ROYAL ENTRAPMENT

by Rachel Carrington

  Ares pushed once more and the orgasm punched her, releasing her into such intense pleasure she cried out into the night. He continued to pump for a few seconds and then he jerked, coming with such force that he slammed against her, pressing her breasts flat against his chest.

  He dragged breath into his lungs, his arms braced above her head. “This.”

  She lifted her eyes to see his face. “What?”

  “This is why I can’t live without you.”

  Suddenly furious, she pushed against his chest. “Because we have great sex? That’s not a good enough reason. Now, let go of me.”

  Ares lowered her legs and took a step back. He restored his clothing and opened his mouth to rebut her statement. Only the splicing of the air silenced him.

  “Ares?” Jasmine stared over his shoulder and he whirled, quickly placing himself in front of her.

  Jasmine’s heart raced as a tall, broad-shouldered figure took shape. Wearing a long, white robe and a severe scowl, the man focused his attention on Ares.

  “How nice of you to drop in, Father.”

  Jasmine’s mouth fell open. “Zeus?” Her voice held a breathless quality and Ares glared at her.

  “Yes, show him how impressed you are. He really likes that,” he growled.

  Zeus came forward slowly, methodically before he lifted his finger to point at Jasmine. “She is not a goddess.”

  Before Ares could respond, Jasmine found her voice as her awe diminished. “Oh, go to hell. I never asked to be a goddess and I certainly did ask your son to lie his way into my life. The last thing I need right now is you telling me what I should or shouldn’t be!”

  Zeus’ mouth fell open as Ares chuckled. He took a step back and wrapped his arm around Jasmine’s waist. “I couldn’t have said it better myself…except for the part where I lied my way into your life.”

  Zeus’ finger didn’t waver. “Does she know who I am?”

  Ares laughed outright. “I don’t think she’s impressed anymore.”

  “No, I’m not,” Jasmine replied. “And I just want to take my sons and go home.”

  “Done,” Zeus announced, sweeping his hand in the air.

  Jasmine had no time to think, scream, or wonder what had just happened, but seconds later, she was standing in front of her old house. Alone. Without her sons. Panicked, she raced inside, slamming the door against the wall.

  But both Jared and Andion still slept soundly, only in the center of the bed she once knew.

  She was home.

  And once again, mortal.

  “Enough!!” The God of War roared to the sky. His eyes gleamed with a raw fury and with a flick of his wrist, he directed a fireball toward the tiny hut where Jasmine had taken shelter with Andion and Jared, letting it fly with a sizzle of energy. Not content to stop there, he continued to pelt the structure with more bolts of electricity, turning the boards into glowing coals. Then, with one final bolt of energy, Ares toppled the building.

  Zeus folded his arms. “Happy now?”

  “You!” He pointed his finger toward the center of his father’s chest. “You had no right to interfere in my life.”

  Zeus’ brows lowered in a scowl. “Are you new? I’m the most powerful god in the universe. I can do what I damn well want to do and I don’t have to ask for your permission.”

  Ares took two long strides forward and went toe to toe with his father. “I’ll be back to deal with you later.”

  Without remorse, Zeus stepped into his son’s path. “You will go nowhere. You have a lot to answer for.”

  Sidestepping around Zeus, Ares prepared to disappear, but his father stuck out his hand, turning his palm. Ares froze, unable to move. “What the fuck is going on?”

  “You’ll leave when I say you leave. Right now, you will return with me to Mount Olympus.”

  “For what reason?” Ares fought against his father’s powerful restraints.

  “Hera has called a tribunal.”

  Jasmine swiped at the wooden countertops with slow, ineffective movements of the cloth. She had no interest in cleaning and for the past two days, she’d gone through the motions, feeding Jared and caring for Andion. But her thoughts remain centered on Ares. She wondered where he was, what he was doing, and why he hadn’t come to her.

  The thought made her wince. She didn’t want him to come to her. She needed to get on with her life, to forget about him. But each time she looked at Andion, she saw Ares. His dark eyes, his full lips and even the thick hair. She’d always have a reminder of her son’s father. And of the man she loved.

  “Hey, Mom.” Jared stood in the doorway of their house, shuffling his feet.

  She forced a smile to her face. “Yes, honey?”

  “There’s a woman here to see you. Says she has something to tell you that’s important.”

  Jasmine held back her irritation. The last thing she wanted to deal with was a visitor. But good manners dictated that she answer the summons. Drying her hands on a towel, she patted her hair into place and followed her son, stopping long enough to check to make sure Andion was still asleep. Coming to the doorway, she greeted her guest. “Hello.”

  A blonde woman with startling blue eyes and a solemn expression stood by the well. Wearing a shimmering crystal blue dress and gold slippers, she looked well bred and high class. And when she spoke, her words carried a wealth of worry. “You have to come with me. Please. It’s urgent.”

  Jasmine gripped the door frame. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

  The woman made a gesture of irritation. “I’ll make introductions along the way. We don’t have a lot of time.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me what this is all about.”

  “Ares is facing a tribunal as we speak. If he is found guilty, he could be sentenced to death.”

  Zeus banged the gavel, demanding silence in the tribunal room. With marble floors and golden walls, the area was now filled with gods of varying abilities, some of whom would kill to see Ares fall.

  He watched the faces of all his relatives and wondered which would be first to condemn him. Anger burned within his soul as Ares stood in front of the gilded bench where his father sat, ready to pronounce sentence should he be found guilty.

  “As you insisted on bringing these charges, Hera, you may speak first.” Zeus waved a hand toward his wife.

  Ares didn’t turn to see his mother approach. He couldn’t look at her. Perhaps this was why Zeus had restricted his powers. Rage was a strong motivator to harm.

  Hera glided toward the front of the room, her figure erect, a picture of regal attitude. With her brown hair swept up into an elegant chignon and dressed in a blood red robe, she was as classy as she was bitchy. And when she spoke, the room erupted into displeased murmurs.

  “Silence,” Zeus snapped.

  Hera waited patiently until the room grew quiet again. Then, she began to circle Ares, her steps slow and methodical. “I’m sure none of you can understand how I can bring charges against my own son, but Ares has never been one to obey the rules. Ordinarily, I made allowances for him, but this time, he went too far.” She stopped walking and ran her hand down Ares’ arm. He snagged hold of her wrist and pushed her away from him. She gave him a sympathetic look and continued talking. “He’s strong, determined and too reckless now. I cannot allow him to break the rules any longer.”

  “Rules,” Ares spat. “You who have never obeyed a rule in your life.”

  “I am your mother,” she snarled in return, her composure slipping.

  “Not by my choice.”

  Hera whirled around to stand in front of him. “You insolent bastard!”

  Ares raised one eyebrow. “Isn’t that something you should discuss with Zeus then?”

  She slapped his cheek hard enough to leave an imprint, but Ares only smiled at her. Her irritation growing, she yanked hold of his leather vest and dragged him forward to whisper, “I hold your life in my hands.”

  “Kill me then.”
He wouldn’t give her the pleasure of rattling him.

  Zeus thumped the gavel again. “Let us proceed.”

  Ares bowed low. “Yes, let us continue with the crucifixion.”

  The woman finally introduced herself as Aphrodite and second before she transported Jasmine and her children to Mount Olympus, she provided just enough facts to scare the hell out of her. No matter how Ares had deceived her, Jasmine couldn’t let him die, not when she could prevent it.

  Aphrodite came to a stop at the end of a long hallway lit with torch lanterns. “There’s in here, honey. Just be careful. You’ll be in a roomful of gods and most of them won’t hesitate to incinerate you.”

  Jasmine jostled Andion to her shoulder and placed one hand on Jared’s head. “I can’t take my boys in there.”

  The sexy goddess glanced down at Jared’s upturned face and gave him a wink. “Then I’ll take the two kiddies. You need to be in there. Ares needs to know you’re here.”

  Tears filling her eyes, Jasmine nodded. She knelt down in front of Jared and kissed his cheek. “You go with Miss Aphrodite, honey. I’ll be out as soon as I can.”

  Jared wrapped his arms around Jasmine’s neck and held on tight. “Be careful, Mom.”

  She ruffled his hair before standing. She hesitated for a brief second and then passed Andion into Aphrodite’s outstretched arms. The baby squirmed and fussed before finally settling down.

  “Good luck,” the goddess whispered.

  Jasmine took one step toward the door, turned and asked, “why aren’t you in here?”

  Aphrodite wrinkled her nose. “I hate conflicts. Besides, Ares wouldn’t want to see me half as much as he wants to see you.”

  Jasmine nodded and pushed open the door in time to hear the verdict.

  “Based on the evidence presented, I have no choice but to find you guilty,” Zeus intoned in a solemn tone.

  Ares began to applaud. “Well, that certainly didn’t take us long now, did it?” His head swiveled and he froze. Standing by the door, her hands folded in front of her, was Jasmine. He turned fully and the room fell silent as he began to walk toward her.

  “You shouldn’t be here,” he said as he neared her.

  Jasmine met him halfway. “Tell that to your sister.”

  Ares caught hold of her hands. “Aphrodite. Why am I not surprised?”

  “What are they doing to you?” Jasmine looked over his shoulder and her eyes connected with Hera’s. She quickly returned her attention to Ares’ face.

  “It’s not important. Where are the boys?”

  “With Aphrodite. They’re safe. Now, please answer my questions. Why were you just found guilty? What crime did you commit?”

  Ares couldn’t stop himself from touching her. It was so damned good to see her, especially here on Mount Olympus. He cupped her face. “You should go.”

  “Aphrodite told me you could be sentenced to death. Now, tell me what in the hell happened.”

  “I’ll be glad to fill you in since my son is being so difficult,” Hera offered, gliding forward with a benign smile on her face.

  Jasmine glared at her. “You again. I might have known you were behind this.”

  Hera’s smile faded. “You really should be nicer to someone who can end your miserable, mortal existence.”

  Ares shoved Jasmine behind her. “Stay away from her.”

  “It appears you have brain-washed my son into granting you immortality. Zeus had to correct his mistake, but unfortunately, Ares has to pay for his error. Gods cannot transform mortals into gods just on a whim. There has to be solid reasons why…”

  “It wasn’t a whim,” Ares interrupted. He searched Jasmine’s face, her beauty causing his heart to clench.

  “Then why?” Hera demanded with her lips pursed.

  Ares kept his eyes on Jasmine’s face. “Because I love her.”

  Jasmine never thought she’d hear those words from his lips. Stunned, she could only stare at him while her heart started a quick tattoo in her chest.

  “Oh, look, you’ve rendered her speechless,” Hera cooed, clamping her hand on Jasmine’s shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, dear, your man has a date with sentencing.”

  Jasmine peeled the goddess’ fingers away from her arm. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You really want to stay here and hear your lover be sentenced to death, do you?”

  Jasmine winced and her eyes shot to Ares’ face. He shook his head, reassuring her.

  “As I said,” Jasmine reiterated, “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Hera made a show out of shrugging. “Suit yourself, but do try to remain quiet. We really don’t have time to stop for hysterical sobbing.” Taking a step closer, she lowered her voice. “And I’d really hate to have to kill you.”

  “Get away from her,” Ares snapped, snagging hold of his mother’s arm and flinging her away.

  Hera stumbled but quickly righted herself. She sent Ares a sizzling look and tugged at her robe. “I’ll see that you’re properly punished for that. In the meantime, shall we move on?”

  “No!” Jasmine protested. “I won’t allow you to do this!”

  The Queen of the Gods gave her a pitying look. “As if you could stop me.”

  “Ares should not have been found guilty.”

  Zeus finally intervened. “It’s too late for that. The verdict has already been pronounced.”

  Jasmine thrust her chin up and hoped the powerful god didn’t notice the way her legs shook. “And you can reach a verdict when you don’t have all the evidence/”

  A hush fell over the room as Zeus raised his hand. “What is this evidence to which you refer?”

  “Ares cannot be punished for making the woman he is to marry immortal.” Jasmine folded her hands in front of her and swept a look around the room, taking in the tense, expectant faces. Then she focused her eyes on Zeus’ face. She didn’t want to see the horrified look on Ares’. “Am I correct?”

  Zeus cleared his throat. “Ares made no mention of marriage.”

  He wouldn’t, she thought, struggling to keep the bitterness off her face. “Perhaps he believed his family would trust him. Isn’t that what any son would expect?” The tone of her voice revealed her condemnation and even Zeus looked away from the direct accusation in her gaze.

  The conglomeration of gods began to murmur, stirring with surprise and interest.

  “Ares would never marry a mortal!” Frustration laced Hera’s voice.

  All eyes turned toward Ares as everyone in the room waited expectantly for an answer.

  Especially Jasmine.

  Ares stared straight at Jasmine, but she didn’t look away. She willed him to accept what she’d told the other gods even if it was just to save his life. She would rather lose him to lack of love than death.

  “What Jasmine says is true.” Ares’ words fell like an anvil against brick. “I wanted to marry her.” His brow lifted. “I still do.”

  Damn. He was too good. Jasmine’s heart lodged in her throat.

  Zeus cleared his throat. “In that case, verdict can be waived if both parties agree to a ceremony.”

  Jasmine’s eyes whipped to the god’s face. “When?”

  Hera smirked. “Why now, of course.” She folded her arms over her breasts. “Unless you have a reason why you don’t want to marry Ares now. Of course, should you not choose to marry him now, the verdict will stand. And we’ll proceed with sentencing.”

  “Jasmine and I need a moment alone.” Ares tried to come to the rescue, but Jasmine held up her hand.

  “That’s fine.” She held her head high. “I’d like my children to be present.” As she turned to walk away, Ares snagged hold of her arm. “What are you saying?”

  She looked down at his hand holding her arm before allowing her eyes to travel back up to his face. “I’m saying that I’m going to marry you…today.”

  Ares’ mouth fell open. “Do you realize what this means?”

  Actually, no, but she
wasn’t about to tell him that. “It means we’re getting married and you’ll be safe.”

  “So you’re telling me you’re doing this because you want to save my life?” One eyebrow lifted.

  He looked so smug she wanted to hit him. “Don’t push me, Ares. Besides, just because I marry you doesn’t mean I’ll live you with.”

  The smugness didn’t fade. “Oh, but that’s a requirement, my sweet. And the gods really do believe in until death do us part.”

  Jasmine patted Andion’s back until he fell into a deep sleep, his small fist resting against his mouth. Jared had already fallen asleep, exhausted from the excitement of the day. He’d been the only one who seemed thrilled at the prospect of returning to Ares’ temple. But then, her son loved the castle, its intricate hallways and hidden passages.

  But at present, Jasmine wanted to be anywhere but here.

  “Are you planning on staying in here with the children all night?” Ares asked from the doorway of Andion’s nursery.

  She jumped and made a great show out of adjusting her son’s blanket. “And what’s it to you if I am?”

  He chuckled and came forward, his steps assured, steady. She didn’t know his intentions until he curled his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to the back of her neck.

  “Ares, don’t.”

  “Don’t what? Don’t kiss my wife?”

  She turned in his arms, pushing against his chest. “I’m only your wife because it was the only way to save your life. This is in name only. Nothing more. Don’t forget that.”

  He wouldn’t release her. If anything, his arms grew tighten, forming a solid band of thick muscle around her. “How could I forget how my pretty wife saved my life?” He nuzzled her neck, gliding his hands over her spine until she shivered. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”

  “You can drop the act, Ares. We’re alone. I know you didn’t want this marriage any more than I did.”

  “Maybe not, but it does have certain,” he paused, “benefits.”

  She tipped her head back to see his face. “If you think I’m going to sleep you with, you couldn’t be more wrong.”