Poseidon’s energy and strength renewed as they teleported through the water of the Amazon River. Thankfully, it didn’t matter if it was fresh water. He was reborn when he contacted with the liquid he ruled.

The protective bubble holding him and Kiiara broke the water’s surface and landed on the grassy banks of Leticia, Columbia. When the barrier disintegrated, a blast of hot air hit his face. Summers were brutal this time of year, and the scorching sun blistered across his skin.

“I hope you have sun protection in that bag of yours,” he suggested as his eyes roamed Kiiara’s exposed skin. Her skin was bronzed from the sun, but that didn’t mean her flesh was accustomed to this country’s scorching heat.

“No, but I brought a hat and long-sleeved cotton shirt, so that will have to do,” she answered and slid her backpack from her shoulders. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a couple of items.

She quickly pulled a white top over her head then placed a pink cap on top of her braided locks. He smiled as he read the inscription. In bold black letters, it said Boat Hair Don’t Care across the front.

Just then, a canoe drifted into view. An older man stood inside the craft, rowing towards them. He directed the boat until the bow launched onto the grassy shore and stopped.

“Te ves perdido, mis amigos,” the man declared with a grin.

Poseidon exchanged a brief discussion with their visitor, telling the native he was correct and they were indeed lost. He explained how he was in search of the people rumored to have seaweed hair and pale skin. The man’s brown eyes widened, and Poseidon knew there was truth to the story Tavi had overheard.

They spoke for a few more minutes then he turned to Kiiara. “This is Roberto. He is going to give us a ride to where we need to go. He says a woman by the name of Gabriella lives downriver with children that fit my description. Hopefully, she will have answers for us. He says it’s a short trip on his canoe,” Poseidon explained.

Kiiara turned toward their guide and smiled. “Gracias,” she said then looked back to Poseidon. “That’s one of five Spanish words I know. Damn, I wish I’d paid more attention to the language when I was stationed in Spain right about now,” she confessed with a chuckle.

He admired her honesty. She had no qualms admitting her weaknesses. Although, he could only find one flaw with the woman. She was mortal, and, if he were honest, it was what made her so uniquely Kiiara and not a flaw at all.

“Lucky for you I know many languages. I’ll take care of you,” Poseidon replied and extended a hand to help Kiiara climb inside the small craft.

“That’s what scares me most. Don’t fuck it up,” Kiiara teased him with the slogan he’d heard her spout several times. When the boat teetered, she struggled to gain her balance. She flailed her arms and widened her stance and moments later, the boat stilled. “See? Easy-peasy,” she said with a triumphant nod.

Roberto muttered words to her, and she looked to Poseidon, for his interpretation. “He says you adapt well to surroundings. That it’s a useful trait to possess, Kiiara mou,” Poseidon explained, and she grinned.

Poseidon wasn’t sure if it was the compliment from Roberto, or if she liked his term of endearment but he didn’t care. When she smiled, it lit up his world.

The boat glided along the river, and Poseidon pointed out several inhabitants of the water. She jumped when a crocodile surfaced beside their boat and then turned back to glare suspiciously at Poseidon.

“If you summoned that thing, make it go away. I’m not in a protective bubble in the ocean, and that beady-eyed monster just licked his chops,” she blurted and pointed at the creature.

“I was hoping you’d jump into my arms for protection again,” Poseidon teased and then sent a message for the crocodile to retreat.

Blush stained Kiiara’s cheeks, and she cut eyes towards Roberto. “Yeah, not likely. We have an audience,” she whispered, and Roberto laughed, suggesting the man might be fluent in other languages.

“Estamos aqui,” said Roberto, pointing his finger as he maneuvered the boat to the shore.

Poseidon looked to where the man motioned. Not far from the banks of the river, a house made of teak and bamboo sat on a hill. A beautiful woman stepped out of the home and began walking toward them. Roberto hurried them from his boat then quickly pushed from the bank, spouting something about cursed evil spawn, and how he had to leave before the others came.

Poseidon helped Kiiara to level ground then grabbed her hand. He wanted her to know he would protect her. He had failed her when they’d encountered Tavi, and he refused to do that again.

He led them towards the woman, stopping when the dark-haired female held up her hand, halting them. “Gweh! Why are you here?” she spouted with a thick accent. She was of West African and Jamaican descent if Poseidon wasn’t mistaken.

“My name is Poseidon, and this is my companion, Kiiara. I’m here regarding Hain,” he offered and watched as her expression went from curious to furious in the next instant.

“You tell that no-good sneaking lyad he’s not welcome in my bed. My name is Gabriella, so he isn’t mistaken whom you are talking about. That asshat left me here to fix the destruction he left behind. And if you’re a friend, you can leave too,” she shouted as she thrust her thin arms fisted on her slim hips.

“Oh hell no, we are not friends of Hain. That piece of shit stole from Poseidon, turned my colleague into a fish, and we need to find him. If you can tell us where he went, we’ll gladly kick his ass up one side and down the other,” Kiiara interjected.

Poseidon wasn’t exactly confident about Kiiara’s approach, but Gabriella seemed appeased. “Ah, well, in that case,” Gabriella said and motioned for them to follow. “You must be thirsty.”

Kiiara looked to Poseidon and grinned. “It’s a girl thing. You wouldn’t understand,” Kiiara explained and quickened her steps to catch up to Gabriella.

The females jabbered all the way to the house. Surprisingly for this part of the world, the residence was in tip-top shape with higher end furnishings, and Poseidon wondered how Gabriella afforded such a place.

When they reached the back door, Gabriella stepped inside, and Poseidon and Kiiara followed. Seven sets of midnight eyes met theirs upon entry. There were four boys and three girls ranging in ages, with the oldest boy nearing manhood, by Poseidon’s calculations. All the children sat at a large wooden table set for a meal.

“Haifa,” Gabriella called out, and one of the older children looked her way. “Please add two more plates to the table. We have guests for dinner,” she announced and walked past the table into a spacious kitchen, her long skirt flowing around bare feet.

The girl, Haifa, stood and walked to a cabinet and retrieved dinnerware, all the while the others remained fixed on the newcomers. Kiiara walked over and introduced herself, shaking each child’s hand, even the baby that was sitting in a highchair.

“Poseidon, Kiiara, come,” Gabriella yelled, and he and Kiiara strode to the large island where Gabriella was cutting vegetables and tossing them in a bowl with lettuce.

“Please make yourself at home. As you can see, I have my hands full, and I don’t have time to dote on anyone. It’s fend for yourself around here,” she conveyed with a laugh. “Kiiara, if you’ll grab three glasses from the cabinet to the right of the fridge, there’s some freshly made Hibiscus Lemonade in that pitcher right in front of you. I’d say we could all use a libation,” she added, her unique accent full of mirth.

“Hibiscus lemonade? I’ve never heard of it. What’s in it?” Kiiara asked as she grabbed three colorful glasses and proceeded to pour the red liquid.

“Ah, well, you’re in for a treat. Simple syrup, club soda, fresh lemon juice, vodka, and, of course, hibiscus buds. It’s my family’s recipe from back home,” Gabriella relayed as she went to the oven and peeked into a large pan. “About ten more minutes and we’ll eat.”

Poseidon took a sip of the beverage. It was surprisingly tasty, and he imagined it held a silent punch if one consumed too much.

“Oh, this is delish!” exclaimed Kiiara and she practically drank the entire glass in one gulp. “You need to change the name to Hibiscus-if-you-riskus,” Kiiara spouted giddily, and Poseidon wondered if she was already feeling the effects of the alcohol.

She hadn’t eaten much since they left the hotel in Bangladesh, and he knew she wasn’t much of a drinker. “You might want to slow down there, Flower-Girl,” he observed as he watched her pour another glassful.

“Poo on you, Ocean-Lover,” Kiiara quipped and gave him a not-so-friendly glare. Why was she angry with him? He’d been considerate and looking out for her best interests, and somehow had still managed to anger the woman. He would never understand females, mortal, or not.

“Fine. Drink the entire pitcher,” he replied and sat on one of the barstools at the counter.

“He’s right, I’m afraid. That lemonade will sneak up on you if you’re not careful,” Gabriella professed as she motioned for one of the kids to take the salad to the table.

Poseidon glanced over at the family and knew without a doubt these were Hain’s children. The pale skin and seaweed hair were a dead giveaway, and he wondered about the story behind Hain and this woman.

“So, what can you tell me about Hain? Has he been here recently?” he asked, and all eyes popped wide, except for Kiiara’s. She was too busy enjoying her fruity drink.

“We eat first then we’ll discuss that subject. I don’t want to spoil the taste of our bickle,” Gabriella said sternly then shared a look with her children.

Poseidon saw such sadness behind her eyes. He almost wished he hadn’t come because he had a bad feeling this wasn’t going to be a pleasant visit.

* * *

Kiiara wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood up to take her empty plate to the kitchen.

“Kiiara, leave that there. My pickneys will clean while we go and sit outside for a bit. Poseidon, grab the pitcher of lemonade and let’s have that chat,” Gabriella instructed as she rose from the table and led them towards the front of her home.

Kiiara loved the house. It was warm and inviting, with teak cabinetry and colorful walls. She didn’t know what scent was burning in the ceramic pot, but she needed to find out if they sold it in the states. It was amazing, she thought, as she picked up notes of citrus and sage wafting through the air.

As they exited Gabriella’s house, Kiiara gasped.

The entire front area of her property looked like a nuclear bomb destroyed it. Where her back yard was lush and green, this was nothing but dirt and rock surrounding a hole big enough to hold her house.

“What happened here?” Poseidon asked as he walked closer to the destruction.

“Hain. I wanted you to see this before we get into the details of my relationship. Let’s go to the back where I don’t have to look at this horrible sight,” Gabriella muttered and shook her head. Kiiara couldn’t tell if she was disgusted or heartbroken, or maybe both.

They walked around to the back of the house, and Gabriella took a seat in a brightly painted Adirondack chair. There were eight more like it surrounding a large round table, and Poseidon sat the lemonade on the wood surface and took a seat by Gabriella.

Kiiara poured another drink, number five by her calculation. She didn’t know why, but she was addicted to the Hibiscus-if-you-riskus.

Kiiara sat on the other side of Poseidon. As soon as she got comfortable, she felt a sting on her neck. “Ouch. Do you have mosquitos here?” she blurted as she slapped the area with her palm. If there were even one within five miles, it would search her out and suck on her for the rest of the night.

“Uh oh, we’ve got a sweet one among us. You eat good to the critters,” Gabriella answered. “And this is the worst time of year for them. Here, rub some of this on your wrists,” she offered, reaching into her shirt pocket and handing her a small container.

Kiiara twisted the lid and smelled the ointment. She picked up hints of coconut and lime. “Smells nice. Another family secret, I presume,” Kiiara observed.

“Yes, and I promise they will stay away,” she said then added, “but just in case…” Gabriella reached over to pick up a lighter then lit a large candle in the center of the table.

“I hate to bring up bad memories, but I need to know where Hain is. When did you see him last?” Poseidon interjected and sat forward, arms resting on his muscled thighs.

Kiiara felt relaxed from her buzz and sat back, enjoying the sounds of crickets and nearby bullfrogs. She took in Poseidon’s profile and was awed by his perfection. The man didn’t have one flaw that she could see. Perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect body. The entire package was quintessential, and she couldn’t help but ogle him.

“Hain was here just a few days ago. He is the one who destroyed my land. Him and that damn spear,” Gabriella hissed then looked away, wiping the corner of her eye. Whatever had happened between the two of them, Kiiara could tell Gabriella wasn’t over the man.

“This spear?” Poseidon asked, pointing to the tattoo on his arm.

“Yes, that’s it. Hain said he was trying to join forces with its power,” Gabriella said and rolled her light brown eyes.

“You said trying to join forces. Were you under the impression that hadn’t happened yet?” Poseidon asked and perked up, waiting for her reply. Kiiara could see he was hanging by a thread and hoped for his sake Gabriella had the answer he needed to hear.

“No, it hadn’t. That’s why Hain stormed out, leaving me to take care of the damage,” Gabriella said, and Poseidon hopped up from his seat.

“Thank the Gods,” Poseidon shouted and clapped his hands. “We’ve still got time. In fact, if he hasn’t connected yet, chances are he won’t. I just need to find the bastard,” he professed and began pacing beside the table.

“That’s the last straw for us. I’ve put up with too much, and I’m tired of waiting for his promises to come to light,” Gabriella disclosed, and she looked Kiiara’s way.

Kiiara knew she needed the understanding of a woman, not the excitement of a God concerned with his own needs.

Kiiara leaned forward and grabbed Gabriella’s hand. “Do you want to tell me about what happened between the two of you? I’m not trying to pry, and you don’t have to say a word, but I’m here if you need a listening ear,” Kiiara said and squeezed the woman’s fingers.

Gabriella released a sigh and lowered her head. “I thought he loved me. Hain has been coming to me for the past ten years. He only comes once a year, but as you can see, we make up for lost time. The only times I haven’t conceived another child during his visits are when I’ve been pregnant,” she said with a half-laugh. “I know it must seem ridiculous to you, knowing I sit and wait for a man I see three weeks out of the year.”

Kiiara thought about that. Would she sit and wait for Poseidon if it meant she could have him in her life? She didn’t know if she could, but there was no doubt Gabriella loved Hain enough to make the sacrifice.

“I’m not here to judge, only to listen. You are an incredibly resilient woman. It isn’t easy to be a single mother to such a large family,” Kiiara said and gave her a comforting smile.

“As are you, Kiiara. I see strength, courage, and compassion in your aura. Those are three admirable qualities,” Gabriella replied, her accent thick and hard to understand at times.

“I couldn’t agree more, Gabriella,” Poseidon interjected, and Kiiara’s head snapped his way. She was shocked. Based on his remarks, she’d have bet her boat the Sea God considered her beneath him because she was mortal. He had never given her a compliment before. Had he had one too many drinks tonight?

“You have a beautiful sistren by your side. I hope you appreciate her,” Gabriella commented and released Kiiara’s hand.

“We’re not together,” Kiiara quickly corrected, not waiting for his response. She knew where things stood between her and Poseidon, and didn’t care to hear him explain the details.

“That makes you even more admirable, Kiiara. Not many would be here helping,” Gabriella observed.

“Are you sure things are over between you and Hain? Maybe you two can work things out, for the children,” Kiiara suggested even though she found Hain deplorable. Maybe Gabriella could help him change his ways.

“Yes. It’s over. Hain all but said so. He’s obsessed with that weapon. He’ll never come to live here with us, not if he obtains its power. I saw a change in him. Hain’s not the man I fell in love with, and it’s not fair to my children to pine for a wukliss daddy who doesn’t make us a priority. The only thing he’s provided is money, which is why we have such nice things, but we deserve better,” Gabriella disclosed, and Kiiara could see the tears welling.

“You need to know Hain will never come but once a year. It’s all the Gods permit unless Hain wants to give up his immortality. Chances are that will never happen. I’m sorry, but it’s true,” Poseidon revealed, completely oblivious to the hurt his words caused Gabriella.

Men, Kiiara thought. So clueless. And then he walked to stand at Kiiara’s side, placing a warm palm on her shoulder. That fast, electricity zipped along her skin where he touched. And women were so easily manipulated when men showed them attention, Kiiara amended.

“I know you are correct. The past decade has proven that fact to me over and over again. I don’t have much that will help you, but Hain did mention the upcoming full moon. Said it aligned with the ocean’s magic and that there was one place where it was strongest,” Gabriella said and rubbed her chin as if recalling the location.

“The Bahamas,” whispered Poseidon.

“Yes, that was it. Said the full moon was on the 24^th of this month,” Gabriella confirmed. That was tomorrow, Kiiara thought and looked up at Poseidon. He gave her a knowing look and Kiiara knew it was time for them to leave. When she glanced back to Gabriella, she saw her wiping at an escaped tear.

“We should be going. You’ve been so gracious. Thank you for the meal and that incredible drink, in particular. You’ll have to send me the recipe,” Kiiara said and stood from her chair. Not only did they need to get going, but also, Kiiara suspected the woman wanted to be alone to grieve.

Gabriella quickly brushed away the tears and stood. “Nonsense. It’s very late. You’ll stay here tonight. I won’t take no for an answer,” she concluded and leaned over to blow out the flame on the candle.

Darkness enveloped them, and Kiiara met Poseidon’s gaze, and he shrugged. Gabriella had a point. They hadn’t made arrangements for the night, and she didn’t feel like finding a hotel room. She was feeling the effects of the alcohol and wasn’t sure how she’d do teleporting or flying under such conditions.

“We can stay here and leave first thing in the morning,” Kiiara suggested, and Poseidon nodded his agreement. He grabbed her hand, and they followed Gabriella as she led the way to the back door. The interior lights glowed softly, like a lighthouse leading them home

Upon entering the house, Kiiara noticed the children were gathered on a sectional sofa, eyes fixed on an animated movie playing on the television.

“Bedtime as soon as this is over,” Gabriella sang out above the volume of the television as Kiiara filled her glass with the remaining lemonade.

Resounding moans of disapproval echoed through the room, but Kiiara didn’t acknowledge it. “You’ll be hurting in the morning, sistren. You might want to take some aspirin before you go to sleep,” Gabriella instructed.

“I’ll make sure she does,” Poseidon replied before Kiiara could object. She was feeling fantastic and couldn’t imagine this delicious concoction leaving her with a hangover.

“I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping,” she said with a laugh when Kiiara swayed and almost lost her balance. Gabriella smiled at Poseidon when he steadied Kiiara then proceeded up the stairs and down a narrow hallway.

Upon entering the small room, the first thing Kiiara noticed was the bed. It wasn’t the luxurious king-sized platform they had shared the night before that provided a buffer between her and Poseidon. The bed was not much bigger than a twin-size mattress. How was she going to sleep right next to the man? It had been downright torturous when he was several feet away.

“Sorry it’s not bigger, but it’s one of the more comfortable beds,” Gabriella explained as she walked to the adjoining bathroom and flipped the light switch. “There are plenty of fresh towels if you’d like to clean up. Like I said before, make yourself at home. If you get hungry, raid the refrigerator. I don’t mind. We’re early risers around here so be prepared for the hurricane come morning,” she said and turned to leave the room.

“We appreciate your hospitality. We’ll be on our way in the morning,” Poseidon muttered as he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

“No hurry. I’ll make a big breakfast, so you’ll be well fed for your trip. Pleasant dreams,” Gabriella offered and winked at Kiiara. That woman was trying to stir up trouble. Gabriella was mistaken about Kiiara and Poseidon’s relationship.

When the door closed, Kiiara looked at the Greek God. There was a moment of silence, and she suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable. She downed the drink in her hand, hoping her buzz would override the awkwardness of the moment.

“You can shower first. I need to think about our next stop, that is, if you still want to come along,” Poseidon offered, and sea-green eyes met hers.

Kiiara was dizzy from the alcohol, and her head was spinning, but his eyes held her in place. Damn, she wished Poseidon didn’t make her feel so fucking incredible when he stared at her that way.

“Yes, a shower would be good,” she slurred and started towards the bathroom.

“You didn’t answer me. Are you coming with me to the Bahamas?”

“Oh, hell yeah. Sand, sunshine, and sea. Count me in,” she sassed and extended her arms, pretending she was on a surfboard.

“Are you dancing, because maybe you shouldn’t,” the God conveyed with a look of confusion.

“No, you buffoon. I’m hang-tenning,” she screeched and held up her hand, giving the familiar signal. “You know, surfing. Surely, you, the Great Poseidon, know of surfing,” she teased and toppled but caught herself before plowing into him.

“Oh, I’m familiar. I need to teach you a few lessons if that’s your surfing pose,” Poseidon mocked.

“Oh, no you didn’t,” Kiiara screeched and picked up a pillow from the bed and hit him with it. “I’m taking a shower. Maybe I’ll practice my surfing skills in there,” she yelled over her shoulder as she walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

She could hear Poseidon laughing on the other side of the door. Silly man, she thought as she pulled the shower curtain and turned the nozzle. She was more intoxicated than she realized and a hot shower might help her sober up, she thought as she quickly undressed and stepped inside the bathtub, closing the curtain behind her.

The warm water was relaxing, and she wished she’d run a bubble bath instead. Soaking in sudsy goodness would’ve been perfect. She stood under the pulsing water and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of it against her skin.

“Want some company?”

Kiiara’s eyes snapped open to see Poseidon’s head peeking inside the curtain.

All she could muster was a nod when he slid the shower curtain aside. Her mouth went dry as she watched his muscles flex as he stepped into the tub with his naked body an inch from hers.