Soul Of A Woman (The Dark Souls) (20 page)

Chapter 30

The warrior appeared beside Fate.
“You saw?”

“Yes. You do not believe that Dionysus is doing this on his own?”

“No. He is just a pawn as Morgana was.”

“Who do you think is responsible?”

Broni’s mother was clearly exhausted. He was sure that watching Broni being attacked and being unable to help as well as concern for Zerina had taken its toll.

“First, I want a promise from Mother.” Warrior folded his arms across his chest.

“What kind of promise?”

“That will be between Mother and me,” the warrior stated his terms. He had to use Fate to carry his message because no one was granted an audience with Mother without permission.

Her face paled, but she nodded her head in agreement. She disappeared a moment, gone briefly before returning.

“She agrees.”

The warrior gave a sigh of relief.

“Now, who is the one responsible?”

*  *  *

“Zeus!?” Broni said in shock.

“Yes.”

“No. He’s Chronos’s son. He was raised with Odin and is Mother’s step-son, but she treated him as well as Odin.”

“He is jealous of Odin. Mother split her inheritance between Odin, Hades and Poseidon, so there was nothing left for him, but he intends to have it all.”

“Mother must be heartbroken. Chronos must be devastated also to find out his son is responsible for the treachery.”

“At least now they know who they are fighting.” Broni rolled on top of him on the bed.

“Promise me you will be careful, Warrior. Odin is the only match for him in strength and power.”

“I will be careful.” His hand ran through her thick, black hair. “Would you miss me?”

Broni pounded her fist on his chest.
“You know I would.” Her head dropped to his chest. “I don’t think I could bear to lose you. That’s why…”

“What?” He didn’t let her evade his question.

“Why I couldn’t blame Rhys for not getting over Deena. I would never recover if I lost you. I wouldn’t want to.” Broni kissed his firm chest, licking his nipples until they stood out from his chest before moving downward. Her hand took his cock in a tight grip, applying a small amount of pressure until he groaned. “The thought of never seeing you again, of not kissing you again…” Broni placed butterfly kisses just above his cock, inhaling his musky scent. “Never tasting you again…” Her mouth opened, taking the crest of his cock into it.

Licking the drop of pre-cum off as if it was nectar, her tongue then licked the length of his cock before taking it in her mouth. The warrior’s head fell back against the wall at the top of their bed, his legs spread wider, giving her room to stroke his balls.

Broni smiled against him. Her warrior did love his cock being sucked. She sucked harder, taking him to her throat.

“Should I let you come in my throat or my pussy?”

His hand in her hair, pushing her down further on his cock, had Broni laughing, her question answered. Her laughter caused ripples in her throat that had him unable to hold back. Broni gripped his thigh as he held her down over him until he finished coming.

“Woman, you’re going to marry me.”

Broni’s eyes narrowed. “It took a blowjob to get you to propose?”

“Not just any blowjob, one like that.” Ignoring her temper, which he was rapidly learning to soothe, he said, “And because I love you.”

He lifted her up to sit on his lap, a thigh on each side of his hips. “Give me your tit.”

Broni hesitated briefly. She wasn’t about to stay angry and deny herself the pleasure she could see he was about to give her, though.

His mouth sucked her nipple into his mouth while his hand slid to the globe of her ass. Taking a small amount of flesh between his fingers, he pinched her.

“Ouch!” Broni leaned closer, enabling him to take more of her breast into his mouth.

His hand slid to her pussy, rubbing in the wetness he found before giving attention to her clit. Broni rubbed herself against him, needing more. Warrior’s hands spanned her waist, lifting her briefly before plunging her down on his cock. Broni screamed when his cock slid inside her, his hands pulling her down further on him.

“Ride me.”

Broni’s hips moved against him, fucking herself on his cock while he leaned back against the wall, playing with her bouncing breasts, alternating between pinching and tugging on the tender tips.

“Fuck me harder.” His demand had her going faster, feeling soft and feminine in his hard grasp while she was the one fucking him.

His hands grabbed her butt, sliding her forward until her clit felt the friction of each slide of her pussy on his cock. Broni arched her breasts out as her orgasm stormed through her body. She ground herself down on him, falling forward on his chest, smiling when he grunted, coming inside of her clenching pussy.

“Are you going to marry me?”

Broni raised herself on his chest, looking down at her warrior. His chest was sweat slickened, his eyes heavy-lidded with passion, his sensual mouth pouting. “I may need more convincing.”

Chapter 31

The beautiful gardens were filled with guests. Broni stared up at her husband as her father pronounced Cara and Jericho man and wife. The double ceremony had been beautiful, giving both sisters a wedding they would always remember.

Broni and Cara both had wanted to wait until Zerina was found and returned home, but each day Cara’s belly grew larger, the more determined their Father was that they say their vows.

When Jericho and Warrior added additional pressure, the women gave in with heavy hearts. All the Gods, Goddess, and immortals
in good favor attended except for Athena and Aphrodite. Broni had flatly refused to see their faces during her ceremony.

Warrior had laughed when he’d heard, pulling her close for a kiss then murmuring in his seductive language how much he loved only her. She had melted against him, mischievously asking if Balder was going to be the best man. However, she had quit teasing him when he had paddled her backside.

After the ceremony, the party moved inside her mother’s castle where the guests were all on the balcony celebrating. Broni leaned against her warrior as she watched them then unconsciously sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Fate took her daughter’s hand.

“I’m going to miss you. It’s been hard being away.”

“I’ve tried to get Mother to change her mind, but she refuses.” Broni saw the pain in her mother’s eyes.

“I deserve my punishment. I’m grateful she allowed me to return home for my wedding.”

“I wish you could stay.”

“I do, too, but I’m needed on Earth. Abby and Zandra both need me to watch over them.”

“Always the protector.” Fate placed her hand against her cheek, her eyes going to Warrior. “Your husband better watch over you as closely.”

Broni stared back and forth between her husband and mother, sensing the tension between them. A strong gust of wind blew then, drawing the crowd’s attention to the woman appearing suddenly among them.

“Mother.” Broni was stunned at Mother’s appearance at her reception.

When Mother walked regally forward, coming to a stop in front of them, Broni, her husband, and Fate dropped to their knees before her.

“Rise,” Mother commanded before softening her tone.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”

Mother nodded her head.
“I am happy for you both.” She looked at Broni. “You have gained a Warrior who has served me faithfully since time began. The end is near, but with you both fighting on my side, Zeus will not easily steal my power. For that, I give you a gift.

“Broni, I cannot let you return home yet, but you may return to visit your family once a full moon until the sun rises.”

Broni bowed her head in gratitude. “Thank you, Mother.”

Mother nodded regally, her gaze turning to Broni’s husband.
“Warrior.” Mother made a symbol in the air.

Broni felt her husband stiffen as his face changed. Broni knew without being told what was happening. Rhys stared back at her, in control of his body once again. Broni waited with trepidation in her eyes for his possible coming rejection. She was fearful this was Mother’s real punishment for asking Father to go against Mother, to have her husband reject her.

Rhys leaned down, brushing his mouth against her cheek. “Don’t look at me that way. I love you. Don’t doubt it any more. I’ve wanted to tell you I was sorry so many times, but the warrior wouldn’t let me out long enough. He’s too afraid of losing your love.”

Broni broke down into tears, the last wall she had built against him crumbling. She had always worried that Rhys didn’t love her, forced down by her Warrior. She would always have wondered.

“I love you, too, Rhys. I can’t remember a time I haven’t.”

“Good, I’m glad that is settled,” Mother said firmly, reminding them of her presence. Her hand waved majestically toward the sky.
“My gift to you.”

Rhys watched as the stars realigned into patterns, shifting into pictures that flashed through the sky.
Rhys saw Deena. She didn’t look the same; her face and body another’s, but Rhys recognized her spirit. She was gloriously being twirled through the sky by a man. They stared at each other the way that he and Broni shared. The man who held Deena was her soul mate as Broni was his. Deena’s picture faded out. Now he saw a middle-aged couple having a picnic. On the blanket sat two toddlers. Twins. Rhys saw his sons’ souls in their eyes.

Rhys felt wetness on his cheeks, not ashamed for his weakness at seeing his sons again. The couple had given up on having children; the twins were considered a miracle by them. And they were—Mother’s miracle. The picture of the small family playing gradually disappeared, the stars returning to their original position.

“Thank you.” Rhys cleared his throat.

Mother stepped forward, gracing Rhys with a brief kiss on his cheek.
“Do not make me regret giving her to you.” She spoke low, so no one would overhear.

“I won’t.”

Mother stepped back, winding her arm through Fate’s as the two women walked away. “I think you need to give my son, Hades, a visit.”

“Those two together are scary as shit.” Her warrior’s drily amused voice had Broni searching his eyes.

“Let’s go congratulate Jericho and Cara.”

They walked hand in hand toward the couple. Cara looked beautiful in her white gown while Jericho’s usually harsh expression had softened as he talked to another guest.

“Warrior, Broni
, I want to introduce you to my very great-grandmother.” The dark skinned, dark haired woman was obviously Native American.

“This is the one you told me about?” he asked Jericho.

“Yes. This is Joro.”

Warrior extended his hand, taking hers in his grasp. “Jericho told me about you, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” When the others looked at him curiously, he ignored them.

Stopping a passing servant, he handed out goblets of wine. Later, he would find a way to be alone with Joro for a few moments, but for now, he wanted to celebrate with his wife that he had waited lifetimes for.

Chapter 32

Fate waited, impatiently brushing her palms against the side of her gown, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles away. It had taken three months to get permission to request an audience from him. It was only when Mother had intervened that her request had been granted.

The door opened, and although it had been a long time since Fate had seen him last, he had not changed. If anything, he had become even more handsome. It took all her will not to melt in a puddle at his feet. Only centuries of control enabled her to stand in front of him with an expressionless face hiding the storm of lust going through her body.

“Fate, it’s good to see you again.”

“Hades.” The master of the underworld was masculine perfection. He stood well over six-feet tall with aquiline features, grey eyes and black hair. He was also the epitome of sophistication.

Hades did not reach out to shake her hand—a touch from Hades’s hand could drive a woman insane with lust while his glance alone rose Fate’s own desire, which she had to battle back to keep a clear head.

His mouth twisted sardonically, well aware of her predicament.

“Mother has made you aware of the situation with Zeus and Dionysus?”

Hades sank gracefully into a chair facing the opulent couch she was sitting on.

“Yes. I was not surprised. The sneaky bastard has always been jealous of Odin. What did surprise me is that he is directly challenging Mother.”

“Both Zeus and Dionysus have gone into hiding, and we are all more than aware Zeus excels at keeping himself concealed.” Fate gave him an inquisitive look.

“Yes, he does. He is not on Earth. Wherever he is hiding is not on my realm or within my vision.”

Odin, Hades, and Poseidon each had the sight to see what was happening in their realms. Odin and now Hades had both said Zeus was not in their realm. Fate sighed. She really hated visiting Poseidon. She would leave that chore for Mother.

“He attacked my daughters while they were in
the Hallway of Death. Both Cara and Broni have been found, but Zerina is still missing.”

“I heard both were recently married. Please give them my congratulations.” He elegantly waved his hand.

The door opened and a woman dressed in pale blue gauze leaving a clear view of her voluptuous body underneath came into the room carrying two packages of the same size. The only difference between the two presents were the bows, one a deep red, the other a dark purple.

“Please give them my gifts as I was unable to attend.”

Hades was not allowed to leave his underworld. Not only was he the warden of the souls sent to him for punishment, but the effect he had on women and immortals made it embarrassing. It was nothing he could control. Grimm had it to a lesser degree, which he took advantage of regularly, Hades, however, did not. His lovers were picked from all the realms. He merely sent a message that he was interested and his chosen plaything would arrive for a visit until he tired of them, which wasn’t usually long. Once they left, he never requested them again. Fate had witnessed many heartbroken women through the centuries while Hades had remained coldly detached.

“Thank you,” Fate said before going back to the subject at hand. “I have lost sight of Zerina. She has disappeared from my view. Even Jinx, whom I sent to watch over her, has disappeared from Earth.”

“I have not seen her on Earth, and she is of course, not within my realm. Perhaps you should seek information from Poseidon?”

Fate stared at him for several seconds
as he picked a miniscule piece of lint from his suit. “I’ll do that.”

Fate rose to her feet, unable to bear being in his presence for another second without tearing off her gown.
“If you see her...?”

“I will send word immediately, of course.” Hades also rose.

“My daughters mean everything to me, Hades. Zerina is a gentle soul, my first born, and has borne the responsibilities of our kind on her shoulders with great strength.”

“As I have not met her, I will have to take your word for it. You kept them
sequestered away from all the Gods and immortals.”

“Zerina’s disappearance interrupts the balance, and it cannot continue because Mother is the only one that can serve in Zerina’s place; it divides her attention. With Zeus trying to take control, it gives him a chance to strike.”

“I will endeavor to help. If I see either of them, I will send word.”

“Thank you.”

Hades nodded as Fate picked up Cara and Broni’s presents.

Fate prepared to leave, adding, “Dionysus tried to take control of Broni’s human body. She thinks it was to use against Zerina. Her life is in great danger.” She wanted to ensure he truly helped if he was able.

Hades remained silent, so Fate turned to leave but thought to ask, “Hades, all is well here? For Zeus to succeed he must have—”

“All is well here.” His tone was firm.

“Be well, Hades.” Fate disappeared from Hades’s sight.

Hades stood looking at the spot Fate had disappeared from for several seconds before turning on his heel, walking from the room. He stalked across the black marble entryway, going up the massive stairway to reach the upper floors where large door of black onyx stood at the end of the long hallway. Turning the black diamond doorknob, he opened his bedroom door.

Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms elegantly across his chest. “My love, I just received a visit from your mother. It seems she is concerned about your safety.” Hades didn’t try to conceal the mocking twist of his mouth as he stared at the beauty on his bed.

Zerina’s glorious blue eyes shot sparks of temper in his direction, however the gag he had tied around her mouth kept her from yelling the obscenities at him he had become familiar with since her arrival. Her hands were tied to a hook he had placed conveniently at the head of his bed. It was one of the most tempting sights Hades had ever seen, and he had seen it all.

“She seems to think your gentle, little soul might be in danger. She doesn’t know you at all, does she?”

He walked forward to the bed, his hand reaching out to trail his fingers up a slim
thigh that was visible since her gown had ridden up in her struggles. Zerina’s foot snapped out, attempting to kick him.

Hades burst out laughing. “No, she doesn’t know you at all. But, I do, and what I don’t, I have every intention of finding out.”

*  *  *

Broni stared down at the package lying on her bed, biting her lip. Twice she had reached out to open it only to jerk her hand back both times.

“Would you like me to open it?” Warrior asked, lying down on the bed next to the package.

“I can do it,” she snapped.

Sucking in a deep breath, she opened the package, the purple bow dropping unnoticed to the floor. Lifting the lid of the box, she pulled out a slim case. Broni opened it, staring down at the necklace.

It was beautiful. Broni took it out, holding it so the candlelight could catch the stones. She looked at it in awe. Made of black star sapphire, the stars gleamed in the light.

“It’s beautiful.” When Broni put the necklace on, placing her fingertips against the stones, it felt like she was touching home. It soothed the homesickness she had suffered since returning to Earth.

“I don’t know if I like you wearing jewelry given to you by another man.” Her warrior’s jealous voice had her climbing on the bed next to him, sweeping the opened box carelessly to the floor.

“It’s just a wedding gift.”

Her husband’s hand came out to tease a bare nipple, his appreciative gaze taking in her naked body with the gleaming necklace at her throat.

“I should go pay him a visit and thank him.” Broni arched into his touch, leaning forward to kiss her husband’s mouth.

“No, Odin told me the effect his brother has on women. He was furious when he found out your mother had paid him a visit.”

“Odin has no right to be angry at my mother!” Broni had every intention of defending her mother, but her husband forestalled her by taking her mouth with his. Her hands slid around his shoulder, luxuriating in his demanding kiss.

“I will go and thank him for both of us.”

“You will?” Broni giggled. “You do know he has the same effect on men as he does women?”

“He does?”

“Mmmhmm,” Broni moaned as he bit the tip of her breast.

“Then I guess you need to make sure I’m very satisfied before I leave.”

“I think I can manage that, my Viking master…”