Elysian Dreams (12 page)

* * * *

Harmonia pulled her hair down and let it blow in the wind as she looked out over the waves. “This is very impressive.” She ran her hands along the yacht’s railing. “You must like sailing.”

Apollo put his arms around her waist. “It was a good way to impress women, but also a nice place to enjoy the sun.”

“I am impressed. I won’t deny it.” She ran one of her hands over his. “Eris came to talk to me last night.”

“She did? You going to be a bridesmaid now?”

She giggled. “No. She said she wanted to make sure I was coming to the wedding.”

“But you talked about me?”

“Yes. She didn’t pry. She said you deserved a chance at happiness.”

“Was that all?”

She stayed silent for a moment to tease him, but then she nodded. “She talked about the wedding. She seemed to be in her element.”

“Weddings can be quite chaotic, so I suppose so.” He kissed her cheek.

“You do know I don’t care if you’re attracted to other women, don’t you? I’m okay with it.” She looked back at him and turned in his arms.

“I hope you are. No one can help being attracted to someone else. They can help what they do about that though.”

“That’s a very good answer.”

“I mean it.”

She touched his face. “I know you do. I’m not trying to monitor our relationship.”

“Hmmmm. Not hopelessly in love with me yet?”

She smiled slyly. “No, not yet. These past few days have been wonderful, but no, not in love.”

“Happy?”

“Happy in general or about not being in love?”

He tickled her, and she ran out of his grasp.

“In general. Are you happy?”

“Yes. Are you?”

He nodded. “I think I am.” He took her hand and turned back to look at the water. “It’s nice. Different.”

“And everyone is getting nosy.”

He shrugged. “I spent so long being ignored, I almost don’t care.”

Did he mean that? Did he really not care that everyone was talking about him and Daphne and Hypnos? “You’d think the gods would have better things to do.”

“In a world like this? We’re all bored to death. Looking for something to give life meaning.”

“Getting married, becoming more and more like mortals.”

“I think so. I don’t mean to sound like I’m better than anyone, but if I’m with someone, I’m with them. Who cares about being married? Really?”

“If it means something to them, it makes sense; if it makes them happy.”

“To me, it’s like saying you think your lover might leave you.”

“You’ve had lots of lovers. So have I.”

He made a face. She wasn’t sure she knew what he was trying to say. She felt confident he wasn’t about to propose anymore than she thought he’d say he’d never get married. His brow furrowed in concentration.

“Spit it out,” she said. “I promise not to run away.”

“Okay. I guess I mean it’s hard to trust someone when you do care who else they’ve been with, how long affairs lasted, how good the sex was. See?”

“Yes.”

He squeezed her hand. “Good. Happily ever after is overrated. I’d rather be happy, plain and simple.”

She moved closer to put her arm around him. “You were unhappy for so long it’s perfectly understandable.”

“That’s all fuzzy now. It’s worse because it didn’t have to be like this. Daphne never would have slept with me, let alone fallen for me, and I would have moved on.”

“But then maybe Hypnos and Daphne would never have met.”

“I don’t believe the Fates order all of this. This kind of thing is below them.”

“Maybe so, but it’s not impossible.”

“The Fates don’t control me though, and they have nothing to do with this. It’s just us.”

She smiled. “I think I can deal with that. I won’t drag you down the aisle.”

“How about living with me? Have you thought about it?”

“I have, and I don’t want to yet. I want to keep my independence and freedom.”

He looked disappointed, but he nodded. “I understand.”

“It lines up with what you said before. Like you, if I’m with someone, I’m with them.”

He turned to embrace her as the wind picked up. “I really do understand. Going to Aphrodite the way you did, you must really have thought you loved me.”

“A romantic fantasy. I was going to save you, or something like that. I’m liking reality much more.”

“It’s always a fairy tale when you first notice someone.”

“Awww. What a sweet thing to say!” she exclaimed mockingly.

He playfully pushed her away. “You make fun of me and you’re going overboard.”

“Oh am I?” she said, backing away carefully.

He moved toward her slowly. “Yes. I think you’ve teased me more than enough to deserve it.”

“Oh please!” She backed toward the front of the yacht, hoping she could duck around the cabin and evade him.

“Yes. It started the night we met.”

“You enjoyed that!”

“I did not! You are going overboard right now!”

He didn’t even have to touch her. She flipped over the railing and landed in the water with a splash. As soon as she surfaced, she waved her hand and knocked him into the water too. If he was going to cheat and use his powers, so could she.

He surfaced a few feet away from her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close, kissing her roughly, then slowly.

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. She didn’t need a wedding or promises. She felt the mutual desire and joy in their embrace, and that was all she needed.

Chapter Ten

Persephone walked with her husband Hades to meet Hypnos and Daphne. They were leaving. They’d be back for Eris and Hermes’ wedding, but they would not be returning to the Underworld. Persephone was going to miss her friend, but she knew it was for the best. Hypnos had been through a great deal in past months, and he had changed so much. He needed time for himself, as well as time with the woman he loved.

She saw them before they saw her and Hades. They were gazing at each other lovingly. She sighed, very happy to see none of the anxiety she’d been expecting. It reassured her they were making the right decision, no matter how much she would miss Hypnos.

Hades spoke first. “You’re both sure about this? You can come back whenever you like, as often as you like.”

Hypnos nodded. “We both think it’s best. We’re starting over in a way, and neither of us want the kind of distractions we’d have here.”

“Being watched every moment does make things harder. I wish both of you well.”

Persephone hugged Hypnos and kissed his cheek. “I’ll miss you, but I think you’ll both be very happy.” She turned to Daphne, who suddenly seemed very tentative. She hugged her anyway. “I’m glad he found you. You both deserve to be happy after all that’s happened.”

Daphne managed to smile. “Thank you.” In a softer voice, she added, “I’m sorry I was jealous. It was so hard to work out my feelings then.”

She squeezed Daphne’s hands for a moment. “I understand. Every relationship has its ups and downs during that early, uncertain period. I hope we can be friends.”

“I’m sure we can.”

Hades took Daphne’s hand and kissed it. “If you ever need anything, call us first. We’ll do all we can.”

“Thank you,” Daphne said, blushing slightly before linking arms with Hypnos again.

Persephone smiled to herself, admiring the effect her husband had over women. It was hard for any woman not to feel his power. She put her arm around Hades’ waist as they waved to Hypnos and Daphne, who soon disappeared right in front of them, into the mortal world.

Persephone pulled Hades close and wrapped her other arm around him. “They’ll be happy.”

“As happy as us?” he asked as his arms went around her and roamed down to cup her ass.

“That might be pretty hard.” She rubbed against him. He’d obviously felt her arousal. He always could. It was how he’d known she wanted him even before she knew it herself. His cock pressed against her stomach. “Very hard indeed.”

She titled her head up to meet his lips in a deep kiss. She lost herself in his touch, shivering in anticipation as she peeked into his mind and saw what he had planned for her.

* * * *

Aphrodite smiled when Harmonia walked into her garden.

“You work back here a lot, don’t you?” Harmonia said.

“Lately I do. It helps me think.”

Harmonia nodded. “I bet it does.”

“How are you?” She had no reason to believe Harmonia was going to start dropping by every week to start cultivating their mother-daughter bond. She knew she had something specific to say.

“I came to apologize. I shouldn’t have tried to drag you into all this.”

Aphrodite shook her head. “Don’t. It’s my job. Remember? No matter how little I get involved these days, it’s still my domain.”

“I came to you though, but when I didn’t like what you said I set out to prove you wrong. My presence that night caused the fight between Daphne and Apollo, which you know escalated into something more serious once she told Hypnos.”

“The conflict is over now. Hypnos and Daphne are leaving, and they’ll work their relationship out.”

Harmonia nodded. “Then there’s me and Apollo.”

“Good?”

“Yes, very good. No more rose-colored glasses.”

Aphrodite walked over to a bench and invited Harmonia to sit down as well. When she did, Aphrodite said, “I never thought that. You were overexcited about the man you thought you were in love with. It turned out well anyway. You still like the real man you discovered.”

“I do, but don’t worry. I’m not asking for advice.”

“I wouldn’t give it. Not with Apollo involved.”

“You’ve apologized, and you did try to make things right. Maybe someday you two can sit down and talk.”

“Maybe.”

“I’m not pushing,” Harmonia said as she stood up. “Only trying to smooth everything out.”

“You might be perfect for him in that case.”

“We’ll see. One part of my plan is working out. He is going with me to Eris’ wedding.”

“But he’ll only have eyes for you.”

She smiled. “My initial plan might have been easier.”

“Not until the spell was broken. It wouldn’t have worked out.”

“So bad things really do happen so that good things can come of them?”

Aphrodite thought about this for a moment, even though she knew how she felt about it already. She’d been pondering the question herself for several days. “Sometimes. It’s not the rule though. You’re better off believing in yourself than in destiny or the work of the Fates. Far better off not waiting for me to step in.”

“If you say so.” She gave a little wave as she turned toward the gate. “See you tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there.” She sighed once Harmonia was gone. Tomorrow. Another wedding to bless. How was Hephaestus going to act? Was he going to insist they go as a couple? He hadn’t said anything. They’d agreed to keep everything a secret, but he’d followed her around most of the time at Persephone and Hades’ wedding. She felt her fear of Hera had faded, but her anxiety about Hephaestus was growing. She loved being with him, and since the other night she’d longed to be in his bed again. She had a husband who had spent years waiting for her to come home. She had to decide if she was going to once and for all.

* * * *

Daphne awoke when she felt Hypnos’ lips on her neck. Their first night away from Mount Olympus had been amazing. They’d finally made love again. Their first time had been intense, but it hadn’t been ideal. Both of them had been confused, and she’d manipulated him because of how scared she’d been of what was happening.

They’d arrived in the mortal world the night before, and she’d told him how sorry she was. He’d let her keep talking until she had nothing left to say, and then he’d kissed all her doubts away. They’d made love slowly, and he’d told her how much he loved her over and over again. It had been like a dream, the perfect dream after so many distressing ones.

“We have a wedding to get ready for,” she said as she rolled over.

He kissed her lips gently. “That’s why I woke you up early.”

She giggled. “Good. We can’t be late and set more tongues wagging.”

“They won’t be still, no matter what we do.”

“I don’t care. Let them see how happy we are and gossip about that.”

“I am going to make you happy.”

“You already have.”

“I couldn’t tell you how I felt before. My position in the Underworld, in Olympus, was already unstable. I should have told Hades about you when I found you, but then you disappeared. It took me weeks to find out for sure who you were.”

“You’ve already apologized. We both have. We’re starting over.” She kissed him and pulled him on top of her. They were both still naked, and she felt his cock harden. “Mmmmm.”

“You aren’t sore from last night?” he whispered against her lips.

“I wouldn’t care if I was.” She wrapped her legs around him, urging him to press against her.

He rubbed his cock against her. “You’re getting wet.”

“Mmmm hmmmm.” She kissed his neck and pulled him closer.

He kissed her thoroughly. She sighed in his arms. That seemed to turn him on even more. His hands roamed over her body, massaging all the right places. He caressed her cheek and ran his fingers through her hair.

“Do you know how hard it was to resist you for so long?” he whispered.

“I think last night gave me some clues.” She kissed his chest over his heart, and he sighed before pulling her into another deep kiss. He began kissing down her body. He slowly tasted every inch of her until she was trembling with need. His lips lingered on her thighs. His tongue teased her, and he nipped at her sensitive skin several times. She arched off the bed, eager for him to touch her pussy.

“Tell me what you need.”

She ran fingers into his hair. “Touch me. Please.”

“Where?”

“Touch my pussy.”

He ran one finger down her slit before bringing his lips to the spot just above her clit. She bucked beneath him at the contact. He slid his finger inside her and explored for several long moments. As she whimpered and sighed, he moved up her body. He paused a few seconds to kiss her breasts, his teeth grazing her right nipple before he brought his lips up to hers for a soft kiss. He looked into her eyes as he slid his cock into her slowly. He moved back and forth, arousing her more and making her pussy dampen with need. “I used to hate weddings. I looked away when the bride and groom kissed because I thought I’d never be able to kiss a woman without harming her.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Kissing you is amazing.”

She arched up so her pussy gently massaged his cock. She kissed him back softly. “And how do you feel now?”

“I like the idea of a wedding now.”

She kissed him again. “Do you?” She moaned as he pumped faster.

“Yes, I do.” He locked his lips to hers as they found a steady rhythm.

She clung to him as the friction made her entire body tingle. With each thrust he pushed her nearer to the edge. She loved how close she felt to him. She knew she’d never have found such an intense connection with anyone else, even with someone as handsome and powerful as Apollo. In her heart she thanked the gods for everything that had happened. Without all the bad parts, she would never have found the man who had been made for her. He would have always been alone, and she would never have learned what wonderful things sex with the perfect partner and real love could be.

As she looked into his eyes, she knew they were thinking alike. He understood her like no one else ever would. He thrust deep to show just exactly how well he knew her body, and she trembled in an intense climax. Her pussy convulsed with pleasure as pure bliss moved over her body. She found his mouth and kissed him deeply as she felt him coming and finding completion. He groaned deep in his throat as he pressed her into the bed. After a moment, he broke the deep kiss.

“I wish we could stay right here,” he whispered.

“We have forever to love like this,” she replied as she kissed his cheek.

He smiled and kissed her forehead before helping her get out of bed. She smiled to herself as she thought of how beautiful everything looked this morning, the first morning of a very happy life together.

* * * *

Apollo handed Harmonia another piece of cake. The reception was in full swing, and Eris and Hermes looked incredibly happy. The wedding itself had been very short but quite touching. Apollo had attended lots of weddings, mostly in the mortal world, in hopes of getting laid. He wasn’t ashamed of that, but now he saw it had always distracted him from noticing that some people really did get married because they were very much in love.

Harmonia took a bite before saying thank you. After a second bite she added, “This cake is amazing. I’m glad it’s so big. You might have to drag me away.”

Apollo had noticed everyone who’d tried the cake was having the same reaction. Eris, they’d been told, had made it herself. Apollo smiled. A token bit of mischief, he thought, making the cake irresistible, and a very fitting little prank for someone with Eris’ history at weddings, even if few seemed to get the joke.

Harmonia and Eris had already exchanged pleasantries, and Apollo had kissed her lightly on the cheek and congratulated Hermes. They both seemed glad to see him, even more so because he was with Harmonia. It was nice to be getting attention for something positive for once.

He and Hermes stood alone for a few moments watching everyone else.

“You seem to be catching what the rest of us have,” Hermes said.

“I won’t deny it,” Apollo said. “The past few days have been amazing. I’m tempted to say it won’t take many more to make up for all the horrid years that came before.”

“Love can do that,” Hermes said. “I expected Aphrodite to look happier though.”

Apollo looked over at her. She wore a very modest and elegant white dress that reached her ankles. She was smiling, but she did look less pleased than he’d expected. “We’ve made peace, but we’re not the greatest of friends. Maybe she thinks I’ll fuck things up with Harmonia.”

“I doubt she’s that concerned about us,” Harmonia said as she walked up behind him and joined them. “I think she’s lonely.”

Hermes raised his eyebrows. “I’m sure she’s not having trouble finding companionship.”

“But everyone is falling in love and getting married. Everyone in her life is finding something real, not a new person to play with. See what I mean?”

Apollo nodded. “Yes. It’s hard to imagine her in that kind of relationship though.”

“I know,” Harmonia said. “Maybe that’s why she wants it so much.”

Apollo took a breath and held it a few moments. He let it out and kissed Harmonia on the cheek. “Hypnos and Daphne are happy. I’m the only one still upset. I’m going to go talk to her.”

Harmonia looked a bit apprehensive, but then she nodded. “All right. I know you mean well. She will too.”

He squeezed her hand and walked over to Aphrodite. As he did so, he realized lots of people were glancing at him and becoming interested.

Aphrodite looked up at him. She didn’t seem afraid or apprehensive. She even smiled, but he saw Harmonia was right. Deep in her eyes, Aphrodite looked incredibly sad.

He dove right in. “Aphrodite, you’ve apologized many times, and you did what you thought best in an effort to make me and Daphne happy. We are now, though it isn’t what anyone else expected. As angry as I ever was, I accept your apology. I want us to be friends.”

“You do?”

“Of course. I’m falling quite hard for your daughter. You and I need to be on good terms.”

She stared at him for a moment, and he knew her powers were working, further verifying the truth of his words. She smiled. “It seems you are. I already thought as much.” She reached for his hand, and he grasped it warmly.

“I feel so different. The last effects of the arrow are gone, I’m sure. I don’t want you to be sad about any of it anymore.”

She nodded. “I’m not sad. Everyone keeps saying I look sad.”

“Well then, thoughtful. You look like you have a lot on your mind.”

“Gods, does she ever!”

Apollo turned to see Hera standing very close to him.

“Really?” he said.

“My son is driving her mad,” Hera explained, giving him a look that said she was sure that explained everything.

He glanced over at Ares.

Hera shook her head. “Other son.”

He switched his glance to Hephaestus. He was standing between Ares and Alala. Alala kept glancing over at them, obviously having noticed their group was getting some attention. Hephaestus always looked awkward in social situations, but at the moment the entire group looked uncomfortable. Hephaestus glanced up after saying something to Ares, and his gaze fixed on Aphrodite.

“Aphrodite is trying to help him win some mystery girl,” Hera said when Apollo didn’t react. “She’s having a very hard time of it. I’m guessing the lady in question either doesn’t know a good thing when she sees it or simply doesn’t know what she wants.”

“Hera, I want your son to be happy. I really do,” Aphrodite said.

Hera smiled casually even though, to Apollo, Aphrodite sounded very serious. “Oh, I know. I’m teasing. It’s driving me mad not knowing who it is.” She snapped her fingers and a large pink cocktail appeared in her hand. “I think he needs a little harassment. Later, you two.”

Apollo could tell Aphrodite did not like that idea, but she still remained silent.

“Hard to keep secrets from Hera, huh?” he asked.

“Yes, very.” She sighed heavily. “I’m doing all I can. It’s unfair to rush things.”

He didn’t know what to say, but he did add, “I’m sure you are. I hope it all works out for the best. Sometimes the best isn’t always what was expected, you know?”

She nodded. “I do. I certainly do.” She looked around. “Excuse me. I want to talk to my son before he leaves.”

She dashed away quickly, even though Eros and his wife Iris didn’t seem to be on the verge of leaving. Iris was on her third piece of cake and Eros had just freshened his drink. Apollo walked back to Harmonia, who was talking with Persephone.

He wrapped his arm around her waist as he listened to the two women talk about the change in Hypnos and their hopes for him and Daphne. He wished them the very best. He’d been blessed the night Harmonia had dragged him out of that bar, though at the time he hadn’t thought so. He couldn’t wait to take her back to his bed and show her again how happy she was making him.