Page 14 of The Conquest of Medusa

“Never underestimate the power of sheer boredom and gullibility. Where are these so-called sons of mine now? Why didn’t you ride my horse-baby to look for me? It would have taken you less time.”

“Pegasus was busy. And very noticeable. No one back home is supposed to know you’re alive, so I thought it’d be better not to attract their attention by flapping around in the air while I searched. Anyway, I defied great odds and death—on foot!— just to find you. And here I am.”

He was done waiting. Perseus pulled Medusa up by the hand and when she stood before him, she looked up into his eyes and that smile beamed on him like a ray of light. She was changed but she was still Medusa, still herself. Gently, she touched his cheek while he slid his arms around her waist.

“You’ve been to see Stone Carver.”

She was referring to the fact that the extra hair and the fangs were gone. He sensed her gladness, but also a bit of disappointment.

“Aren’t you pleased with me going back to my illustrious self?” he asked with one eyebrow quirked.

“I am happy for you. Wouldn’t it be best for you to be back home with all the worshippers throwing petals at your sacred feet wherever you go?” Medusa asked as he bent his head for a kiss.

“I could. But that’s not where monsters like me belong.”

Perseus released her and stepped back. He wanted to relish the look on her face as he concentrated. Arms outstretched, he showed her the blackened blood that spilled through his veins upon command and the rough fuzz that sprouted on his cheeks. Medusa gaped at his eyes when he flashed them at her. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and grew dreamy with desire when he grinned and bared his fangs.

“What did Stone Carver do to you?” she breathed, running her hand along his furry chest. “How is this possible?”

“He cured me, but when I didn’t give him his full payment, he cursed me again and threw me out,” Perseus said.

“You’re joking.”

He was going to stretch out the humor, but he relented. “I am joking. I was in the middle of his treatment when I thought of you and what you said to me before you left.”

“You mean you actually listened to something I said?” she teased but he shook her shoulders slightly.

“I’m serious. You told me I should be a hero. Be what everyone needs me to be. For the first time in my life, it made me stop and really think. Before I was born there was a prophecy that I’d be a murderer. They said I’d kill my own grandfather. Destroy the human side of my family. Why? I don’t know. He tried to kill me and my mother before I could do it to him.” He shrugged but it wasn’t enough to push away the ugliness of what he was revealing.

Medusa sobered at that. He couldn’t blame her. It was hard to say this to her, to anyone. But he wasn’t done.

“So, I made it a point to be different than what I was expected to be. I did all I could to help people. Not just because of the prophecies, but to make up for the mistakes and the outright awful things my father’s side have done to humanity. Maybe even…I don’t know, to prove I’m not like them. But that can’t be my whole life, trying to prove I’m a good guy. I’ll still be there whenever someone needs my help, but I’m done with that. You matter more than laurels and songs sung in my honor. Being with you matters more.”

“But you crave excitement. You live for adventure. This…” She gestured to their surroundings. “This is a boring little village on a boring island where almost nothing happens. It’s why I left in the first place. You are not suited for this.”

“Bored? Me?” he scoffed. “I’m never bored. And I could get used to this. Waking up every day next to you, having breakfast in bed and going fishing, working on my music at night. That’s exactly the kind of life I want.”

She winced. “Oh. Right. Your music. But what about the, um, personal endangerment?” Medusa glanced down between them at the front of his leather pants.

“Well, that’s the real reason I didn’t want to completely get rid of the Helyx’s power. Stone Carver said activating the demon blood should keep me safe from your acid. You can’t burn what already burns.”

“And you believed him? Now who’s being gullible?”

“Maybe I am but it’s worth the risk,” he replied with a shrug. “I want to be able to join with you in every way. I would have been fine going without, but it seems like it’s important toyou.”

She twisted her lips at him wryly, but the truth was shimmering in her eyes. “What a dumb move. You’re gonna regret not getting fully cured when you had the chance.”

“I’ve heard you do dumb things when you’re in love. And I’m in love with you, Medusa. A year apart didn’t change anything for me.”

A rush of air escaped her, and her eyes filled with liquid. Medusa hesitated but finally she whispered, “I love you, too.”

Satisfaction at hearing Medusa admit her feelings burst inside him, radiating through Perseus’s entire being. He embraced her, tightly, then claimed her mouth with a long, deep kiss. Their kiss was scorchingly sweet, stirring his heart, his soul and his body. Suddenly, at the feel of her ripe, luscious body against his, he was rock hard and needed more than a hug. A lot more.

“Let’s test my theory just to make certain,” he mumbled against her kiss-swollen lips.

Perseus reached for the shoulder tie of her simple woven dress, but Medusa halted his motion with her fingers.

“Are you sure about this?”

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