Exodus

by Jordan Summers

  No. Eros glanced up at the darkening sky. We will get our people out of here and leave him with nothing to find.

  I don’t think he will be so easily dissuaded.

  Eros arched a brow and cocked his head. Have you forgotten about the mating ceremony? Do you no longer wish to go through the binding with Jac?

  Flinching, Ares eyes widened. What nonsense do you speak? he choked out.

  You talk of tracking off into the jungle, yet you do not mention the ceremony. He crossed his muscled arms over his wide chest.

  Ares smiled and shook his head. You know I think of naught else, but being joined to my fierce warrior woman.

  Then I suggest you work on conquering her and let the red-devil return to Hades where he belongs. Besides, I believe Jac is the more dangerous of the two. Eros waggled his eyebrows and laughed. Be well my friend.

  Ares faded into the trees, following the thin trail leading to his hut. His feet fell silent upon the ground. The wind had picked up, whipping his long black hair about his face. He reached into the pouch at his side and pulled a strap to tie the mop back. The change in the weather had quieted the jungle beasts. It was as if every creature sought shelter.

  His palms itched as he thought of running his hands over Jac’s lithe body. Ares picked up speed despite the pain and exhaustion he felt, intent on making his thoughts a reality.

  * * * * *

  Two days journey away…

  Manuel, the head tracker for Professor Rumsinger’s expedition approached from the south, slogging through the rugged terrain. He’d been traveling for two days, pushing his body beyond its limits to give the professor the good news. He’d found the village. The professor would finally have his discovery and Manuel would get the riches the red-haired bastard had promised him. As for the villagers, he doubted they’d be alive come Saturday.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ares was about seventy-five yards from the hut when he felt the first splatter of rain. The clouds had thickened so much it appeared as if night had swallowed the day. He moved around the now familiar trees, picking his way through the thick brush, every muscle in his body beginning to ache. Even if he was allowed, he doubted he had the energy left to send out a healing burst. He’d have to contend with the bruises and cuts for the night. Maybe the wounds would bring out the nurturer in Jac. He smiled. It was worth a try.

  He’d made it twenty more feet when a burst of energy struck him from behind, knocking him to the ground. He’d barely been able to put his hands out to break his fall. He collapsed onto the thick ferns, his face resting against their cool leaves, as he struggled to gain his breath. He could smell the acrid odor of charred flesh and realized it came from his wound. Ares tried to push himself up from the ground, but couldn’t seem to move, as if the blow had temporarily paralyzed his tired muscles.

  I told you Ares, you would pay for the humiliation you caused me.

  Ares didn’t have to turn to know Coridan spoke. Pain and resentment burned in the younger man’s voice, scalding his words, leaving the gaping wounds for all to hear.

  What is it you want, young one? Ares tried to sound calm in Coridan’s mind. He didn’t want to agitate the warrior. You are making a mistake. Have I not taught you like a father guides a son?

  You’ve taught me everything you know and now I’m going to use that knowledge to topple you. I need no other father, than the one who died those many years ago on Atlantis. And to prove it, I’ve come to show you that you can’t get away with your arrogant behavior without repercussions.

  Ares released a steady breath. And just what are you planning to do?

  Coridan moved until he could peer down into Ares’s face. I plan on embarrassing you, like you embarrassed me. When the tribe sees you tied to a stake in the middle of the river, they’ll realize just how far the mighty have fallen. It will take you centuries to live it down. He laughed bitterly. The great and mighty warrior, Ares, felled by an inexperienced young one. And to make it even better, your woman will be there to witness the fall. She told me how you needed to be taken down a peg or two. Well once she sees that I’ve done so, she’ll be grateful, perhaps grateful enough to spread her thighs for a real warrior.

  Anger surged through Ares. Had Jac been part of Coridan’s scheme? He didn’t want to think it was so. The pain in his heart would be too great. She had always warned him that she would pay him back. Had this been what she’d been planning all along? Ares closed his eyes and struggled to rise, his feet refusing to cooperate. Coridan secured Ares’s hands behind his back.

  If you’re wondering about your legs—don’t bother. I’ve temporarily paralyzed your spinal cord. Coridan’s voice hissed like an angry serpent in Ares’s head. The young warrior heaved Ares onto his shoulder and slowly made his way through the jungle toward the river, leaving the hut fading in the gray afternoon light.

  If you’ve healed yourself the contest is over. You’ve lost Jac.

  Coridan laughed. Jac and I care not for the contest, only your downfall.

  Bile rose in Ares’s throat as he considered the implications. There would be no mating ceremony. He would have no offspring to continue his family line. Only the constant reminder of how his mate had betrayed him. Ares strained against his ties, unable to send an energy burst out with his hands bound, not that he had the energy to do so at this time. He was too exhausted from the challenge. Ares marveled that Coridan had managed to raise enough energy to not only heal himself, but incapacitate him also. He’d underestimated the young warrior once again and he was about to pay for his arrogance.

  A half an hour later they arrived at the river. The rains had caused the current to grow swift, deadly. Coridan set Ares upon the muddy ground in a sitting position. The young warrior’s expression grew troubled as he gazed at the water. Ares could see a stake had been set up in the center of the river, its ragged edge protruding out of the murky, swirling depths. A rope of vines had been strung from one bank to the other, setting up a safety net of sorts for the person trying to make his way through the current. Coridan glanced at Ares and pointed to the post.

  That is where you will be in a matter of moments. Bound and humiliated, trussed like some great bird. When all is in place, I will call the tribe here, to witness your fall. They will hail me as a hero, perhaps even allow me to replace your position of honor amongst our people with my family’s bloodline.

  Ares jade eyes locked onto Coridan’s excited face. The village will not honor one who has shown that he is treacherous and cannot be trusted, even when he is showing the ignorance of his youth. You will become an outcast if you see this through. I suggest you untie me, before you do something that you will truly regret in the end.

  Coridan laughed. Is that fear talking, Ares?

  Only truth.

  For a second, doubt flashed across the young warrior’s face. Just as quickly his expression hardened, all emotion pushed to the side.

  Coridan threw Ares over his shoulder again and walked to the water’s edge. One hand held Ares close, while the other gripped the thick lianas for support. He hesitated for a moment, before taking a step into the river, the current swirling violently around his shins. From Ares’s upside down position, he saw debris of various sizes, ranging from twigs to animal carcasses float by.

  Step after step, Coridan made his way deeper into the raging water. By the time he reached the post in the center, he struggled to hang on. Ares sensed the fear that registered for a moment in Coridan’s confused mind, but the young warrior quickly pushed it aside and slid Ares off his shoulder and then slipped him onto the stake. The bindings on Ares’s hands coupled with the swift current held his back firmly against the wood.

  The water immediately came up to the top of Ares’s chest. He would soon have to lift his head to keep the murky wash from coming into his mouth. His eyes sought Coridan once again. ‘Tis not too late to undo the mistake you are about to make.

  Coridan looked at him one last time. I’m afraid ‘tis. Th
e warrior swung around and made his way back to the shore, his knuckles white as he gripped the vine. The liana beneath his hand strained as the muddy force of the river hit his chest, trying to sweep him away. By the time Coridan reached the bank, the color had drained from his face. He then turned one last time to look at Ares. I will bring your mate here first, or should I say my mate, so she can witness your fall with me.

  With that he slipped into the jungle, leaving Ares to the fates.

  Ares struggled to pull his hands free. The skies continued to dump bucketfuls of water. Coridan had done a good job of binding him. There was no breaking free. He glanced up at the gray clouds, and then at the rising current. The water already reached his collarbone. Within an hour or so it would surpass the stake and he’d drown.

  He’d accept whatever the goddess willed. He let out a resolute breath as pieces of debris tore at his skin. Without Jac, maybe it would be for the best.

  There was nothing left for him on this planet or off.

  * * * * *

  The rain started to fall in earnest, the spattering of drops tapped out a steady rhythm on the roof. Jac paced the small confines of the hut, wondering where in the hell Ares had gotten to. Her hiking boots made tiny crunching sounds with each step she took, while her long sheer skirt swooshed, scraping the ground. She glanced around the room as if searching for a clock on the wall. He should have been here by now.

  Jac rubbed her hands along her arms, trying to ward off the sudden chill. Her stomach wrapped in knots and she couldn’t seem to shake the feeling of unease snaking through her. She’d been so concerned over his safety earlier, that she’d practically bitten his head off. Surely he wasn’t avoiding her. It wasn’t Ares style. He liked a good fight, like she did. It made life exciting or at the very least more interesting.

  Jac pursed her lips and recalled the conversation she’d had with Rachel earlier. If all went well, her friend would be jettisoning, rocketing, or however in the hell they planned to travel into space, within a couple of days. Every movie Jac had ever seen raced through her mind, and when she got to Alien she shuddered. Heaven help them if acid for blood lizard monsters was what awaited them in space.

  Jac ran her hands through her hair, shaking her fanciful thoughts. There were so many decisions to make. She couldn’t just take off into outer space. Could she? Not that it was even possible.

  No absolutely not. She had to get back to New York, her plants—Brigit. She didn’t need to be traipsing across the galaxy with some muscle bound sex god. No matter how much he curled her toes. Not going to happen. No can do. It wasn’t possible. Was it?

  Jac paced for several minutes more, then decided to head off in search of her jade-eyed jackass. She walked to the door and through the hide only to come face to face with Coridan. Jac gasped. Water ran down his handsome face in rivulets, plastering his long blond hair to his head. His golden muscles gleamed as the light from the fire pot illuminated his skin.

  “What are you doing here?” Jac frowned and looked behind him. She thought maybe Ares would be here with him.

  He smiled, flashing brilliant white teeth. “I’ve come to get you.”

  “For what?”

  “I’ve done what we set out to do.” His muscles flexed and excitement laced his voice. Coridan dropped to his knees and gave her a proper Atlantean greeting, kissing each nipple, but he didn’t linger.

  Jac forced herself to not move back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Come see.” He grabbed Jac’s hand and tugged.

  She pulled away. “I don’t think I better leave until Ares gets back.”

  The smile left his face for moment and his eyes seemed to dim. Then just as quickly Coridan recovered.

  “What’s going on?” Jac glared at him.

  “I can’t tell you.” He shook his head, sending droplets to the earthen floor. “You’ll have to see for yourself. ‘Tis a surprise.”

  Jac stared at the young warrior for a few moments. She didn’t want to be missing in action when Ares got back, but it was obvious Coridan wasn’t going to tell her what happened, and she’d have to go see for herself. Jac slipped out of the hut, allowing Coridan to pull her along through the jungle. The air had cooled due to the continuing rain, yet still was oppressively muggy. She ran her free hand through her hair, slicking it back off of her face. The dark clouds had shadowed the jungle, until it no longer looked like day.

  They stepped over felled branches and around trees. The sweet smell of rain laced the air, blending with the various strains of wild orchids growing in the area. Coridan marched on toward the river, dragging Jac behind, all the while mumbling about comeuppances, rivers, and pegs. Jac had no idea what he was talking about, yet the further they trekked into the forest, the deeper her sense of dread became.

  Thirty minutes later they reached the banks of a muddy river. Jac stopped, halting Coridan in the process.

  “Okay, we’re here. Now tell me, what is going on?” Jac crossed her hands over her bare chest.

  Coridan’s eyes followed the movement, fastening on her nipple a second before she covered the rosy peak.

  “I’ve done it,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.

  She shook her head. “Yeah, you’ve been saying that for a while, but I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  Coridan raised his hand and pointed to the water, before dropping his arm.

  Jac glanced at the raging river and then back at his face, giving him a half smile in encouragement. “I still don’t know what you mean.”

  He grinned and pointed again, this time leaving his hand up. Jac followed the line of sight, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, other than debris, murky water, and a few stumps that had obviously lodged in the riverbed.

  “I wanted you to be the first to see how the mighty has fallen.”

  Jac smiled back. “The first to see what? Coridan, honey, you’re talking in riddles and to be honest with you, I’ve never been very good at them.” She forced the edge from her voice.

  Jac placed her hands on her hips and set her jaw. She grew tired of playing this guessing game. Soaked to the bone, she began to lose her patience. She needed to get back before Ares grew worried.

  “He thought he could humiliate me and get away with it, but look at him. Who’s the fool now?” Coridan smiled wide and nodded.

  Jac felt the color drain from her face. Her eyes bulleted onto the water’s churning surface, scanning. She picked out every piece of debris, identifying it, then moving onto the next. She stared at a post floating near the center. The wood appeared black on one side and started to tilt from the force of the current. Her gaze was about to move on when her eye caught a flash of movement. It had been so minor she might have missed it had she blinked. Jac focused on the log. The movement occurred again, like the last sparks of life from a fire before it fades to darkness.

  Bile rose in her throat, the force of the situation hitting her square in the solar plexus. The black was Ares’s hair and the movement she’d caught had been his attempt to catch a breath in the rising water. He was starting to drown. Jac couldn’t seem to move. Air refused to enter her lungs. In that second, she was back in her parent’s home, staring down at the body of her father. She’d tried to save him, but couldn’t. She stood by helplessly, watching as her father’s once vibrant life slipped away before her eyes.

  The water continued to rise. The current roared with unchecked fury. Jac’s muscles were locked in place, like the fear in her heart. She was going to lose him all over again, but this time it wasn’t her father’s lifeless body staring back at her, it was Ares’s. The only other man she’d ever loved.

  The realization socked her in the gut, almost knocking her to her knees. “What have you done?” she heard herself scream.

  Coridan’s expression showed extreme shock. “I did it for us.” He struggled trying to make her understand. “We needed to show Ares, he is not as great as he thinks he is.�
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  “You’re killing him.” Jac grasped him, her nails sinking into Coridan’s meaty arm. “Help me.”

  His eyes shot from her face to the speck that identified Ares head sticking out of the water. “I cannot swim.”

  “What?”

  He shook his head and pulled away from her. The color had drained from his face. “I cannot swim. I took him out there using the vines.”

  Jac looked back at the water. She could see what appeared to be vines tied off on tree trunks, but they didn’t seem to stretch across the water. “Where are they?”

  “Gone. Washed away.” Coridan turned, and raced off into the jungle as if the devil himself were hot on his heels.

  Jac took a deep breath, trying to still her rising panic. Her heart slammed against her ribs. She stared at the water, unable to move. Ares head dipped below the surface before coming back up. She would have to watch him die, just like her father.

  “Nooo!” Jac bolted upstream.

  * * * * *

  Ares saw the second Jac and Coridan entered the clearing near the riverbank. Coridan had been leading her by the hand, the warrior’s triumphant smile clearly visible, even from Ares’s precarious position. The water rose rapidly and within a few moments he would in all likelihood drown. His eyes locked on Jac’s slender form, basking in her beauty one final time before leaving this Earth. His heart swelled as he recalled the moments he’d shared with his mate. At least he’d been lucky enough to find her before the goddess took him away. He only wished she’d cared enough to want to remain by his side.

  He watched as Coridan pointed out his position. Jac looked and shrugged, smiling tentatively at the young warrior. Obviously she didn’t care if the water swallowed him up. She glanced at the river’s surface once again, then turned her attention back to Coridan. It was all Ares needed to see. He closed his eyes and gasped for breath. Water swirled around his head, tugging at his hair with ever building force, releasing the binding holding it. He pulled at the ties around his wrists, if anything the river had caused them to constrict.