Lexi's Fate (Book 2 of A Goddess Unraveled)

~29~

Hades stood on the precipice of the gorge watching his team of horses approach. The feasting holiday proved to be a popular time for tourists, and avoiding unwanted attention was tricky. He summoned his chariot only when they had climbed the rocks well beyond the off-limits area of the park. Lexi stroked Jackie O's mane incessantly, whispering reassuring words into her ear, a clear sign she was suffering from anxiety and probably a sizeable dose of guilt.

"Don't worry, Lexi," Kade said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder in a consoling hug. "I have a good feeling about this. Everything is going to turn out fine."

Kade's obsessive need to comfort Lexi set Hades' nerves on edge, but he refused to get sidetracked by his narcissistic son. He needed to be present for Lexi and her beloved horse. When the chariot landed, they loaded Jackie O onto it, attaching her harness and lead to a hook for added security. This left only enough room for one body.

"It seems space on the chariot is going to be limited," Kade said. "It might work best if I carry Lexi while you navigate the chariot, Hades."

"No. Lexi can ride Misty. They have done it before." Hades knew the methods Kade used to tempt women, and he wasn't foolish enough to believe Kade wasn't scheming. As Hades unhitched Misty from the team, Lexi joined him, offering an affectionate squeeze on his hand as if she knew he needed it.

"Thank you, Hades. I know this isn't typical protocol, and you have been agreeable to everything I've asked. I owe you, big time."

"I will collect my payment when everyone is home safely and tucked into their stalls."

Hades helped Lexi onto Misty's back, feeling the beginnings of a knot form in his throat. Although Aristaeus may have felt confident in Jackie O's chances for surviving the journey through the underworld, Hades had witnessed too many failures and did not hold such an optimistic opinion. It took all his will power to maintain a positive bearing as Lexi wished Jackie O a safe trip.

"Kade, will you fly behind the chariot and keep an extra close watch on Jackie O," Hades said. "I want to make sure she doesn't lose her footing if she gets spooked."

"Of course."

Kade removed his shirt and his wings appeared, fluttering open and sweeping back in a wide stroke as he took to the air. Hades was grateful Kade had left his pants on. He didn't need Lexi distracted as she flew above the gorge. Misty followed Kade up, with Lexi holding tight to her mane, and Hades double checked the security of Jackie O's harness before urging his team forward. Although he was down to three horses leading the chariot, the added weight of Jackie O caused only a slight delay in their ascent. Jackie O, however, appeared to have serious apprehensions about the whole process, and she vocalized her disapproval with a loud whinny.

While the view was breathtaking, with the sun casting light onto the river below, Hades spent little time enjoying the spectacle. He held tightly to Jackie O's lead as the horse stomped around like a disobedient toddler. During her tantrum, her hoof slipped off the back and Lexi screamed. This did nothing to quell the frantic animal's fear. Really, Hades should have predicted such a response from a mortal horse. If he had been using his brain for something other than perpetual worry, he could have come up with a tactic for handling it. Given that they were already en route, he made a decision based on the immediate needs of the nine hundred pound passenger having a panic attack in his chariot.

Hades drew in a breath and released a vapor into Jackie O's nostrils. The mist swirled around her muzzle long enough to be inhaled before the rest dissipated into the wind. The sedative took effect immediately, and Jackie O's manner mellowed. And not a moment too soon. The crevice in the gorge was in view. Hades only hoped her tempered state would not affect her ability to be revived should the situation turn dire.

Lexi and Misty kept pace behind the chariot, flying side by side with Kade. It was a stunning sight, Misty's sleek black body gliding alongside the feathery black wings that propelled Kade through the air. Hades recalled the day Kade learned to fly and how he had swelled with pride for his son. The feeling returned now, although it was tainted with a jealousy that had him gnashing his teeth. He turned to face the split in the rocks that marked the entrance to the underworld, putting aside his insecurities to guide his team of horses safely home.

Darkness enveloped him as completely as if he had closed his eyes and cool air met his cheeks. He had become accustomed to the stark greeting he received when entering his domain, but he expected it was upsetting for his passenger. Despite the fact that he could not see her clearly, the snorts erupting from Jackie O's nose let him know she was not pleased.

"There is nothing to fear, dear one," he said, hoping the soothing cadence of his voice would calm her. Besides the vapor he used to relax her, he knew there was not much else he could do while they were flying in his chariot. Someone needed to keep control of the reins. Over the sound of Jackie O's heavy panting, he heard the whoosh of Kade's wings behind him, which surely meant Lexi was nearby. When his eyes had adjusted to the dark, he glimpsed Lexi's silhouette as she pull up next to the chariot.

"How is she?" Lexi asked.

"So far, so good."

As soon as the words left his lips, Hades felt the lead on Jackie O's harness go taut, and there came a sickening thud as the horse collapsed behind him.