Season's Change: Summer: A Goddess Legacy Companion Novel (Goddess Legacy 1.5) (12 page)

"I came from the line that started with Phorcys and Ceto. They were sea gods who were both created from Gaia, a goddess of nature. They had some monster offspring that paired themselves with more noble mates to produce a better line. But since the monster genes are in my family's gene pool, sometimes new gods can be more monster than noble." He paused and looked down. "Even those of us who are not monsters tend to have
evil
tendencies."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, let's just say my mother's behavior comes naturally." "What about the rest? Have you ever lived here before?"

"Yes. Well, not in this town, we lived about ten miles out of town when I was a

baby."

"So
your
family could be why my mom left?"

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I don't know for sure, but, yes, I

think my family was partly to blame. It's not like my mom has ever given me a play-by- play of her actions."

I dropped his arm and folded mine over my chest. "And the prophecy?"

"I don't know anything else about that. Like I said before, I just found out about it a few weeks ago. I already told you everything I know about that," he whispered.

"What else don't I know that you know that I should know?" I wondered if my question made sense to him, but it was obvious that it did.

"Umm . . ." He shrugged one shoulder. "I'm sure you're most curious about your family. After I found out about the prophecy, I tried to do some research. I haven't really come up with anything." But it was obvious he wasn't being completely forthcoming.

"You know something."

"Only pieces. I haven't connected them yet, so I can't really say what I do know.

Believe me, if I did, I would tell you. You know I can't deny you anything." "What about my name?"

He stared at me cautiously. I apparently hit a topic he'd already considered. "Melissa told me Season was a family name. I figured it was a hippie thing, but

maybe instead of Season being a family name, it's representative of my family somehow. And when I was in Florida, I did some research and found out Zeus was born in Crete. That's my last name. Like you told me, there are no coincidences."

"I've thought about both of those, and I think you're right. But what I think about your name is part of those pieces; it's still a puzzle."

"Please just tell me." I touched his shoulder. I knew it wasn't fair to persuade him this way, but at this point, I didn't care.

"Okay," he whispered in defeat. "I figured you came from one of Zeus's lines because of your last name. But . . ." He looked at me intently. "Zeus has many, many lines. He has many offspring created from many different entities. It's a start, but not a very good one."

I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"But he did produce an offspring with a goddess, who descended from Gaia, the goddess of nature."

"The same one that your ancestors descended from?"

"Yes. We have a few weather abilities mixed in our line because of Gaia, but her line through Demeter, the goddess I considered, has a more natural, nurturing power."

"Demeter?"

"Yes, I think there's a possibility your family descended through that line. Your mom's name is Dem, a variation of Demeter. Your name is Season, and seasons are dependent on climate periods, which are natural, earthly. But I don't know this for sure. I don't want you to take this information as fact. I haven't verified anything."

"But that's a good guess."

"There's one more thing." He paused to make sure I was paying attention. "Because of Demeter's association with Zeus, she had ladies-in-waiting, priestesses, if you will. They were responsible for taking care of Demeter's needs. Whatever she needed, no matter what, they always took care of her. 'Melissa' was the title given to these women, which happens to be your guardian's name."

I shook my head and felt tears glistening in my eyes, shocked as those pieces fell into place. Chrys put his arms around me and hugged me gently. I stepped away, still dazed.

"Season, please . . .
please
don't tell anyone about this. If I'm not right, I don't want it to cause you any trouble. If I am right, no one can know it came from me. People who know about my lineage don't trust my family. If they find out you found out through me, they'll try to discredit the information."

I nodded and dabbed the tears from my eyes before they could spill over. "Thank you for telling me all this. I know you didn't want to talk here. It really does mean a lot to me that you did, though."

"Whatever you need, whenever you need it, I will always be here for you. Your needs are too important to me, and at this point, I don't really care what my mother thinks about us. I do want you safe, and if she knows we're talking about this, she'd freak out." He sighed, shaking his head. "But if you need to talk to me, then I'm going to be here for you, no matter what. I may not have all the answers, but I'll give you whatever I have . . . always."

I appreciated Chrys for helping me and was beginning to feel like he was a true friend. As long as he didn't expect anything romantic, then I was all for his friendship.

"
W
hat do you mean
, you have to be in the Fourth of July Parade?" I asked Chloe while we were testing out shades of blush at the mall.

"Our squad's doing a float. I'll be cheering and throwing out candy, and I want you to come and watch. Zach's going to be there. You can meet him."

I didn't want to go to the parade by myself, but she was my best friend. I could suck it up for one afternoon.

"When the parade's over, we can get a funnel cake and play some of the games until the fireworks display."

"No, I'll leave after the parade. I don't want to be a third wheel." "You don't have to be a third wheel. Bring Don with you." "I—I don't know about that."

"Season, c'mon! You are
dating
Don. There's nothing wrong with you asking him out for a change."

"I'll think about it." But I liked it better, knowing Don was doing all the asking at this point.

While Chloe picked out the shades she wanted, I told her about my conversation with Chrys. Even the details about how protective he was of me. She had paid for her products, and we were back in her car by the time I'd finished.

"I think we should do some research on this Demeter chick," she said, pulling out of the parking lot.

"Yeah."

"It seems weird, though, that he didn't want you telling anyone about this. I mean, I get what he said about his family, but still, you have a right to tell people."

"I don't think he meant it that way. He's just worried what people will say about him being the source."

"People like Melissa."

"And people like Don." "Don?" She frowned.

"Yes. Don thinks Chrys's family is bad news."

"Why? You don't think Don is like you and Chrys, do you?"

"No. Chrys called him mortal. Besides, there's that whole prophecy thing. Chrys acted like Don was an innocent bystander, unaware of his involvement. If I'm with Chrys, then Don can live a blissful life without me. If Don dies, then Chrys and I can't be together. He thinks Don is the link, but that
that
is the extent of his involvement."

"So are you going to keep this from Don?"

"I don't want to. He came over last night after I got home from work, and I wanted to tell him. But after the way he acted the last time we spoke about Chrys, I think I should wait until it makes sense to me before I try to explain it to him."

"So when are you seeing him again?"

"Tomorrow. He's taking me to his house for the official girlfriend meet-and-greet with his mom. He's sort of done that already with Melissa."

"Your mom's priestess." She laughed.

I stuck my tongue out at her. Priestess? What next?

T
he next morning
, I got up and got ready for my day with Don. Since I was nervous about seeing his mom and it was a million degrees outside, I searched for something nice to wear that'd keep me cool. I settled on a coral skirt, so hopefully, Don would be able to contain his desires a little more successfully than he did last time I wore one.

After I put on my silk shirt, I fixed my hair in a loose up-do, slipped on some flat shoes and accessories, and headed down to the living room. It was quiet since Laurel was at school, and Melissa was already at work, but I didn't have to wait long. I heard Don pull into the driveway and didn't wait for him to come to the door.

steps.

"What are you doing?" Don asked while I was locking the door.

I jumped. "You scared me!" I turned around, and he was walking up the porch

He laughed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He put his arms around my

waist and hugged me while watching my eyes. "You should have waited for me to come get you."

"Don't be silly, I heard you pull in."

"But you're by yourself, and it could've been someone else. Next time, please wait for me to come to you if you're here alone." His eyes showed concern. He was obviously bothered by the fact that I was home alone.

"Fine."

He took both my hands into his. "You look ravishing. That color is beautiful on you." He bent his head and kissed my cheek.

"Are you sure I look okay? I
am
in a skirt." I laughed.

"You can wear a skirt every day. I promise I won't mind at all." The corners of his mouth twitched, fighting a smile.

I rolled my eyes. "Let's go." I dropped one of his hands, keeping the other.

He followed me to his car, letting me in first. I leaned facing him, with my knees together, slanting toward the gearshift. I rested my arm casually on the middle console, so he could hold my hand if he wanted without having to reach for it on my bare legs. Even though he did recover by the end of our date the last time he touched my leg in a skirt, I knew we didn't have time to wait out a similar reaction.

My preparations weren't necessary because he didn't grab my hand. After pulling out of the driveway, he nonchalantly placed his hand on my left knee.

I suppressed a gasp, but I couldn't do anything about my racing heart. My breathing sped as I glanced down at his big, strong hand resting gently on my knee. He moved his hand softly, stroking my skin, and it felt absolutely wonderful. My leg tingled at his touch, and my mouth fell open for the air to come more easily. I was breathing much too fast at this point, unable to concentrate.

Good grief! I was worried about his reaction to the skirt, but I was the one falling to pieces! I needed to pull myself together. I took a deep breath and looked up at him.

He had a smug look on his face.

Smug?
I felt a challenge coming on. Two could play this game.

Don had on light tan shorts, which were loose and longer than my skirt, almost covering his knee, but that wouldn't stop me. I shifted slightly in preparation for my attack.

Don kept his eyes on the road while I set my plan into motion, but I decided I should first distract him in case he suspected my plot. I slipped my hand underneath his arm that rested across the console. I kept my eyes on him, and he smiled at my touch, but his smug expression didn't completely dissipate.

I rubbed his arm a few more times, and then I was ready to make my move. I eased my hand from his arm, moved it over to his right knee, and pushed back his shorts so that my palm was on his bare leg. His shorts fell over my hand, which was now only partly exposed. I gently stroked the inside of his thigh with my fingertips.

Don's expression suddenly shifted. No longer smug, I could tell he didn't expect me to touch his leg. Good. His breathing picked up, and it seemed as if he were trying hard to concentrate on something.

I didn't realize at first—since I was enjoying my little victory—that my breathing had, too, quickened again. I found myself caressing the inside of his leg more than I originally had planned. It felt so good. It obviously felt good to Don, too. He tried to control his reaction, but this time, he was letting himself enjoy the touch a little, rather than trying to ignore it all together.

His mouth fell open, and I could hear the quick breaths he was taking in. Every now and then, when he exhaled, he'd shut his eyes in a long blink. Just watching how he reacted made my heart pound in my chest. I felt flush all over, and even though the air conditioner was on in his car, it was beginning to feel very stuffy in here.

I couldn't feel his touch anymore on my knee. He was now stroking above it, inching a little higher toward the hem of my skirt. I relaxed into my seat and glanced at

his hand. He didn't stop. He kept moving it back and forth. It felt hot against my leg, like he burned to touch me, and touching my leg was the only relief his hand would get.

I knew I was still stroking the side of his leg, so I glanced down at his lap. To my surprise, I noticed my hand was no longer visible on his leg. Without the confines of tight clothing and because of the relaxed angle I was now in, I hadn't realized how far it had slid up his leg and under his shorts. My eyes shot up to his face, and he was no longer controlling his expression. His eyes were on fire.

Don stopped the car and looked at me. I felt like the heat of my face was radiating off me. My ears burned and throbbed. He stared at me intently for several seconds, breathing so hard that I could smell his sweet breath as it brushed against my face.

I wanted him to kiss me, and I wondered if he thought about it. He hadn't kissed me yet. Well, not on the lips at least, and I hoped that was about to change.

I realized I was still stroking his leg and needed to stop. But Don's intense gaze was making it very difficult for me to think clearly. I grasped the side of his leg to keep my fingers from moving. His breath caught, and his eyes shut. When he finally exhaled, he spoke.

"Season, we should probably go inside."

"What?" I turned to look out the windshield. I was so caught up in the moment that I hadn't realized we'd made it to his house already. "Oh. Okay."

I pulled my hand away from him, and he took his off my leg to cut the engine. I got out, not waiting for him to open my door. I needed the fresh air, hoping it would clear my head and allow me to collect myself. I stretched and took in a few deep breaths while he took his time coming over to my side. I figured he was trying to get himself together, too.

When he got to my side, he didn't even comment about me opening my own door. He just shut it, put his arm around me, and led me to the house.

We stopped at the front door, and I turned to him.

"How do I look?" I asked breathlessly. I still hadn't pulled myself together. "Like an angel," he whispered, closing his eyes. Great, he hadn't pulled himself

together, either.

There was no point in putting this off. Don turned the knob and stepped in, holding it open for me. I walked in and could smell food cooking in the kitchen.

"Mom?" Don called out; his voice cracked. He grimaced, then cleared his throat. "In here, honey."

We met up with her in the kitchen. She wiped her hands on an apron and shook my hand. Don made the formal introductions, and when I tried to call her Ms. Smith, she insisted I call her Myrha. She was as sweet as I remembered her. When I offered to help, she declined and ushered us out of the kitchen.

Don and I sat in the living room, our sides and bare legs touching. He turned on the television as a distraction, and I turned to face him.

"Does your mom know I've been here before?" I whispered. He nodded.

"How does she feel about that? That you brought a girl over when she wasn't home?"

"She doesn't care. I explained to her what happened." Then he put his lips to my ear. "Technically, I'm an adult now, so what could she say about it?" He chuckled, and his hot breath tickled my skin, causing a slight shiver to shoot through me. He didn't turn away, and I could tell from the increased speed of his breath that his teasing tone was gone. "You smell so good," he whispered, not making a move to turn his head away.

I figured I should joke with him, rather than let myself fall completely into this moment like I'd done in the car. His mom could walk in at any time.

I turned to face Don, his face just inches from mine. "Do you want me to put my hand on your leg again?" I dared, raising one eyebrow.

He sighed. "Maybe right now isn't the best time for that." "Then, quit whispering in my ear."

"Am I making you uneasy?" he teased.

"Yes. So if you don't stop, I'm going to find great pleasure in making you squirm.

We both know I can handle you touching me," I said, putting my hand on my chest, "more than you can handle me touching you." I moved it to his chest.

"Hmm . . . I don't know if I agree with that completely." Don lifted his hand and stroked my cheek.

It felt wonderful, but I knew what he was doing, and I wasn't falling for it. I stared at him with an even expression. I was up to this challenge.

I slid my hand up from his chest, along his neck, and to his left ear. I smiled at him as I stroked the shell gently between my fingers. His eyes fluttered shut and his head leaned back a little.

"That's . . . not . . . fair," he whispered through quick breaths.

Don's eyes were still shut, so as I caressed his left ear, I leaned against his cheek, putting my lips at his other ear. "I know." I dragged out the last word, my breath blowing into his ear.

He groaned.

"Are you going to behave?" I asked very slowly, still breathing the words into his

ear.

He nodded and tried to say, "Yes," but the word didn't completely come out. I moved, resting my lips on his ear. "That's a very good boy." I traced my lips

down and kissed his earlobe.

He gasped, suddenly taking my face into his hands, and pushed me away, staring into my eyes.

I looked at him with raised eyebrows, waiting for him to say something. "Okay. You're right. You can handle me touching you better than I can handle

you touching me."

"See, I told you." I laughed.

He dropped his hands from my face and took one of my hands into both of his.

"Yes, but
I'm
not touching you the way you're touching me. We're supposed to be taking things slowly, so what you're doing really isn't fair." He chuckled.

"Maybe that's true, but maybe I don't want to take things as slowly as we have

been."

It was true. We had gone out several times, and Don hadn't tried to kiss me once.

Not where it counted, anyway. And I wanted him to kiss me already. What was his hold up?

He stopped laughing and stared at me with intense eyes, then licked his lips, looking at my mouth. My senses went on alert. He was going to do it!

"Lunch is ready," Don's mom called out.

I flinched, and he glanced in the direction of her voice, releasing me from his gaze. He got up and escorted me to the kitchen.

"What have you kids been doing?" Myrha asked as Don pulled out a chair for

me.

I watched at him as I sat down. I didn't want to answer
that
question. What was I

going to say?
Oh, I've been teasing your son in inappropriate ways.
Not! "We were watching TV," he said smoothly.