Atlantean's Quest Volume 1 Page 36

  Ariel hushed the crowd. “There is one final trial to be overcome. When the warriors have completed the river challenge, then I will announce the winner. Until then, I suggest we get back to the tasks at hand. Warriors take your rest.”

  Rachel appeared at Jac’s side, her eyes like saucers. The people of Atlantis gathered around Ares to congratulate him. She took advantage of the moment. “I don’t understand why they insist on going through with this stupid challenge? Someone could have been killed today. And for what? For a woman who won’t be here in a couple of days.”

  Rachel frowned. “Have you and Ares been talking at all?”

  Jac’s blue eyes leveled on Rachel. “We talk. Not a lot, but we talk. Or we did until last night. He made it abundantly clear where we stand.”

  Rachel burst out laughing. “Somehow I doubt it. If he had, you wouldn’t be so hurt.”

  “I’m not hurt,” Jac snapped.

  “Oh honey, yes you are. Remember it’s me you’re talking to. You don’t have to hide what’s going on,” Rachel said.

  Jac laughed bitterly. “You know, there was a time I would’ve agreed with you. But now, no matter how hard I look, I can barely recognize my best friend.”

  Rachel winced and looked away. “I’m still here, Jac. I know a lot has changed, but I am still here for you.”

  Jac bit the inside of her mouth. Pain focused her. It wouldn’t allow her to get sidetracked. She looked at Ares. “I have nothing left to say to him,” she said. “Ariel made her feelings clear and Ares didn’t deny it. As soon as the river challenge is over, I’m out of here.”

  Rachel gasped. “You’re serious.”

  “Of course I’m serious,” Jac said. “Nothing has changed.” She looked away from Rachel’s too perceptive gaze. “I came down here to rescue you, but it’s obvious that you don’t need rescuing.” She glanced at Eros, who stood with his arms crossed, staring at them from across the compound. “You’re welcome to come back with me, but I can’t stay.”

  Rachel’s lower lip quivered. “I don’t want you to go,” she whispered.

  “And I don’t want you to stay,” Jac countered. “So I guess we’re at an impasse.”

  Rachel watched her. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind? I know the Atlanteans are a little on the chauvinistic side, but they do grow on you, if you give them a chance.”

  Jac wasn’t convinced. She’d thought there might be something developing between her and Ares, but her hopes were dashed last night. She loved Rachel, but there was no way she would have what Rachel had if she stayed. “Last chance. Are you going to come with me or not?” Jac asked, already knowing the answer.

  Sadness filled Rachel’s brown eyes. The air around them seemed to take a collective breath and still—waiting for her answer. Rachel glanced at the trees, then back at Jac, her voice quiet, when she started to speak. “I’ve been helping these people translate some symbols that will allow them to return to their home planet.”

  Jac shook her head.

  Rachel’s face looked pained as she continued. “I thought it would take me months, possibly years, to translate them, which was why I initially agreed to stay, but once I got started I found the code quite simple to crack.” She paused. “And I fell in love.”

  “That much is obvious.” Jac rolled her eyes.

  Rachel looked around to make sure no one listened. “I will have the transport running within a couple of days.”

  Jac let out a ragged breath. “Then what? Back to New York?”

  “Then, hopefully the baby growing in my belly will be able to show me how to operate it.”

  Jac’s knees quivered, threatening to buckle. “You’re really going with them. Aren’t you?”

  Rachel said nothing.

  Jac’s heart dropped, taking the last of her hope with it. This was goodbye. When she left the jungle, there was a very good chance she’d never see Rachel again. Pain spread through her lungs tightening her chest. She could barely breathe. “What the hell am I going to tell Brigit?”

  “Try to understand, Jac.” Rachel grabbed her hand and twined it with her own. “I was hoping you’d change your mind and want to come, too.”

  “And leave my friend behind?” Jac yanked her hand from Rachel’s grasp. “I’m not like you Rachel. I care whether or not I hurt my friends.”

  Rachel sniffled and this time the tears spilled down her cheeks.

  Jac knew she wasn’t playing fair, but nothing else had worked. Tough love was her only option of getting through to Rachel. She couldn’t stay here any longer. Seeing Ares with Ariel had been bad enough. Seeing him injured was worse. When he got hit in the face, it had scared her to death. In all likelihood, she’d lost her best friend to an alien from another planet. What was wrong with Earth? Jac was happy with this planet. It had its share of problems, but still, it was home. Whose to say their planet was better? What if it was worse, assuming that it existed at all? Was Rachel willing to take that chance? Risk her life and the life of her baby on the outside chance things would be better?

  From the look on her friend’s face, Jac realized the answer was a definitive yes. She stared at Rachel for what felt like hours, yet no more than a few seconds passed. She’d changed so much in the few weeks she’d been missing that Jac hardly recognized her. She hadn’t been lying when she’d said that. And no matter how crazy Jac thought Rachel had become, deep down she admired her friend for taking a stand, being strong in the face of such uncertainty.

  Jac knew she couldn’t follow Rachel into space--not that it was even possible. It was one thing to set out on a rescue mission into a jungle, where you could get back to New York in a matter of hours. Quite another to leave the planet.

  “I’d better let you get back to Eros,” she said. “I’m sure you have some kind of Queenly duties to perform after something like this.” She pointed to the crowd surrounding Ares and Coridan.

  Rachel gave Jac a sad smile and reached out to squeeze her hand. “I’ll talk to you later tonight at the feast.”

  “What feast?”

  “The one honoring Ares on his win.”

  Jac frowned in confusion. “I thought the contest ended tomorrow.”

  Rachel nodded. “It does, but we honor the victor of the third challenge.”

  “Of course, what was I thinking?” Jac wondered who in the hell came up with these weird rules. Then she snorted. Probably the same damn people that convinced Rachel her baby could open the transport. Where was that bitch, Ariel anyway?

  “See you later?” Rachel asked, sounding hopeful.

  “Yeah, later,” Jac parroted.

  Rachel left to join Eros. Jac watched until her friend’s small frame disappeared, swallowed up by the crowd of Atlanteans. Sadness whelmed up, threatening to spill out. She’d managed to take one step into the jungle, when someone grabbed her arm. She didn’t have to turn to recognize Ares’s touch. She could feel the heat from his fingertips. The gentle slide of his thumb, brushing against her sensitive skin, the intense energy that screamed look at me without having to say a word.

  Jac turned, her eyes latching onto his slightly battered face. His green gaze remained sharp, hawk like, all seeing. She glanced down at her arm, where he held her and then back up. Ares slowly released her.

  “Did you see the competition?” he asked, pride evident in his deep voice.

  Jac shrugged. “Enough.”

  He tilted his head down, nearing her ear. “And what did you think?”

  She arched a brow. “Do you really want to know?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” Jac glanced at the crowd instead of meeting his expectant gaze. “I think you guys are crazy. That was one of the most barbaric things I’ve ever witnessed. You both could have been killed. And for what? To spend time with me before you leave the planet?” She shook her head in disgust.

  Ares nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed, to jagged green shards.

  “Go ahead, get your loincloth in a twist.
I told you before. I am no man’s mate. Certainly not the mate of a testosterone laden bonehead, not smart enough to concern himself with his own safety. Now run off and find your little blonde bimbo. I’m sure she’ll be impressed.” Jac threw her arms up in the air in frustration and took a step to leave, then thought better of it and rounded on Ares once more. “And was it really necessary to shoot Coridan in the family jewels? That was a low blow—no pun intended.”

  Ares brow lifted and he seemed to be trying to suppress a grin.

  “It’s not funny. You’ve humiliated the poor guy in front of the entire village. Where I’m from that can get you shot.” Jac pointed to the crowd.

  “Your concern for my welfare is touching, but I did nothing the rules did not allow. Besides I aimed higher. He moved into the blast.”

  She glared at him. “I didn’t accuse you of cheating, only overkill.”

  Ares blinked, confusion marring his handsome face. “I know not what you speak

  “Let me spell it out for you,” Jac growled. “You purposely embarrassed Coridan.”

  His features darkened. “He deserved it. Did you not see what he did to me?” Ares pointed out his various bruises and cuts.

  She winced when he turned, exposing a particularly nasty gash across his back. “Okay, maybe he deserved a little humbling, but you should have taken his age into consideration.”

  Ares stepped forward, crowding Jac with his muscled body. “He’s not that much younger than me.”

  “That may be, but you’re old enough to know better,” she said, then paused. “I’ve already told Rachel that I will be leaving after the river challenge. I thought you should know.” She didn’t wait for him to respond. He didn’t. She ducked around him and walked into the jungle, leaving Ares standing motionless in the compound. She knew he’d follow eventually, probably after he saw Ariel.

  She tried not to think about it as she headed back to his hut. The bruises on his body looked painful and would probably take weeks to heal. Jac didn’t want to think about him being in pain. If she got off on that tangent, she’d end up feeling sorry for him, helping, maybe even trying to nurse him back to health. Comforting wasn’t her style, at least not when it came to men. Only Rachel and Brigit had ever been on the receiving end of her caring and she’d made them swear never to tell a soul.

  Jac glanced up at the sky through the leaf-covered canopy. Dark clouds were beginning to roll in and the wind had started to pick up. She took a deep breath, sweet smelling grass and the scent of distant rain assailing her. They were in for a storm, whether it would hit by this afternoon or later tonight, she didn’t know. The hair on her arms rose as if she’d touched the electrical ball at the science center. She hurried on, wanting to be inside before the sky opened up and let loose.

  Fresh pain struck Ares as he watched Jac walk away. She’d gotten very good at doing so lately. He had to figure out a way to stop her from leaving, but he was beginning to worry that no matter what he did, he might not succeed. When she’d appeared at the edge of the woods, Ares’s heart had nearly stopped. He hadn’t wanted her anywhere near the energy challenge on the outside chance that he suffered a fatal blow. It had taken all of his skill and concentration not to look at her. He knew if he did, Coridan would’ve taken the lead in the competition.

  She’d accused him of being immature. Perhaps he had been. The urge to show off for her had been strong. But no matter the motive, Ares could not allow him to win. He’d spent years mentoring the young warrior, teaching him everything he needed to know to become a skilled hunter. The man who stood before Ares today was not the same one who’d looked up to him, eager to learn. He had changed. Coridan was now an altogether different creature that Ares barely recognized.

  For that reason alone Ares had ignored Jac as much as he’d been able, focusing solely on the young warrior, hoping he made a mistake. Luckily for him, Coridan had been distracted by her presence. That combined with his earlier strikes had made Coridan over confident, reckless.

  When Ariel flagged the signal, it was the moment Ares had been waiting for. He didn’t hesitate. He simply took aim and fired, catching Coridan in the ear and backside. He doubted the young buck would be able to sit for a week. The thought of that brought a smile to Ares’s face. It wasn’t mature, but it was how he felt. He glanced at the villagers, who had started to disburse. Coridan stood in the same spot, glaring at him. Ares knew in time the warrior would get over this public display, but from his stern expression he knew it would take a while—a very long while.

  He signaled to Eros. My friend I must speak to you.

  What troubles you at this victorious moment? Eros strode across the compound toward Ares.

  Before I came to the challenge, I sensed a threat.

  What kind of threat? Eros’s eyes narrowed.

  Ares shifted, his body beginning to ache from the fight. A human male has bypassed our safeguards and is making his way to the village.

  Eros’s face hardened. Do you sense him now?

  Ares stilled, sending his energy out into the jungle, but the strain from the battle had drained him too much. I can sense nothing at this time. I’ve used too much energy in defeating Coridan to be able to get an accurate reading.

  Eros nodded. How close was he?

  At least two days travel away, possibly three, but he was closing fast. The readings were strange. He might have been moving away, but that would not make sense. Had it not been for the challenge, I would have sought him out immediately and we would have our answers. Ares looked away, trying to hide the shame in his eyes.

  Eros reached out and clasped him on the shoulder. You have done what you needed to do to secure your mate. You could follow no other course of action. He squeezed Ares and released him. Nor would I ask you to do such a thing.

  Ares took a ragged breath and looked up into his friend’s face. I fear ‘tis the red-devil come to haunt us again.

  We must be more vigilant in case he attempts to abduct one of our people. Eros glanced at the villagers. We cannot afford to lose any more, for we know not what awaits us on Zaron.

  Ares nodded. Once the challenge is complete I could lead a few men into the jungle to seek out this wily rodent.

  No. Eros glanced up at the darkening sky. We will get our people out of here and leave him with nothing to find.

  I don’t think he will be so easily dissuaded. Ares wished he felt as sure as his King. Eros was a good friend, a brother in arms, and the only man Ares had ever called family since the fall of their civilization. Too bad he could not alleviate the guilt he felt for choosing love over the safety of his people, especially when they were nearing the time of departure. Rachel had put together most of the transport, only a couple of pieces remained. When they were in place, her unborn child would be able to activate it from inside her womb using the power of the Atlantean people, allowing them to leave the confines of Earth forever.

  I fear you have bigger things to worry about, my friend, Eros said.

  Such as?

  Eros grinned. For one, the ceremony tonight…unless you have changed your mind about Jac.

  Ares flinched. You know I have not. He had been so wrapped up in taming Jac and winning the challenge that he had forgotten all about the actual ceremony. After it was over, he would no longer be sterile. He could impregnate Jac, if she chose to stay and be bound to him.

  As for the second item of import and the most pressing, Jac has told the Queen that she intends to leave when the challenge concludes tomorrow. Eros released him. Were you aware of this?

  I was…but not until a few moments ago. She had warned me, but I chose not to listen.

  What will you do?

  Ares sighed. As much as I’d like to force her, I will not. At some point, Jac must decide to stop running from her emotions. I know she cares for me. I’d have to be blind not to, but I’m not sure if it’s enough.

  So you’d let her go? Eros asked.

  Only if I have no other alternativ
e. Ares tried to smile, but it came out pained. First I must convince her that my heart does not lie with Ariel, nor does my body.

  Yes, her display last night was of a woman scorned. For someone who claims not to care, she certainly produces the fury of a volcano.

  That is my fierceness, Ares said.

  You are a great warrior, Ares. You will think of something to do or say to your woman to get her to change her mind about leaving. Eros said, confidently. I suggest you work on conquering your woman and let the red-devil return to Hades where he belongs. Besides, I believe Jac is the more dangerous of the two. Eros waggled his eyebrows and laughed. Be well, my friend.

  You, too, my King. Ares faded into the trees, following the thin trail leading to his hut. His feet fell silent upon the ground. The wind had picked up, whipping his long black hair about his face. He reached into the pouch at his side and pulled a strap to tie the mop back. The change in the weather had quieted the jungle beasts. It was as if every creature cowered, waiting for the threat to pass.

  His palms itched as he thought of running his hands over Jac’s lithe body. He may only have one more day to do so. Ares picked up speed despite the pain and exhaustion he felt, intent on making his thoughts a reality.

  * * * * *

  Manuel, the head tracker for Professor Rumsinger’s expedition approached from the south, slogging through the rugged terrain. He’d been traveling for days, pushing his body beyond its limits to give the professor the good news. He’d found a trail that would lead to the village of the ghost tribe.

  The Professor would finally have his discovery and Manuel would get the riches the red-haired bastard had promised him. As for the villagers, he doubted they’d be alive for much longer.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ares was nearly to the hut when he felt the first splatter of rain. The clouds had thickened so much it appeared as if night had swallowed the day. He moved around the now familiar trees, picking his way through the thick brush, every muscle in his body aching from exertion. Even if he was allowed, Ares doubted he had the energy left to heal himself. He’d have to contend with the bruises and cuts for the night. Maybe the wounds would bring out the nurturer in Jac. He smiled, then snorted. Not likely.