Prologue
“Cigars are disgusting.”
“Only to lesser men.”
Hades met his younger brother’s smirk, one of confidence, as he puffed the fat brown cancer stick between his lips, disguised in the scent of vanilla. They sat around the poker table in Zeus’s mansion, in one of many parlor rooms where he invited his brothers over for a game of cards, drinks, and business.
“As always, you are foolish on your own accord. Draw.” Hades placed the card down, calling for the other two at the table to draw a card.
“You’re so uptight, brother. That wife of yours not doing her job keeping you unwound?” Zeus spoke with a chuckle. He spread his deck amongst calloused fingers, then lifted his whiskey to his lips.
“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Hades grinned handsomely at the eldest of the three, “Your turn.”
“You’re kicking my ass as usual.” Zeus heavily sighed as he drew another card. “You’ve always been a gambler.”
“Which is why I own casinos.” Hades lifted his glass of whiskey to his lips and sipped proudly.
“He cheats,” Poseidon held the cigar between his index and middle and puffed it, blowing the smoke over the table. Hades waved an annoyed hand dispersing it.
“I’ve never cheated. And I won.” He played his deck, a perfect spread that effortlessly murdered the other two hands.
“Bastard.” Poseidon dropped his spread on the mahogany table. He leaned back, his strong arm reaching into his dark hair and combing through his locks.
Zeus laughed as Hades smirked handsomely, the most stunning of the three. “And he will never tell us his secrets.” The eldest winked at Poseidon and began gathering the cards together.
Hades reached for his whiskey again and replied, “Nope, I will not.” He ignored Poseidon’s scowl with a chuckle. The three handsome men, Gods alike, gathered once a month for this as it was an excellent way to relax and discuss their businesses. The three equally gorgeous and powerful ran the largest Mob in all of Greece. However, sometimes things did not run as smoothly.
“Now that we got that out of the way,” Zeus began with a heavy sigh. He relaxed in his chair, the large man of brawn and height gazing intently upon his brothers, “Let us discuss this family feud we have currently.”
Hades shook his head, “Not another day without one of those, eh?”
“I’d rather not discuss it.” Poseidon scowled again.
“Too bad, we must address it,” Zeus spoke, voice mellow and demanding. “Considering it revolves around you, Poseidon.”
The younger glared at his sibling with thinning lips. After a moment, he released a heavy sigh before bringing his cigar to his lips again. He puffed it gingerly, “Where should I begin…”
