(Glory St Clair 11) Real Vampires Say Read My Hips (7 page)

“My daughter Hebe has found a daughter who was lost to her for many years. Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, Gloriana. Treat her with all the respect due her station as beloved of my wife Hera and I. We are happy to have such a beautiful addition to our family. Who, you may ask, is her father?” He gazed around the room. “It is not Hebe’s husband, who is still away fighting a war which it seems will never end. One cannot blame my daughter for seeking comfort for her loneliness.” His gaze raked the room, as if daring anyone to think ill of my mother.

Hera made a sound and I noticed that she really wanted to say something but kept her mouth closed at a sharp glance from Zeus. He nodded then went on.

“Of course we respect the bonds of matrimony as my wife reminds me. Hebe regrets her lapse and has been adequately punished for that by losing touch with Gloriana for many, many years.” He glanced at Hera and was rewarded with a slight smile. “But that will not keep us from now acknowledging this daughter and seeking to bring her into our world here at Olympus. I am sure you will make her welcome. And I am sure Gloriana’s father will be happy to learn he has a daughter as well.” Zeus paused, for dramatic effect, I was sure.

“Mars, come forward and meet your daughter.”

There were gasps and a stir as the crowd parted and Mars strode forward from the back of the room. No armor for him tonight. He was in the same snowy toga as the rest of the men. It was short to show off his muscular legs and he wore it belted. He wore a shiny silver breastplate, small and emblazoned with a crest that marked him as a military man. He stopped just feet from my mother and touched her hand.

“Hebe, is this true? We had a daughter and you never told me?” He looked very solemn, no, furious. “Where has she been all this time?”

I could almost see the crowd leaning forward, eager to get the gossip as my mother nodded, tears streaking down her cheeks. I couldn’t stand it.

“Mars? Are you really my father?” I blinked as tears filled my eyes too. “Will you acknowledge me?”

He quit glaring at my mother and turned to me. He looked me up and down and the most beautiful smile broke over his sun-browned face. Before I knew what he was going to do, he stepped forward and grabbed me, picking me up in a tremendous hug.

“By the hand of Zeus, I acknowledge this beautiful girl as my own daughter.” He kissed me on each cheek then set me down again. His dark eyes were glittering. “I couldn’t be more proud.” He looked up at Zeus. “This is an honor I didn’t expect, Sire. Thank you for allowing me to claim this perfect child. If I’d known she existed, I would have raised her from a babe, taken full responsibility from the moment of her birth.”

Zeus smiled. “I am sure you would have. You and my daughter need to talk. I hope you will resolve your issues and work together to make Gloriana’s life here a happy one.” He quit smiling. “Now is not the time for such a discussion however. We are here for a celebration. I want to see everyone eating, drinking and,” he glanced at Hera, “enjoying themselves. It is my command.” And with that he stood and walked down to the crowd, nodding to certain courtiers and kissing some of the women on the cheek. He suddenly had a goblet in his hand and totally ignored his wife, still on her throne.

“Mars.” My mother edged closer to me.

“You heard your father, Hebe. Not now. I want to speak to my daughter.” Mars reached out and snagged two goblets off a tray being passed by a handmaiden. “We are celebrating. Come, Gloriana, there are people I want you to meet.” He put an arm around my waist and led me into the crowd.

I looked back and saw my mother approach Hera. My grandmother was surrounded by handmaidens who were bringing her food and drink. Several courtiers had also come closer and were fawning over her. My mother looked lonely and actually a little scared. Then a handsome man approached her and I saw her light up, turning on the charm like she always did.

“Don’t worry about your mother, Gloriana. She can take care of herself.” Mars stopped next to a banquet table. “But she obviously didn’t take care of you. Tell me what happened. But not here. We need to meet. I want details. I know something of your background because of how we met before.” He picked up a perfect apple and tossed it up and down like a baseball. Nerves? I couldn’t believe it.

“I think we have to stay here for a while. I’ve already learned that you don’t disobey Zeus or make him mad.” I was into the wine again. False courage. I felt someone at my back and turned. Dionysus.

“Put on your happy faces, people. You are the guests of honor, you know. Gloriana, you have many aunts, uncles and cousins to meet. Allow me to do the honors. Mars, quit glowering at me and follow along like a dutiful papa. But first go placate your wife. She has picked up a knife and seems likely to do murder. Can you calm her? Or should we send her to your rooms with a pair of soldiers as escort?” He laughed merrily. “This is one of my best parties yet. Great gossip, perfect food and wine and Hera looks like she could eat ground glass.” Dionysus clapped his hands. “Start the music!”

To my surprise an indie rock band began playing on a stage that emerged from one side of the massive marble hall. I guess I’d expected lutes and lyres. But this group had obviously evolved and several couples got the dancing going. One god let loose a few lightning bolts with his extreme dance moves. Obviously he’d hit the wine too hard. He was helped outside by soldiers.

“My wife. Excuse me, Gloriana. I need to do something about this. Zeus has his ways and I know he is our leader, but a warning here might have helped prevent some pain and embarrassment.” Mars frowned and hurried over to a woman who had her own group of sympathizers surrounding her while she waved her arms and shouted. Yes, she did seem to have a knife in one hand. The music drowned out their conversation but clearly it was heated. Finally Mars gestured for that pair of soldiers and the woman who must be his wife was led weeping out of the room.

“Don’t worry about her, Gloriana.” Dionysus led me to a group of people across the room. “Roxanne is unstable at the best of times. No one blames Mars for seeking the comfort of another woman’s bed.”

I had nothing to say to that and was soon surrounded by dozens of gods, goddesses and nymphs, all eager to meet Hebe’s daughter. There were also wizards and other assorted creatures that looked human but obviously weren’t. I had goddess radar now and it was buzzing warnings constantly. After three hours Dionysus finally whispered in my ear that I could leave since Zeus had slipped out with one of his many mistresses and Hera had retired with one of her famous headaches.

“Thank goodness. I can’t wait to get out of here.” I had filled my plate twice with goodies from the buffet but not even the delicious aroma of roasted pig could get the food past my closing throat. Being the center of attention in
this
crowd was too much for me. Plus I’d never keep all the Greek or Roman names straight.

“Let me walk you to your rooms.” Mars hadn’t left my side for even a moment once his wife was gone.

“Thanks.” I headed for the doors. As soon as we were outside, I relaxed. I’d been “on” for hours.

“You were vampire when we met before.” Mars said this quietly.

“It was how I managed to stay alive, Mars.” I glanced at him. “Would you let me call you Dad?” I braced myself for the vampire talk. He didn’t look happy. “Or Father?”

“Call me whatever you wish.” He stopped in the middle of the path directly in front of me. “Daughter. I am amazed and delighted. I don’t know what your mother told you about our relationship…”

“That you love each other. She’s not happy in her marriage. I’m glad she has you.” I reached out and took his hand. “Dad. You can’t know how I’ve longed for a family. This is a miracle.”

He squeezed my hand then looked away. “A complicated one. Damn Hebe. Why did she hide you from me? It drives me mad to think of you fending for yourself. All the dangers on Earth you had to face. So horrible that you had to rely on a vampire!” He tugged me into his arms. “I’m sorry you weren’t here, with me.”

“I think Mother did what she thought was best at the time.” I couldn’t believe I was defending her.

Mars pushed back and shook his head. “She made a mistake. She knows I love all my children. I would have found a way…” He sighed. “Too late to change things of course. Gloriana, you have brothers and sisters now. You should meet them. I will arrange it!” His eyes lit up.

“Sure, I’ll meet them. But I’m not up to it tonight.” I blurted out what I needed him to know before he got too excited about this family reunion. “Please, listen to me. I don’t plan to stay here. I, I want to go home.” There, I’d said it. He got a look on his face, like he was about to go into battle. Determined.

“
This
should be your home. You should take your rightful place here, Gloriana. As a granddaughter of Zeus, it is a powerful one.” Mars put his hands on my shoulders. “When I remember how you were a blood sucker, with a dangerous life on Earth…” He shook his head when I started to speak and held onto both my shoulders with an iron grip. “Don’t deny it. I was there when you faced a threat from a voodoo priestess. And I’m sure that wasn’t the first time you were at risk. Was it?”

“Well, no. But I survived down there for over four hundred years, Dad. And now that I know about my Olympus powers…” I smiled, “Thanks to you and Mother, I will be fine. I have a good life down there and Jerry, my fiancé. We are to be married soon.”

“Impossible.” His frown was scary and I tried to wiggle away from his grasp. Not happening. “I will not let Hebe off lightly for this. She has much to explain.”

“That’s between you and my mother.” I lifted my chin. “My rightful place is back down there. Being a bloodsucker as you call it is what I am. I
must
go back.” Tears choked me. I finally jerked away from him and saw that my bedchamber was just steps away. I still didn’t understand this world or how the rooms were set up but I recognized my room and the golden door with my initials painted in the center. A silly detail but at least it helped me now.

“Gloriana, wait!” Mars was right behind me as I wrenched open the door. “We must talk. What is down there that you feel you must return to such a sordid existence?”

“I told you. My lover. Jeremiah Campbell. Jeremy Blade. You met him. Even thought he was a fine warrior, I know you did.” I faced him, this man I knew now was my father. His eyes had gone from kind to hard and ruthless. I knew one of his powers included standing as the deity for a voodoo religion. Sure enough, I sensed a wash of dark power around him now. It sent a chill through me but didn’t scare me. Had I inherited some of that juju? The thought gave me a kind of twisted satisfaction. I shouldn’t rush home without learning what I could about that and any other new things that could help me. I narrowed my eyes at this new father of mine when he smiled.

“Oh, no, you don’t. If you’re planting thoughts in my mind, stop it now.” I shook my head and refused to make eye contact with him before my mind went off the rails entirely.

“I only want what’s best for you, Gloriana.” He leaned against the door frame but didn’t come inside. “That vampire male you think you love? Surely you can’t believe you will be going back to him. It’s not seemly, Gloriana. No daughter of mine will be with a vampire.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest, in full warrior mode now and issuing orders. Clearly he had no idea how to handle me as he’d soon find out.

“It’s way too late for you to dictate to me, Mars. I raised myself. I was left on my own for hundreds, no, more than a thousand years and I survived. I’m my own woman and I won’t just fall into the goddess line here. I’m a vampire and proud of it. Deal with it.” I planted a hand on his shiny breastplate, gave him a firm push then slammed the door in his face.

I leaned against the door, my heart pounding. Had I really just told off the god of war? I waited for an explosion or at least the crackling and smell of fire after a lightning bolt hit the wooden door. The silence and lack of action almost scared me more than if Mars had lost his cool. I looked up and met the frightened gazes of half a dozen handmaidens. Of course they’d heard the whole thing. One of them sucked it up and came forward.

“You’d better lie down, mistress. If we lay the blame on a brain seizure, surely he will forgive your outburst.” She led me to the bed and helped me take off my sandals. Another handmaiden pulled back the covers while a third laid a cool cloth on my forehead. They all looked worried, wringing their hands and whispering among themselves.

What would happen if Mars burst into the room and took out his anger on them? I ordered them out of the room, relieved when they scurried away through yet another set of doors I’d never noticed before. Then I closed my eyes and waited. When nothing happened, I guess I fell asleep, thinking maybe I’d won the first round. But when I woke up I was still in Olympus and my parents were standing over me, determined looks on their faces. Somehow I knew I wasn’t going to like what they had to say.

Chapter 4

I was about to throw back the covers and confront them when I realized I wasn’t wearing anything. I’d dreamed I was with Jerry last night. It had been pretty hot. Great that I could dream at all—vamps couldn’t do that--and now I realized I must be able to change or lose my clothing in my sleep. Freaky.

“Could you give me a minute? I’d like to get dressed, brush my teeth and maybe, I don’t know, wake up?” It was clear from the looks on their faces that they were going to try to bully me into staying here. I had to persuade them to let me go home. For a moment I panicked. On the power-o-meter, I was a one and they were off the charts.

“Gloriana, relax. We can certainly read your thoughts.” My mother smiled, obviously deciding to try a softer approach. “Mars, let’s go into her sitting room and have breakfast while our daughter pulls herself together. Don’t make us wait long, darling.” She hooked her arm through her lover’s, pulling him from the bedside.

“Don’t think to make a run for it, Gloriana. There’s nowhere to hide up here and no one who will help you.” Mars lifted my mother’s hand from his arm. Oh, still mad at her. “We’ll wait for ten minutes then we’ll be back.” The commander had issued his orders.