Sacrifice (34 page)

Nevertheless, he spoke first.

“Your accomplishments today are significant because you have survived, but they are minor in the vast scheme of your existence. More importantly, you have honored your empire –my empire,” Zeus thundered. “ Daughter, this is just the beginning. There will be other battles to fight and more demigods will perish. Do you understand?”

“Yes, father,” I breathed. I didn’t even give the question a thought. He was larger than life and my devotion seemed to make him swell even larger.

“I’ve retrieved my bolt and have fortified it.”

Instantaneously, the blindingly bright bolt emerged from his eyes and coursed through the air until it entered my body through my eyes. The heat flooded my head and travelled through my veins, filling me up and ending the cramping agony I suffered from due to the hollowness of my core.

“Can you feel it growing inside of you now?” Zeus asked, patiently.

“Yes, father. I can feel it.”

“Now go forth, live your life to the fullest, never forget who and what it is that strengthens you with the birth of each day, and lastly, honor me,” he demanded as a ray of light fell over both Victor and me.

“I will,” I said and bowed my head and took his hand. The wispy vapor that made up his form, brushed against my lips as I kissed it. “May I ask you a question father?” I asked and observed how the lower gods tightened their circle around us as if they wanted to hear me better.

“You may,” Zeus’ voice bellowed. I took a deep breath and let it slip out of my lips very slowly.

“I called on you when my disciples and I battled Hades. Why didn’t you answer me then?”

The moment the last word fell from my lips, Victor sucked air into his chest and the lower gods looked to each other with widened eyes, and then stared at Zeus. His eyes darkened to a hunter green, his nostril’s flared, and his mouth formed a grim line.

Oh no! What was I thinking?

“Answer you? I don’t answer to
anyone
. It is because I empower you, that you escaped with your life,” Zeus proclaimed, glaring at me severely.

“I do believe you have a choice to make,” Zeus advised and looked from me to Victor, and then back at me.

Suddenly, the huge orb emerged and swallowed his body slowly. The lower gods turned their backs, one-by-one to Victor and me. When the God of War turned to leave, he winked at Victor deceptively. Victor looked away from him and down at his feet before meeting my gaze.

The twelve balls of light floated into the sky, heading back to Mt. Olympus. As they disappeared, various sized chunks of mortar merged seamlessly, and formed the patterned ceiling.

Finally, I was anointed. I turned to Victor. He gazed at me and the corners of his lips curled upward.

“I have a question too, my love. Have you made your choice?” Victor asked, as he looked at me and flushed a deep shade of red. I’ve never seen him look so vulnerable and so damn gorgeous.

I stared into his glimmering, gray eyes and my legs felt unsteady, my temperature rose, and my heart beat so fast, matching the rhythm of his.

“Yes I have,” I answered and looked away from him and at the door. I don’t think that Victor was breathing as he waited to hear just what that choice was. “I chose you
Lord
Victor Iptian because… I love you, completely,” I smiled, boldly. I never wanted to be without him.

The butterflies fluttered violently, in my belly as I slowly took his face in my hands and pressed my lips to his. He pulled me close, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. I threw my arms around his neck as he opened his mouth and kissed me back. The hunger, which had been stowed away within the both us, was unleashed finally. Our appetite for each other couldn’t be suppressed. My blinding bolt ignited and surged out of my body and engulfed him and we were teleported to my bedroom.

I pulled away from him. My hands trembled as I slipped the shoulder straps of my chemise over my shoulders, letting it fall to the floor in a puddle of silk georgette around my ankles. Victor stared at me for a moment, drinking in my nakedness. He stepped toward me, erasing the space between us in a flash of a second.

“You’re beautiful and mine finally,” he whispered, and took me in his arms. His warmth calmed my shiver.

“Yes,” I panted and the man I loved, more than anything in the world, lowered his head just as cobalt flames blazed in his eyes, and the familiar scent of burnt coal filled the air.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mayandree Michel is the author of the Descendants series. Betrayal and Sacrifice are the first two books in the series. Mercy, the final installment in the series, will release in early 2013. Mayandree lives New York with her husband and two adorable sons. When she's not writing, she's playing with her boys, reading, or sketching. To learn more about Mayandree, her books, and upcoming projects, visit:

www.mayandreemichel.blogspot.com.