Giving It Up for the Gods Read online

A low growl rumbled from his throat. “You don’t need any. Sit and eat. With a mouth like yours, you have to keep your strength up for all the fights you must get yourself into.”

  She stared at his broad chest, then up into his suntanned face. No man should have cheekbones like cut glass or eyelashes that swept up and down like soot-covered fans. When he stood close like this, his faint frankincense essence made her mouth dry and her body yearn for all the hot, sensual games he could teach her. Her nipples pearled and poked at the thin denim of his cut-down shirt. Damp heat flooded her cunt, and a blast of sexual energy fogged her brain. ”Sorry? I don’t need any what?”

  “Beauty sleep. Damn it woman, even Cleopatra and that Troy woman pale compared to you. Now sit down, cover yourself up, and listen. Saul’s a good friend, so do yourself a favor and don’t call those snotty bastards he fathered his kids.”

  Neptune’s balls, was that a compliment? From Jase, the Siren-hating minion? Maybe she shouldn’t write him off just yet. She wanted to block out the world—primal gods, mysterious minions, their horny teenager companions and all. Instead, she sank back in the chair and sighed. “My name came top of the solstice sacrifice list. Mum rang and warned me when she found out, but those mermaids had already arrived at Country and Western Heaven.”

  He crouched beside her, one hand on her shoulder as he held her gaze. “You’re safe now, I promise.”

  She hadn’t realized how isolated and vulnerable she’d felt. His touch warmed her deep inside, and with a small sigh, she rested her cheek on his hand. “Seriously, my best option is to screw someone before Neptune can get his hands on me. I hate to pass the problem on to one of my sisters, but most of them aren’t too bothered by who they bed. Sometimes it feels like a contest to see who can collect the first scalp. Some even think fucking with Neptune’s an honor, but that’s just wrong on every level.”

  Jase did that growling thing again, and flames glowed in the pupils of his eyes. His skin heated beneath her fingers as his anger flowed into her shoulders and her cheek. Her defenses crumbled, and she admitted, “When I left Scopuli still a virgin, a few of my sisters suggested there was something lacking in me.”

  Before Jase answered, Saul strode back into the room. “Actually, it’s something lacking in them. You’re a throwback to when Sirens had feathers and wings. How much do you know of your origins?”

  Is it my fault I never knew my father? Damn it, even a first name would be good, but Mum can’t remember. She sat up straighter, face blank, and recited as if she read from a textbook. “We were once winged maidens born of the earth but able to take to the skies.”

  She grinned when she realized how solemn she sounded, and forced herself to relax. “Juno shoved us into a singing contest with the Muses. Then the bitch skewed the result. As part of the victory celebrations, the Muses stripped us of our feathers and wings, but they couldn’t touch our immortality. As we plummeted to earth, our forms changed. Guess what?” Her smile was all mischief and charm. “Now we’re every man’s sexual fantasy rather than flightless birds. We’ve neither forgiven nor forgotten the pain and humiliation, but we’re tougher than anyone expected. Okay, we’re mouthy creatures with a vicious streak a mile wide, but we’re sexy as hell. See, we make the best of what the Muses and Juno left us.”

  Chapter Six

  Lindy blinked hard, determined not to cry over things that had happened centuries past. Not only had the Sirens actually lost their singing contest, but Juno’s cheating had gouged wounds in their psyches. Jase squeezed her shoulder, but she stiffened and stared at Saturn—Saul, or whatever name he was using today. Had he just called her a throwback? Was that like calling a human a Neanderthal? Whatever he meant, it didn’t sound good.

  What with the stark expression and the downturned corners of his mouth, he looked so dejected that for once she kept her lips zipped. His voice, formal if a touch arctic, chilled her as much as her earlier bike ride. “Please, Lindy, accept my apologies and let me explain. Neptune’s an ass, but he’s a powerful one. Along with his two brothers and his sister, Juno, he stole something very precious from me. I despise the lot of them, but Jupiter was the ringleader.”

  Shocked that a parent could hate his own children, Lindy couldn’t meet Saul’s gaze. His naturally pale complexion turned translucent. Maybe it was a good thing her dad hadn’t hung around after all. Whatever Saul’s kids had done, they’d hurt him deeply, and after his last outburst, she didn’t dare ask for details. Not that it was any of her business, but Sirens were as curious as they were irresistibly sexy.

  Saul’s shut-down expression and utter stillness scared her more than his rage. “They almost destroyed me, and for a while, life didn’t seem worth living. I grieved for centuries, but now I’m functioning again, I intend to obliterate the lot of them. For you, I’m willing to start with Neptune.”

  Saul’s pain pulsed around him so strong she could feel it. She ached to comfort him, but he’d raised barriers she didn’t dare breach. Instead, she offered a smile. “Apology accepted, and for what it’s worth, you don’t have to explain.”

  He reached out and patted her hand, then pulled back as if touching her had burned him. He swallowed hard and said softly, “I think maybe I do. If my loss hadn’t weakened me, I’d have wiped Neptune from the face of the planet, but Circe intervened. She knows Indian mysticism and ancient magics—as well being a sorceress and minor Roman goddess. Thanks to her, Neptune’s become a watery version of the Green Man. He’s reborn during the summer solstice, as long as he fucks a virgin. Apparently his sacrifice of choice is a Siren. In this case, you.”

  She sat, left hand entwined with Jase’s, but if anyone ever looked like they needed a hug, it was his motorcycle-riding buddy. If she touched Saul, he’d probably blow a gasket. She’d worked that out when he practically shoved her off the back of his bike. Then again, who was she to hug a god? Besides, she didn’t want to let go of Jase’s hand. “We don’t all go willingly. Neptune broke something in the Sirens’ collective psyche when he destroyed Atlantis. My sisters claim they screw anything in trousers to preserve our species, but sometimes I think they’re just scared.”

  Jase sat on the chair arm and draped his free hand around her shoulders. His smile set off small electric charges down the length of her spine. Gorgeous or what? Maybe he preferred her softer, more sympathetic side to her warrior nature. Not that she cared. She liked herself just the way she was, and she wouldn’t change—even to please him.

  He seemed to realize he held her in his arms, and shot to his feet. With an angry growl, he started pacing.

  He’ll never get past his hatred of Sirens. Give up on him and charm Saul.

  Jase froze when he reached her side. He refused to meet her gaze, just towered over her, gritted his teeth, and told her, “I always knew Juno was a bitch, even back when she was playing daddy’s little darling, but all the time she was feeding information to her brothers. Don’t worry, I won’t let Neptune or his minions near you.”

  His touch was a catalyst that set off a chemical reaction inside her. Her pussy creamed with molten honey, but her wanton side battled her common sense. She should up and leave. She knew that…really. Only, with Neptune’s goons on her trail, she’d nowhere to hide.

  She sat straighter in the chair and glowered right back. “Some of my sisters preserve their virginity in the hope they’ll be chosen to mate with a god. Of course, there’s never been any offspring, and if their lot’s chosen, at least they’re mentally prepared, and above all, they’re willing. I was stupid not to give up my virginity sooner.”

  Another furious rumble rolled about Jase’s throat, and for the first time, she noticed his horns. Short and spiky, they emerged from his hair in sexy little points that she wanted to stroke. She’d thought his hair was black, but against his ebony horns, it was more the color of the midnight sky.

  Neptune’s balls, I’ve never seen a more attractive male.

  If Saul was a god, Jase was a demon—one
with dark eyes, pupils that burned like tongues of flame, and wicked, lickable horns. And she definitely wanted to be the one doing the licking. Her sisters had told her how much demons liked that. Not that the Sirens bedded demons often. Demons were strong willed and almost immune to Siren song. But those horns… They made Lindy’s mouth water, and she needed to run her tongue over them. Maybe if she did that, Jase would groan with satisfaction. Yeah, she’d really like to make him do that. And why am I wasting my time fantasizing over a male who hates Sirens?

  No wonder Jase had seemed deadly and dangerous as he plowed his way through the country and western club—because that was exactly what he was.

  Saturn—damn it, I can’t think of him as anything but Saul—moved like he was allergic to a feminine touch. He shot out of reach, blinked, and forced a smile. “Your throwback genetics make you stronger than the other Sirens, and whatever Neptune broke in your race’s psyche, it didn’t affect you.”

  Did he just call me a Neanderthal again? She’d always known gods came with a built-in arrogance, but he took condescending up a gear. At least he seemed happy she didn’t join the queue to leap into Neptune’s bed. And Jase… Jase was a fascinating mix of anger, intensity, and sex appeal. Who knew demons came packaged in a gruff exterior and give-me-your-panties grace—not that she was wearing any. Hey, Jase, easy access guaranteed. And despite the size of his erection, he’d ruled himself out when it came to sex.

  “Lindy? Are you still with us?” Saul laughed.

  Great. Now she’d detoured off into her own world, and thank goodness her inattention hadn’t insulted a primal god. One who kept his sunglasses and gloves on in the house. Maybe he thought touching her defiled him in some way, which sort of scotched a Siren-and-god combo later. Or maybe tossing lightning bolts left scars, but she’d only find out if he pulled off his fingerless gloves and blasted her. Yeah, really trying not to go there. Besides now that she’d met Jase, she knew exactly where her virginity was heading.

  She stiffened her spine and tried to pretend she was as strong as Saul thought, but she couldn’t meet his gaze. “Okay, Mr. Saturn, sir, I get that Neptune’s toast if he doesn’t fuck a virgin on the summer equinox, but they didn’t draw lots this time. Why me?”

  She shot a quick glance at Jase when he gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. He’s turned friendly all of a sudden, not that I’m complaining. The whites of his eyes glowed black, and the irises flickered as if filled with flames. All that latent power, sexuality, and strength gave him a dark, seductive edge that she found…enthralling. She almost moaned and kissed his fingers, but when she remembered he’d already told her he wasn’t interested, it turned into a whimper.

  Torn between throwing herself into his arms and saying point-blank she wouldn’t be joining some demon harem, she licked her lips and smiled. Well, maybe for one night or even a month—make that a year—she could enjoy his sensual side. His red-eyed gaze fixed on her and he grinned. A-maz-ing. She wriggled her hips, trying to ease the pressure building in her pussy, but he was offering comfort not sex. More’s the pity.

  As if he could read her thoughts, Jase sprang away and paced, horns extended, pupils glowing. His skin gleamed with red lights. He stared at Lindy with a hungry gaze and pursed lips. His body… Well, his hard-on showed how much he wanted her. It stood proud in his jeans, and she wanted to lean in, free it, and suck it between her lips. It hurt that this man made her want to do wicked things to his body, but he just wasn’t interested.

  “Rein it in and listen,” Saul snapped.

  Again Jase rested his hand on her shoulder, and gradually his humanity defeated his demonic nature. His smile was wicked, devilish even, and it gave her a glimpse of his fangs. “Sorry. I got a bit carried away there.”

  The way his skin faded from ruby-red back to his normal, olive-skinned complexion fascinated her. She hadn’t known demons could transform that way. Whatever form he took, she wanted him to hold her—or better yet, fuck her. She’d never craved a man’s touch the way she did his. The shame of it was that his demon half wanted her, but the human part of him…didn’t. Demons supposedly discarded lovers like drinkers did empty beer cans. Deep down, she craved faithful and forever. So much for her one-night stand.

  He plunked down in the second armchair. One glance in his direction, and her heart beat faster. Body overheating, she managed a smile. Magnificent, beautiful male. I wish he was mine.

  A new song filled with love, lust, and longing took root in her heart, but she clamped her lips shut. No way would she let the soft trill of notes spill from her lips, not for a man who couldn’t care less about her. When he sat forward, elbows on his knees, chin between his hands, she longed to switch chairs and snuggle up on his lap. Best of all, if his hard-on was anything to go by, he might still be up for sex. There was nothing dormant about Jase.

  For the first time, she understood what drove her sisters when they screwed the males they’d enchanted. She hadn’t known desire was a two-way street, which meant Sirens enjoyed their lovers as much as their lovers enjoyed them. Sure, they had various tricks and games to bring their menfolk to heel, but Lindy had never bothered to learn them.

  More’s the pity, she thought as she stared at Jase. Only, she wanted a willing lover, not one bound to her by her song. Besides, no one had ever enthralled a demon.

  Lindy curled up in her chair like a wary kitten or maybe a leopard cub waiting to pounce, but she kept her gaze on Saul. “I must be more tired than I thought. I keep wandering off in some sort of daydream. Again, why did Neptune pick on me?”

  Merc burst into the room, and the way he was engrossed in his computer tablet made him seem more adolescent teenager than ancient deity. “Did I leave my charger— Oh, great, I’ve interrupted something I shouldn’t, but I thought you’d have told her about Circe by now.”

  Steam didn’t come out Saul’s ears, but his frown made the teen back off. And there went Jase, doing that seductive red-skin-and-horn thing again. Damn it, no daydreams. Not when Circe’s involved in this mess.

  She shot to her feet as though she’d escaped an electric chair. “What the hell’s Circe got to do with this? You mentioned her earlier, but I thought we were talking hypotheticals and ancient history here. That bitch stood beside Juno and used her magic to rob us of our birthright. On top of everything, she saved Neptune from your wrath. Everyone knows she hates Sirens, but why has she singled out me?”

  Seriously, could her day get any worse? The entire preternatural world despised Circe; then a few centuries back, she’d vanished without a trace. “Look, Mr. Saturn, I’m sorry, but I want nothing to do with her.”

  Jase snarled. “She’s a stinking piece of trash who meddles in things she shouldn’t. Now that she’s resurfaced, she’s become Neptune’s favorite soothsayer and oracle.”

  Saul concentrated on Lindy. “When her scrying showed her your inner strength along with the fact that you were still virgin, she realized Neptune could use you to break his curse. Since he named you for the solstice sacrifice, it’s a bloody good bet she told him what to do. If he tastes your blood as he screws you on one of the ancient pagan altars, then he’s home free. Bastard that he is, he’ll probably drain your blood and bathe in it. I’m sorry, Lindy, but he’s taken the idea to heart.”

  “Hey”—Mercury grinned and offered Lindy his hand—“come to my room. I’ll do you as often as you like. See, problem solved.”

  Lindy hissed. Her fangs lengthened, and her fingers extended into talons. “I need a man, not a boy.”

  Jase growled. His back broadened. His horns straightened, and his jeans ripped as his thighs muscles stretched. His skin looked dusted with ground-up rubies. He shoved Lindy behind him, swiped Mercury’s hand aside, and stalked toward him—a lethal predator homing in on his prey.

  “Damn it, boy, do you have a death wish?” Saul nudged Mercury toward the door, but it slammed shut. “Jase, stop being a jerk and open the damned door.”

  Jase growled and
took another step toward Mercury.

  “I don’t know which one of you is the most annoying—the ancient god trapped in a sixteen-year-old’s body or the demon pretending to be a man. Calm down.” Saul stood between Jase and the boy. “There’s no harm done. Don’t make me choose between family and friends. Get some control here, please. Lindy, tell him you’ve no intention of fucking anyone but him.”

  Jase grabbed hold of Lindy and pulled her close. “Protect her. Keep her. Fuck her myself,” he rumbled, his voice deep and unearthly. He grabbed her good wrist and hauled her up against him. “Whether I want her or not.”

  Really? So unwilling? Thanks, pal. You might as well stick a knife in my heart. She couldn’t do this, no matter how much sensuality her demon projected—and she was talking seismographic here.

  Since she couldn’t break free, she kicked barefoot at his shins. “Back off, mister. I’m after a one-night stand with a human, not bullying from a monster. This is just too weird, but no way am I screwing any of you tonight or ever. And Jase, whatever you did to the door, undo it. Now! I’m going to get some sleep, but I’ll be leaving in the morning.”

  The longer Jase held her, the calmer he seemed. Lindy felt torn. Part of her wanted to run, but instead, she stroked his cheek. At her touch, his horns shrank and lay back against his head. She was a fool to crave his kiss—crave him—so badly, but if he fingered her pussy, he’d find it damp with desire. Almost, she forgave him his earlier rejection, and she unconsciously arched her back to draw his gaze down to her breasts. Yeah. That’s definitely working. With a soft sigh, she pressed one leg between his and ran her foot up and down his calf.

  Jase’s whole demeanor softened, and with a tender smile, he leaned toward her. As his lips inched toward hers, the door swung open seemingly of its own accord, and Mercury shot through it. He glanced up the stairs, apparently thought better of it, and headed off to the kitchen.

  Lindy’s libido withered in an instant. She remembered Jase carrying her up those stairs and dumping her on the bed. No matter how much her body demanded his touch—just desperately and forever—she wasn’t risking him rejecting her again. She slid out of his arms. As she stormed up stairs, Jase made to follow.