Jasmine belonged to him.
AWhoo-eeeee, would you look at that?” A burly, round-faced loafer nudged his grimy friend and pointed straight towards Jasmine. ANow, that could keep a man warm on a cold night.” After straightening his filthy collar, he spit on his hand and slicked back his hair. AStand back and watch this, Oneus. You just might learn something.” He swaggered toward his prey. ASay, little lady, what are you doing traveling through these parts all by yourself?”
Jasmine sensed the danger long before the man spoke. “Jared, take the baby and stay behind me.”
Jared dutifully took hold of his brother. “But what are you going to do, Mom?”
“Just do as I tell you.”
“You ain’t answered my question, little lady,” the man spoke gruffly, around a thick wad of chewing cane.
Jasmine tilted her head back to see his face. AI=m sorry. Do I know you?”
Swiping his hand down the front of his sack pants, he then extended it toward her. AKorus is my name and helping pretty ladies is what I do best. Suppose I walk with you for a little while?”
Jasmine didn=t accept the handshake. AThat won=t be necessary, Korus, but thank you for the offer. I have my sons to keep me company.” She sidestepped around him, waved to Jared to keep back with her and continued on her way. But as she suspected, he was not to be deterred.
AAw, come on, don=t be like that. I just want us to be friends. And I’m sure your boys won’t mind a little male companionship.”
Jared harrumphed. “Leave my mom alone.”
Korus glowered at him. “Shut up, kid.”
AI have plenty of friends,” Jasmine noted, flexing her fingers into fists.
Korus exchanged wicked grins with his partner. AYou never have answered my question about what you=re doing out here by yourself. Ain=t you got no husband to watch after you?”
Jasmine was sure the man didn=t know how much the question had hurt. Although Ares had proclaimed his love for her and claimed her as his own, he had shunned the ritual of marriage, forcing her to either choose to accept his way of life or live without him. She had, albeit reluctantly, chosen to accept him the only way she could have him. So, no, she didn=t have a husband to watch after her. And what was worse, his continued manipulations told her she’d never have more than what Ares offered now.
AHey, I=m talking to you, little lady.” Korus snatched her arm. ANow, you gonna answer me or ain=t you got no manners?”
Jared leveled a kick at the man’s shins and whle Korus yelped with pain, Jasmine prayed Ares had given her more than a heartache. She held her hands outward as she’d seen him do and closed her eyes. Lightning sprang from her fingertips and her eyes popped open in stunned surprise.
Korus danced around the zagged whips before leaping out of the way. “What the…”
Seizing the moment, Jasmine used her best authoritative voice. “I would suggest the two of you move along before I get really angry.”
Nudging and bumping shoulders, the two men gathered their damaged pride and scurried down the road without a backward glance.
Jared stared up at her, his mouth agape. “How did you do that?”
She released a sigh and managed a reassuring smile. “It’s a long story. How about I tell you over a glass of milk and some homemade cookies?”
Jared’s eyes lit up. “We’re going home, aren’t we?”
She nodded. “Yes. We’re going home.”
Opening the bubble window with a wave of his hand, Ares began another visual search for Jasmine, cursing his decision to make her a goddess. He hadn’t known she’d use her powers against him.
“She wouldn’t have had to had you been honest with her from the start.” Zeus’ voice was loud and unmistakable.
AJust great,” The God of War muttered below his breath. Stepping outside his chamber, he marched down the long, silent hallway. AFather, whatever finger you’re here to wag, don’t. I have more important things to do than…”
“Find Jasmine.”
Ares blinked at the interruption. “Actually, that’s the most important thing I have to do.”
Zeus’ lip curled in a smug manner. “I can help you.”
And here came the catch. Ares waited impatiently, knowing his father never did anything without exacting a price.
“In exchange for…” Zeus began.
Ares’ laughter held a bitter tinge. “Oh, of course, your price.” He folded his arms across his chest and watched the King of the Gods as his eyes narrowed.
“Don’t take that tone with me, Ares. I’m not the one who got you into this.”
“Just get on with the extortion.”
Zeus blew out a loud, angry breath. “I will find this wench of yours.”
“Father,” Ares warned.
The powerful god held up one hand. “And when I do, you will return her to the mortal world. You are, of course, free to keep your son with you.”
Anger curled in the pit of Ares’ stomach. “You mean take Andion away from Jasmine.”
Zeus began to pace up and down the long hallway, his long, white robe billowing out behind him. “Of course. Who else better to raise a half-god than a true god?”
“Jasmine is a true god at present.”
The god snorted. “She’s a facsimile of a god. You made her what she is, albeit, by use of poor judgment.” His nose wrinkled and he came back to stand in front of his son. AS the two gods came nose to nose, tension rose into the air, coating it with an almost unbearable thickness.
“Why is it so important that I strip Jasmine of her powers?”
“Because she was never meant to be a goddess!” Zeus exploded.
“And Hercules was never meant to be born, but that didn’t stop you from fucking around,” Ares shot back.
The room grew deathly still as Zeus’ fury reached a boiling point. He raised one finger and pointed it in Ares’ face. “You have until sundown tomorrow to find her. If you don’t, I will, and you won’t like what I do when she’s in my hands.”
A torrid of smoke and flames ripped open the gateway between earthly and immortal realms and the King of the Gods disappeared.
“Nothing like adding a little pressure, Father.”
The clock had started ticking.
Ares burst into the tavern, raging mad and in the mood to fight. He strode toward the barkeep, his eyes glittering. “I’m looking for a woman.”
Snickers resounded behind him. “Aren’t we all?”
“I don’t believe I’m talking to anyone behind me, so the smart-ass would be wise to shut up.” Ares focused his attention back on the burly man wiping down the counter. “She would have been traveling with a baby and a boy about ten years old.” He heard the scrape of a chair behind him and spun around in time to see three men lumbering forward.
“You a friend of hers?” came a gruff question.
Ares’ eyes narrowed, muscles tensed. He hoped the trio had destruction in mind. “What’s it to you?”
A gap-toothed man shouldered his way closer. “Me and my friend seen her, earlier.” He spat on the ground at Ares’ feet. “She was a real bitch.” He thumped Ares’ chest. “And any friend of hers, ain’t no friend of ours.”
Blood-red fury coursing through his veins, Ares leaned in closer. AYou really don=t want to do this. It=s been a long day already and I=m not in the mood to play nice.”
The thug grinned, revealing a mouthful of broken teeth. AWell, that=s okay by me because I never play nice.” Giving a shout of glee, he barreled forward, head down, massive arms swinging.
Ares took the brunt of the dive, wrapping his arms around the man=s upper body to toss him backwards. He landed across a wooden table which collapsed beneath his weight. As if the one man opened the flood gates, more men dove forward.
Ares circled two more men, muscles tensed, ready for the attack. He wasn=t surprised when both decided to move forward in unison. With the sweep of a backhand, he staggered them backwards and advanced, catching an
other man in the stomach with a high kick. He could have incinerated them all, ended the fight with a flick of his finger, but he needed the release of energy, like a long exhalation after a hard day’s work.
When the last man completed the pile of battered bodies, Ares stepped back, turned and faced the barkeep once more. ANow, about that answer...”
The man held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. AOkay, okay. There=s no need for any more violence.”
ALook, those two guys you just dropped are Oneus and Korus. They said they saw her earlier and before you go getting all pissed off at me, I don’t know the guys very well. They=re a couple of thieves, no-goods. But they always pay their tab and I let them stay. That=s as much as I know about them.”
AWhat did they say happened when they saw her?”
AJust some gibberish about how she could make lightning dance. Everybody here thought they were drunk already. They said they were on their way to Thebes. That must be where they saw her.” He shrugged beefy shoulders. AI don=t know nothing else.”
Ares’ spun around and started toward the door. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “When these guys wake up, tell them they’re lucky I was in the mood to fight. Otherwise, they’d be knocking on Hades’ door long about now.”
The tavern didn’t offer much by way of amenities, but all Jasmine needed was a place to sleep for the night with her two children. She supposed she could have traveled as they gods did, but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. She didn’t know if Ares could track her that way.
Stoking the fire in the hearth, she settled Andion in among a blanket of fur and kissed Jared on the head.
“Will we be home in the morning, Mama?” His words came out on a sleepy.
She rested her hand on his forehead. “I’m afraid not, Jared, but only one more day. Then will be home.”
Jared yawned. “You don’t want Ares to find us, do you?”
Her heart began to thump erratically. She didn’t know how to answer her son’s question. A part of her did want Ares to find them, but she had to remain strong. Ares had used her for an heir, another pawn to guide the warlords and dispense havoc and destruction. She cast a glance at her sleeping baby. Well, she wouldn’t allow it. Ares would not use Andion to further the wars in Greece.
“I’m not sure, Jared,” she finally responded, but it was too late. Jared had already fallen into a deep sleep, his innocent face relaxed and content.
She sighed and got to her feet, coming to stand in front of flames. As the warmth bathed her face, she reflected on the past few months. Jared had really grown to like Ares and the two seemed to portray the image of father and son. At least that’s what Ares wanted her to think anyway.
Her heart twisted. He didn’t really love her. He’d wanted a son and would have done anything to get it. Though the realization hurt, Ares’ betrayal hurt even more. She’d allowed herself to fall in love with him.
A bitter laugh broke free and she walked toward the door, checking over her shoulder once more to make sure her sons were sound asleep. Reassured, she stepped out into the night, tugging the wooden door behind her. The instant her feet touched the damp grass, sparks showered over her. She barely had time to gasp before she was caught in Ares’ thickly muscled arms.
For a long moment, neither spoke. He simply held her, crushed tightly against his chest, his face in her hair.
“You left me,” he accused.
“And you know why I left.”
He lifted his head and Jasmine thought she saw pain in the dark depths of his eyes, but she quickly brushed it aside. She couldn’t allow him to touch her heart again. He was too good of an actor. He could change her with just a look, a touch. She wouldn’t allow it. She broke free of him and presented her back to him.
“How’s Andion?”
“He’s fine. He’s sleeping.”
“And Jared?”
She bit back a sharp retort. “He’s fine, too.” A loud exhalation split the darkness. “Ares, you might as well know that I’ve made a decision.”
He waited for her to continue.
“I will not live with you anymore. I’m taking Andion and Jared back home.” She braced herself for his temper, but when he responded, his voice was calm, controlled.
“Your home is with me now.”
“No, it isn’t. I should have known something was going on when you didn’t want more than what you’d given me. You only wanted a lover…and a son.”
The control snapped. AYou are not just my lover, Jasmine! You are my…my…”
AYour what, Ares? Finish the sentence! You can=t, can you? Because you don=t know what I am!” Jasmine shouted the words, her eyes flashing sparks, her chest heaving.
He caught hold of her shoulders, forcing her to face him. AWe have had this discussion before. This was decided.”
ANo,” she interjected, trying to free herself from his grasp. AYou decided. I wasn=t given a choice. Well, now I=m taking one whether you give it or not. I love you, but you used me! You only wanted an heir and like a fool, I believed you when you said you wanted me.” Her voice broke. “You told me you loved me.”
His hands fell away. “I didn’t lie to you, Jasmine.”
“A lie by omission is still a lie. You knew I would get pregnant the first time we had sex, didn’t you?”
His face darkened. “Yes, I did.”
“And you slept with me because you wanted a son and you thought I would be an easy target.”
“No! I slept with you because I wanted to sleep with you.” He dragged his hands through his long, shaggy hair. “I won’t allow you to walk away from me, Jasmine, and you will not take my son away from me.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but Ares forced her back against the door, his hands braced on either side of her head. “I cannot live without you.”
Unable to resist, she reached up to stroke his jaw. “You will get along just fine.”
His head swooped down and he captured her lips.
Heat snaked up her spine before curling low in the pit of her stomach. She yielded to his kiss, his touch. She couldn’t return to his temple, but she could give him this. And while she was at it, she would make another memory she’d tuck away inside her heart for the lonely days which would follow.
His breath fogging in the air, Ares broke the kiss to see her face. “Give yourself to me, Jasmine. Here. Now.”
Refusing him was out of the question. She reached up, fisted her hands in his hair and drew his head lower again. Sparks shot from his fingertips and sizzled around their feet. She felt the strength in his shoulders, his body as he pressed her back against this wall.
His fingers crept up the inside of her leg, beneath her dress. She held her breath in anticipation and released it on a long moan when he dipped inside her wet pussy. She parted her legs instinctively, welcoming the familiarity. The pad of his thumb began to ease the ache building within her soul as he gently rotated her clit. She dropped her head to his shoulder, biting her teeth into the hard flesh.
Ares groaned aloud and pressed his erection into her thigh. “Feel me, Jasmine. I want to be inside you. I need to fuck you.”
Her hands fumbled with the catch on his leather pants. His cock sprang out, straight and thick. She caressed the tip with her fingers and Ares’ knees bumped against hers. He pressed his free hand against the wood over her head and his eyes watched her palms gliding over his engorged cock.
“By the gods, that feels good.”
Pressing her back against the wall, Jasmine began to slide down ever so slowly, forcing Ares to withdraw his hand from under her dress. He didn’t take his gaze off her face as she dropped lower and lower until her knees touched the dirt.
“I want to taste you,” she whispered.
“Fuck,” he expelled, grinding his fists against the planks.
“Not yet,” she denied, curling her hands around the base of his shaft. His skin felt smooth and hot to the touch and when she began to move
her fingertips in a circular motion, the flesh tightened even more.
She licked the tip, just a flick of her tongue, but Ares jumped and cursed again. She made humming noises in the back of her throat, letting him know she enjoyed his taste. And then she took him fully into her mouth, guiding him almost to the back of her throat.
Ares groaned and fisted his hands in her hair, twisting the strands around his fingers until her scalp tingled, but Jasmine didn’t stop feasting on his cock. The silky flesh slid over her tongue, enticing her. She loved his taste, his scent and texture.
Her hand cupped his balls and she felt Ares’ legs shake. She scraped the sac gently and he cursed, yanking on her hair to lift her head.
“Jasmine, I need to be inside you. I want to feel you pulsing around my cock.”
How could she refuse such a pleading request? She gave him one last lick before pushing herself to her feet. Then, pressing her breasts against his leather vest, she demanded, “then fuck me, Ares. Make it hard and fast.” She barely got the words out before Ares snagged hold of her arms and pushed her back against the wall.
His fingers shot beneath her dress to find her pussy, wet and swollen. He pushed inside in, driving so far into her channel that she gasped with the invasion. “You’re ready for me, baby.” He withdrew his fingers, hooked his hands below her ass and lifted her. “Put your legs around my waist and hold on.”
Jasmine obeyed his order blindly, panting and clamping her legs around him with ferocity. She yanked her dress up to her waist and braced her back against the wall. And then Ares was there, his cock driving into her pussy with such force her lungs protested.
Hips pumping wildly, he thrust in and out while the walls of her quim contracted. He touched the spot inside of her that made her wild. Her nails scored his shoulders. Her teeth nipped at his skin, everywhere she could taste him, touch him. She felt full. Complete. And she never wanted it to end.
“Hold on, baby,” Ares warned. He drove into her furiously, wildly and the sensations overwhelmed her, dragged her under. Her muscles tightened, gripping his cock. She didn’t want him to leave.
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