The Dark King (29 page)

"King Eros would still like to meet with her," he said. “It is an official summons.”

Hades set Taylor down, making sure that she was steady before he released her. He then stepped in front of her and growled menacingly at Linx.

"I see," Linx said. "In that case..." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a document, and handed it to Hades.

"What's this?" Hades clutched the missive, crumpling it in his fist.

"It's an invitation to the Christmas party tomorrow night."

"Leave!" he snapped.

Linx chuckled.

Hades roared, but the sound was cut short when he received a squirt of water to the face.

"Tone it down, Monster Kitty," Taylor said.

He turned to find her holding one of the bottles she'd positioned around the Pit.

Hades brushed his hand over his wet face and flicked the water off. "What was that for?" he asked.

Taylor didn't answer. Instead, she looked to Linx. "Tell the King and Tabby that we'll be there."

Linx grinned. "I'll do that," he said, then left. "You're welcome," he added as a parting shot to Hades, before he slipped through the door.

"I hate that cat," Hades said.

Taylor laughed. "No, you don’t. If you did, he'd be dead already. Admit it, you like him."

Hades scowled at her. "No, I don't."

"Come on." Taylor grabbed his hand.

"Where are we going?" Hades allowed her to drag him along.

She glanced over her shoulder at him. "To your room."

He pulled her to a stop. "Don't you mean
our
room?"

Taylor grinned, then bit her lower lip, drawing his gaze to her mouth. "I guess I do."

Heat burst inside of him and his cock lifted his loincloth. "I should warn you that the Dark King can be
very
demanding."

She released his hand long enough to run her fingertips over his shaft. "So can I," Taylor said. "It's why we're perfect for each other."

"Prove it.” Hades hurried them down the hall toward their chambers.

"I already have." Taylor touched the mark on her neck and winked.

***

New Atlantis's roads were lined with blue crystals that sparkled in the sunlight and glowed beneath the moonlight. If the Emerald City were based upon fact, then this would be its inspiration. Taylor had never seen anything so beautiful or so intimidating in her life.

The transport slowed and eventually came to a stop in front of a crystal palace. Like a jewel in a crown, the massive building took center stage. She had only seen the city in the distance when she'd first arrived. Up close it didn't look real.

This was where Tabby lived.

Taylor ran a hand over the new dress that Hades had purchased for her. The dark red should've clashed with her hair, but somehow it didn't. The dress dipped in the front, exposing the swell of her ample bosom. Taylor tugged, feeling underdressed and outclassed. It was a feeling that she was used to on Earth, but somehow seemed wrong here on Zaron.

The Dark King stood beside her in a matching tunic, but his legs remained encased in his usual black 'leather'. His aqua blue eyes glowed as they climbed the steps and entered the Atlantean Palace. If Hades was nervous, Taylor couldn't tell. He exuded strength and quiet confidence.

Hopefully he had enough confidence for them both.

Taylor tried to straighten her clothes again, but Hades stilled her hand. "You look beautiful. In fact you are the most beautiful woman in this place."

"I don't think you've looked around," Taylor said.

His brow arched, but he didn't respond.

Whispers of the Dark King's arrival spread through the crowd. The people's expressions ranged from shock to thinly veiled disgust. Several men jockeyed for position to get a better look. But it was the women that caught Taylor's attention. A few of them sauntered forward, not bothering to disguise their interest in Hades. They ignored her as if she didn't exist.

Taylor glared at the brazen women and an unexpected growl came out. The women's eyes widened and they looked away immediately. She cleared her throat.

"Sorry, I don't know why I did that," she said to Hades. "I've obviously been hanging around you too long. I'm starting to sound like you."

His approving gaze slid her way. "Like a lioness, you were protecting what is yours." He gave her a mysterious smile that caused her stomach to flutter.

"Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head," she murmured under her breath.

Hades laughed. "You would never allow such a thing, my Queen." He kissed her hand.

A muffled scream rang out.

Taylor and Hades turned as one to see a flash of movement. Taylor would recognize that red hair anywhere. She left Hades' side to meet her sister halfway. She pulled Tabitha into her arms and hugged her until she gasped. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too," Tabby said.

"I thought I wasn't going to get to see you again." Tears pricked Taylor's eyes.

"Me, too," Tabby said. "Linx carried you off so fast that I didn't even get to say goodbye. I gave him an ear-load for that one."

Taylor laughed. "I bet you did. Goodness knows he deserved it." A large shadow fell upon them.

Tabby's gaze moved past her. "Is it true?"

Taylor looked at Hades, then motioned for him to come closer. "Yes," she said.

"It's awful fast. Don't you think?" Tabby asked, not bothering to disguise the worry in her voice.

"This from the woman who picked up an alien on Earth?" Taylor asked. “Pot meet kettle.”

Her sister pulled a face, but Taylor ignored her.

"Tabby, I'd like for you to meet the Dark King," she said.

Hades inclined his head in greeting.

Tabby didn't immediately acknowledge him, nor did she extend her hand. Instead, she studied Hades closely, searching for signs of trouble. Taylor couldn't blame her twin. She didn't exactly have the best track record when it came to men. The scrutiny continued.

"Knock it off, Tab." Taylor nudged her with her elbow.

"Sorry," she said, but she didn't look sorry. "It's just that I've heard a lot about him and most of it wasn't good."

"From Linx no doubt," Hades said.

Tabby nodded.

As if uttering his name would make him appear, Linx materialized next to Tabby.

Hades paid no attention to him. "You shouldn't believe everything you hear," he said, then his expression hardened and he became the Dark King before their eyes. "On second thought, maybe you should."

Taylor looked at her sister, then at her 'mate'. The tension rose between them as they continued their stare down. "Knock it off you guys!" she snapped. "We're family now, so you might as well suck it up and get along."

Hades grinned and his aqua eyes sparkled mischievously. "I thought we were."

"Yeah, me too," Tabby said. "Stop causing trouble, Tay."

***

Taylor's sister did resemble her. In fact, they were nearly identical, but she lacked a certain something to his mind. She didn't have the same vitality or the same fire, but she was loyal. And that was all that was important to him. Hades scanned the crowd and caught sight of the Atlantean King.

Some instinct must of warned him, because Eros’ head rose and their gazes locked. They stood like that for a full minute, then he slowly nodded, acknowledging the Dark King's presence and rank. Hades did the same, then gently touched Taylor on the elbow.

"It is time," he said.

"Now?" she asked, clearly torn between duty and her twin.

"Yes, but we'll be back later." Hades' gaze brushed his mate in reassurance.

"Okay, we'll catch up in a little while." Taylor gave her sister another hug.

"We'd better," Tabby warned, then released her. The withering look she sent Hades told him that she was watching him, watching out for her sister.

They made their way across the room. The place was full of Atlantean and Phantom warriors that Hades recognized. He stopped and said hello to Ares, who wrestled with a blonde woman and a little boy.

"Hades!" Ares shouted. "I cannot believe that Eros got you to come."

"He didn't," Hades deadpanned. "She did." He pulled Taylor forward.

"Ah," Ares said, his grin growing wider. "I should've known. Glad you made it anyway. Have you met my wife, Jac?"

The blonde's mouth snapped shut in mid-tirade and she turned to greet the new arrivals. "It's nice to meet you," she said. "Glad you could make it to the party."

Ares' brother, Orion strolled up with his very pregnant wife, Brigit. The lower half of her body was covered in what appeared to be a giant lizard. Despite the unusual choice of clothing, Hades didn't miss the longing in Taylor's eyes as her gaze rested on the woman's protruding stomach.

"I can't believe it," Orion said. "I would've never in a million galaxies believed that I'd see you at one of these gatherings."

"Hi, I'm Brigit." The small red-headed woman stepped forward with her hand out.

Taylor shook it. "I'm Taylor."

"It's so nice to meet you. We’ve heard so many conflicting stories that we thought you'd been made up. Glad to see that you’re real." Brigit giggled, then grasped her stomach. "Honey, I need to sit down. The baby is kicking my bladder again."

Orion rushed to her side. "Excuse us," he said. "Hades it was nice seeing you." He ushered his wife away.

"If you'll excuse us, we need to speak with Eros," Hades said.

Ares nodded in understanding. "Don't let another five years pass before you come back."

Taylor looked at him after they left the Atlantean couple. "Has it really been that long?"

Hades shrugged. "Time passes quickly, when you're trying to rebuild a kingdom."

They continued on, but didn't make it far before they were stopped once more by a group of Phantoms huddling together. One man stood a head higher than the others. His tiny mate clung to his side.

"Riot," Hades said in acknowledgement.

The Phantom Warrior dropped to one knee. "Sire." His action caused the others to turn and do the same.

The fair-haired Phantom rose first and stepped forward. "It's nice to see you here, Sire."

"And you, Arctos." Hades' gaze moved to the woman watching their exchange.

Arctos held out his hand. "This is my mate, Caitlin."

"I remember," Hades said. "This is my
Queen
, Taylor."

The four men bowed to Taylor in unison, causing her to blush.

"So it is true." A fifth Phantom stepped through the crowd, his snake-like eyes missing nothing.

"Yes, Bacchus it is so. I have finally taken a mate.
Mast Moon
has officially frozen over."

Bacchus laughed and shook his head. "It happens to the best of us, Sire." He walked over to his mate, Carrie and kissed her. Like Brigit, her stomach carried the next generation of Phantom.

"Daddy, daddy!" All the Phantoms turned to see which child had called out.

Phantom Warrior Kegar caught the little boy and pulled him close. "Mason, where is your mother?"

"She's coming." He pointed through the crowd. "She said that you would tuck me into bed and read me a story."

"She did, did she?"

His dark hair fell into his face when he nodded. "Yep."

Kegar grinned and pressed his lips to his son's temple. "Sire, if you'll excuse me. Duty calls."

Hades watched the Saber-tooth wander off with a wiggling child in his arms.

"Sire?"

Hades turned as Talon approached.

"Congratulations!" he said.

The Dark King's eyes moved to the ample woman behind him.

"This is my mate, Lynn," Talon said.

"Nice to meet you," Taylor said.

They exchanged pleasantries, then continued on. King Eros was waiting for them toward the back of the room. The crowd sensed the tension in the air and everyone's voice dropped as the two men faced each other for the first time in years.

"Hades," Eros said.

"Eros," Hades replied.

"Is this the female, who missed our appointment today?" Eros asked.

Hades grasped Taylor possessively. "No, this is my Queen."

"Oh for goodness sake." A dark-haired woman broke away from a nearby group and approached. "Kiss and make up already," she said.

***

Hades looked horrified by the suggestion. Taylor would've laughed, but she didn't think that he'd appreciate it.

"I'm Rachel," the woman said and hugged her.

"Taylor," she said, hugging her back.

"This is my husband, Eros," Rachel said. "He doesn't normally have such a stick up his butt."

Taylor cracked up. "I wish I could say the same."

Hades gave her a warning glare.

"Men." Rachel rolled her eyes. "Did you get cake?"

"No, I haven't seen any food," Taylor said. "But I am starving."

Rachel squeezed her one last time, then released her. "Well we need to fix that." She led Taylor over to a table that she was surprised hadn't collapsed under the weight of the feast.

"The orange colored ones taste like chocolate. Trust me, you'll love them. How are you enjoying the Christmas party?"

Taylor ran her hand over her arms. "It's lovely."

Rachel smiled knowingly. "I'm not great with crowds either, but you do get used to it. So tell me all about yourself."

Taylor hesitated.

"Don't worry, I've heard it all. And seen it all since I arrived here." Rachel pressed her hand.

Taylor felt herself relax. Soon she was spilling her life story. She'd looked at Rachel a time or two expecting to see revulsion or at the very least judgment, but there'd been none. Rachel simply stood there and listened to her. Really listened. In that moment, they became fast friends.

By the time they returned to Hades and Eros, the men were laughing and exchanging war stories. Taylor had eaten until she was ready to burst and now she was tired. She looked at the Dark King.

Without a word, he reached for her. "We will hammer out the details of the treaty in the coming weeks."

King Eros nodded. "It shouldn't take long. After all, our fathers were able to work together peacefully for centuries. Why should we be any different?"