Atlantean's Quest Volume 1 Page 38

  Over the roar of the water, it came like a whisper of hope. His eyes flew open and he sought her out. She stood like a shadow of her former self, white as a ghost, trembling with—Fear? He read her mind a second before she started to move. He knew in an instant she’d risk her life to save him. He couldn’t allow that, though it pleased him greatly that she was willing to try.

  Do not come out here, Jac. ‘Tis too late. He sent the thought with as much force as he could muster. You will not die trying to save me. You must stay on shore. Go back to your home. New York awaits you.

  Her thoughts scrambled in her mind. The past and present slammed into her, turning her upside down, inside out. Ares knew she heard him, because she hesitated. I’m not going to lose you, too. The thought slammed back in Ares’s head. He knew Jac had no idea she’d sent it. His heart swelled, then pounded in his chest as he gasped for breath once more. He only had moments before the water took away the luxury of air. He could now go to his death in peace, knowing that she loved him.

  So Ares sent out a final thought, hoping Jac received it before it was too late. Please Jac, do this for me. Return to your home. Live your life. All I ask is that you remember the time we spent together. He gulped, taking in a mouthful of water and began to choke. With a last gasp he finished his words. I love you. We shall meet again in the next life.

  Jac felt the second Ares gave up. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she glanced back and saw his head slip beneath the surface. She sprinted up the shore, tugging off her boots, and then slipped out of her skirt. Naked, Jac raced forward and dove into the swift moving water. All her training came back to her in a second. She had one shot at reaching him before the current swept her too far down stream to be effective.

  She stroked hard, her muscles straining against the fierce pull. Her lungs screamed as she sucked in mouthfuls of water, but she didn’t stop, Jac put her head down and swam harder. She broke the surface a few yards from where Ares had been. The top of the stake poked out of the water. With one final kick she dove, searching blindly in the mud and muck. Her hands latched onto limbs and rocks, releasing them instantly once she’d established their origin. Lungs burning, she refused to surface. Spots were forming behind her eyes and still she grasped.

  Hope dwindling with every second, she lunged one last time and struck something hard, a log. Jac felt around it until she encountered flesh. She wrapped her arms as far around the object as she could and pulled, kicking to the surface with all her might. Her head broke the surface at the same time Ares bobbed up. His face was turning blue and he didn’t appear to be breathing. Hot tears scalded her eyes as she tried to keep the stake from rotating and flipping him face down in the water.

  Jac worked her way along the wood, until she encountered his hands. He’d been bound. Her stomach rolled, threatening to empty its contents. It only took seconds to realize that she had to leave him that way, because if he slipped from the stake she’d never make it to shore toting his body weight. She struggled to reach his battered face. With one hand she clasped his nose, while the other pried his mouth open. Jac took a big gulp of air and forced it into Ares’s lungs. The effort left her shaky.

  Nothing.

  The current carried them swiftly down stream. She took another breath and exhaled into him, losing her grip for a moment, before pulling herself back up from the thrashing depths. His lashes lay like black crescents against his chiseled cheeks, so handsome, so strong—so much to live for. She wasn’t going to let him die, too.

  “Breathe, damn you,” she gasped. Jac pushed breath after breath into Ares, without getting any response. “Daddy, please help me.” Her cry rang out to the heavens. She kicked again forcing the log to stay upright, her muscles growing weary balancing and fighting the endless drag. They were moving downstream at a frightening clip. “Daddy, please don’t let him die.” Her hands dug into Ares’s muscled arms, as if by holding on tight, death wouldn’t be able to take him.

  Jac pulled herself up a fraction out of the water and then brought her fist down on Ares wide chest. “Breathe!” She punched him again and again, then took one final breath, forcing air into his lungs, refusing to let it escape. She pulled back and waited. Strength waning, Jac slipped beneath the water. A second later she surfaced choking, her fingertips still gripping the stake. “You can’t die on me. I won’t let you. You promised to be my mate.” Pain and desperation ate at her. “Come back to me, caveman.” She choked again. “I love you.” She grabbed Ares by the hair, lifting his face to hers and shook him. “Do you hear me? I love you.”

  Water washed over them and she sputtered.

  “If you live, I promise I’ll stay.” Jac cradled Ares head in her hands. Her body trembled as she went into shock. She’d lost him, just like she’d lost her father. Both were so strong, so virile and full of life, and now they were gone. She clung to Ares, placing kisses across his face. Her heart squeezed in her chest, threatening to burst. With tears streaming down her face, Jac did the only thing she knew how to do.

  She got mad.

  All the hurt from the past ten years flooded her system, overloading her senses until blind fury took over. A volatile cocktail of anger and adrenaline shot through her veins. She dropped Ares head back upon the log and began to strike his sternum, like a woman possessed. She kicked hard in the water easing them sideways toward the shore, not stilling for a moment to lessen her blows. She knew there was no way they’d reach the bank without going with the current. Jac re-adjusted Ares’s head, opening his airway. She balanced half off, half on the stake, as she filled her lungs over and over, emptying them into him.

  Her head was spinning from dizziness and exhaustion, when her feet finally touched bottom. She had no idea how far they’d traveled and didn’t care. She saw the ceremonial blade strapped to Ares and grabbed it. Jac sliced through the bindings, then dragged him as far onto the shore as she could. She continued CPR. She didn’t stop until she collapsed. She lay next to the log, her arm flopping against Ares’s ribs. Her lungs labored. Her muscles cramped. But still she made some attempt to bring him back. Jac closed her eyes. It felt as if she’d been ripped in two. Her shoulders began to shake as unspent sobs racked her body. Ares’s arms fell limp at his sides.

  The water continued to thunder at their feet, its sound overpowering all others. Her hand flopped against his ribs one last time. Ares’s chest rose. Her body trembled so badly, Jac thought she’d imagined it. She opened her eyes and turned her head. Ares took a ragged breath and coughed, sending water spouting in the air. Unable to move, fearing that her eyes were playing tricks on her, she waited, holding her breath. His chest rose and fell again. Laughter mixed with tears, as Jac began to cry in earnest. She looked up toward the heavens. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  * * * * *

  Chapter Fourteen

  Within an hour, the Atlantean tribe had surrounded them. Eros and Rachel pushed through the crowd, their faces ashen. A second later, Coridan appeared at their side, his expression hollow.

  Jac sat up. “What is he doing here?” She glared at Coridan, fighting back the fury she felt being in his presence. “Where did you go when I needed you earlier?”

  The young warrior flinched but did not leave, his face growing visibly paler as the true gravity of the situation sunk in. He’d almost murdered Ares.

  “He’s admitted all, even down to the fact that he couldn’t swim and was unable to assist you,” Rachel said calmly. “He’s here to help now. He’s a strong healer.”

  The Atlanteans raised their hands, palms facing down, and began to chant. Jac watched as a yellow glow spread throughout the group, building in intensity to correspond with their rising voices. Suddenly energy shot out, striking Ares in the chest. His body bowed, rising from the log, before collapsing back down.

  Jac tried to steady his movements. Her eyes sought Rachel’s for reassurance. “They’re not hurting him, are they?”

  Tears pooled in Rachel’s brown orbs as she shook her h
ead. “They’re healing him.”

  She fell back, her hand remaining on Ares’s chest, too exhausted to move. She’d done it. She’d saved Ares. Jac had saved the only other man she’d ever loved. She felt herself being lifted from the ground by Coridan and carried through the jungle. “Let me go,” she demanded.

  Pain flashed in his eyes. “No, please allow me to do this,” he whispered the plea.

  Jac stopped struggling and snagged Ares’s hand at the last second, refusing to release him into Eros’s care. So side-by-side, the warriors walked. Ares slung over Eros’s broad shoulder, while Jac lay cradled in Coridan’s arms.

  They tromped through the jungle for what seemed like forever before eventually arriving at Ares’s hut. Eros deposited Ares onto his bed of furs and Coridan placed Jac carefully beside him.

  Jac met Eros’s gaze. “He will be all right, won’t he?”

  Eros smiled understandingly, and nodded. “Thanks to you, I still have my brother at arms.”

  Jac’s gaze strayed to Ares’s face. He seemed to be resting comfortably. She turned back to look at Coridan, not attempting to hide the contempt she felt for the man.

  He stepped forward and lowered his head. “I have chosen to exile myself from my people in punishment for my deeds. I hope someday you will accept my apologies and be able to forgive me, Jac.” With that he stepped back and left the hut.

  Eros watched Coridan leave, then turned to Jac. “He came to us frightened, desperate for our assistance. We picked up his psychic cry long before he made it to the

  village. He told us what he’d done and begged for our forgiveness. I granted it on one condition.” Eros’s face looked pained. “That he exiles himself from the village.”

  “I’m sorry,” Jac said. It was a shame so many lives had almost been ruined because of what started out as lust for revenge and her stupid ego.

  Eros stared at her. “I think it best that you both get some rest. Tomorrow’s ceremony will be a long, drawn out affair.”

  “Ceremony?” Jac’s brow furrowed. “I hardly think Ares is going to be up for any kind of celebration by tomorrow. He nearly died. We both did.”

  Eros smiled indulgently. “Ares has told me that you have decided to stay. And that he would not miss it, even if I had to carry him out of the hut.”

  “But how?” Jac’s head jerked around.

  A devilish smile curved Ares’s lips.

  “He couldn’t of—no way— he was dead.” Jac looked up to get confirmation from Eros, only to see the hide flap on the door fall. He was gone.

  “I’ll leave you two to work it out.” Eros’s departing words were followed by peals of laughter.

  She let the King’s comment wash over her as she snuggled into Ares’s side, too grateful to get upset.

  * * * * *

  Jac awoke the next morning, her head resting on Ares’s chest. She could hear the steady thud of his heart as it beat against his ribcage. She smiled without opening her eyes, the sound, music to her ears. She encircled his waist and curled up tighter around him. Jac didn’t think she’d ever be able to let him go.

  “Ah, but you must release me, my love.” His voice rumbled, snaking around her, settling deep within her stomach, before dropping lower.

  She shook her head in protest.

  “Today is our mating ceremony. We must be prepared.”

  She sat up to look at him, bracing herself on her elbow, her sculpted brow slightly arched. “That reminds me—how did you know I said I’d stay?”

  Ares grinned. “I may have left this realm, but I could still hear the words that were torn from your heart, for they spoke to mine.”

  Jac smiled back. She couldn’t help herself. “I think that’s a load of crap, but it’s still nice to hear.”

  Ares laughed. The hardy sound rolled over her, embracing, lifting, and gathering her close.

  “Just because I agreed to stay, don’t think things are going to change.” Her gaze leveled on his handsome face. The bruises had already started to fade and the cuts had scabbed over.

  “No, of course not.” Ares rubbed the rough pad of his thumb along her sensitive spine. “My fierceness.” His eyes sparked fire as he glanced down at her nakedness, peeking out from beneath the furs.

  “You’ve got to be kidding.” Jac felt her nipples respond, tightening into tiny nubs. “You died, try acting like it.”

  “I am.” Ares growled, his expression turning feral. “You deny a man who’s been ripped from the jaws of death a little pleasure?”

  Even though it had only been a day, it felt as if it were a lifetime, since she’d last lain beneath his pressing weight. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips and was instantly captured by Ares’s mouth in a searing kiss.

  “Mine,” he growled out against her lips and then he dipped deeper, swirling and sparring, tasting and tempting, seeking out her moisture like a man deprived.

  His teeth nipped at her lower lip, teasing, drawing out her desire as only he could. His hands gripped the round globes of her bottom, pulling her up and over until she was spread and lying on top of him. He kneaded her flesh as if it were dough, rolling and grinding her skin beneath his fingertips. Jac’s sex practically dripped as she ground her hips on his shaft, singeing him with her liquid heat.

  Ares’s muscles tightened in anticipation. He stroked her entrance, feeling the moisture as her body readied itself for his cock. He deepened the kiss, savoring the scorching embrace. He felt his shaft lengthen, growing thicker with each passing second. She reached down and grasped him. Air hissed from his lungs. Ares pulled away from the kiss, seeking her entrance, then slipped inside.

  Jac moaned.

  He captured the sound, then pulled her higher so he could add another digit in beside the first. Her body tightened around his fingers as he slowly withdrew, then surged back inside. Jac’s breath came in gasps. Ares pushed deeper and she rocked her hips against his hand. His thumb scraped her clit and she cried out. He continued to massage the hidden button, flicking his nail enough to intensify her pleasure. Jac sat up and began to ride his fingers in earnest.

  Ares watched her creamy breasts bob up and down. The rosy peaks mesmerized him, capturing his full attention, as they engorged, stabbing out in search of his hungry mouth. He sat up and sucked a bud into his mouth, then began to pull hard. His teeth nibbled and tugged, then he released one nipple and moved to the other. Jac’s hips bore down, frenzied. She tried to increase the speed of the movements, but he wouldn’t allow it. This was the first time they’d joined bodies as true mates and he intended to enjoy every minute.

  He slipped one moist finger from her moist sheath and found her anus. The muscles in her thighs clenched and her eyes widened in surprise, but she made no attempt to stop him. Ares circled the tight opening, moistening the edges, preparing it for his intrusion. Then slowly, very slowly he slid inside, matching the motions of his other fingers. Jac bounced two more times, then threw her head back and screamed, shattering against his hands in a violent orgasm. She collapsed forward onto his chest, her lungs laboring for breath.

  Ares cock bucked beneath her. It had taken every fiber of his being not to drive his length into her awaiting body, but he knew he must hold off, saving his energy. He should wait until after the mating ceremony, when he’d be potent. That way when he planted his seed there would be no turning back for either of them.

  Jac saw stars. She’d never allowed anyone to get near her ass during sex. She hadn’t realized what she’d been missing—or maybe it was Ares’s magical touch. Jac swallowed a couple of times, trying to slow her maddening heartbeat. Her body trembled and shook as the last of her orgasm rippled over her, shattering her nerve endings, fueling her love. Ares’s skin glistened beneath her mouth, with a quick flick of her tongue she tasted the salt from his sweat. He heated to a raging inferno as she touched him. Jac tried to steady herself, regain her thoughts. She’d wanted Ares to fuck her so bad she hadn’t been able to see straight. Yet, he hadn’t
. Why? When she could form coherent words again she’d ask.

  They lay in silence for a few moments. She could feel Ares cock, hard as diamonds, beneath her belly. She started to rise up so she could take him inside of her, but as if reading her thoughts he stopped her.

  His voice came out gravely when he spoke, “We cannot,” he said, shaking his head.

  “Why not?” Jac couldn’t help but sound petulant.

  His gaze locked on her face. “The mating ceremony will take place in a few hours.”

  “So.” She sat up. “You pleasured me. Why can’t I take care of you?”

  “’Tis different.”

  “Don’t give me that chauvinistic bullshit.”

  Ares’s lips thinned, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. “Since we didn’t get to spend the night apart, as is tradition, we must abide by this aspect if we hope for the ceremony to be a success.”

  “How can it not be?” Jac frowned. “All we have to say is, I do or something along those lines.” She dropped onto her elbows and rested her chin in her hands.

  “Is it not a tradition for the bride and groom to spend the night apart in your culture?” He tilted his head.

  “Yes.” She admitted grudgingly.

  Ares grinned. “Well then, given the circumstance, this is the best we can do.”

  Jac really didn’t agree with his reasoning, but she figured it wasn’t worth arguing about. Besides, her heart nearly leapt out of her chest the second he’d mentioned bride and groom, and she couldn’t seem to slow it down. She pushed off Ares and slid from the bed, but not before trailing her finger along his heavy length.

  “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” she asked teasingly.

  Ares made a strangling noise deep in his throat.

  “I’ll take that as a no.” Jac smirked. “You better get going. You don’t want to be late for the ceremony.” She smiled and let her lashes drop to half-mast.