Daughter Trilogy Bundle (78 page)

I knew that bitch was lying.

"So much for her
just being his friend.
"

"Oh, she was trying to be the friend who tells him it'll all be okay, but it's just to aide in her attempts to woo him.  He told her he loved you, and this wasn't a breakup."

"Why didn't he tell me that?" I mutter.

"Why didn't you ask?" he counters, and then gives me a stern nod before walking toward the bonfire.

I take a deep breath, and I finally summon the courage to close the gap between me and everyone else.

"Oh wow.  What's that smell?" a guy murmurs dreamily.

Crap.

"We've got an Aphrodite here, and sometimes she smells a little too good to be true.  Just ignore it please," Deacon chuckles as he motions for me to join him and Camara.

I smile at the friendly faces that have been missing from the day.  Camara leans over Deacon's lap to whisper to me.

"Devin was in such a rush we didn't have time to ride with him here.  We had to take the other jet.  He's really worried about you and Jace."

"There's nothing to worry about," I sigh.

"Well, he doesn't seem to think that," Deacon scoffs.  "He actually told me to take the other jet when I told him I needed five minutes.  He never leaves me behind," he pouts.

I let one edge of my mouth corner up in a smile, and then a girl stands up with an all too giggly tone considering the dreadful revelation of the possible doom she's just heard.

"Let's play a game.  It's simple.  You think of anything you would do if you were mortal right now.  Most of us didn't get to enjoy the technology or the dangerous fun the world offers today, and this is a way to express things you never got to do as a mortal or things you just never got around to.  I'll start.  If I was mortal, I'd ride a rollercoaster," she giggles loudly.

"This is lame," Ther scoffs.

"Just do it," she growls.

He rolls his eyes and lets out a surly grunted reply.  "If I were mortal, I would go skydiving."

"See?" she laughs.  "As an immortal, we never get to experience the life and death rush of the simple things.  Who's next?"

"If I were mortal, I'd plant a garden.  I never felt the appreciative labor of love that took time and effort," Gemma beams.

"You go Devin," Gemma insists.

His eyes flash to me for a second, and then he smirks with a reminiscing glow.

"If I were mortal, I'd get drunk."

Cheers erupt as the men all clank glasses.  It is hard to get drunk these days, and Jace hands me a glass of clear alcohol as if on cue while he sits down beside me.

"If I were mortal, I'd sleep as long as I could," Jace adds.

Everyone cheers again and clanks glasses.  Then the girl turns to me with a suspicious eye.

"And you?"

"Her name is Adisia," Devin interjects smoothly, and my heart flutters once more at the small bit of acknowledgement he offers.

"What would you do?" she insists.

"I just turned immortal, so I really don't miss anything yet.  I've had the experiences I wanted to have, as well as some I didn't want."

"Oh don't be a sock in the sand," she pouts. 
Sock in the sand?
  "There's got to be something you wish you had done," she urges.

"Well, I suppose if I were mortal I'd get a tattoo."

"A tattoo?" Deacon chuckles.

Devin lets a curious eye drift to me, and Hale shakes his head.

"Well I would've never guessed that.  What tattoo do you want?" Kry snickers.  "A heart maybe?" he teases.

I roll my eyes, and I see Devin stifling a grin.

"I don't know.  It's just something I was always afraid I would regret.  Now I wish I had just done it before needles broke against my skin," I laugh.

"Well, I can tattoo you if you wish," Hale pops off.

"Really?  How?" I inquire.

"It's more branding than tattooing.  I've done several on people.  Any tattoos obtained during mortality heal when immortality is gained.  Most want that signature back, and it's something I can imitate.  No needles or ink, but it's still pretty cool," he adds.

Devin shifts uncomfortably, and I smile with a touch of excitement touching my eyes.

"Let's do it," I giggle.

"Now?" he questions in surprise.

"Yeah.  Why not?" I urge.

"Okay.  Where do you want it?" he asks curiously.

"The bedroom," I say mildly, and drinks sputter out of mouths as soon as I let that insinuating comment fly.

"I mean the tattoo," Hale says through his hysterical laughter.  "Where do you want the tattoo?"

I blush a feverish glow, and Devin's teasing grin is being hidden behind his cup.

"I'll show you when everyone isn't looking," I mumble.

Devin's eyes widen, and his cup lowers to show his fading smile.

Hale smirks deviously and acts as though he's tipping an imaginary hat to the crowd.  I can hear the discomfort in Devin, and I grab Hale's hand to flash with him to the house.

"Please tell me you want this on your chest.  I've been dying to marvel at that incredible work of art again," he teases.

I roll my eyes at his incorrigible crudeness.  "No.  I want it here," I say as I pull my ring off and rest my left hand in his.

"Your ring finger? 
That's
the big mystery place we needed privacy for?" he grumbles in disappointment.

"Yes.  It's the tattoo I wish to remain a secret.  Can you keep your lips sealed?"

"I suppose.  If you give me a peek at the goods, I swear I will," he chuckles.

I nudge him playfully, and then I grab a paper and pen before carefully crafting sketching out the design I want.

"Where do you want it?" he asks while staring down at my sketch.

"Here," I murmur while placing my hand in his and pointing out the exact spot.

I hear the sizzling of something as he clasps his hand over my area of choice, and I giggle rather than wince when it tickles.

He smirks lightly, and then he with draws to reveal his masterpiece to me.

Tears fill up in my eyes as my mouth falls from its giggling posture to a trembling mess.

Oh.  Wow.

"Did I do something really wrong or really good?" he worries.

"Really good," I say as I wipe away a few stray drips.

"You know this is just as permanent as a mortal tattoo?"

"Good."

I stare at the name of the man I love wrapped in the waves in the shape of a ring on my finger.  I slide my engagement ring back on, and it allows only a peek of my new secret when you look under the gallant jewel.

No one will be looking past the gem though.  It'll be my secret, and whether Devin ever takes me back or not, I'll always have something to prove I belong to him.

"Thank you, Hale," I murmur softly with tears still staining my eyes.

"You're going to make me tear up if you keep acting like this," he grumbles in an emasculating huff as he hugs me.

I laugh a little, and he kisses my forehead before walking out of my room.

I stare out at the dispersing crowd around the bonfire, and I see Devin walking in beside Kry.  I sigh in relief when I see Gemma pouting on a log next to the sparse remnants of the fire.

Maybe tomorrow will offer a better view of the world.

Chapter 11

Raising Hell

"Stop splashing me," Gemma gripes at Ther.

Poor Ther.

Now that I know he's into her, it's sort of sad to see the way she completely dismisses him.

"Play chicken with us," he whines playfully.

"No," she barks.

Bitch.

I can't stand around watching him throw away all his dignity to a girl who doesn't deserve him.  She's so fucking cold.

"Ther, I'll play," I offer kindly while dropping the small, orange wrap from around my waist to fully reveal the skimpy bikini bottoms.

"Really?  Do you know how?" he asks curiously, not even acknowledging the slinky contraption I had to talk myself into wearing in public.

"Yeah.  You sit on a guy's shoulders and try to push off the other girl."

He laughs patronizingly, but I have no idea why.

"Not mortal chicken.  Immortal chicken.  You use your powers while sitting on someone's shoulders.  Your base is not allowed to use any of his powers though.  You'll be on your own, and Lana knows how to work the water almost as good as Devin.  She's the reigning champ," he playfully warns.

"I didn't say I'd beat her, I just said I'd play," I giggle out while letting the ocean water meet my waist as I wade out to him.

"Great.  Strap up," he says before diving under the water.

He shoots up under me, and my legs rest on his shoulders as he stalks toward the brawny guy holding Lana up.

She smirks at me, and then she starts to look a little worried.

"Please don't go white eyes on me," she whispers.

"No worries.  I'm keeping that quite," I laugh out.

It's not like I can do it on command anyways.

She exhales lightly, and then the water rushes at me as her first attack is released.

The wind around me saves me from the crashing tide as it whirls it back at her.  She barely maintains her balance, and now all eyes are glued to us as the battle of two goddesses becomes a feat worth gaining admittance to.

I feel the tiny bikini I'm wearing threatening to pull apart as I swirl a rushing spiral at her, and again she almost falls.  The water around me tries to suck me in, and I feel a little help aiding me against her currents.

"No cheating Devin," she scolds.

I smile to myself, but I dare not look around.  He doesn't say anything, but I can feel him smirking from somewhere behind me.

Another bursting wave flies in, and suddenly we're both knocked off our bases.

I laugh as I surface, and Lana joins me as she snickers while climbing into the arms of her base.  Apparently he's more than a chicken partner, though most immortals are rather promiscuous.

"That was awesome," Ther chuckles while wrapping me up in an appreciative hug.

I bounce around in the water to chase the waves, but I plow into a firm, delicious, salaciously incredible body.

Devin's eyes are burning into mine when I look up, and my skin starts sizzling against his.  I slowly slide my hand off of him, and I start to turn away in order to avoid the almost painfully erotic tease.  But he grabs my hand, and my throat closes up in panic.

"What's this," he says curiously as he stares down at the tattoo peeking out from under my ring.

I rip my hand free with a flush of embarrassment starting to cover my face.  He only saw the little bit of a wave creeping out, but now his curiosity is piqued.

"It's nothing.  I need to go see if Persia needs help with setting the table," I mumble in a distracting effort.

I flash out of the water before he can say anything, and whistles erupt as my strut slows.

I roll my eyes at the juvenile pile of boys and make sure all my body parts are safely covered by the thin black shards of fabric strategically placed to just hide the necessities.

"Wow," Jace murmurs as he strolls up with dripping wet hair and a seduced grin.  "I'm regretting taking a swim on the other side of the island with Hale now."

"You're incorrigible.  You know that, right?" I chuckle while wringing out my hair a little.

"I know, but I'm pretty cute when I'm relentless," he teases.

I roll my eyes at his arrogant remark, and Hale trips over one of the bonfire sitting logs as he catches sight of my skimpy attire.

"Damn," he grunts as he wipes the heaps of sand from his face.

"I know, right?  Why did you make us go to the other side?" Jace gripes.

Hale's eyes shoot over to Devin almost involuntarily and then back to Jace.

"I just thought it would be cool to see the other side.  I didn't know she was going to be wearing that," Hale stammers with bedazzlement.

Did Devin ask him to take Jace out of the picture for a while?  Is that why Hale looked at him before answering?

I'm just being overly analytical and hopeful.  I need a drink - a strong, get-an-immortal-drunk sort of drink.

"So, I'm seeing at least ninety percent of your body, and I don't see a tattoo.  Where'd you put it?
” Jace dares, his eyes swirling with more than immortality.

I laugh a little as I start backing toward the house, my eyes playing with his desire.

"A lady never tells," I tease.

His jaw drops, and his eyes dart to Hale with almost a scolding glare.

"Really?" Jace gasps.

"Really what?" Hale says with a shrug before realizing what Jace is thinking.  He almost laughs before shaking his head.  "Believe me, the place she chose was a huge disappointment."

Devin's eyes narrow, and I turn back to escape the intrigue I've provoked amongst the curious boys.

Hale laughs while keeping my secret, and I smile victoriously as I strut into the dining room that could second as a party hall.

"This place is enormous," I marvel in a gushing tone.

"Yes it is," Persia agrees.  "Like I said, I have one similar.  I can't wait to show you some of my favorite places.  I was thinking we could get away for a couple of days if you want," she chirps hopefully.

I sigh a little as my eyes stare out the window to find the man I'm desperate to feel pressed against me again.  He's talking to Hale, and I'm praying my secret stays safe.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now," I murmur.

"Because of the impending war or the man you can't live without, but to whom you won't apologize to,” she pries.

I huff a little.  "Both.  And I've tried apologizing.  If he wants me, he'll come for me.  He always does," I utter in a near whisper.

"Well, maybe you should use your inherited charm to show him how irresistible you can really be," she suggests.

I laugh wildly at her very un-motherly advice.  Then I decide to make myself useful and start setting up the dishes as Theia strolls into the room.

My eyes bug out when I see her looking like Betty Crocker gone immortal.  Her delicate apron actually has ruffles trimming the edges like something from the roaring twenties.  Her intimidating stature is far less pronounced beneath her domesticated facade.

"There.  It's perfect."  She takes a step back to admire her masterpiece meal, and then she turns to face us.  "We're going to discuss the details of return, but for now we'll stay here until we've fully sorted out where, what, and when," she mumbles in nervous incoherence.

Deidra strolls down the stairs and takes her place at my side.

"I've continued the charade as you've asked, but I really think it's time to tell the others of your power," she pleads.

"Not yet.  Just let me get my power under control before someone else provokes the beast.  There's not anyone here I want to hurt, well, Gemma maybe, but not anyone else."

Everyone laughs at my candor, and Devin walks into the room that instantly hushes the moment we all see him.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asks suspiciously.

"No, son.  You just stumbled upon girl talk," Theia answers vaguely.

"O…kay," he mumbles awkwardly.  "I'm going sailing with the guys.  We'll be back at nightfall," he says to… who exactly?

Is he telling me or Theia?

"It's your boat, do as you wish," Theia answers.

He acts as though he's waiting on something else to be said, but I don't know if I'm supposed to say anything or not.  He finally flashes back out, and Persia nudges me with her elbow.

"That was your cue.  You were supposed to say you've never been sailing.  Then he would invite you.  Then you would go, and then the both of you would end this squabble," she exasperates.

Squabble?

"Okay, first of all, I'm not into
hinting
for an invite.  If he wanted me to come, he should have asked me.  Secondly, I think you've been out of the dating game too long.  It's changed a bit in the past few centuries.  He would have texted me," I laugh.

She snickers a little at my response, and then the others start piling in for the grub.  Apparently Devin's skipping lunch, and I'm going to have to spend the day alone.

"Yo.  I found a pair
of dice," Kry announces to Ther who is staring helplessly at Gemma through the window.

"Yeah.  It's paradise," Ther sighs dreamily.

Kry kicks Ther's feet to knock him free of his trance as he chuckles out, "Not paradise, you yuppie.  Pair.  Of.  Dice.  Let's play."

I let out a chuckle as well when I see the embarrassed face of a busted Ther.

He spins around to face the table, and I stare out at Devin as he finishes unloading the boat.

The stars dance their light across the ocean surrounding him, and the moon shines bright enough to compete with the sun, casting a luminescent glow against the bare upper body of the man who refuses to look at me anymore.

I sigh loudly before retreating to my room.  It's been a long day, and now it's pushing midnight.  So much for them returning at nightfall.

They've been gone all day and most the night.  I've spent the day fighting off goons and staring out at the sea, hoping to catch a glimpse of Devin.  Now I'm running to hide the moment he returns.  What's wrong with me?

After pacing back and forth for over an hour, I finally swing open the door.  I'm tired of this charade, and I'm ready for the games to end.

I love him, and I'm sick of being apart.  I'll marry him this second if that's what he wants - if he still wants me at all.

I round the corner, and I feel my heart drop to the floor as I see him standing in the doorway of Gemma's room.  A sickness rips through me, slicing me deep enough to force me to almost double over.

I can hear her giggling, and his eyes dart over to me.  He doesn't even act affected by the tears in my eyes, and I flash back up to my room to escape the torture.

I rip the lying ring from my finger, and I cry as I see the irrational decision staring back at me, taunting me mercilessly with its permanent bind to my body.

Why did I tattoo his name on my frigging finger while we were apart?  How could he do this to me?

A knock at my door jars me out of my thoughts, and I almost jerk it free from the hinges when I go to open it.  I gasp when I see Devin staring into my eyes with his darker than normal ones.

"What?" I bark, my anger seething through my lips.

"I just came to see you.  I'm sure you've been missing me, and I know I've been missing you," he smolders.

My heart flip-flops, forcing that girly butterfly band to strike up in my gut, and then anger surges back to the surface.

"What do you think you're doing here?  You just came from Gemma's room, and now you think you can just traipse in here?" I blare.

"Shh
… Keep it down.  I just dropped off the seashells she asked me to get.  I had no reason to come see you, but I'm tired of my girl being so mad at me," he seduces.

I feel my knees crumbling beneath his gaze, and I feel my mind screaming at me to stop.

Aphrodite isn't stirring as strongly as usual, but I still want him so bad.  He doesn't give me time to object before his hands tangle in my hair, and his lips claim mine prisoner.

He pulls me tighter, a desperate desire slipping free from his lips to mine, but taste something different.  His lips aren't as soft, his breath isn't as delicious, and his tongue isn't as well acquainted with my mouth.

"You smell so fucking good," he breathes.

"You smell so
… different," I stumble out.

His lips cover mine again, and I realize this can't be right.

I push him back, and the green flashes into my eyes - but not from lust, from worry.

I can see his obvious seduction growing, and I know this isn't Devin.  Devin isn't affected by my Aphrodite.

My hands surge with violent energy, and I launch him through the side of the house.  He falls three floors to the sand, and I drop from the opening to slowly stalk the foolish imposter that has crossed a dangerous line.