The next four days passed quickly as I got through the testing and just spent time with the ladies. The businesses were gearing up, but there wasn’t much to do until that testing was done, and the witches were handling the second business. I’d also found no reason to engage with the council again, and no one was plotting against me, just wary and trying to figure out my intentions, which was fine.

  So outside of the testing, we’d been doing a lot of fun things, outdoor activities, as well as an insane amount of sex. I couldn’t get enough of either of them, and they were both as insatiable as I was and there were two of them to keep up with. If they weren’t seducing me, they were seducing each other, and things seemed to be going well on all levels there. So the testing and getting to know my two bed partners was the only thing I got up to those four days.

  The flirty disappointed look at not watching our sexy times, and the bikini incident was added by a few more things I’d noted down. Nothing really wrong with the system, but the guidelines needed to be tightened a bit when giving the A.I. free reign with dress, body language, and the full experience.

  I mean, it was totally my fault, things like putting on suntan lotion, stretching, and mischievous exuberance weren’t really sexual in nature, but were suggestive of it to my male and young mind. So I wasn’t actually sure if I should add in those limits or not for someone wanting the full unfettered experience. Regardless, I planned to have our programmer go over my notes and look it over in a month or so, and I saw no reason to change anything at all before ordering those processors made for the others. I ordered three more, so they should be done and ready in a few days, which will be a week since I’d had Misty with me.

  The extra for Faith, or if she turned down our interest and offer, whoever the programmer turned out to be.

  On the technical side, everything worked flawlessly and as intended, thanks to the A.I. herself, and the master files had been updated so the new ones wouldn’t even have to contend with those flaws at all.

  Misty herself also had no complaints or suggestions on how to make things better. Of course, she would feel no lack for herself, but she could feel a lack in her ability to carry out her duties toward her owner. So things were going well

  At the end of those four days, a council was called to welcome the new Tatiana, the rebirth of Hera. I just pulled a little information, she’d chosen to be born in Russia again. Nadia was the new name and face. She was tall at five foot eleven, with light brown hair and blue eyes. She had an athletic body, outside of a healthy pair of DD breasts, not all that different than Natasha that way, just a whole lot taller with amazing legs.

  She was also the entitled and coldly practical daughter of a very rich and corrupt Russian general. Which… I honestly had no idea what her spirit self was thinking, being born into that household. I suspected she wouldn’t be any different than the last two given that, and someone to be wary of. Perhaps she’d wanted to learn how to recognize corruption and have her political teethe sharpened before getting her powers this time around.

  I’d find out soon enough.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It was the first official council meeting I’d attended, so also the first time I was without Lianne by my side in public. Our seconds weren’t allowed in the meeting itself, though she was waiting outside, probably exchanging glares with Darrell as I headed inside.

  Gary, Kaya, and Natasha were sitting together on the left side of the table despite representing two disparate groups at the moment, spying and justice respectively. The former looked at me warily, while Natasha ignored me and obviously felt uncomfortable with the decision to do so. Kaya’s nod of greeting was coolly polite and ladylike, which was better than a slap.

  Bruce was at the head of the table, while Teresa and Freda were on the right side. Nadia, the guest of honor, sat the foot and had a cold look on her classically beautiful face. That left one gap for me to sit at on the left side, between the triad and Bruce.

  The goddess of light as usual declined to attend or even reveal her existence, and I hadn’t changed my mind about reaching out.

  “Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the council, Nadia,” I said casually as I sat down.

  Nadia barely acknowledged me, save for a glance and subtle nod. She was obviously not going to reveal anything that she didn’t have to, especially the fact she was really nervous. She’d just gotten her powers yesterday afternoon and one of Gary’s spies had outed her almost immediately. I’d gotten far luckier that way, out in the middle of nowhere with my pack and far from the halls of political power I’d had time to adjust. Of course, the halls of political power was where our spies lurked the most.

  Bruce said, “Now that everyone is here…” he took the time to introduce us all, and to explain a brief amount about our duties. He even had the balls to suggest she might do well in the position as spymaster, which was pretty much usurping my only remaining authority, though they’d already made it clear that authority was highly circumcised as well.

  Ironically, it was my responsibility to point out he’d just overstepped his authority, but to do so over that would make me look ridiculously petty, which was probably his plan. Just another poke at the unmanned king of the gods, nothing to see here folks.

  Fucking asshole. He stole my rubber stamp! It was so ridiculous that the anger passed quickly, and the contempt and humor had me suppressing a snort and chuckle, if a rather dark one.

  Nadia replied, “A pleasure. I believe that will be a good fit if Gary had no objection?”

  Gary interjected, “None, I’ve only been filling in since Steven was found guilty of several crimes. I’d much prefer to be on the justice council.”

  “Wonderful,” I interjected, “You of course, have my blessing as well. Freda, any news on that thing in Germany, I believe Gary completely missed it, so Nadia should be informed.”

  Yes, a petty proverbial kick to my favorite dark god’s nut sack.

  Freda’s lips twitched, “The chancellor was extremely concerned hearing that a part of his government was performing torturous tests and research on two captured gods. He stepped on some necks, and they were released with apologies, while the ones responsible were punished.”

  I smiled, “Wonderful.” Really, killing them with mocking kindness was all I had, not unless I wanted to start a war and wreck the council I wanted to lead.

  In my past lives I’d kept them all at odds with each other so they wouldn’t do what they were doing now, team up to displace me. Which of course is why it’d been so hard to get anything done. It was a problem, ruling among a roomful of equals in power was a pain in the ass.

  There were better ways to ensure loyalty in rule than turning ones equals into bitter rivals, but I feared those bridges were burned, and I wasn’t entirely sure Nadia, Bruce, and the late Steven would’ve responded positively to that kind of thing anyway. Positive reinforcement, power delegation, and sharing the credit were three such avenues common to shifter packs.

  Those three were all too ambitious for any of those ruling styles to work, but it might have worked anyway if not directly. I mean, it seemed clear if I had used those kinds of measures in past lives on the rest, having Gary, Natasha, Kaya, Freda, and Teresa at my back would’ve kept those three in their place, for the same reason I was stuck in mine. If they got out of line or refused to acknowledge my authority and follow my delegated orders with their delegated power, then they’d be facing six of us, not just me. But that fact had been entirely lost on Zeus and Nate. That none of those five had the same ambition to rule like they did, and Hera, Hades, and Poseidon did.

  But I had my businesses, and my lovers, and I’d be changing the world for the better in a way this council and my past lives never managed to do. Using business. So… there was that, and it wasn’t a small comfort.

  Maybe if I kept telling myself that, I’d believe it. I mean, it definitely helped, but the truth was my mantel drove me to rule, it was my purpose as a god, and like an itch I couldn’t scratch. Just… something I could distract myself from with other ambitions, such as ruling a family and a business empire.

  Natasha said, “I couldn’t help but notice the generous donation to the foundation?”

  I shrugged, “It is my responsibility, is it not? The database and watchdog function, as well as appointing and delegating power. You know, the rubber stamp Bruce just stole in order to offer me petty insult, and to remind me of my place at every opportunity. I wouldn’t call it an usurpation or power grab, because there’s no power involved in it. Just the pettiness of a five-year-old in the sandbox. Anyway, it seemed reasonable that I be on the board of the foundation that pays for the equipment and salaries to maintain it.”

  Gary snorted.

  Natasha said, “I understand.”

  Yeah, I was no longer sure she did, because I was no longer sure I did. I was done with these assholes. This was not what Natasha had intended twenty-two years ago, the pettiness going on, but she wasn’t about to stand up for me or her intentions as the council ran away with it. I was the court jester. Regardless, the next council meeting would be too damned soon, even if we found no reason to meet for twenty-two years, until the next Steven showed up.

  Bruce looked annoyed at my little speech, I’d given him the response he’d wanted in goading me, but I’d also made him look like a petty little boy. At the same time, it annoyed me that I wasn’t able to hold my tongue again or not be petty in return.

  On the good side, for Nadia, she was starting to look a whole lot more confident now that she was realizing what she was dealing with. Petty children and gods had a lot in common, actually, and I probably had to include myself in that as well. Though I was trying to take the high road, and I was trying to help, no longer on the second one.

  I was done with these fucking morons. Gary holding a grudge against me for my past life, and Natasha’s moral cowardice because she didn’t want to fight with him. It wouldn’t even be fighting for me, it’d be fighting for her dream, this council and what it was supposed to stand for.

  I didn’t see Gary glaring at Nadia, and last I checked Tatiana had tried to kill him and his family several times. So, his grudge about me was all about his psyche not being recovered from being enslaved for so long. Which, I couldn’t really blame him for, but at the same time, not my fault.

  Misty of course, was giving them all a death glare, save Nadia, the only one not on my shitlist, and ironically the one I’d trust least at my back.

  I asked, “Had anyone provided a witch grimoire to our newest member yet? She more than anyone else needs it. I don’t actually have one in a convenient format to gift.”

  Nadia looked slightly annoyed and grateful at the same time. Annoyed at me pointing out the weakness, and grateful that I was trying to fix it.

  Natasha said, “I’ll give her ours, it’s pretty complete.”

  I’d say so, it had all of Ciara’s coven’s spells in it, save the ones I’d given them for the power devices which I was sure were tightly under lock and key.

  Nadia said, “Thank you.”

  Bruce said, “Was there anything else? I’m sure we all have things we can be doing, and Nadia will need to focus on establishing herself.”

  Thank you, captain obvious.

  Misty giggled at my thought, which was a new development but hardly alarming. I had been thinking of her a moment ago which had probably engaged her interaction protocols. I’d add it to the list of stuff for our programmer to review. She also looked amazing in a black robe dress.

  Gary interjected, “Doesn’t seem so, call it?”

  We all nodded, and then one by one got up and left. Most teleported, but I walked out and took Lianne’s hand before doing so myself.

  “I saw he was still breathing,” I noted as I went to grab a coffee.

  Lianne giggled, “Darrell is a harmless bully on a leash. I didn’t smell ozone.”

  “No smiting today, or any day soon. So, outside of keeping my eyes out for corruption and power grabs, I’m done helping them.”

  Lianne asked, “If a god or goddess is in trouble?”

  I shrugged, “Misty can text Bruce if it’ll save a life, but I won’t bother interacting with the petty assholes. Focus on business and family.”

  She smiled, and then kissed me languidly.

  “Going to talk to faith soon?”

  I tilted my head, then nodded, “A few days? After the implants are ready. She can start going through my list of things to investigate while we get to know her, then focus on enhancements and updates. I’d like to have all that in place in eleven weeks, before we market and go live. You in a hurry?”

  She giggled, “Not really impatient, just anxious to see how it turns out. You’re upset, I can tell.”

  “How’s that?”

  She smirked, “Your hands aren’t on me.”

  I chuckled, “Good point, get over here, baby.”

  I pulled her into my arms and gave her a lingering kiss, then took her hand as I grabbed the coffee with my other.

  “You want one?”

  She bit her lip, “No, thanks,” as she leaned against my side, and I wrapped my arm around her and led her to the living room couch, where we sat and she snuggled into my side.

  I took a moment to run my security questions through my head, while wanting to know.

  I snorted, then winked at her.

  Lianne asked, “What?”

  I said, “Nadia is already plotting. She’s going to seduce Bruce and failing that try to displace him. She’s under the impression he’s the authority on the council because he’s the general with all the war gods. He also did take the lead in the discussion, so I could see how she’d see it.”

  Lianne nodded, “That’s amusing?”

  I sighed, “Well, only because it’s what Hera did to Zeus. Exact same plan. Of course, he totally regretted going for it despite her plans, just to hit that.”

  Lianne giggled, “I see. And you?”

  I shrugged, “Don’t care, outside of it being amusing. It’s only a power play if she fails to make him her husband and she does grasp for more power. Then I’ll do my duty, no more.”

  Lianne sighed, and crawled onto my lap and straddled me, her arms around my neck and her eyes looking down into mine.

  I smiled, “You’re stunning, baby.”

  She winked, “So you’re happy with your crazy Asian hottie arm candy?”

  I snickered, “Very, you’re beyond distracting, even when I’m in a petty snit. Which is new for me, since it’s only today I’ve really given up on the idea of ruling.”

  She bit her lip, “Except your family and businesses.”

  I nodded, “Very true, and I’m beyond grateful for both. Those are my ambitions and dreams as a man and shifter, but my mantel is pushing me to rule the gods, not anything else. I think it was me deciding it was never going to happen, that has me feeling a bit distracted and drifting. I mean, I guess before now I always thought I might be able to earn it and win their trust, even their loyalty. Or enough of them on that last one that it’s good enough.”

  She kissed me softly, “Then maybe you shouldn’t give up.”

  “You forgot advisor.”

  She giggled, “Forgot?”

  I nodded, “Crazy Asian hottie arm candy advisor.”

  She giggled, and countered, “Obedient and proud crazy Asian hottie arm candy advisor.”

  “So, what makes you think I shouldn’t, baby?”

  She said, “Because your worthy of it, and they’re not. Not anymore. The others shouldn’t let Bruce run things like he has been, and while they’re doing their jobs and well enough, they don’t care about the people they’re supposed to be ruling and protecting. The Justice team, maybe, but even they’re taking too much petty enjoyment in being unfair to you because of things you had no control over. They gave that bitch a fresh slate, and she’s already plotting against them, and you aren’t.”

  I sighed, “All valid points, but it doesn’t change the fact they’ll all drop on me like a ton of bricks the moment I start to breathe in their presence. You could even say dislike of me, fear of me, is the only thing holding the council together as long as it has been.”

  She said, “Then break it, when they earn it, and rebuild it with the ones that come to your banner, and then put the rest in line with their help. Not unlike what Natasha did to Nate, by recruiting and mating with Gary, Kaya, Amelia, Vicki, and Mandy.”

  “That would be a very long-term proposition.”

  She nodded, “It would also soothe your mantel, by keeping it on the table, even if it takes two hundred years.”

  I sighed, “Good point. So this is your, don’t be a quitter because it makes you a loser, speech?”

  She winked, and slid off me and to her knees, “Wait until you see the encore,” she teased with sultry promise, while taking out her breasts for my viewing pleasure, before fishing me out.

  I could swear I saw undisguised lust on Misty’s face out of the corner of my eyes, as she disappeared, but I dismissed it as my imagination. Dismissed it as projecting my own deep lust onto her mischievously teasing expression, and Lianne’s sweet mouth on me completely drove everything from my mind for quite a long while. It was one of the long and loving ones, sweet devotion and joyful lust in her eyes, telling me she was happy where she was, and she was in no hurry to stop sucking and stroking my cock. My mouth was already watering to return the favor, but like I was in no huge hurry and was going to enjoy it.

  It was a hell of a turn around on the day, that was for sure…

  It was later that same evening. The flash of power in the backyard made Lianne squeal with excitement in the other room and run toward the backyard. Just wanting to know who it was, and not finding out, told me who it was. My equals were not beyond my power to know, a part of the group consciousness or book of life, whatever the source of my information was. But the fates were not bound by fate, and as such not a part of that mysterious information source.

  It was why Zeus and Nate had feared and been wary of them, he couldn’t read their history or see their plotting. One of the reasons anyway, since most other gods feared the trio, they were absolutely ruthless when it came to making the future turn out and unfold the way they wanted, or the way they were directed, I honestly had no way to know which. I suspected it was a little bit of both, the skein of fate guided them to avoid snarls and dead ends, while they picked the optional future that most appealed to them.