Mark of Mars

by Juliet Anderson

  “Did you just growl, Marcus?”

  Yes, he had. Having her touch his statue in his temple when he was so close was sheer torture, so much so, he was struggling to keep his mortal form. “I was just clearing my throat,” he retorted, quickly gaining his composure.

  When Julius had finally seen enough, they made their way back to his house. Once in the courtyard, Marcus dismounted and lifted Julius down, dismissing the centurion.

  “I’ll be back in just a moment, Jenna.”

  As he disappeared up the steps to see Julius safely inside, a mischievous thought crept into her mind. She was sitting on Hercules after all. A little solo ride wouldn’t hurt. She leant forward and pulled herself into the saddle. Hercules turned his head, as if to ask what she thought she was doing. She patted his next fondly. “Time to show me how wonderful you are.”

  She remembered passing through a deserted forum just a street away. That would be perfect. Hercules responded and trotted out the courtyard. Jenna was thrilled the Forum was still deserted as she urged Hercules into a steady canter around the square. He rode like a dream, not the least bit bouncy, just so smooth.

  “Can you jump?” she asked rubbing his ears. He snorted and tossed his head, as if answering her. She lined him up with the water trough in the middle of the square and he took it with the greatest of ease.

  “Would you mind explaining what you’re doing with my horse?” Marcus’ voice echoed across the deserted square.

  “He was looking bored,” Jenna shouted back. “Obviously prancing around the city is not enough exercise for him.” They jumped the water trough again before coming to a halt by Marcus.

  He grabbed hold of the bridle. “We do not prance,” he scowled.

  Jenna leant forward and hugged Hercules’ neck. “Such a talented horse needs to be pushed.”

  “I think I know how best to look after my own horse,” he grunted and deposited her in front of the saddle, before pulling himself up.

  The last thing Jenna needed was to be sat on Marcus. “I should ride behind.”

  “I think not. Your punishment for stealing my horse is to ride through Rome sat on my lap.”

  “As I was already seated on Hercules, I could hardly be accused of stealing him. And If I were to steal him, we would already have been half way down the Apian Way by now. I don’t ride at the sedate pace you do.”

  “We are not about to get into a debate about who is the superior rider.”

  “Afraid of another challenge?” she taunted.

  “No. You have a beautiful neck and I would really rather you did not risk breaking it just to prove a point.”

  Jenna felt the colour rush into her cheeks as he gently stroked the side of it. It sent small shockwaves through her body. “I should get back to the temple.” Her voice was a few octaves higher than usual.

  “Are you sure?” He murmured in her ear, his warm breath driving her crazy. “We could always make a detour via my villa.”

  “Back to the temple,” she took control of her raging hormones.

  “Now who’s afraid of a challenge,” he muttered. “Fine, I will take you back to the temple.”

  Jenna tried to get her mind in order, but being held up against Marcus’ chest made even the most rational thoughts near impossible. As they rode through the streets, Jenna tried to ignore the looks that were being cast her way, part envy, part fear.

  She breathed a sigh of relief when the temple came into view. She was about to jump down when he stopped her.

  “Have you forgotten already that your ankle is swollen?” he growled.

  She had, such was the affect he could have. “I was going to land on my good one,” she responded sulkily.

  “And damage that too?” He dismounted and lifted her down slow, making sure her body ran the length of his.

  “Are you alright to walk from here?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded, noticing he made no move to release her. Not that she was in a hurry to leave, being held up against his hard body was making her own turn to jelly. Her hands slid up to his magnificent chest plate, before disappearing under his cloak and coming to rest on those amazing biceps. She heard a low growl echo in his chest. She glanced up, his face was set hard, his eyes even blacker than usual. Jenna felt her pulse increase rapidly as he bent his head. She lifted hers fractionally to meet his kiss. Their lips touched fleetingly, before his mouth trailed across her cheek.

  “It is probably best if you head inside this instant, Jenna.” His voice was very thick. “I am not sure I can control what is raging through my body right now.”

  Jenna could see he was fighting to control himself, but he still had her in his arms. “You’ll need to release me first, Marcus.” Her voice sounded unusually high pitched.

  Reluctantly she felt his arms drop. Heeding his warning, she stepped around him and disappeared up the stairs into the sanctuary of Apollo’s temple

  Amelia put in an appearance a few hours later, looking rather flushed.

  “Did you have a good time with the Courageous Centurion?” Jenna quizzed.

  “And his mother,” Amelia retorted. “Yes, we had a lovely afternoon. She cooked some very unusual food. And what about you? You can’t even go on a simple outing without having an accident.”

  “Hey, that wasn’t my fault. Julius and I had successfully completed our mission. It was a bunch of inept soldiers chasing a thief through the Forum that caused the accident. I was just in the wrong location at the wrong time.”

  “Story of your life. And the Magnificent Marshall was on hand to save the day.”

  “Julius at least got a horse ride back home. I think he’s now even more eager to join his brother.”

  Amelia was quite pleased Julius had shown up. Syla had gone out on a supposed errand after the food, leaving her and Augustus alone. Whilst it had been very enjoyable to kiss without fear of discovery, matters soon started to become a lot more serious. Tentative turned to passionate and

  Amelia almost forgot she was a temple handmaiden. Augustus touch had set her alight. And it seemed she pretty much had that effect on him too. She knew it would not have taken much to push him past the point of no return and she was struggling to control her own hormones.

  The sound of hooves in the courtyard was all they needed to jump apart. Just in time as Marshall Vilnus had appeared in the doorway with Julius. If he noticed Amelia’s slightly dishevelled state, he had not said anything. But with Julius home, she could no longer act like a shameless hussy. But it was fun to let hair down for a few minutes and be totally wanton with this very cute centurion.

  CHAPTER 19

  Mars stared down at the city in front of him. Olympus always had a calming effect on him, reminding him he was a God not a mortal. He had retreated to his safe haven to try and clear his mind of one particular pesky mortal. It was his own fault, he had gotten too close to her. But then he could never have anticipated how her sitting on his lap as he rode would affect him. The feel of her body rocking gently against his, her scent intoxicating his senses, he had all but transported her back to his house. But it wasn’t just about lust, it was something deeper. They sparked every time they touched, they had a true connection. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He gave out a loud frustrated howl that echoed over the city. Had he been in Rome, it would have cause an earthquake, but in Olympus it had no ill effect.

  “Are we a little out of sorts today, brother?”

  Mars glanced sideways at his sister, Minerva. “Whatever gave you that impression?” he responded sourly.

  “This is the second time you have roared in as many days.”

  “The second?”

  “Yes, I felt Rome shake a few days ago. I heard you too.”

  He paused a few moments before responding. “I do not know how to handle a situation I have not come across before.”

  “Are we talking about your time traveller Jenna?” Minerva asked brightly.r />
  Mars looked at her with his brows furrowed. “Father has told you?”

  “About her being a time traveller, yes of course. Her unique ability to lift celestial bronze affects us all. We are also aware of your other interest in her, one would have to be deaf not to have heard the talk on the streets.”

  “And what are the good citizens of Rome saying?” He was curious to hear the truth, which Minerva would undoubtedly give him.

  “That you have met your match, in more ways than one.”

  Mars laughed. Yes, Jenna could certainly match him in many ways. He turned to the table behind him and poured two goblets of wine. “I never thought I would say this, but I do not know how to progress with this woman.”

  Minerva let out a light chuckle. “Oh, brother. Never did I expect to hear you admit that.”

  “Sadly it is true.”

  “If you are willing to tell me what obstacles are in your way, I might be able to offer advice, being female myself.”

  Mars leant on the balustrade in front of him wondering where to start. “I feel more than just lust for this woman. It would not be a question of spending one night with her, I want her long term and that in itself causes me a problem. She is a maiden, and although I understand in her world it is acceptable to lay with a man without a marriage offer, she will not be so obliging. She will want some sort of commitment. I am not sure her people will allow her to become involved with me. They may return her to Arula.”

  “I think her people are the last of your concerns. If they want to keep their gateway, they will need to bow to your will.” Minerva toyed with her goblet. “Has Jenna hinted at something formal between the two of you?”

  “No, it is not something she is likely to ask for though. She knows her stay here is not permanent, which is why I don’t think she will become my lover.”

  “I think you might underestimate your power of attraction, brother. But I will need to see the two of you together to give you my learned opinion.”

  “Then there is the matter of Apollo.”

  “Has he shown interest in Jenna as well?”

  “Apollo is interested in any pretty face. But what I mean is he will not allow her to serve in his temple if she is laying with me.”

  Minerva flapped her hand dismissively. “That is no issue. She can serve in my temple.”

  Mars stared into his wine, it was strange having such an open conversation with his sister. She was however so very wise and down to earth, it was oddly comforting. “Jenna has a habit of unnerving me, sometimes to the point where I almost lose my mortal form.”

  “Oh,” Minerva giggled. “That would not be good at all.”

  “No, and that is the additional problem I have. Such is her power over me, I am not sure I could hold my mortal form if I were to lie with her.”

  “That is a relatively easy problem to cure. You must spend much more time in Jenna’s company, taking very small steps forward, allowing yourself to almost acclimatise to her touch.”

  Mars looked up with a mischievous grin on his face. “Or I could just abduct her, keep her locked up and visit her every night until I am finally sated.”

  Minerva shook her head in despair. “I’m glad you’ve not completely forgotten your past. But we have moved on to a new, progressive society.” She wagged a finger at him. “And you’re supposed to behave impeccably.”

  “Responsibility’s no fun,” he grumbled half-heartedly.

  “It’s called growing up.” Minerva stood up and kissed her brother on the cheek. “And you’ve done a fine job. I never thought I’d say it, but I’m proud of who you’ve become.” She headed to the doorway and turned. “Repeat that last remark to any of our siblings and I will hurt you.”

  Minerva left to the sound of her brother’s laughter. She was delighted her brother had confided in her, now at least she could attempt to help him. She wasn’t lying when she said she was proud of him. He had turned from a vicious, cruel boy into the strong, principled man he was now. In their former life, she had been Athens’ protector, the mantle had now moved to Mars. He was the founder and protector of this great city. And if he needed help in winning a young time traveller over, she was more than willing to help. First, she needed to speak to her father, she had a plan formulating.

  The following morning Jenna saw Cassandra talking to a well-dressed man at the front of the temple and did not give it a second thought. It was common to see well turned out people in the temple.

  Cassandra caught up with her a few minutes later. “Jenna, you’re not going to believe it, but that gentleman was a messenger from Senator Aurelius.”

  “And?” Jenna was curious.

  “He’s invited you to attend a dinner tonight he and his wife are having.”

  “Oh.” She was certainly not expecting that.

  “You cannot refuse such an invitation. To do so would be a great insult.”

  “No, of course not.”

  “I accepted on your behalf. I hope you do not mind.”

  “No, that’s fine. As you said, one cannot decline such a kind invitation.” Jenna was suddenly a bundle of nerves. She had no idea what went on at such an event, she was well and truly out of her comfort zone. But to experience a genuine Roman dinner would be quite amazing. “Not wishing to sound too twenty-first century, what the hell do I wear?”

  Cassandra laughed. “Spoken like a true woman! I will raid the wardrobe back at McVale and find something suitable.”

  “Where does the Senator live?” Jenna asked.

  “The Domus Flavus,” Cassandra sighed. “The Senator is sending round an escort to take you there.”

  “That is kind of him.” Jenna had the sneaky feeling the Senator was calling in his forfeit.

  “Well, I’d better get back to the Institute and get your outfit sorted out.” Cassandra disappeared in a haze of activity.

  Amelia was excited for her. “I can’t believe it. You got your own personal tour of the Senate house and today you’re seeing inside the Domus Flavus. Tomorrow I guess it will be Imperial Palace,” she giggled.

  “I’m terrified though. They don’t teach you dinner party etiquette in classics. I’ve heard so many versions of how these things go, God knows what happens.”

  “I’m going to do your hair and make-up.”

  By the time Jenna was ready to leave that evening she was a nervous wreck. Amelia had created a very elegant hairstyle, her mass of curls all pinned up beautifully apart from a few which hung down to frame her face. Her make-up was discreet but perfect. Cassandra had brought her back a beautiful midnight blue dress. It had decorative clips at the shoulders and an elaborate gold rope belt.

  Amelia and Cassandra stood back to admire their work. “A masterpiece.” Cassandra looked smug.

  “And we can’t even capture Jenna looking like a genuine lady,” Amelia noted.

  “Thanks guys,” Jenna scowled playfully at them, picking up Ares who was pawing at the hem of her dress.

  “Well, time for you to go to the ball. I do believe your escort is outside.” Cassandra nodded to the front of the temple.

  Jenna hurried to the steps. The Senator had sent a sedan for her, her own private carriage carried by two men. He also had sent a solider for her safety.

  “Remember, Jenna, ladies glide,” Cassandra whispered. “Now off you go and have fun.”

  Jenna smiled nervously at Amelia and descended the remaining steps as gracefully as she could.

  “Jenna,” Amelia called after her. “Dinner guests don’t usually take their cats.”

  Jenna looked down to realise she was still holding Ares. She kissed his head and handed him over to Amelia. The soldier pulled back the drape on the side of the carriage and she slid in.

  Amelia looked at Cassandra as she left. “So much for keeping a low profile. Looking like that, Jenna is going to be the talk of the city.” She glanced at the cat. “Guess it’s just you and me tonight, fur ball.”

  As the carriage pulled up
in front of the Senator’s residence, Jenna felt absolutely petrified. She so wished Amelia was here with her; in fact she wished she could run back to the tranquillity of the temple.

  The soldier helped her out the carriage and escorted her inside the building; she found herself standing in one of the largest vestibules she had ever seen. Actually it was larger than some museums she had been in. A servant came running and took her wrap, before leading her up a flight of marble stairs to the main reception room.

  Senator Aurelius rushed over. “Jenna, such a delight you could attend.” He gave her a warm embrace.