Exodus

by Jordan Summers

  A beautiful woman with long flowing hair moved to his side. She was a dead ringer for a Baywatch babe. She held up her hands to calm the murmuring crowd. “A challenge has been put forth for the privilege of mating with this woman.” Her elegant hand swept to Jac.

  Jac glared and stepped forward to refute the woman’s words. Ares stopped her, his eyes as sharp as fiery jade, sending a warning as clear as if he’d actually spoken.

  The woman’s gaze locked onto Jac, freezing her in place. “Although it has been many, many years since a challenge has been called, the rules are clear. Warriors, you’ll have a day or so to prepare. Tomorrow I will announce the tasks to be achieved. The first to complete the challenge wins.” Her gaze swept Jac’s length. “And while the competition is taking place, there shall be no self healing. If a warrior is found to have healed himself, he’ll be immediately disqualified from the challenge.”

  “Who is that?” Jac asked Rachel under her breath.

  “She’s the tribe’s seer. Her name is Ariel,” Rachel whispered.

  Jac watched the gorgeous woman make eye contact with Coridan and then Ares. She lingered on Ares a little longer than Jac cared for, taking in his wide chest and muscled legs, pausing at the front of his loincloth long enough to be considered inappropriate.

  The woman’s lips quirked at the corner, accenting her natural sensuality, and then her gaze once again met Jac’s. She had seen that look from women before. The seer sized her up. Jac squared her shoulders and defiantly stared across the clearing at the woman. If the seer thought she would intimidate her, she had another think coming. Ariel laughed, caressing Ares once more with her gaze, and then walked to the nearest hut, slipping inside.

  “What does the bitch think is so funny?” Jac turned to Rachel.

  “You never know with Ariel. She’s got a warped sense of humor.” Rachel’s eyes darted to the hut door and back, concern marring her features. “You really don’t want to fuck with her.”

  Jac arched a brow at her last words. “If she knows what’s good for her, she won’t fuck with me.”

  Rachel shrugged and attempted to hide her smile by glancing away. “This ought to be interesting.”

  The crowd started to disperse. Ares released Jac after Coridan left, then turned to face her. “You will be sorry for all the trouble you are causing me, my fierceness.” His molten jade eyes captured hers, burning, promising a payback she would not soon forget.

  Jac fought the strange urge to flee. She wasn’t a coward and she never backed down from a direct attempt at intimidation, but there was no mistaking the cold lump forming in her stomach. “I told you.” She cleared her throat. “I’m no one’s mate.”

  Ares’s eyes flashed again. “We shall see.” Then he stalked into the jungle, leaving Jac with Rachel.

  The King approached. Rachel grabbed him and pulled him forward. “I’d like you to meet my husband Eros.”

  Jac’s gut clenched. It was worse than she thought. Not only had Rachel gotten pregnant, she’d somehow managed to marry this man. Jac’s mind raced, convinced the agreement wouldn’t hold up in a court of law. You needed special permission when you married in another country and she was positive Rachel hadn’t gotten the paperwork. So there was hope…but a baby would certainly complicate matters.

  Her arms felt like lead, stiff, heavy, and unyielding. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jac.”

  Eros seemed to be fighting a smile as Jac’s mind surged from one subject to another. He dropped to his knees and greeted her in traditional Atlantean fashion. Jac gaped and shot a look at Rachel, waiting to see her friend’s reaction to her husband’s actions. Rachel shrugged and pulled a face. Jac shook her head. Rachel really had changed in the short time she’d been down here. Eros rose and held out his hand. Jac shook it quickly and released him.

  These people were outrageously crazy, even for her. This was too much. Challenges, Atlanteans, seers, and mating. Jac had to get the hell out of here before her sanity scooted off with the rest of these loons. She grabbed Rachel.

  “If you’ll excuse us.” Jac glanced at Eros. “I need to have a word with my friend.”

  Jac tugged Rachel along, heading for god only knows where. She needed some peace, some distance. She needed New York.

  Rachel pulled her hand from Jac’s. “I know just the place we can go.” She walked to the fire and picked up a small burning log to use as a torch and guided Jac down a well worn trail, leading to a small stream. Flowers scented the air. A gentle wind tugged at their hair. The soft murmuring of the current as it washed over the rocks soothed Jac’s nerves—a little. When they reached the banks, Rachel stopped and stuck the log in the mud so that it would remain upright.

  “Are you going to tell me what in the hell is going on here?” Jac’s voice cracked. “Is this a camp for escaped mental patients who just happen to be gorgeous?” She shook her head. “Because the crap I’ve been hearing can’t possibly be true.”

  Rachel crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not sure where to begin.”

  Jac began to pace. All the nervous energy from the altercation flooded her muscles until they practically jerked with spasms. She couldn’t take much more of this.

  Rachel stilled Jac’s movements. “I need to sit down, do you mind?”

  Jac glanced to Rachel’s stomach. “Sorry.” She closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. She sat next to Rachel on the soft grasses lining the shore. The air smelled fresh along the stream and felt a tad cooler, when the slight breeze didn’t shift the smoke from the burning log in their direction. At this point, Jac welcomed anything that would add to comfort. “Why don’t you start with that lovely message you left me on my answering machine. It terrified me and when I played it for Brigit, she threw up.”

  Rachel grimaced. “God, I really regret having left that message.” She frowned. “I tried to call you back, but the phone doesn’t work in here.”

  “Shocker.” Jac’s gaze narrowed. “Where is here exactly?”

  “We’re in the heart of the electromagnetic field.” Rachel gestured around her. “You remember me telling you and Brigit about it?”

  “I recall you said you wanted to explore it and bring back your discovery so that you could get your much deserved promotion.” Jac arched a brow.

  Rachel rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that was the plan in the beginning…”

  Jac’s chest squeezed, pushing out the air in her lungs as the tension coursed through her. “And now?”

  Rachel’s brown eyes met hers. They seemed to be searching for something in Jac’s face. “Things have developed that I hadn’t anticipated.”

  “Like?” Jac drew the word out.

  Rachel smiled. “Like I’m married and I’m going to have a baby.”

  Jac’s lips thinned. “Congratulations.”

  Shadows filled Rachel’s eyes as she answered, “Thanks.”

  Jac ran a hand through her hair. “That doesn’t explain what happened down here.”

  “The professor sacrificed me.” Rachel’s hands trembled and balled up into tight little fists. “If it wasn’t for Eros, I’d be dead.”

  Anger burned through Jac quicker than a spark on dried brush. “The bastard tried to pull the same shit on me, except he’s gotten braver. This time he’s out to make his problems go away permanently.”

  Rachel gasped. Her eyes roamed over Jac, as though making sure she was okay.

  “I’m fine, “Jac said waving the worry away. “I escaped, with a little help.”

  Relief etched Rachel’s features. “Who helped?”

  Jac didn’t answer.

  “Jaaac,” she prompted, her mouth quirking at the corners. “Who?”

  “That dark, muscled, jade-eyed jerk called Ares.”

  Rachel burst out laughing. “So you do like him.”

  Jac stood up, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “I didn’t say that.”

  Rachel shook her head, sending curls falling over her shoulders. “
You didn’t have to. The sparks were flying off you two every time your eyes met.”

  “So the sex was good.” She shrugged. “Sue me.” Jac looked away not wanting to meet Rachel’s knowing eyes.

  Rachel reached up and clasped Jac’s hand, drawing her gaze back, and then rose. “You forget I know you too well. If it was only sex, you wouldn’t bat an eye. You’d immediately tell me all about your latest conquest, in detail.” She smoothed her skirt. “You also wouldn’t be so mad.”

  “These people are crazy. Don’t you understand?” Jac pleaded with Rachel. “They think they’re thousands of years old. It’s a classic example of mass delusion.” Jac looked at Rachel, letting the fear she felt inside show on her face. “I don’t want you here when this turns out to be some suicidal cult.”

  Rachel’s expression softened. “I know what I’m about to say to you is going to sound completely insane. I thought the same thing when Eros explained the tribe’s situation to me, but every word is true.”

  “Oh, Rach, not you, too.” Jac shook her head and backed away. “Did they give you something strange to drink? That’s how it starts.”

  Rachel balked. “Jaclyn Ward, when have I ever done anything crazy, out there, otherwise insane?” Rachel’s hand slapped down on her thigh.

  “Other than going on this godforsaken expedition?” Jac clenched her teeth and thought about it for a second. “Never.”

  “That’s right. Never. So what makes you think I’ve gone off the deep end now?”

  Jac tilted her chin and stared down at her. “It could be some kind of fever?”

  Rachel snorted and rolled her eyes. “If you were around Ares for any length of time, then I’m sure you’ve seen some strange things—“

  “That I’m sure can be explained logically.”

  “Try.” Rachel arched a brow in challenge.

  Jac threw her arms up in the air. “I don’t know what’s real anymore.”

  Rachel stepped forward and hugged her. “An open mind is a good start,” she whispered in Jac’s ear. “Now tell me, what do you really think of Ares?” She pulled back, her chocolate colored eyes sparkling in the fading firelight.

  Jac began to pace again. “I think he’s a sex god,” she paused. “Who also happens to be a royal pain in the ass.”

  Rachel giggled.

  * * * * *

  Ares’s anger raged deep. In three thousand years there had never been a challenge set forth for a mate. Ariel had foretold Jac’s arrival. There had been no mention of a challenge for the right to mate with her. He’d already joined with her. He slammed his fist against the table, knocking a cup from its surface. He feared not of others hearing him, since his hut lay several hundred yards from the village. He’d always preferred being away from the others, giving himself space, but now he felt eons from Jac.

  His heart clenched at the thought of his blonde demon lying with Coridan, even though he knew she had not. She could have stepped forward expressing her acceptance of Ares’s claim, yet she chose to remain silent behind him. Had he misjudged her emotions? Nay! He knew his fierceness better than she knew herself. Jac was torturing him, tormenting him to no end. She knew not that she played with fire. And if she did, she mustn’t realize how dangerous it was or else she wouldn’t dare.

  Ares rose from his chair and walked to a small hidden compartment in his wall, his lithe muscles tensing, ready to spring at any second. He pulled out a container holding a thick green liquid. The odor of melons and chocolate filled the air. He grabbed a cup beside the liquid and filled it to the top. He started to return to the table when he sensed Eros’s approach. He turned and picked up another glass, filling it also, then returned the container to its place.

  Enter, my King.

  A smile touched Eros’s lips as he came through the hide covered door, his eyes sparkling in the light of Ares’s fire pot. Ares handed one of the glasses to Eros then returned to his seat. Eros raised the glass in a toast and then took a drink. He joined Ares at the table taking the seat across from him. For a few minutes they drank in silence, each giving the other time to gather their thoughts.

  I take it there was trouble on the journey here. Eros didn’t try to hide his amusement.

  Ares’s gaze met Eros’s, then returned to his glass. Nothing I cannot handle.

  It appears as if this woman-taming is a little more difficult than you anticipated.

  Ares shrugged. I find no humor in the situation. It’s simple. Jac is mine.

  Eros laughed aloud. Ares’s gaze locked to his, green clashing with blue.

  Eros stifled his humor. “Forgive me, my friend, but after the little support you gave me during my trials with our Queen, I decided a moment of return was called for.” He smiled wide, clapping his hand on Ares’s shoulder, and then released him.

  Ares couldn’t help but answer his smile. He nodded, conceding to Eros’s point, allowing the moment to lighten his heart as he recalled the few nights Eros had to leave the Queen’s side with his nether regions in great discomfort. Now that the loincloth was on the other man, it wasn’t quite so funny. Ares took another drink, his face once again hardening into unforgiving lines.

  “What am I to do about the challenge?”

  The smile left Eros’s face. “Coridan was a fool to put forth such a thing. He cannot possibly win.” He paused. “Ariel will state the challenge tomorrow and you both will have a week to prepare. Our rules are clear. You must accept or lose Jac.”

  “I will not lose what is mine.” Ares’s body stiffened, coiled. “I have claimed her as was my right. I’ve performed the healing ceremony on her. She has lain beneath me, writhing, as I slid into her body, again and again.”

  Eros released his breath, shifting uneasily in his chair. “Does Coridan know this?”

  Ares nodded. “He must, my scent was all over her, there could be no mistaking what had occurred. I made sure I left my mark upon her creamy skin.”

  Eros’s jaw hardened. “The only way he could claim her then is if he won the challenge and she chose to join him.” He rolled his shoulders. “Do you think Jac would do that?”

  Ares’s eyes sparked, anger and pain clouding his voice. “I think Jac would do anything to avoid the feelings that I stir within her.” He took another drink, then slammed the glass down. “She fears emotions.”

  “Does she not know what that would do to your name? Your family line?” Eros set his cup on the table.

  Ares ran a hand through his long black hair, shaking his head. “She knows not of our ways. She wants nothing more than to escape this place…and me,” he added softly.

  Eros rose, his face a mask, concealing the emotions so close to the surface. “She will have to learn our ways. Our Queen did and so shall Jac. There will be no escaping her fate.” With that said, Eros walked to the door. “Be well, my friend,” he tossed over his shoulder, then exited.

  Ares picked up the cup and stared at the green liquid, swirling it around and around. His body ached for Jac, called out and cried for her. His cock was so hard beneath his loincloth that he was sure it would burst before he got to thrust inside her warm walls once more. He finished the contents of the glass, then returned to the compartment where he kept the bottle, pulling it out as he returned to the table. Without Jac’s company, it would be a very long night.

  Chapter Eight

  Jac slept like shit in the little hut Rachel had shoved her in last night. Sunlight splashed through the window, illuminating all the dust mites floating in the air. Jac shoved her hair out of her face and rose off the soft bed of hides she’d been laying on. Naked, she stretched and then recalled the previous night. She’d done nothing but dream of Ares’s muscled body over her, under her, surrounding her. He hadn’t come to her during the night and in all honesty, it pissed her off. His threat of payback rang in her ears, haunting her thoughts, scattering her mind. Who did he think he was making demands…her father?

  In a flash she was twenty-two again, standing in her parent�
��s kitchen, her father sprawled on the floor, his hand clutching his chest. He wasn’t breathing. She’d done CPR until the paramedics had arrived, but it wasn’t enough to save the man she’d always considered invincible.

  Her father’s face blurred behind the tears she’d kept buried so deep inside. Jac swiped a hand across her cheeks, wiping away all evidence of weakness. Her father had been a decorated Navy SEAL. He’d taught her how to swim, fight, and survive in harsh environments. He would have had her drop and give him fifty if he could see her crying now.

  ‘Soldiers don’t cry’ he’d said. Jac sniffed a couple of times and got dressed. At times Ares reminded her so much of her old man it was frightening. Hell, the two would probably have hit it off. But her father had been in the ground for ten years now. Heart attack wasn’t the way a SEAL was supposed to die.

  When she finished dressing, Jac pushed the hide away from the door and walked straight into Ares’s massive chest. The shock was like hitting a concrete wall. His hands closed over her waist to keep her from falling back. Warmth seeped through his fingertips into her back, tickling her spine. Her awareness of him was sharp, razor-like, and way too uncomfortable first thing in the morning. Jac shook her head a bit dazed, and pulled away.

  Her chin shot up. “What are you doing here?”

  He released her and crossed his arms, his lips quirking up at the corners. “I’ve come to escort you to the gathering area. Ariel is about to announce the requirements for the challenge.”

  She shrugged. “It doesn’t concern me.”

  His brow arched and he tilted his head until he held her eyes. Ares crowded her with his big frame, backing her into the hut, surrounding her, until escape from the small room became impossible. “It most certainly does concern you.” He slashed his hand through the air. “It is because of you this is to occur. I will not have what is mine taken from me.”

  She held up her hands to stop him from getting any closer. Jac could barely think. “You sound like a spoiled child angry over not getting his way. Don’t be such a cry baby about it.”