From Origins (Descendant Prophecies Book 3) (14 page)

“Hades assured me that he wanted to help his brothers, and that he has changed his ways.”

Hermes’s brows narrowed at the center and looked at me as if I was crazy. “Hell will freeze over before that happens. Don’t believe everything he says. He’s cunning, evil, and again…need I remind you…selfish.”

“But Persephone said—”

“She’s blindly in love. Wouldn’t you say anything to defend Mason?”

I crossed my arms and leaned on one side of my hip in a challenging stance. This was different. Mason and I were not evil. “You know Mason?”

“I do. I might not be able to appear in your world, but I can still see everything.”

I was quiet for a second…thinking…hoping everything didn’t include me naked. As if he could read my thoughts he continued. “Don’t worry. It’s not that easy. I can’t just appear while you’re dressing or taking a shower…although…that would be pretty awesome.” Hermes’s smirk disappeared when he saw the evil eye I was giving him. “I meant…it’s hazy and unclear. I could put two and two together and get an idea…a picture. Though I mostly send messages for Zeus, I work for all gods, and I did once work for Hades many ages ago. When he came out from the underworld, my body was aware.  A part of me awakened. And when Poseidon and Zeus are awakened, I can come out of here.” He waved his hand back and forth in the air. “I can’t wait. It’s like being stuck in Purgatory.”

“What if I can’t find Medusa’s head?”

Hermes rubbed the side of his cheek and looked up for a second as if he was searching for words. Probably thinking of some wise words to tell me that wouldn’t sound like a bunch of bull. “I’m going to be honest with you. It’s not going to be easy. But look at you.” His eyes scanned up and down my body. “You’ve been in the underworld and came out alive. You can do anything. It should be a piece of cake. A walk in the park.”

“What do I do when I get to the deepest part of the ocean?”

“Someone will appear. Someone will guide you.”

“Who?”

Hermes didn’t answer me. He took off his cap, setting the curl of his hair free. “I need to let you go. It isn’t safe for you to be here this long.”

“Why?”

Hermes let the wings on his cap feather about on his finger as if it was a pet. “You’re full of questions.” His index finger lightly stroked my nose. “If I don’t let you go, you’ll be asleep for eternity. You’ll be stuck here with me. I don’t think Mason would like that. As much as I’m tempted to do so, I’m not that selfish.”

“Then, let me go.” Though I tried to remain calm, panic struck me. The thought of never seeing Mason did that to me. “But before you do, please answer me. Who will take me to the deepest part of the ocean? And where do I meet you to get the fake head?”

A tickling sensation flushed through my body. White mist appeared again like the last time, covering Hermes’s body except for his face.

“Hermes? Tell me,” I demanded. Feeling like I was drifting into space, I knew I was leaving.

Hermes winked and said, “All will be answered at the right time. Don’t fear, my friend. Have a little faith. Toss this stone in the water.”

I caught the stone just as he disappeared, and placed it in my pocket for safekeeping. What the hell did he mean by that?

The scent of
Mason flooded through me, and I felt the gentle stroke from his hand on my face. As the feeling of security settled in me, I opened my eyes to the most welcoming, loving smile.

“Welcome back.” He planted a soft kiss on my lips and gazed intently into my eyes. “How are you feeling? Everything okay?”

“I’m fine now.” I smiled and sat up, recognizing the comfort of the lake house. I knew I was in Mason’s room by the type of furniture and the scent of pine.

“Either you were in a lot of pain, or you had one hot dream.” Mason raised his brows in a flirty way. “I hope that dream was about me.”

I giggled. “Of course it would be about you. But why would you ask that? Did I say anything?”

Mason rubbed my hand. “You made soft moaning sounds. I didn’t know the reasons…but you might say that I let my imagination run free. Like I said before, it sounded like you were in a lot of pain or you had one naughty dream. I prefer the latter. And to tell you the truth…you said a name.” Mason dipped his head and kissed the back of my hand. Something in the way he twitched his brows let me know that his ego had been hurt.

I quivered from that simple kiss. “It was Hermes,” I said, without thinking what I was saying.

“Hermes?” Mason arched his brows in confusion or disappointment. “I must be doing something wrong. I never knew you had a thing for him. You couldn’t have met him in person.”

I laughed, not sure if Mason was serious or joking. “No, Mason. I don’t have a thing for Hermes. He’s not bad looking, though. Anyway, he was the reason why I was asleep. He told me things. I think it’s better if I explain it to everyone.”

“Sure.” Mason cradled me into his arms and helped me to my feet. “Zara was right, the reason why I didn’t worry. She figured someone was visiting you.”

Purposely sliding my hand up his chest, I wrapped my arms around his neck for extra support. Hearing soft moans told me Mason was fighting what he wanted to do, especially when his eyes sparkled the way they did…soft, enticing, and exciting. His eyes glowed like that when he wanted me, and I wondered if my eyes were doing the same. In fact, I was sure of it when I felt the warmth travel through me, and saw those sexy lips curl up.

“There could never be anyone else besides you, Mason,” I said with a flirty tone. “You had me when you first shocked me at Kelly’s diner.” I laughed lightly.

Mason’s warm hand underneath my sweater made me gasp, shooting pleasant tingles through me. “I think…if I recall…I had you when I told you I was Officer Doug.”

Recalling how I’d practically drooled when we first met, I had to agree with him. “Maybe. You can pull me over anytime and give me any fake name. I will be your prisoner.”

“You know what?” Mason’s eyes became darker, greedier, trailing his hand through my hair with one hand while the other hand gripped tighter on my waist.

“What?” I suddenly became nervous when I felt his body touching mine. Not that this was a bad thing, but it was the feeling I didn’t want to let loose right now. Once it ignited, I knew it would take over.

“You had me at the first glance. From then on, you were all that I could see. You became my anchor when I was drowning. You gave me hope when I felt lost. You glued back all the pieces of my heart with your love—every single piece. And I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“Mason….” I started to say. Overwhelmed with his beautiful words, my eyes started to tear. I swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat. I didn’t want to get emotional in front of him, at least not with tears. “I don’t know what—” was all I got out. Mason’s lips had already conquered mine. I felt his fingers spread on my head, and then they tightened in my hair when his kisses got hungrier. It wasn’t painful, but I could feel the passion in his grip.

Pulling him even closer to me, I kissed him back with the same intensity. When I parted my lips, Mason’s tongue slid in. Fitting like perfect gloves, as always, his kiss was dreamy and it produced sensations that awakened every pleasurable fiber in me, especially when he gave me a dose of what I called his love shocks. By now, Mason would have usually pulled away; he had never let it get this far, but he continued. When his lips released my lips and glided to my neck, I panted short breaths and soft moans escaped my mouth.

“That’s the sound you were making,” Mason said, moving his lips back to my mouth. “And I imagined doing exactly what I’m doing now, but a lot more.”

“Mason,” I whimpered, feeling dizzy, drowning in his kisses. If he continued, I was going to rip his clothes off.

“Say my name again,” he demanded as his lips devoured mine. I gasped when his hand trailed upward, inflicting more of his light.

“Mason,” I moaned louder when he pressed his body on mine again. How did we get on the bed? I had no idea and I didn’t care. The feel of him and the searing heat between us created a lightning show in his room. Flashes of light zapped through us and between us. Hearing Mason’s low growls and groans only increased the excitement.

“Sky,” Mason managed to say, pulling his hands away. I knew he was trying to stop, but how could he stop something so intense…what seemed beyond the point of no return?

“Mason,” I panted, gripping him tighter to me. “You’re so bad. You can’t do this to me.”

Mason rolled over, his chest rising and falling just as fast as mine. Keeping a distance from me, he said, “Yes, I can.”

When I got off the bed, I saw what had happened to Mason’s sweater. It was a bit frightening and funny at the same time. Checking to see the damage Mason did to mine, I giggled. “Look at my sweater, Mason.”

Mason rolled off the bed, still looking dazed and overcome. As he raked his hair back, I watched his eyes grow with amusement. He gaped from my sweater to his. Then his lips slowly grew into that sexy smirk. “I’m real good.”

“Mason,” I growled through my teeth and socked him on his arm. “Your ego is too big for your head. Look at our sweaters. They have holes and rips. Oh…my…God!”

“I’m looking.” He wiggled his brows. “I like what I see.”

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “You did this on purpose.”

“I have extra clothes. You have clothes here too, don’t you remember?” Mason was examining his sweater, sticking his hand through the long slit across his delicious chest. I needed to get a grip.

“That’s not the point.” I stood my ground, trying to look mad, but it was impossible when he gave me those pouty lips. It only made me have naughty thoughts.

Mason opened a drawer and pulled out two sweaters. He tossed my red sweater to me and began to change. Seeing him shirtless for even one second was torture, especially after having a taste of him.

“Problem solved.” He pulled down his sweater and winked at me.

“You did that on purpose. Admit it.” I turned my back on him and changed.

“You mean showing you my six pack?” he chuckled. “I can show you more if you’d like.”

“I’m talking about that kiss.” I opened the door and brushed my hand through my hair to make sure I looked presentable.

Mason draped his arms around my shoulders and kissed my forehead. “You’re right. I did it on purpose. I bet you’ll only say my name in your dreams from now on.”

“Cocky,” I said, as the door closed behind us.

“You can call me whatever you want, just as long as you dream of me and say only my name.”

After I explained
about the visit from Hermes, everyone agreed that the decision would be left to me. I told everyone that I couldn’t make up my mind at that moment, and that I needed to weigh the odds. Before we set out for the deepest part of the ocean, I wanted to talk to my dad alone. Ever since we’d found how Hephaestus had interfered with our family, I hadn’t had the chance to talk to my dad about it. We needed to set things right.

“Dad,” I said, turning to him after everyone scattered away from the living room where we had gathered. Looking into his eyes, I was overwhelmed with all the emotions running through me. My heart was unsteady and my eyes pooled with unexpected, uncontrollable tears.

My dad fidgeted on the sofa. He would lift his hand, then placed it down. He looked like he wanted to touch me or hold me, but stopped himself. I knew the reason why. I had pushed him away every time he tried to show me a kind gesture or affection.

“Dad,” I whispered, and threw myself into his arms. Tears streamed down my face and I closed my eyes. “I’m so sorry…so sorry…so sorry.” The words repeated through my cries as I held him so tightly.

Feeling my dad’s hands caress my back and feeling his love through his hold not only made me cry harder, but a serene feeling flooded through me. It was a closure I’d needed from the unanswered questions. All those missing years were finally resolving, coming together…peeling away the misunderstandings…the grief…the anger…and finally, there would be peace.

The peace in my heart was overflowing. Now my tears were from joy and not from sadness. Holding my dad was a confirmation that he was there, and that he truly loved me. He didn’t try to kill me. He didn’t run out on us. Hephaestus had caused all the bad things and not my dad.

“Don’t be sorry, Sky.” He inhaled a deep breath. “It’s not your fault. I understood your reservations toward me. I really did. I hoped one day we would find the truth, and it brings me such joy to have all of the questions answered. My wish has come true. I love you, Sky. You and your mom are the reasons for my happiness. Even if you hated me, my love for you would have never changed. You’re everything to me.”

Dad’s words made me cry even more, and I knew he was shedding tears from the trembling of his voice.

I released my dad to wipe my eyes and sat at an angle to face him. “I can’t believe Hephaestus could do all those evil things.”

“You can’t understand because that is not how your mind works. Hephaestus is beyond crazy, beyond reparable. He has one thing on his mind, and that is to be the king of our world. As much as I want you to give Hephaestus Medusa’s head to save your mom, you have to know the consequences of that action. What will become of our world?”

“What about Mom?” I held in my anger and frustration. I didn’t mean to sound selfish. It was purely from being utterly angry with the situation.

Dad looked away, trying to mask his true feelings from me. I knew he was hurting that Mom was in the hands of the evil monster that had controlled our lives since the day he found me. “We have to have faith that everything will work out in the end.”

“I’ve been holding onto faith, Dad. It’s the only thing that helped me through all those years, with the help of Mason and his family. But we can’t lose Mom, especially when we’ve found you. We have to have our chance to be a family again.”

Dad gently lay his hand on my mine. “We’ll save your mom, Sky. Tell me…do you honestly think Hephaestus will let your mom go free if you give him Medusa’s head? Will he truly stick to his word?”

Feeling frustrated, I heaved a deep sigh and plopped back against the sofa, as if somehow I could disappear from reality, because Dad’s words gave me a lot to think over.

“Life was so much easier when you were a child, wasn’t it?” Dad continued.

“Yes,” I nodded to agree. “I worried about my grades and the social aspects of being a teenager, and also wondered where you were…a lot.”