“No.” Poseidon’s deep voice filled the room. “The energy bears your distinct mark.” He tapped the side of his nose. “I could smell it.”
Hades wanted to grab one of his jeweled mahogany walking sticks and beat his brother until he could no longer smell anything. Poseidon was always the smarter of his brothers. Zeus was more laidback, relying solely on his powers, confident he could defeat any threat.
But that was before. A new order was dawning, one in which Hades would be king. He’d have to lock his brothers away, of course, but that couldn’t be helped. He didn’t like them that much anyway so it wasn’t as though he would miss them. And there were plenty other gods and goddesses to fawn over him once he became their leader.
Hades set his goblet on the thickly carved arm of his chair and spread his arms wide. “I don’t know what to tell you, my brothers. I’ve made a few trips to the human realm and had some fun.” He wiggled his eyebrows, knowing how his brothers, especially Zeus, would interpret the action.
Sure enough, the randy old goat chuckled and grabbed his cock through his silk pants. “Nothing like a good workout with some prime human female.”
Hades would never lower himself to such a thing. It was an abomination to deplete the bloodlines in such a way. Not that Zeus ever cared about such things. All he cared about was having his dick serviced.
Zeus and Poseidon began to chat and Hades relaxed slightly. A few hours at most and his brothers would be gone. The next time he met them would be on the field of battle. He needed Arand on his side. With the wolf and the serpent, he would have a much better chance of reaching his goal of world domination. Once all the humans worshipped him, he would be all-powerful. Then he would turn his attention to his family.
His left eye twitched, the only outward sign of his anger. How he wanted to peer into his mirror and find out what was going on. He also wanted to know where Mordecai was.
Was the serpent on his way to New Orleans? Would he get there in time?
The immortal warrior had tricks up his sleeve. Hades was sure of it. As long as those powers were used to further his goals, Hades had no problem with Mordecai wielding them, at least until the war was won. Once Hades was king—no, supreme ruler—of the world, he would crush the serpent.
He picked up his wine and took another sip of the rich beverage. Maybe he should imprison Mordecai instead of killing him. Yes, that was a better plan. That way he could torture the serpent whenever the mood struck him. He would keep the warrior in the same cell he’d kept the Lady of the Beasts in for all those years.
The irony was lovely. He almost rubbed his hands together with glee until he remembered he had an audience.
Hades rose from his chair and smiled. “Brothers, let us go and tour my realm and I’ll show you the improvements I’ve made since you were last here.”
He knew they were both uncomfortable around his demons and the damned human souls who resided here. It was his small way of retaliating against them for invading his home, his privacy, without invitation.
Zeus rose easily from the low sofa and glanced at Poseidon before motioning to the door. “Lead on. I’m looking forward to it.”
Arand breathed in the fresh air. It was a combination of water, fresh and rotting vegetation and the light perfume of some of the wild flowers that blossomed in spite of the harsh conditions.
In the distance, a gator gave a rumbling bellow to let everyone know he considered the area his territory. Several ducks flew overhead and an owl gave a cry as it flew from one tree to another, disturbed by his presence.
The world was full of life and so was he. Raising his arms in the air, he stretched every muscle in his body. The urge to run was sharp. His blood hummed with a fever to race through the woods and into the swamp. His wolf prowled impatiently within him.
“Soon,” he promised the wolf. “Very soon.” Still, he could take a moment for himself. He was very aware, his senses even keener when he was in his wolf form. He would know if anyone approached or threatened.
He willed his pants and leather boots away, letting the wind caress his naked skin. He felt wild and elemental, exactly the way he should, the way he was created to be.
Arand threw back his head and howled, the primal sound echoing through the trees. He fully embraced his wolf and the change, the ripple of his muscles as they readied themselves for the metamorphosis to come. It was almost impossible to explain to anyone else what the sensation felt like. It wasn’t as though he was changing into something else, but actually becoming more himself. It was like exposing another aspect of his true self.
It was natural and right.
The wolf burst out from inside him, the change almost instantaneous this time. He leapt forward, landing on four paws instead of on hands and feet. His jaw cracked and elongated, his teeth sharpened and fur pushed out from under his skin to cover him.
He threw back his head once again and howled for the sheer joy of being able to do so. The swamp went silent around him as the other animals recognized the predator in their midst. He padded forward, stopping at the edge of the line of salt he’d spread around the house. He had no idea if it would offer any protection to them. He hoped so, but he wasn’t going to depend upon it.
His ears twitched and he easily catalogued the sounds in the immediate area. His sensitive nose trapped all the scents of the area, letting him know what kind of vegetation and animals surrounded them. Except for the regular creatures of the area, they were alone.
Two minutes. He would take two minutes to allow himself to run. Sabrina would be safe for that long and he would remain close by. After more than five thousand years of captivity, surely he deserved such a small thing.
Careful not to smudge the line of salt, he stepped over it. He took one last glance over his shoulder at the house. All was quiet and he could hear Sabrina moving around inside.
He exploded, going from a complete stop to a full-out run. The ground was soft beneath the wide pads of his feet, the wind ruffled his fur and the swamp embraced him. His muscles fluid and strong, his body the perfect running machine, he raced through the trees. Freedom. It was such a sweet thing. He gave a yip of pleasure as the muscles in his hind quarters bunched before he launched himself over a fallen log. Arand flew through the air and landed without a sound on the other side.
Sabrina stood at the window and watched spellbound as Arand went from clothed to naked in a heartbeat. The wolf tattoo on his back seemed to be staring at her and she took a step back, hiding behind the curtain, not wanting to be caught watching him.
Arand was the most elemental man she’d ever known. Maybe it was the animal that was such a fundamental part of him, but he was primal and sure of himself. It was sexy as hell.
Of course, having a body as hot as his didn’t hurt either. The man was built like a god, with long, thick legs, a trim waist, a sculpted back and torso, buns of steel, broad shoulders and bulging biceps. Not to mention his face. It wasn’t a handsome face as much as it was compelling and totally masculine. His black and gray shaggy hair fell around his shoulders and she wished he’d turn around so she could see him.
She gasped when he suddenly launched himself forward. One second he was a man, the next a gigantic wolf. The change was so fast it was a blur, not like the first time she’d seen him shift. She rested her fingers on the pane of glass separating her from the outside. The glass was cool against her skin. How she wished she could touch his fur, to feel the muscles rippling beneath it.
He was her guardian spirit come to life, yet he was not for her. He belonged to a goddess—the Lady of the Beasts—and would have to return to her service. It wasn’t like he could up and quit, and she didn’t think he would anyway. He wasn’t that kind of man.