by Marie Medina
Arion nodded. “So he must be very protective of you?”
Alala laughed. “I guess so. He’s never had much reason to be.”
They arrived at a clearing. A green blanket was spread for them, and a large picnic basket sat on top of it. They sat on the blanket, and Alala thought Arion looked nervous.
“What is it?”
He smiled awkwardly. “My mother said he popped in to see her.”
Alala didn’t know what to think. How had Ares known? This was only the second time they’d seen each other. How could he interfere like that? Did it mean he felt for her even a little of what she felt for him?
“But he didn’t say anything. She had no idea his visit might have anything to do with me. He just stopped by to say hello, or so he said.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. That’s all he wanted. He didn’t ask about me.”
“So it could have been something else?”
“Maybe. Seems odd though. I think he wanted to check me out.”
Another thought occurred to Alala. What if he was Persephone’s mystery man? He was just the type to tie a girl to a wall and “ravish” her. That stung. She couldn’t stand the idea of him touching her best friend. Her jealousy of Aphrodite paled in comparison. She pushed the thought away. Ares thought Persephone was silly and stupid. He wouldn’t fuck her just because she was pretty, and he wouldn’t use her as a pawn. He also wouldn’t take the time to send her text messages or chat online with her. So he must have gone to see Demeter because he knew she was seeing Arion. Had he seen them kiss? Had it made him jealous?
How would Arion feel if he found out she was in love with Ares?
She looked into his eyes, and his face lit up.
“So, am I that important that he had to check me out?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. It just troubles me. It’s none of his business.”
His smile turned to a look of concern. “Don’t be troubled. I’m not afraid of him.”
“You shouldn’t be, of course, but lots of people are. I just don’t understand why he did that.”
“I don’t either, but if he wants reassurance, he can ask me anything. I might not be good enough for you, but at least I’m safe. I’m not likely to carry you away or ravage you.”
She touched his hand. “I know you aren’t. Perhaps he’s just not used to me paying attention to anyone else. It’s making him protective.”
“Or jealous.”
She let go of his hand. “That’s silly.”
“Why? Maybe he’s finally noticed how beautiful you are. The perfect woman is right under his nose.” He chuckled.
“That’s not funny!” she snapped loudly.
Arion jumped.
She reached for him and took both his hands. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
He looked at her hands and squeezed them. “Don’t apologize. I swear I was just teasing you. I didn’t think I would offend you.”
“You didn’t. The idea’s ridiculous though.”
He nodded quickly. “I guess so. You’ve lived together so long. You’re like family. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
She rubbed his hand, wishing she could explain everything to him. “It’s okay. I overreacted. I can be a little hasty. I’ve definitely picked that up from him.”
“You’re so sweet. I would never guess you’re a war goddess.”
“I’d never guess you were a fertility god.” She giggled. “Or a horse.”
He blushed, but he still laughed. “I’m not a horse. I can be, but most of the time there’s not much call for that.”
Poseidon had once been as promiscuous as his brother Zeus, and he and Demeter had had a few steamy flings. One of them had resulted in Arion. When Arion randomly changed into a horse when he was about six months old, rumors had started to fly. Apparently, Demeter and Poseidon had experimented rather extremely with shape shifting, and they’d been in the form of horses when Arion was conceived. Alala and Ares both got a kick out of the story these days because Demeter had been so prim and so proper for so many years it was hard to remember the days when she so perfectly personified fertility in every part of her life.
“Do you care if I tease you about that?”
“No. You can tease me about anything. Maybe I’ll give you a ride sometime.”
She giggled, and he looked at her blankly. Then he finally blushed when he realized his comment had been suggestive.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean it like that. Obviously, I wouldn’t say no, but—”
She stopped him with a kiss. She pulled him close and explored his mouth. He responded sweetly, kissing her gently and pulling her close. His hands didn’t wander. He held her by the shoulders and then ran his fingers into her hair. She tilted her head up so he would kiss her neck.
“Just enjoy it,” she whispered.
His lips moved over her neck slowly. He tasted every inch of her skin, and the sweetness of his touch made her shiver.
“I love touching you,” he said in her ear.
She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Do you want to go back to my room? No one would disturb us.”
“We don’t have to.”
He held her closer though, so she knew he wanted to. “We’ll see what happens. I won’t pressure you any more than you would me.”
He smiled. “You’re perfect.”
She laughed. “No, just willing to wait for something worth waiting for.” She thought of Ares and how long she’d waited for him. Sadness crept over her, but she pushed it away. Arion’s embrace was so sweet she hoped she might find peace and happiness there.
* * * *
Alala snuggled against Arion’s chest. Instead of making love or even fooling around, they’d ended up curled up on her bed watching a black and white movie about two spies in love with the same girl. They’d arrived in her room, and she’d led him to the bed, their lips never parting. They’d kissed and caressed for a long time, but then Arion had pulled back. He wanted to take things slower. So instead of a picnic in the park, they’d had pizza on the floor of her room and now they were watching a movie.
Alala didn’t know if she was happy or not. She’d wanted to have sex with him, but the fact that he was a virgin had made her a little wary. She told herself it was for the best. If they had sex, he would be even more attached to her. Her mind didn’t see the problem with that, but her heart knew it was wrong. She still loved Ares, and it would be a long time before she could deal with those feelings and put them away.
The question now was whether she should be completely honest with Arion. She imagined most thought of her as very innocent, but compared to Arion, she wasn’t at all. He wasn’t dumb or naïve, but there was so much he had never experienced. She thought of Demeter again. She’d had affairs and children with Zeus, Poseidon, and Iasion, another god of the harvest who had in the end been killed by Zeus when they fought over her. No one knew much about him, and Alala had never met him when he was alive. Demeter had twin sons, Plutus and Philomelus. No one ever saw them. They lived among mortals and never associated with any of the gods because they hated Zeus for killing their father. Alala could understand why Demeter was protective of Persephone and Arion, but that didn’t make it right. Arion seemed content, but Persephone was very unhappy. She wasn’t satisfied with freedom in the mortal world, the only freedom her mother allowed her.
Alala ran her hand over Arion’s. “Is your sister okay? She’s been hard to track down lately.”
He shrugged. “She’s okay, I guess. I haven’t seen her around Los Angeles lately. She doesn’t have any friends among mortals, so no one knew who she was when I asked about her.”
“You think she’s seeing that guy?”
“She might be. I don’t really know.”
“I just hope she’s careful.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that.”
She looked up at him. “Why not?”
“Zeus always has someone watching over her.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Hermes told me. A god is always near her when she crosses over to the mortal world.”
“Does your mother know?”
“Yes. That’s why she allows it. Zeus only sends certain gods; Hermes, Hades, Poseidon or Hephaestus.”
She laughed. “I imagine Hephaestus or Hades could scare off any mortal.”
Arion laughed too. “I think you’re right. She has no idea though.”
Alala stopped laughing. Hellraiser. “Arion? Do you think Hellraiser is mortal?”
He looked puzzled. “He has to be. Who else would spend all their time chatting online and texting her? Gods have a little more style than that.”
“If he wanted her to know he was a god.”
“Hellraiser…could be…” His eyes widened. “Hades? You really think so?”
“It’s just a hunch. But I could be right if…” She let her voice trail off.
Arion looked down. “If what?”
“If Zeus isn’t really her father and Hades isn’t in fact her uncle, I’d say he’s a prime candidate. Can’t think of a better hellraiser than him.”
Arion smiled. “Well, what do you think?”
“Persephone’s very special to your mother, and Demeter’s very interested in keeping her a virgin. Couldn’t a fertility goddess manage some partheno—uh—” She struggled to find the word.
“Parthenogenesis? Yeah, guess so. Virgin births aren’t that uncommon.”
“All her other children are boys. Persephone is special, isn’t she?”
Arion looked around as if he expected someone to appear and stop him from saying anything. “You really want to know?” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“Demeter made Zeus promise to protect Persephone, but no, she’s not his daughter.”
“Does he know that?”
“Yes.”
Alala huffed. “I knew it. She moons over him a bit too much, going on about how great he is.”
“She does?” Arion chuckled. “That would send our mother through the roof.”
“I’m sure it would. All of Olympus would be covered in six feet of ice.”
“I used to think Ares was your father years ago.”
Alala tried not to blush. “But you’ve met my father, haven’t you?”
He shook his head. “Polemus? No. I haven’t exactly been in many battles.”
She nodded. “Guess not.” So, did she offer to introduce him? She felt she had to. It didn’t mean anything, but introducing him to her father implied something, something she wasn’t sure she was ready for. “Would you like to meet him?”
He touched her cheek. “Some day. When you want me to.” He took her hand. “Have you told Ares anything at all?”
She shook her head as she intertwined their fingers. “We don’t talk much lately. I think all the stuff with Aphrodite has him feeling especially moody.”
“If you need more time for him, just tell me.”
“Why do you think I would?”
“Well, no offense to my sister, but it’s obvious he’s your best friend. If he needs you, just tell me.”
Alala rarely felt like crying, but his words hit her heart in a painful way. She blinked a few times, but Arion noticed her eyes watering.
“What’s wrong?”
She swallowed and closed her eyes. “I have to tell you something.”
“Alala!”
They both jumped when they heard Ares’ voice reverberate through the house.
“What’s wrong?”
Alala leapt from the bed. “He’s not angry, he’s injured. Come on!” She ran down to his study faster than she’d ever run before.
They found him on the floor clutching his chest. Alala knelt by his side and made him move his hand. There was no blood, no wound.
“Ares, what’s wrong?”
He opened his eyes, but he hardly seemed to see her. “My heart…I don’t know. My mother. Get my mother.”
“I’m here.” Hera appeared by his side, her face pale and distressed. She looked to Alala. “Who has done this?” She touched his chest. “His heart is barely beating.”
“I don’t know.” She tried to hold tears back, but it was a struggle. “I don’t know. He called for me, and we found him like this.”
Hera held Ares’ face in her hands. “Who did this?”
“Megaera,” he whispered.
“Meg?” Alala whispered. She couldn’t believe it. Meg was their friend. “But why?”
Hera touched Alala’s hand and looked into her eyes. “The Furies don’t always carry out their own will. Don’t judge your friend just yet.” She looked up at Arion. “Go to Zeus and tell him to find Megaera.”
Arion kissed Alala quickly. “You can tell me later.”
Alala watched Arion until he was out the door, and when she looked down Ares was reaching for her. She took his hand and held it close to her heart. “You aren’t going to die. I won’t let you.”
He moved one finger upward to touch her cheek. “I know. I could never die with you by my side. Lachesis said you’re supposed to take care of me.” His voice grew fainter with each word.
Hera stood and walked away, staring out the window.
Alala caressed his cheek. “Then I’m not moving.”
He closed his eyes, struggling for breath.
“Tell me what to do,” she whimpered.
“Take care of him, the way you always do,” Hera said, her voice hollow and far off.
She looked up at Hera. “This is so different.”
Hera seemed so thoughtful and serious. She had never seen the queen of the gods like this before.
“Perhaps not. If it’s taking Zeus this long, someone is hiding Megaera. Someone has a plan.”
Alala felt her mind race. Who would want to harm Ares? No god would be so cowardly as to do this instead of facing him in a fight. A goddess? A demi-god or a Titan? Some other creature?
Whoever did this had aimed for his heart, but they hadn’t intended a deathblow, at least not immediately. They had broken his heart.
“Hera, please forgive me for asking this.”
Hera knelt by her, concerned. “There’s no need to ask that. What is it?”
She lowered her voice. “His heart. An interesting target. Aphrodite?”
Hera lowered her eyes. “I haven’t spoken to her lately. I don’t know what she feels or thinks. She’d risk so much by harming our son. I would be less merciful even than Zeus.”
“She couldn’t mean for him to die though, if it’s even her.”
“Maybe not. Whoever did this will answer to me no matter who it is.” Hera stared off, her expression growing dark. Alala knew whoever had done this would regret it, no matter what their motivation.
Alala nodded. “I understand.” Ares’ hand fell from hers, and both women moved to him.
Hera touched his forehead. “He’s alive. The pain must be very great to steal his consciousness.”
Alala nodded. “He never let pain stop him in battle.”
Hera touched her shoulder. “You love my son. Why dally with that boy? He’s sweet, but he doesn’t have your fire.”
“How long have you known?”
“Long enough to think you a little foolish. My son often has no idea what’s best for him, and he can be even more foolish when all is said and done.”
Alala turned away. “Eris thinks so too. About both of us.”
“She’s right. You think you aren’t good enough?”
“I can’t talk about this now.”
“We won’t let him die.” Hera stood. “Hypnos?” she called, her voice echoing.
Alala looked up as Hypnos, the god of sleep, appeared. He was pale with short, white hair. His eyes were black, like his brother’s. They were twins, except that Thanatos, the god of death, had black hair.
“Yes, my queen?”
Alala couldn’t help shive
ring, though his voice was soft and gentle. She had always been afraid of the two brothers.
“I want you to stay with my son. Don’t let your brother take him.”
He bowed. “You should petition Lord Hades. Only he could order Charon not to ferry Ares across the Acheron into the Underworld.”
“I will, but I don’t plan on letting my son go so far. You will obey me?”
“Of course, my queen.” He looked down at Alala. “You fear me as much as you fear my brother.”
Alala tried to find her voice. “I’ve seen you both on the battlefield so many times. I can’t explain my fear. It’s very mortal, I suppose.”
“I’m not offended. I understand. I wish you would not fear me though.”
“I’ll try.”
Alala was so afraid that Ares might die she was willing to accept any help offered to them. If Thanatos did come for Ares, he would have to take her as well.
Chapter Four
Eris pounded on the door. “Aphrodite! Open this fucking door!”
The door opened by itself, and Eris walked into the house.
Aphrodite emerged from the living room. “I’m right here.”
“What have you done to my brother?”
“You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me. I know you won’t kill him, but that doesn’t help you all that much at the moment.”
“Have they found Megaera?”
“Yes, but I didn’t wait around to hear her story. Only you would do this.”
“You’re right, but you have my motives all wrong.”
Eris fought to keep her hands at her sides and not around Aphrodite’s neck. “Then explain them to me.”
“If I tell you everything, the spell will fail.”
Eris counted to ten. Then she did it again. “Tell me what you can. This is driving me crazy.”
Aphrodite sighed. “You think I hate you, don’t you?”
“Stop thinking about yourself. It doesn’t matter.”
“I’m not doing this for spite or revenge. And I wasn’t thinking of my own ego or pride when I asked that.”
Eris had to struggle not to lose all of her patience. “Tell me what you can, what I need to know.”
