A Game of Fate (Hades Saga #1)(90)

“What do you mean, when he wants to?”

“Cerberus, Typhon, and Orthrus are able to shift. Sometimes, they prefer to exist as one, other times, they prefer to have their own bodies.” He shrugged. “I let them do what they wish, so long as they protect the borders of my realm.”

“How did you come to own him?” She paused and then corrected herself. “Them.”

“He is the son of the monsters, Echidna and Typhon, who came to reside in my realm,” Hades said.

“You love animals?”

He chuckled at that. “Cerberus is a monster, not an animal.”

A line appeared between Persephone’s brows. “But…you love him?”

He stared at her for a moment, and he sensed that this question—and her reason for asking it—meant more than he realized.

“Yes,” he said at last. “I love him.”

Hades was relieved when she moved on from that line of questioning to tell stories about the souls she’d spent her evening with the day before. He had begun to make it a point to walk with her, visit Asphodel, and greet the souls. She had even convinced him to play with the children, something he was far too competitive to take lightly. As they talked, they ate, and when they were finished, they walked hand in hand through the rooftop garden.

“What do you do for fun?” she asked, peering up at him sheepishly.

“What do you mean?” He had an answer, and it involved her and his bed. Actually, it just involved her. He could fuck anywhere.

She giggled. “The fact that you just asked that says everything. What are your hobbies?”

“Cards. Riding.” He paused, reaching. Damn, this was harder than he thought. “Drinking.”

“What about things not related to being the God of the Dead?”

“Drinking is not related to being God of the Dead.”

“It also isn’t a hobby. Unless you’re an alcoholic.”

He was probably an alcoholic.

“Then what are your hobbies?”

“Baking,” she answered automatically, and he could tell by her expression that she truly loved it.

“Baking? I feel like I should have known about this sooner.”

“Well, you never asked.”

He found himself wishing to experience this hobby with her. He wanted to know why it brought her such joy. What about it calmed her and smoothed the worry from her face? He frowned as they continued their walk, pausing so she would turn to look at him.

“Teach me.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“Teach me,” he said. “To bake something.”

She laughed, and Hades’ pout became more pronounced; he was serious. She seemed to realize this, and her expression softened.

“I’m sorry. I’m just imagining you in my kitchen.”

“And that’s difficult?”

“Well…yeah. You’re the God of the Underworld.”

“And you’re the Goddess of Spring,” he pointed out. “You stand in your kitchen and make cookies. Why can’t I?”

She stared at him, and he wondered for a moment if he’d broken her. He reached to touch the edge of her lips, which had fallen into a frown.

“Are you well?”

His question brought a smile to her face, and yet something still seemed wrong. He noted her eyes glistening, as if she were close to tears.

“Very well,” she agreed, and surprised him by pressing a kiss to his mouth and pulling away too soon.

“I’ll teach you.”

“Well, then,” he said, hands on her waist. “Let’s get started.”

“Wait. You want to learn now?”

“Now is as good a time as any,” he said. “I thought maybe…we could spend time at your apartment.” Again, she seemed stunned, and he shrugged his shoulder, explaining, “You’re always in the Underworld.”

“You…want to spend time in the Upperworld? In my apartment?”

He would have to suggest this more often. It was taking entirely too long for her to get the point.

“I…have to prepare Lexa for your arrival,” she said.

“Fair enough. I’ll have Antoni drop you off.” He looked down at his suit. “I need to change.”





CHAPTER XXVII – TEACHING AN OLD GOD NEW TRICKS




Hades returned Persephone to the Lexus and teleported to the Underworld, appearing in his chambers. He took a moment to down a glass of whiskey. He hated himself for what he was about to do.

“Hermes!”

He summoned the god with a single command, and he appeared, wearing a mesh crop top and tiny leather shorts.

What the fuck had he interrupted?

“Yes, King of Death and Dark…” Hermes’ voice faded away as his eyes swept the room. When he met Hades’ gaze again, he seemed dazed. “Am I dreaming?”

“I need your…help,” Hades said.

“I am dreaming.” Hermes slapped his face.

“Hermes,” Hades gritted out.

“No, no,” he said, putting up his hands as if to silence him. He took a breath. “Don’t ruin this for me. I might be dreaming, but I’m about to live out one of my top five fantasies—”