“Oh God.” She slid down the wall and looked up at him. Her hands covered her ears and she shook her head. “Turn it off,” she begged. “Whatever it is you are trying to push at me turn it off. It freaking hurts damn it.” It felt like he was trying to probe her or peel through the layers of her aura. Something. Whatever he was doing it was killing her head.
A hand touched hers in the next instant. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you’d be so sensitive,” he said as he drew her hand from her ear. His words were soft, gentle even, as was his touch. “I sometimes forget myself. Will you accept my apology, Ava?” he asked, his odd accent making her name sound very unique and foreign.
“Yes,” she whispered and let the man pull her to her feet. “I thought all of you stopped walking the Earth thousands of years ago. At least in the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation in my family say,” she admitted. “I’ve known about you all my life, just never thought I would see you.”
“We come, we go, it’s how it’s always been and always will be.” Ares gave a lazy shrug as he stepped back. He must have sensed her unease with him being so close. Of course, he was a God, a real, live God. “We’re actually here more often than you’d likely believe. Olympus is rather,” he made a face, “well, if you like the politics, ass kissing, and conniving backstabbers, it’s a great place to live. I much prefer being in this realm or between the realms. Less chance of having someone try to kill me in my sleep.”
“I can understand that,” she admitted to him and sighed. “Thank you, whatever you did to pull back. I can’t believe you are real,” she said with the shake of her head. There was something about this God, and oh yes, she knew he was a God, “What is it about you? You are…” It was almost as if her aura was reaching for his and that was scary as hell.
He gave another lazy shrug. “I am who I am, Ava. I truly meant you no harm. Unfortunately it’s not always easy to recall that some of you are very sensitive to our abilities. For you, I will keep them locked down.” Ares turned to look at the statue, “Can’t believe the Romans switched out an image of me for that little prick. If his father hadn’t been some high-powered and victorious general, he’d never have been the one to stand for the artist.”
“I knew it was off the moment I saw it,” she admitted to him. “So tell me about you. How wrong did the history books or mythology get you?” She had the stories that had been passed through her family, but she hadn’t heard them in years. Not since her Nana, the woman who raised her after the loss of both her parents, died. “Because if these people are thinking the large ostentatious ruins up there are yours and this man is you, then they really must have screwed up a great deal.”
“The victors always write history,” he said, looking at her. “History should be ignored for the most part, especially anything regarding the Gods' reign. Mythology texts,” he lifted a hand and tipped it back and forth, “are so-so on the accuracy. The lineages are mostly right, a little off here and there but even we can’t say for sure, at least not a hundred percent. Since our deeds and misdeeds were mostly miswritten, I’d ignore those too. What do you want to know and I’ll tell you my version of it.”
“I have no idea,” Ava admitted honestly. “Did you really father as many children as the myths say?” She asked with a frown, “Why do they only put you as the God of War when you are more than that? That’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask.”
“Right,” he gave her an odd look. Then he seemed to shake it off. “Never had kids, but because of Zeus and a few other promiscuous Gods, we all got a bad rap. I may have been around for, well, forever really, but I was always careful with anyone I chose to be with. As to the other,” he tipped his head. “Think of it like a band. They are known for the biggest, best-selling hit, the one that got stuck in everyone’s head. They write and perform other songs, but they are always recognized for that one hit. It’s the same thing with the Gods. We got labeled by our biggest, badest works.”
“I understand,” she said with a nod. “I suppose that war is one of those things that will always stick with a person, isn’t it?” She should get out of there, but she found herself wanting to spend more time with this man, this God. “I’m sure this happens a lot, but do you maybe want to get a coffee?”
He blinked at her, “Actually, you may not believe this, but that’s the first time anyone has ever asked me out for coffee. I know you’re uneasy with me so if you’re just asking to be nice there’s no need, but if you truly mean it,” he nodded slowly. “I’d like to very much.”
“I really mean it.” She was blushing. “I’ve never asked anyone for coffee either but,” she shrugged and started mumbling, “I just… I can’t seem to let this moment go. Weird I know.”
“Well then,” he stepped back and gave a small sweeping bow, “after you, my lady. Lead on to wherever we’re to go.” Straightening, he smiled slightly as he waited for her to move ahead of him. “Or would you rather I not be at your back?”
“I don’t mind if you are at my back. If I recall correctly, you are one of those men who would rather kill from the front so you can watch your foe die. Or am I wrong?” Ava teased as she exited the small building known as Ares temple.
“Not sure I should answer that. You already seem a little wary of me and I don’t wish to put you out of sorts further.” He was following, two steps to her side and slightly behind. He was looking around, watching everything. Then he put on a pair of dark sunglasses and locked his hands behind his back.
She shrugged, “I’m not delusional enough to possibly think you couldn’t kill me if you wanted to. I really hope you will decide that you don’t want me dead.” But then again, she knew what and who he was so why wouldn’t he want her dead? She was after all a liability.
“You are not a liability,” he said, in a casual comment sort of way. “Even if you were to run over to the group of students and proclaim me as Ares, God of War, no one would believe you. You are unique amongst your race, Ava. Besides, I could erase all their memories even if they did believe you. Put your mind at ease, I would never mess with your memories. Only those who are a threat deserve such treatment.”
“How do you know it's not me?” She really wasn’t a threat, honestly she had always been secretly enamored of the God of War. It was totally crazy and she knew it. “But I’m not. I wouldn’t reveal who you were even if they would believe me. Sometimes we all need a break from life, wouldn’t you say?”
“I know it’s not you,” he said. He was closer, a lot closer, suddenly. “What is this bit about you being enamored by the God of War?” he asked. He sounded curious and maybe he was grinning just a little bit. A quick glance showed he was smiling, big, lots of very white teeth.
“Oh shush it. If I say anything it will give you an even bigger head than you already have and that simply won’t work for me. You have had legions of men and women bow to you all your life, not me, bubba. Yes I’ve always had a thing for you, or whatever, but it doesn’t mean that, well hell.”
He stopped dead, but she could feel his eyes burning into her back. “You think I want you to bow to me?” He actually sounded offended at the idea. He sounded disgusted by the idea, if she were to be honest. “I think I will have to decline on the offer of coffee. Have a good day, Ava,” he said and then silence, he was gone.
“You mean you don’t?” She watched him leave in a poof and shook her head. “Childish and fucking petty,” she grumbled and walked right through where Ares had been and instead of rejoining the group, she walked to her hotel. It was time to get the hell out of Greece. Surely the Gods wouldn’t be in Ireland, she prayed.
Chapter Four
Pacing back and forth in Dion's office, he waved his hand to the offer of wine. “I don’t want any of your wine, brother. I’m seriously not in the mood.”
“Never thought I’d see it,” his brother said with a laugh.
“See what?” Ares demanded, stopping to stare at him.
“The day a human, a human female no less, would best you.” Dionysus lifted his glass, gave it a sniff, and then took a sip.
“She insulted me. For someone who knows me so well, she has no clue at all. When, in all my centuries, did I ever demand anyone bow to me? That was father’s big thing for fucks sake. Never mine,” he muttered, throwing himself into a chair and slouching down.
“Like I said, she bested you. You did just what she expected of you, you disappeared. Do you know she called you childish and petty? No, not just petty, but fucking petty.” Dion appeared to be enjoying himself just a hair too much. He must have caught Ares intent because he held up a finger, “Uh…uh brother. I just had the office redone, no being fucking petty.”
“Fucking asshole,” he muttered, slouching down more. “How the hell do you know what she called me? Even I wasn’t there to hear it.”
“I popped in to invite you to the gala next weekend. Figured you’d like to get away from all those tourists for a bit. It’s the grand opening of my new hotel after all. Big and splashy, it will be a grand event. It’s in Ireland of all places!”
Ares narrowed his eyes on his brother, “Why Ireland?”
“A quaint little human woman got me interested in her country. It has its own history and lore. The Celtic Gods didn’t oppose me putting in a place so I thought why not. It gives them somewhere to party and brings in more money. What more could I ask for?” Dion laughed and then went serious, “So, will you come?”
Thinking on it for a time, he shrugged, “What the hell. Let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”
“Excellent!” Dionysus smile looked just a little scary right before he took another sip of wine. Ares was likely just imagining things.
*****
Ava touched the beautifully made gown in the box and frowned at the bellboy. “I’m sorry. Who did you say sent this to me? I can’t accept this.” Oh she wanted to. Dear God in Heaven she wanted to. The gown was sinfully perfect; it was outstanding and looked as if it were handcrafted just for her. It also looked as if it cost a small fortune, or rather a very large one from the details and the crystals that looked like they were a hell of a lot more than crystals.
She put the pink box top back on and shoved it back to the bellboy, “I’m so sorry. Please tell whomever sent it that it's a truly remarkable work of art, but I simply can’t wear it. I would love to, I really would, but I can’t accept such a generous gift.”
He held up his hands and stepped back. “It is a loan, madam, for the hotel’s grand opening party. The owner has picked the theme A Time Gone By. He realized though that most people wouldn’t have such clothing items in their possession. So he has been ensuring to it, as everyone checks in, he has the clothier eyeing them up. He is sending the recommendations to each guest. If you won’t take it as a gift you may borrow it for the event. It is mandatory for tomorrow night and you do not want to miss it.”
Ava touched the gown and sighed. “Only to borrow. Please make sure you come back for it right after the whatever tomorrow night?” she asked softly. “And please, please tell the owner I said thank you so very much. Thank you for allowing me to wear this perfect creation.” She was going to regret it. The little voice in the back of her head was screaming at her to get the hell out of Dodge. The owner, whom she was assured wanted to meet her, never showed up and now this? Something was seriously going wrong here.
“I will pass along your thanks. We will be picking up all the returns the following morning so you needn’t rush back after the event.” He smiled and gave her a bow, “The dining room is open if you’d like to go down for dinner. Or if you’d prefer, room service will be available until two in the morning. There is a breakfast buffet that is open to all guests, free of charge, from six until ten in the morning. Also, there will be a tour of the countryside and a couple of old castles beginning just after lunch tomorrow if you’d like to join. Everyone will return by five to prepare for the grand opening. Hairdressers are on standby if you require any assistance, free of charge once more.” He paused to look up at the ceiling, obviously going through a list in his head. “Oh,” he blinked at her. “Cocktails will begin to be served in the main ballroom at seven-fifteen until eight. Dinner will be at eight exactly and then the show and dancing from nine onward.”
“Wonderful. Thank you,” she said with a grin. “I think I will just take room service,” so she could do some internet searching on the owner of the hotel. No one was this generous or this kind without wanting something in return. That and something about his name made her brain itch. It made her think things she shouldn’t think. It made her think of another Greek God but for some reason she couldn’t place the name. Yet.
“The menu is by the phone. Just dial zero and then the number at the top of the menu.” He stepped back and gave her another little bow. “Have a good evening, madam. If you require anything at all please feel free to contact the front desk. That would be zero and then one-one on the phone.” He gave her a big smile before backing out the door and shutting it.
“Thank you for that,” she said to the retreating back. Shaking her head, she took the gown to the bed and pulled it out. It was breathtakingly stunning. Inside there was a jewel encrusted mask as well. “Interesting, so it’s a masked ball?” Stranger and stranger. Her inner radar was screaming for her to get her ass up and gone, but honestly the girl part of her couldn’t because she couldn’t wait to wear this once-in-a-lifetime gown.
*****
“You’re insane, Dion,” Ares muttered, eyeing up the outfit his brother was holding up. “Just what the fuck are you doing?”
Heaving a put-upon sigh, Dionysus watched him, “It’s a masked ball, Ares. That means you must dress accordingly and wear a mask.”
“I get that, bonehead. What I want to know is why? What purpose does this serve?”
Dion was grinding his teeth, nice. “She is here. You want to get close, see her and get your hands on her, yes?” Ares had to give him that one so he nodded. “Then you will dress, attend the party, and work your way to her side. Everyone has certain outfits, yours and hers complement one another. You may thank me now.”
“Why? So far all you’re doing is trying to get me dressed up in a fashion I never wore even when it was fashionable in this world.”
More teeth grinding, he was on a roll with irritating his brother. “It’s the theme of the night, Ares. You must wear it if you want to attend. If you don’t wear it I will wear it and I will get to know the delightful Miss Ava Von Maur.”
Seconds, that’s all it took before his hand was wrapped around his brother's throat. Seconds, all the time required to push him to the wall and hold him there. Seconds, for his temper to go nuclear. “You go near her with anything but the utmost respect and courtesy and I’ll make it so you’ll be sucking all your meals through a straw.”
Dionysus smiled and chuckled, sort of. It was kind of hard to laugh with someone holding onto his throat. “I was right,” he wheezed. “You do like the girl.”
Dropping Dion, Ares stalked away heading for the door and then spun back. “Stay away from her,” he said again, curling his lip at the clothing and mask. He snapped his fingers and the outfit vanished. “I hate you,” he muttered before flashing away, but not before he heard Dion’s laughter.
Chapter Five
Looking at herself in the mirror, she was certain this had to be a joke. The mirror had to be a green screen and someone else was standing in front of it because Ava simply wasn’t as beautiful as this mirror said she was. “Is this really me?” she asked the woman who had helped her to dress and then did her long, honey-blond hair into intricate curls and waves. “Wow. I didn’t think I would ever look like this.” The gown was amazing. The drop top of the gown showed cleavage she didn’t think she had, the high waist emphasized her upper half’s assets as well.
“It’s you, madam,” the woman assured her with a smile. “You look amazing in the gown.”
Turnin
g to get a good look at herself, the sparkle from the diamonds, and oh yes, she knew that was what they were, caught in the light and made her gasp. “Your boss is very, very generous isn’t he?” she asked as she eyed the diamond combs holding her hair up in a French Twist, which was surrounded by wisps of curls.
“He can be and he wishes this opening to be a huge success. In such cases he tends to go all out for the events,” she said quietly, tipping her head. Reaching out, she made a small adjustment to Ava’s hair.
“One last thing and I promise you can go. Will you help me with the mask? I’m afraid I will ruin what you did with my hair without your help.” After she was helped into the mask Ava stepped into the wickedly amazing shoes and taking a deep breath, walked out of her room and toward the ballroom where the dinner and dancing would be.
*****
“I fucking hate you,” Ares muttered again, throwing back the two fingers of forty-year old scotch.
“Hey, go easy on that. It may not be my drink of choice but that is damn fine scotch,” Dion said at his side. In the next moment Dion’s elbow found Ares's ribs, “She’s here, brother.”
Ares snapped his head around, he had to, damned mask obliterated his peripheral vision. “Holy mother of all things pure and good,” he wheezed.
“She does look rather fantastic doesn’t she?” Dion said with a chuckle. “I’m very glad I chose that dress for her. I was a little worried with her coloring, but I’m glad I went with my initial gut reaction. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he grinned at Ares. “I’m going to go and compliment the woman. Down boy,” he jumped back a step when Ares lunged toward him. “I will shake her hand and pay her a compliment. Nothing more, my word, brother.”
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