“Really, no. Don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Tula.
Okay, this is going to drive me nuts not knowing who is who for certain. “One final note, I did not cheat on you, Tula. I know you saw photos, but I would rather live in Hilbert’s body for eternity than betray your trust. I am the God of Temptation, not the God of Douchebag Cheaters.” That honor fell to Cimil, along with being the Goddess of Funk, Junk, Goobers, Garage Sales, Spam (the “meat”), Haikus, and Everything Random.
Zac waited for the real Tula to tip her hand, but both women seemed determined not to clue him in. That had to mean that the real Tula was still facing some sort of repercussions with Maury. Right?
All I need is a little time alone with each one, to figure this out. “So, um, who’s up for a little trip?” Zac said.
“You mean a weekend getaway?” asked Tula.
“Yes. Exactly.” Anything to get the true Tula away from Maury.
“I’m in!” they both said.
“Then pack your bags,” Zac said, “because we’re going to—”
“Vegas, to get married like you promised?” Tula said.
Hell no.
“Paris, because you know I’ve always wanted to go?” said Gola.
Hell no again. He couldn’t take them anywhere remotely distracting. They all needed to go somewhere completely boring, noiseless, and without outsiders who might mess with his head. This was make or break time because he’d already lost his side of the bet with Maury. Yeah, because he cheated!
Still, Zac had to do everything in his power to ensure Tula won whatever deal she had. At the very least, he had to ensure things between him and Tula were solid before Maury caught up with them.
We need to go somewhere quiet and isolated. Somewhere Maury won’t find us right away. Somewhere the real Tula will hate! Which would help him figure out who she was faster.
“We’re going to El Corazón.” It was the home of the savage mermen and would be abandoned now. Immortals like them were in the underworld.
Both woman stared without reaction.
Hmmm… The real Tula should definitely cringe at the thought of returning to an island where ruthless, savage mermen had once held her prisoner, thanks to Cimil, who claimed she only “wanted to keep Tula safe” after the immortal plague broke out. Tula had died near there after Zac came to rescue her, and it had been all his fault. He found a boat to use for their escape but didn’t realize how cold it was going to get that night. She froze in his arms over the ocean.
The memory sent a spike of anguish through him but brought to light one simple fact. He could not let Maury win. And I won’t. Zac went through hell to bring Tula back to life, and he wasn’t about to lose her all over again to some demon.
“So, you’re both cool with going?” he asked.
“You’ll be there, too, right?” asked Tula.
“Just the three of us.” He observed their faces.
Nothing.
Maybe if he rubbed a little salt in the wound, the real Tula would show some discomfort. “I think it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Last I heard, the mermen had really upgraded El Corazón—satellite feed, solar power, new modern homes, and some new dinghies.” Tragically, Tula had died in a dinghy.
Zac waited. Still no reaction?
Man, Tula was not going to make this easy. He would figure this out eventually, but how much time did they have?
“Hop in, ladies. I’ll drop you off to do a little shopping—my treat—while I go to the airstrip to have the Uchben prepare our plane.” It was a good idea to get there ahead of time and make sure they were fully up to speed on what was happening. He would have warned them before about the demon threat, but he’d have had to conceal his identity.
Zac suddenly realized how many of his brethren’s mates and children were out there, probably worried sick. The gods had disappeared without a trace along with so many others. He was the only one who was free.
No doubt they’ll have questions. They’ll demand I take action. But this was one of those rare occasions when Zac had to put Tula first.
Too many times he’d left her side, made unkept promises, abandoned her when the shit was hitting the fan, all so he could run off and help save the world. All those apocalypses and wars. All that sacrifice. And look at where it got us.
No more. For once, he was putting Tula first, putting them first.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Okay, buckaroo, don’t say I’ve never done anything for you.” Cimil punched the sleeping giant’s shoulder.
Reclined on his cot, Votan sat up, and his eyes popped open. “What the hell, Cimil?” He rubbed the spot.
“The hell is that I found us an out.”
“You did? Where?”