“True,” Mars sighed rising back up. “She is in my bedroom, waiting for you.”
“Marshall Vilnus will not be happy with that. He is very possessive over Jenna.”
Mars laughed. “Perhaps it is time to dispense with the charade.” He changed back into his Marshall guise. “We are the same person, Julius. But I trust you can keep that to yourself.”
Julius’ eyes were like saucers. “That explains why the two of you have not fought your own battle over Jenna.”
“It does. Now go and see her before she chews my ear off.”
Julius giggled. Only Jenna could chastise a God.
CHAPTER 28
Jenna opened a sleepy eye to find Marcus carrying her from the peristyle to the bedroom.
“Sorry, I must have dropped off,” she yawned.
“You should have been in bed,” he grunted.
“I was waiting up for you,” she touched his cheek. “Is all quiet now in the city?”
“For now,” he deposited her on the bed. “I understand the villa has been overrun with visitors again.”
“Just a handful of friends.” Jenna slid off the bed and into the bathroom. She emerged a few minutes later wearing a short shift.
Marcus was already in bed. “I don’t know why you insist of wearing this,” he slid the strap of her shift aside as he kissed her bare shoulder. “You know I’m only going to remove it.”
“I feel naked without it,” Jenna came over all shy.
“Which is precisely how I want you,” Marcus slid down the other strap.
Jenna decided now was a good time to broach a certain topic whilst his mind was preoccupied. “I need to return to my temple tomorrow,” she murmured as she ran her hands through his wonderful glossy black hair.
Sadly he was listening, she felt him tense right away. “I cannot allow that.”
“You don’t control me, remember,” she refused to lose her temper.
“I cannot protect you at the temple.”
“Apollo is behind bars.”
“It is not only Apollo who wants to hurt you.”
“I am immortal. The only thing that can harm me is celestial bronze. So the only danger should be from remaining members of your family.”
Marcus sat up, his mind clearly no longer on seduction. “It is because you are immortal that you cannot serve in another God’s temple.”
Jenna’s mouth dropped open for a few moments, she hadn’t even considered that fact. “Then if I cannot serve in a temple, I will have to return home.”
“You are home,” he barked loudly. “Your place is here with me. Even more so now you are immortal.”
“Much as I would be happy living with you, I don’t want Rome to see me as your mistress.”
“We have already had this conversation, I want a wife not a lover.”
“I am not ready to marry.” Jenna squared up to him. She was not going to be intimidated.
“I thought you loved me.”
“I do. But I am young and very inexperienced. You are the first man I have been with and I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“Are you suggesting you want another man?” Marcus asked incredulously.
“No. I just need to be sure I am doing the right thing.”
“Your choice was made the day you were born. That mark says you are destined to be with me.”
“Perhaps, but is does not designate a time. I will put that band on when and only when I am ready.”
Marcus let out a frustrated growl making the room shake just a fraction. “Why are you being so stubborn? You know this is a foregone conclusion, even more so now you are immortal.”
“Most men are usually against marriage, why are you in such a hurry?”
“I want you by my side and in my bed every night. I want to show you off to the whole of Rome.”
“We sleep together regularly, and Rome has seen me with you before. Although you are definitely making me sound like a hunting trophy.”
“If you are not going be reasonable about this, then I will have to resort to bribery,” Marcus grunted. Kneeling up, he pulled Jenna to him.
She watched in amazement as a beautiful golden arrowhead appeared over his heart.
“What are you doing?” she squeaked, touching the mark. It sent a spark through her body.
“This is a sample of what can happen between us.” He turned her around and held her back to his chest. The second her birthmark hit his mark, Jenna felt like she was on fire. Heat tore through her veins, a feeling of weightlessness came over her, her limbs were reduced to jelly. It was as though he was shooting volts of electricity through her.
What passed between them was nothing short of magical. Jenna thought at one time they had actually merged; she could not feel when she ended and he started. Her body shook from the intensity of what had occurred; but she wanted more.
Marcus looked at her with a smug grin. “That can happen again only when you agree to be my wife.”
“What was that?” Jenna breathed.
“That is what occurs when two immortals come together,” he ran a finger languorously down her naked outline.
“Is it always like that?”
Marcus shrugged. “I’ve not made love to another immortal before. But I imagine ours is more intense because of the connection through my mark.”
“And you’re not going to do that to me again until I wear your band?”
“Correct. And you also get to shimmer too.”
“A nice tactic but you won’t win just yet.” She ran a finger slowly down his bare chest. “I’m returning to my temple tomorrow and before you start hissing, I can still enter as I am not a Goddess yet and Apollo is absent for a while.”
“I do not hiss,” Marcus grunted.
“I will agree to a formal betrothal if that will satisfy you for now.” She stretched up and kissed him softly. “But until I have figured out a way for us to live in both time zones with ease, the marriage will have to wait.”
“Then get thinking,” Marcus’ hands slid lower. “And if I just have tonight, I better not waste it.”
It wasn’t just Julius who was nervous, his parents were terrified. They had all been asked to report to the Imperial Palace immediately. Julius had previously met Emperor Trajan but it still didn’t make this visit to the Palace any less daunting.
Augustus was waiting for them on the steps of the Palace. Syla rushed forward and grabbed hold of her son’s hands. “Do you know what this is about?”
“Something to do with this little urchin, I would imagine,” Augustus patted his brother on the shoulder. “Now come on through, the Emperor is waiting for you.”
Julius’ eyes were everywhere as he followed Augustus down a series of corridors until they finally stood outside the Emperor’s study.
Trajan rose as they were shown in. “Julius, we meet again.” He came forward to greet him. “I take it these are your parents.”
“Yes, Emperor Trajan,” Julius squeaked.
Trajan turned to Syla and Quintus. “You should be proud of your sons, they are amongst Rome’s bravest and most honourable.”
“Thank you,” Quintus murmured, still unclear why they were there, but it seemed they were not in trouble.
“Now I imagine you are wondering why you are here?” Trajan seemed to read their thoughts. “I have been tasked by Mars to reward Julius for helping rescue Jenna for a second time from grave danger.” Trajan looked directly at Julius. “Mars has already honoured you with his mark, you have been sponsored to rise through the ranks to nobility by Aurelius and Laurentius, so there is not much left I can bestow upon you apart from this.” He placed a scroll in the young boy’s hands. “You are now the owner of former Senator Riminus’ residence along with the wealth entailed with it.”
Julius looked up at him, not entirely sure he had heard right. “You are giving me a residence?”
“Yes. Rather a lovely one I am led to believe.” Trajan looked over at Julius
’ stunned parents. “Your son is on course to a most illustrious career. A young noble needs a residence worthy of his status.”
“We are to move into this villa with him?” Quintus could not quite believe it.
“I’d hate to think of the mischievous Julius would get up to on his own,” Trajan chuckled. “Yes, it is for all of you. Julius will of course need instruction in how to manage the money as well.”
Julius threw his arms around the Emperor. “Thank you, Emperor Trajan.”
“You are most welcome, Julius.” Trajan laughed. Only a child would hug an Emperor unsolicited. “Let us hope this is the last time you will need to rescue Jenna.”
“Mars will take good care of her, he told me himself.”
“For now, I hope Marshall Vilnus will do that.”
Julius gave a smug grin, he knew the truth.
Augustus saw them out, a little dazed himself. “You are running in a level of society others only dream out.” He was truly elated. Riminus’ residence was impressive and it meant he would have a large bedroom of his own, perfect for him and Amelia.
“It’s amazing what hanging around on the streets can do,” Julius beamed.
Syla had him in a bone-crunching hug. “I could not be prouder of you. Both of you.”
Julius tried to wriggle out of her embrace. “We’re at the Palace, mother.”
“So? I’m sure the Emperor would expect me to hug you.”
“Not in public. How am I supposed to become a great general if my mother hugs me?” he grunted.
“Even great generals love their mother,” Syla grinned.
The temple was a welcomed sight for Jenna, it had been a while since she was last there. Ares was as happy as ever to see her. She gave him a cuddle then plonked him on his favourite spot on her shoulder. “You are soon going to be too big to sit there,” she stroked his head.
“Most cats do not sit on people’s shoulders,” Amelia laughed. “I’m surprised to see you back. I thought Marcus would not let you go.”
“We did have a few words last night.”
“I thought the city shuddered.” Amelia wrapped her arms around her friend. “I’m glad you’re fully recovered. Mars’ life force at work, was it?”
“Something like that,” Jenna responded. She could not tell Amelia she was now an immortal. “Have you seen much of Luke?”
“No. He’s pretty pre-occupied with Florentina. Apparently rescuing a young woman raises one’s profile dramatically. Even her father does not growl at him when he gets too close.”
“Good for Luke. He came and saw me yesterday, and was grinning from ear to ear. Now I know why.”
A squeal from the front of the temple announced Julius’ arrival. He had been a regular visitor at Marcus’ villa.
“You’re back,” he flung himself at her.
“Yes,” she kissed the top of his head.
“Are you safe here?” Julius looked around. “Considering it was Apollo who took you.”
“He won’t be bothering anyone for the next ten years. His father has him incarcerated.”
“Has the Marshall been kind to you?”
“Yes.” Jenna stroked his hair affectionately. “You have to remember that what happened really was an accident. Trying to break up a fight between two immortals is not a great idea.”
“We nearly lost you,” Julius murmured.
“Luckily I have rather unusual blood in my veins,” she smiled. “And you, you are not only the first mortal to visit Olympus, you’ve been there twice now.”
“It’s an awesome place. Ajax is lucky to serve a God so close.”
“I imagine it is not always an easy task. Remember he was assigned to protect me.”
“Poor guy,” Julius shrugged.
“And I hear you have a new address?”
“Yes. The Emperor was very generous.” He looked at Jenna with a cheeky grin. “But we all know why.”
“Is this a family reunion?” Augustus’ voice rang out. Julius raced to the front of the temple to see his brother.
“Are you taking Amelia out?”
“Sadly not. Official business,” Augustus glanced at Jenna.
“He can’t want to see me already?” she sighed.
“He wants you to attend a small dinner tonight. You and Amelia.”
“Me?” Amelia choked.
“Yes. It is just an informal dinner I believe. Nothing like the banquet.”
“I guess we can’t say no,” Jenna grunted.
“No,” Amelia fixed her with a stare. “I’m not missing the opportunity of dining at the Imperial Palace.”
Augustus gave a bow. “I shall be back to collect you ladies later.”
Jenna and Amelia watched the two leave. It struck Jenna how alike the two brothers were, but Julius was headed for a career far greater than Augustus. She had no doubt he would make a General or perhaps rise even higher. He did after all have the favour of some rather powerful Gods.
“At least this time I won’t be subject to an interrogation,” Amelia breathed a sigh of relief as they walked up the steps into the Palace.
“Trust me,” Jenna retorted, “an interrogation is far less stressful than a dinner with nobles.”
“But it is just the Emperor, is it not?” Amelia asked. “Or should I say dad?” she giggled under her breath.
Jenna swatted her arm. “Trajan will not be that kind to me.”
“Stop talking and get a move on. The Emperor is waiting for you,” Augustus shooed them along the corridor.
The room they were led in to was beautiful, but then so was the entire Palace. It was a miniature version of the banquet hall, but far more cosy and informal. Trajan was engrossed in conversation with Florentina and Luke. As soon as he saw her, he came charging over.
“My dear,” he gave her a bear hug, almost crushing the air out of her lungs. “You do not know how pleased I am to see you back on your feet.”
“I have been well cared for by Mars and Marcus.”
“I am beginning to think you need your own private guard.”
“I have one. But sadly not even that can protect me from a mischievous God.”
He led her and Amelia over to the others. “I thought you would enjoy having just your friends around.”
“That is so kind of you.” Jenna was genuinely touched. Benedictus, Antonia, Hector and Arianna were also there. She was a bit downhearted Marcus was not, she was starting to find out that he was a very necessary part of her life.
“Benedictus,” she smiled. “How goes it with your new residence?”
“Good,” he grinned. “My offer to Livius’ widow was well-received and she is proving a most efficient lady.”
“So the household is not too uncomfortable?”
“On the contrary, the arrangement seems to be working very well. She and her family keep their noble status and she is hoping that some of my favour brushes off onto her children.”
Jenna looked over at Antonia flirting with Hector. “How is Antonia doing? I hope she is not getting too attached to Hector?”
“No,” Benedictus laughed. “She is young and flighty and determined to enjoy all that Rome has to offer.”
“And how has your first footsteps into the Senate gone?”
“I’ve certainly ruffled many feathers, but that was what the Emperor wanted to do. A few more young nobles have also been appointed, so it really is the old versus the young.”
“And when does Florentina get her appointment?” Jenna teased.
Benedictus shook his head. “I am learning not to rise to the bait.”
“Spoil sport,” Jenna retorted.
“Do you mind if I steal this beautiful lady away for a moment?” a silky voice spoke behind her.
Jenna felt her heart flutter, it was silly how he could still affect her. Marcus slipped his arm around her and led her out onto the terrace.
“I was hoping you would be here,” she kissed him softly when they were out of sight.
“I would not miss this for the world,” he squeezed her hand.
“What are we doing out here?”
“I have something I need to ask you,” Marcus was looking decidedly unsure of himself.
Destined for a Deity (Mark of Mars) Page 27
