(Glory St Clair 11) Real Vampires Say Read My Hips (28 page)

“I declare Kratos the winner of this match.”

Kratos swayed on his feet and didn’t smile. He looked down at Jerry who hadn’t moved and shook his head.

“He was a worthy opponent.” Then he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “Thank you, Lord Zeus.”

Cornelius was busy pulling things from a leather bag to staunch the flow of blood from Jerry’s wound. It seemed as soon as he covered Jerry’s chest with a white bandage, it was soaked through.

Cornelius gestured and two soldiers hurried forward, obviously ready to carry Jerry off the field. Richard shooed one of them away, carefully taking Jerry’s head and shoulders himself, a tearful Flo beside him. Zeus stopped them with a look.

“How is he?” Zeus’s question was easily heard since the crowd had gone silent. Cornelius just shook his head. Flo touched Jerry’s chest.

“He is breathing, Glory.” She tried for a smile but failed. Then she followed the men as they took Jerry off the field.

“Gloriana, come here.” Zeus stretched out his hand.

I stood and walked to my grandfather’s side, surprised that I could finally move. I wanted to run to Jerry but Zeus was compelling me. I couldn’t cry, scream or pick up Kratos’ bloody knife like I wanted to. If I hadn’t been under some kind of spell I might have thrown myself at my own grandfather and taken him to the ground in my grief and rage. Instead I was in a haze, a bubble of unreality that turned me into a puppet being controlled by the master.

“Kratos, you have won the hand of my granddaughter by vanquishing her lover fairly. You will be able to join the house of Zeus when you are married to Gloriana and your children will be tied to our family forever.”

Kratos was still on his knees. He raised his head. He was dirty, bloody and yet was more handsome than I’d ever seen him as he looked at me. “Gloriana.” He smiled. “Please know that any man would be honored to be your husband.” Then he took a breath and stared down at my grandfather’s sandals again.

I felt like I should say something but couldn’t. I was still in that state of shock or whatever it was that my grandfather had done to me. Kratos put one hand on the ground, like he had to steady himself.

“My lord Zeus.” He met my grandfather’s gaze. “I am honored by the prize you are offering and I did win this victory fairly against a worthy opponent. But I regret I must refuse your granddaughter’s hand in marriage.”

The crowd as one leaned in, gasps and whispers silenced when everyone realized my grandfather hadn’t immediately burned Kratos to a cinder.

“Is this about the lovely Calista?” Grandmother was suddenly there, her hand on Zeus’s preferred throwing arm for lightning bolts.

“Yes, Lady Hera.” Kratos met her smile with one of his own, though it was strained. “I am in love with her and her with me. I’ve realized that it wouldn’t be fair to Lady Gloriana to marry her when my heart belongs to another.”

“Nonsense.” Zeus jerked his hand from Hera’s. “I took you for a fighting man, Kratos. Making you mortal has obviously muddled your mind.” He waved a hand and Kratos straightened from his slouch. “There. You are a god once more. Surely you don’t truly wish to turn down a chance to ally yourself with the house of Zeus. Stand and speak to me, god to god.”

Kratos did stand, his shoulders back. It was clear he was a proud man. “Sire, I can think of no greater honor than to be part of your family. But how can I marry your granddaughter when I may have just killed her lover? She must hate me.” He turned to me. “I am sorry, Lady Gloriana. I knew the rules of course but Blade and I were well matched. My knife slipped. I wasn’t aiming for his heart when I struck him and I hope that I missed it.”

I still couldn’t speak but the fact that Kratos was willing to give me up… I sent my thoughts to my grandmother and she nodded.

“Zeus, the man has made a decent choice here. Calista’s father is a well-placed sorcerer and it is a fine match. Gloriana needs to see to Blade’s condition and you want her gone anyway. If she marries Kratos, you will either condemn this fine god to an Earthly life he doesn’t deserve or she’ll be stuck here, getting involved in causes that make you unhappy. Do I need to remind you what they are?” Hera looked around and tapped her foot. “Where is Dionysus? Are Zeus and I to provide the entertainment today?” She glanced around at the avid listeners and the courtiers began to back away from the circle. “Dionysus! To me now! This party is boring me. Where is the music? The dancing? And my wine glass has been empty since I got here.”

“So sorry, my dear.” Dionysus hurried forward with a tray of full glasses and delicacies. He gestured and music filled the air. A troop of acrobats tumbled across the grass and the circle disappeared. He clapped his hands. “People, what are you staring at? Eat, drink and be merry. Didn’t someone say that once?” Excited chatter suddenly filled the air and birds started singing.

“You have made a good point, Hera.” Zeus took a glass of red wine. “You always do think ahead.” He looked up and saw a woman hovering just feet away. “Calista, come here, child, and bring your father.”

Calista came running to Kratos and wept over his wounds. “You are so hurt.”

“No, it is nothing. I have had worse wounds out hunting for wild boar.” He pulled her into his arms. “Sire, I remain your faithful servant, always. Whatever you decide, I will do. I hope you know I mean no disrespect. I will remain loyal to the house of Zeus forever.”

“Yes, you have proven yourself to me time and time again.” Zeus spoke to Calista’s father. When he was sure the sorcerer approved of the match with Kratos, he turned to me. “Enough. Your frantic thoughts are getting on my nerves, Gloriana. I know you are worried about your lover and will hold you no longer.” He shook his head. “Yes, the wound did look grave but Cornelius can work wonders, you know. Go, see to your man. If he is dead, I am sorry. Take him or his body home with you. And be sure to drag your friends there with you as well. All of you need to go back to Earth immediately and stay there.”

“Yes, Grandfather.” I would have run off the field but he hadn’t released me yet.

He smiled. “When your grandmother wants you, you may come back, but not for a while. You have caused me nothing but trouble. But that is because you are so like me, I think. With a strong will and spirit.” He kissed my forehead. “Call me if you need anything, Gloriana. And never forget that you are from the house of Zeus. If anyone tries to hurt you, I will end them.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.” Finally I could move. Even though I was desperate to check on Jerry, I paused long enough to hug Grandmother then even dared hug Zeus. He didn’t seem to mind it. “Kratos, thank you too for choosing love. Calista, have a happy life.”

That done, I turned to her father. “Where would I find Cornelius and Jerry?”

He took my hand and nodded gravely. “Hold on and I’ll take you there.” In a blink we were teleporting. I had no idea where we were going and I didn’t care as long as Jerry was at the end of the journey and he was alive.

Chapter 13

We landed in what must have been Cornelius’s rooms. There was a table with the kind of equipment I’d seen at Waldo’s and various bottles containing elixirs. But I wasn’t interested in that. I could only focus on Jerry. He lay on a wide bed. His eyes were closed and he wasn’t moving. Richard and Flo hovered nearby while Cornelius listened to Jerry’s heart with what looked like a modern stethoscope.

“I think that’s the first thing from this century I’ve seen you use.” My voice was raspy with suppressed tears. “He’s alive?”

“Barely. Your father healed his wounds but he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s in a coma.” Cornelius stepped back so I could run to Jerry’s side.

I picked up my lover’s limp hand and held onto it. “Jerry, can you hear me? Wake up. I’m not marrying Kratos and we can go home now.”

“That’s wonderful,
amica
!” Flo clung to Richard. “Once he’s there we can help Jeremiah
our
way. Isn’t that right, Ricardo?”

“That depends.” Richard looked over his shoulder. “Mars, how do we get home and what are we going to be like when we get there? Will we be vampire again?”

My father must have been standing in the shadows. I’d been so intent on Jerry I hadn’t even noticed him.

“Dad! You healed his wounds. Thank you!” I threw myself into Mars’ arms and cried. “Answer Richard. I have to get Jerry back. All the way back.”

“You really want to be a vampire again? Even you, Gloriana?” Mars held me away from him and stared into my eyes. “Surely you realize that’s not any way to live.”

“It’s the only way for us to save Jerry.” I turned and laid my hand on Jerry’s chest. His heart was beating but barely. You didn’t have to be a goddess to realize that. He was so pale, so still, his breathing shallow.

“He needs blood, Lord Mars.” Cornelius stood beside me now. “I can’t give it to him here. We are ill equipped. I have told Zeus time and time again that we should upgrade but he is stubborn about certain alterations to Olympus. He clings to the old ways and won’t allow me to materialize what I need. It would be my death if I went against his wishes.” The sorcerer didn’t need to add that he wasn’t about to risk his life for Jerry.

I could snap on clothes but had no idea how to make anything else magically appear. Certainly not medical supplies. I leaned over Jerry. If I could have breathed life into him, I would have.

“Dad, isn’t there anything else you can do? You brought Jerry back to life before, I saw you do it.” I stood, ready to beg if it would do any good.

“He’s not dead, Gloriana. And I am grateful for that.” Mars put his arm around me. “I did what I could, but this deep sleep of his is because he
does
need blood. Giving him that is beyond my capability.”

“But not mine. When we are vampire, we give and take blood all the time. Send us home, Dad. Restore us like Flo said and we can give him our ancient blood. It will make him whole again in no time.” I leaned against him, my arm tight around him. “Please. I know you and Mother don’t approve of my lifestyle but I’ve had centuries to get used to being a vampire.”

“Used to never seeing daylight again?” Of course my mother had to make an appearance. “Drinking blood instead of your favorite chocolate or eating the food you love?” She stepped back when I whirled, my fingers held out like claws.

“You have nothing to say to me, Mother, that I want to hear.” I strode toward her. “Jerry wouldn’t be in this fix if you hadn’t meddled in my life, dragged me up here against my will. I told you before that I don’t want to see or speak to you again. I meant it.”

“Gloriana, she is your mother. Treat her with respect.” Mars said it quietly and I couldn’t have been more surprised than if he’d sprouted horns.

“What?” That was all I could say.

“I know she is headstrong and sometimes acts without thinking things through, but Hebe loves you and wants only the best for you.” Mars took my mother in his arms. “She needs to know you will give her a chance to earn your forgiveness and love.”

“Never. I am done with her.” I ran back to Jerry’s side and held my hand over his heart. Was it still beating? I couldn’t tell. “We are wasting time. Please take us back to Earth, Dad. I can almost feel Jerry’s life slipping away.”

“You will go back as you wish on one condition.” He studied me solemnly and I braced myself. I knew I wasn’t going to like this.

“What condition?” I froze when I sensed a change in Jerry under my fingertips. “Cornelius! Do something!”

“My lord, he has given up life again.” Cornelius checked Jerry from the other side of the bed.

Mars stalked over and laid his hand on Jerry’s heart, over my own. “I can bring him back once, even twice, Gloriana. Then it won’t work again. This is number two.” He nodded and Jerry jerked, breathing again. I’d felt the jolt go through my hand and stared down at my lover. He was still unconscious and barely breathing. No significant improvement but at least he lived again.

“Tell me! What do you want me to do so that we can take him home and give him blood?” I was desperate and grabbed my father’s toga, about to shake him when I realized that probably wouldn’t be smart when I needed his help.

“You will give your mother a chance to win your love again. Speak to her. Include her in your wedding if Blade makes it through this crisis and you actually have one. I want your promise, Gloriana.” Mars was clearly reading my mind so I knew this was going to have to happen if I made this bargain. I glanced at my mother. A bargain with the devil.

“Yes, I’ll do it. She can buy her damned mother of the bride dress. Whatever she wants. Come to my shop and make a nuisance of herself. I don’t care.” I choked on a sob. “Just please, please, take us home, Mars. Make us all vampires, as we were when we left Earth. And hurry!” I dropped to my knees and clasped his sturdy legs.

Flo and Richard stared at me. Cornelius took Jerry’s pulse then lifted an eyelid and shook his head. I took some comfort in the fact that my mother had seemed as surprised by Mars’ request as I was. At least this wasn’t one of her manipulations. Damn, that meant he really did love her, didn’t he? I couldn’t believe she’d inspired such devotion from a worthy man.

That was the last thing I knew before I landed in my apartment. Mars had taken me literally. Jerry was lying on our new king-sized bed, pale and still in a coma. Flo and Richard staggered up from the other side, holding on to each other. Flo’s red dress was huge on her because she was back to her usual size six. Richard still wore his warrior’s toga, the correct dress as Jerry’s second.

I looked down and realized I’d burst out of my black suit. Buttons had popped open, the bra was strangling me and my skirt’s seams had ripped down each side. Did I care? Not at all. I inhaled and all the scents I’d missed as a mortal goddess came flooding in, some of them not so great. Actually, every one of my senses came alive. I smelled Jerry’s blood, heard his barely beating heart and even realized the air conditioning was purring in the background. There was traffic outside the window below us on Sixth Street. Texas, no matter the season, was probably hot and the street busy. Of course I had no idea how long we’d been gone, the date or time.