[Atlantean's Quest 02] Exodus (20 page)

He wasn’t going to sit around and let him get away with being so disrespectful. So Ares had 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 uncomfortably.
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 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
?

I think he was at least one to two days travel away and 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 tried to smile. Eros was a good friend, a brother in arms, and the only man he’d ever called family since the fall of their civilization. But he could not alleviate the guilt Ares 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 were missing. 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.

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.

Eros arched a brow and cocked his head.
Have you forgotten about the mating ceremony? Do you no longer wish to go through the binding with Jac?

Flinching, Ares eyes widened.
What nonsense do you speak?
he choked out.

You talk of tracking off into the jungle, yet you do not mention the ceremony
. He crossed his muscled arms over his wide chest.

Ares smiled and shook his head.
You know I think of naught else, but being joined to my fierce warrior woman.

Then I suggest you work on conquering her 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
.

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 sought shelter.

His palms itched as he thought of running his hands over Jac’s lithe body. Ares picked up speed despite the pain and exhaustion he felt, intent on making his thoughts a reality.

* * * * *

Two days journey away…

Manuel, the head tracker for Professor Rumsinger’s expedition approached from the south, slogging through the rugged terrain. He’d been traveling for two days, pushing his body beyond its limits to give the professor the good news. He’d found the village. 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 come Saturday.

Chapter Thirteen

Ares was about seventy-five yards from 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 beginning to ache. Even if he was allowed, he doubted he had the energy left to send out a healing burst. 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. It was worth a try.

He’d made it twenty more feet when a burst of energy struck him from behind, knocking him to the ground. He’d barely been able to put his hands out to break his fall. He collapsed onto the thick ferns, his face resting against their cool leaves, as he struggled to gain his breath. He could smell the acrid odor of charred flesh and realized it came from his wound. Ares tried to push himself up from the ground, but couldn’t seem to move, as if the blow had temporarily paralyzed his tired muscles.

I told you Ares, you would pay for the humiliation you caused me.

Ares didn’t have to turn to know Coridan spoke. Pain and resentment burned in the younger man’s voice, scalding his words, leaving the gaping wounds for all to hear.

What is it you want, young one?
Ares tried to sound calm in Coridan’s mind. He didn’t want to agitate the warrior.
You are making a mistake. Have I not taught you like a father guides a son?

You’ve taught me everything you know and now I’m going to use that knowledge to topple you. I need no other father, than the one who died those many years ago on Atlantis. And to prove it, I’ve come to show you that you can’t get away with your arrogant behavior without repercussions.

Ares released a steady breath.
And just what are you planning to do?

Coridan moved until he could peer down into Ares’s face.
I plan on embarrassing you, like you embarrassed me. When the tribe sees you tied to a stake in the middle of the river, they’ll realize just how far the mighty have fallen. It will take you centuries to live it down.
He laughed bitterly.
The great and mighty warrior, Ares, felled by an inexperienced young one. And to make it even better, your woman will be there to witness the fall. She told me how you needed to be taken down a peg or two. Well once she sees that I’ve done so, she’ll be grateful, perhaps grateful enough to spread her thighs for a real warrior.

Anger surged through Ares. Had Jac been part of Coridan’s scheme? He didn’t want to think it was so. The pain in his heart would be too great. She had always warned him that she would pay him back. Had this been what she’d been planning all along? Ares closed his eyes and struggled to rise, his feet refusing to cooperate. Coridan secured Ares’s hands behind his back.

If you’re wondering about your legs—don’t bother. I’ve temporarily paralyzed your spinal cord
. Coridan’s voice hissed like an angry serpent in Ares’s head. The young warrior heaved Ares onto his shoulder and slowly made his way through the jungle toward the river, leaving the hut fading in the gray afternoon light.

If you’ve healed yourself the contest is over. You’ve lost Jac.

Coridan laughed.
Jac and I care not for the contest, only your downfall.

Bile rose in Ares’s throat as he considered the implications. There would be no mating ceremony. He would have no offspring to continue his family line. Only the constant reminder of how his mate had betrayed him. Ares strained against his ties, unable to send an energy burst out with his hands bound, not that he had the energy to do so at this time. He was too exhausted from the challenge. Ares marveled that Coridan had managed to raise enough energy to not only heal himself, but incapacitate him also. He’d underestimated the young warrior once again and he was about to pay for his arrogance.

A half an hour later they arrived at the river. The rains had caused the current to grow swift, deadly. Coridan set Ares upon the muddy ground in a sitting position. The young warrior’s expression grew troubled as he gazed at the water. Ares could see a stake had been set up in the center of the river, its ragged edge protruding out of the murky, swirling depths. A rope of vines had been strung from one bank to the other, setting up a safety net of sorts for the person trying to make his way through the current. Coridan glanced at Ares and pointed to the post.

That is where you will be in a matter of moments
.
Bound and humiliated, trussed like some great bird. When all is in place, I will call the tribe here, to witness your fall. They will hail me as a hero, perhaps even allow me to replace your position of honor amongst our people with my family’s bloodline.

Ares jade eyes locked onto Coridan’s excited face.
The village will not honor one who has shown that he is treacherous and cannot be trusted, even when he is showing the ignorance of his youth. You will become an outcast if you see this through. I suggest you untie me, before you do something that you will truly regret in the end.

Coridan laughed.
Is that fear talking, Ares
?

Only truth.

For a second, doubt flashed across the young warrior’s face. Just as quickly his expression hardened, all emotion pushed to the side.

Coridan threw Ares over his shoulder again and walked to the water’s edge. One hand held Ares close, while the other gripped the thick lianas for support. He hesitated for a moment, before taking a step into the river, the current swirling violently around his shins. From Ares’s upside down position, he saw debris of various sizes, ranging from twigs to animal carcasses float by.

Step after step, Coridan made his way deeper into the raging water. By the time he reached the post in the center, he struggled to hang on. Ares sensed the fear that registered for a moment in Coridan’s confused mind, but the young warrior quickly pushed it aside and slid Ares off his shoulder and then slipped him onto the stake. The bindings on Ares’s hands coupled with the swift current held his back firmly against the wood.

The water immediately came up to the top of Ares’s chest. He would soon have to lift his head to keep the murky wash from coming into his mouth. His eyes sought Coridan once again.
‘Tis not too late to undo the mistake you are about to make.

Coridan looked at him one last time.
I’m afraid ‘tis.
The warrior swung around and made his way back to the shore, his knuckles white as he gripped the vine. The liana beneath his hand strained as the muddy force of the river hit his chest, trying to sweep him away. By the time Coridan reached the bank, the color had drained from his face. He then turned one last time to look at Ares.
I will bring your mate here first, or should I say my mate, so she can witness your fall with me
.

With that he slipped into the jungle, leaving Ares to the fates.

Ares struggled to pull his hands free. The skies continued to dump bucketfuls of water. Coridan had done a good job of binding him. There was no breaking free. He glanced up at the gray clouds, and then at the rising current. The water already reached his collarbone. Within an hour or so it would surpass the stake and he’d drown.

He’d accept whatever the goddess willed. He let out a resolute breath as pieces of debris tore at his skin. Without Jac, maybe it would be for the best.

There was nothing left for him on this planet or off.

* * * * *

The rain started to fall in earnest, the spattering of drops tapped out a steady rhythm on the roof. Jac paced the small confines of the hut, wondering where in the hell Ares had gotten to. Her hiking boots made tiny crunching sounds with each step she took, while her long sheer skirt swooshed, scraping the ground. She glanced around the room as if searching for a clock on the wall. He should have been here by now.

Jac rubbed her hands along her arms, trying to ward off the sudden chill. Her stomach wrapped in knots and she couldn’t seem to shake the feeling of unease snaking through her. She’d been so concerned over his safety earlier, that she’d practically bitten his head off. Surely he wasn’t avoiding her. It wasn’t Ares style. He liked a good fight, like she did. It made life exciting or at the very least more interesting.

Jac pursed her lips and recalled the conversation she’d had with Rachel earlier. If all went well, her friend would be jettisoning, rocketing, or however in the hell they planned to travel into space, within a couple of days. Every movie Jac had ever seen raced through her mind, and when she got to
Alien
she shuddered. Heaven help them if acid for blood lizard monsters was what awaited them in space.

Jac ran her hands through her hair, shaking her fanciful thoughts. There were so many decisions to make. She couldn’t just take off into outer space.
Could she
? Not that it was even possible.

No absolutely not. She had to get back to New York, her plants—Brigit. She didn’t need to be traipsing across the galaxy with some muscle bound sex god. No matter how much he curled her toes. Not going to happen. No can do. It wasn’t possible.
Was it?