Gods and Angels

By Alexis Kennedy

Eros, the Greek god of love, brings love and passion to his followers, never concerned about his own heart until he meets Melina Caras. The innocent woman with a heart of gold deserves better than any mortal man he can find. So, protecting her from Aphrodite's wrath, Eros denies his own feelings and seeks a demigod for Melina. But how long can he continue his charade before succumbing to his heart's desire?

 

Inside the hidden realm of gods and monsters, Melina learns how wonderful it is to be loved by Love.

 

Appropriate for ages 16+

• Language: English
• Publisher: Title Wave Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Mar 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393877394

Alexis Kennedy

Alexis Kennedy writes across multiple genres, delivering suspenseful stories categorized as paranormal romance, historical romance, crime/mystery, psychological thriller, organized crime thrillers, fantasy, horror, and spy thrillers. Alexis’s novels are populated with immersive characters navigating plot twists that keep you guessing. Her descriptive narratives develop movies in your mind, transporting you inside the stories where you can experience love, suspense, intrigue, mystery, and magic. Alexis resides in Missouri with her beloved dog. She began writing poetry in her early teens and short stories for her son when he was little before turning to novels. She has been fascinated with creating suspenseful stories and riveting characters ever since. Her novels reflect her vivid imagination and lifelong love for books. She enjoys reading novels by Karin Slaughter, James Patterson, and Shannon Drake. Alexis says, "When you write, you escape into another world and another you that you once knew nothing about.”

Book preview

Greek Gods & Goddesses

Prologue

Modern Day

Eros sat high on Mount Olympus, barely listening to the complaints of the bored gods and goddesses around him. As usual, Ares advocated war amongst the mortals in a heated disagreement with Gaia, who fought for the preservation of life. Athena battled wits with Apollo, and Eros’s mother, Aphrodite, whined to him about the mortals who had fallen from her grace.

Are you even listening to me? she questioned him when he didn’t respond to her ranting.

He avoided eye contact with her. No, not really, but if someone has wronged you, smite them and be done with it. He stood up from his perch. I have my own factions to worry about.

Aphrodite dismissed him with a flick of her wrist. Be off with you then.

Eros left the prestigious golden palace, flying as high as his wings would carry him. Feeling restless, he floated on Zephyr’s back until he landed with a soft thud on the side of the mountain where Pegasus was peacefully grazing on the lush grass. He quietly approached the majestic winged stallion, wondering how something so beautiful could be born from Medusa’s blood.

The beast let out a loud whinny and then nuzzled his face against Eros’s chest. Some of the gods made the stallion skittish, but not the god of love.

I understand, boy. You just want love too, don’t you? Tell me, Pegasus, how is it I can find love for everyone, but I don’t have it for myself?

The steed whinnied again, and Eros felt like it understood him. He rubbed its long muzzle and stroked the silky strands of its mane while a heaviness filled his heart. He knew the reason why he’d not found love—he’d not looked for it since his disastrous infatuation with Psyche. His mother had gotten her way that time; no offspring of hers would be in love with a human. She’d tricked the mortal woman into cheating on Eros, thus ending his ties with her.

Now, when he wasn’t sitting on the mountain, he was on the ground, seeking proper mates for lonely mortals. The recent dilemma he was facing, though, was that he was lonely too. Being on the mountain no longer placated him—he desired so much more.

One

––––––––

Cloaked with his invisibility shield, Eros roamed Athens. He searched among the crowds until a particular maiden caught his eye. The young woman had flaxen hair and sparkling blue eyes. Zeus would no doubt paint the sky the color of her eyes if he saw her.

She was sitting under a tree and munching on an apple while a few sheep grazed on the grass around her.

Hurry up then, she gently scolded the creatures. I need to help Mother with the chores.

Her dulcet voice made the god quiver, and it reminded him of angels singing. Then the wind circled her, carrying the pleasant scent of wildflowers and rain to him. He inhaled as deeply as he could, becoming intoxicated with her aroma.

He watched her for several minutes, and when she rose to leave, he followed her and the sheep, which walked alongside her like trusting pets, to a small cottage on the outskirts of the city.

She corralled the sheep into a small fenced-in yard and then pulled laundry off the clothesline while merrily singing to herself. Eros pretended she was singing to him, though, and he basked in every melodious note.

He watched every fluid step she took as she danced around while folding the clean clothing, and a warm glow settled inside his chest.

Melina, come in for supper, a woman called out the door.

I’m coming, Mother, and I have the clothes, she sang back to the matron. She picked up the wicker basket and flitted inside the quaint cottage.

Eros followed on her heels as she carried dresses to her tiny bedroom and hung them up. He looked around the small space at the ceramic animals lining crude shelves and at the raggedy dolls, which she must’ve spent hours of her youth playing with, sitting in a chair. There was a stack of books neatly placed on a table by her bed, which was shoved up against her wardrobe closet where she hung the dresses.

Then he followed her to the dining table where her mother had set out a meal of meatballs, pasta, rice, and sweet rolls. Melina helped by pouring the milk, and then she sat across from her mother and clasped her hands for their prayer.

Her mother said the blessing for the meal and their health. Melina then added her own prayer.

"Eros, god of love, why don’t you send me a husband? Am I not beautiful enough? Am I not deserving