Adonis and Aphroditus

by Crystal Dawn

  “Julie, Hades wants to talk to you about tonight,” Afrod led her to a chair near where Hades sat.

  Hades turned to look at her and he seemed surprised. Afrod thought it was because she was so petite and he was second guessing her participation. A knock sounded on the door and he hoped it was the food. It was but as soon as the door closed, there was another knock. This one was impatient if a knock could be described that way. Pluto ran to open it and Afrod saw Nettie for the first time.

  She was a tiny thing like Julie only she wasn’t shy and she looked older maybe mid twenties. She went straight to Julie and pulled her into and embrace. They both looked as if they fought back tears. Nettie stepped back from Julie and looked straight at Hades. She recognized the authority he exuded.

  “What’s this shit going down and why is my sister involved?” her tone wasn’t respectful, it was demanding.

  Hades wasn’t use to being addressed like that. People were usually terrified of him or at the least intimidated. He raised his brow, something he did often at the other gods or more often at his mate. He seemed to think a moment and maybe he realized he was risking her little sister who also happened to be pregnant and he gave her some consideration for that.

  “We have a god that is in danger of dying from abuse. Your sister is all that has kept him alive and we appreciate that but if we can’t get him out, he’ll die anyway. We need a way in and right now she’s our only way. We won’t risk her unnecessarily and we’ll watch everything that happens carefully,” Hades spoke uncharacteristically soft and low. Almost as if he feared she’d bolt or faint. Julie might have, but not this one.

  Nettie was a fighter as Julie had told him, but she was also feminine and lovely. She reminded him of Sierra, a balance of all the best womanly traits with a few kick ass masculine ones. Afrod knew they were in for trouble. He suspected he was in for the most trouble of all. His heart skipped a beat as he gazed at her unable to pull his eyes away. Aw, hell!

  “Julie isn’t going in there. She has a baby to think of and I won’t allow the risk,” she glared at Hades as he started to speak. “I wasn’t finished yet.” Surprisingly Hades shut up and waited for what she had to say. “I wouldn’t leave your god in there either. He’s at their mercy and it’s just not right. Julie has become friendly with him and she says he’s a good man.” Hades started to interrupt again but she shot him a killing look. I was sure he was only going to say Apis wasn’t a man but a god. That wasn’t really important at this point. Hades shut up again and waited. “I’m going in instead. Julie can’t be risked and I look a lot like her. She barely speaks to any of them and only two guards out side and one inside are there. I’m trained in this kind of thing and I can do it.” Now she was finished and she looked at Hades expectantly.

  He appeared to be in deep thought as he looked from Julie to Nettie. “It could work,” he mused out loud.

  It was true there was a strong resemblance but they seemed so different to me. It might be the air of confident authority that she exuded or her slightly more mature looks. She looked sexier, instead of the innocent fresh faced look Julie had. Afrod had a shock as sexual desire shot through him and he felt his cock come to attention. Oh, shit! He shifted in his seat to get more comfortable and tried desperately to think of anything but sex and Nettie. If what Julie said was correct, Nettie would bust his balls if he tried to hit on her.

  Damn and double damn, he had missed something important. Everyone was looking at him. “Yes,” he said uncertainly.

  “Afrod, you will go with Nettie. She will smuggle you in past the guards and you will come back to help take them out when Eros and one of the others drives the delivery van to the gate to distract them. Once they are taken out, we will come in en masse. Pluto will take out the alarms and cameras before Nettie hits the gate. That will leave just the guard downstairs which either Nettie will take out or we will once we enter. Everyone understand?” Hades asked but his eyes were on Afrod who nodded quickly.

  Hell, yeah, he understood. He was just a little worried about being alone with Nettie. He wasn’t sure he might not touch her because he was tempted to and he didn’t know what she’d do. He was sure it wouldn’t be what he wanted her to do. He examined her cautiously not wanting her to be aware of his scrutiny. He was hyper aware of every move she made and every expression on her face.

  She didn’t appear to notice him which made him feel both relieved and oddly disappointed. The female certainly affected him and he found it incredibly confusing. They had nearly an hour before they had to leave so everyone dug into the food. He noticed for little females, both Julie and Nettie had good appetites. It was probably because they were constantly in motion hardly able to sit still. He still felt protective toward Julie but he wondered if it was more of a brotherly feeling now that he had met the big sister.

  Everyone started to clean up the residue from lunch, it was all paper and cardboard with no food left at all except bones. Once that was accomplished, they all began to check and load their gear. Guns, knives, and baton style stunners all were packed into the proper pocket on pants made to carry a lot. Restraints of more than one kind were also brought along because their intent was to capture not kill.

  Hades hollered, “Everyone ready?” They all nodded or answered affirmatively. Only Pluto would be left behind to keep everyone updated and help handle any emergencies.

  “Is the kid able to manage what he’s assigned?” Nettie whispered in his ear causing goose bumps to break out all over his body. When had she moved so close? He breathed in her sweet scent and his body reacted even though he tried to keep control.

  “The kid’s a genius with communications and good on computer hacking. He’s the number two in his generation.”

  “He’s a god? I thought all of you were older.”

  “So did we, until we found the kids recently at an unknown facility.”

  “At least you saved them. Now let’s go save this Apis or my sis will kick all our butts.”

  The way she phrased that made me wonder if the attachment between Apis and Julie was all friendship and fun. Maybe he was the one that would be claiming her and maybe Afrod would be claiming another. The thought excited him as much as it terrified him. Nettie was so strong and sure, she had even stood up to Hades something Afrod couldn’t even imagine doing.

  He followed Nettie out the door to Julie’s little bug. It was perfect for Julie, but Afrod looked at the small backseat and knew he was about to become a contortionist. This was where the on again off again yoga lessons that the mates gave, would come in handy or not. He hadn’t really had enough lessons to be a big help and if he made it through this without losing a major body part due to lack of circulation he swore he would take the lessons more seriously when he got back home.

  “Well, big guy, how ya gonna fit in that tight spot?” Nettie asked with a smile. She wasn’t giving comfort, no, she was enjoying his discomfort.

  “Anyway I can,” he said as he started twisting around and sliding into the back. His knees were bent to his chest and chin was down. He felt like a Jack in the Box ready to spring free at the slightest opportunity. Nettie threw a blanket over him and set a box on top of it. He was thankful she wasted no time starting the car and taking off.

  It was also lucky that they didn’t have far to drive and as she slowed down to enter the gate, his body tensed, worried they would catch them. It was a groundless fear as she stepped on the gas so they must have waved her through. She pulled as close to the building as possible, just like they’d planned. It was in the shadows and he slowly started to sit up and stretch.

  “Get down,” she directed so he pulled himself back down to the floor.

  “Hey, there Sweetheart. You remember the boss that you met last night?”

  “I remember him but I didn’t catch his name?” Nettie said sounding clueless.

  “Broheimer, he probably didn’t bother to tell you. Anyways, he’s coming back tonight and you impressed him. He wants
to offer you a job. So don’t go anywhere, okay?”

  “Sure, maybe I’ll get a raise,” she said sounding excited.

  “Sure, Sweetheart,” the voice that was probably the male guard from inside, sounded like it was moving away.

  “He’s heading in. Wait a minute until the door closes before you try to get out,” she whispered. “I’m betting they were going to take Julie with them, willing or not.”

  That had been Afrod’s thought exactly. They had just made it here in time to prevent a tragedy, more than one it seemed. “Let me know when I can sit up.”

  “Now, the door just closed. We better get things done fast before the extra guy shows up. Any idea who he is?”

  “No, but Julie mentioned him and he said the whole operation was about to move. I guess he meant tonight. Things worked out perfectly and we’ll get a high level boss.”

  “Yeah, you guys really lucked out, but don’t count your chicks yet. If you take out the inside and outside guards, he’ll know something’s up. We also don’t know if he’s coming alone. We could be in a world of hurt.”

  “Hades, did you hear?”

  “I did and she’s right but we have to take these two out. I’ll replace them with two of our guys and match them as best we can. Maybe he doesn’t know these guy and maybe he’ll just drive right on through.”

  “That’s a lot of maybes,” Afrod observed.

  “It sure as hell is but it’s all we’ve got. Meanwhile you two spring Apis, a helicopter is coming and it will set down just out of sight. I want him out of there because he’s in no shape to be in the middle of a fight.”

  “Okay, we’re headed in right now,” Afrod said as he finished extricating his large body from the tiny backseat area. Nettie was waiting for him patiently and as soon as he stepped out of the car she moved toward the door. She went in first and then waved him in. He listened with his sensitive hearing but no one was near.

  They followed the directions Julie had given them and found the door to the section Apis was imprisoned in. Nettie found the master key and opened the door. They went down the hallway and she opened the other door. That was when they heard the sounds of voices.

  “It’s nothing personal, man. I’m just following orders. He’ll kill me if I don’t take care of you,” an unsteady male voice explained.

  Afrod rushed in catching the guard unsuspecting. He took him down disarming and restraining him like a professional. Years of training paying off when it was most needed. Nettie had opened the door and went in to Apis.

  “Who are you?” Apis demanded. “Where is Julie?”

  “I’m her sister and I took her place so she wouldn’t be taking any chances.”

  “Nettie?” Apis asked.

  She flashed a smile at him. She whispered, “Yes, in the flesh.”

  “I wasn’t sure if rescue would come in time,” he admitted relaxing into a slump.

  Afrod examined Apis and realized that Julie hadn’t exaggerated. He was a walking talking skeleton barely able to sit up or move. He would get the best of care and once his god healing kicked in, well he would be a different god. He would flesh out and loose the gray complexion. He would be healthy and happy once more. No, he would be free and healthier and happier than he had ever been.

  They left the guard on the floor for now. Afrod had restrained him well, both hands and feet. He wasn’t going anywhere. They led Apis out of his cell and through the building to the exterior door. Another god took him from there getting him to the helicopter that would take him to medical aid and eventually to an airport where he would catch a plane to Olympus.

  Before Apis left, he hugged Nettie. “Take care of my Julie, I’ll be back for her.” Nettie just nodded. Afrod swore she was blinking away tears. It seemed his tough female had a soft side. Yes, his, now he was truly in trouble.

  Apis was home free so they headed back to the guard that was still near Apis’ old cell. “What will we do with him?” Nettie asked.

  “If he’s helpful, we’ll turn him over to the local authorities. If he’s not, he may just disappear.”

  The guard started crying and begging. “I’ll tell you anything, everything.”

  “When is this boss coming?” Nettie asked.

  “He doesn’t tell us exactly but last night it was around lunch. I usually leave for lunch but I had to stay,” he explained.

  “It’s a while until lunch. What do you say we go check out the files in the offices and bring him along?” Afrod asked.

  “Sure, sounds like fun to me,” Nettie replied.

  Afrod picked up the guard and carried him over one shoulder. They stopped at the first office they got to and entered. There were file cabinets and a computer. “Flip you for choice,” Nettie offered.

  Must be a human thing. Afrod agreed, “Sure Sweetheart, whatever you want to do.”

  Nettie pulled out a quarter flipped it and when it landed on the desk she said, “Call it.”

  “Heads,” Afrod said not really caring one way or the other.

  “Shit, you got it. What do you want?”

  “What do you want?”

  “Doesn’t everyone prefer the computer?”

  “I’ll let you have it, Nettie.”

  “Thanks big guy!”

  Afrod wondered if she knew his name because she’d not used it once. He hurried to the files starting at the ones in the bottom. They all seemed to be patients at the fertility clinic part of the operation. They would be helpful to track down the baby gods. He stacked them all on the desk thinking they would need boxes to pack them in. He moved up to the next one up and it was only half full with something Afrod couldn’t make sense of. They were probably important if they bothered to make them confusing.

  The top drawer was full of personnel files. Afrod wasn’t sure if they were potential employees or current ones but they were all females. The other cabinet was empty. It held no secrets they could use. He wondered how Nettie was doing on the computer. He was sure it had been password protected but she seemed to have gotten into it. She was scrolling through information, pausing once in a while before moving on.

  “Anything interesting?” he asked.

  “You could say that. They seem to have some ties to known criminals. This is something the local boys will want to know about.”

  “I’m not sure Hades will want to let them in on this,” Afrod stated.

  “Too bad, I just sent an email to an old friend and he’ll see it in the morning.”

  “Damn it, Nettie. You can’t just do whatever you feel like.”

  She raised her eyebrow and stood up walking right up to him. She poked him in the chest with her finger for emphasis. “I do what I think is right. Always!”

  “So I should do the same?” he asked his voice low and dangerous.

  “Everyone should,” she agreed.

  He was lightening fast as he pulled her into his arms and lowered his lips to hers. Hesitant at first, his confidence built until they were burning alive. He felt zings of electricity raging through him. It confirmed everything for him. She was his! Why, dear Father Cronos, had she been revealed to him at a time like this? His mind was having a hard time thinking but a thought kept trying to work its way clear of the pleasure he’d found plundering her lips and holding her tight. A sound kept going off in the background and reluctantly the part of his brain that understood its significance kept telling him to stop and let her go. Reluctantly, he did and stepped back.

  The sound was his radio so he answered. “What’s going on? You weren’t answering the radio!” Hades growled.

  “Everything’s fine,” he said ignoring the question.

  “That’s good because the boss is on his way in. We’re closing in behind him. You can intercept or stay back.” Afrod understood that Hades had given him a choice. If Nettie was good, get the bastard. If she was delicate, they would handle it.

  “Come on, Sweetheart. Let’s get busy,” he said. He pulled her out the door and along the ha
ll. The boss was close, he could smell him. They slid along the wall going toward the place where it met another hall. That was where they would run into him. He kept in physical contact with Nettie. Not because he needed to but because he liked it.

  Afrod wasn’t surprised when the boss came around the corner literally walking into him. He took him down and restrained him quickly. He searched him for weapons finding a gun and knife. Nettie reached into the man’s boot and pulled out a back up gun. It was small, but it could still be lethal.

  “How’d you know?” Afrod asked.

  “He looks like ex-police or ex –military. We all carry back up guns. It’s just a smart thing to do.”

  The guy was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey but he was still trying to get away. Afrod understood. After all the abuse Origin’s people had dished out to the gods, he was probably terrified of being in their custody. Good! He hoped the bastard would piss himself. Hades and the others would be along shortly. He examined the boss as he lay on the floor thrashing about. He was at least six foot and of medium build. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. Afrod didn’t remember seeing him before, but they hadn’t always got a good look at those that controlled them at one time.

  It was also possible he was new. Many of the old Origin execs had run for the hills, or the third world countries where they could live like kings. They thought distancing themselves from Origin would absolve them of years of wrong doing. Once the lost gods were all reclaimed and those still in the business Origin ran were brought to justice, the search for the others would begin. They were delaying their reckoning and some of the older leaders might find their judgment on the other side, but Afrod believed they’d all pay some day in some way.

  Maybe he was idealistic and he oversimplified things but it was easier to live with what they had been through if he thought someone would pay. It was true that others had it worse than he had, but he wanted justice for them too. He considered them his brothers, god and demon alike. He would fight and die for them if need be and he knew they would do the same. He heard sounds and knew that the others were nearby. He hated to have to tell Hades that Nettie had sent the local cops information from the computer. He didn’t think he’d be pleased.