Charmed by Apollo

1. Geri

Present time…

Geri adjusted the potted snake plants on the shelf, ensuring they were displayed just right. The morning light streamed through the windows of the plant shop, casting a warm glow over the space. A gentle breeze wafted in, carrying the scent of soil and greenery.

Today was special. It was the day of the monthly plant swap when plant enthusiasts from all over the city would gather to exchange cuttings, seeds, and stories about their much-loved plants. It was an event Geri had started shortly after taking over running the shop a couple of months back when Persephone announced that the Underworld would be her home. And with Demeter running around being Mother Nature, the shop’s day-to-day fell into Geri’s lap.

Just as she finished arranging the table for the swap, the door to the shop swung open.

“Honey, I’m home,” Adonis’s voice rang out over the shop.

“You’re late,” she singsonged back at him, shaking her head.

Adonis sauntered in, his easy grin lighting up the room as if he carried his own personal spotlight. His tousled hair and mischievous eyes starkly contrasted with Geri’s own composed demeanor.

“Sorry I’m late, darling,” he said, his voice dripping with charm as he approached her. “I had an eventful evening and an even better morning.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You and your he-whoring will be the death of me, Adonis. But I suppose your charm does help sell a lot of plants.”

He winked. “What can I say? People can’t resist a bit of eye candy.”

Despite his tardiness, she couldn’t deny that Adonis’s presence added a certain flair to the shop. His easy charm and infectious personality drew customers like bees to honey, and his knowledge of plants was surprisingly extensive despite his tendency to goof off.

His expression turned serious, and he turned to her with a sheepish smile. “Hey, Geri,” he began, his tone uncharacteristically hesitant. “I, uh, want to claim my pass.”

Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. She set down the watering can she had been holding and regarded Adonis with amusement and disbelief. “Your pass?” she repeated, trying to wrap her head around what he was saying. “You mean…”

Adonis nodded, his expression earnest. “Yeah, that one. Look, I know I promised not to hook up with the customers, but…well, this woman has been coming in lately, and she’s just…irresistible. She wants me to fill her apartment with plants, teach her about them, and maintain them for her.”

Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Wait, she wants you to do all of that?” she asked, incredulous.

Adonis nodded, his grin widening. “Yeah, can you believe it? She’s essentially willing to pay me to be her personal plant guru.”

“Well, I suppose stranger things have happened.” She sighed, shaking her head in resignation. “Fine,” she relented, unable to stay mad at him for long. “But just this once, okay? And don’t let it interfere with your work. We’ve got customers to help.”

Adonis grinned. “Thanks, Geri. You’re the best.”

As he returned to his duties with renewed enthusiasm, Geri couldn’t help but shake her head in bemusement. Adonis was certainly a handful, but she wouldn’t have him any other way. And as she watched him charm yet another customer with his infectious smile, she wondered what kind of trouble he would get himself into next.

Customers poured in, their arms laden with pots and trays of plants to swap, and a wave of excited chatter filled the air.

“Welcome, everyone!” Geri called out, her voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm. “Please, come in and find a spot for your plants. Let’s make this the best swap yet!”

The shop buzzed with energy as people mingled, admiring each other’s collections, and eagerly discussing their favorite varieties. Geri moved among them, offering guidance and advice, her keen eyes taking in every detail.

As the day wore on, the sun climbed higher in the sky, and the shop filled with laughter and camaraderie. Cuttings changed hands, seeds were exchanged, and friendships blossomed like the plants themselves.

Geri found her thoughts wandering to Apollo as the sun filtered through the shop’s large windows, casting warm, dappled patterns on the floor. Apollo, with his easygoing nature and infectious laughter, had managed to brighten her day—even when they butted heads over trivial matters.

And then, unexpectedly, they shared a kiss, which led to mind-blowing sex. Twice. Both times had been a fleeting, spontaneous thing—a rush of emotions and desires that had surprised her.

She took a deep breath, pushing aside thoughts of him as she focused on assisting the customer in front of her. She reminded herself that dwelling on him would only lead to unnecessary distraction and heartache. After all, Apollo was just a passing acquaintance, a god she didn’t and couldn’t truly know on a deeper level.

As she helped the customer select the perfect plant for their home, Geri’s mind shifted back to the task at hand. She carefully explained the care instructions, ensuring the customer felt confident in their choice before they made their purchase.

And as the day wore on and the last of the customers filtered out of the shop, Geri felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her.

Her phone rang, and her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at it and saw a familiar name flashing on the screen: Cade, her older brother.

And, also, her Alpha.

Her pulse quickened, and a sense of foreboding crept over her. The Alpha would only call with good reason and certainly hadn’t since she moved to New York. She knew this call would bring news she wasn’t prepared to hear. A hundred possible scenarios ran through her head.

With trembling fingers, she answered the call. “Hey, Cade. What’s up?” her voice seemed steady despite the unease churning in her stomach.

Cade’s voice crackled through the line, his tone grave. “Geri, you need to come home right away.”

Her breath caught in her throat, her mind racing with a million terrible possibilities. “What happened?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s Grannie,” he replied, his voice tight with tension. “We need you here.”

Grannie.

In all the scenarios she’d imagined, this was the worst.

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. “Okay,” she whispered, turmoil raging inside her. Their beloved grandmother was the backbone of their family and basically the only family they had left. The thought of something happening to her filled her with a sense of dread.

“What happened to Grannie?” Geri asked, her voice trembling with concern.

“She’s been taken to the hospital. It’s serious, Geri,” Cade’s reply was solemn. “A car is coming to pick you up and then take you to Teterboro airport.”

She sighed. She hated using the pack’s private jet. It just seemed so extra. “I can fly commercial,” she tried to protest.

“Absolutely not,” her brother growled. “You need to get here fast. Ryan will be waiting for you when you land in Anchorage.”

She knew she wouldn’t be able to change his mind. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Geri’s hands trembled as she ended the call. She took a deep, steadying breath, trying to quell the rising tide of fear and anxiety threatening to overwhelm her. The thought of her grandmother, the woman who had been a pillar of strength and love throughout her life, lying in a hospital bed sent a shiver down her spine.

Grannie had been there for her through every hardship and every loss. She had helped raise her and Cade after their father’s death, offering love and guidance when the world felt like it was crumbling around them. And when their mother passed away months later, Grannie had been her rock, her unwavering support in the face of unimaginable grief.

Now, faced with the possibility of losing her, she felt as though her world was crumbling once again. Grannie was more than just family—she was Geri’s confidante, her mentor, her best friend. The thought of facing life without her was almost too much to bear.

But even as fear threatened to consume her, Geri knew she had to stay strong. Grannie had always taught her to be resilient and face challenges head-on with courage and determination. And now, more than ever, Geri needed to summon that resolve for both herself and for her grandmother.

She squared her shoulders and wiped away the tears that stained her cheeks. She couldn’t afford to fall apart now—not when Grannie needed her the most. Taking a deep breath, she set her jaw and prepared herself for the journey ahead, determined to be there for her grandmother every step of the way.

But first, she had to tell Demeter.

She took a deep breath and called out for Demeter; the ethereal presence of the goddess of the harvest materialized before her with a concerned look etched upon her features. With her gentle demeanor and deep understanding of the natural world, Demeter had always been a source of comfort to Geri in times of need.

“Demeter, I need to talk to you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “My grandmother is in the hospital. Cade didn’t tell me why, but it sounds serious.”

Demeter’s expression softened as she listened to Geri’s words. “Oh, dear, I’m so sorry to hear that,” she said, her voice filled with compassion. “Mary is one of the strongest women I know.”

“Thank you, Demeter,” Geri replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I just wanted to let you know, and I’m confident that Adonis can help out here at the shop while I’m away.”

Demeter nodded in understanding. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Geri. But please, don’t worry about the shop right now. Your family needs you, and that’s where your focus should be.”

She smiled weakly, touched by her reassurance. “Thank you, Demeter. I’ll do my best to be there for my grandmother.”

With a final nod of encouragement, Geri made her way out of the shop, her mind filled with thoughts of her grandmother and the uncertain future ahead.

Geri stepped into the hospital room, her heart heavy with apprehension. She’d rushed straight here as soon as the plane landed in the private airfield just outside Anchorage. Despite the posh and luxurious surroundings, an undeniable sense of unease hung in the air like a heavy fog. The sterile smell of antiseptic assaulted her senses, and the soft hum of medical equipment provided a haunting backdrop to the room.

Her breath caught in her throat as she approached her grandmother’s bedside.

Mary lay still, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow. A monitor beside the bed beeped rhythmically, its sound a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

She pulled a chair close to the bed and sank into it, her eyes fixed on her grandmother’s face. She reached out and gently took Mary’s hand in her own, the coolness of her grandmother’s skin causing a chill to run down her back.

“Grannie,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “It’s me, Geri. I’m here.”

There was no response from Mary, no flicker of recognition in her expression. She remained motionless, lost in the depths of unconsciousness.

She felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to contain her emotions. She had always admired her grandmother’s strength and resilience, but seeing her lying so fragile vulnerable and still filled her with a profound sense of sorrow.

With a heavy heart, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Mary’s forehead. She whispered words of love and comfort, hoping against hope that somehow her grandmother could hear her, even in her unconscious state.

An overwhelming sense of vulnerability washed over her, and with tears welling in her eyes, she leaned in close to Mary’s unconscious form. “Grannie,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “Do you remember when I used to sneak into your bed at night? When I was little and scared, and I just needed to feel safe?”

There was no response from Mary, her breathing steady but shallow. But Geri pressed on, her words spilling out in a rush of emotion.

“You would always let me in, even though you knew I was supposed to be in my own bed. And you would wrap your arms around me and hold me tight until I felt safe enough to fall asleep. Do you remember that, Grannie?”

Her voice cracked with emotion as memories flooded her mind—the warmth of her grandmother’s embrace, the sound of her gentle lullabies, the sense of security that enveloped her like a comforting blanket.

“And you know what, Grannie?” she continued, her voice trembling with emotion. “Even now, all these years later, whenever I’m scared or feeling lost, I still wish I could crawl into bed with you and feel your arms around me. I still wish I could find that same sense of comfort and security that only you could provide.”

She paused, her breath hitching in her throat as she struggled to hold back tears. She squeezed her grandmother’s hand gently, willing her to wake up and hear her words, to be there for her one more time.

But as the silence stretched on, broken only by the steady beeping of the monitor beside the bed, she realized Mary may never wake up again. And in that moment of heart-wrenching realization, she felt more vulnerable than ever before, as if a piece of her very soul had been torn away.

Her mind drifted back to the time when she had faced another profound loss—the death of her mother. She was just nine years old then, trying to navigate the overwhelming waves of grief that threatened to engulf her.

“I miss Mommy,” Geri had whispered to her grandmother, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t know how to be without her.”

Mary had pulled her granddaughter into a tight embrace, her eyes filled with tears. “It’s okay to grieve, Geri,” she had whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Your mother would want you to feel all your feelings, even the ones that hurt.”

It had started with her father’s sudden death in a tragic accident, a moment that had ripped their family apart in an instant. The pain was still raw, the wounds still fresh, as they struggled to come to terms with their new reality.

Her mother had been the heart of their family, the glue that held them together through even the darkest of times. But without her mate by her side, she had withered away, the broken bond leaving her spirit and her will to live diminished. And so, just months after her father’s death, Geri’s mother had passed away in her sleep, leaving Geri, Cade, and their grandmother to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Geri was much too young to understand what happened at that time, so her grandmother had to explain it to her.

“But why did she have to die, too, Grannie?” Geri had asked tearfully. “Didn’t she want to stay with us?”

Mary had taken a long pause. “It’s because she and your daddy were mates.”

“Mates? Like getting married?”

“Kind of. They loved each other so much that they decided they wanted to be together all the time. It’s like they had this…invisible string between them that made sure they would always be together. But when your daddy died, your mommy tried her best to stay, but the broken string made her very sick, and she couldn’t stay.”

Mary had used more simple terms, of course, but as she got older, Geri also learned more about shifter mate bonds.

Shifters who chose to bond with a mate didn’t just create emotional or even legal ties to their significant others, but also a metaphysical one. While Geri had never experienced this for herself, other shifters described it as something incredible—like they could feel their mate’s moods and emotions. It was difficult to hide anything from a mate, because they could always tell if you weren’t completely honest with them. And yes, even if mates were thousands of miles apart, they could still feel each other’s presence—and absence.

Still, every one of the shifters she knew that was bonded to a mate always said it was worth it. Geri, however, thought they were insane. Why the hell would they want to be with someone, knowing that if they died, you could too?

“I don’t want to bond with anyone, ever,” Geri had cried. “Not if I’m going to leave like she did. Like she left me and you and Cade.”

“Shh…don’t say things you don’t mean,” Grannie had soothed. “You don’t understand it now, but someday, you might meet someone you want to bond with. You might not want to bond, but your wolf side will know when someone is worthy—when they make your eyes shine bright and your insides all warm—and you’ll want to make a claiming mark on them.”

“Shining eyes, like goo-goo eyes,” Geri had harrumphed. “I don’t think so.” She had been very staunch, even as a nine-year-old.

But even with Mary’s love, little Geri had tried to put on a brave face, just as she had been taught. “Mommy always reminded me to be strong, to be like Cade,” she had said, her voice shaky but determined. “I have to make her and Daddy proud.”

Now, as she sat by her grandmother’s side, those words echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain. She had spent so much of her life trying to live up to the expectations of others, trying to be the strong and resilient person her mother had raised her to be.

With a heavy heart, she leaned in close to her grandmother’s still form, her tears falling freely. “I miss you, Grannie,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “I miss Mommy and Daddy too. I don’t know how to do this without you.”

As Geri sat by her grandmother’s bedside, lost in a whirlwind of emotions, she was startled by the sound of the door opening. Cade walked in, his arms laden with paper bags and with a somber expression on his face.

Without a word, he dropped the bags by the door and made his way over to Geri. She stood up, her heart aching with sorrow, and he pulled her in a tight embrace. She leaned against her brother, feeling the warmth of his presence, and the strength of his embrace slowly eased the pain that threatened to overwhelm her.

They stood there in silence for a long moment, sharing the weight of their grief and finding solace in each other’s arms. Geri felt the tears streaming down her cheeks begin to dry up.

She looked up at her brother, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite the heaviness in her heart. “So, how’s it going?” she quipped.

Cade smirked at his sister, his green eyes softening with affection. “Well, it’s Sunday, family day,” he replied, his tone gentle. “I brought lunch.”

“Right,” Geri said, her voice thick with emotion. “That sounds nice.”

Cade nodded, his smile widening. “I’ll go ask the nurses for a table and chairs,” he said, moving towards the door.

As Geri murmured “Sunday family day” to herself, memories flooded her mind, transporting her yet again back to her childhood. She remembered the countless Sundays spent with her grandmother and brother, moments filled with laughter, love, and the occasional scolding from Grannie.

One memory in particular stood out vividly in Geri’s mind. She recalled a time when she had been eavesdropping on a conversation between Grannie and Cade. She had heard Grannie scolding her brother, demanding that he spend more time with Geri, insisting that she needed him.

“Cade, you need to make more time for your sister,” Grannie’s voice had been firm. “She looks up to you and needs your guidance and support.”

Cade had tried to brush off Grannie’s concerns. “Grannie, she’s a tough kid. She doesn’t need me hovering over her all the time,” he protested.

But Grannie had put her foot down, her voice growing even more determined. “It’s not about hovering, Cade. It’s about being there for your family when they need you. Geri needs her big brother, whether she realizes it or not. And it’s high time you started acting like one.

“Even though you’re a big college man now, I demand that you spend Sundays with us. Geri needs her brother, and you need to be there for her.”

Cade had chuckled in response, his playful demeanor shining through even in the face of Grannie’s seriousness. “I know, Grannie, I know. But you can’t drag me to church with you. I’m not going to pray to dead gods or even to those lousy Greek ones either.”

“You will come and spend Sunday afternoons with us, and we’ll do something together,” Grannie declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I know your father instilled the importance of putting family first. He was my son, after all.”

Cade’s expression softened at the mention of their father, a hint of nostalgia crossing his features. Geri could see the internal struggle in his eyes, torn between his desire for independence and his love for his family.

“You’re right, Grannie,” Cade finally conceded, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’ll be here on Sundays, I promise.”

They continued to spend Sundays together, honoring their grandmother’s wishes and cherishing their time as a family. They shared meals, went on outings, and made new memories together, each moment strengthening the bond between them.

But there came a time when the traditions and expectations of the pack started to bear down on them. Arranged marriages were common among their kind, often forged for political alliances and the preservation of bloodlines. And then, Geri found herself caught in the crosshairs of such an arrangement.

Ever the dutiful brother, Cade urged Geri to consider marrying Asher, a shifter she knew and couldn’t stand. Asher was a respected member of another pack, his family holding significant influence within the shifter community. But to Geri, the idea of marrying someone she didn’t love felt like a betrayal of everything she believed in.

She also couldn’t shake the deep-rooted fear that gnawed at her heart. It wasn’t just about her distaste for Asher or the arranged nature of the marriage—the tragic fate that befell her parents haunted Geri’s every thought. She couldn’t bear the idea of opening herself up to love only to be left shattered and alone as her parents had been. The pain of their loss was a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of allowing oneself to become too vulnerable.

Her grandmother had seen the turmoil that churned within her. Grannie encouraged Geri to embark on a journey of self-discovery, urging her to find her own path in life, independent of the expectations and pressures of their pack.

“It’s not about finding love, my dear,” Grannie would say, her voice soft and reassuring. “It’s about finding yourself. Only when you truly know who you are can you find happiness and fulfillment, whether with a mate or on your own.”

Inspired by her grandmother’s words of wisdom, Geri boldly decided to leave behind her pack’s familiarity and strike out on her own. She moved to New York, drawn to the energy of the city and the promise of new beginnings.

And it was there, in the heart of the city, Demeter and her daughter Persephone welcomed Geri with open arms, offering her guidance and support as she navigated the challenges of her new life. As Geri tended to the lush greenery of the plant shop, she felt a sense of fulfillment and contentment, knowing that she was finally on the path to discovering herself and her true purpose in life.

She fondly remembered the day she first met Demeter, a chance encounter that would shape the course of her life. Geri had ventured into one of the greenhouses on her family’s estate to gather tomatoes for dinner.

To her surprise, she found her grandmother in the greenhouse with Demeter. Mary introduced Geri to Demeter, whom Geri instinctively referred to as “my lady” out of respect for her grandmother’s esteemed guest.

However, Demeter gently corrected her, insisting that she should be addressed simply as “Demeter.”

From that moment on, Geri was captivated by Demeter’s presence. There was an air of mystery and wisdom about her, and Geri found herself drawn to her gentle demeanor and profound knowledge of the natural world.

Cade returned, pulling her out of her reverie, and they gathered around the makeshift table, the scent of lunch filling the air with delicious anticipation. Despite the sad circumstances that had brought them together, there was a sense of familiarity in being reunited with family. The food was delicious, and as they ate, soft conversation filled the room. Geri caught up with her brother and all the goings-on of their pack.

The machines in the room began beeping loudly, and when medical staff rushed in, panic gripped Geri’s heart like a vise. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she cried out, “No, Grannie!”

The flurry of activity was overwhelming, but Geri couldn’t tear her eyes away from her grandmother’s still form on the bed. She was paralyzed by fear and grief, unable to move even as a nurse urged Cade to get her out of the room for her own safety.

“Geri, we have to go,” Cade said gently, his voice filled with urgency. “We can’t help Grannie if we’re in the way. Let’s let the doctors do their job.”

But she couldn’t bring herself to move, her heart breaking at the thought of leaving her grandmother’s side. In the end, Cade scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the room despite her protests.

As they emerged into the hallway, Geri clung to her brother tightly, her sobs echoing in the empty corridor. She was lost and helpless, praying silently for her grandmother’s recovery as they waited anxiously for news from the medical staff.

In the whirlwind of the next couple of hours, Geri felt like she was being pulled along in a haze, with no control over the events unfolding around her. She moved through the hospital corridors in a daze, her mind numb with shock and grief as she clung to the slim hope that her grandmother would pull through.

The doctor’s words hung in the air like a heavy shroud, confirming what they all already knew—that their grandmother’s life hung in the balance, sustained only by the machines that beeped and whirred around her. They stood in the sterile confines of the hospital room, and she remained silent, her heart heavy with the weight of their impending decision.

Cade tried to engage her in the discussion about their grandmother’s care. “Geri, we need to make a decision,” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. “What do you think we should do?”

But overwhelmed by the enormity of the choice before her, Geri found herself unable to speak, her throat constricted with emotion. She shook her head silently, unable to form the words to express the turmoil raging inside her.

It was Cade who made the difficult decision, his voice steady as he instructed the doctor to cut off life support. “Do it,” he said, his tone resolute. “It’s what she would have wanted.”

The words hung in the air like a final verdict, sealing their grandmother’s fate and bringing an end to their agonizing vigil. As the machines fell silent and the room grew still, Geri felt a fresh wave of sorrow wash over her.

In the days that followed, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of activity as the pack came together to honor the life of Mary Andersen, their beloved matriarch. Despite the numbness that enveloped her heart, Geri knew that she had to perform her duties, determined to give her grandmother the farewell she deserved.

The pack gathered in the sprawling grounds of their estate, surrounded by the vibrant colors of nature that Mary had loved so dearly. As they shared stories and memories of their time with her, a sense of bittersweet nostalgia washed over Geri, mingling with the grief that weighed heavily on her soul.

She performed her duties with a sense of quiet resolve, her movements steady and sure despite the turmoil raging inside her. She tended to the needs of her packmates, offering comfort and support to those who needed it most, knowing that it was what her grandmother would have wanted.

After the funeral, she stood amidst the somber gathering and found herself unable to continue the facade of numb acceptance. The weight of her grief pressed down on her like a suffocating blanket, and she couldn’t bear the thought of putting on a fake smile and offering empty thanks to well-meaning packmates.

With a sense of desperation clawing at her chest, Geri excused herself from the repast, needing to escape the suffocating atmosphere and find some semblance of peace. She decided to go for a run, and quickly changed into a workout outfit, and headed to the gym.

She had always liked working out in their gym since the treadmill was in front of a window with a great view of Anchorage. But this time, with each step, her mind raced with frantic desperation, searching for a way to bring back her beloved grandmother. She grasped at memories, trying to recall any tale or legend that offered a glimmer of hope in the face of loss.

And then, Persephone’s story of Orpheus and Eurydice sprang to mind—the tale of a love so powerful that it defied even the boundaries of death. Geri remembered how Orpheus had journeyed to the Underworld to plead with The Fates for his beloved’s return and how, for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though their love might triumph over death itself.

But as quickly as the thought came, Geri’s desperation turned to despair. She couldn’t imagine The Fates listening to her or fathom the possibility of defying the natural order of life and death. And she couldn’t ask Persephone or even Hades either, because she knew from that same story that even as King of the Underworld, Hades didn’t have the power to give life to anyone who had already died.

If only there was another way…

He can revive the dead.

The memory of those words shot through her like a bolt of lightning. In truth, perhaps she had blocked them all this time because she didn’t want to think about who “he” was. Him. The man who had made her body ache with desire whenever she slipped, and her thoughts turned to him.

But could she…?

Should she…?

Oh, Grannie…

Geri whispered with a sense of desperation coursing through her veins, her voice barely more than a breath carried away on the wind. “Apollo, I need you.”