Both men looked up as commanded.
“Ahhh, so very handsome.” She looked at Mateo. “Does Eloy know of your relationship?”
Mateo shrugged. “He knows that I only want to be with him. What Titus and I had was out of necessity. Pleasure amongst the pain and despair. It was a means to an end that was sure to come one way or another, sooner or later, goddess Odessa.”
“Oh my, you speak so freely. Your tongue has no restrictions. This one sees that Eloy has treated you as equal,” Odessa said, noting how causally Mateo spoke to her.
“I meant no disrespect, goddess Odessa, only to answer you,” Mateo said.
“This one knows and was not insulted.”
“Thank you, goddess.” Mateo bowed.
Odessa nodded, then reached out, touching both men’s torsos and running her delicate fingers along their scars. She frowned, a hint of shame in her expression. “This one sees and is sorry for her part in your pain.” She pulled her hand away.
“May I ask why you are here, dear goddess?” Titus asked.
With that, she smiled. “This one has seen to your care and has prayed to the god, Hersi, for your life. This one has thought long and hard about what it means to take a human as a lover. A companion. None have touched me so as you and this one will no longer deny herself that one’s cock and company.” Her voice trailed off on the last word, then she looked off to the side as if contemplating continuing.
“Goddess?” Titus asked.
She turned back to face him, then sighed, heavily. “If you would have this one’s company and pleasure,” she said, finishing her thought.
Mateo looked at them both, eyes wide with shock. “I should leave. Thank you, goddess Odessa, for sparing my friend’s life.” He bowed respectfully and she gave a curt nod, but didn’t take her eyes off Titus as Mateo left them alone.
“You would have me in your bed at all times?” Titus asked. “Even though I often enjoy the pleasure of men?”
Odessa smiled. “This one often enjoys the pleasures of women. This one does not see why we cannot have both and each other.”
“You really care about me that much?” Titus asked, the realization that he mattered to a god took him by surprise and he found himself grappling for something to hold on to.
Odessa was by his side quickly, her delicate arms wrapped around his masculine and heavily muscled body, and together, they walked back to the bed he’d been convalescing in. He sat down with her help and she gently ran her fingers through his thick, blond hair. “This one has marveled at you for some time. This one also wants to know what it means to be with someone as her eyes have been opened to the possibilities. Will you join this one and finish your recovery in her temple with her?”
Again, Titus’ mouth dropped open and he stared hard at her. “How could I… How could I ever be worthy, goddess Odessa?”
“You have always been worthy,” Odessa said.
A single tear rolled down Titus’ face, then it was followed by another and another, so much so, he turned away, embarrassed. Odessa reached under his chin, turning his face back to her. “This one will have that one by her side. Come with her?”
“How could I not? I… I would like to see what we can become, goddess Odessa,” he said, then struggled with her help to rise.
“This one is eager, too,” she said. “Leave this world behind you, take only what holds value, then we leave. There is one more stop this one must go to before it is too late. Hurry,” she said, then she left Titus to gather his things before returning to her waiting car. She did thank Rama before leaving for his part in saving Titus’ life and that was enough for Rama, to be in the Goddess’ graces.
Eloy’s gaze drifted over the five humans that sat before him as they gave both he and Simeon updates as to how good and how bad things were progressing under the new commandments. Three women and two men, each took turns telling the two gods about their respective cities. They were the presidents of their cities; Fago, Ocena, Gemini, Airies, and Fiary. Under each president were four chancellors who held command over the guards. All but Fago had two thousand guards. Fago only had two hundred, as it was the smallest city at the center of the four other cities.
No one was paid for their positions, but they were entrusted by the gods to keep the peace and retain order. If anyone was caught breaking the commandments, the gods would then punish that person. So far, in the past two months, only a little over two hundred people needed to be punished. And all but one resulted in the death of the accused who refused to release his slaves whom he had made his whores in his bordello. Bordellos were no longer allowed, however, people were free to have sex with whomever they wanted. The fact that money was no longer a necessity eliminated several businesses that relied heavily on it.
“That is good to hear,” Simeon said, smiling after hearing how people were starting to settle in with the new world order.
“Thank you, god Simeon. Since those who were wealthy did not have to give up their livelihoods and those who were poor can now get the life they have always wanted, we have faced little resistance, practically none in fact,” President Nicola Leti stated. He was the president of Airies, and picked for the position because of his honorable and generous personality. Never had he owned slaves and often fed those who couldn’t afford to feed themselves. The other four presidents were picked for similar reasons. They all had to show high moral standards and a willingness to do what was right.
“Please continue the good work and keep us duly updated,” Eloy said. “You may go.”
The five presidents rose and bowed to the gods before leaving and as soon as the door was closed, Simeon turned to Eloy. “That was better news than I had expected.”
Eloy nodded. “Once we leveled the playing field, what would humans have to fight about? They have an innate nature to help each other, you see that when we’ve created disasters. How quickly they rush to the rescue, how generous they can be, even saving animals. Just when a system is designed to bring out the worst in them, do you get the problems of the world that we had come to eliminate.” He smiled. “I feel good about this, Simeon, better than I had at any arena match.”
Now, Simeon smiled, because this was what he had always wanted and had fought for. He was happy that his fellow gods had agreed, even if Kijani cared for no part in the reconstruction. Odessa had offered some input, but mainly, it had all been Eloy and himself who had come up with the new commandments and how to execute them.
“I am so glad to hear you say that, my friend. Hersi will be proud that we finally found our way,” Simeon said.
“What is more, is that I believe it is almost time for me to bring Mateo back into my life. I have missed him so much,” Eloy said, then rose to walk over to his bar to pour himself a drink. He still had plenty of humans willing to serve him, but he no longer demanded that they wait on him hand and foot as they once had. He took a few sips then turn to look back at Simeon, who winked at him.
“What will you tell Kijani?” he asked.
“That it is over between us, the few dalliances we had must end.”
“Oh. Odessa’s tits and Kijani’s cock, to be a fly on your wall when you have that conversation,” Simeon chuckled, then snorted.
Before Eloy could reply, there was a knock on his door. “Come in,” he called out.
One of his servants opened the door and behind him stood the goddess, Odessa. “God Eloy, the goddess, Odessa, wished to speak with you.”
Eloy politely waved him away, then beckoned Odessa inside his formal meeting chamber. The servant took several steps backwards and then closed the door after Odessa entered, but not before bowing to all three gods. Eloy offered Odessa one of the comfortable chairs to sit on, but she declined.
“This one will not stay long,” she said.
“You have already missed the presidential meeting,” Eloy informed her.
“This one will leave that you the two of you,” Odessa said.
Eloy laughed under
his breath before taking another sip of his wine. “Then why did this one come here?”
Simeon chuckled at Eloy’s taunt.
Odessa ignored the jest as she swallowed hard. “This one has a confession.”
Suddenly, both male gods ceased their chuckles at her expense and grew more serious. “What it is, Odessa?” Eloy asked.
“When this one thought she would see the last of Titus’ life spill out in a red gush upon the sands, I finally understood why you fancy these humans.”
“Is that why you spared him?” Simon asked.
She nodded. “This one did not want to see him die.”
“Are you telling me that you have fallen in love with him? I know that you have picked him to share your bed on many occasions, monthly if I am not mistaken?” Eloy asked.
“Love? This one does not know. Maybe something close to it. This one would explore,” Odessa said.
Simeon smiled. “Well, this one is happy for you, my dear.”
“This one would not have put Titus in danger if she had thought he would lose,” Odessa said.
That was when the mood in the room changed and Eloy sat his wine goblet down and stormed over toward her. Simeon rose too, just in case he had to intervene.
“What do you mean, Odessa? Spit it out!” Eloy demanded.
She looked off to the side, as if ashamed to look Eloy directly in his eyes. He reached out, grabbing her chin and forcing her gaze back toward him. “Confess. What have you done?”
She swallowed again. “Kijani and this one were afraid of your affections for that gladiator, Mateo. Together, we planned to have Titus face him in the arena, certain that the Champion could not lose. We wanted him to die. Personally, this one could have killed Mateo anywhere, but it was Kijani who wanted to you watch him die before the crowd. Kijani wanted to see your expression when the moment came when Mateo would be taken away from you. This one knows now that it was wrong, but she feared what your affections would bring about.”
“You were afraid of him falling in love?” Simeon asked.
She nodded.
“Too late, I think,” Simeon said.
Odessa looked up at Eloy, whose nostrils flared in his rage as his chest heaved. “This one knows you are angry at her. This one also confesses her part in the death of your former lover. It was poison, not sickness that took his life. Kijani wanted him dead, this one helped. This one did not know your feelings until she saw what she could have lost. Please forgive her.”
Eloy huffed and turned away, his fist balled so tightly that his nails would have drawn blood had his body not been protected by his god energy.
“Eloy?” Simeon called his name as if testing the waters.
“Does Kijani still seek to kill Mateo?” Eloy asked without turning to face Odessa. It was too difficult for him to look upon her at the moment, knowing now what she’d taken from him in the past and what she had tried to take from him by plotting to kill Mateo.
“He does, that is why this one has come, to warn you. Kijani is mad with rage and has shut me out as he feels this one is as weak for human companionship as you,” she said. “The only reason why he has not already taken Mateo’s life is because it has seemed that you are no longer interested in the gladiator. He has not had your company for months. Is this true?”
“I have taken Kijani to my bed to keep his feelings of jealousy at bay. To protect Mateo and nothing more,” Eloy said.
“His spy keeps watch on Mateo in Rama’s home. A servant, the last servant Rama has who willingly serves him. It is to keep Kijani informed on when or if you come for Mateo,” Odessa stated.
“Why have you waited so long to tell me, Odessa?” Eloy asked her.
“This one feared Kijani’s wrath and was unsure of her own feelings. For so long, this one had been indifferent. This one cared not of human pain, suffering, or death and she was forced by both you and Simeon to self-reflect. This one did not want Kijani to kill Titus if he knew she was going to betray him before she could save Titus,” Odessa explained.
Eloy spun around now. “I must get Mateo now.”
He rushed past Odessa, making sure not to look her directly in her eyes.
“I will join you,” Simeon said. “If only to drive, as you cannot.”
Inside the car, Eloy sat in the passenger seat, staring out of the window. Simeon tossed him a few glances between keeping his own eyes on the road. It was true that Eloy didn’t know how to drive as he had never needed to learn. Simeon, on the other hand, enjoyed the mundane things life had to offer and felt learning how to drive exhilarating.
“What will you do to Kijani?”
“I do not even want to think about him now and his petty jealousies. To know that he and Odessa killed Loren and then tried to kill Mateo… I have never known such treachery,” Eloy said through gritted teeth.
“Odessa is trying to make amends, you must forgive her. We are merciful beings, Eloy,” Simeon stated. “That is why you feel better now than you ever did before.”
“Let me save Mateo first, then worry about them, please, Simeon. Just drive, it is a long way to him,” Eloy said.
“Fine, but you will have to face them eventually, my friend. Kijani will be fierce to have been replaced by a human,” Simeon said.
“I do not care,” Eloy snapped.
With that, Simeon turned on the radio, which all automobiles had, to drown out the silence and kill the time it was going to take to get to Rama’s home and to Mateo. Good thing was, he could speed and not be stopped and that would help them significantly.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Mateo lay on the bed he’d once shared with Titus and stared at the clay ceiling. Many a night he’d done this, thinking about his fate. If the next time he would enter the arena would be his last. He sighed, then smiled as he thought about how those days were behind him now. This new world where everyone was equal was something amazing. He finally understood why Eloy had begged him for his patience. Two months had passed and Rama had never been so nice to him. He had been free to roam the main house and eat the same food that Rama had eaten. The other gladiators were now gone, off to pursue lives of their own. Some still fought in the arena and the crowd still came for the spectacle. And those who had made up the former Elite hosted the participants at a great feast. One that even tempted Mateo, but he no longer wanted to fight. Not for survival, glory, or bragging rights.
Mateo thought about his mother and sister and wondered if they were still alive. He had wanted to go back to the badlands to find out, but Rama had forbidden it. He had done so on behalf of Eloy, which was the only reason why Mateo had stayed. But soon, if Eloy didn’t come for him, he would go to them and no one would be able to stop him. He looked out through the open door, the breeze cool and refreshing, which was why he’d kept it open. The stars were so bright in the sky, offering a promise of many more nights to come. At least that was what he’d hoped. It wasn’t too long before the heaviness of his eyelids won over and he drifted off to sleep.
“Mateo… Mateo, wake up,” he heard a voice calling his name over and over as he was being gently rocked back and forth. “Mateo, wake up,” the voice urged, and it was a familiar voice too.
Mateo slowly opened his eyes as he pulled himself from his deep sleep to see Eloy standing over him. His eyes widened and he sat up to get a better look. “Are you really here?”
Eloy smiled and nodded. “I am, and I will take you home with me.”
“It is finally time?” Mateo asked, his voice peaking in his excitement.
“It is. Come.”
Quickly, Mateo climbed out of bed and hugged Eloy, kissing him as passionately and freely as he had in the privacy of Eloy’s bedroom. “I have waited so long for you,” he said.
“I know.” Eloy smiled as he caressed Mateo’s face, noting all the youth and beauty in the eyes that stared back at him with so much emotion. “Is there anything you want to take with you?”
Mateo shook his head. “Nothing.”<
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Eloy nodded. “Then let us go.”
He led Mateo through Rama’s home back to the front door. Rama was waiting there, head bowed in respect. Eloy stopped before him.
“Thank you for taking care of him.”
“Of course, god Eloy.”
“I will inform you that you have a rat in your house… the last servant who stayed. He is in the service of the god, Kijani, to monitor Mateo. I will have you keep this between us as the guards are on their way to retrieve him. You are to keep him here until they arrive, is this clear?” Eloy said.
Rama nodded. “Yes, god Eloy. I will obey.”
“Good.”
“Thank you, god Eloy, you are very merciful.”
Eloy only nodded, then led Mateo out to the car where Simeon was waiting to drive them back to Eloy’s temple. They both climbed into the backseat and Simeon turned to greet Mateo.
“I finally meet the remarkable human I have heard so much about,” he said.
Mateo bowed, as he had been used to Eloy, intimate with him even, but Simeon was another god. The god of wind, the one responsible for that cool, refreshing breeze he had been enjoying. He gave him the same respect as he’d given to Odessa.
“Awww, I would not have expected you to be so humbled,” Simeon joked.
Eloy cracked a laugh. “Oh, believe me, he is not.”
Mateo looked at Eloy, then rolled his eyes. “I am not… but I have never been in your presence. I am simply paying my respect.”
“No need to show such subservience to him. Simeon is the most human of all the gods and has always shunned such devotions. He is also the one who helped me find my way. The both of you made me better,” Eloy said, then lifted Mateo’s chin so he could kiss those lips he’d been fantasizing about, even when he had to fuck Kijani.
“Ah, let me get you two back home. I am guessing you have a lot of time to make up for,” Simeon said, then he turned around, started the engine, and pulled out onto the road.
Deliverance: Book Three Finale (Gods and Slaves Series 3) Page 7