by Jaye Shields
The heaviness in his heart was enough to summon the presence of Asclepius, the god of healing. He’d brought many mortals back from the other side so surely the son of Apollo could heal her wound.
“I’ll forfeit this game of glory if you heal her.”
The god of healing was invisible in the room but Ares felt his presence, and the scent of him filled the space.
“Ares, you are finding yourself on dangerous ground. Even if you win this game of glory, you will lose.”
The ominous words were far truer than Ares hoped to realize. “What can you do for her?”
“I will heal her, Ares, and you need not forfeit. Eris is fine with this, too. Although I fear her involvement in this game will only make things worse for all of us.”
“If she approves of this than I cannot complain. Please, no more words. Just heal her.”
With that, a warm glow moved across the room and settled upon Eirana’s skin.
“Ares, what is that?”
“Do not worry. I have called on a friend to take away your pain, since I cannot.” He lingered on the last words, letting the reality sink in. He’d failed in the ability to heal her but even as a god, he wouldn’t have had that ability. For the first time in his life, Ares damned himself for being the God of War instead of something capable of healing or bringing something beautiful to the world.
Gazing upon Eirana’s face, he watched her expression turn from pained to peaceful and it was more striking than every sunset he’d seen from Olympus. His hand found hers and he squeezed. “You rival every beautiful thing I’ve seen in this world and the next, Eirana.”
She smiled. His world shattered. Ares would never forget the moment he made her smile as if the rest of the world had fallen away.
“I feel so much better, Ares. I feel warm.” Her happy words became softer. “I’m not dying am I?”
Her words became a knife through his heart. The woman only believed that healing and happiness could come with death. “You are alive, my goddess. I vow it. And if you were not, I’d carry you to the boatman myself.”
Her wound began healing before his eyes, the blood receding and the skin mending over the wound.
“You’ve finally given yourself away, Roman. You know that the Gauls do not believe in such a boatman.”
He grinned. “Oh yes. You are very right. Well, let us just agree that I will follow you no matter where you go.”
Her hands caught his as he swept the warm rag across her skin, brushing away the last traces of dirt on her skin. This was the first time she’d made a move to reach out to him. “I’ve never felt such happiness as in this moment. I do not know when I will find it again. Ares, will you make love to me?”
Oh Gods. She didn’t have to ask him twice.
****
Eirana sucked in a breath at her sudden request. Her words were bold, and yet her body heated in nervous anticipation. Would he reject her? Then again, if he didn’t, would he be gentle with her innocent body?
For the first time, she truly wondered if Ares was a god as he claimed. The agony of her wound had completely disappeared, and the skin had mended before her eyes. She’d seen much witchcraft where she came from and yet, Ares hadn’t performed a ritual or prayer.
Ares’ darkened gray eyes flashed like silver as they moved down over her body. Until now, he’d been a gentleman as he cleaned her, and healed her. Now his gaze scanned over every inch of her body, causing heat to flood her cheeks. Her hand moved to cover her stomach, suddenly self-conscious over her thin appearance. In her village, Eirana might have felt beautiful but after a week of near-starvation, she knew her body appeared sickly.
“I’m going to make your body glow, Eirana. So you too can know how you set my body aflame.”
“Ares, I…”
“I know.” The dark hair jutting against his hard cheeks framed the steely color in his gaze. The frightening strength of his appearance, rivaled only by the gentleness in his voice and the softness of his touch, thrilled her as he reached out to her.
His fingers found her cheek and he stroked her, leaning in to kiss her for only the second time. Their lips moved together in slow perfection. Surely they were meant for one another, for no kiss could fit together like so. The softness of his kiss caused her to melt against him, forgetting that her naked body arched against him.
He groaned and deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his tongue. He plundered the inside of her mouth and she welcomed him with passion like she’d never before experienced. Her hands clawed at his back in a desperate attempt to bring him closer. She took his tongue deeper into her mouth and tasted every inch of him that she could. His body still scented of the coliseum, the dry dirt, and the tang of the blood of the gladiators from which he’d saved her. Eirana trembled as she recalled the fierceness with which he’d protected her. The same hands embraced her now with tender care, and filled Eirana with awe to have the warrior in her arms.
Ares broke the embrace and stood away from the bed. She opened her mouth to protest before she realized what he meant to do. She watched breathless as his hands went to his clothing, and slowly removed the fabric, piece by piece. Unlike the other gladiators, he had not the proper armor and soon he was naked before her, his long body carved by hard muscle.
As he searched her face, his eyes were the color of the river rapids, his jaw set as if he held back words. His wide chest showed evidence of the strength he’d used to slay many men. As her eyes followed the trail of the deeply carved muscles in his abdomen, she found the hard-cut V of his hips. Eirana swallowed and appraised the intimidating length hardening before her eyes.
Ares’ masculinity swelled before her and Eirana resisted the urge to reach out and touch it. The softness of the large swollen head beaded with a drop of moisture. The evidence of his arousal for her sent heat betwixt her thighs. For the first time in her life, an ache burrowed deep within her. Now she knew why the women in her village had craved their husband to fill them. Eirana knew this agony between her legs would not cease until she experienced Ares completely. The sudden thought of his hard length filling her brought a new wave of hot, wet heat flooding the area between her legs.
Finally, he stepped toward her and eased her back down on the bed. “Now perhaps, I can have the pleasure of cleaning your entire body.” Ares grasped the warm cloth once more. As he squeezed out the excess water, the muscles in his arms pulled taut, an image of masculine strength which rendered her breathless. A thrill of anticipation flooded her veins like liquid fire when he began caressing her body with the cloth once more.
The soft rag glided across her stomach until it found her rosy peaks. The material trailed over her nipple, causing it to harden as the wetness on her skin dried in the air. Ares leaned over her body and caught the tiny bud within his mouth. The warmth of his lips on her skin sent a shudder down her spine all the way to her core. The folds at her apex throbbed with need.
As if sensing her growing desire, Ares swept the cloth lower across her body. Finally, it settled between her legs covering the sensitive flesh within. She gasped in pleasure. Ares’ hands brought the cloth closer and massaged her. As he caressed her feminine crevice, Eirana thought she might explode.
“Gods, I need you.” His gruff voice took Eirana to a new high. She needed him too, her body trembling with the evidence of it.
Ares leaned over her, bringing himself to her lips once more. Together they met in another lasting embrace. As his tongue swept into her mouth, his hand replaced the cloth and began massaging between her folds.
“Ares,” she gasped through the kiss and he caught her bottom lip gently between his teeth.
“This is only the beginning, sweet Eirana. If you will have me still, I can offer you much more.”
Stars formed across her vision at his words. “I want all of you.”
He smiled down at her with passion glinting in his dark gaze. His thumb brushed across her cheek before he moved down the length of her body. He l
eft a trail of kisses until finally he reached the space between her legs.
Her mind spun but before she could change her mind, Ares licked the sensitive flesh. An intense jolt caused her muscles to tense from the unexpected pleasure.
“You’re stunning…I thank the gods to be able to taste you.”
Her head fell back when the striking warrior nuzzled her and kissed the bud hidden between her folds. Her body trembled. As it built to a pinnacle, she clawed at him, the intense sensations too much to take. Ares’ hands gripped her thighs, prying them back apart so he could finish what he started.
Ecstasy hit her body like a lightning strike and sent of wave of intense satisfaction rippling over her skin. It took long seconds for the pleasure to ease from her body but when it did, Eirana realized she was still smiling.
Ares lifted himself over her, positioning his hardened shaft at her core. Easing between her thighs, he met her gaze with evidence of his own satisfaction. “You are the most beautiful woman in all the realms. I swear to the gods that you render Aphrodite plain. I could see nothing else for the rest of my life besides your face in pleasure.”
She could only smile, for the way in which he’d pleasured her had left her in a drugged state, intoxicated by ecstasy. “I believe you.”
“Good. Let me prove it to you once more.” He grinned as leaned forward to capture her lips.
“No,” she whispered in return. “I mean, I believe what you said earlier. My people don’t worship the Roman gods. But I believe that you are not of this world. You are too perfect.”
Satisfaction flickered across his gaze. “Now, let me show you that I am also a man.” His lips locked on her, filling her body once more with heat. The space between her legs became wet, and slowly, Ares’ hard manhood entered her.
The ecstasy of her climax still buzzed within her but as Ares began filling her, pain mixed with pleasure. She let out a small cry as her walls stretched to accommodate his size. Ares continued to kiss her as he gently continued his slow entrance into her depths. His hand moved from where it cupped her cheek to massage her below, a source she realized of great pleasure.
As Ares’ hard length found her deepest crevice, they became one and the pain faded away. Her heart beat rapidly within her chest, pounding for the man that had become the dream within her nightmare world.
The wetness of her ecstasy allowed him to begin retreating from her and slowly pushing back in without discomfort. Finally, she was able to enjoy the sight of him, and the feel of him filling her. Every time he reached the depths of her core, she gasped with ecstasy and thanked whatever Gods there were for the man in her arms.
Chapter Eight
The next morning, Ares woke with the blissful heat of Eirana’s body beside his. Her soft pink lips were fuller than usual, swollen from the night of passion they’d shared. He could die happy now, as a human for he’d experienced the most beautiful thing earth had to offer, the sight of Eirana’s sweet face in the depths of passion.
A knock sounded on the door and Eirana stirred next to him. Her soft skin rubbed against his bare chest as she nestled deeper into the crook of his arm. Gods, she looked like an angel. The knock came again and her thick black lashes fluttered open. Her bright green eyes smiled at him.
“Good morning, m'eudail.”
The sweetness of the Gaulish endearment dug through his skin and ate away at his insides. Ares never wanted to leave her. He wanted to take Eirana from this place, and be done with it. His temporary position in the human world was getting more dangerous than he imagined. No longer did he care about the crowd and the glory of the coliseum. The game mattered not to him. He couldn’t have Eirana forever, but he could ensure her health and happiness with another. No matter how painful it would be to leave her.
“Eirana. You must know something. Long after I am gone from this world, you will be in my heart.”
The knock sounded louder this time and Ares knew the guard would barge in at any moment. Reaching over the bed, Ares grabbed the fabric of Eirana’s dress and pulled it on over her head. “I have a plan to free you from this place.”
Shock twisted over her expression, pain glinting in her gaze so that the dark green irises resembled the wind-swept Aegean during a storm. It was true then, she did care for him just as much as he lived for her, except he wouldn’t be living. He’d be dying.
“I’m not leaving without you,” she whispered.
The guard barged in just as a tear escaped down Eirana’s cheek.
Ares nearly reached out to catch it with his finger but held back. Touching her made him weak, his stomach already hallowed enough just at the thought of leaving her.
“It is your time, Gladiator. The battle waits. Today, you will have armor.”
“There’s no need.” Ares helped Eirana off the bed, concerned if she would feel sore after her first night of lovemaking. “Are you okay?” he whispered to her in Gaulish so the guard would not understand.
“I’ll be better when you return to me. Please, take the armor.”
A second guard stepped into the room, his face etched with a deep scar across the left side of his face. “What is taking so long, Brutus?” he snarled as he reached forward to grab Eirana’s arm.
Ares struck forward and snatched the man’s sword, pointing it at the brute’s meaty neck before he could lay a finger on Eirana. “I’ll escort her myself.”
“We have direct orders.” The shorter of the two guards eyed the sword pointed at his peer.
The other glared down at the sharp blade poking into his skin. A tiny drop of crimson gathered on the edge of the steel. “You’ll die for this.”
“You’d be dead already if I wasn’t concerned for her safety once your head drops.”
“I’ll kill you myself.”
“Will you put on an epic display of death for this crowd in my stead then?” Ares clutched Eirana by his side and kept the sword to the guard’s flesh until more crimson left a trail down his skin. “I didn’t think so.”
Eirana spoke up in soft Gaulish for the first time. Her palm landed on his forearm, guiding his sword lower. “I will be fine. Be at peace so you can return to me. I’ll be waiting for you.”
The shorter sentry moved forward and offered Eirana his hand. Good, at least one of the guards wanted to live. Ares squeezed her hand before letting her leave. When she was gone from the room, he glared at the scarred man before him. Instead of returning the guard’s sword, he carried it with him as he dressed.
“Slaves shouldn’t be allowed to breed.” The low voice echoed in the room and ignited raw fury in Ares. His sword swung through the air in a violent arc with the intent of beheading. Ares halted the blade just before it connected with the scarred man’s flesh.
“I will not let an insignificant worm come between me and my plans. But trust me,” Ares said glaring at the ugly, scarred face. “I will have your head before this game is done.”
Ares pushed past and strode down the hall as the cheers of the crowded coliseum pounded against the walls like thunder. As he neared the gate, the ground shook with the force of the audience.
The Doctores appeared from behind Ares where he waited at the slave gate to enter. “You were supposed to be armored.”
“I have this man’s sword.” Ares motioned to the guard hovering nearby. “He didn’t wield it well anyway.” In response, the brute’s fists rolled into tight balls.
The Doctores wasn’t entertained and shoved a hand in the direction of the coliseum. “You don’t even know what awaits you. Stupidity will not bring you glory.”
“Rest yourself and have faith in the Gods. I will not fail in my quests.” The gates opened and Ares looked at the gladiator master one last time before stepping into the arena. “I am the God of War. Killing is the only thing I’ve ever done well. Today will be no different.”
Chapter Nine
Eirana watched the man who had become her lover enter the coliseum once more. He still wore no breastplate,
and she could make out the hard muscles carved into his torso. Her heart constricted at the sight of his exposed flesh. She had to have faith in his abilities.
As the emperor made a lengthy speech she couldn’t understand, more gladiators entered the arena. Some of them had armor and some did not. The latter, she guessed, were foreign slaves like herself meant to be sacrificed for entertainment. From what she could tell, the men were well muscled yet appeared to be shells of their former selves, hungry and tormented. Like her, they were probably captives from far-off lands captured by the Romans.
The emperor gave the signal to start, and the gladiators that had gathered on both sides of the coliseum rushed toward each other. Ares stood in the middle awaiting both groups to reach him as if he welcomed the challenge of dual foes.
In response, blood surged rapidly through her veins making her head pound in agony and with worry. The gladiator forces collided together and Ares disappeared from her view through the bars. The grooves cutting into her fingers were becoming familiar for every time she watched Ares in the coliseum, she gripped the bars of her tiny window at the top of her cell until her fingers bled. The grip had to be tight enough to keep her on her tiptoes so she could watch the battle. Camilla huddled in the corner, flinching every time the clashes of steel came close. Eirana wanted to comfort her but the need to watch for her lover’s safety was too great.
The crowd cheered for the battle but when lions entered the arena from hidden trap doors, the heightened echoes of the crowd made the cell tremble. The lions released from all four corners of the arena ran to the lengths of their chains hoping to taste human flesh. Most likely, they were as starved as she’d been before Ares had brought her nourishment.
Ares wielded his sword with an agility that instilled awe. He moved through the dense crowd of gladiators like a lethal dancer, cutting through skin as he weaved in and out of thick bodies.