Leandros(2)

Kay dragged on the cigarette again and regarded her with those calm eyes for a silent moment. Then her mouth curved mischievously. “I met someone tonight. A super-hunky god, Vicks. Damn shame they’re not many of them.”

Vicky let out a soft, embarrassed groan, the obvious slapping her in the face. Her sister had had sex. Amazing sex from the looks of it. Heat pooled in her cheeks. No wonder she hadn’t recognized the signs—she’d barely gone near a man in almost a year. Not since her break up of a two-year relationship.

She was about to ask Kay why she wasn’t spending the night with Mr. Super-Hunky but she couldn’t afford to lose any more sleep. In any case, she was relieved that her sister was well, so she started back toward the bedroom. “You’ll have to tell me about him when I get back from Greece. Take the spare room. Sheets are clean.”

“Shit. I forgot about your trip. Sorry.”

“No prob.”

“Okay, goodnight.”

* * * *

Kay woke up early, feeling fully rested on just five hours of sleep. She tossed back the sheets with enthusiasm, looking forward to the weekend. She rarely made plans—they just happened. The pulse of energy and alertness still flowed through her body. She splashed cool water on her face in the washroom and ran her fingers through her hair.

Her sister had suspected she’d taken typical street drugs. She would be stupid to jeopardize her health and her career. Though what that sexy Belgian demigod had given her was quite illegal, it was no drug. It was a perfectly safe, magical potion that sharpened the senses and increased one’s natural skills five-fold. The effects would last only a week, but she could accomplish so much in that time. Presently, Universal Studios had a casting call for models for an action movie and she was improving her portfolio, determined to get an audition at least. The role was small, but the movie wasn’t. Her life could take an interesting and very successful turn.

Of course, she’d need some more STX, but that was no issue. Heck, she hadn’t even gone looking for it—the unearthly potion was hard to come by. But once she’d purred teasingly in Antoine’s ear last night, he’d surprised her with two samples. Then he’d promised more in exchange for sex. Several hot rolls on the bed with him were fine by her.

She returned to the bedroom where she pulled on her clothes and then located her clutch in the living room. Vicky was still asleep. She felt guilty for waking her up in the middle of the night, but she’d been on a euphoric high and opted to walk home instead of taking a cab. Four blocks later, she ended up in front of Vicky’s condo building. A couple was just going in through the main entrance and she slipped in behind them, hoping her sister was still up reading a book or something.

As she walked to the front door, her gaze fell on the assortment of travel bags on the floor. She smiled, happy that Vicky was finally going on that trip to Greece. She began walking past, but an idea halted her steps. She turned and surveyed the bags again, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

She’d kill me if she knew. Her sister was ultra-ethical, which was fine, but too conservative for a woman in her mid-twenties, in Kay’s opinion. There were so many exciting pleasures in life. She paused for a few more seconds. Vicks could definitely chill and have some real fun. Kay reached into her bag and pulled out the second sample of STX, which came in a vial that resembled a perfume sample, then slipped it into the small handbag that was propped against the suitcase. The vial was unremarkable, its contents even less so to the human eye. With a pleased grin, she fetched the spare key from the vase in the wall alcove and locked the door behind her.





Chapter Two

Vicky’s flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens had been a little over nine hours. She’d settled in very nicely at the hotel in Athens where the rest of the expedition group were staying. The itinerary included a visit to the National Archaeological Museum and the Parthenon during the first two days. Now, on day three, she and the nine other hikers gazed up at the massive craggy facade of Mount Olympus that loomed above the starting point of the trek, mists of cloud swirling around the tallest peaks. Awe-inspiring. Intimidating. Much like the twelve gods themselves, Vicky mused. The lower slopes of the mountain were covered by dense green flora, which thinned toward the summit, exposing their stark, gray rock. The guide had told them that the mountain had formed over 200 million years ago from the bottom of the Aegean.

There would be a few stops en route to the first destination, refuge A, an ascent of about 6,800 feet. The primary destination was the three highest peaks of Olympus. Those who had the ability to conquer these could continue with the lead guide while the rest would stay the night at the refuge and return to town the next day. Vicky’s hiking skills were good, but the trio of summits required climbing knowledge that she lacked, and so she’d forego this final stretch to the throne of the gods.