Worth It - Lisa Oliver Page 0,28

forgiven, and we’re all moving forward with our happy mated lives. Oh, is that why you want to visit, Zeus? Have you found your mate too?”

“In a way…” Zeus trailed off. He really wanted to have this conversation in person.

“My wards are open to you, Zeus,” Hades said, his voice a bit warmer this time. “We’re in the family living room. Ali insists I spend the afternoon with my feet up.”

“I will be there directly and thank you.” Zeus closed the connection, and quickly thought of a mating gift. His fingers flew over the keyboard as he searched for exclusive gift baskets. Seeing one that didn’t have alcohol in it, and yet wasn’t festooned with pink or flowers, he magicked one up, changed his clothes into jeans and an open necked shirt, and made the two second trip from Olympus to the Underworld.

Hades had gotten big. Zeus and his brother had similar builds in their human form, with their only differences being their hair color. But the Hades who was resting on the couch, being tended to by a bright young man was a lot softer in his face and more mellow than the brother Zeus remembered.

“Zeus, you’re looking well.” Hades nodded briefly. “I would get up, but…” he waved a hand at his belly. “The blessings from the Fates can be hard on the back sometimes. May I introduce Ali, my gorgeous and eternally patient mate.”

“Oh, wow.” Ali bounced up running over and Zeus found himself the recipient of a very enthusiastic hug. “You don’t look anything like I imagined, but then I said the same to Sei when we finally started talking again. Look at you and ooh…” Ali sniffed the air. “You’re mated. You’ve been claimed by… by…”

“Ali, babe,” Hades said warmly. “It’s really not good manners to go sniffing our guest, especially one bearing gifts. Is that for us?”

“I wasn’t sure what to bring,” Zeus said awkwardly, freeing himself from Ali’s clutches and putting the gift basket on the nearest table. “I figured you had everything for the baby, so this is a token really. But,” he held out his hands, “May I?”

“Come close, brother. There’s no need to ask.”

“What?” At least Ali was diverted from the mating questions Zeus knew would have to be answered eventually. “What’s Zeus doing? Does he have midwife skills? Can he tell when our baby is coming?”

“That would be your friend Silvanus.” Zeus closed his eyes as his hands hovered over Hades’ extended stomach. Energies arched up to meet his hands, and Zeus heard Ali gasp. Tilting his head slightly, Zeus opened his eyes, smiled and moved his hands away. “You have indeed been blessed, brother.”

Twirling the energies in his hand, Zeus formed them into a ball, and then with thought, created a stand for the ball to sit on. Now encapsulated in crystal, the energies zoomed and pinged their way around their enclosure, causing a soft light to form. “A most fitting night light perhaps?”

“It’s beautiful.” Hades smiled, and Zeus had to think of the last time he’d seen his brother look so relaxed. Never, his brain supplied helpfully. “Ali, be a dear and put this somewhere safe.”

“I’m almost afraid to touch it.” Ali reached for it slowly. “Is this… did this come from our baby?”

“Every life force is made of energy.” Zeus handed Ali the ball. “Your baby’s spirit is particularly strong and keen to be born. I imagine, although that would be Hera’s field rather than mine, the child will be born within the week.”

“Which gives us time to talk now,” Hades said quickly as Ali looked worried. “Silvanus promised he would be here when it’s time, babe. Go and ask Folsom to make some afternoon tea, please, and maybe put that in the nursery yourself. Folsom’s likely to drop it.”

Ali exchanged a long look with Hades, but then carefully made his way across the room, still holding the magical light. “Folsom?” He yelled as he went out the door and down the hall. “Do not touch it. It’s not for you. The Master wants afternoon tea for three.”

There were some mutterings, but Zeus couldn’t hear what was being said. He looked around and took the chair opposite the couch Hades was sitting on. “You look good, brother,” he said honestly. “I’m really pleased to see you so happy at last, and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Hades smiled. “So come on, spill. Ali will be back shortly, and he’ll insist