Epilogue

T he glistening sand works its way in between my toes as I walk hand-in-hand with War and Drevi.

"Why do I have to carry your bag and the chairs?" Pyro complains.

"You just spent three months in the Underworld with Hades, it's our turn to enjoy her," Drevi reminds him.

"Right. Drevi, you are headed to stay with her next, you could help."

"Sorry my hands are full," Drevi says as he wraps one arm around my waist and takes my hand in the other.

We near the shore and stop when the spray of the ocean hits our faces.

"This is the spot, let's set up here," I say eagerly.

Frank helps Pyro with the chairs and I take the bag. I pull the towels from its depths and spread them on the loungers as they are set out.

Once our little camp is ready, I take the coverup off, revealing a dark navy bikini underneath. Each of the men suck in a breath as they take me in. A smile tips my lips. That will never get old.

"Who's ready for a dip?" I ask as I start toward the crystal clear water.

Just as my toes hit the ocean, a blinding white light appears from nowhere.

Out of the brilliance, walks the last person I expected.

"Oh, there's my gorgeous auntie. I have a bone to pick with you."

"Gah, why is it when I try to relax the family drama begins?" I complain, with an eye roll and a sigh.

"You're the one that beat up my poor Ares," Aphrodite tsks.

"Ha, poor sweet God of War. Did that whine-bag come crying to you? He brought it on himself, he challenged me for my throne and lost. Tell him to shut the fuck up and lick his wounds in silence."

"Auntie, that is not very nice. What has gotten into you. . ." Her voice trails off as she notices the four men that have come to stand by me. "Oh, you have been keeping secrets, haven't you? Where have you been hiding this delicious man-candy?"

"Who's been hiding? No one comes to visit me, not a letter or a call. These are my men, so don't even think about trying to sink your claws into them, niece," I warn, more venom in my tone than usual. She needed to understand I wouldn't be letting them go.

"Who, me?" She bats her eyes innocently.

"Run back to Ares, let me enjoy this vacation in peace," I ordered her.

"This isn't the last time you'll see me, Auntie."

"I wouldn't expect any less."

She disappears the same way she showed up .

"Where were we?" I ask my men.

"About to take a dip in the ocean. Ready, my love?" Frank asks.

"Always, with you four."