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  Emerge

  The Descendants Book Three

  Sara Gonzales

  EMERGE (THE DESCENDANTS BOOK 3)

  BY

  Sara Gonzales© 2021

  Copyright © 2021 Sara Gonzales

  Cover Art by Jackie McClain

  Edited by Jackie McClain

  Formatted by Stormcrow Covers

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher/author and/or the artist, except with brief quotations in book reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places, organizations and events are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places including on the cover are products of the author’s imagination and or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author or artist.

  Trigger Warning! This book contains graphic language, violence, sexual scenarios.

  You will defiantly get your H.E.A., and no cliffhanger’s!

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Other Books in The Descendants

  You would think they would get used to how Hades handles his own delusions of grandeur. No! There would never be a time that any of the gods would be good in any way with what their detestable brother does. Deplorable would be an accurate word to use where their brother was concerned.

  Zeus stood once again in the large room they had set for their gatherings of the gods. Libations were flowing freely, crisps fresh fruits, bread and cheeses were displayed beautifully upon trays spread out over large marble tables for all to enjoy. His servants never left anyone for want. He was proud of all they had acquired and built in his long years of living.

  Hera floated around the room so gracefully, he often wondered if her pretty little feet ever touched the ground. Although the gathering was becoming more prominent and often, his beautiful wife always acted as the most gracious of hostesses to their friends and family.

  His eyes always followed the people taking in how they interacted. Each so drastically different and yet all so similar. Zeus watches his brother Poseidon, large shoulders built with the power to move him swiftly through the heavy seas. Athena with her grace and beauty, standing always with her shoulders back and head held high. She was regal in all she did leaving all to admire and enjoy her work. The list went on as he leaned against his usual marble pillar. The gold inlays swirling through the marble were gleaming so brilliantly in the sun, it was sending a shimmering reflection over all that were in attendance.

  Zeus was usually so attentive to these things but had been far more focused on what havoc his evil brother was bringing to the descendants. What else had he missed, he pondered as one of the young females draped in a simple white gown of free-flowing gauzy material, graced him with a freshly filled goblet of his favorite wine. He gave her a nod and smile accepting the sweet liquid.

  To his surprise, Ares who normally would stand back away from the crowded gathering, was glaring into the scrying bowl as if he were not pleased.

  Moving to join the god of war, he offered up another goblet from a tray one of the males in his service carried by. Ares took the drink with a grunt, his large hand palming the stem so tightly Zeus wondered if Hera would be replacing the small piece soon. “You are usually much calmer, my friend.”

  Anyone near the large male would feel the tension rolling off of him. Ares eyes continue to look into the water, he sat his goblet near the bowl before making fists of his hands placing them on either side. “Have you seen this?”

  Zeus had indeed seen what the god was speaking of. Zeus said nothing waiting out the other male. “I was under the impression our descendants were raised and protected until they came into themselves, discovering their powers and who they are.” Ares had only recently begun to show himself more often. Zeus wasn’t surprised the male had missed a few details.

  Hera stepped right into Zeus’s arms where she belonged, as far as he was concerned. He looked into her gorgeous blue eyes and her cheerful smile. “Ares, once the Fates created the descendants it was basically out of their hands. It was up to those around them to protect them when they were young. As you know, not all were cared for properly, especially if Hades or anyone else found them.”

  The male before them turns his head, calming the fierce look before he spoke to Hera. Everyone knew if they disrespected his wife, it would be a swift death to them. Zeus would not stand for his wife being treated in anyway, other than with respect.

  “I do not like what I have been seeing since the last battle.” The tone of Ares was controlled, and spoken through teeth that were being ground against one another.

  Hera laid her dainty hand over Ares forearm, “fear not my friend. The demigods on Earth keep proving their worth, not only to themselves but to each other. Most of all,” she turned her bright blue eyes up to Zeus smiling in pride “they have proven themselves to all of us, six times over now. Six descendants have come to fruition, maybe that is the wrong word as they will continue to grow, and help those that come forth.” Hera’s continuous smile seemed to sooth Ares if only slightly, it was something.

  Hestia, goddess of hearth joined them at the bowl as well as Uranus, Apollo, and Persephone. Zeus and Hera took a few steps back, giving them all room to look.

  The water before them, their only view to see into the creation of the Fates and the lives they created through the very essence of all of the gods of Olympus. “It is like watching a bunch of worried and doting parents.” Aphrodite says, as Zeus hears a small giggle from across the room. Aphrodite was sprawled out in what Zeus would call a demure manner; young males and females alike doting all over her. They were feeding her fruits one small bite at a time, waving a large leaf, fanning her. As if she needed it with the cool breeze blowing through, he thought.

  “Does that bother you, Aphrodite?” he asks of her. Seeing how relaxed she looks; he was sure it was not a comment made of sarcasm. Seeing her beautiful pale locks piled on her head in ringlets with only a few wisps hanging to be brushed by the breeze. Her white gown, long to her ankles yet revealing much of her assets, all proving what a treat to the eye she was.

  “I once thought it would. When the Fates asked for something so important, I thought no, this is too personal and only something we should be recreating. You ordered it, so I gave as you asked.” Zeus listened, blocking all the chatter of the others out.

  He had wanted the others honest opinions when he had come to them with the original request. Some offered, some stayed silent. Those that used silence worried him. Now one by one each had been slowly revealing their true feelings and he would give them his full attention. It was the l
east he could do, given what they freely offered.

  “Now, I see into that bowl and I feel pride. I have not seen thine own descendant, thus far. I however have seen such pride of those who have, leaving me looking forward for when mine own arises.” Aphrodite’s smile was almost as sweet as his Hera’s as she said what she felt and returned her attention to those being attentive towards her.

  “Oh my goodness!” he hears a female voice cry out in shock from near the bowl. Zeus was so focused on Aphrodite he wasn’t sure who had spoken. He and Hera looked to each other then moved right back to join the gathering.

  More had joined, each peaking in murmuring concerns for what they had been seeing. When Zeus looks he could only raise a brow in confusion and possibly a little happiness. Making a fist he uses his knuckles to knock on the marble table top to get everyone’s attention. “It seems more have arrived, not just Colbie, whom” he looks to Poseidon giving him a knowing nod, “was recently rescued by Mark, from Hades clutches. It seems at regular intervals more are coming forth.”

  A loud boom made everyone jump as Ares growls “this coming forth you speak of,” he points to the bowl “looks forced!” Ares raises his voice louder, assuring everyone heard him.

  Before Zeus could speak Oceanus stood from where he had been draped in females being extremely attentive to him. His walk was one of purpose, joining them at the table and bowl. His eyes seeing what everyone else could see and studying the scene unfolding before them. “If you ask me,” he looks at Ares with an arrogant smirk “which I am well aware you didn’t; I believe the timing is what we can call well met. There are now six well trained descendants.” Oceanus points to the bowl pressing his finger into the water making his point. “Six, Ares, and now the young female and this newest you see, will have six powerful demigods to help pave their path. They are not going to be alone, because the Fates laid out this path with a purpose.”

  Zeus looked to see everyone was paying attention, nodding their heads whispering how they felt as well. Ares did not contest the other gods' words.

  Sweet Hestia turned to Ares, instantly calming him when she spoke with her soft voice. “One of the things said the most was, we all need to have faith. You agreed right along with everyone this was the right thing to do.”

  Zeus could see the tick in the male's jaw, but Ares did nod that he agreed. Hestia stepped closer to Ares almost in a plea to understand, “each time this happens, each have found their way. It is that bond between them all that guides them the most. The Fates may not explain themselves, but what they have done so far shows in those we have been watching. Have that faith my friend, not just in the Fates, but in Gaia as she plays a hand as well.”

  Hera sniffled making Zeus look down to her eyes. Blue eyes that glistened in tears; when he looks down at her in confusion, she smiles telling him “happiness my love,” and waves her hand around especially towards Hestia.

  “Those words were beautiful, and I couldn’t have said it better.” Hestia was shy and quiet as a mouse most of the time. He could see now, why his wife felt the emotions she did. All of the worries and turmoil have brought the gods closer, and made them more embolden; especially because it was like watching your children growing up.

  Aphrodite stood, dislodging all of her pursuers to glide herself over and stand with himself and Hera. “I look forward to the day mine comes forth, in the meantime, I believe the humans call it Aunt. I am like a proud aunt watching my brothers and sisters stand with pride as their children grow up and do wonderful things.” She and Hera both giggle which brings on many other females giggling and all of the males shaking their heads at the silliness of the light Aphrodite was bringing upon them.

  Zeus understood where Ares was coming from however. “Every one of our descendants' backgrounds are different. We have watched this time and again, and now we will continue. By each of you joining in and coming more often, we have not missed much of what is happening on Earth. No lectures today need to happen. No words will change what is set in motion. What I will say is, to continue this vigilance. Many of you have seen things and reported to the Fates as we requested.” Zeus kisses the top of Hera’s head “By doing so, I believe is the reason why we are seeing what we are now.” Zeus points to the bowl and what happened at the reception of the trios wedding. “The fates have a way to handle mishaps, even in the smallest of ways. Now, let us all enjoy our libations, visit, and watch what comes next.”

  Chapter One

  They say in darkness you can find answers; Ben wasn’t sure how true that was. Here he sat in Camdyn's guest house in the dark, six weeks after the wedding he had attended with Cam. They wanted to surprise the bride and grooms with The Dane Hunt Experience.

  Damn, what an experience it that had turned out to be.

  Six weeks of learning and trying to understand how a life he thought he knew was nothing but a lie. Six weeks of feeling something so heavy, yet so addicting running through his veins like a live wire constantly energizing him. He had always been full of energy but now it was different. Gone was the happy go lucky Ben Hunt. In was the new and…was he improved? Hell, he didn’t know because he was so fucking confused. He could admit the one thing that did happen was he could sleep, and hard. Gone were the nightmares he had lived with for as long as he could remember. Now all he had was the memory of them. Some days he wasn’t sure it was different than actually having them.

  He looked around the room at the simplicities that were all around him. Large open concept that matched Cam’s big main house only on a much smaller scale. Neutral earth tones in everything, making it warm and welcoming. He’d stayed in the guest house a bunch of times since Cam had moved to Virginia. Not once had he paid much attention; it was just a place to crash when they worked in Cam’s studio.

  Seeing it now, it was comfortable and inviting. Some changes had been made since Natalia and Cam got hitched. Like a few pictures on the wall were new. Both were water colors and if what he heard was true, the big guy Deacon that married Mark and Aella, was the artist. He was no art guy, but he knew they were done well. The scenes were of Camdyn creek in one of the frames and the other over saw the mountainous ridges beyond the creek. They were beautiful!

  He liked the new little touches, even the extra thick fuzzy throw rug between the oversized couch and love seat. That rug felt amazing between his toes, he had no foot fetish, because ew gross, but damn it was kind of soothing.

  Now he knew his brain was fucked up because he was thinking about how gross foot fetishes were. “FUCK!” he slams his head on the arm rest of the thick leather couch he laid on in frustration.

  After a few minutes he had considered getting up and grabbing a beer, and then moving to the patio outback. It was simple and quiet and on a good day he could hear the creek if it were flowing well. Maybe he should…Nah, okay, no, he would.

  With a grunt he drops his feet to the thick plush carpet before making his way outside through a single door. It was nothing fancy, small table and chairs with an umbrella for shade and two chaise lounges. He grabbed a beer from the hidden ice chest, twisting the top off and dropping his ass down on one of the extra thick cushions that adorned the lounger.

  His thoughts had been so insane since that crazy ass groupie jumped on him. He raised his hand to his neck to find it bare. The necklace he had worn since he was a kid no longer there. He wasn’t sure if he should be sad, hurt, or incredibly pissed off.

  In six weeks, he learned what a birthmark that looked oddly like a broad sword down his spine meant. The same birth mark he had covered in a very large back piece. That tattoo had been a gift to himself after he made his first big money. It covered the birth mark which he had originally thought was a bonus. Now that birthmark shone through the ink. Once again, it was six weeks. It actually looked kind of cool when he thought about it. The sword in the middle of all the feathers just had this bad ass feel. Speaking of the birthmark…the kisses was a bit odd. Then again, what he felt towards everyone after was a
lso comforting.

  Ben took a long pull from his beer as he thought back to the day Mark, Deacon, and Aella came back from their honeymoon. Heath and Cam had shown up insisting he join them all for a barbeque at the new Crave Ocean Experience. He couldn’t deny the place was unlike anything he had ever seen. Aella had really hit the lottery meeting the scientist that wanted to save all the oceanic life in her aquariums. No one would ever believe there was an underground ocean and beach like oasis in the mountains of Virginia if they didn’t advertise either.

  Heath had pointed out how well the business was doing and how well it was bringing attention and revenue to their little community. It would be a vacation destination for many soon enough. Add in all the freshly renewed camp sites Mark had taken on and the town was booming with visitors. Yes, it made it a little more difficult for Cam and himself since their faces were so recognizable, but they had been managing and would continue to do so.

  Ben brought his mind back to the birthmarks, shaking his head as he took another drink. “You know what we are now…what you are, but now you and Colbie need to bond with us. It will not only make you safer, but it will ensure you can utilize your powers better.” Heath explained. “I still am figuring out what I have. Did you see the tree in Cam's yard? I could have destroyed the guest house when that came down if it hadn’t been for Cam’s quick thinking to use the wind directing it away.” He countered how he was feeling. “I promise you both, you will feel surer of what you are, and the powers that are within you, once you are bonded to us.” Heath’s smile was so freaking calming it had annoyed Ben. Mark stood with his arms crossed over his big chest looking every bit of the descendant he was. The huge aquarium behind Mark as they talked made Mark look like he was glowing.