Page 24 of Summer's Seduction

“She’s made it clear I’m not to her taste.”

Megara’s eyes flew wide as mine narrowed. Popping the last bite of lemon deliciousness into my mouth, I stalked closer to the pair. I’d been prepared for a fight, as I always was, but Morpheus appeared more uncomfortable than anything as I drew near. I held my tongue, watching as he swallowed, looking as if the next words were ripped from his throat. He didn’t meet my eyes once.

“Be sure she has her choice of the group.”

“What choice?”

“But I don’t want her preyed upon.”

“If the ‘her’ in this scenario is me, then I can speak for myself. And defend myself,” I added after they shared a loaded look. I opened my mouth to tell them I’d rather crawl through Tartarus barefoot than get tangled up in a feeding frenzy at The Dark Ones’ Playground but was interrupted by a soft rapping.

Megara opened the door, murmuring her thanks as she took a small bundle of golden clothes. Crossing my arms over my chest, I planted my feet in the boots and looked at the scraps with disdain.

“I’m not wearing those.”

The cocky smirk Morpheus shot my way as he headed for the door had my blood boiling. “I’ll see you out there, little monster. And remember, there’s a dress code here.”

And then he was gone, leaving me to battle it out with Megara.

“I’m sorry, but it’s a safety precaution. Gold signifies one who prefers to bite, and silver is for those who wish to be bitten.”

She handed me a narrow strip of golden material. Reluctantly, I took it, holding it up to my chest to find it somehow fitted to my breasts perfectly, though the skirt she’d laid out looked barely long enough to cover my ass.

“Isn’t there a golden set of pants I could wear?”

“There are armbands,” she grinned. “Made from the same light metal fabric as the rest of the ensemble, and a mask that must be worn at all times. Those who come to The Playground do so to lose themselves.”

My fingers trailed over the thin fabric mask covered in dozens of citrine jewels, the spiked edges intricate, beautiful in a deadly sort of way.

“Fine,” I breathed. “But I’m keeping my boots,” I added, realizing just how much skin I’d be displaying in this ridiculous outfit.

“Agreed,” Megara said, facing away to grant me a moment of privacy as I turned.

“The Playground seems like a popular place,” I hedged, the faint traces of music audible from here. Knowing I wouldn’t get another chance alone with Megara to ask questions, I wanted to tread carefully.

“It is,” she agreed, not bothering to elaborate.

“Popular enough for gods to visit?” I pushed, slipping into the skirt. The chill grazing the underside of my ass confirmed I’d been right about the length.

“Sometimes,” Megara confirmed, again content with a minimal answer. Gritting my teeth, I decided to go for it.

“Do you ever have mortals here?”

She shrugged, folding my cloak and setting it on the cushion of the tall-backed chair set before a low table. “Mortal souls are welcome once they’ve been reborn into Elysium or The Asphodel Plains, as per Lord Hades’ rule.”

“Right, but those souls are already dead,” I said, glancing in the mirror. The fabric felt like silk but looked like the finest metal, hugging my curves perfectly. I was so entranced that I hadn’t noticed Megara’s approach.

“That’s what you smell of,” she breathed, inches away from my face. Her eyes rolled back as she inhaled deeply. “Life.”

Heart hammering, I stumbled back. Reaching instinctually for my dagger but finding it tucked within my now neatly folded cloak.

“Don’t bother,” Megara laughed, waving me off as if the notion of stabbing her was hilarious. “I’m already dead, remember?”

“Souls can die again,” I threatened. “If the death is gruesome enough, it can earn you another trip to The Lethe.”

A spark flashed in Megara’s eyes, one born of longing and fear, but it had vanished in the next moment. “Lucky for me, I’m not a Child of the Night, but I advise you to keep that knowledge to yourself. You smell different, but I doubt anyone will realize why. After all, they’ve never met a mortal. And you can’t crave what you don’t know.”

I blinked as she turned, waiting for me at the door. Taking my time lacing up my boots, I mulled over what she said.“You can’t crave what you don’t know.”

---