Avenging (The Rising Series Book 3) (5 page)

“Could
you
give her immortality? Don’t you have the power?”

“No. Only one god has the power to grant immortality to mortals, and that is Hades.”

“So what are your other powers?”

“I am the guardian of the seas. I bring death to all those who threaten the safety of those under my dominion.”

“You can also grow a tail.”

“I normally have a tail. I can grow human legs if need be.”

“If I decided to go with you, could you give me a tail and help me breathe under water? I don’t think me living down there would work if I had to come up for a breath every couple of minutes.”

He cracked a smile. “I’d give you gills and a tail. So are you thinking you might want to join me?”

She shrugged. “Maybe.”

He reached out to touch her face. The tenderness in his eyes nearly broke her. “If you did,” he said, “I would spend every day of your life making you happy. I love you, Nicole. I want nothing more than to be with you.”

Nicole’s heart swelled in her chest. His blue eyes darkened, and his body heat warmed her, surrounded her. She found herself desperate to touch him.

She reached her shaking hands toward him. He seemed to read her mind as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. Fear shot through her as her mind went back to their last kiss. The joy, the passion, and the hope that kiss brought her. The memory of that kiss had tormented her for the last twenty years.

She put a hand up to keep him from getting too close. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I don’t know if my heart can take being kissed by you again.”

He pressed his hand against hers, trapping it against his chest, and lowered his head until their foreheads touched. “I don’t think I can survive another moment not kissing you.”

A tear leaked from the corner of her eye and trailed down her cheek. He hesitated a moment longer before his lips descended on hers.

Her resistance melted at the touch of his mouth. And despite her fear, she opened her heart completely to him. Coherent thoughts flew from her mind as she lost herself in his arms. This was home, this was heaven, and this was what she’d been missing for twenty long years. She knew without a doubt that she belonged with him. That was both elating and terrifying.

His lips pulled away just enough for him to whisper, “Do you feel that?”

Funny, that such a vague question could be understood completely. “Yes.” She couldn’t stop the tears. “This is where I belong.”

He cracked a smile, and then he was kissing her again. His hands wandered over her body, feeling every curve with practiced control. Her body came alive in his arms.

So just like that, you’re going to jump into bed with him? Have you forgotten what he did to you?

At those words, Nicole came to her senses and pushed him away. “Stop.”

“Nicole—?” He didn’t loosen his grip.

“No. I won’t do it again! You slept with me, you told me you loved me, and then you left me without a backward glance.”

“Nicole, calm down. I’m not going to leave you again,” he said, brushing her hair away from her face.

“I… I don’t know if I can believe you,” she said and shook her head. Tears continued to fall.

“Will you believe me if I marry you?”

“Marry you?” She looked up, her heart pounding in her chest. He appeared sincere.

“Yes, please marry me.”

She shook her head. “Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you won’t leave.”

“Nicole. I want you with me forever. If the price of that is marriage, I’ll pay it gladly. But I must warn you, a marriage here will mean nothing in the sea.”

“What do you mean? So if we get married here, your fellow sea-gods and goddesses won’t recognize that marriage?”

He shook his head. “No, they won’t.”

“What if we get married in your world?”

“We’d have to have my father marry us.”

“Poseidon?”

“Yes.”

“But… you can still leave. I know. I’ve been divorced six times.”

“A marriage solemnized by Poseidon is final. There is
no divorce among the gods.”

She blinked her narrowed eyes, considering his words. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“But I’m a human. Do you think he’d want you married to me?”

“Actually, he’s more likely to marry us because you’re human.”

“Really? Why?”

He frowned and looked her up and down. It didn’t seem he wanted to answer her.

“What is it?”

“You’re human, Nicole. Human lives are much shorter than a god’s.”

“So… if marrying me to you is a mistake, it wouldn’t matter much. I’ll die soon anyway.”

Triton nodded, his sad eyes not leaving her face.

Nicole thought of what the doctor said. “Why would you want to marry someone who will die soon anyway?”

“Nicole. I’ve lived through the death of everyone I ever loved. Death is a part of life. But I wouldn’t trade a moment of my life with those I loved to escape the pain of death. Every moment together is a moment to treasure.”

“So you think a few short years with me are better than none.”

“Exactly. Now can we stop talking about death? This marriage proposal has become terribly depressing.”

Nicole smiled weakly. She wouldn’t tell him about what the doctor said. Why should she force him to live with that hanging over his head? It was bad enough she had to live with it.

You’re not going to die, Nicole.

What do you know?
she snapped at the voice in her head.

I know more than you think, but go ahead and accept his proposal. He’s your best hope.

Hope for what? What are you talking about?

“Nicole, what’s wrong?” Ty asked.

“What?” Great, she’d zoned out again. “Nothing, were you saying something?”

His frown deepened, but he nodded. “Yes. I was telling you that if I do get permission and you are able to marry me, you will not be allowed to return to land.”

“What? Like ever?”

“Yes.”

“Oh boy. Well, I guess I’ll at least get to see my daughter.” She thought about all she’d have to give up. Her shop, her friends, the home she loved, Lea… right, Lea. Her conversation with Lea came back to her. Nicole told her she would think before rushing into things, and here she was—considering marrying Ty. But… truth be told, she spent the last twenty years loving him. If she refused him, and he went back to ruling the sea without her, she’d never forgive herself. Besides, she didn’t know how much time she had. Why waste it?

“Okay, I’ll marry you. But if you hurt me again, I swear I’ll never forgive you. Never!”

A smile lightened his face. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

Triton smiled as pride swelled in his chest at seeing Nicole’s beautiful shop. She was no longer the little waitress at a cafe, working hard to scrape out a living. He put his arm possessively around her waist as they walked through her door. The shop was spectacular. There were tables adorned beautifully—gold-plated silverware, delicate, lacy tablecloths, spectacular centerpieces, and everything else necessary to make the tables look stunning. It was gorgeous enough to grace Olympus.

But Nikki didn’t stop there; the whole shop gleamed with signs of riches and wealth. From the sweeping staircase at the back, to the lighted, ornate crystals hung from the ceiling, and then to the rich carpets that graced the floors. A door opened on the right, and an older, Hawaiian woman in a stylish, gray suit stepped in the room.

“Oh, Nicole! How are you feeling?” she said as she rushed over, grabbed her hand, and looked her over from head to toe.

“I’m fine, really.” Nicole turned around, and wiggled her hip. “See.”

Lea looked doubtful, and then her eyes turned to Triton and narrowed.

“Lea, this is Ty.” Nicole pulled him forward. “Ty, this is my best friend in the world, Lea Kapahu.”

Lea looked him over, scrutinizing him. She obviously didn’t like him. Well, if she knew the whole story about their past encounter, she had good reason to loathe him. “Um-hmm,” she said. “Well, it seems Nikki has forgiven you. I suppose I should too.”

“Thank you,” he said sincerely.

“I said I should, not that I have. If you hurt her again, I’ll make your life miserable. Pele has shown favor on me, and I can easily ask her to lay a curse on you.”

Pele? Triton wondered if this woman was sending out empty threats, or if the god of volcanoes really had taken notice of her. He’d better tread lightly; Poseidon would not be happy with him angering the god of another Pantheon.

“Oh, don’t listen to her,” Nicole said. “Lea is full of superstitious nonsense.”

Triton didn’t take his eyes off the human, or was she human? He could feel… something. Though whatever it was, it wasn’t strong enough for him to be certain.

“You don’t need to worry, Lea,” Triton said. “I will treat her well. Pele needn’t be bothered.”

Triton glanced at Nicole. She stood there, apparently confused. “Excuse me, Lea, but I need to talk to Ty alone for a minute.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Lea said sweetly, and then stepped back through the door she’d entered in.

“What in the world was that about? You aren’t telling me—”

Triton raised an eyebrow.

“You mean Pele is real?”

“Nicole, I’m real, aren’t I? What makes you think there aren’t other gods in this world?”

“I… but… so the Hawaiian gods are real too?”

“Yes, the Greek Pantheon is by far the largest and most powerful, but we aren’t the only one. The Pantheon of the Hawaiian isles is small, but I still must tread lightly. We really don’t want any trouble. Last time there was a conflict between Pantheons in this area was in 1960. The Māori gods in New Zealand came here causing trouble. Things got out of hand and I was forced to come here and negotiate a truce. Before it was over, a hundred and sixty humans were killed.”

“How did they die?”

“The battle between the gods caused a tsunami, and the humans were washed out to sea.”

“Oh.”

“Now what is it you needed to do here?” he asked.

“I just need to make sure everything is in order here before I leave.”

“When we get married, you will not be able to come back.”

“What do you mean, get married?” an angry voice asked from behind them.

Triton turned to see a human stepping through the door. He immediately tapped into the surface of the human’s mind. He could feel the hurt, anger, affection, and frustration mingled together in confusion. This man was in love with Nicole. Triton resisted striking him down—a difficult feat. He didn’t look further into the man’s mind. He didn’t know if he could restrain himself if he found out this guy and Nicole had shared an intimate relationship.

“Hello, Kennedy.” Nicole sighed.

Kennedy strutted up to them, his chest out, his police badge shining. Triton took pride in the fact that this human had to crane his neck to look him in the eye. Triton kept his height at about six foot four. Tall enough that he rarely had to look up at a human, but short enough not to be conspicuous. If he’d kept his sea proportions, he’d be well over seven feet tall.

“And who are you?” the human asked him.

Triton considered answering truthfully, that he was King Triton, god and guardian of the seas. He smiled as he considered how this human might react. The human would most likely laugh at him, and then Triton would take great pleasure proving his power. Of course, then he would need to erase the human’s memories—if he happened to survive. But before he could answer, Nicole spoke for him.

“This is Ty, my fiancé.” She wrapped her arm around Triton’s waist.

Pride swelled in his chest at her quick answer.

“You can’t be serious!” The man’s face flushed red as his eyes narrowed—glaring daggers at Triton.

“I am completely serious,” Nicole said.

“But… how long have you known this character?”

“I’ve known him for over twenty years. He’s Sara’s father.”

“The man who left you to live on the streets?”

Triton frowned that this man would know something so personal about Nicole’s past. “I think it’s best if you leave,” he said in the most reasonable voice he could muster.

The human ignored Triton completely and took Nicole’s hand, attempting to pull her away from Triton’s arm. Triton nearly growled as the man touched her. But he knew Nicole was a grown woman and didn’t appreciate him fighting her battles, so he held back a response.

“Nikki baby,” Kennedy said as Nicole attempted to pull her hand back. “You’re not thinking right. How long has it been since you’ve seen him? Do you really know anything about this guy?”

“Kennedy, none of this is any of your business, and I need you to leave.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m completely serious.”

“After all I’ve done for you. I’ve looked away while you abused the law to the point of breaking it. You think you can just act the way you do and get away with it? The only reason you got away with things is because of me. I thought you loved me. You made me think you cared about me.”

“That’s a lie,” Nicole said firmly. “I never said anything of the sort. We have only been and will ever be friends. Nothing more. You think I’d be interested in someone like you?”

“But you flirted with me. You told me what a handsome man I was. You wore a bright smile every time I walked in here. And you were always touching me.”

“Excuse me, Kennedy,” Lea said as she walked in. “Are you blind? That’s how she treats every customer. She makes everyone feel special. I tried to warn you. You wouldn’t believe me.”

“But I’m not a customer.”

“You are the moment you step into her shop.”

Kennedy’s face turned a deep, blotted red as his scowl deepened. “I see I may have made a mistake. But I intend to rectify it right now and do the right thing.” He reached to his belt and the next thing Triton knew, the man had slapped a handcuff over Nicole’s wrist.

“Nicole Lamont, you are under arrest for assault. You have the right—”

This time, Triton couldn’t hold back. His growl stopped the chief midsentence. He could feel the burn in his eyes and knew they were glowing like blue flame. His muscles and limbs strained, beginning to grow—fighting against his will. It was taking every ounce of control to keep himself from fully transforming into the destroyer. As it was, he still gained half a foot in height. “Get the handcuffs off her.” His voice rumbled, more terrifying than a lion’s roar.

Kennedy paled, stumbling back. Instead of obeying Triton’s order, he dropped to his knees and shook violently. “I… I…” His words turned into a shaky moan.

Triton turned to Nicole. He stopped his approach, ashamed of the fear in her eyes. He may be dooming himself to a life without her by showing her the wretched side of a god, of himself. But the beast would not be tamed until the shackles around her wrist were gone.

If he had the power of Hephaestus, he could have willed the cuffs off her. But Triton’s power came from the sea. Still, he was not helpless here. He took a step toward Nicole, and his heart broke when she took a fearful step back.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said in a calmer voice, but the beast’s growl still came through. He hoped she could find a way to trust him again. “Please, let me help.”

She swallowed and lifted a shaking hand, the cuffs dangling off her wrist.

Triton took the metal in his hand and easily broke it apart. With her hand free, the beast inside calmed and he felt his body return to normal. His muscles relaxed, his eyes cooled, and he shrunk down to his normal human height. He looked into Nicole’s eyes, and she looked weak with relief.

He turned to the chief to see what he would do, finding him unconscious on the floor. Triton decided to leave the memories there, but to be safe, he made some adjustments.

“I should have known,” Lea said. “You’re a god.”

Triton looked over at the human. He may yet have to alter memories, but for now, he’d be truthful. “I’m Triton.”

She nodded. “A Greek god.”

Nicole looked Kennedy over. Triton followed her gaze. He really did look pathetic; his body was crumpled in an unnatural way, with one leg tucked under him. “What a deluded man,” Nicole said. “I almost feel sorry for him.” She turned to Triton. “What are you going to do about him? He’s going to tell—”

“He won’t tell anyone.”

She looked confused. “What do you mean? You know there are surveillance—”

A pop like a firecracker interrupted her.

“Did you just destroy my camera?”

“Yeah, electronics don’t seem to handle moisture well.”

“But… okay, forget the cameras. Why wouldn’t he tell people about you?”

“He won’t want to.”

“Because they’d think he’s crazy?”

Triton chuckled. “No.”

“What’s so funny?”

Triton shook his head.

“Ty…” She drew out his name and tried to hold back a smile. “What did you do to him?”

“Nothing, as long as he doesn’t talk about what happened here.”

“Why, what will happen if he does?”

“He’ll pee his pants.”

Nicole burst out laughing. “You.” She laughed some more. “Dang, I wish I could do that. There are several people I’d love to—”

“Don’t you dare,” Lea chided.

“Awe, it would only be people who deserved it.”

“And who are you to decide who deserves something like that?” She didn’t wait for Nicole to answer, but turned to Triton. “You are not a good influence on her.”

“I’m not sorry. He was going to arrest her. He had it coming.”

Lea shook her head. “And do you have permission to be here?”

All traces of humor left his face. “Who
are
you?”