After Midnight Read online

  “You’re too good for this world,” he said, embracing me. “Well! Those sonnets aren’t going to write themselves. I’ll see you in six months, sister. Don’t worry; nothing changes here while you’re gone, not with your mother sulking around the palace. Happy birthday.”

  “I do not sulk!” Mother said as he winked at us and strode away.

  “Apollo is right; I come home, and you’ve shredded half of the grain supply on top of killing all the plants, which means that I have to persuade more to grow before our farmers miss it, which I hate doing.”

  “It’s my fault that you’re stuck with him. It breaks my heart thinking that you might not be happy.”

  I sighed for the umpteenth time. “Father made the decision on his own, so please stop beating yourself up over something that we can’t change. I’ll try to give Hades a second chance, and who knows, the love may come in time.”

  She smiled through her tears.

  “There’s a great hulking beast in our dining hall,” Perseus said, running towards us, his sword raised high in warning.

  Mother waved her hand at him, his blade replaced with a bunch of sweet black grapes, and he faltered, glancing between us.

  “What have I told you about weapons in this house? You could’ve hurt your sister! As for the ‘beast’, that’s probably Alastair, Hades’ hell-hound. Run off to the kitchens and fetch our guest some food.”

  I pursed my lips together to keep from laughing aloud at his dejected expression. He glared at mother for a second, popping some of the fruit into his mouth.

  “You’re lucky these are my favorite kind. What does his lordship eat anyways?”

  “Cheese, meat and loads of wine,” I supplied. “Don’t you remember last Yule, when the two of you drank almost all of Merle’s mead supply?”

  “He was so intoxicated, it took six servants to get him back to bed. Fine, I’ll do it, but he’s not getting any of my special Brie– that’s for damned sure.”

  He sauntered off, and mother placed her arm around my shoulders. “We’d better not keep him waiting, my dear.”

  Hades stood with his back to us at one end of the long room, head bowed thoughtfully over the flickering fire. Slivers of moonlight illuminated his short, raven-black hair and lean, muscular physique.

  “My lord?” Mother said, and he turned around slowly, the smile as he caught sight of me warm and genuine.

  “Demeter, dear sister.”

  He walked towards us – stride confident and measured and around him, I felt like a child. “Hello again, Persephone,” he said to me, and when I didn’t answer, mother nudged me sharply in the ribs.

  “Hello, Hades. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “It’s nice to be seen. Have you gathered everything you’ll need?”

  “For my six-month long stay in the Underworld? Hardly. But I’ll manage.”

  Mother was irate – practically searing the hair from my head as Hades gazed back at me, impassive.

  “Whatever you can’t bring with you, I’ll provide.”

  “That’s very sweet and kind of you, Hades. Isn’t it, Persephone?”

  Goddess, mother, just leave me alone already – I’m not in the mood for this.

  His lips twitched.

  “Yes, thank you, Hades. I’m sure that it’ll be more than enough.”

  “Will you stay for supper? I’ve sent Perseus to get some food and drinks for us,” mother said, as Hades turned to her.

  “No. Unfortunately, duty calls me back home, but thank you for the kind offer anyways. I’m ready to leave whenever you are,” he said, laying a hand against the small of my back.

  I shuddered from the touch.

  “I need a minute to say goodbye.”

  He nodded in acknowledgement, wandering back over to the fireplace.

  Mother’s breath hitched on a sob as I hugged her tight, inhaling the woodsy scent of her hair, and the bits of lavender she wrapped in her gowns each day; smells of home. “I’ll be back before you know it, mother. Please don’t let my brothers kill my plants,” I said and felt her nod, knowing that even if we had forever, it wouldn’t be enough time.

  I exhaled the breath I didn’t know I was holding in and joined Hades by the fire.

  He glanced down, and I couldn’t read his expression as he stretched a hand out to me, palm up. I took it, threading my fingers through his and the world around us began to blur.

  I looked back at Mother, tears glistening on her cheeks. My siblings huddled around her, ready to give her the comfort I knew she would need.

  The Underworld, same day

  I set my bag down, rubbing my hands together for warmth as Hades moved around the room, lighting candles in the massive chandeliers.

  He paused when he noticed my shiver, passing me a black sheep skin. “Wrap yourself in this; it’ll keep you warm.”

  Alastair flopped down in front of the doorway as Titacus loped over to him, nuzzling his face in greeting.

  “Where’s Brom? I know that I’m not his favorite person, but he usually says hi to me,” I said, thinking about Hades’ youngest hell beast.

  “There was some trouble at the docks; I’ve sent him to help my staff keep peace until I can join them.”

  “If my arrival interferes with your work...” I trailed off, knowing it did, and knowing that I couldn’t do anything to change it.

  He stepped forward, tilting my face to his. “You’re my life, Persephone, and work will always come second to that.”

  I nodded as his warm lips found mine, tongue teasing the seam until I parted them on a sigh. He explored, rubbing his hands up and down my back as he walked us over to the chaise lounge, lowering me gently to the over-stuffed cushion.

  “Tell me to stop if this isn’t what you want, and I’ll do it.”

  I moaned as his teeth found my earlobe, biting down gently and I flattened my hands to his chest, not sure whether I wanted to push him away or tug him closer, the two desires colliding together as he lifted his head from the crook of my neck, eyes smoldering in the faint light.

  “Oh, don’t give me that look; I’ve been here for five minutes, and I was rather hoping I could have time to unpack, say hi to Magda and—”

  He kissed me again, slowly and tenderly, and I melted into the warmth of his chest.

  “And, you were hoping that I’d be able to restrain myself? It’s been a very long six months, little love, and I doubt even a Titan could resist pouncing on you when you look so...”

  “Disheveled, tired and stinky?”

  “Beautiful,” he said. “Absolutely beautiful.” His fingers found the edge of my dress, and I reached up, curling a hand around his cheek as he kissed my palm.

  “You never said that you missed me. You were always so...intense...when I came back.”

  He smiled. “Well, I figured you hated me for kidnapping you all those years ago and, as strong as my guilt was, I didn’t think you’d let me in. I still don’t, but I’ll keep trying, because you’re mine.”

  “I’m sorry that I’ve been less than willing to live here. It’s just...not something I would have chosen for myself, given the chance to choose. I love my family and miss them terribly when I’m separated from them.”

  “I understand, Persephone, but we’re family, too, and all I want is for you to be happy. Can you try to be? For me?”

  I stared back at him, green to brown, and nodded, tracing the contours of his face with a fingertip.

  “For the record, Hades, I don’t hate you. Not anymore.”

  “Thank the gods for that.”

  He kissed me again, and I melted into his embrace.

  Chapter Seven

  Portland, Oregon, 2017

  “I’m not going to marry you.”

  “Yes, I know. You’ve said that six times in the past thirty minutes.”

  “And you’ll probably hear it another six before I’m convinced that you get it.”

  “Amy...”

  Max leaned back
in his chair, massaging a finger to his temple.

  “I was trying to protect you and give you the chance to choose a life separate from what they wanted for you. Is that really so bad?”

  “By ‘they’, I’m assuming you mean my family? The family you knew existed and never told me about? The family you supposedly cursed me from remembering? That family?”

  “Keep your voice down, would you? I don’t think everyone in here heard you,” he said, sighing heavily as I took a sip from my latte. “You’re not even interested in hearing my side of the story, are you?”

  “Gabriel said that we were...friends...when we were younger. If that’s true, I’d like to be friends again, Max, but I won’t be with you, not after everything I’ve heard.” I tapped my fingers against the tabletop. “I don’t care why you did the things you did, only that you did them for selfish reasons, not because you wanted to make me happy.”

  “Oh, God, he infected you,” he said. “You’ll listen to what he has to say, but you won’t extend the same courtesy to me? As far as you’re concerned, I can just...disappear into the night and never be heard from again.”

  “He was the only one who didn’t pretend to be someone he wasn’t from the moment he first met me. Can you say the same?”

  “I have to admit, Ams, I’m disappointed,” he said, smiling ruefully. “I offered you everything you’ve ever wanted; security, loyalty...love...and now you’re willing to throw that all away on a guy who had to kidnap you to be with you. You’re the poster-child for Stockholm syndrome, and you refuse to admit it. I’m guessing you’re about to beg me to remove the curse.”

  “No,” I said as he cocked a curious eyebrow. “The fact that you could do it without forcing me to marry you doesn’t surprise me, but I like my life the way it is, and I’m in no rush to change that.”

  “And how does your beloved Gabriel feel about all this?”

  I carefully averted my eyes, picking at my fingernails. “He doesn’t know.”

  “Really? And you call me manipulative,” he said, rubbing a hand across his chin stubble. “Little advice for you, Amy, when you do tell him – and you know you’ll have to eventually – do it over the phone.”

  “Why...?”

  “You may not remember his legendary temper, but I do, being on the receiving end of it more than once. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to know what it’s like.”

  “He wouldn’t hurt me – ever.”

  “There are worse things than him hurting you. Mental torture, the epic cold shoulder...retribution...there was a reason no one ever dared to cross him, except for you, his favorite niece, and even then, you push the envelope too far sometimes.”

  “Please don’t call me that. It makes me feel...gross.”

  “Your mother and father are siblings. Get used to this new crazy family dynamic, or it’ll drive you nuts. And if anyone asks, he’s your uncle.”

  “With benefits,” I mumbled.

  “That’s entirely up to you, though I’m not going to pretend I hope it doesn’t happen.”

  “It won’t if I can help it.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.”

  I swiveled in my chair as Gabriel approached, gaze flitting between us.

  “Two years is a long time. I’m afraid if I get you in my bed, I may never let you leave.”

  “Don’t you have something better to do? Lives to end – souls to collect?” Max said, standing to place a hand on the back of my chair.

  “I was hoping to have a little chat with my wife.”

  “You’re interrupting our conversation; wait your turn.”

  “Just go, Max,” I said, feeling the beginning of a headache behind my eyes.

  He gazed down at me for a second, irritated.

  “Fine, but remember what I told you,” he said as he slapped a couple of dollar bills to the tabletop. “And if you change your mind, you know how to find me.”

  “Do you plan to make this a habit?” I asked as Gabriel took Max’s empty seat.

  Gabriel flagged a waitress down, scanning the menu briefly.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. Have you eaten anything today?”

  “Stalking me everywhere I go. I’m not hungry – thanks.”

  “Two orders of blueberry pancakes with whipped cream on the side and extra bacon, please,” he said as the waitress nodded. “And coffee, if you have it.”

  She left again, and he folded his arms over his chest, eyes scanning me from head to toe.

  “I don’t need to stalk you to know that hanging out with Prometheus is dangerous. He doesn’t have your best interests in mind.”

  “And you do? Just admit it, Gabriel – you can’t stand the fact that I still want him around, despite everything he did.”

  “It’s puzzling, yes, but not out of character for you. You seem to enjoy coddling wounded animals.”

  “Just stop,” I said, patience finally at an end.

  I paused as the waitress returned with coffee.

  “Why do you do that? Prickle everyone else’s pride to make yourself feel better?” I asked once she was out of earshot.

  “Because I can.”

  “It’s unnecessary and annoying. Quite frankly, I’m glad I can’t remember being with you, because this version is more than enough.”

  “And when Prometheus breaks the curse, and you remember?”

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  He tightened his grip on his coffee cup, eyes becoming little hard pieces of ice, and I winced but held my ground.

  “I won’t let that happen.”

  “Why?” He was so damned calm, even though I could sense the anger boiling just beneath the surface.

  “I told Max that I didn’t want him to break it.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I want to continue to be Amy.”

  He pounded his fist against the table as I jumped, glasses and cutlery rattling precariously. “I’ve explained this to you again and again, and you still don’t understand,” he said, teeth clenched.

  Tell him over the phone. Well, shit.

  “Gabriel, people are staring.”

  “I don’t care. You’re married to me; your place is by my side in the Underworld, and you can’t be queen of the dead from Portland,” he spat as I flinched and tried not to make eye contact with anyone in the restaurant.

  “I never wanted to be the queen of anything at all, but you don’t care about that, do you? As long as you have your precious Persephone back, what I want here doesn’t matter.”

  “That’s not what I -”

  “If you don’t let me be who I want to be, I’ll find Officer Marx and tell him everything.”

  “It’s not smart to threaten me again, Amy.”

  “What are you going to do about it? Punish me?”

  “I’ve had a few centuries to hone my skills; give me time.”

  I bristled at the threat, like a cat that had its fur rubbed backwards.

  “Here you are,” the waitress said, plunking a couple of plates down in front of us. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  Gabriel shook his head and unwrapped his silverware. I watched him for a second before glancing up at her, forcing my face into a mask of calm as I smiled and asked for a to-go box along with the check.

  “Wait,” he said, setting his fork aside, staring first at me, then the waitress. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “I’m leaving, Gabriel.”

  “We’re not done talking just yet.”

  “Too bad.” I rose, slinging my jacket around my shoulders as the waitress shifted from one foot to the other, unsure.

  “Do you still want the box?”

  “Yes, please. Would ten dollars be enough? I can give you the cash now, if that helps.”

  “You can pay up front,” she said, fiddling with the ends of her apron.

  “Amy Marie Hensley, sit. Now.” Gabriel took hold of my sleeve, jerking me towards my seat and I fell sid
eways, catching myself on the edge of the table.

  “I’m not paid enough for this crap,” the waitress muttered to herself. She grabbed our coffee cups and bee-lined it towards the kitchen again.

  “Great – just great – now I’ll have to give her extra to make up for that,” I said as I sank down and stabbed a corner of the pancake pile. “Why are you so frustrating?”

  “Why do you want to stay in Portland? It can’t be for the...food...” He grimaced, pushing his plate away.

  “Not all of us have five-star chefs at home, alright? Lay off Jake’s.”

  “Palo is four and a half stars and died over two hundred years ago; he’s had time since to perfect his skills. What is your occupation?”

  “Telemetry Technician, as if you didn’t already know.”

  “It’s fitting that you work in healthcare, though I would prefer it if you did something closer to your goddess-given talents.”

  “Oh, no,” I said, giving him the meanest look I could muster. “You are not allowed to change every aspect of my life on a whim.”

  “Surely you realize now how much you could -”

  “No.”

  He shrugged, drumming his fingers on the tabletop. “Very well. Your apartment, however, is not an acceptable distance from my house.”

  “It’s like talking to a wall,” I said, taking a bite of my bacon. “Hands off my life, Gabriel and I’ll try not to judge you for leaving a trail of bodies everywhere you go.”

  “You know why I have to,” he said, eyes narrowing slightly in response.

  “That doesn’t change the fact that you can’t just go around murdering people. There are rules against it.”

  “And what do you suggest I do about the fifty people, on average, who are scheduled to die every day in this city alone? Not do my job?”

  “How about you let them live long, healthy lives and take a vacation?”

  “That’s not how this works.”

  “I’ll never be okay with what you do, no matter how many times you try to justify it.”

  “Luckily for you, my dear, you’ll never accompany me on assignment, so you’re spared the shame of watching me handle it all.”