Free Desperate Housewives of Olympus by Saranna DeWylde Page A

know you do, but what happened to spontaneity? Did you ever think about simply grabbing my mother and planting one on her? I mean, if that’s what you want?” She screwed up her face in an expression that proclaimed she couldn’t imagine anyone wanting that, but this was her version of being supportive.
    “Advice from a self-proclaimed toddler?”
    “Yeah. Kids say the darndest things. Or what was that other one? From out of the mouths of babes?” she shot back.
    Eros made it a point to look her up and down. “I don’t think they meant that kind of babe.”
    “You’re not as innocent as you’d have my mother believe.”
    “Actually…” he shook his head. “Never mind. Are you ready?” Eros didn’t wait for her to answer, but willed their transport to his mother’s temple.

 
    NYX
     
    “Thanatos!” she cried when she saw her oldest son lounging on her temple steps.
    “Hey, Ma.” He stood and endured her hug.
    “I thought you were working all week. Wasn’t there a natural disaster in South America?”
    “Wouldn’t you know it, it’s so cool. Red Cross showed up and the volunteers saved a bunch of people.”
    Nyx hadn’t seen him in what felt like a century. In fact, she almost started counting on her fingers to see if it had been that long. “I suppose you’re hungry. Fig cakes with cream cheese frosting?”
    Thanatos patted his flat stomach. “You know me so well.”
    “Why are you outside? You could have gone in, you know.” Nyx pushed the door open.
    “I didn’t want to startle you. Might fall and break a hip and I’d feel bad.” He shrugged.
    “You little shit,” she laughed. He was always teasing her about her age. She was a Titan after all and older than all of the gods. She was one of the last of the old guard; one Zeus was sure wouldn’t try to overthrow his power. He was mistaken about that one, only she didn’t want the power herself. She wanted him to stop treating Hera like crap. Or divorce her. That at least, would be honest.
    He smirked back at her. Of her two sons, Thanatos was most like her. She loved her children the same, but she had a special kinship with Thanatos.
    “So uh, what’s the deal with Persephone and Hades?” he asked as he followed her inside.
    Tartarus on cracker! What was with that girl that these dark types were so stuck on her? Was it because she was blond? Nyx just didn’t get it. Not that she had anything against the girl, but it wasn’t like she was as pretty as Hera. Or as smart as Athena.
    “You have been out of the gossip loop for awhile, yeah? They broke up, so to speak.”
    “He let her go? Dumbass.” Thanatos shook his head.
    “What would you have him do? Sacrifice the world for her?”
    “Well, yeah,” Thanatos answered as if that were the only reasonable response.
    Nyx couldn’t argue with that, but she tried anyway. “Hades released her from the curse too. He didn’t want her to be unhappy.”
    At that, her son was silent for a moment. “So how hard do you think Demeter would smite me if I asked Persephone out?”
    “She better not smite you, or I’ll kick her ass up over her shoulders. She has winter, but I’ll drench the world in eternal night if she tries.” Nyx was thoughtful for a moment. “Unless of course you were unreasonably handsy or demanding. Or acted like Zeus. Or—,”
    “I get the picture, Ma. By the way, you look great.”
    “You’re just saying that because my hair looks like yours now.” She scowled.
    “Moonlight and stardust. No one can resist.” He smirked as if it was just his trial to bear, being that attractive.
    “Nice deflection. I mean what I said. If you want Persephone, do what you will, but don’t be a dick. Got it?”
    “Yeah, Ma. Don’t be a dick. Got it,” he recited dutifully.
    “So I have to ask. What’s with you dark and tortured types and this girl?”
    “I dunno. She’s hot. It’s not like I want to marry her or anything. It would just be a date. Maybe a kiss.” He