Destined for a Deity (Mark of Mars)

by Juliet Anderson

  Jenna turned to Benedictus, it has been a while since she’d tormented him. “I was thinking about asking the Emperor to make the library accessible to females as well.”

  It sounded like he was choking on a fly. “The day that happens, I will walk naked across the Trajan Market,” he announced.

  “Ooh, a challenge. I love those,” Jenna’s eyes lit up. “At peak market time? Actually, no. A less busy time would afford a much more funny view.”

  Antonia screwed up her face. “What a horrible sight, my brother naked. Now if you could persuade Hector to remove his clothes, that would be far better.”

  Benedictus shook his head, he should have known better than rise to the bait. His sister and Florentina were learning far too quickly how to join in. “We have family commitments tomorrow, but perhaps the day after we can visit the Via Lata?” Benedictus took the sensible option and changed the line of conversation.

  “Then suggest it to Pompeia,” Florentina responded.

  Benedictus looked at Jenna as if querying her response.

  “Florentina is right, Trajan wants you to go through Pompeia. Because it was her concept, he wants her to have her hand firmly on what is happening.”

  “And I thought you had a direct line to Trajan,” Benedictus feigned disappointment.

  “I’m a very special thorn in his side,” Jenna grinned. “And the sooner he brings equality to the streets of Rome, the quicker his ears will get a rest.” She linked her arm through Florentina’s. “Now, I was thinking you and I could have front row seats in the Senate.”

  Benedictus headed off in front of them. “I think I should have you both thrown into the Colosseum arena for thinking such a thing.”

  “He’s finally coming around to equality,” Florentina laughed. “Women fighting at the Colosseum at last.”

  “I meant as food for the tigers,” Benedictus grunted.

  “I love being around you two,” Antonia giggled. “You are the only people who can get under my brother’s skin.”

  “Getting under people’s skin in my speciality,” Jenna beamed. “Now I have to leave you here. I will see you soon.”

  Jenna hurried back to the temple as she needed to get ready for her dinner with Marcus that evening. The temple felt so empty without Amelia. She kind of hoped it was some misunderstanding with Augustus, the poor guy had looked genuinely shocked when she’d mentioned him being with another woman. But it was not her place to get involved, they would work it out if it was meant to be.

  Ares was in his favourite spot on her shoulder, swatting at her brushes.

  “Behave,” she tapped his paw. “I don’t need your assistance.”

  The kitten ignored her, he was obviously bored and wanted the attention. Hardly surprising as the temple had been very quiet. She picked him off her shoulder and gave him a cuddle. It was kind of ridiculous that she felt so nervous about the dinner. Then again it was not the dinner concerning her, it was what came after. In Cabrillus, it had been beautiful between them. Now they were back in Rome, it seemed like they were under surveillance; would people look upon her as Marcus’ mistress, a fallen temple maiden?

  “I’m over thinking it, aren’t I?” she kissed Ares’ head.

  Cassandra appeared at the rear of the temple. “The Marshall is here, Jenna.”

  She handed the kitten over to Cassandra. “I won’t be late back.”

  “Good. I’m not paid enough for cat sitting.”

  Jenna was insistent on seeing Dominicus before she went inside Marcus’ villa.

  “What is it with you and animals?” he grunted.

  “I love them,” she smiled. “It’s a cultural thing. And how could you turn down such a cute face as Dominicus.”

  He eventually managed to drag her inside. Never did he think the day would come when a mortal put a donkey before a God.

  Flopped down on a couch out on the peristyle, Jenna felt a little more relaxed. “How were the streets today?”

  “Relatively trouble free,” he kissed her for the first time that evening. “From what I have heard, you had a much more active day.”

  “And what were the gossiping citizens of Rome saying I got up to?” Jenna was curious.

  “That you head up a group of young nobles who have the ear of the Emperor.”

  Jenna laughed. “That must really irk some of the old stalwarts, relinquishing their hold to a younger generation.”

  “Oh, it does,” Marcus’ eyes twinkled. “The scales have suddenly tipped overnight and it is quite amusing watching the nobles panic, wondering where they should aim their fawning.”

  “And ironically the group Trajan has selected are those that are unlikely to respond to any false flattery.”

  “He is a very good judge of character.” Marcus passed her a goblet of wine. “Now enough about Trajan. We need to talk about our relationship.”

  “We’ve not yet eaten. Can we save the argument for later,” Jenna sighed. She was hungry and needed food before a verbal battle.

  “Why would we argue?” his black eyes were fixed firmly on her.

  “Because you want me to live with you and I don’t.” She took a large gulp of wine.

  “I want you to become my wife not my mistress.”

  “That’s nice to know, but the answer is still the same.” She glanced up as Aius appeared with some platters. Saved by the food. “I saw Laurentius today, he seems to have made a full recovery.”

  Marcus glowered as she changed the subject. “Yes. But he is conducting some dangerous investigations. After cleaning out the Senate, he has some civic offices to interrogate.”

  “He is perfectly suited to the role. Not only is he loyal to Trajan, he has been out the city long enough not to hold any particular family in favour. Expect yours of course.”

  “How are things with you and Octavia?”

  “Civil. I have to admit, I am developing quite a soft spot for Portia.” Jenna smiled as she thought about the young girl, perhaps a little sister was what she needed. “And she does braid your hair so beautifully.”

  Marcus grunted and dropped some fish into her mouth. “Mention the braids again and I will feed you an oyster.” He ran his hand up her leg and removed her epi-pen. “What exactly does this do?”

  Jenna removed the cap to show the needle. “It injects a dose of medicine that should hopefully counteract the effects of the oyster.”

  “Does it hurt?”

  “Yeah, it does sting a bit. But that is preferable to having your throat swell and suffocate you.”

  “As you are currently immortal, you should not need it.”

  Jenna snatched it back. “I would rather put my faith in this than a supposed gift from a deity.” She stuffed a couple of pieces of chicken in his mouth before he could argue. “When does your family come back from Cabrillus?”

  “I think they returned today.”

  “I am sorry I did not get to see more of Arianna.”

  “I’m not, I had you all to myself,” he pulled her to him and raised her blood pressure somewhat.

  “How does she put up with your horrible cousins?”

  “I think she enjoys tormenting them. They’re not too bright and are very easy to wind up.”

  “It is so strange how your uncle oozes so much charisma, yet his sons are totally devoid.”

  “Yes, luckily it is just on his side of the family.”

  “I agree, Hector and Brutus are as charming as your father.”

  Jenna squealed as Marcus made her pay for that comment. Actually her body was starting to wish that they forego any more food, it was keen to carry on with what he had teased her with.

  “Have the Senate come up with any more ideas on how to install a lasting peace in Isis and Via Lata?” she tried to take her mind off Marcus’ body.

  “I think they are waiting to see how the latest shelters for the children work out.”

  “Let me guess, very few have still actually been in to those areas?”

&nb
sp; “Of course. A senator does not get his robes dirty.”

  Jenna laughed. “And they will soon find themselves out of a position as the Senate fills up with willing candidates who do want to serve the city.”

  “Trajan is very sly, before they know it they will be redundant.”

  “Good. They deserve it for their inactivity. Whilst they delay, the poor people who are fighting for a better life are meeting their gods a little earlier than planned courtesy of your soldiers.”

  “You know I have no choice but to suppress the riots.”

  “Yes.” She had been caught in too many to realise they could not be stopped with gentle negotiation. Stroking the side of his face, she gazed into those wondrous black eyes. “I also worry about you. Whilst you might think you’re immortal, you aren’t.”

  Marcus laughed softly. “The only person in this city who can hurt me is you.” He ran his thumb over her lips.

  Jenna saw the change in him and felt her bones turn to jelly. His kiss was soft and seductive, at one point she had to remind herself to breath. Scooping her up, he carried her into his bedroom.

  “You appear nervous,” he murmured in her ear as he slipped her dress to the ground.

  “Because it’s going to seem really weird, just having sex then going back to the temple.”

  “Then stay the night with me,” he ran his mouth down her neck. “You know that is what I really want.”

  “I cannot.”

  “All you have to do is say yes,” his voice was silky smooth.

  “To what? Staying the night or your non-existent proposal?”

  “Both.” His mouth continued to wreak havoc of her body.

  Jenna gave in to the feelings she was trying to fight, what was the point. It was just as good as in Cabrillus, but she did detect he kept tensing.

  “What is wrong?” she nipped his ear.

  “I am trying to maintain some control.” His voice sounded quite strained.

  “Why? I show a complete lack of it,” her hand caressed his beautiful back.

  “Because I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “I don’t want you to hold back. I want you to let go of your emotions.”

  “Jenna, I should not….”

  “Hush,” she kissed him, her hand distracting him.

  Marcus let out a low growl and kissed her back fiercely. His body temperature seemed to have shot up by a few degrees, and he seemed slightly heavier. The connection between them was incredible, at one point Jenna felt like they were actually merging together. It was glorious. As she broke for air, she opened her eyes. It took a few seconds to realise, but it was not Marcus she was with. He was gold, shimmering and beautiful.

  Those golden eyes gazed down at her surprised face. “Is something wrong?” his voice was like liquid gold.

  “Yes.” She tried to wriggle out from underneath him. “What have you done with Marcus?”

  He looked confused for a moment, then flopped back on the bed. “Ah, my mortal shield. That is why I need to be in control.”

  “What?” Jenna snapped, grabbing the gold cover to wrap herself in.

  Mars turned back into Marcus. “Keeping this mortal form around you takes a great deal of control. In the throes of passion, it is virtually impossible to maintain.”

  “Where the hell is Marcus?” she glowered darkly. “Taking his place was despicable.” She felt used and dirty.

  “I am Marcus.”

  “No, you’re a deluded deity. I want my Marcus.”

  “Marshall Vilnus is my mortal form, Jenna. Most of us in Olympus have adopted a mortal guise, otherwise immortality does drag.”

  “Are you trying to tell me the Olympus Gods are living amongst us as everyday mortal?” Jenna was unconvinced.

  “Not everyday mortals, we are Gods after all,” Mars sighed, turning back into his immortal self.

  “Your parents?”

  “Aurelius and Claudia are Jupiter and Juno.”

  Jenna’s mind was spinning. Lying close to her was the hottest of Gods imaginable, naked, gold and shimmering. It should have been a dream come true, but it was turning into a bizarre nightmare. It was just not possible.

  “This can’t be happening. It must be a reaction to something I ate affecting my brain.”

  “What is so difficult to believe?”

  “That you Gods exist. It’s not possible.”

  “But the existence of your God is?” he retorted angrily.

  “I’m not going to have a theological debate.” Jenna pulled the covers with her, picked up her dress from the floor and headed into the bathroom. She appeared a few minutes later.

  Mars was not going to let her leave that easily. “Do I not feel real to you?” He pulled her tight to him.

  “Yes. But…”

  “But what? You know in your heart I exist. You’ve been searching for me your whole life.”

  Jenna took a step back. “What on earth makes you think that?”

  He grabbed hold of her again and touched her birthmark, sending sparks shooting through her body. “You were marked for me from birth. You came back through time to find me.”

  “This argument again,” Jenna rolled her eyes. “I thought I was marked for Marcus.”

  “We are the same person. You bear my mark.”

  “So do a few other people, like Julius. I don’t think he’s down to become your bride.”

  “It is the mark from birth that is unique. I’m quite aware of the mortals I have given my mark to, and there are just a few.” He took hold of her hands. “You are continually drawn to my statue. When you touch it the marble is warm, that is because it is the same as you touching my skin. No-one else can have this effect, just the one that was born with my mark.” He touched it again, sending another burst of shockwaves through her body. “You are the only one whose mark sparks when I touch it.”

  “Then why pretend I was dreaming in Laumus?”

  “It was you who preferred to think you were dreaming. I never said it.”

  Jenna’s mind was in a total spin, she did not know which way was up. Her twenty-first century brain was just not going to let her believe this was a reality. The Olympus Gods were myths, despite the fact one could very well be standing right in front of her. And if the Gods did exist, then the man she had fallen in love with did not.

  “I have to go,” she made a break for the door.

  “Go where?”

  “Anywhere but here,” she headed down the corridor. “I need time.”

  “Time for what?”

  “I don’t know,” she snapped angrily. “If you are truly masquerading as Marcus, then that relationship was never real.”

  “I am still the same man.”

  “Not to me,” Jenna could feel the tears threatening to spill over. She loved Marcus, not the vain God in front of her. “I fell in love with the most courageous, honourable man in Rome. It turns out he was just immortal instead.”

  “Marcus is just a projection of myself. Everything he stood for and felt was me.”

  Jenna recalled a rather vital fact about the history of Roman deities. “If you are really Mars, then it is a well-known fact that you marry your sister Venus.”

  Mars looked like she was deluded. “Why would I marry that vicious-tongued creature? Apart from the fact I am not into incest, she is the last person I would align myself with.”

  “There is a famous fresco showing your marriage.”

  “Jenna, we are stuff of myths and legends. Much is written about us, not all of it true. Surely you can see that. No mortal would know what the Oracle told me about my future wife, they just invent what they think would suit best a deity.” Mars made a grab for her but Jenna darted out his way, into the room next to them. It was the weapons room.

  “I’m leaving,” she headed to the exit at the far end of the room.

  Using his immortal speed, he blocked her path. “I cannot let you go, surely you must be aware of that?”

  “So now you�
�re going to abduct me?” she retorted scornfully, wiping away a stray tear.

  “Perhaps a few days in Olympus will help clear your mind.”

  “My mind is clear enough,” she could feel the anger replacing her sorrow. “I never want to set eyes on you again. You made me fall in love with Marcus when he did not exist. You are nothing more than the vain, shallow creature I had you pegged for originally and I do not want to spend a moment more in your company.” A wise person might have reigned in their temper, especially when addressing such a fiery God, but Jenna was never one to take the sensible option.