After shaking off her dread and fear, she moved through the beautifully manicured gardens that were a part of Ares’s home. “This is utterly incredible,” she whispered and walked to a tree that was a study in perfection, flawed perfection, and beauty. Reaching up she touched her finger to a leaf and whispered, “Amazing.”
“That tree has been here since I built the place. It was a gift from a friend, long since having left the world,” Ares told her. He was close, really close behind her. “So be gentle with it. It’s very, very old.” He moved so she could see him at her side. Ares kept his anger stamped down, he was more than pissed off that someone had seen his Ava. Without blinking, without breaking the eye contact he had with this beautiful little human, he sent a zap of pure anger to Perseus, the ass who thought to call out to his Ava as if she were a being for the taking. She wasn’t. She was his, and that in itself worried Ares, a lot.
“It’s stunning, Ares,” she whispered and turned to look at him with a smile. “You have an amazingly beautiful home. It’s incredible. Your home is amazing in ways I can’t even begin to explain. I’ve never…” she stopped talking suddenly. She was going to tell him she had never felt more at peace, more at home, than she did right then and that was not a good thing to tell someone you had just met.
His attention was on her fully, “You’ve never what, Ava?” he asked. His voice was a low rumbling purr. He’d lifted an eyebrow and impossibly, he was closer. “I’m trying to behave around you and stay out of your head but then you go and drop a line like that, with an expression that makes me want to kiss you and you clam up. That is really, completely and truly unfair sweet.”
“Honestly?” she asked softly. At his nod she licked her lower lip and looked up at him. “Never in my life have I felt more at peace, more at home than I do right now in this space. It’s truly surreal to me that I feel this peace.”
“I’m glad,” he said. Backing off slightly as he smiled. “Come, you wanted to go and see one of my favorite places, so let’s go. We can come back here later if you’d like. I’ll even ensure a stop someplace so we can get takeout.”
“That sounds good to me.” She reached out, touched the leaf of the tree one more time, and felt that peace once more. “All right, show me one of your favorite places. Why wouldn’t I be able to eat the food you have here? Why do we have to go and get take out? I saw all kinds of fruits on the table, so what’s up with that?” Her curiosity was clear in the number of rapid-fire questions she shot at him.
“They and everything else here, are all products of Olympus. They are meant for the Gods and only the Gods. If a human ate anything here they would grow ill and die. That’s why I’m going to clean it all out and ensure that anything that comes in here is safe for you to eat so you don’t ever have to worry and neither do I.”
“Ah yes, very good idea,” she said with a nod. “Thank you for thinking of me on that one,” she said with a smile. “Because I don’t want to come here to see you, eat a grape and die. That would just be bad all around. I happen to want to be able to spend as much time with you as possible.” Damn! What was with her spilling her every single thought to this man?!
Ares smiled slowly, “I really like it when you speak your mind. No, I didn’t read that, kind of caught the tail end of your thought process there since you were projecting. Now, let’s go,” he pulled her in close to him again. “Eyes closed, hold tight and when I tell you to open your eyes, don’t freak out?”
“As long as you are holding me I will try,” Ava assured him with a grin. “I promise, I will try but that’s all that I can give you,” she teased him. Wrapping her arms around him again, she pressed her cheek to his chest and breathed in the scent of leather and man. She sighed, as her eyes slid closed and thought, this is my new favorite scent of all scents.
'That one I heard.' She heard his voice in her head. His arms were around her in the next moment holding her close. A small tingle later and there was a gust of wind tugging at her clothing.
“You can open your eyes now if you want, little one.” His arms moved down to her waist, “Look at the view but don’t move.”
“How about you first tell me where we are so I don’t freak out and jerk away from you without thinking about it?” She felt the wind tugging at her hair and clothing and tightened her arms around him. “Wherever we are it feels marvelous, I’m just afraid of how I will react when I open my eyes.” Licking her lips she added, "How did you talk back to me in my mind?” Duh! she thought suddenly, because he’s a God.
Chuckling he gave her a squeeze, “That’s right, I’m a God, Ava, and we are in New Zealand, on top of one of their many magnificent waterfalls. By the top, I mean we have a view that goes down a very, very long way. We are on an outcropping where no one can see us, which means we have a terrific view of the water tumbling down the rocks, a view of the landscape and we’re in a place very few people will ever get to stand.”
She opened her eyes and looked up at him. She didn’t say a word to him, just looked at him. “Hold tight, okay?” she asked softly with a grin and then looked around them. Turning in his arms she took in the breathtaking view and sighed. Leaning back against him, she was truly amazed. “Wow,” she whispered softly with wide eyes. “I can’t believe just how amazing this is. No one has ever been up here?” she asked softly. It was barely a ledge if it was one at all. She was very, very thankful he was holding onto her as it were.
“A few crazy humans with a death wish have climbed this rock wall,” he told her. “Other than that, not a soul. It’s a very difficult spot to reach and even if they did, they’d never be able to stand here. I’m keeping us tethered with my abilities. A small use of power, but it’s keeping you safe and giving you a sight that I happen to enjoy a great deal.”
“It’s utterly breathtaking. I can see why you like it here so much.” She took in the sights all around them. She looked from left to right and back again. It was completely unique and wonderful. She never dreamed she would be in such a place. “It’s as if you can see the true beauty of the world as it should be, instead of what mankind has done to ruin it.”
“One of the reasons I come here,” he said. “That and the water down in the pool is very warm. If you want we could go down and have a swim before I take you to the next spot. Or, if you’d prefer, we’ll continue the tour and come back later.”
“Only issue with a swim, which sounds amazing by the way, is I don’t have a suit. I would love to, but not in the nude. Sorry, but I don’t swim naked,” she said with a laugh. “I think this is my most favorite place. I don’t know how I will be able to come here without you so you might just have to bring me back here time and again.”
“While I’m extremely disappointed on a hormonal level,” he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “I also understand and darling, I am a God, I can get you a suit with a thought. Give me the parameters and allow me a tiny bit of creative license,” he was really grinning now. “And you will be appropriately clad for the water, but we can also make that call later if you want to go see some other places.”
“How about you cover the goodie bits and we go for a swim now. Later we will figure out what to do next? I mean more than dental floss please.” She added when she saw the gleam in his eyes, “I mean it. A bikini is fine, but not a string bikini please.”
“Hmm,” he nodded. “Hold on,” he warned next to her ear. In the next moment they were standing on the ground next to the pool. She was in a bikini, a self-respectable sort that was flirty with bits of mesh strategically placed amongst the solid material all in black. The mesh itself was dark enough to hide pretty much everything should something shift. He was in a pair of swim trunks and setting towels down on a rock next to them. “Dive on in. Like I mentioned, the water is warm.”
Ava looked at him and grinned, “Thanks, I think I will.” She looked at the perfectly clear water and jumped right in without a hesitation. If he had said it was safe, she trusted him completely.
“Oh, I’m coming,” he said with a grin. Walking toward her, he slowly waded into the water. Stopping when he was in front of her, treading water. “I’m glad you’re here,” he told her softly.
“I’m glad you asked me to be here,” Ava admitted softly. “I’ve never really been one to just simply jump at something but with you, I couldn’t help myself. I needed you. I wanted to see what made you tick. I’m glad that I did too. I happen to like you, Ares, and that’s another first for me. I’ve never instantly liked someone before in my life, but you, you are unique.”
“Yeah, that I’ve heard before,” his voice said it wasn’t ever a compliment. “I happen to like you too, Ava. Didn’t know for sure that I would, but I find I truly do. You’re an amazing woman, special beyond all belief and I’m still trying to comprehend how I got you to forgive me.”
Ava shrugged. “You said you were sorry. That was enough for me,” she admitted to him and moved closer so she could wrap her arms around his neck. “Personally, I happen to really enjoy your company as well, that’s even better, don’t you think?”
His hands cupped her bottom and pulled her tight to him. “It is even better,” he said softly. “I quite enjoy your company as well. I want to spend more time with you, Ava. A lot more time, but all I have is time so I’m always looking for something or someone to keep me occupied. Will you keep me occupied from time to time, Ava?”
“I will keep you company for as long as I can. I don’t want to give up a moment of time but we both know that eventually you will have to find another companion.” Ava’s fingers played in his hair, caressing him as she did so. “So I think we should take the time to enjoy each other as much as we can, don’t you?”
He was frowning at her. “Why would I ever need to find another companion?” he asked quietly. “I don’t want to find another one when the one I have is so damned perfect it’s scary. No one, no woman, should ever be as perfect as you are, Ava Von Maur.”
“Because you are a God and I’m not, Ares. I adore you and I think I’m going to love being your companion, but we have to be realistic here. I will age, and one day you will find I’m not as much fun as I am right now. I understand that fully, that’s why I said we should enjoy the time we have now and worry about the rest later.”
“Oh sweet, sweet, Ava.” He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “You have so very much to learn about us Gods. For one, we don’t take rejection well and we always plan ahead. We will discuss that when you know me a little better and haven’t run the other way.”
Ava laughed and shook her head. “I seriously doubt that will happen but thank you for the warning.” Giving him a hug, she wrapped her legs tighter around him. Finally after a moment she released him and grinned, “So, let’s swim shall we?”
He pulled her right back to him, “I think another full body hug is needed. Never doubt my words, Ava. I know you don’t know me well yet, but you will see that I say what I mean and mean what I say. A Gods word is his bond.”
She couldn't deny him anything. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she hugged him. Her cheek rested against his before she let it drop to the curve of his neck. She sighed happily and just cuddled there with him in the warm waters of New Zealand, happier than she could ever in her life recall being.
He let out a breath and rested his chin on her shoulder. One of his hands smoothed up and down her back, moving from the straps of the bikini top right to the top of the bottom piece. A few minutes later he pressed a kiss to her neck, “Come, you want to swim so we should. Just don’t get too close to the waterfall, it’s got enough power to suck you under and pummel you.”
“That would be very, very bad,” she agreed but cuddled up closer to him. “Although I’m finding that right now being in your arms like this is a little slice of heaven. It’s much more fun than swimming would be. I say we swim in a few, hold each other for now?”
“Sounds good to me,” he smiled against her neck. Then there was a small sting from his teeth on her shoulder. They were moving toward the edge and then he stopped. A couple minutes later he was sitting on a rock with her in his lap. “Much better, easier on the legs too.”
“I couldn't agree more.” When the wind shifted and blew over them though she shivered, “Okay, maybe it's time for some clothes. I really dislike being cold.” She tried to burrow in closer to him, tried to gain more of his heat as it were.
His hand moved up to her neck and a feeling of warmth slid through her. “Better?” he asked. He brushed his lips to her cheek and then nibbled on her jaw. “If you’re not warm enough I can add a little more.”
“Yes, that’s much better, thank you.” She relaxed into him with a happy sigh. “How is it that you know exactly what I need?” She hadn’t told him how warm she needed to be but he hit the nail right on the head the first try. It was surreal. “Almost feels like we are connected, weird I know since you just met me and me you.”
“Again, I’m a God. I pick up on things most people wouldn’t. Plus, I am beginning to know you. You’re also right, we are connected, Ava. We have been since the beginning and we will be until the end.” His hand slid down to rest between her shoulder blades as he nipped at her shoulder again.
“I like it,” Ava admitted to him. “I should be terrified, I should be running and screaming the other way or asking to be committed to a psych ward but honestly,” she shrugged, “this feels far too good to run from, so why run when it’s better to simply accept?”
“You are being very open-minded about all this, Ava. I have a feeling I should be worried,” his words were teasing. “Why are you being so accepting of everything? I don’t mean to pry, but I am curious to know you better.”
“Honestly?” she asked and shrugged when he just gave her ‘that’ look. “I’ve heard stories of the Gods all of my life. I have always been intrigued by you in particular. So if I am taking this all very well and with an open mind it’s because I have always known that you were real. The stories that have been passed down through the generations made me believe it.”
“You were still more than a little shocked when you met me. Not that I mind of course, it’s always nice to see a little shock and surprise. Gives me a wonderful little feeling of glee in my heart,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh you are rotten,” she said with a laugh. “Good thing I adore you already or else I might think about dunking you or something silly like that.” She wouldn’t and they both knew it. “Have I mentioned to you just how much I like you? How happy I am to have met you?”
“I think you may have mentioned it, briefly, but do feel free to tell me more any time at all. It’s nice to know someone out in the universe likes me for me and even enjoys spending time with me. In my family it’s obligation that pulls us together, or father’s big head and powers.”
“Well, I like you for you and I’m thankful for whatever brought you into the temple that day. Yes, I was a might pissed off at you, but it was because you just up and vanished without letting me explain. Please never do that again. I would hate to have to try to hunt you down because it might kill me, but I would totally do it.”
“Shh,” he pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’m not going to up and disappear again. Not without a damned good reason. If it happens just wait for me, I will be back and I will explain. Later, when we go back to my place I’m going to add some things to the pendant I gave you. I want you to have the ability to know I’m safe and well. Plus I think I should give you a key to my place. You won’t be able to leave until I get there, but you will be safe there if you need a place to go.”
“You are too sweet,” she said with a smile. “It's one of the things I like about you. You don’t show it to very many people so it makes it even more speci
al that you are showing it to me. Thank you for allowing me in.”
Shrugging he kissed her cheek lightly. “You are special, Ava, very special.” Rubbing his cheek to hers gently he nipped at her jaw. “You seem to totally stomp down my mean streak. Not sure I like that, it’s going to be hell on my reputation with you around making me look all nice and gentle, kind and generous. Hell.”
She laughed and shook her head, “Only with me. You can be whoever and whatever you want to be with others, but with me, I want you to be the man that I care for. The man that I know you are. You are such a sweetheart and I’m very happy you are in my life.”
“Oh, and the blows keep coming. That was a swift jab to the chin there, darling Ava.” He leaned back, a hand behind him to keep him sitting up at an angle. “Just don’t go around spreading those rumors. Don’t need all the others thinking I’m going soft.”
“Don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me,” Ava assured him and pressed a kiss to his chin. “Now then, what are we going to do after this lovely swim?” she asked happily. “I think you and I should do something else. I’m not sure what but we should go and do some other things, don’t you think?”
“We will,” he grinned at her. “After our swim I’m going to take you to a Turkish market and we’re going to get some food together. Then you and I are going for a picnic. A nice little spot I know near the wall of China. We’ll sit, enjoy the view, eat and then we can go for a walk along the wall for a bit.”
“I can’t wait. It sounds like great fun. I‘m going to assume you know all of these languages because if not, we are both totally and completely screwed. I’m so not good with languages.”
“Yes, I know the languages. It’s all good, Ava. I wouldn’t take you somewhere that wasn’t safe and I couldn’t understand the locals.” Ares lifted a hand to her cheek, “Trust me, sweetheart.” Smiling he leaned in and kissed her gently on her lips. “We should swim now though, I don’t want to take you to the market too late. We don’t want to miss all the good stuff.”
Ares Page 5
