Blood Lust

by Tricia Andersen

  “I don’t belong to anyone. I’ve been like this for over three centuries. I can take care of myself.”

  He knelt on the mattress and crawled his way to her. “I will change your mind.”

  Juliet hugged the sheet to her.

  Ares cocked his head at her. “After I rocked your world, you’re still afraid of me? You wouldn’t be the first.”

  She frowned at him. “I should be. But I’m not. You can’t keep me here.”

  Ares hovered over her, his gaze locking with hers. '

  She trembled at his stare, at his closeness to her. So she lied. She was afraid of him. He was a Greek god – or so he said. How else would he know what she was before she could strike?

  He pulled back from her and pointed up the steps. “Go. You’re free to go.”

  She scowled. “You said it was noon.”

  “I did, didn’t I? It looks like it’s in your best interest to stay with me. You stay. Or you die.”

  “I’m your slave.”

  His lips were on hers before she could protest. The taste of his kiss, the caress of his tongue on hers turned her inside out. As they parted, he murmured. “You need to give me time to reverse your curse.”

  “To make me mortal.”

  “Can’t happen. Yeah, I’ve been with mortals. None of them compare to you.”

  “How do I compare to Aphrodite?”

  Ares cringed at her words like she kicked him in the gut. It was more than obvious that she hit a weak spot. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “Sore subject?”

  “You could say that.”

  “So if you’re not going to make me mortal, then what curse do you plan to reverse?”

  Ares settled on the bed next to her then laid back on the blood red silk pillows with his fingers laced behind his head. “I want to give you the ability to walk during the day. I have sources.”

  “You’re going to talk to your father, Zeus?”

  He growled. “Why are you so obsessed with my family? For a French chick, you’re have a creepy knowledge of Greek deities.”

  “I enjoyed reading Greek mythology.”

  Ares didn’t have to sit up to intimidate her. His glare, his voice was so cold she shivered. “Myths are tales. They’re not reality. Touch me, baby. You sure as hell know I’m real. It’s time you believe in me.”

  She let her gaze wander up and down him. His shirt had fallen just right to tease the trail of dark hair that led from his belly button to the purple woven belt that snaked around the waistband of his jeans. She knew where the trail led. She spent the night worshipping its final destination. She admired his broad chest hidden beneath the shirt, the strong, chiseled arms, the angular chin peppered with stubble. She stared into his dark eyes. They seemed to hold the secrets of the cosmos. As soon as she started looking, she tore herself away. Come on, Juliet. Don’t do it. No man is worth falling in love with. You should remember that. You live a cursed life because you fell in love with a man.

  She felt the bed shift beneath her. Feather soft kisses sprinkled across her shoulders and neck. Strong hands wrapped tight around her biceps to keep her still.

  “Baby, you don’t have to love me. It’s probably better you don’t. I don’t want your heart. I want your surrender.”

  Juliet’s mouth fell open as her eyes fluttered shut. This man stole her breath, her soul. She had no choice but to give herself to him. She licked her lips as she struggled to find the words, “If you’re the god of war, then why are you fighting in a cage? Shouldn’t you be in the Middle East or someplace like that?”

  He chuckled. “Who says we’re not?”

  Juliet’s gaze rose to the ever-changing blue sky above her.

  Ares continued, “Wars today are planned. Troop movements are dictated in a boardroom. That’s not my style. Strategic war is my half-sister, Athena’s, thing. She’s having the time of her life. Me? I need chaos. I need passionate bloodshed. I need warriors who act on instinct, not because some general thousands of miles away told them where to step. What better place is there for battle like that than in a cage? Fighters prepare themselves, yes. They study their opponent’s strengths and weakness. And when that door closes? Glorious chaos ensues.” He wrapped his arms around her and caressed her breasts in his palms. “Now, enough of this. I have business to attend to tonight. I’m taking you along. I need much more of you before then.”

  She melted into him as he feasted on the curve of her neck. All she could do was whimper in response. “Please, Ares. I am yours.”

  Chapter Two

  The click of Juliet’s heels on the cobblestone street was a melody in her ears. She glanced around the damp, dank alley way. The smell of urine was almost overpowering. She slipped her hands into the black overcoat she wore as she picked up her pace to catch up with Ares.

  He wasn’t shitting her when he said they might be in the Middle East. After the sun set, he led her out to a moonlit desert. The sand in front of her and the stars above her seemed to go on for eternity. A split second later, they were in this cesspool.

  She took a moment to study her hot new lover. In the dim light of the alleyway, Ares was a force to be reckoned with. He changed into a black silk dress shirt and a pair of black jeans before they left. He was sculpted like a Greek god. Then again, from what he told her, he was one. His thick, dark hair was tousled just right to be mind-blowingly sexy. His deep, dark eyes were cold and hard as he strode past the hookers and bums who moved aside to watch him pass.

  Ares stepped up into the threshold of a red brick building. The sounds of shouting and laughter echoed from within. He shot a devious grin to her. “Coming?”

  “Didn’t think you knew I was here,” Juliet quipped back.

  “Maybe you should stop acting like my concubine.” He motioned for her to go inside.

  She met his glare as she passed. She felt his hand caress her ass as he followed her inside. Juliet’s eyes widened as she took in the scene inside. It was an old warehouse but the floor was packed with people, mostly men. A thin layer of smoke from cigars and cigarettes permeated the air. A makeshift bar lined one side with a shelf of bottles of all shapes and colors mounted behind it. In the center of the floor, a boxing ring was set up. Two men bloody and beaten were slugging each other for all they were worth.

  Juliet caught sight of the blonde out of the corner of her eye as she wrapped her long fingers around Ares’s shoulder. The vampire growled at the new woman’s perfect breasts, long slender legs and perfect body. It had been a really long time since Juliet felt jealousy. At the moment, she was consumed with it.

  “Ares. How did I know you would be here?”

  Ares didn’t move. He didn’t even flinch. “What do you want, Athena? Daddy send you to check up on me? Don’t you have a four star general to seduce?”

  She laughed as she playfully slugged him in the shoulder. “I can’t come see my favorite half brother?”

  “I’m nobody’s favorite. Not Mom’s. Not Dad’s. Not yours. Try again.”

  “I wanted to see what you were up to. I looked in the first place I guessed you would be. You have a strange little obsession with this place.”

  Finally, Ares turned to face Athena. His teeth were clenched. “I own this place. Every last inch. Every last drop of alcohol. Do you know what kind of chaos alcohol causes? It makes sane men fight. What other members of my degenerate family are here?”

  Athena flipped a hand towards the bar. A balding man in a purple linen shirt hovered over a shot glass of amber liquid. The bottle it came from laid on its side bone dry. She sighed. “Dionysus really needs to stick to wine. He doesn’t handle whiskey well.”

  “Dionysus can have whatever he wants here.” He wove his fingers between Juliet’s and tugged her into the crowd.

  Juliet shot one last look at the blonde before she disappeared. “So that’s—”

  “Athena. My half sister. Dad sends her to check up on me. He thinks it’ll keep me in line.
He’s couldn’t be more wrong.”

  “Dad?”

  He stopped and stared into her eyes.

  She could swear she could see constellations embedded in his gaze.

  “Yeah. Zeus.” He didn’t say another word as he led her through the mob to the edge of the ring.

  She studied him in the dim light as he watched the carnage unfolding.

  He had a smirk on his face. He was fully enjoying the bloodshed before him.

  Juliet pulled from his grip.

  He barely acknowledged her new found freedom. He kept his gaze locked on the fight before him.

  “I’m getting a drink,” she stated simply. She had to shout to be heard over the mob.

  Ares glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “Do not kill anyone in my club. Don’t embarrass me.”

  “Embarrass you? How do you assume I would do that?”

  “By doing what it is in your nature to do.”

  She growled. “So it’s okay to fuck me because a mortal woman can’t keep up, but you’re ashamed of the fact that I’m a vampire? So essentially, I am just your concubine, huh?”

  “Juliet, don’t be ridiculous.”

  “I’m getting a scotch whiskey neat. Will that be a problem, oh holy one?”

  “Get your drink and get back here.”

  “Doubtful.” She stalked off into the crowd before he could say another word. Rage consumed her. She should have known he would be a narcissistic asshole. Every man that ever crossed her path was. She slid onto a stool and ordered her drink. Glancing over at Dionysus, she gave him a small smile. He was almost a drooling mess slumped over the wood planked bar. She wasn’t an expert or anything, but she had to agree with Athena. Whiskey didn’t seem like a good fit for the god of wine.

  “Hey, beautiful. Can I buy you a drink?”

  Juliet glanced over her shoulder to find a tall, muscular man behind her with close cropped dirty blond hair. She studied his blue jeans and button down plaid shirt before she checked out the parts of him she was the most interested in. Her eyes flickered from the vee of his legs to his jugular. Neither were impressive. “No. But thanks.”

  The guy grabbed her and pulled her nearly off her stood until she was pressed tight against him. “What’s the matter? You don’t like guys?”

  Being a vampire had its advantages at times. Being cursed with super speed came in handy. He didn’t have time to react when she pulled free then turned and hit him. Unfortunately, he caught her wrists before she could escape. He glared at her. “You’re a little firecracker, aren’t you? I like my women feisty. They’re better in bed.”

  Ares voiced boomed from behind her, “Let her go. Now.”

  The guy looked past Juliet to the voice behind her. “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? The lady and I are having a conversation.”

  She let out an aggravated sigh then took the opportunity to yank her hands free. Taking a step back, she collided with another hard, masculine body. She huffed again. Ares.

  “I’m the owner of this establishment,” Ares informed him. Then he growled. “And she’s with me.”

  The man smirked at Juliet. “Maybe we should let her decide who’s the real man between us.”

  “Maybe we should settle this in the ring.”

  Juliet spun at him. “Maybe this lady doesn’t want either of you. Or do I not have a choice?”

  The guy at the bar grinned at them both. “Deal. She goes home with the winner.”

  Ares eyes narrowed. “Deal.”

  The guy grinned triumphantly as he wove his way to the ring.

  Ares unbuttoned his cuffs as he followed.

  Juliet scurried to keep up. “Don’t you dare do this. What kind of archaic system do you live by? I’m nearly four hundred years old and I’m more modern than this.”

  Ares stopped and turned on her.

  She could see the rage etched in his face.

  “I told you not to make a scene in my club. I told you not to start anything. Fuck, Juliet. You are the most infuriating female on the earth.”

  Juliet felt every nerve burn. “Fuck you, Ares. I don’t need a hero.”

  “I’m rarely the hero.” He stormed off to the ring, tearing his shirt off with every deliberate step he took. He handed it to a perfectly beautiful blonde ring girl with a smile that made Juliet want to claw both hers and Ares eyes out. He slipped off the rings on his hands and gave them to the beauty before he slowly ascended the steps, ducked between the ropes, and made his way to his corner.

  The other guy had shed every piece of clothing but his boxer briefs. He bounced from toe to toe as he grinned impishly at Ares.

  The Greek god leaned against the ropes clothed only in his slacks. He glared the mortal down coldly.

  Juliet had never been so infuriated with anyone in her long existence. It didn’t stop her from slowly taking in every inch of her lover though.

  The referee glanced at the guy from the bar then at Ares. Once both men nodded, he dropped his hand. “Fight!”

  The two men circled each other as they studied the other. The guy threw the first series of punches, ending with a body kick to Ares’s ribs.

  The Greek god deflected every strike but the kick. He snarled. “We’re boxing, dumb shit.”

  His opponent bounced from one foot to the other. “I like MMA.”

  “You do, huh? Fine. Bring it.”

  The two fighters exchanged violent punches. Ares’s jab split open the young guy’s forehead. The whole battle seemed to swing in Ares’s favor.

  That was until the kid grabbed hold of Ares and tossed the god over his back. It was a textbook Judo throw. It might as well have been recorded for an instructional video. Ares was stunned long enough for his opponent to climb into a mount and rain down punches.

  Juliet wasn’t sure how Ares slithered out from under the guy while being struck in the face but he did.

  Ares slumped in his corner and slid a long, powerful finger across his throat towards the ref. “This bullshit is over. Stop the fight.”

  The referee threw himself in between the fighters and waved his arms frantically. The young man looked just as baffled as Juliet felt. Suddenly his face lit up. “Wait. This means I won.”

  Ares scowled. “No, this doesn’t mean you won. You’re a cheat. I called the fight before you killed someone.”

  “Screw you. I won. I’ll be claiming my prize.” The guy grabbed his clothes from the ring girl. He didn’t bother to dress. He scampered down the steps and darted through the crowd to Juliet. He pulled her close to him with a huge grin. “You’re mine, baby.”

  Juliet’s right hook was the blow that knocked him out cold. She stood tall over his limp body as the mob gasped. She spun on a toe and stormed towards the door. Those in her way parted. She smirked. It reminded her about that story about Moses and the Red Sea she’d learned hundreds of years ago.

  An ever familiar urge gnawed at her. Agony filled her as she felt her stomach twist. She shuddered at the sensation of a million tiny spiders crawled her skin. She hadn’t felt this while she was with Ares. What had he done to her?

  The room blurred as a hand clamped on her shoulder and spun her around. Her eyes came back to focus on her Greek lover.

  “I told you not to make a scene in my club,” he demanded.

  “What the hell was that?” she countered. “You forfeited. You gave me to him. Who was he going to kill? Himself? You can’t die.”

  “Do not question me, Juliet.”

  She knocked his hand off her shoulder. “I’m out, Ares. Done. I’m not your possession you can loan out. Ciao, Bella.”

  She drew on her power to disappear before he could stop her. She knew it was futile. She was going up against a Greek god. She was bound to lose. When she stilled, however, she was alone. She stepped out onto the street. The raindrops that fell around her sent ripples through the puddles that had already congregated on the pavement. She watched them for a moment. Maybe she wanted Ares to come f
or her. Maybe she needed his passion one more time.

  But he didn’t. A sharp pain pierced her belly. She couldn’t deny the lust any longer. She strode down the lane into the darkness.

  It was time to feed.

  The street lamps above bathed the cobblestone street beneath Juliet’s feet in a silver glow. It didn’t take long for her to figure out where she was. Ares took her to jolly old England. They were in London to be specific. She sighed heavily. She knew where to go to satisfy the urge inside her. She turned at the street corner and kept up her journey.

  There was one blessing in the curse she was dealt. When she fed, she couldn’t contract the nasty diseases humans struggled with. She hated killing. She had since the day she turned. So she used the blessing to her advantage.

  She earned the nickname a hundred and thirty-four years ago. The Angel of Death. Stories popped up all over the world of a nurse who would appear to end the agony of someone barely holding onto life, yet suffering tremendously. She knew who they were the second she stepped inside the hospital. Normally, a grieving family member sat by their bedside praying for the end to come. But for various reasons, each unique to the victim, the Reaper hadn’t arrived yet.

  Tonight was no different. She heard the sobbing once she stepped onto the oncology floor in the scrubs she stole from the laundry room. She slipped down the dark, silent corridor until she reached the room the crying came from.

  She stepped inside the hospital room to find an old man lying asleep in the bed. His frail frame was smothered in wires and tubes from the machines around him. A woman in her mid fifties sat beside him. She rocked back and forth, as tears streamed down her face.

  When she noticed Juliet, her puffy red eyes widened. She spoke in a thick accent, “Oh miss, have you heard from my brother?”

  “Should I have?” Juliet questioned.

  “My brother is the power of attorney for my father here. He’s been in so much pain for the last two years. He’s so close to death. He doesn’t even wake up anymore. But my brother is vacationing across the world and can’t bother to return the doctor’s calls to end life support. My father just wants to be with my mama again.”