Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series) (25 page)
Read Apollo's Gift (The Greek Gods Series) Online
Authors: Sandy Rowland
A gaggle of young women fluttered into the waiting area, all well dressed and dripping sophistication.
“Ladies, I’m Celeste, Mr. Nucretah’s assistant. Make sure we have your current information so we can contact you.”
Pepper studied the slight, coal haired vampire. She had the most unusual silver eyes. Her blood red lips, set against bone white flesh, might have been appealing, if she didn’t make Pepper’s skin crawl.
Call it intuition or a hunch, but there’s something creepy about that woman
. After three nights, Pepper thought she’d seen everyone, but not Celeste. Apparently, if Nucretah didn’t show up, neither did his assistant.
Rough life.
Turning her focus to the women, Pepper could see that any one of them could have been a model or a beauty queen, if those industries had still existed. Who were they? Too refined for hookers, and too well dressed to need a job, these women looked like exotic jewels, born to adorn a powerful man’s arm.
Pepper ran her hand over her navy wool skirt. The suit was well made, and still in decent shape for being second hand, but her white blouse was almost new. She pulled a loose thread from her jacket and sat up a little straighter.
Watching the group with rapt attention, Pepper continued her speculation. They wore make-up and jewelry. A few bothered to style their hair in a sleek Kivronian knot, a sort of French twist that bared their necks. Alluring to vampires.
Most humans couldn’t afford cosmetics and Pepper went about fresh-faced. Her dad used to say her skin didn’t need help and her cheeks were blessed with a natural rosy glow.
Oh Dad,
how I miss you
. One of the beauties wore false lashes. Bambi would kill to have eyes like those. Pepper sighed.
Who am I kidding
? Her clump of auburn hair was too thick and hung to her waist. Her eyes weren’t anything spectacular. She should be grateful she wasn’t competing with those goddesses. What were they doing here?
Being the investigative reporter she was, Pepper marched up to the girl with the lashes, who wore a cream silk dress, and began interrogating. “Lovely dress. Is this for a photo shoot?” Pepper waved her arm to include the clan of beauties.
Miss Silk looked Pepper up and down like she was a poor cut of meat. “So you’re not one of us. I didn’t think so.”
Pepper wanted to kick Miss Silk in the shin, but smiled. “I’m here to do a story. I’m a reporter.”
“Oh!” The woman turned toward the clucking mob. “Girls, they’ve sent a reporter. They’re doing a story about us.”
The women hovered around Pepper like kids promised free candy, all talking at once.
“Excuse me, one at a time,” Pepper shouted above the din of excited females. Being near six feet in height, she garnered their attention and addressed herself to Miss Silk. “Can you tell me what brought you here tonight?”
As Miss Silk opened her mouth to answer, Mr. Nucretah’s assistant clapped her bony hands. “Quiet, ladies. The Governor is ready to see you. And remember, only speak when asked.”
Pepper’s gaze flew to the model-skinny assistant. Raising her hand over the heads of the eager crowd, Pepper caught her attention. “They’re getting in to see Mr. Nucretah?”
“Yes, yes. You all are. Line up and enter in an orderly fashion.” The assistant moved to the office door. “He’ll look you over and make his decision. Once he’s voiced his preference, it’s final. Those not chosen will leave quickly and quietly.”
After waiting three nights in a stiff metal chair, Pepper wasn’t about to miss her chance. She fell in line behind Miss Silk. Whatever they were vying for, Pepper intended to stick around long enough to ask Nucretah some questions.
I have to get to my dad and the Governor is the only man who can help. Nothing matters more. To hell with the story.
The assistant herded them into the plush office. A hush fell on the group as they took in the splendor of thick Persian carpet, black leather chairs, and a sleek onyx desk where the most captivating man Pepper had ever seen, held court.
Rafe Nucretah scanned the line up and Pepper’s mouth went dry. He was up to something. She felt it in her gut and she always trusted her intuition. Any man who looked that gorgeous had to be guilty of some crime. Being an alien vampire and a politician increased the likelihood.
He rose from his desk with the fluid grace of a predator and stalked toward them. His chiseled features, sleek black hair, and dark brown eyes made it difficult to think.
Get a grip,
girl
. He was only the most attractive man she’d ever seen, but her father’s situation may be serious and she had to keep her head.
When his gaze rested on her, heat filled her cheeks and trickled down to her belly. She had to keep her wits.
Like me. Like me.
She ran the mantra through her mind and flashed her most charming smile. He raised an ebony brow, but showed no other interest.
“Turn, please,” said the assistant.
They each made a slow rotation. It reminded Pepper of the, now-defunct, Westminster Dog Show. And she doubted she’d win “best of breed”.
How humiliating
.
Once the line had completed its turn and again faced the Greek god, Pepper knew what he’d say a nanosecond before the words escaped his full lips.
“This one.” He nodded at Pepper.
She jerked her head to stare at the man who’d chosen her over all the lovelies. Maybe he needed a secretary or some menial laborer. No chance he’d picked her over the ravishing girls to be an accessory at a state dinner. It didn’t matter. She’d do anything if he’d help her father.
“The rest of you will now leave.” The assistant held the door open. “The front desk will validate for parking.”
Miss Silk sneered at Pepper as she glared through her lashes and flounced out with the rest of the grumbling pack. At this point, Pepper braced herself to lay her case at his feet.
I’ll kiss his
feet if it’ll help
. The moist fingers of her left hand tightened on her computer, snugly tucked under her arm. Sweat dampened her skin wilting her blouse. Thank goodness her jacket hid her nerves. “Excuse me, Mr. Nucretah,” she squeaked.
“Rafe.” He smiled.
The simple act of twisting up the corners of his mouth made her legs wobble.
Here’s your chance, say something.
But she couldn’t get out another word.
“A car will be sent for you at six tomorrow evening. Give Celeste your address before you leave.” He leaned against his desk and stared at her. There was something unusual about the look, as if he were trying to see through her, but couldn’t.
“But I…” mumbled Pepper, as the assistant moved to her side and indicated the door. “No.” Pepper’s heart raced and she took a step toward the Governor. She couldn’t lose her chance. “I need to talk to you.”
“Very well. We may as well talk now. Celeste, leave us.”
The assistant pursed her thin lips and left them alone. Anxiety tightened Pepper’s chest as she heard the door click shut. She needed information about her father and Nucretah’s help, if he’d give it. Everyone knew the aliens were stubborn, controlling, unfeeling warriors. Sympathy wouldn’t move him. But they had a clan mentality, and they valued family. Her father was all she had. Pressing that point might work.
“Be seated.” He gestured toward one of the tufted leather chairs opposite him as he claimed his seat behind the desk.
How honest should I be?
The man wasn’t one to be played with, and rumors persisted of the alien’s ability to read minds. She perched on the edge of the chair and clutched her computer to her chest.
Better to come out with it.
“First things first. I’m afraid I’m here under false pretenses. I’m Pepper Morgan and I didn’t come for this. I just had to get in to see you.” Waves of his displeasure flowed across the stone desk, rattling her.
His mouth tightened. “You may not have intended to apply, but you’ve been chosen. My decision stands.”
“What’s the situation? Maybe we can work out a deal. You give me the help I need and I run your errands or whatever for a few days.”
“It’s nothing like that.”
“What is it, then? I’m a hard worker. I’ll do about anything for your help. It’s important to me.”
He stood and his mouth twitched. “Glad to know you’ll make an effort. I’ve claimed you as my mate.”
Her stomach plummeted, her legs shook, and if she’d thought running was an option, she would have. Her computer slipped from her hands and fell to the floor with a thud. “What? You can’t. I can’t. We just met.”
“The binding is tomorrow night.” He didn’t bother to look at her and spoke into the intercom. “Celeste, get someone to escort Pepper home and pack her things.”
She jumped to her feet. “No!”
“Not an option.” He spared her a glance as he shuffled through papers on his desk.
‘I won’t do it.”
“You will.”
She slammed her hand on the desk and winced from the force. “But I don’t love you.”
“That’s not my concern.” He retrieved a page from the stack.
“It’s not right. You can’t mean to force me. There are laws protecting humans from Kivronaian abuse.” She rubbed the tender flesh of her bruised palm with her fingers.
He lifted his focus to her. The power and authority in his gaze made her squirm. This man held the lives of thousands in his grasp and she knew it. So did he. “Do I have to remind you that in this sector, I am the law?”
Though his voice remained soft, the harsh reality of that statement she knew too well. He controlled everything, from granting permission to leave Red Rock, to the blood tax on humanity. And now, he had his sights on her. “Why not claim one of the other women? I’m sure any of them would be ecstatic.”
“I don’t want any of them. I want you.”
“Why?”
“You’re different.”
She quelled the urge to scream, her body as tight as a bowstring. “That’s not much of a reason to get married.”
“More than enough of a reason.” The pronouncement was barely above a whisper, but it carried a lethal edge concealed in his velvet voice. “You said you’d do anything for my help. What do you want?”
“Want?”
“Yes. I tire of this argument and I’ve another meeting. Let’s expedite this. We both know you must surrender.”
She flinched. “You haven’t given me much choice.”
“None.” He put down the paper and moved close enough that she could catch his spicy scent, a mix of cinnamon and something unrecognizable that made her mouth water. His dark gaze leveled on her face. “I’m not negotiating. But I am willing to grant you a favor, call it a wedding present.”
She looked him in the eye, trying to seem braver than she felt. “Do I have your promise?”
“Everything I say is a promise.”
The chance of seeing her father had dropped into her lap, but at a high price, marriage to a cold, bloodthirsty alien. Fear clutched her heart
. I can do this. I have to.
She trembled as she forced out the words. “I’ll agree and not fight you, but I want my father brought home.”
He cocked his head and raised a dark brow. “A small request. Very well. Done.”
Pepper released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Relief washed over her frayed nerves and tears filled her eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured, staring at the carpet.
“Where might I find your sire? Is he in another sector or continent?”
She lifted her head and blinked back the moistness. “Kivron. He was transferred six months ago.”
Rafe didn’t move, didn’t drop eye contact, but a shadow crossed between them. “I’ll look into it.”
Darkness invaded her heart and she feared
. I’m never going to see my father again.
“You promised.” Her voice quavered as her emotions spilled over in silent tears. She hated that he saw her vulnerable.
His brown eyes softened and he placed his large hands on her shoulders, firm, but gentle. “I…” he hesitated. “I will keep my word.”
Tremors ran through her body. His touch unnerved her. She needed to be held, needed strong arms to comfort her, a firm chest to lay her head upon, a safe place. She needed her father, not this stranger. Flashes of unknown need seared her, but they weren’t hers. She shook her head, confused, and stepped back from his reach.
His mouth tightened, he put his hands behind his back, and stared ahead. “The binding will take place, make no mistake. There is no annulment and no divorce. It’s eternal.”
Her heart slammed against her ribs. “Eternal?”
“Due to the ritual’s sacred nature, I can’t explain what occurs. It’s a simple ceremony. An appropriate gown will be provided.”
“It’s too fast.” Panic raced through her veins. “Can’t we wait a while?”
“To what purpose?”
“To get to know each other, of course.” Her legs shook. She wiped her damp palms on the seams of her skirt.
“That’s what the binding is for.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
He narrowed his eyes to hard, black slits of determination. “I assure you, I’m not.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandy L. Rowland is an award-winning author who lives in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains, and the twisted forms of the red desert with her loving husband and family.
She craves adventure.
Whether spending time in a sweat lodge in Southern Utah, living in a teepee for a month in New Mexico, or strolling the streets of Rome, she believes life is to be experienced.
You can learn more about Sandy and her books at: www.sandylrowland.weebly.com
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