. "Stop tormenting him, Talos." Clio pushed him away. "Just wait until it's your turn. I'll make sure Kryssin records every insult and joke for payback." Sadly, he believed every word out of his brother's mate's mouth. Clio had a mean streak a mile wide if riled hard enough. Seeing her tiptoeing on the edge of it this time, Talos backed off. 269

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His eyes naturally searched the room for Bailey. He found her sitting alone on one of the many couches thrown about the room. She looked beautiful as usual, her long black hair caught in a braid to hang down her back. Talos had wanted her to wear it down, but she'd explained she always wore it this way. It didn't get in her way and made getting ready in the mornings quicker and easier. The thought of no other man seeing his mate with her hair swinging free had made Talos hard, and he readily agreed with her. He couldn't wait until he had her riding him, impaled on his shaft while her hair swung free, teasing and torturing him. When their eyes met, Talos felt a hot jolt go through him. The look in her eyes made him feel...something. He couldn't name the emotion. His heart swelled, and his lungs almost burst before he remembered to breathe. A quick look at Clio and Kryssin to make sure no one had caught the intimate look, and Talos had his answer. Bailey had love in her eyes when she looked at him. Or, if not love, at least a great deal of affection. Whatever it was, Talos would build on it until it grew to encompass the same level of emotion his brother and sister-in-law shared. He swore one day Bailey would look at him the same way Clio looked at Kryssin every time he walked in a room. No matter the length of time they'd been separated, each reunion was greeted with long kisses and intimate hugs. "Give her time." Talos jerked his head at the sound of Alexial's voice. 270

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"What?" He pretended confusion, not wanting his big brother to know how pathetically maudlin he'd become over a simple woman. Then again, Bailey didn't know the meaning of simple. From their first meeting she'd held her own against them while trying to protect Clio. Taking all their crap and dishing it right back. Hades's balls, no wonder he was falling in love with her. Bailey was one in a million. "Give it up, brother. You're already fin over ass for the woman. No sense in trying to deny it," Alexial rebuked him, not even for a second believing his bravado. "That obvious, am I?" "Only to me and maybe one or two of the others, but we've known you forever. Clio might have an idea, but she won't say a word until she's sure Bailey returns your feelings. By then I'm sure the honeymoon period we've been enjoying will have worn off and she'll be back to her normal sarcastic self." Alexial looked pained at the probable loss of Clio's gentler demeanor. "With her pregnancy she might keep this attitude." He started to defend is new sister when her voice reached them. "Back off, Flounder. I can walk by myself." Her cutting tone reached the entire room. "Clio, love, I don't want you exerting yourself. It's bad for the baby." Kryssin tried to soothe his pregnant mate. "I'm going to be bad for you if you don't quit trying to pick me up."

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Happy to give his attention to something other than his love life or lack thereof, Talos turned his body and focus to where the couple stood arguing. Kryssin defended his position. "But you shouldn't be stressed, it can't be good for the baby. Hera's nipples! I should have asked Eryx for baby books." He turned to pin Talos with a desperate look. "You have access to the Internet, right?" At Talos's nod, Kryssin bobbed his head in answer to some internal debate or question. "Good, good, I want you to order every baby book available. Then we'll have to think of setting up another room as a nursery. What about expanding the guest room in our quarters with a connecting door, or would it be better for the baby to sleep with us? No," he corrected himself, pacing the room. "I might accidentally roll over and smother the poor thing. A bas—" "For the love of all that's holy, someone shut him up," Clio pleaded. Not a single man spoke up. They all considered Kryssin's questions and comments perfectly valid. "Kryssin, do you know anything about having kids? I mean, were you ever around a pregnant woman or small children?" Bailey stepped in the expectant father's path. He looked startled to see her there, then focused on her questions. His forehead creased in thought. "No, I mean I was a kid once, but I don't think that helps. I've never been around another woman carrying a child." "Good." Talos heard Bailey whisper under her breath, and then continue on in a louder voice. "The most important thing is to 272

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trust Clio. She knows what her body needs, therefore, she knows what the baby needs. Right now she doesn't need stress and you are dumping piles of it on her head. It's bad for the baby and for the mommy to be tense or under pressure. Also she needs to be pampered, facials, foot massages, back rubs that sort of thing." She fought to keep a straight face. "Hell," Kryssin complained, "that's what got us into this position in the first place." He turned confused blue eyes to Bailey. "She can't get pregnant while she's pregnant, can she?" "Uh..." Bailey looked blindly around for answers. Talos chose to send her a life raft by distracting his brother. "Hades's balls, Krys, can't you leave the poor woman alone for even a minute?" "What...I...oh...Dapla." Kryssin looked at his wife and sheer joy suffused his face. "We're having a baby?" For the first time the emotion of the announcement sunk in. Clio, a leery look on her face, walked back to her mate. "Yes, honey, we've got our own little guppy growing right here." With the instinct of generations of women, Clio took Kryssin's hand and gently placed it over her still flat stomach. When Kryssin gave a muffled cry and wrapped both strong arms around the mother of his child, Alexial motioned for the rest of them to leave. The new parents-to-be deserved a little privacy to celebrate the new life they'd created. Feeling choked up himself, Talos made a quick grab for Bailey's hand and flashed them back to his...no their 273

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apartments. He wanted to discuss her plans topside and the news Alexial had given him regarding their future home. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 25 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Kitchen Raids From: [email protected] Hey my little love turtle, Zale and Eryx have just finished unpacking the food from the grocery. We've got a new supply of whipped cream and pudding. Giddy-up, baby. Your Naughty Angel Fish Two days later, Talos and Bailey flashed to the surface in a small Texas Gulf Coast town. He explained to her when she asked why they couldn't just flash to Seattle where she wanted to go. "I'm only able to materialize someplace I've been, or one of my brothers is. I can't just appear when I don't know where or what I'll be appearing into." Thinking of the calm, collected Talos flashing himself into a garbage bin, or worse yet, the middle of a ladies' dressing room brought a smile to her face. "What makes you smile, Zulia?" he asked reaching down to entwine their fingers. "What does that mean?" She asked to avoid the question, but also because he'd called her several names she didn't know the meaning of. "Zulia?" She nodded and stepped around an empty garbage can. 275

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"There's not a suitable translation to your language, but it's a term of endearment, like darling." He didn't look at her as he explained. His blue eyes covered with black sunglasses, Bailey could still tell he observed everything and everyone around them. Even if the bright sunlight burned his eyes Talos indicated he wasn't in any way uncomfortable. When she'd made the mistake of suggesting they hold off until the sunset, Talos shot her a look so horrified you might have thought she's asked to cut off his balls instead. Now the big grump had to rely on the salt water and blood in the hotel room since they were exactly where he wanted them to be. This Talos didn't match the sweet, genial man she'd come to know. Here was another facet of him she didn't know existed. "Who are you looking for?" Her eyes darted from side to side, but instead of seeing possible dangers to them, she mainly got dizzy. "How do you do that?" A small smile kicked up his lips. "Practice and I don't sweep my eyes back and forth like a broken robot." She should have resented the comparison, but since it fit she didn't have much to say. "Let's go over this again." When Talos groaned, she ignored him and continued on. "We can't flash to Seattle because you might end up in a latrine." "You'd be with me," he reminded her. Yuck, so she would. "Moving on, we're to catch a plane from here, land in Seattle, give the coordinates or whatever 276

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to your brother, start my search, and find a new place for the whole family to move. Have I hit on everything?' Pulling her out of danger from a daredevil boy on a bike, he stole a quick kiss. "How do you always manage to taste so good?" he asked and started them walking again. "I brush my teeth. Now did I miss anything?" Should she have gotten a list from the brothers enduring the Trials? No, if they didn't come back the things would be a reminder, but if they did come back shouldn't they have something to celebrate with? She'd have to wait and ask Clio when the other couple flashed in this evening. "Kryssin's things," Talos said and interrupted her to-andfro argument. "What things?" "The baby books, of course." "You mean he was serious about that?" The man had ordered his brother to buy every baby book on the market. Not the sign of a stable mind in Bailey's opinion, but what did she know? She'd never been pregnant. A wide smile crossed his tanned face. Bailey itched to tuck his hair back as it fell across his forehead. "Oh yes, he meant it. He wants every book in the bookstores." "This isn't going to make Clio happy." She watched cars drive by. "Where are we going?" "We're going to the airport." "The airport?" His voice dropped with concern. "Yes, do you not like flying?" 277

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"No, do you have something against cars?" Bailey didn't mind walking normally, but with too-small borrowed shoes, she'd prefer the nice air conditioned comfort of a car. "I have never felt comfortable in those menacing contraptions." He sent a glare to an innocent Volvo that happened to drive by. "Quit scaring the cars and their drivers, Talos. Cars are our friends. They take us places in comfort, with a/c, music, and food." She added the last part in deference to Talos's insatiable hunger for food of any kind. As expected, Talos's face brightened. "You can truly eat in one of those things?" Got ya! She mentally high fived herself. "I've eaten in my car more times than I can count. It's not all that safe, but if we get a cab after the food, then he can drive while we eat." "Find us food, mate." Talos at his most autocratic came roaring back and Bailey smiled happily. "Your wish is my desire, O loud and hungry one." "What do you call these again?" Bailey looked over at her warrior and almost spit out her own food at the sight. Talos had lettuce and cheese sticking to his chin while grease trickled down his fingers. His wide, innocent smile smothered her laughter, though. "It's called a taco. They're easy to make. We can get all the ingredients and I'll make them back ho—" She stopped herself short. Talos's home wasn't hers. "I'll make them when we go back," she finished hoping he didn't notice her slip of the tongue. 278

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"Kryssin will be jealous." By the greedy glint in his eyes, Bailey knew he hadn't caught her hesitation. Good. She didn't feel like trying to explain when she didn't know the problem herself. She didn't belong in his world of excitement, grand passion, and even greater love. Her life had always been plain and uneventful. Now this half Greek god told her she held the other portion of his soul. They were destined to be together to find another piece of the trident so the Titans wouldn't be freed to take over and enslave the world. Geez, she had issues committing to a single pharmacy, let alone a man—an immortal—for the rest of her life. Bailey McCain wasn't born to lead the life of an adventurer. She felt a sharp poke in her ribs and looked up to see Talos staring at her with a perplexed expression on his gorgeous face. "Bailey?" The question in his voice jolted her out of pity reverie. "I'll make enough so everyone can have some. They really are easy to make. It won't take but a few minutes." She tried to catch back up to their topic of conversation. Swallowing another mouthful of his crunchy meal, Talos turned those shade covered eyes on her. "You will not serve these to my brother." "Hey, if he wants a taco I'll make him a taco. I'm not offering sex, Talos." Wrong thing to say. "You won't ever offer Kryssin, or any of my brothers sex. In fact, maybe you shouldn't be around them anymore. It 279

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could prove to put too much strain on them. Yes, you stay far away from them from now on." With his decree finished Talos went back to happily munching his tacos. "I don't think so, buster." Bailey stuck one of her fingers into his rock solid bicep. "In the first place, none of your brothers are interested in me that way." "Bastien would be," Talos muttered around his mouthful. "He would not. Bastien looks at me like a little sister or annoying cousin, not some sex kitten he can't resist. In the second place, they don't have their souls! They couldn't do anything with me even if they wanted to." She said the last loud enough for the very interested cab driver to overhear. Wincing, she slouched down in the seat and sent icy glares to Talos. "Look what you made me do." Despite the seriousness of the situation, Talos grinned, looking like a naughty child. "Think I should hit him with a whammy?" Bailey's eyes widened and her voice dropped. "You can do that?" "No, I just like the look on your face when I say things like that." She swatted his hand, not so playfully. "Jerk." Wrapping one strong arm around her shoulders, Talos pulled her close to his side. "Silence woman, I need more tacos." Bailey shook her head. Arguing would get her nowhere when Talos had his mind and heart full of food. His refusal to answer her questions was just another strike on the chalkboard. When asked directly, Talos refused to 280

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answer her questions, turned the subject to something else, or kissed her senseless. Not that she minded the last part, but if he truly wanted her in his life, wouldn't he be more willing to open up and share his thoughts? She didn't want state secrets or the formula to his super secret sauce, if he had one, but a chink in the armor would be good. Maybe once they reached Seattle she could talk to him. If he didn't start to open his life and self up to her, then it would be time for her to make a few choices of her own. She didn't want to leave Talos. Being with him the past few days had been some of the best for her, but she wouldn't settle for less than what she gave. In anything she did, Bailey gave one hundred percent of herself and she demanded Talos do the same. If he didn't then...well, she'd deal with that bridge when she got to it. Four hours and a couple thousand dollars later, Talos and Bailey checked into their hotel suite. Feeling weary from the journey and the merciless sun, he grabbed the cooler with his blood and water bottles and quietly shut himself in the bathroom. No need for Bailey to get an up close and personal look into his life just yet. Even though he'd taken blood from her in the bathroom, they'd both been in a haze of passion. Some things felt right when your body took over senses. He didn't want to risk the chance of Bailey bolting. With one flick of his hand the cooler lid popped open. Talos grabbed the salted water bottle first. He needed his strength 281

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at peak. He doubted any Scabers had made their way to Seattle, but he didn't want to take a chance with Bailey's life. The one God knew he hadn't done a good job of preparing her for this new life. Instead of wooing her with sweet words and presents, Talos jumped her in the bathtub, took over her body, and then her blood. Just when they seemed to be getting closer, he felt a barrier come between them. He felt the slight difference when they had traveled in the bright yellow car, but his mind had been more on the delicious tacos then his mate. Which only went to prove how lousy and unworthy he was at this whole mate business. Talos knew they needed to completely merge their bodies for him to gain another piece of his soul, but he hesitated to take the last step. Tying Bailey to him would gain him and his family everything, but would give her nothing. How could he make it up to her? What could he offer Bailey in exchange for his soul and that of his family's safety? Did that Hallmark company make a card to cover this situation? And what if he finally, praise the one God, got her into bed and forgot what to do? It'd been over a thousand years since Talos had a woman in his bed. Sex had lost its thrill when he couldn't feel the woman beneath him. Unlike Bastien, he didn't believe in biting a woman during sex. Somehow, Talos had always thought to reserve that particular pleasure for his mate alone. A soft knock on the door when he finished with the first bottle jolted him from his thoughts. With his increased sense 282

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of smell he knew the person standing quietly on the other side of the door. Bailey. Even whispered in his mind, her name made him feel complete, whole somehow. And made his body impossibly hard and eager for the sight of her, regardless of his previous thoughts. "Hey, you haven't shriveled up on me, have you?" Laughter in her tone. She couldn't possibly mean...? "Do you need my help with them?" Talos looked down to where his once proud erection now flagged and his "them" had shriveled under the unknowing scorn of his mate. "Talos, open the door." She'd already "helped" enough in his opinion. "I'm fine. Let me finish up here. I'll be out in a moment." Talos knew his insecurities were making more of her words than what she'd meant. They were destined to be mates, Fate had decreed it. Why question something he couldn't, wouldn't, understand when it would happen anyway, regardless of his actions. Maybe it would be best to take a step back from Bailey. With distance he could come up with a plan to woo her properly, instead of jumping on her like some sex-starved maniac. His body protested his plans violently, but for once he wouldn't think with his passion, but with his brain. He owed Bailey that and more. 283

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Unmanned by a woman with big green eyes, he downed another salty water bottle then started in on the blood sacks. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 26 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Applications From: [email protected] As the two eldest nuts in our tree, would you mind doing something about Clio and Bastien? I've been getting calls for interviews for applications I've never filled out. Being used as a crash test dummy is just the latest. Stop them, or I will. Zale the Irritated Make one joke about a man and his salt water, Bailey grumped, and look where it gets you. Talos currently sat across the room as far from her as he could get. He wouldn't look her in the eye, avoided her touch at any cost, and now refused to speak. Enough was enough. They were here for a reason. She didn't know who peed in his Coco Krispies, but she'd be damned if she let it go on for another minute. Who ever heard of a six-foot-something immortal badass pouting? "Talos, are you ready to get started?" No answer. "Talos." Silence. "Talos, I'm over here stark naked with the bellhop, four packets of Pop Fizz, and a bag of Cheetos." 285

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As she thought, the mention of his new favorite snack grabbed his attention. He turned to her with confused blue eyes. "You have the cheesy snack?" A quick look around the room and the couch where Bailey sat tapping her foot revealed none of his orange crunchy deliciousness. "You have no Cheetos," he accused and went back to staring out the window. "With everything I said the only word you caught had to do with food?" She felt disgusted and used. Yesterday this man had been hot and heavy for her. Now she couldn't get him to notice her. Or, she could, if she wanted to drape herself in orange snacks. "What's your problem?" she demanded, crossing the room to stand between him and the window. His gaze jumped to her face then away, but not before she caught the red tinge of embarrassment flushing his cheeks. "What's going on?" she asked again in a much calmer tone. "Everything is fine. We are here, safe, and tomorrow evening we will go about accomplishing this task of yours." The tone may have sounded right, but the words didn't fit his expression. "If you've changed your mind, its okay." The hell it was. Bailey didn't know what she'd do without his support and visual strength to back her up.

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"I can do this just fine without you." And maybe end up dead, but hey, what was death when weighed against a girl's pride? "So maybe you should flash back home now." Then she could throw up, rail against the fates a little, and order up enough chocolate and booze to drown herself in. "What are you talking about?" Finally he focused on her, but with none of his previous warmth. "Kryssin and Clio will be here within in the hour." "Go, okay, just flash back to your fish tank. I don't need your help." To hell with this. Bailey grabbed her jacket and purse from the end of the couch and headed for the door. "I'll fill in the happy parents-to-be when they get here. No need for you to wait around." Before her fingers closed on the knob, Talos slammed his hand against the wood, making it impossible to open. "You will not walk away from me." Emotions swirled inside her mind like a category five hurricane. She couldn't give in to the fear, loathed to show insecurity, and was left with anger. Anger she could embrace. Whirling around, Bailey shoved one hand against his massive chest. The blow probably didn't register on his pain scale, but he kindly stepped back to assuage her pride. "Move your hand," she growled, surprised at the actual menace in her voice. The implied threat must have surprised Talos too, because he widened his eyes, but didn't move. He looked from her hand to the door. "No." 287

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That was it. Just no. Not "No, Bailey, I don't want you to leave me." Not, "No, Bailey I won't be an ass anymore." Just no without explanation. "Look, this has been a bad idea from the beginning. Let's just cut our losses and go our separate ways." Each word cut through her like a knife, but she wouldn't stay someplace she wasn't wanted. "Why are you behaving this way?" He moved closer, so that his delicious scent of sea and man tickled her nose. "Me?" Smack went her hand. "Me? You think I'm behaving badly? You, Mr. Mood Swing? You could give menopausal women a lesson in hot and cold flashes. Unfortunately I can't stay around for the first lesson. I've put off my responsibilities long enough. Now move or else." "Or else what?" he taunted, leaning further down. "Or you won't be able to have little Talos tadpoles." When his face went shock white and he automatically stepped back, Bailey bit back her smile of triumph. "Thanks." She turned the handle and walked out. Something had definitely gone wrong. While Talos had done his best to pretend his mate didn't occupy the same space, he pondered the ways in which he could show her what he had started to feel within his heart. Keeping Bailey within sight without letting her see him proved to be less of a problem than he'd imagined. She walked straight ahead, never looking left or right. People, sensing her purpose, moved out of her way without pause. 288

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She stopped once to go into one of those twenty-four-hour drug stores. He hoped this was her destination. She came out ten minutes later with nothing in her hands and kept walking. Had she lost her mind? he wondered when she started down the street again. His answer came a few minutes later. They moved from the wealthy affluence of the tourist district to dirtier and darker parts of the city. Talos wondered if maybe she'd set out to walk her temper off when she suddenly stopped in front of a dilapidated brown building. Skirting around someone's long-ago abandoned garbage cans, Talos ducked into the doorway of the building across from the one his mate stared at. The building, constructed in the thirties or forties by the look of it, had ten floors. Most, if not all, of the windows facing the street were broken. Graffiti decorated the lower two stories, along with bits and pieces of broken furniture and kitchen appliances. What in the name of the seven oceans did Bailey expect to find there? As if in answer to his question, Bailey gave a quick shake of her head, looked quickly to her left and right. Jumping back into his hiding place before she spotted him, Talos leaned out far enough to watch her disappear into the condemned building. Then and there he made a promise to himself. If they both survived this night, he was going to kill his mate first thing the next evening. Why was it, in every horror flick, the idiotic female had to go into the obviously abandoned building? Why couldn't one 289

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of those directors find a nice Hilton to stage the big black moment in? Taking a deep breath, then wishing she hadn't when the smell of rotten food, stale alcohol, and urine invaded her sinus cavities, Bailey pushed the front door. It provided the expected creak as it swung open. Cursing herself, Talos, and her uncle, Bailey stepped into the waiting darkness and prayed. With fear tearing apart her courage, Bailey fought to retain her anger. Anger gave her courage and pushed away other useless emotions. This had to be all Talos's fault, anyway. If the miserable man had opened up to her instead of thinking of her as a sex object then she wouldn't be here alone. Talos would be beside her ready and able to flash them both out at the first sign of trouble. But no, he had to go and act like a typical man: Woman weak...stay while big bad invincible me goes to fight your battles. Okay, so he hadn't said those exact words, but the feelings came out loud and clear. He didn't respect her or her skills. Strike one for the Fates of matchmaking. Better luck with the next couple, she thought wryly, moving quietly through the first floor. Where the hell was the basement in this place? Her uncle's notes stated the basement door should be right past the stairs and before you reached the front parlor.

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Calling herself all kinds of an idiot for not buying a bigger flashlight, Bailey moved closer to the wall, praying nothing contagious or disgusting came in contact with her hand. The first two passes yielded nothing. Swallowing her disgust, Bailey flattened her palm against the wall, something she'd avoided the other two times. Moving slowly, top to bottom, Bailey's hand swept across the wallpapered wood until, with a shock of surprise, her palm met with metal. "Finally." She gratefully twisted the knob and prayed her uncle knew what he was talking about. "I guess it would be too much to hope for a light," she mumbled to herself, but thanked God she'd stopped in at the twenty-four-hour pharmacy and bought a flashlight. Then a stunning revelation made her jump. "I'm every dumb blond twit in the movies that goes down the stairs because she heard a noise in the middle of a thunderstorm with prisoners on the loose." Didn't matter, she hadn't been given a choice from the time she opened her uncle's journals and read the truth she fought to deny. A banister to her left gave Bailey a small measure of security. With one hand resting on the wooden rail and the other wrapped tightly around her flashlight, she descended into the darkness. Talos peered inside the grimy window. He didn't care if Bailey never spoke to him again. He was getting her out of there, kicking and screaming if necessary. 291

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Not wanting to alert her to his presence, he fixed on a spot just inside the door and flashed there. From deeper inside the building he could hear her whispered cursing and fervent prayers against touching something "icky." For a second, laughter tempted to escape him. Only his mate, his Bailey, would enter an abandoned building in the middle of the night with no weapons, and worry more about germs than predators. He loved her peculiar sense of humor. He loved the way she fought with her whole being when she truly believed in a cause. He loved...her. The realization startled him into stepping back. A board groaned under his weight, he froze. Hardly daring to breathe, Talos waited for Bailey to come barreling through the hall, ready to take his head off for following her, but she never appeared. Torn between gratitude and worry, Talos moved silently down the hall. The beat of his mate's heart acted like a GPS for him. No matter where Bailey went in this world, he'd always be able to find her by listening for her heart. Her words floated out of the darkness to reach his sensitive ears. "I'm every dumb blond twit in the movies that goes down the stairs because she heard a noise in the middle of a thunderstorm with prisoners on the loose." He couldn't agree more. He didn't know which blonds she spoke of, but he agreed her actions were the height of stupidity. 292

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His mate had more courage than brains, but he loved her anyway. The realization should have shocked him, but he'd been a prisoner of the Fates too long not to acknowledge their wisdom. Silently praising their choice of mate for him, he followed Bailey through the vile, dank air into the stairway leading down into complete blackness. Whatever his mate got into, he would be there to ensure no harm came to her, then he'd take her apart for scaring a few centuries off his life. Bailey paused on the last stair, sure she had heard something above her. Waiting with strangled patience, she tried to listen to the house surrounding her, but she could hear nothing over the loud, incessant beating of her heart. Thump Thump Stupid heart, she wished it would shut up long enough for her to hear if someone entered the house behind her. Then she thought about the previous statement and amended it. She didn't want her heart to stop. Stopping her heart would be a bad thing and she'd be dead. "Ignore that last part," she told the Fates or whatever deity might be listening. "Didn't mean it," she added in a whisper. Feeling more secure, Bailey moved her light around the bare, dingy room. Four gray walls revealed themselves in her light. No furniture. Considering the state of the first floor, Bailey considered the empty room a blessing. 293

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"Back wall, twelfth brick." She repeated the instructions in her mind. "Please don't let me be too late." These bricks looked much cleaner then the ones she had touched trying to get here. Slowly and very carefully she counted down the bricks until her hand touched on number twelve. And pushed it inward. The entire wall swung inward to reveal a panel that would make NASA proud. The panel was roughly the size of a large dictionary with ten numbers lit up. A red light blinked innocently at her. Remembering her uncle's notes and warnings, Bailey prayed she remembered the code correctly and started pressing numbers. With the last digit pressed, the door at her back silently shut, sealing her in between two immovable objects. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 27 To: [email protected] CC:[email protected], [email protected] Subject: Pranks From: [email protected] You do realize I'm trying to discover the meaning of our existence and possible mates. Stopping to unwrap women hidden in takeout containers takes me away from this task. Please do something about it. Eryx Talos swore as he watched the wall shut, enclosing Bailey inside. "What the hell is she thinking?" Racing over to the wall he pressed various bricks hoping to catch the right one. Nothing happened. Pounding his hands against the rough stone didn't help, nor did it manage to alleviate his steady building fear over the fate of his mate. He could flash himself into the space where he'd last seen her, but that had risks itself. If Bailey hadn't moved, he might materialize in the middle of her body. While he wanted very much to be back in her warm depths, Talos doubted she would appreciate his intrusion. As much as he wanted to be there inside the wall protecting and defending his safety-challenged mate, Talos 295

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would have to settle for tearing down the wall instead of going through it. With a roar of impotence, Talos slammed his hands against the wall and watched as the mortar holding the aged bricks cracked. The pounding started seconds after the first barrier door closed. When a roar split the entombed silence, Bailey jumped. The roar had a very familiar bellow to it. Talos? It couldn't be. Could it? She hadn't seen him since the hotel, hours earlier. Wouldn't he have said something? Damn it, some big fierce protector he turned out to be. Was the man out of his mind to let her wander all over the city, much less in this neighborhood, by herself? Did she look like a big six-foot-six immortal kick-ass warrior? Granted she had her knives, but knives were no match for a scary man with a bad attitude. Wait until she got out of this mess. Talos Poseidon would be getting an earful. If she got out of here. The dark thought sidled its way into her mind before she had a chance to stop it. She yearned to open the door and fling herself in Talos's arms. He would make sure everything turned out okay. He would protect her and ensure nothing further could happen to Trinity. She couldn't let Talos tear the wall down. The last safeguards would drop in place, killing Talos and trapping Bailey inside the internal tomb.

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Thinking of Eryx and the barriers he'd taught her to put up, Bailey attempted to warn Talos. Talos better be the one beating the crap out of the wall, she hoped. Closing her eyes, conscious of the time, Bailey visualized her mental brain barrier, unlatched the lid, and let selective thoughts pour out. She made sure to direct them straight to her mate and prayed it would work. Talos, you can't tear apart the wall. You'll lock me in the antechamber and stop...stuff. How could she explain what went on beyond the stainless steel wall she faced? Without her uncle's documents and pictures Bailey wouldn't have believed it herself. As much as Bailey longed to lean into a pair of strong male arms, she didn't have the choice. Uncle had relied on her to solve this problem. He'd made her swear, from beyond the grave, to protect this secret, his secret with her life. And she'd willingly given her vow once she'd known what the stakes were. The mantle of responsibly felt heavier than normal in these last steps to achieving her uncle's goal. Taking a deep breath, Bailey kissed the tips of her fingers and touched them to the wall behind her then walked into blackness in front of her. For the briefest of moments, Talos had felt Bailey's touch. Her voice whispered through his mind. Talos, you can't tear apart the wall. You'll lock me in the antechamber and stop...stuff.

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Stop stuff? Hades's balls, the woman had no sense. In order to rescue her he had to tear down the wall. Didn't she understand? Her voice hadn't sounded desperate or fearful. Maybe he should wait and see if she came back out. It came down to a matter of trust. Did Talos trust his mate to handle whatever was on the other side of that wall? The answer crashed through the opposite wall. Kodar broke the door at the top of the stairs a dozen Scaber demons behind him. For once gratified Bailey never listened to him. She heard the rush of voices and knew Talos needed help. Kryssin and Clio were due to arrive any second now, but she couldn't let the other couple walk into an ambush and likely get killed. Torn between rescuing her mate and keeping a deathbed promise, she looked back. The wall looked more solid then ever. In order to get this door opened she would have to travel deeper into the manmade labyrinth. "Don't let there be roaches. Spiders I can handle." She talked nervously to herself, while she ran one hand up and down the wall. Her uncle hadn't been a trusting man. Anyone else would have left a lantern and map for the person coming through the first obstacle. Not her uncle, he wanted to make sure only the "right" person traversed the passageways. Knowing the hallway was littered with booby traps and false doorways, Bailey kept strictly to the right. Keeping one palm pressed flat against bricks and using her left to shine the light, she heard squeaks and rustling. 298

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"You'd better be right, old man." She swore in the darkness, not really disbelieving her uncle, but more to give herself courage to continue. Finally after what seemed like hours of aimless wandering, Bailey's light flashed off the shiny surface of a large metal door with another digital keypad, combination lock, and an old-fashioned captain's wheel type device. "You old fart! Didn't want to make this any easier on me did you?" Bailey took a deep breath, entered in the second set of memorized numbers, twisted the lock with quick precision, and then spun the wheel. The two-ton door clicked opened, and soft blue light spilled from the open crack. "Here I go." And Bailey walked into the light. Talos swung his sword at the demon coming from his left, while Kryssin watched his back. When Kryssin and his mate showed up, Talos had shouted for them to leave and they'd ignored him. When a sword had flown through the air to land perfectly in Talos's hand, he grinned at his younger brother and threw himself into the fight. Clio stood with her back pressed against the wall, her eyes closed and fingers pressed tightly against her temples. Something wasn't right about it, but he didn't dare stop to ask. Beheading the demon sneaking up on his left, Talos noticed Kodar nowhere in the fight. "Krys, do you see that egg layer, Kodar?" His busy gaze missed the demon slithering across the floor. Clio's scream of 299

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warning came too late to deflect the blow entirely. Instead of taking the blow directly through his heart, the blade slid cleanly into his left side as Talos's sword automatically swung down to finish off his attacker. "Hera's hearth, Talos!" Kryssin slung one arm around his brother, kept the other one up and swinging at their oncoming enemies. "Get by Clio." With a none-too-gentle shove, Talos found himself shoulder to shoulder with his sister-in-law, her face still screwed in concentration. Talos briefly touched her shoulder. "Clio, you and Kryss need to leave now." His injury already bleeding out, Bailey disappeared behind some wall of doom, and now he'd put his brother and mate in danger. Clio didn't move or acknowledge him in any way. He bent down to yell in her ear. "Clio, get your butt out of here." She surprised him by answering back. "You could flash out of here, too." "No can do. Bailey's behind that wall, doing something she thinks only she can do." Talos regretted the harsh words. Bailey hadn't asked him to follow her. He'd taken up the challenge of finding out her secrets even with her promise to tell him everything, later. Talos, the selfish creature he was, didn't want to wait until later. He wanted to know everything now. The answers he so desperately wanted still eluded him, he'd been stabbed, and his family placed in danger. When would he learn to trust? How much would Bailey have to do or 300

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say before he could believe her without seeking proof of her words? It dawned on Talos, in the middle of a bloody battle, this had never been about Bailey. The problem had been him all along. He didn't trust himself or his actions. Ever since he'd let Alekos and Nicko get captured by the Veiled Ones, Talos hadn't let anyone else depend on him. "Oh, fart-train," Clio muttered from their corner as more demons poured through the wall. "I am about damn sick of this. You men and your stupid codes and stupid honor, you'll end up dead from them both." Not understanding the former land-dweller's words, Talos almost jumped when Clio pulled out a very large black gun from behind her back. "Where did you get that?" he demanded, looking at the enormous weapon in her tiny hand. "Give me that before you hurt yourself." "Shut it, Talos. I'm sick of sitting around watching you and your bothers get hurt because all of you think it's beneath your Poseidon dignity to fight with guns." Talos protested. "We have weapons, but we don't fight our enemy with them." "Then why in the name of Aphrodite's ass do you even bother?" she demanded. Slipping a clip into the grip, she then easily pulled the slide back to load the first round. Too good of a question to ponder in the midst of a raging fight. Talos opened his mouth to admonish Clio and take away her gun before she hurt herself. 301

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And watched in awed silence as the little loudmouth neatly and cleanly shot demon after demon. Never flinching at the gun's recoil or the loud expulsion of the bullet, Clio kept her arm steady and easily shot every creature that came near her mate. Kryssin whirled around, saw Clio, and grinned like a fool. "Nice shooting, baby, but you could have left me something." She waited until the last demon fell before answering Krys. "Sorry, hon. Saw one scratch you and lost my temper a little." With quick and efficient movements, Clio exchanged the empty clip for a full one. Throwing the empty at Talos, she said. "Keep that for me, will you? I hate leaving empty ones all over the place." "Why would you bring a gun with you?" he asked, still not able to take his eyes off the solid black weapon. "Simple." She looked at him with serious eyes. "Ever since Eryx made that shot from the captain's bridge I knew someone had to be armed with more than a very big and very nice sword. If Eryx hadn't thrown away years of male conditioning, both Kryssin and I would have died. I always had an interest in automatic weapons, so my father indulged me by going to the shooting range. I'm armed everywhere I go." The logistics of the scenario boggled his mind. "How did you manage to carry the gun and so many loaded cartridges in your pockets?" Clio laughed as her mate joined them. Leaning over to look at the mild and non-bleeding wound, she must have deemed 302

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it okay because she turned those too-intelligent eyes back to Talos. "Simple, I carried the Browning in a holster attached to my waistband. The rest I shoved in every pocket and a few down my socks." She lifted one leg of her jeans to show him. Exactly as she said, two clips were tucked in on each side of her ankle. "Kryssin, did you know this?" "Sure. She's great isn't she?" Pride rang out clear in his voice. "You both are nuts." He turned to survey the dead. "Looks like we'll need some sunlight in here to clean up your wife's mess. Some of them haven't poofed like they should have." Kryssin laughed. "Who cares? She saved our butts." The truth was hard to swallow, but Clio had been right. They'd let pride and centuries of repetition get in the way of common sense. "Can you make it?" Talos asked his brother, noting the blood dripping down his hand. "Hades's balls, brother, it's just a scratch. You look like you ducked when you should have dodged." "Wrap something around it. I'll get Alekos to heal me up later. Right now I've got to find Bailey." Storming to the wall where she'd disappeared, he ran his rough hands over the stone. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 28 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Mass E-mail From: [email protected] Clio, Please, for the love of all the salt in the ocean, check who you send the e-mails to. My eyes are still bleeding from reading about the whipped cream and pudding. Have mercy! The rest of us "She went in here?" Clio asked dubiously, removing her sweatshirt to reveal a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath. Cunningly, she used the body of the sweatshirt to pad the area of the wound, and then wrapped the sleeves around his waist in a makeshift bandage. "Yes." "Hmm, wonder what was so important that she'd leave you as the main course at a demon barbeque?" she asked, eyeing the wall. "I don't know, but whatever it is, she'll explain it when she can." Talos felt sure of it. "Well, that's great for later. We'll all sit around and make s'mores, but until then how do we get past this wall?" And the honeymoon was over. The sister-in-law he knew and loved had returned, smart mouth and all. "Thanks for the bandage." He looked down at the gray material slowly stopping the bleeding. 304

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"No worries, thank Dorian next time you see him. I stole it from him two weeks ago." Don't want to touch that one. Clio digging through the second-eldest's dirty clothes gave Talos a shiver of disgust. "Oh please, it's nothing like that. He threw the stupid thing at my head when I beat him for the fifth time at Texas Hold'em." Clio grinned maniacally at the memory. "He now owes me two million, nine hundred and forty-two dollars and thirty-five cents." Feeling his side spasm and the world tilt for a second or two, Talos knew he didn't have much time before his wound got the better of him. "Alekos, come to me now. I've been injured and need your assistance." He spoke the words aloud for his healing brother's ears alone. "So do we sit here all day and play kick-the-corpse or do we find a way behind the wall?" Clio asked, circling the bodies, her eyes trained for the smallest movement. "She's turned bloodthirsty," Talos remarked, his voice low. "Yeah, ain't it great?" Kryssin replied, love and pride ringing in his voice. "Whatever sinks your ship." Talos looked around expecting his brother to flash in at anytime. Alekos should have been here by now. If he couldn't make it, or had other emergencies to attend, he'd speak to Talos and let him know. Now there was nothing but silence. "Something's not right." Kryssin echoed his brother's unspoken thoughts. "He should have answered me by now," Talos agreed. 305

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"Do you think he's been hurt?" Clio wrapped an arm around Kryssin's middle. "We can ask Bas—" Kryssin stopped himself. "Fart-train," he exclaimed, copying one of his wife's more colorful curses. "He's gone with Dorian and Eryx to the Trials," Talos finished for him. "What about Nicko?" The brothers looked at each other. Even though Kryssin had brought up his name, both men had thought of their elusive and rarely seen younger brother. "Nicko? The one I haven't met? The one that spends all his time in the water, searching for clues and sunken ships?" Clio asked, her nose and brown eyes wrinkling in concentration. "That's the one," Kryssin admitted. "So call him," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "It's not that easy, sister. Nicko hasn't been part of the family since he was captured." "Captured? Who captured him? When? Wh—?" "I'll explain it later," Kryssin promised and moved his mate out of the way. "We could call Zale?" Clio offered. "Nope. Ever since the mate-thing in the caverns, Zale's disappeared into the water. Axe is hoping that something will come up with Bailey to lead to another mate," Kryssin told the other two. "Otherwise, it's too hard for him to be around us. Feeling everything we feel, but knowing none of it is real." "We could just break the wall down and follow her trail." Clio suggested when she saw Talos studying the barrier. 306

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"I thought of that, but then she spoke to me and warned me not to tamper with it. It's set with some type of explosive. I won't do anything to jeopardize Bailey's safety." "What about flashing to the other side?" Clio recommended. "I'll have to save that as a last resort. I didn't get a good look at the surroundings. There's too little space to make an accurate assessment. If I can't contact her mentally then I'll flash through and pray to the one God for the best," he answered truthfully. "It's too risky," Kryssin warned him. "If you can't picture the exact spot in your mind then you're liable to wind up reforming in the middle of the wall and that, brother, will kill you." As if he didn't know. Talos mentally shrugged. If Bailey needed him, Talos would flash himself in the middle of an erupting volcano to ensure her safety. "Big macho immortal man," Clio taunted. "Not afraid to die in the middle of some stone and brick, but terrified of a sarcastic woman little more than half his weight." "Clio." Kryssin turned shocked eyes to his mate. "Don't be unkind to my brother. Where did this attitude come from?" She gave a shrug that said everything and nothing. "Think about it, Krys. Why is Bailey behind the wall and Talos out here? She's not the type of woman to leave someone guarding her back. I think he followed her here, intent on spying then got left behind once the passageway shut." "She's right, Krys." Talos spoke before his brother. "I didn't trust her. I didn't believe when she said she'd reveal 307

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everything to me later. I wanted to know what she hid, so I followed her and more than likely led the Scabers here as well." Clio flicked her brunette tresses over her shoulder. "Well, now's the time to grow a pair and let her do whatever it is she needs to do." "Ah." Talos gripped his wound as a wave of pain lanced through him. "Always good to know you're on my side," he finally managed to say once the pain receded enough for him to speak. "Of course I'm on your side, fart-train," she exclaimed, looking insulted at the thought that he would think otherwise. Kryssin broke in on their bantering. "Talos, I'm getting worried. Alekos should have been here by now." "I know," he confessed. "I've been mentally calling him and there's still no answer." "Great." Clio started pacing the room, nimbly avoiding the Scaber remains. "You're stuck through like a weenie at a hotdog roast, Bailey's disappeared into the great beyond, or at least beyond our sight, and now the healer in the family is M.I.A." "Succinct as always, my love." Kryssin caught his impatient mate when she tripped over a set of slime-covered boots. "Where the devil did those come from?" She paused in Kryssin's arms to look down at the offending footwear. "What?" both men questioned. Clio pointed a finger at the boots. "Look at them, they're new and designer labeled. They didn't wear shoes when I ran 308

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into them. In the caves when we found the first scroll and trident, did you notice them wearing anything on their feet?" she questioned the man holding her tight in his arms. Kryssin's face blanked for a minute, his blue eyes vacant. "No, with their webbed feet there's no way they wore shoes." They shared a look of mutual understanding that drove Talos's temper over the edge. "What in the name of Zeus's bolt are you two talking about? Who cares if they wear shoes or have red shining noses in the shape of Christmas trees?" The problem with mated pairs, they could have a whole conversation in just one look. Talos prayed he'd be able to share in the nuisance with Bailey someday. Clio pulled free of her mate's arms. "Kryssin, help me turn him over." Talos, feeling like a slow-witted child, started across the space to help instead, but Clio gave him one of her nononsense looks and pointed to the wall. "Sit." Ashamed, but grateful for the reprieve for his aching side, Talos went to the wall and sat. "This looks really weird, Krys. They have on normal clothes and they didn't poof like the rest of the freak gang did." He watched Clio poke around the bodies, every so often lifting her T-shirt over her nose in an attempt to block out the smells death brought. "I see what you mean. Hey, Talos," Kryssin called over his shoulder, "can you see from over there?" "What is it I'm supposed to be seeing?" he responded, not paying too much attention to the dead. 309

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"Holy Land of Diet Coke, Kryssin, look at this one." Clio's voice had risen, rimed with a slightly panicked edge to it. Giving up his temporary reprieve, Talos struggled to his feet to see what all the fuss was about. Kryssin's voice reached him first. "By Mt. Olympus and all of Poseidon's realm." "What's wrong?" he demanded reaching their sides. "This is what's wrong." Clio said and pointed a finger down to the body at their feet. It had been one of the ones Clio had shot. The impact of the bullet must have jerked him around because he'd landed on his side, face down. Now thanks to Clio's not so delicate foot, the dead creature once more faced the world nose first. Talos didn't catch the problem right away. He looked the man over, noticing how peaceful the male looked as though he'd lain down for a nap. Except for the large hole between his eyes where Clio's bullet had struck. The man looked remarkably normal, and that's when the truth hit him. "For the love of Poseidon, what is this?" Clio's voice broke through the stunned silence. "This is, or was, a man. A human man," she clarified for those who hadn't yet caught up with reality. "How can this be?" Kryssin asked, his voice low and tight. "Scabers are demons born, not made. Clio, when you shot him, did he look like this?" The two men watched as Clio did a mental rewind in her head. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, she shook her head. "He looked like a Scaber, like all the other Scaber 310

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demons I've seen." The confusion in her voice had Kryssin moving closer to her side. "Alexial has to know this," Talos said, wondering what else they'd missed about their enemies in the years since Atlantis had fallen. "What is there to know?" Kryssin asked. "We have a dead human, which only explains why some of the bodies haven't disintegrated. Is that what we're supposed to tell Alexial?" "No, we're going to tell him that the Scabers have found a way to change humans into part demon. If they can control the transformation at will, we all are in some really deep shit." Clio spoke what Talos had been thinking. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 29 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Company Jet From: [email protected] To all brothers: Use of the company jet for business is fine. Use of the jet for quick trips to Amsterdam to check out the local "whore-ticultural" society will result in my cutting off your "bulbs." Sincerely, Phoenix the Snippy Blue light bathed the room in soft color. Bailey hesitated over the threshold, wary of further traps. Sensing nothing on the floor, she carefully eyed the frame and tried desperately to remember if Uncle had said anything about ambushing this room. Her brain, tired from the eight other traps she'd had to dismantle, felt foggy and sluggish. She worried about Talos and the demons she'd heard. A smart man would have called out for help, but Talos was a Poseidon and Poseidons didn't ask for help. Stupid men! Carefully stepping into the interior of the room and looking for the source of the strange blue light, Bailey turned her head to the right and stumbled back in shock. She quickly made the sign of the cross and prayed God would excuse and protect a lapsed Catholic. Her eyes once more fixed on the brightly lit corner, but it took her brain a few more seconds to play catch-up. 312

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In a large tank at least ten feet high and six feet around, filled with thick-looking blue liquid, a woman floated in the middle. Her eyes were closed, making Bailey think the poor creature dead, but then the noises sunk in. Various beeping machines, an air compressor's swoosh, and other sounds not easily identified. A large portion of the wall behind the tank had been taken over by a supercomputer. Lights, dials, numbers flashed and Bailey had no idea what it meant or who the woman was. It couldn't be her cousin Trinity. No way would she accept that her uncle had done this to his own child. Keeping an eye on the still figure in the tank, Bailey moved closer to the wall, casting about for loose papers or something that would tell her what in the hell happened here. Then, like an answered prayer, she saw an envelope lying on the console with her name inscribed: Bailey McCain Slowly with shaking fingers, she reached for the paper, quickly tightening her hands around the envelope, afraid it would disappear. Another glance showed her the woman in the tank hadn't moved, so Bailey sat against the bank of computers and tore the side off the envelope. Taking a deep breath, Bailey unfolded several thick, rich sheets of paper and started to read. My Dearest Bailey, If you are reading this now then you've managed to accomplish so much more than I. By now you must know of 313

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the existence of the Poseidon brothers and what their legacy entails. I won't bother to bore you with the details of how and why I came to know of them, but suffice to say I became employed by them. I worked for several years without knowing the truth, until one day I stumbled upon an injured brother. Being a doctor and hopefully a good human being, I raced forward to offer him help, when another figure appeared out of thin air. The new male hovered around my almost-patient with a quiet air and something about his presence made me hesitate to interrupt. Imagine my astonishment when, after a scant few minutes had passed, the injured man rose to his feet. I must have made some sound because before I knew it the two men surrounded me. That was the day I met Alexial, learned of their tale, and swore myself to their service. You must be asking what this has to do with you and the quest I've sent you on. The answers will follow, but please have patience with an old man's ramblings. This is the first and last time I will have a chance to speak the truth to another. Alexial let me go, knowing the truth, and I couldn't have been more humbled. I set myself on the pursuit of the truth. The truth of the brothers, their blood needs (Yes, I'd been told about this as well and was not as shocked as you might think.), and the secret to their immortality. The brothers were generous with their time and blood. They offered up my findings for the betterment of mankind, so long as I could 314

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keep them out of it. I did so, and thrived in the medical community. Until one day, my own flesh and blood became ill. Modern human medicine could do nothing for her. I, an acknowledged healer, was helpless in the hands of fate to save my own child, until I started experimenting deep in the day when the sun shone brightest. I vowed to do whatever needed to save my little angel's life, and so I did. I mixed my precious baby's blood with sample after sample of the brothers' blood. Nothing happened; nothing stopped the cancer from growing and taking over. I cursed fate, God, and the brothers for not being able to help me at my greatest time of need. Looking back, I know each of them would have offered their blood ten times over, but a panicked father doesn't see as clearly in the present. Then, to my astonishment, I found an old vial forgotten in the back. I mixed the bloods with little hope. It took me hours of sitting there staring before I could believe the results. This blood mix killed the cancerous cells in my baby's body. Unfortunately, as I said, the blood hadn't been labeled. So to my everlasting shame, I convinced Alexial and the others to donate several pints of blood by telling them I'd come across a way to stave off blood hunger and beat the curse of the sun. Each man came, gave what he had and left, but not before giving me a smile, nod, or in one case an enthusiastic hug and slap on the back. Bailey paused here a minute, knowing exactly who had done what. Bastien would be the one for the over-the-top 315

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gesture. She could picture Talos, handsome and strong, giving her uncle a close-lipped smile. The others would have done the same, happy and grateful for some reprieve of their curse. Another quick look at the tank and the entrance to the door assured her all was still well. Bailey turned back to the letter in her lap. Each goodwill gesture felt like the sting of a thousand needles, but I persevered. Once I had each blood type, I tested them and found the match. Under the cover of day, I snuck my precious bundle into the lab and injected her with the whole bag of donated blood. I knew if this didn't work my daughter would die. To my eternal joy, she survived and thrived, but I knew we had to leave soon. The brothers would start demanding solutions, as I had promised them. Before I left, I went to visit your parents. I offered to host a sleepover for our two girls. Your parents were delighted. In fear of your future health, as the cancer runs in the family, I injected you that night as well, Bailey. I thought what I did was the height of love and devotion to my niece. As the years passed, I now know it's nothing more than a mortal man playing God. I hope my fear for your future didn't ruin your life. And to the rest of my tale: So once again during the brightest part of the day, I cleaned out my lab, desk, and files. I erased all traces of what I'd done, so no one would know which brother gave his blood 316

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to save my child. I didn't want anyone to hold the knowledge that one day might either save them both or destroy them. We moved out of state and out of sight. I'm sorry to say I didn't know about your parents' deaths until it was much too late to offer you a home and family. I will regret that for the remainder of my life and beyond. My daughter grew into a beautiful, kind, and very intelligent woman. She never knew the secret behind her illness or recovery. I planned to keep it that way until the brothers' enemies discovered us. My angel found out what I had done to save her life, and then she left with only the clothes on her back. Bailey, the reason I write to you now and burden you with an old man's guilt is to find my daughter. You'll find all the information I have in the packet enclosed. Now as to the young woman in the tank, I'm sorry to say I don't know who she is or where she comes from. When the Scabers took me into their own lab I found her there. They had been injecting her with their own DNA I believe. When I found the chance to escape I took it and brought this innocent young woman with me. She is as you see her now. The stasis is to protect her and keep the demons inside her from taking hold. In my time with the demons, there was another girl taken captive. She fought them hard and well. I learned of her name. Polyhymnia. She's a singer in the "outside world." No one knows how she escaped, but she did and my heart lifted until I found out she'd already been infected. She has until the end of the year to be found and cured. I believe a mix of 317

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the Poseidon blood will help reverse any negative effects of the demon dosage. I beg of you also to find a way to heal this young girl as well. She is blameless in this war. Unfortunately she doesn't have that much time. The hibernation in which she exists will only last until the end of summer, when she will either have to be revived and cured or allowed to die a natural and dignified death. I know this is much to put on shoulders so young and small, but you are the only person in this messed up world I trust. May God bless you and keep you safe in this journey and all the rest. Your loving and flawed uncle, McCain Three women. Bailey had to save three women's lives or else. She swallowed several times to clear her throat. At least she knew the reason behind the woman and the tank. Her uncle had rescued her and put her in stasis before she turned into something she'd hate. Alekos might be able to cure the one in the tank, but what about the other two? The cousin she never knew she had, and a woman already infected and a danger to herself and everyone around her. Sitting in the cold lab, with nothing but lifeless machines beeping around her, Bailey had never felt so helpless and alone in her life. But the boogey monster in her own head couldn't be avoided forever. 318

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Her uncle had injected her with one of the brother's blood. It had to be Talos. What else could explain the almost instant bond between them? Feeling her soul freeze up, Bailey thought back to all the time they'd spent together. All of it false, created out of science not magic or love as she'd begun to believe. In the span of minutes, she'd lost everything. Talos, a family, and the deeply satisfying sense of belonging and being needed. Everything had been a lie. How could her uncle ask this of her? He hadn't been around when she needed him the most. After the death of her parents, Bailey had been shoved from one foster home to another never quiet fitting in. She barely existed until her eighteenth birthday and absolute freedom. Now, just as she started a new chapter in her life and the possibility of happiness with Talos, her uncle trapped her again. Not only by the plea for the other females, but to right the wrong done against the Poseidon family. How was she supposed to tell them? Tell Talos? "Shit on a stick," she cursed. Then got up, dusted off and headed to meet her new "family." The only way she could ensure the girl's wellbeing and continued survival was to claim her as a relative. No way would one of the crazy brothers deny her the right to care for an ailing relative. That was how Bailey McCain went from a family of none to a family of four women. Strangers who'd never met, but linked by blood all the same. [Back to Table of Contents] 319

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Chapter 30 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Bar Skanks From: [email protected] To the brothers whose names I refuse to mention anymore (Bastien, Alekos, and Zale): Please be sure to submit all expense reports on actual paper. Bar napkins, condom boxes, and underwear do not count, and you will not be reimbursed. Phoenix the All-Knowing "And no one has heard from Alekos or Bailey?" Alexial asked right after he flashed in the room. "No," Talos answered tightly. His wound leaked more and more, and his energy failed. The only reason he continued to hang on was Bailey. His mate survived below him somehow. He could almost feel her emotions reaching out to him. The eldest summed up the situation. "With three brothers in the Trials, one brother communing with the sea, one never around, and our healer missing, presumed taken, things are not looking good." "We can't be sure Alekos has been taken," Clio protested, worry marring her pretty features. "I'll have to call Nicko in and that's not going to go over well." Either Alexial didn't hear Clio's statement or he chose to ignore it. 320

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"You're bringing Nicko in?" Talos stepped back at the news. His younger brother didn't like being around anyone, family included. Since the capture of Nicko and Zale by the Scaber demons' leaders, the Veiled Ones, neither immortal had truly recovered. Now Nicko lived to kill. So long as the victim had insulted or pained another, Nicko felt free to relieve them of their lives. Many a human murderer, rapist, and pedophile fell to the vengeance that was their brother. "Wait, Axe, let's get Bailey safe first then flash back home. Once we regroup, we'll call Zale and Nicko back," Kryssin suggested pulling his mate deeper into his embrace. A harsh look crossed their leader's face. "Fine, but what's changed in the last five minutes that allows us to locate Talos's mate?" "Her presence is stronger within me." Talos walked closer to the wall. He could almost smell Bailey's unique scent. Seconds later the wall shifted and opened. The group stared transfixed, weapons out as a dirty, disheveled Bailey stepped out. "Cool," she said looking around, ignoring Talos. "You killed them." "Bailey," Talos breathed her name in relief and reached for her. "How did you escape?" Deftly, she slipped out of his reach, circling the bodies with a new eye and interest. 321

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"What's going on, Bay?" Clio left the protection of her mate's arms to walk over to her sister-in-law. "What do you know about these men?" Her head jerked up, black braid swinging. "I know a lot more than I wanted to." "And that means what?" Alexial demanded. "Female, we don't have time to waste with games." "Step back, Axe. That's my mate we're discussing." Talos shoved his way in between Bailey and the eldest of them. "Shut it, both of you. I'm not in the mood to deal with men acting worse than children. I've had a rough couple of hours." She stalked away from both of them. "Besides," she threw over her shoulder before disappearing in the darkness once more, "I'm not your mate. Never was." Then she was gone. The words hurt to say. She felt each syllable ripped from her soul, but it couldn't happen any other way. Bailey had to free Talos to seek out his true mate. In the meantime, she'd do what her uncle asked of her. Save the unknown woman's life, find her cousin Trinity, and the poor woman running around with a time bomb ready to go off inside her. Vaguely, she heard the whispers behind her. Clio tried to soothe. "Wait, Talos, there must be something else behind it. Give her a chance to settle down from whatever she'd discovered. True mates can't deny each other for long." "But she denied me...us...what happened to her down there?" She heard Talos's whispered confusion. 322

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"I don't know, big brother, but we'll figure it out together. Right, guys?" Male mumbling followed. "Good, now let's follow Bailey before she disappears on us again," Clio, the common sense of the group, ordered. "What about the dangers?" Kryssin's voice trailed down to her. She wanted to ignore his caution. After all she'd made it through all the traps and puzzles by herself, but she couldn't do it. Instead she called up to them. "It's safe now. I tripped all the traps. Follow me exactly and you won't have any problems." "How are we to do that when you keep so far ahead of us?" The overly polite question came from Alexial. She knew the eldest was pissed, but didn't care. Time for everyone, including herself, to grow up and learn to change their own diapers; she was done cleaning up other people's messes. "My feet have left a trail in the dust. Light a glow stick or throw a fireball in the air, I don't care. Just follow." She stomped the rest of the way down the hall. Fury edged the pain out. Fear clawed for position in her heart and mind. Fear of what the brothers would do once they found out what her uncle had done. What she'd had done to her. Regardless of her ignorance, they might demand something in return she couldn't give. She didn't think they would kill her. On the other hand, she'd messed with their fates and destinies. 323

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The woman continued to float peacefully in her tank, unknowing and uncaring of the turmoil going on outside of her haven. Who had she been? Did she have family searching for her? How long had she'd been missing? Exactly what had the Veiled Ones done to her? And did Bailey stand an ice-cubes chance in hell of helping her? "Oh shit." "Xasr." "Donsil." "Aw, shit, fuck, and hell." Clio's voice summed up the brother's sentiments perfectly. Absently, Bailey walked around the tank, trailing a hand across the glass. "Meet Ms. Mystery. Captured by the Scabers and tampered with by the Veiled Ones. My uncle rescued her and brought her here until he could find a cure for her." "Wha...what's wrong with her?" Kryssin stuttered and came around to investigate the unknown woman. "How long has she been like this?" Clio's voice dripped sympathy as she placed a hand on the tank. "From what I gather from my uncle's notes, she'd been here a couple months. In stasis." She shrugged her shoulders. "Don't have a clue." "Your uncle was Dr. McCain?" came Alexial's frosty voice. And so it came, Bailey thought as her shoulders dropped, along with her hopes and heart. "Yes, in his notes he talks about discovering you and your brothers. How privileged he felt to work with you," she started to explain. 324

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"So privileged he stole from us and ran away in the middle of the day?" Alexial accused. While she expected anger, Bailey hadn't expected their flat out refusal to listen. "He had his reasons. If you want to shut the hell up and listen I'll tell you. If not, get the f—" "Why are you blaming Bailey for this?" Clio came to the rescue once again. "Its fine, Clio, let them have at me. I can handle myself," she assured the kind-hearted woman. "I don't give a dog's hairy balls if you can handle yourself. Among family, among us, you shouldn't have to defend yourself. We have the honor of defending and protecting you, as is our right." Clio shot daggers at all the men in the room. "Isn't that right, Talos?" The man in question glanced from the tank to Bailey and back again. "What happened?" If he heard Clio's question, he ignored it. "I'll tell you what happened." Clio started forward, one hand tightly fisted and the other reaching for something underneath her shirt. "Ah Clio, honey, wait a minute." Kryssin crossed the room in a flash to wrap his mate tightly in his arms. She protested all the while. "I won't have it, Krys. The three of you are treating her like a cop-killing pornographer. One brother has his head stuck so far up his ass he should be able to wave at us from his throat, and the other jumps so fast and far to conclusion without facts he should be in China by now. And don't get me started on you, mate." The last word came out stressed. 325

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"How is this my fault?" Kryssin demanded, not backing down in the face of his mate's anger. Clio managed to get one hand free and proceeded to poke Kryss with every word. "You"—poke—"didn't"—poke— "defend"—poke—"her." Poke poke. Alexial spoke over her. "Clio, lay off Kryssin. He's standing by his family." In a flash Clio was out of Kryssin's arms and in Alexial's face. "And I'm standing by mine." And she stormed over to link arms with a stunned and teary eyed Bailey. "You shouldn't have done that," she whispered. "They shouldn't have pissed on you," Clio responded in a loud voice, obviously not caring what the brothers heard. "From the minute they walked in here, they've treated you like the enemy. Just because your uncle did some stuff they don't like is no reason to blame you." She dropped her voice to a whisper. "You didn't have anything to do with whatever it is he did, did you?" Bailey felt a tear slip over the edge of her lid and whipped it away. "No, I didn't, but I'm a result of part of it," she explained just as quietly. Clio gazed at her for a long moment. "Have you lied to me?" "No." "Have you hurt, maimed, or otherwise injured or killed small animals, kids, or elderly?" "Big animals don't count?" The line of Clio's questioning was jagged to say the least. 326

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"They don't count unless it's monkeys or dolphins. Or"— Clio snapped her fingers—"whales and elephants." Suddenly feeling lighter in spirit, Bailey held one hand over her heart. "Never touched any of the above, although..." Here she hesitated. If she confessed her biggest fear and secret Clio might not understand, but she couldn't be anything less than honest with the woman standing between her and three very pissed off immortals. With a quirked brow, Clio asked. "Although what?" "I kill frogs. I mean, when I see them in the street. I run them over in my car every chance I get." She looked up, shamefaced. "Hot damn!" Clio shrieked and jumped Bailey in a tight hug. "I kill those sons of bitches every chance I get. I think I love you." She sighed the last part and laid her head on Bailey's shoulder. Bailey muffled a giggle and looked down at the unique woman hugging her. Clio gave her a wink and a secret smile before pulling away. "So boys, what's it going to be?" The no-nonsense Clio was back. "Do we make peace and share the play dough or take it to the playground over recess?" "Your mate never really healed, did she Kryssin?" Alexial questioned. "She received a bash to the head at some point, didn't she? "Hades's balls if I know," the other man responded, looking more confused then ever. Talos spoke into the brief silence. "Bailey is my responsibility. I will be held accountable for her actions." 327

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"I am not your anything. I refute any claim we had," Bailey retorted, all of Clio's goodwill fading under Talos's blank stare. "We shared blood. We are bound," he argued back, those wicked eyes heating with frustration. Clio leaned over to whisper. "Did you give him your blood?" Bailey gave a slight nod. "Did he give you his?" she asked. This time an even slighter shake of the head. Bailey thought she heard Clio whisper dumbass, but couldn't tell for sure. "Since you gave to him, you have the bigger claim. You can break the bond, but if you do it's permanent." Bailey didn't hesitate. "You took my blood, Talos, I didn't take yours. I sever any bond or tie we had between us. I don't need someone else in my life with no faith or trust in me." She turned around and walked back to the bank of monitors. While waiting for the others, Bailey had found the detailed instructions of how to release the mystery guest in the tank. She reached over and slowly started flipping levers when Clio once again stepped to her side. "You know what you're doing here?" "My uncle left directions. Why?" A loud hiss filled the air as the pressure valve released. "In for a penny, in for a pound. This family"—she pointed to herself, Bailey, and the unknown woman in the tank— "sticks together." 328

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And Bailey started to cry at the simple and unwavering acceptance of this woman she'd met only days ago. "Hush, Bailey," Clio scolded and gave her another hug. "There's a word in their language for us. We're Aljen, sisters and friends of the heart." "And what about tank gal?" Bailey asked, trying to mop up her wet face. "She could turn out to be an evil frog-loving demon." With a careless shrug, Clio threw her arm around Bailey's neck. "We'll lock her in the same room with Zale for a few hours. That'll be enough to drive the evil out of anything." Both women laughed and turned around to finish releasing their new friend and sister. Behind them, three men shook their heads in confusion and helplessness. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 31 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Leadership Skills From: [email protected] If you cannot keep those brothers of yours under control, I will have no choice, but to turn your mate into a three-legged mangy dog with the pox and a rather nasty affinity for other men's legs. Yes, I know who she is. No, I won't tell you. Phoenix, the One Not To Be Trifled With Too much information, not enough blood. Talos could feel his skin pruning slightly at the decreasing moisture in his body. "The women have turned against us, it seems," Alexial observed to no one in particular. "And that surprises you how?" Kryssin quipped and crossed to Talos's wounded side. "You need the sea." He looked at the drawn and shriveled skin around the injury. "You need more blood." Not bothering to wait or ask permission, Kryss lifted his own wrist to his mouth then moved it over Talos's mouth so the other man couldn't refuse. "You give too much," Alexial commented. His eyes never drifted from the two women busy on the other side of the room. "Clio will see to me if the need arises," Kryssin stated firmly. 330

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Talos drank of the offered nourishment, feeling the ancient blood swell in his veins. He marveled at the confidence his brother placed in his mate. How could he remain so certain Clio would offer her blood? Women were famous for changing their minds. Talos felt the blood racing through his depleted veins, restoring his weakened power and building up his enormous strength. "Enough." Alexial shoved Kryss and his wrist out of the way, substituting his own in its place. "Axe?" He wanted to refuse. Kryssin had given him enough blood to make it through the next few hours. Then he'd disappear beneath the false serenity of the water's surface and let Mother Ocean heal all his wounds. "You will need all your strength if the Scabers come back." And pushed the bleeding wrist into his brother's mouth. Knowing the eldest to be right and accepting it were two different things, but he kept his mouth shut and his ears open to the conversation around him. "Clio has taken Bailey under her very protective wing," his brother said from above him, keeping his dark gaze on the other side of the room. "My mate takes everyone under her protection. One of those fun facts that don't come up until after you're bonded." The smile on his face contrasted with the complaint in his voice. "Funny the things you find out about a person once you've linked completely to them." "You are a very lucky immortal." Alexial kept his dark gaze on the two women. 331

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Talos closed the wound with a flick of his tongue and released his brother's wrist. "We've got to get out of here." Gaining his feet, Talos felt the strength of his brothers flow through him, adding to his already enormous power. Kryssin leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest, looking skeptical. "Why the urgent need to leave? The demons are dead, this place is hidden from mortal eyes, and it looks like your mate is in the process of dehydrating our bubble lady." Talos turned to look. Kryssin was right. Bailey had the tank nearly empty. Now they could see the small, almost invisible, wires that hooked her bodysuit upright. Long, wet black hair obscured her face, but the shape of her body had been left visible to all. Head hung down, hair trailed across her face while slim arms stretched tight above her head. From the unknown woman's waist down remained rigid, almost as if some unknown structure kept her upright. "Son of a..." Bailey's voice cut through the quiet of the room. Talos flashed to her side without thinking. "What?" He jerked his mate's body away from the tank. He looked for the danger, but found nothing. When his eyes roamed downward, he caught the glint of metal and said a few choice curses. "You see it?" Bailey asked in a low voice. Her hand clenched and unclenched on his shoulder; he could feel the anger almost vibrating through her every touch and his own anger rose. 332

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The woman, unknown to them all, had been tethered as they had seen by the arms, but more sinister actions had been taken to her body. Steel rods the size of Talos's wrist had been surgically inserted into her thighs and buttocks to keep her unconscious body from floating around the tank. Perhaps to keep her more comfortable or to ensure she didn't rise to the surface and awaken without her captors' knowledge. "Your family did this?" Talos asked, wanting to tear through the glass and free the poor female. He didn't know what else anchored her or if there were any traps laid out for the unwary. When Bailey didn't answer, Talos turned to look at her. Her face had gone sheet white, her hands dropped from him to fist tightly at her sides. "I didn't know any of this." Her voice came out slightly raspy. Instinct urged him to sweep his mate into his arms, shelter and protect her from whatever danger lay ahead. His head demanded he step back and await the revelations of her true intentions. Both halves of him wanted action, but nothing felt right in both his head and heart. "Do what you must to release her. We'll ensure Alekos heals her." His tone came out more gruffly then he intended. He watched in reluctant admiration as Bailey straightened her shoulders and turned her back to the rest of the room. He might not like her much, but you had to admire a woman like that. Murder would be too good for that lousy, guppy-loving, judgmental immortal moron. Just because she'd said they 333

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were over didn't mean he couldn't try and fight for her. Didn't their lovemaking mean anything to him? She swore she'd felt his love with each brush of his lips and caress of his hand. To look at him now, no one would guess Talos had ever held her tenderly in his arms, or whispered hotly in her ear. His face had settled in the familiar, unemotional mask as he stepped away from her, but still within arms' reach. Bailey would be damned if she let Talos see how bad his rejection hurt her. Hadn't she said right from the start there was no such thing as soul mates? She'd never believed in the myth of one perfect person for everybody. So what if Talos had been pretty close to perfect for her, mentally, spiritually, and physically? His rejection and subsequent attitude just went to show how wrong they all were. Soul mates didn't exist, and even if they did, Talos Poseidon wasn't hers. With the matter resolved in her head, Bailey turned back to the woman trapped by her uncle's madness. "Clio." Kryssin's mate appeared by her side in an instant. "What do you need?" Bailey felt Clio's gentle encouraging squeeze and it helped bolster her courage. "I've got to remove those..." Here she hesitated, not wanting to label them merely supports as they were so much more than that. They were hideous pieces of metal stuck unnaturally into innocent flesh. "The metal?" her new friend offered. "Yeah, we've got to get the metal out of her, but"—here she lowered her voice—"I don't know how to do it without 334

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causing her more pain. If my uncle's notes are right then she should be waking up." Bailey feared that more than anything. She had no desire to cause this unknown woman any more pain than what had already been done to her. God, please forgive me for what I'm about to do, she prayed silently and motioned for Clio to follow her into the now empty tank. "What are we going to do?" "You're going to support her weight while I'll cut her free." Bailey swallowed at the words and the thought of the actions that must follow. She'd never had an aversion to blood. Then again, she'd never been required to cut skin from metal before. Clio leaned close and whispered. "If you can't do it then we'll find another way." "We don't have another way or the time to try and find one," she whispered back. "Then I suggest you take a deep breath, say a prayer, and do your best, because if you're right then she'll be in more pain if she wakes while these are still in." Clio's logic couldn't be faulted. If Bailey kept delaying, then nothing good would come out of it. The woman would wake to find herself impaled and be aware of every action Bailey took to free her. "Fine, on the count of three." Taking a deep breath, Bailey readied the scalpel. "One." "Two." Clio counted down with her. 335

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"Three." Their voices sounded together and Bailey raised her hand. She kept her mind focused on the task at hand, not on the amount of blood that steadily escaped her cuts. She prayed with each movement of her hand the woman would remain unaware that she, Bailey, wouldn't do more harm than good, and finally that no one would get hurt when all was said and done. Blood roared through her ears; she felt every part of her body begin to shake, but strangely enough her hands remained steady. When a light appeared over her shoulder, Bailey murmured a grateful "thank you" to Clio and concentrated on the work. After what seemed like a thousand hours, Bailey felt comfortable enough to start in on the second pole. "Clio, I think you can slowly remove the metal, but keep her weight steady or we'll end up doing more damage." "Got ya," came the swift reply above her head. "I wish I knew where in the hell Alekos had gotten to. We could really use his medical mojo right now." The last was said in an undertone, Clio muttering to herself. She too wished the mystical healing brother would flash into the room, but she had to keep going until that happened. Having a better idea of what needed to be done, Bailey's actions were quick and sure. In half the time of the first one, the second leg was ready to be free. Keeping her eye on the patient, Bailey spoke, her voice low as she tried not to jostle the woman more than absolutely necessary. "If you support her weight then I can remove the 336

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pole. Then we've got to get her cleaned up before any infection sets in." She'd been through enough without having to fight off that. When she felt the pressure ease, Bailey quickly pulled the metal shaft out of the woman's tender flesh. "Clio, get some bandages. We've got to stop the bleeding before she loses too much blood." "I can take her from here." A masculine voice broke through Bailey's worry and fear. She looked up into the solemn blue eyes. "No offense, Alexial, but shouldn't you be over in the corner pouting with your brothers?" Bailey didn't have the time to placate the tender male ego. She had a woman bleeding and in desperate need of medical attention. God, what she wouldn't give for some real men without their ego to drag down the general IQ. "Watch it, little sister, I can read your thoughts again," Kryssin's amused voice came from over her head. Surprised, she glanced up and saw Clio nowhere in sight. Kryssin steadily held the unconscious woman's weight with gentle patience. "Sorry, Krys," she apologized. "Didn't know you had that little talent back." "I only have it when you forget to block. You've been much too concerned with our mystery lady to guard your thoughts," he explained and maneuvered the body in his arms for maximum support. "Thanks," she responded to his help automatically. "Lift her leg...That's it," she murmured to Kryssin, who moved up 337

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to help hold her, as she finally removed the last tie on her wrist. "I'll flash us back home. Hopefully Alekos will be there. He can heal our unknown friend faster than your modern medicine," Alexial said, letting Bailey know he too had been able to read her concerns and actions. "I didn't mean to insult you or your healing methods. I just want her away from here in a safe place." She spoke truthfully. Bailey hadn't meant to insult anyone, but she did want the woman away from the place of her captivity. "We understand. Just trust in us enough to let me take her away from here." Alexial shifted the woman gently into his arms after Clio finished taping bandages around her wounds. "Of course," she replied quickly. After all, hadn't she seen Alekos's healing talent with her own eyes and felt the results within her body? "Please let me know how she fares. When she wakes would you call me? There are so many questions I need to ask." Bailey thought of her uncle and the innocent tone of his letter. He'd begged her to find the other women and heal them, but what if that really hadn't been his intent. Did he truly want to find the other two women to heal or hurt? Now that she had gotten so deeply involved with the Poseidon brothers and the prophecy, she couldn't just back away. Any more than she could leave those other two women at the mercy of the demons. Someone had to save them, someone who knew the truth and had nothing to gain from either one. 338

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"I'm going to follow through with my promise to my uncle." For the first time since her life fell apart, Bailey felt comfortable with herself and her decision. Talos spoke from his position against the wall. "Then I will go to protect you." Bailey whipped around. The feeling of contentment drained from her with his words. "I don't need or want your protection." She prayed he wouldn't notice the hint of vulnerability in her voice. "You need someone to watch over you. You'll never survive on your own," he countered. "I've survived a hell of a lot better without you than with you." The words came out before she could censor herself. She hadn't meant it as it sounded, but nothing could make her take it back. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 32 To: [email protected] CC: Subject: Therapy From: [email protected] To Zale: I understand the need to relax, but Madame Wu's Geisha Girls, Laundrette, and Storage Facility? Please note, any activities at this facility are at your own risk. I will not be healing any diseases of a social nature. Alekos, Not Your Personal Healer Talos winced as her words stabbed directly through his heart. She really did mean to take off on some wild quest to find her uncle's screwed up experiments. Maybe fate didn't make this match. It could be just as she said, a weird chemical blending of their blood caused this reaction. His desperate mind whispered quietly, How do you explain a beating heart and the rest of the miracles this woman is responsible for? He wanted the voice to shut the seven leagues of hell up, but truth echoed in his mind. It refused to be silenced in denial and lies. "Talos." Honesty also compelled him to remember Bailey never spent time with her uncle. She hadn't known what the man had done to her cousin much less what the bottom-feeder had injected her with. "Talos!" 340

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So why did he still stand here waiting for one of Zeus's bolts to hit him in the ass? His mate planned to leave him. "Talos." The sound of his name being shouted two inches from his ear jerked Talos's thoughts away from Bailey. With a quick shake of his head, he focused on Alexial's very irritated face. "What?" "Do you plan to stand there and do nothing?" Reprimand was thick in the eldest brother's voice. "Like plankton willing to be consumed without protest?" "I'd planned..." Talos stopped to consider. What did he plan to do? Bailey disappeared through the door once Kryssin had taken the patient and his mate back home in search of their healer. "Exactly." Alexial stepped over cables and wires to make his way to Talos's side. "You need to get a plan in hand before you rush off and do anything stupid. We don't need another brother getting shot in front of his mate." Memories of Clio cut down by a spear gave Talos the shakes. He took one last look around the room, not wanting to leave without investigating every door and cranny, but not willing to leave his mate unprotected either. Alexial, sensing his hesitation, spoke. "I'll search the place for whatever's left. You need to find your mate and keep her safe. Most important, you need to convince her of the bond. That it is no mistake you've joined. Bailey is, to her very essence, your soul-keeper." His heart couldn't agree more. "Flash back home when you're done, but don't stay too lo—" 341

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A scream cut off the sentence. Bailey's scream. His body poised to flash when Alexial grabbed his arm, preventing Talos from reaching his mate. "Let go of me, Senator." Talos growled low in his throat. Anyone not willing to help would be an enemy. "Think." Alexial shook him. "If you go flashing into the situation without knowing what made Bailey scream, you could end up getting her killed or worse." Worse. They knew worse existed now. Dr. McCain had given his life to alert Bailey and the brothers of the new threat. He'd died trying to protect a potential soul-keeper. Talos heard the truth of his brother's words, but it didn't make the honesty any easier to bear. "What do you suggest then?" "We flash to the tunnel itself. The part before it turns to the right. We can be close enough to hear what's going on without giving our presence away. We look the situation over. Find the best plan for getting the two of you out of there in one piece." Talos noticed his brother mentioned nothing about his own safety. While he may be willing to do anything to save his mate, Talos didn't think he'd trade Alexial for Bailey, but he prayed the choice never came to that. Instead he agreed. Within seconds they both disappeared in a soft mist of water. Bailey called herself all kinds of unpleasant and insulting names. She'd been too busy seething at Talos and his unfair 342

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blame. What right did he have to lay the blame of her family's guilt at her feet? Until a few months ago, Bailey hadn't known the man or Trinity existed. Now some stupid man with souped up muscles thought evil ran in her family like some made-for-TV movie. The more distance she put between them, the happier she'd be. No one talked to her like that, especially after promising her the moon and stars after she'd slept with him Maybe all her girlfriends had been right. Men were shit and there's nothing you could do about them except get a scraper and keep flicking them off the bottom of your shoes. Lesson learned, the next time some too-good-looking man came anywhere near her, Bailey would react with the one body part she could always count on: her knee. Once introduced to a man, she doubted they'd be back for a second round. So busy with her thoughts of boiling Talos in used waste, Bailey didn't notice the man rising from the floor until it was too late. He grabbed hold of an ankle and jerked her off balance. She fell straight at the cement, pushing her hands out to try and break her fall, but it was no use. She cried out as her hands scraped against the stone and glass, feeling the burn deep. "Shut your trap, water-mate," the thing growled in her ear. "I don't want them to hear you just yet. I have a much better surprise in store for the creature that you reek of." "They've left," she panted, trying to collect her wits enough to form a plan, any plan, to get out of this. "They took what they wanted and left me here." If she was lucky then the creature/thing wouldn't know enough about the 343

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family to know leaving her, or any female, anywhere without protection would never happen. She got lucky. "Doesn't matter, the one that claimed you will be able to smell your blood and he'll fall nicely into our trap." A slimecovered tongue whipped out to taste her cheek and she cringed at the contact. "Why won't you believe me?" She put a whine and simper into her tone. If the man thing knew her at all he would smell a plot, but if he didn't then she might be able to get out of this alive along with some info for the brothers to use. Luck struck again. "I hear fear and pleading in your voice, water-mate. I enjoy the fear. It tastes sweet and smells intoxicating. Give me more." He twisted one arm around her neck and squeezed tightly. Given her position on the floor, Bailey couldn't get enough purchase to fight against him, but she hadn't given up. She squirmed and struggled against his much larger frame. A whiff of fragrance caught her attention. Talos. The scent washed over her and with it a sense of contentment that was completely out of place in her situation Talos is coming. Everything would be all right. Just because her hero skulked somewhere in the vicinity didn't mean she'd throw in the towel and stop trying to save herself. 344

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Bailey gave up trying to free her neck from the stranger's arm. Instead she used her hands and nails to inflict as much damage as possible. When she heard the man-thing yowl in pain, she felt an evil smile of victory spread over her face. Talos's voice rang in her head. "Do not antagonize him." "What the hell?" For a second she forgot the danger and dropped her hands. When the he-monster tightened his hold, Bailey swiftly remembered exactly what position she'd landed in. "Stay the hell out of my head. I'm a little busy right now." Renewing her attack and fight, Bailey swore she'd repay Talos for the brief seconds he caused her to lose. "I need you to get away from him. In this position we haven't got a shot. You're too close." His voice oozed pure concern and power. Trying to argue with Talos and keep her wits about her, Bailey felt ready to give up on both men. One wanted to kill her and the other wanted her to suffer for her family's mistakes. "I hadn't realized I was so close to him. What with his arm around my throat and all." How the hell did she wind up in these types of situations? Why couldn't she remember the basics of how to get out of them? Something she'd once seen on a television show ran through her head. The wrestler had been in the same choke hold position and he'd been able to free himself by wrapping one of his long, muscular legs around his opponent. Bailey didn't think she had much to lose at this point in time. If the beast behind her kept up the pressure, she'd 345

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eventually have her neck snapped or lose consciousness. She didn't prefer either option so she struggled to free her feet enough to get them above her head and with a sudden move that she couldn't believe would work, she swung them both up and around he-man's neck and yanked with all her thigh power. To her surprise the maneuver worked. His head jerked forward and then his body followed, allowing Bailey enough room to slide out of his loosened arms and roll away. As soon as she was free, a roar burst against her eardrums. Talos exploded through the room with Alexial at his back. He reached the beastie-man in three swift strides. Alexial scooped her into his arms and pushed her head down to shield her from the violence she heard echoing through the large room. Shock set in and Bailey felt her body begin to shake. "How bad is it?" she asked the eldest brother. "He'll live, at least until we have some answers from him. After that, it's in the hands of the one God." His cryptic answer did nothing to relieve her worries. "How could this happen?" She glanced over Alexial's shoulders where Talos held her battered attacker before him. "Why don't you tell us?" Talos snapped back. Anger made his beautiful eyes spark in the dimness of the room. "Why in the hell would I know?" she argued. "I've never seen this man before in my life." Talos sneered at her. "Obviously something your uncle did or knew led them here and allowed this transformation to occur. What haven't you told us?" 346

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Bailey shook her head, not trusting her voice to speak. How could he think so badly of her? Looking into his furious face, she knew he thought her capable of all that evil and more. "Why don't you just kill me now and save yourself the trouble of it later if you're so convinced I'm part of some grand evil scheme." She choked the words out of a tight throat. "Bailey!" Alexial turned his head, horror written across his handsome face. "Don't be stupid. No one, including Talos"— he sent a speaking glare to his brother—"thinks you had anything to do with that...that thing." Alexial's quick defense went a long way to appease her hurt, but Talos's silent disapproval rang through the air. "Thanks for that, Axe, but it seems my welcome here has been more than worn out." She pulled away from the eldest brother's supporting arms and walked back to the doorway. "There's a few things I want to get from my uncle's lab before I take off. Mind watching the door for me?" The question had been directed at one man, but another answered. "I don't think it's a good idea. There're too many things we don't know about down there and any one of them could rise up and bite us on our collective asses." Talos never once looked in her direction. His voice stayed flat and unemotional. "Why don't you say what you really mean, Talos, you egoinflated jackass. You mean I could bite you on your collective asses, don't you?" She didn't bother waiting for a response. 347

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Instead, she spun on her heel and disappeared into the darkness, ignoring the tears streaming down her cheeks. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 33 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Twizzlers From: [email protected] As a family we are begging you to stop with the Twizzlers. They've been found in the most disturbing places and Eryx is having nightmares. Keep your perversions to yourself and out of our kitchen. Your new (now deeply worried) family Talos cursed as Bailey's form vanished around the corner. A moan broke through his black thoughts. Talos raised his hand and brought it down hard on his prisoner's head. When the creature once more succumbed to unconsciousness he turned his thoughts back to the woman who'd broken his heart. "You really are a jackass, aren't you?" His brother came to stand beside him. "Why the hell are you treating your soulkeeper with such disrespect?" "She's lied to us and her uncle is most likely responsible for this thing." He shook the mutant by the collar. "And did you not see the state of that poor female in the tank? She had steel rods shoved into her body, Axe, steel rods. How could I be bonded with a woman with family capable of that?" The horror of watching Bailey cut the unknown woman free still shook him to the core. How could she have calmly sunk her blade into that poor woman? Didn't it matter that her 349

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uncle had been the one to put the poor woman there in the first place? What she did to free the poor woman helped, in his mind, a little but not much. And finding the second piece of the Trident was more than he could have hoped for. So why did he feel less like celebrating than he'd ever felt in his life? "You see through the hole in your ass instead of the ones in your head," Alexial accused him. His brother's voice clipped out, harsh and disapproving. "Since when has a person's family become the measure of them? If you truly believe that then we should kill Kryssin because of the crimes of his mother. And then there's alwa..." "Enough." Talos took a deep breath and relished the ability in the midst of all the madness. The gift Bailey had given him, freely and without hesitation. How had he repaid her? By accusing her of crimes she'd had no knowledge of and would never be part of. Alexial had made a good point. None of the brothers ever thought much about the actions of Kryssin's mother and her part in the war. She'd helped to free the Titans, and as a result, their father and many others died. But never once had any of them held Kryssin to the same standards as his mother. If someone had tried, Talos would have been first in line to correct the misunderstanding with his fist or sword. "I am a fool," he confessed to his brother. "I agree," Alexial answered back, a hint of humor creeping into his voice. 350

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"We would slay someone for merely mentioning the possibility in front of Kryssin." "Yep," Alexial agreed again and rocked back on his expensive leather loafers. "And now I've gone and done the one thing I would be ashamed of in anyone else." "Right again." A cheerful whistle broke through the air. "Do you mind?" he asked his overly jolly brother. "I've got to find the proper way to make this up to Bailey." "Might I suggest groveling, on your knees over broken glass, while holding a rose between your teeth?" "Bite me, Axe." "No thanks. You're not my type." He glanced around the room once more. "Did you move something in here?" Talos, wrapped up in his own concerns, paid little attention to his brother's words. "No. I mean other than that idiot you're holding and the Trident piece. I didn't touch anything." Maybe if he sat Bailey down and calmly explained his actions she would... She would skewer him with heated kabob rods, and then really get mad. Since he preferred all his body parts exactly where they were, Talos knew he had to come up with a better plan. "Talos, look around you." Alexial growled at him. "Something's different. How many were here when we came in here the first time?" His brother's tone and questions snapped him out of his reverie. "I'm not sure, why?" "Either some of the bodies have been moved or they've upped and walked away?" 351

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The words sent shivers down his spine. Why hadn't he thought of that? If one could get up and rise from the dead then surely his companions would be able to do the same. "Bailey." His gaze whipped to the doorway. "She's down there alone." Without another word, he flashed out of the room, fear freezing his blood and stopping his heart. Reforming outside of the main chamber, Talos said a quick prayer to the one God and peered around the corner. And nearly screamed his rage to the heavens. Bailey's body lay on the floor, blood seeped from the tangle of her hair, and her beautiful green eyes were closed. Two of the missing men were tearing apart the room, looking for whatever Bailey had handed Clio before they left. They didn't speak as they continued in their destruction, throwing things around the room in random madness. After watching a filing cabinet smash against a wall, it dawned on Talos that he heard no noise from the crash. Somehow, the creatures had been able to block all the sound coming out of the lab. He felt the displacement of air around him, and motioned for his brother to stand silent. Then direct-spoke to him. "Bailey's down. Not moving and there's blood around her head." The words burned in his throat. Never had he wanted to rush headfirst into death so badly as he did now with his mate's body lying broken in front of him. "Does she breathe?" The question shouldn't have shocked him but it did. He'd not thought in the midst of his panic to check for the gentle rise and fall of her chest. 352

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He darted a quick look around the corner and felt his knees give way at the sight. Bailey's back rose and fell rhythmically with shallow, but definite, breathing. "She's alive," he whispered aloud, too thankful and relieved to monitor is words. The slip cost him. Bullets slammed into the wall behind his head and the cone of silence broke to the sounds of growls and curses coming from the lab. Alexial met his eyes and they shared a look of perfect understanding. Taking a few deep breaths in and out, Talos closed his eyes and flashed himself on top of Bailey's still body. Across the room he watched in amazement as his oldest and steadiest brother roared through the door, guns blazing, and eyes lit by battle madness. This was a new side to Axe, one Talos wasn't sure he ever wanted to see again. Then the body bucking wildly beneath him captured his attention. Bailey regained awareness with a vengeance. With her last memory of the two man/beast things, she fought with the last of her remaining strength to free herself. Never in her life had she had as much to live for. She had a new family that needed and wanted her. She had a mate, that, after a few swift kicks in the head, would learn to love and need her as much as Bailey needed him. Regardless of what he might have thought before, Bailey knew Talos couldn't possibly consider her part of the Scabers' 353

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conspiracy. He reacted out of emotion. Emotion he hadn't felt or experienced in hundreds of years. No wonder he went off half-cocked. The man acted more like a post-hormonal teen than his true age. So Bailey would have to lead him to where he needed to be. If she happened to use his ear, arm, or cock, she'd make sure he took her seriously. Stunned at her own ignorance in allowing his behavior to go on for so long, Bailey shook her head and prepared to fight her way back to the immortal idiot she'd fallen head over toes in love with. With a twist of her head, Bailey's teeth sank into the nearest piece of flesh and nearly gagged when the sharp edges of her teeth broke through the fragile flesh. "No, Bailey." A familiar voice commanded, but with the blood in her mouth and some trickling down her throat, Bailey passed beyond reason. Heat and ice flowed in the path of the blood. She jerked her head away from the source of the pain in desperate hope of stopping the misery, but it was too late. Everywhere the blood touched, her body flared in white hot/cold pain. She flailed her arms and legs trying to outrace the pain, but nothing worked. At the point of praying for death or allowing one of the monsters to shoot her, Bailey's mind registered the distant sound of a man's voice. "Bailey, please honey, you've got to stop this." Hands touched her face and caressed her arms. "Where the hell is Alekos? She can't live much longer in this condition." 354

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"Maybe it would be better for her if she passed out?" came another slightly familiar voice. "What are you suggesting?" She must not have heard the second man's response because the next thing Bailey became aware of was the first man's arms tightening around her causing a wave of pain to suffocate her. She cried out, begging them to stop hurting her and to end the unimaginable suffering. "Fine," came the familiar voice again. "But I can't do it and I cannot watch while you do it either." She felt her body being shifted and moved from one gentle set of arms to another. Then that other voice whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry, little sister, but I can't have two hysterical people on my hands right now." Her body moved away from the voice to hang almost suspended in air, then the wind rushed at her pain and blessed nothingness followed. "Is it done?" Talos stroked Bailey's heavy mass of black hair. Alexial put one hand on the other man's shoulder and squeezed in sympathy. "She's out for now, but we have to get her home before she wakes. Someone has to find Alekos. He will heal her fully." "What about the sea?" Talos questioned, rising to his feet, careful of the beautiful weight in his arms. "Have you completed the five bonds?" Alexial asked as he moved around the room, picking up various items and 355

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flashing them away. Talos noticed his brother didn't bother to look at any of the notebooks or equipment he transported. "I believe we've completed almost all of them. Bailey trusts me, or she did. I've taken her blood, we shared our bodies, and you saw what happened when she took my blood. What else is there?" He looked down at his mate's peaceful face and wondered where all his anger and resentment had gone. Minutes or maybe hours ago, Talos had felt the world disappear from beneath his feet. He'd lost his place and his faith in the world and fate. Now here he stood with the one woman in the world meant for him regardless of her uncle's interventions. The laughter, light, and sheer joy she'd brought into his life claimed her as his mate more than blood or meddling families could ever do. "Does she own your heart and you hers?" After everything that had happened this afternoon the question shouldn't have shaken Talos, but it did. The one question he'd refused to ask himself and never dreamed of putting to Bailey. What did he know about love? He'd always assumed it was a foolish human emotion, a waste of time and brain function. But now with Bailey in his life, he wasn't sure. She made everything richer and more vibrant. He couldn't bear the thought of being without her for more than a few minutes at a time. Seeing her injured almost cost him his own sanity. Could that be love? Wanting the best for another person? Putting their happiness and welfare above your own? Could 356

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he, would he, be able to do that in order to have Bailey as a permanent part of his life? Looking down on her beautiful face, Talos knew the answer. It came from the one place he'd never thought to look. In the cold depths of his heart, there he found his answer. He loved Bailey McCain with every new beat of his heart. One smile from the woman could make a black day full of rainbows. He wanted to see her smile and harass his brothers for the rest of his eternal life. Now, his only problem was how to convince this stubborn, wonderful woman to accept his love and open her heart to him as well. "Love is a scary thing," he commented to his brother, still in shock over his own discovery. Who would have thought such a small emotion could take over every aspect of his life? Axe threw a grin over his shoulder. "I'll take your word for it. From what I've seen of you and Kryssin, this love thing is a tricky business. Makes you act like a fool." He turned and straightened, looking straight into his brother's eyes. "But I would give anything to be such a fool." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 34 To: [email protected] CC: [email protected] Subject: Re: Twizzlers From: [email protected] To the freaks of the family, Leave my Twizzlers alone or else I'll break out the gummy monkeys and caramel syrup. Bailey, Proud Mate of Talos and Twizzler Addict Pain consumed her first waking thoughts. Lava and icebergs pumped freely through her veins. What the hell had she done to deserve this? Bailey tried but couldn't narrow the source of her pain to one specific point. Her whole body felt raw and exposed, the pain a neverending wave she lacked the energy to scream through. "Shhhh, my love. We're looking for Alekos. When he gets here he can help you. It will all be better." The voice she knew, or at least her heart recognized, she guessed by the way the organ thumped wildly in her chest. "It hurts," she whispered out of parched lips. "I know, baby." Soft lips pressed gently against her forehead. "If I could take the pain, I would." She believed him. She believed Talos would take her pain into his own body if such a thing were possible. "I'm so sorry I doubted you. I could kick my own ass, but Alexial's offered to do it for me. I know you would never condone those things your uncle did." She felt his breath 358

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whisper against her face as he exhaled and continued speaking. "I know you think my blood caused our bond, but I know better. I would have found you sooner or later and fallen head over heels in love with you no matter what. You are everything I never knew I wanted in a mate and more. You're every dream I was scared to hope for. I promise as soon as you're better, I'll court you the proper way. So you'll never have to worry or wonder why I'm with you. You'll know it's because you hold my heart, soul, and happiness in your hands." He loved her? Talos had actually said the words? Paininduced hallucinations weren't something she had any experience with, but what else could it be? Talos would never admit to love without having a safety net. Blinking open tear-shut eyes, Bailey looked into the most beautiful swirling blue eyes she'd ever seen. And gasped, not with pain, but in wonder at the pure emotion shining back at her. "It's true, you know." He must have read the questions and uncertainty in her eyes because Talos rushed to reassure her. "I've loved you since the first time you threatened to hand me my ass. You were so fierce and protective of Clio without even knowing her. I admire your courage and humor, but most of all I love the way you accept my family and treat them as your own." Bailey could feel the walls around her heart breaking down and her protection melting away. How had she managed to catch this special and unique man's heart? 359

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Sure, there would be fights and they'd probably never agree on everything, but if they had something this strong to hold them together then nothing could tear them apart. Each would have to learn the fine art of compromise, but if they tried, nothing would ever stop them. Bailey finally opened her heart and mouth. "I love you, Talos. I don't care if my uncle had something to do with it or not. Blood couldn't make me feel this way about you. Blood doesn't make me want to have you smile at me for the rest of our lives or kiss away the sadness I see lingering in your eyes." Just like that, her pain disappeared. Taking a chance on love had given her more than Talos's heart. It had also finished the bond between the two of them, ensuring they would be together in each other's hearts and souls for the rest of eternity. Two unchecked tears ran down his cheeks as he bent to place a soft, almost reverent, kiss on her lips. "We will be together forever." He swung her into his strong arms. "But first I need to make love to you in the sea. Have your body surrounding me while the water heals us both." Bailey couldn't think of anything she'd like more. So she listened as Talos explained the new way her body would be able to take in oxygen and couldn't help but marvel at nature's way of ensuring the brothers' survival. Minutes later they were beneath the waters of the sea and Bailey felt blessed to be in this place with her man. As he had promised the ocean water hadn't stung any of her open 360

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wounds, but instead lapped the torn skin, seamlessly sealing the skin shut without so much as a hint of a scar. If it freaked her out to not struggle for air while surrounded by Talos's beloved ocean, she did her best to brush the concern aside. With her mate by her side nothing would ever harm her. His bronze-hued skin glowed in the clear water. The seablue color of his eyes stood out until they were the only things she could see. "Join with me." His words whispered through her mind. "Always," she responded, as her body grew ready for his possession. "With the sea as our witness I claim you as my lover, my mate, my forever," he murmured, leaning close enough so she felt the words swirl in the water around her, "the woman to share my life, my family and the keeper of my soul." Bailey's heart skipped a beat at the sheer sincerity and emotion in his words. Love overwhelmed her and she could do nothing, but give in and bury her fingers in his sinfully thick hair as it streamed in the water behind them. "You've become my everything," she mentally thought back to him, "every sappy love song I ignored, every fairy tale I refused to believe in. You've changed me, Talos, and I never want to go back to the person I was again." She reached her mouth up to his. "So let's stop talking and start loving." His low growl came through loud and clear while his mouth covered hers in a kiss that erased all intelligent thought. He tasted so good she had to have more. Pressing closer to him, 361

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she moved to get better access to his lips. His growl of approval vibrated down her back and he pulled her flush against him. The kiss deepened as his tongue swept out, tracing the slope of her bottom lips before taking it between his teeth and nipping it. She sighed into his mouth as need raced through her. She knew that sound of need and flushed with pleasure when he matched it with one of his own. Bailey pressed herself against his erection, desperate to be closer to him. Instead he moved his hands to her breasts. Touching, stroking, cupping the fullness of her flesh until it filled his palm. When he flicked his thumb across her tight nipple, she couldn't contain the shiver racing through her. Those large strong hands caressed her back, leaving tingling warm flesh in their wake. Bailey wanted them on her thighs, pushing deeper, stroking her over the edge. When one of Talos's hands slid into her hair and clenched, violent shivers of lust, need, and desire shook her body. Her hands slid from his neck to brush across his chest. One palm rested for a moment on his heartbeat and she whispered a quick prayer of thanks for whatever reason fate had brought them together. She moved to close the last inch separating them so that his body pressed fully against hers. The heat of his mouth moved from her lips, trailed along her jaw to the space just below her ear. A moan slipped from her throat when he sucked there, the wet, warm sensation shooting straight to her nipples and then between her thighs, flooding them with moisture. 362

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Needing more of his touch, more of his taste, more everything, Bailey changed her hold, sliding her hands into the tangled strands of his hair. Leaning back to him, she flicked her tongue over one of his hardened nipples, smiling at his desire-filled moan. The heated salt flavor of his flesh had her mouth hungry for more. She wanted more of him, needed all of him. Needing to touch him, she slid her palms down the tight muscled plane of his abdomen. Her fingers traced the light trail of hair down to his hardened length. Then she took him in her fist. Talos arched into her touch. She looked up at him, hot, slick, hard, and eager. Foreplay was done as far as she was concerned. Desire ramped her need up too high to continue the teasing touches they shared. "Need you now," Bailey pleaded with him. She opened her mind to share the firestorm of desire and need burning her from the inside out. He responded just as she'd known he would. With a passion that matched her own. "We'll burn together," he promised. She moved then, taking him into her body inch by inch as pleasure danced up her spine. Aching to feel every bit of him imprinted on her skin, Bailey wrapped her legs around his waist. Talos leaned in and nipped her bottom lip between his teeth, causing her to gasp and clench down on his invading shaft. They both shuddered at the intense pleasure. 363

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"You feel so damn good, Bailey. The way you fit around. You were made to complete me. I've never wanted this much, this way in my entire existence," he shared his thoughts in a low, desire-heavy whisper. "I feel that every damn time we touch. The connection, I thought it would fade, but it's just grown stronger. And when my cock finds its way inside you, it's heaven for me. Because you're always ready, always wanting me as much as I want you." Her heart pounded in her chest as she rolled her hips up to meet his hard thrusts. Her heated flesh parted like silk around him, and then clasped to pull him back in. With each thrust of his body they tumbled through the warm water, heedless to anything but each other. Talos moaned her name and caught her elbows in his hands as he looked down in her face. She gazed back up at him, hiding nothing, so open to him; she knew he could see all the way into her soul. Nothing existed but the delicious friction of their joining, of her strong thighs cradling his hips, her heels pushing into the small of his back. Her eyes met and held his own brilliant blues as she basked in the love she found in him. A hot mouth suckled hard at her breast, each pull echoing deep in her body, wave after wave of desire rolling through her. And just like that she slammed over the edge and fell into climax. A tsunami of need, love, and desire rocked through her as she felt him pour himself inside her. He must have felt the pull and tug of her vagina around his cock as he sucked even harder, in time with her, moans coming from deep within his 364

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chest. She trembled as pleasure rolled through her in pounding waves, her body locking down hard on his still thrusting penis. Instinctively, his hips lifted as he thrust into her again and again. It went on forever, yet was over in seconds as the need, the desire, the heat and connection blurred within her. Bailey lost all connection to herself, her body, and her mind. Everything in her world narrowed down to Talos, his pleasure and his desires. Above, around, below they swirled through the water as Talos's hips bucked, thrusting into her, stretching out the pleasure until she wanted to scream. She was so wet with her own pleasure, Talos pounded into her with ease. He bit her nipple, gently, and Bailey did scream, another orgasm rolled through her, buffering her already desire-battered body. Talos released her breast and leaned back to watch her through glowing, half-shut eyes as the climax roared through her. "I love you." She found enough energy to murmur through their link. Talos's ocean-teal eyes flared. His cock swelled even further inside her and just that easily, he came. His narrow, strong hips arching off in frantic motions while semen shot inside her, splash after hot splash causing her body to tremble with another orgasm. He moaned, almost sounding in pain, hips straining under her, not in the smooth movements of before, but more like uncontrollable jerks and tremors. It went on and on as he took Bailey with him, each time. She felt every movement 365

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keenly as he shook and groaned his way through the orgasm. They were both limp with exhaustion by the time he finally stilled. "I love you, my Bailey, my heart, my soul." Talos gently tried to smooth the floating strands of her hair. "Now let us go below so I can feed you. You'll be needing the energy." With his hand guiding her through the water, Bailey offered up her prayers for the unknown women out there. Tomorrow or the next day, she'd be out there, searching for them, but for now, for tonight she'd belong one hundred percent to her soul mate and lover. The keeper of her heart and dreams, her mate, and the other half of her soul. **** [Back to Table of Contents]

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Poseidon's Fortune by Allie Standifer

A word about the author... Allie's life has been one of constant adventure. From growing up in Saudi Arabia where her brother tried to sell her to Bedouins (for what amounts to less than $1.50), it's been nonstop. And she loves every minute of it. Ideas, plots, characters, and conversations keep her company from inside her head and fuel her need to write. And no, they don't tell her to start fires. =) Tired of everyday stories, Allie's tales have a decidedly paranormal twist to them. They're filled with past lives, chain e-mail-sending oracles, mythical creatures, magic, sexy gods, and heroines who know exactly what they want and aren't afraid to get it. Any free time is spent spoiling two nieces and two nephews, pumping them up on sugar, caffeine, and buying very loud toys then sending them back to their parents. The perfect revenge for all the slights of being the youngest child. When not writing or contributing to the delinquency of minors, Allie enjoys anything to do with mythology, reading, trying to outsmart her psycho cat, and spending time with her wonderful and supportive family. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Thank you for purchasing this Wild Rose Press publication. For other wonderful stories of romance, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.thewildrosepress.com. For questions or more information contact us at [email protected]. The Wild Rose Press www.TheWildRosePress.com To visit with authors of The Wild Rose Press join our yahoo loop at groups.yahoo.com/group/thewildrosepress/

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