Goddess of Spring (Goddess Summoning #2)(22)

God, she thought numbly, he's like an ancient Batman -  minus the mask and the Batmobile.

"I'm sorry," Lina said nervously. "I-I didn't mean to disturb anything. The dead were just, well , glad to see me and - "

One of the "dread steeds," obviously annoyed at the lack of attention, blew in her face, obscuring her view of the man. Automatical y, Lina clucked reassuringly to him and stroked the muzzle he offered.

"Again, you dare to touch a dread steed." This time the deep voice sounded more confused than angry.

Lina had to shove the stal ion's head aside so that she could peer at him from under the horse's neck. "Apparently, he doesn't realize he's a dread steed." She smiled fondly at the horse and it lipped her shoulder. The other three animals had begun to stretch their heads toward her, too, eager for their share of the attention. "Wel , that's not total y true. It's just that I have this thing with animals. They like me. A lot." She reached another muzzle and gave it a quick caress. "So I'm sure that they're stil dread steeds, just not at this particular moment." And then the man's words real y registered in her mind. He'd said "the dread steeds of Hades." Lina ducked her head behind the nearest horse. Merda! That meant that Batman was real y Hades. She closed her eyes and counted to three, took a deep breath and stepped back from the knot of horsy affection.

"I'm sorry, it's rude of me not to introduce myself. I'm Persephone, Demeter's daughter. I think she sent word that I was coming for a visit." The man's eyes widened, but he didn't respond. Lina barreled on. "I real y didn't mean to disturb the dead. I apologize if I've done something I shouldn't have." Stil the God remained silent. Lina's stomach fluttered. "You must be Hades. I hope I haven't come at an inconvenient time."

"I recognize you now, Goddess," Hades said. "And I did receive word of your coming." Lina felt a little start of surprise. He recognized her? She hadn't expected Hades to know Persephone. Demeter certainly hadn't mentioned anything about the two of them knowing each other.

"You did no harm. It is just that the Underworld is not usual y visited by immortals. The dead are not used to the presence of other gods," he said stonily.

Lina tried to smile. His hard gaze made her want to squirm uncomfortably.

"It was my mother's idea," Lina said, and was instantly sorry. She sounded like an insecure teenager. Quickly, she added, "And I thought it would be nice to get away." Hades raised one dark brow, just as Lina imagined Batman would have done.

"Demeter told me that the Underworld is fil ed with magic and beauty," Lina repeated truthfully.

"I'd like to see for myself."

"There are many wonders in my realm that go unnoticed by the immortals above," Hades said slowly.

"Then you don't mind if I visit?"

Hades studied her with dark, unreadable eyes. But before he could answer the stal ion nearest to Lina suddenly laid his ears flat against his head, and with a squeal he bared his teeth dangerously at the smal , pale form that had been silently approaching Lina.

With a terrified cry, Eurydice leapt back. Instantly, Lina stepped into the stal ion's path, causing the huge animal to pull up short in his attack.

Hands on hips she scolded the massive beast. "That was a very mean thing to do! Eurydice was just coming to me. She wasn't doing anything wrong. I'm ashamed of you. You four have already scared away the rest of the souls. I'd think you'd know better."

Chagrined, the horse hung his head and blinked at Lina with the sad, calf eyes. Incredulous, Hades watched as the young goddess chastised his steed. What had she done to the horse? Had she cast a spel over him? Hades' gaze took in the other three stal ions, each of whom was hanging his head and looking lovingly at Persephone. What kind of magic did the Goddess of Spring possess? He had glimpsed her only a few times in his infrequent forays to the surface. What he had observed was a beautiful, but frivolous, fun-loving young goddess, and he had given her as little thought as he gave the rest of the immortals. Yet the woman before him appeared calm and carried herself with a definite air of maturity. And she had enchanted his steeds. Hades shook his head in disbelief. What was this feeling she had awakened within him? Curiosity? It had been eons since he had felt even mildly curious about another living being. How intriguing... the very thought of him finding the Goddess of Spring interesting made him want to laugh aloud. He abruptly made his decision and forced himself to speak before he could change his mind.

"You are welcome in the Underworld, Persephone," Hades said. Lina looked up in surprise. The God's voice had changed, as had his somber expression. He was looking at her with an intensity that made his gaze feel almost tangible. His eyes were no longer remote and unreadable, they glistened with what she would almost swear was curiosity and, if she hadn't known he was God of the Underworld, something she recognized as good humor. Batman - sexy, sexy Batman - on a good day when the Joker wasn't bugging him, and so damn male that he radiated power. Demeter's hasty description of Hades had definitely not prepared her for the reality of the God's presence.

"Wel , thank you, Hades. I appreciate your hospitality," she said a little breathlessly.

"Come, then. I wil show you to my palace." Hades gestured magnanimously to the open space next to him in the chariot.