That was an interesting insight.

  “So, we’ll see you tonight. After we get out at three, we’re picking up a wardrobe for Maris, but we should be home by five or six.”

  “Sounds perfect. I’ll be at least that late, by the time I get home, pack up all my clothes, toys and personal hygiene, and a few other personal things. I’m… really excited.”

  I smiled, “Me too. Aphrodite really did come through for us on our mating faithfulness rules, thank her for me?”

  She giggled, “I will, quite thoroughly. Don’t forget to thank Hestia for allowing her to take a peek at you.”

  I replied, “Oh, I will, quite thoroughly.”

  We both chuckled.

  She grinned, “Just so you know, I’ve already made arrangements. Allison’s hands are going to be tired, taking care of all our male clients that get happy endings. Well, except you of course, I expect to see you in my massage room on Monday.”

  “That’s good to know, and I wouldn’t miss it.”

  She winked, “I also contacted Marie. Allison is a doll, but she really doesn’t have the personality to be a fixer. Next time Hera causes trouble with our business Marie will handle it, for a fee. Levi has already approved that change. So, I’ve avoided any other cocks since waking up this morning.”

  “So, you’re saying you were pretty confident of my answer.”

  She chuckled sultrily, and said, “Yes. Except that last point, the friends with benefits part, which wouldn’t have been a deal breaker for me. So, thanks for that.”

  I was feeling pretty good, and quite excited about what we’d talked about and what was going on. She was my mate now, which thrilled me beyond measure, and even if our rules were a little creative, with my cock being the only one that she played with I was more than satisfied jealousy wouldn’t be an issue that way.

  We finished up our lunch discussing lighter things, and then headed back to work. There was just enough time left before class for me to order Maris and Hali to take care of that little problem I had. I’d been as hard as steel from our conversation and the arrangement we came up with to make Katerina my mate.

  Fuck me, if they weren’t all magnificent. My twins had gotten in on it and administered a spanking to Hali and Maris while they pleasured me with their hands and mouths. The harder they were spanked, the wilder they’d sucked, licked, and moaned all over my cock and balls. It was a bit wicked, sloppy as hell, and entirely insane as they both came hard as I painted their faces.

  I so owed the twins multiples for that, later.

  I suspected that would be the new standard, either both twins or Hali and Maris blowing me at the same time. They all loved to be down on their knees, and while it was admittedly hot as hell for me it was also good for them. They got excited playing together, and it meant they’d be on their knees for me more often. There was only so much time in the day for quickies and five… six-way marathons.

  Point being, if they did it in pairs then it’d take two blowjobs a day to satisfy their needs to be ordered about and dominated for Hali and Maris, and also to satisfy Lynn’s and Zarya’s need to service me to relieve my stress on their own initiative. Of course, with Katerina in the picture now, I was sure that number would go back up to three a day, for quickies, not to mention actual sex.

  I was probably thinking too much, but the point was it wasn’t just incredibly hot for me, it really worked for them too. Far more than the sex, I was thrilled. It’d only been a week since Hali and I got in this town, and I already had five mates, four monsters and a demigoddess. My home was mostly complete as well.

  I’d wanted that big family, and all the sex was really just an incredible bonus. I wasn’t sure if our family was complete yet, five mates each was a lot, but I thought we could handle one more.

  It’d also occurred to me that although adding Katerina meant our sex lives would be even richer and wilder, if anything it’d be easier to keep up with. I got the idea she’d be a help that way, in a big way, giving my insatiable monster mates what they needed, and helping me keep them fully sated. It’d take their edge off, between turns riding on my cock.

  Fortunately, magic was excellent for cleaning up messes in a wild sex life, and they all looked flawless and perfect as I headed for that class with barely a minute to spare…

  It was just after three and we were heading toward the middle building. Both to say hi and goodbye to Allison who I hadn’t seen all day, and to speak to Levi about what he’d found out. It’d been a busy day after all, and between my mates, Katerina, and classes we hadn’t had time for anything else.

  Allison looked sexy as hell in a tight light blue strapless and casual tube dress, with her light blonde hair caressing the gentle curves of her dancer’s body and revealing most of her toned and endless legs. She smiled at me brightly, and she surprised me by going around the counter and practically leaping into my arms. Her body was soft, supple, and warm against mine. There was also no doubt in my mind she felt me harden against her body as she gave me a full contact and protracted hug.

  The gorgeous brown-eyed woman even ground against it a little with a wistful sigh before she backed off.

  “Damn, totally worth the wait.”

  No point in beating around the bush. She’d not only felt me harden at her hug, but she’d also no doubt felt the powerful surge of desire and lust at her nubile and perfect nineteen-year-old dancer’s body pressed so intimately against me.

  She giggled, “It really was, if a bit frustrating as well, it was… really nice. I just wanted to congratulate you, that’s so hot, and Katerina’s on the moon. More than that, thank you so much, she’s one of my best friends and I get to keep that too. That’s really rare in our world when one of us settles down that’s usually the end of things.”

  I got that, not only was I becoming her friend, but I hadn’t taken away one of her closest friends with benefits, Katerina. That kind of explained the extremely grateful look on her face as well as the uninhibited and warm hug.

  She grinned suddenly, and handed out hugs to my mates too, and I wondered what she’d picked up on her lust-meter to engender that reaction.

  “Anyway, I need to get back behind the counter before I get carried away. I’m looking forward to that barbeque invite, our friendship is totally worth that frustration by the way, it’s even kind of fun.”

  I replied, “Agreed. You only feel my lust, what you don’t feel is how much your friendship brightens my day.”

  She blushed furiously. That seemed to be a major trend, daughters of pleasure were shameless when it came to sex, but relationships and feelings seemed to make them all blush like schoolgirls, simply because they’re not used to it, I suspected.

  “Thanks for telling me that, I feel the same way. I’m sure you felt how much I enjoyed that hug, from the other side of things, anyway.”

  “I did, it was like scratching an itch that’s been bothering me all week,” she giggled, and I continued, “How about Sunday, I have it on good authority it’s going to be a perfect sunny day.”

  We’d be busy with family hobby discovery Saturday, so why not Sunday? A family and a circle of friends was what I wanted, and I didn’t want to be one of those people that just talked about doing stuff, but never did them.

  She giggled, “Or else, right?”

  I nodded, “Exactly.”

  She said, “I can be free, during the day anyway. Just text me the details when you have them.”

  Levi came out the back door with Nicole and Claire, and they all gave me a nod of greeting.

  “Hi, Levi. Thanks for this.”

  He waved that away, “Allies, and friends. Congratulations on Katerina by the way.”

  “Thanks, it’s short notice, but we have a barbeque going on this Sunday if you and your family want to stop by.”

  He nodded, “I’ll let you know tomorrow. It’s a huge production to take the kids anywhere. If not though, we’d be happy to host you guys next weekend.”

  “So, were you able to find anything out?”

  He replied, “Yes and no. Sue and Linda weren’t in the room for most of the business talk. They were just brought in after with alcohol to influence several local businessmen with sex. They did hear a few things though, but not enough to figure out Wisdom’s whole game in L.A. Whatever it is it’s a big deal. The men present are highly influential and own a lot of real estate, several of them were on multiple boards. The kind of men that invest in businesses and have a large enough market share to earn them a seat on the board in multiple companies.

  “Best they could figure out it’s some kind of merger or buyout that’ll give her a lot of influence in the area while reducing War’s influence in a single move. Still, it’s enough to get started, one of those businessmen and a simple truth spell will get you what you need, and I have a list of those names for you, if it becomes necessary to get involved.”

  “That’s good enough then, thanks.”

  He nodded, “Glad to help, watch your back.”

  We said our goodbyes, then went to the stores. I really didn’t like shopping, but watching sweet Maris pick out a wardrobe pleasing to me, and knowing she’d be wearing what I told her to wear, did take a lot of the sting out of it. Like the others, she didn’t do bras or panties, and she went for elegantly casual skirts, dresses, and some casual clothes as well. I won’t bore you with the details of our shopping expedition, but it took almost three hours, and my other three monster mates picked up a few new things as well.

  Given how awesome the rest of my mated life was, it was a small sacrifice to put up with, they all loved clothes and dressing up for me.

  Then we headed home.

  Chapter Fourteen

  We were still unloading the car when the wards tripped, and it wasn’t Katerina. I frowned as I wondered if we were going to be attacked again, but it was just the one car, and as it grew closer to the house, I could see there was only one person inside. That didn’t stop me from taking precautions, and I firmed up the wards with more power and magic to protect myself and my mates.

  Maris said, “She has no ill intentions.”

  I opened my empathy, and Maris was right. The woman felt mostly confident, but also a little nervous as well. We waited there with my four mates flanking my sides as the car slowed and stopped just twenty feet away.

  The woman that got out looked middle aged. She was honestly the oldest demi-god I’d ever met. I supposed that didn’t say much for my life expectancy, that very few reached a hundred and fifty much less our full three-hundred-year lifespan. Our world was violent after all, and sometimes even the most powerful could die due to circumstance, or a lessening of vigilance.

  She was still attractive though, fit and athletic, with light tanned skin, medium brown hair, and blue eyes. She was about five feet and six inches, with an average body type that was very in shape. Her face bore the signs of age well, and she had a no nonsense look in her face as she got out, opened the back door, and pulled out a large suitcase.

  She walked toward us, and I could feel she was a bit nervous, but it didn’t show on her confident and closed off face. She also appeared to be unarmed.

  “Mr. Cross. I’m Jane Shaw, of Shaw and Liverpool associates. Also, champion of Athena.”

  “A lawyer?”

  She smiled wryly, “Yes, a full partner, obviously. I am born of her wisdom, and no threat to you physically, or anyone in that way,” she placed the luggage on the ground, and took two steps back.

  My mates were staring at the suitcase like it might jump up and kill me.

  “Why are you here?”

  She said, “Consider this reparation. My goddess does not wish to earn your enmity. There will be no further attacks by her children, I was asked to deliver that message. For your trouble, there is four million dollars in twenties and fifties. If you accept this payment, then we expect you will not take any aggressive action toward our… interests.

  “it’s far from normal procedure, but a man of your power could do quite a lot of damage before being taken down. From my research you are likely to prefer a cessation of violence. So, this is our offer.”

  “Is this really happening?”

  Hali snickered, but her eyes were narrowed, “You used my master, or she did.”

  Wait what? Somehow my stunning beautiful mermaid wasn’t just caught up, but she was several steps ahead of me.

  “Used?”

  Hali nodded firmly, and she stared down Jane.

  Jane cleared her throat, “My goddess did nothing but pass on what happened at the bed and breakfast to all her demigods. Some took it upon themselves to act on their own initiative.”

  Oh… fuck. That plus Hali’s accusation gave me what I needed to make the leap.

  I scowled, “She used me to clean her own house. I wondered how the demigods of Athena could have such a twisted view of justice, and to use others unfairly. So, she set them up, and used me to take out the bad ones. The ones that had strayed too far from her mantel. Every idiot took her report to mean I should be taken out, when the clear-thinking ones knew it was an example of how not to act.”

  Jane cleared her throat, “Yes. It was an opportunity to as you say, clean our house of those that would act distastefully, and more like the god of war’s violent opportunists and bullies.”

  I felt dirty, and a little more than just pissed off.

  Athena’s… ploy, had me responsible for taking several lives, when she could’ve just ordered them to cut it out, or cut them off and rescinded their champion status.

  But, she was too wise for that apparently, and didn’t want them signing up with Ares, signing up with the competition who would laud their evil and twisted philosophy that the end justified any and all means. So rather than that, she’d arranged for them to attack me, so I’d kill them.

  How fucked up was that? My world wasn’t just filled with danger and violence, but with manipulation, betrayal, and shifting loyalties. I could only trust my family, my mates, and perhaps most of my allies, but certainly not all. At least not blindly, trust but verify.

  I wasn’t sure what to do, but going to war was a nonstarter, so I might as well just take the money. Lesson learned. The bitch of it was there was nothing stopping her from doing it again, or another god, manipulating and using the most powerful demigods to their own ends, simply by giving us no choice.

  It wasn’t like I could give up and die out of spite. I had no choice but to defend myself and my family. Of course, not all gods would work that way.

  “I’ll accept the payment, but only under the understanding she won’t use me in such a way ever again.”

  Jane said, “Of course, the matter is moot anyway, the rest of her children see the justice in what you did.”

  I snorted, “Don’t get clever. What about the next generation? I’m sure every batch of kids she makes has a low percentage failure rate in integrity, morals, and principles. That makes it not moot, and I won’t be used as her assassin every twenty fucking years. Have I made myself clear, Miss Shaw?”

  Lynn snickered, and Zarya asked teasingly, “Batch of kids?”

  I laughed despite myself, “Poor choice of words, but you know what I mean. The gods can make a kid like every two days, and it’s obvious they all have thousands of them running around the world. Regardless, I can’t let this go again, or I’ll have every god doing it. I also can’t not defend myself, so if it happens again then I’ll have no choice but to go after her interests to stop that kind of thing cold in the future. I trust I’m understood.”

  Jane replied carefully, “Circumstances dictate. If as you say, in twenty years, one of my goddess’s children is abusing the good will of one of Hestia’s, you may be sent to stop it. All I can guarantee is my goddess will not use you again in such a way, but it could happen anyway. Human nature, and history repeats itself.”

  I shook my head, “That’s different, and in service to my goddess and protecting my allies. As long as she doesn’t send every other asshole after me through manipulation then I’m fine with that.”

  Jane said, “Then we have an agreement.”

  I nodded, “We do.”

  She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes, “Good day, Mr. Cross.”

  None of us moved, until she was in her car and gone. I also used my magic to check out the suitcase, and I determined there was nothing but money in there. Well, it felt like blood money, but that was Athena’s fault, not mine, and it would make a hell of a nest egg to start a business, along with the other two million I still had from dad.

  I wasn’t sure what was next.

  Business wise we seemed set. I knew Katerina wanted to keep on with her job at the spa, and more than that she had an invested interest in the business itself. I didn’t care about my job, just that I had one and felt useful, all my passion belonged to my family. My monster mates didn’t care either, all they wanted to do was be cherished and focus all their ambitions on serving and caring for me.

  In other words, the status quo for business seemed more than good enough. I even enjoyed martial arts, and I’d discovered I had a knack and enjoyment in teaching it. More than that, it kept me close to all my mates, my allies, and my friends, so it seemed perfect already that way.

  If we did get another mate at some point, maybe we could reassess, or in five years when Katerina was truly ready to settle down and gave up those feminine happy endings, she might want to do something different. We’d see.

  Our family life was amazing, was about to get better, and we’d figure it out. Sex would never be a problem, and we even had house duties split up and all that. I’d get to know my monster mates and cement even stronger bedrock for our loving relationships over time, as I got to know them. And of course, in two days we’d start finding common interests to pursue, and perhaps separate hobbies as well. My monster mates still had growing to do, on the human side of things.